Rama, the eldest prince of the Kingdom of Ayodhya, is beloved by all and the natural successor to his father's throne. However, when one of his father's wives conspires to get her son on the throne instead, Rama ends up being banished into the woods for 14 years. Accompanied by his wife, Sita, and his brother, Lakshman—Rama tries to make the most of life in exile despite his challenges.
The trio's life in the forest is interrupted, however, when Demon King Ravan sets his sights on Sita. Using a crafty plan, he manages to distract Rama and steal Sita away to his castle. Heartbroken and distraught, Rama searches every corner of the world for his wife, unaware of the lengths he will have to go to rescue her.
Synopsis:
Based on India’s epic mythological tale, “Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama” takes you on a timeless journey into a magical world teeming with mystical beings, heroic adventure, undying devotion and glorious combat. The story follows the life of the exiled prince, Rama, who embarks on a quest to rescue his beloved wife, Sita, from the clutches of the demonic king, Ravana. It is a tale of love, loyalty, bravery and the triumph of good over evil.
Prince Rama, the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu, is a heroic icon with powerful virtues. The narrative beautifully depicts the extraordinary life journey of Prince Rama, the trials he faces during his 14-year exile, and the epic battle against Ravana. It is a grand reiteration of the classic epic – with all the potent moments and key characters like Lakshman, Hanuman and Ravana encapsulated creatively while maintaining the essence of the tale.
Review:
“Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama” is more than just an anime, it’s a magnificent fusion of Japanese anime aesthetics and traditional Indian storytelling. While steadfastly faithful to the original mythological story, it creates a captivating blend of drama, action, romance, and spirituality that resonates with a global audience.
Directed by Yugo Sako and co-directed by Ram Mohan, the film exhibits exceptional artwork, keeping intact the scenic beauty of ancient India whilst incorporating Japanese style animations. The character designs are incredibly detailed, and the vibrant color palette brings life to every scene, making the entire viewing experience visually delightful.
The story pacing is impeccable, and the narrative keeps you gripped from start to finish. Even if you are familiar with the original Ramayana, the film’s portrayal not only rekindles love for the tale but also ignites a renewed level of interest. It masterfully captures the deep human emotions of the characters while tracing the grandeur of the epic journey.
A crucial factor to the success of any anime is its music and sound scoring. In this case, the background score is composed by Vanraj Bhatia, bringing together a mix of traditional and modern tunes that play in harmony with the saga’s changing emotional landscape. The voice acting by an ensemble cast brings an authentic touch, adding the much-needed flavor to the movie.
If there’s one thing to critique, it’s the lack of subtext and deeper themes often associated with more mature anime. But considering the target audience being fans of the original Ramayana and younger viewers, the simplicity works to its advantage.
Whether you are a hardcore anime fan or a mythological story enthusiast, “Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama” is a must-watch. Easily rentable or streamable from major platforms, it is a worthy addition to your viewing list, with an enthralling mix of narrative prowess and visual grandeur. Procuring a DVD or Blu-ray would be a great idea for those wishing to revisit this timeless epic in the comfort of their homes.
To conclude, “Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama,” is a triumph of animation and storytelling, taking a universally adored epic and giving it an homage-paying anime makeover. It’s not just a movie, it’s an experience! So, gear up to witness the timeless saga of the Ramayana ensconced in the land of anime.
Be the first to leave a review.