JAPANESE animators are known to have an impresssive track record in the art of animation. With the film Saint Seiya: Legend Of Sanctuary, it is easy to conclude that the Japanese animation industry has reached new heights.
Saint Seiya originally made its run from 1986 to 1991 as a manga series. It was then adapted into a TV anime series and also, animated feature films. The sixth film, Legend Of Sanctuary, is the first to be made in CGI that beautifully captures the development of Japanese animation.
Ardent fans will find Legend Of Sanctuary honours the manga to the fore and follows the literature closely in terms of characters and story.
The story focuses on teenager Saori Kido (voiced by Ayaka Sasaki), who learns that she is the reincarnation of the goddess Athena. Her protectors are the four Bronze Saints named Seiya (Kaito Ishikawa), Hyoga (Kensho Ono), Shiryuu (Kenji Akabane) and Shun.
The adventure begins immediately and continues throughout the film as the four Bronze Saints fight off persistent enemies with a grand play of energy and power.
Thanks to CGI, the battle scenes synonymous with the series appear almost life-like, something fans would find in today’s video games.
The realm where the Sanctuary is situated is literally out-of-this-world, turning the astronomical war even greater and more monumental.
Once in the Sanctuary, Saori and the Bronze Saints must pass through the 12 zodiac temples and confront the temple’s guards within 12 hours in order to save her from her imminent death.
Although the battle scenes are enjoyable to watch, some are just too intense and may come across as a tad too long.
The characters are captured wonderfully for the big screen, with the four Bronze Saints’ personalities come out strong and makes watching the film the more exciting.
This lavish production is made to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Saint Seiya franchise. Fans should be familiar with the story’s background but those who are new to the series will have some trouble getting used to the otherworldly setting.
Keep your eyes peeled and ears pricked at all times because there will be so much information coming at you with different speed and intensity levels.
NOW SHOWING
SAINT SEIYA: LEGEND OF SANCTUARY
Directed by Keiichi Satou
Voiced by Kaito Ishikawa, Ayaka Sasaki, Kenji Akabane, Nobuhiko Okamoto and Kensho Ono
Rating: P13
Duration: 93 mins