Anime Colony: Urusei Yatsura Movie: Only You

Exclusive review: Inu-Yasha:
Rumiko Takahashi's (Ranma 1/2, Maison Ikkoku, Mermaid Tales) new hit TV series in Japan

  Rating: PG-13 (ecchi humor, brief nudity)
  U.S. Distribution Rights: AnimEigo
  Genres: Comedy, Shounen

Urusei Yatsura Movie: Only You (Movie)

Description: Lum doesn't need much assistance going ballistic when everyone in Tomobiki gets an invitation to Ataru's wedding -- and she's not listed as the bride! It seems that some 11 years ago, Ataru played "Shadow Tag" with a young girl named Elle and won. Unfortunately, Elle was yet another Alien Princess; and on her planet, if a boy steps on a girl's shadow, they have to marry.

When Elle's emissary comes to make arrangements, Lum redefines the term "the atmosphere was electric," but to no avail: a force-field now protects Ataru from her high voltage love-zaps. Lum's friend Benten suggests a pre-emptive wedding, and they proceed to abduct Ataru and all of the wedding guests, and the stage is set for the shotgun wedding of all time!

Overall Grade: 92% (A-)

The Urusei Yatsura (TV) Review
The Urusei Yatsura Movie 2: Beautiful Dreamer (Movie) Review
The Urusei Yatsura Movie 3: Remember My Love (Movie) Review

Reviewer: Clyde Adams III
Episodes reviewed: Movie, subtitled

Grade: 92% (A-)

Urusei Yatsura 1: Only You is a very well-drawn, high-quality, very entertaining comedy fantasy adventure, highly recommended. It has one of the strongest plots of any of the Urusei Yatsura movies. Its characterization is very good. It preserves the characters and slapstick comic tone of the TV series. The character designs have been enhanced, while remaining true to the original.

The film, scripted and directed by Mamoru Oshii (Ghost in the Shell, both Patlabor movies), contains several powerful, breathtaking scenes: the arrival of Elle's gigantic spacecraft over the high school, stunning the military defenders below into silent awe; the sudden appearance of Elle's battle fleet in the path of the Oni ships; the sweeping vista over Elle's planet; Elle in the huge bathhouse with her attendants, preparing for her reunion with Ataru;.Elle's vault, filled with thousands of frozen men; the trip in hyperspace back in time to Ataru's and Elle's first meeting.