Not all is normal in Tomobiki, even by its standards. The students have been preparing feverishly for the first day of the student fair, which is scheduled to go on the next day. However, problems arise when some begin to notice that the next day simply will not come. As the students begin to try to find the reason for the problem, their beliefs about reality and the world of dreams are challenged.
(Source: ANN)
Introducing: Urusei Yatsura 2: Beautiful Dreamer
Set as the second film in the Urusei Yatsura lineup, Beautiful Dreamer detours from the typical comedic hijinks of the television series to take a slightly more serious and introspective look at our well-beloved characters. The plot revolves around the colorful cast of Tomobiki High school students finding themselves in a bizarre, never-ending preparation for the school festival, haunted by strange occurrences and time distortions.
The atmosphere intensifies with each passing day (or is it the same day?), centered around the eerie mystery about time-stop, dream versus reality and the unearthly force that’s pulling everyone’s strings. At the heart of it all, our ‘accidental’ hero – Ataru Moroboshi must unravel the truth of this surreal world.
Anime Critic’s Review of Urusei Yatsura 2: Beautiful Dreamer
Urusei Yatsura 2: Beautiful Dreamer is a sequel that elevates the franchise into a higher realm by offering something altogether different – it’s as refreshing as it is interesting. This movie’s appeal lies primarily in its departure from the series narrative, diving into a metaphysical plot that relies on suspense rather than slapstick comedy, yet remaining undeniably Urusei Yatsura.
Widely regarded as the director Mamoru Oshii’s precursor to the critically acclaimed ‘Ghost in the Shell’, Beautiful Dreamer entraps viewers in its existential yet subtly humorous world. The story not only incites intrigue but also elicits deeper interpretations of reality and dreams, successfully lending a sense of philosophy to the colorful anime world.
As a fan, you will find a stark contrast in the portrayal of characters. Beautiful Dreamer probes more into the personalities of these characters giving them a refreshing depth. The animation quality is notable too, especially considering its release in 1984.
However, this climb up the serious-ladder might not be every viewer’s cup of tea. If you signed up for carefree comedy and ridiculous misadventures, you might find the serious tone slightly varying. It’s no less enjoyable, but it’s a shift that could potentially throw some off guard.
In terms of music, the movie maintains its par in carrying the emotional narrative scenes and provides the beautifully nostalgic 80’s anime vibe. Also, the remastered versions have done this classic marvel we all love some well-deserved justice.
Noerveless, Beautiful Dreamer is a must-watch gem, particularly for those who crave a splash of philosophical introspection, mixed with the fun and chaos of Urusei Yatsura. Whether you choose to rent, buy, or stream, this installment of Urusei Yatsura is absolutely worth a watch!
If you’re a fan of the franchise, and even if you aren’t, I’d recommend giving Beautiful Dreamer a shot. As much as it’s part of the franchise, it’s a stand-alone feature that would make a great intro to this whimsical world.
Final Thoughts
Beautiful Dreamer offers much more than what meets the eye. This anime film, well ahead of its time, incites viewers to question their perception of reality – doused in humor, quirk, and charm inherent to the Urusei Yatsura series. As the Anime Critic, I rate it a solid 4.6/5, certainly one of the classics deserving a spot in your anime roster.
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