Alternative TitlesSynonyms: Ranma 1/2, Ranma ½ Nettou Hen Japanese: らんま1/2
Information
Type: TV
Episodes: 161
Status: Finished Airing
Aired: Apr 15, 1989 to Sep 25, 1992
Duration:
24 min. per episode Rating:
R+ - Mild Nudity
L represents licensing company
StatisticsScore: 7.921 (scored by 25439 users)
Ranked: #5642
Popularity: #294
Members: 50,475
Favorites: 1,287 1 indicates a weighted score
My Info
Popular Tags
action comedy martial arts romance |
SynopsisRanma Saotome and his father, Genma, both practitioners of the Saotome school of anything-goes martial arts, fall into the cursed springs of the legendary training ground of Jusenkyo in mainland China during a training mission. Each spring holds a different curse for any who come in contact with its water, all of which involve who or what has drowned in the spring in the past - Ranma emerges from the spring a girl and Genma a panda, both now cursed to change forms each time they come in contact with hot and cold water.
At the end of their training mission, Genma decides to take up residence with his old training partner, Soun Tendo, owner of the Tendo dojo and head of the Tendo school of anything-goes martial arts, dragging a reluctant Ranma along with him. Soun and Genma discuss the arrangements they had made in the past involving Ranma becoming engaged to one of Soun's three daughters in order to combine the two schools and allow Ranma to inherit the Tendo dojo. It's informally decided that he is to be engaged to Akane Tendo, Soun's youngest daughter, and the two must put up with one another - and their engagement - as Ranma and his father settle into domestic life at the Tendo household. |
Related AnimeAdaptation: Ranma ½
Side story: Ranma ½: Chuugoku Nekonron Daikessen! Okite Yaburi no Gekitou Hen!!, Ranma ½: Kessen Tougenkyou! Hanayomewo Torimodose!
Sequel: Ranma ½ OVA
Other: Ranma ½: Nettou Uta Gassen, Ranma ½: Tendou-ke no Oyobidenai Yatsura!, Ranma ½: Totteoki Talk Best of Memories, Ranma ½: 1994 Music Calendar, Ranma ½: DoCo Music Video, Ranma ½: Battle ga Ippai 29-nin no Korinai Yatsura
Characters & Voice Actors
Staff
Reviews
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brass2themax
93 of 123 people found this review helpful
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161 of 161 episodes seen
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| Overall |
9 |
| Story |
7 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
8 |
| Character |
9 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
Well, I finished this series a short while ago, so now it's time to put in a review for it. If you don't know what Ranma 1/2 is about, check out the synopsis above before reading.
Story: 7 (Good)
Ranma 1/2 does have somewhat of an ongoing story, although there is no major objective in the series other than Ranma's constant failed attempts to return his body to normal. Even though Ranma can return to 'boy-type' Ranma by taking a warm bath (cold water returns him to 'girl-type' Ranma, aka Ranko Tendo for some purposes), he still desires to once again become 'all man' by ridding himself of the Jusenkyo curse that was placed on him when he fell into the Spring of Drowned Girl. He feels as though his pride as a man has been dented by being able to turn into girl form, either willingly (for some purposes he does this for his own gain) or unwillingly (for either Happosai's entertainment or when some mishap occurs).
I gave the story a 7 because despite it not having a lot of depth, each episode usually strives to be unique and entertaining, and more often than not, does this without complaint. After about the first 120 episodes however, the episode stories do become pretty predictable, but there is still much enjoyment to be had if you've come to like the characters (which I have). So the story ends up with a 'good' rating, because it was, afterall, 'good', and not particularly bad.
Art: 9 (Great)
For the time period, Ranma 1/2's art and animation was pretty well done. No complaints really, some parts are more well-done than others, while you have the occasional background or scene where you can tell there was *some* degree of slacking off. But there is nothing really you can bash it for considering when it came out and how many episodes it ran for. I'm quite surprised the level of quality remained fairly consistent, although the animation from the start of the show did change part-way through, as you can tell if you've seen the series through to the end.
Sound: 8 (Very Good)
Most of the music in this show is fairly catchy, you might find yourself humming along with it, or when you're by yourself just doing something random. Again, nothing really to complain about here, yet nothing particularly spectacular either.
Character: 9 (Great)
While most of the characters do stay the same throughout the series and don't develop too much, Ranma 1/2 has a vast array of likable characters, ranging from minor and hardly-ever seen to major and always up to something predictable, yet hilarious. In fact, one of the strengths of this show is knowing what each character is going to try and do in certain situations, because even though you can see it coming before it happens, you find yourself rooting for your favourite character in hopes that their plan is successful. That's part of the fun in this show. And sometimes you *think* you know exactly what's going to happen, only to have a twist thrown in that you never expected that will have you laughing hysterically, only to find yourself playing back that scene a couple more times before moving on.
Ranma, Moose, and Ryoga seem to be the usual favourites of this show, and quite honestly, when these three go at it, comedy can't help but follow. Ryoga is usually getting lost when he has to walk more than a few minutes in a straight line, Moose is completely clueless of anything without his glasses, and Ranma is the glue that ties them all together with his level-headedness and arrogance. Most of the characters have one or more traits about them that make them who they are, and you come to know them by those traits. So even though none of the characters are very deep (with maybe the exception of Ranma and Akane), you learn to love them. And it's all too easy to do so.
Enjoyment: 10 (Outstanding)
I'll admit, I did start to get a bit bored by the time I got around to the episode 120-or-so mark, but overall, I'm glad I picked up this series, as it was a great watch most of the time. The fact that it ran so long may have been to it's detriment, but I'm sure if you take it in small doses and watch a little here and there, you can retain most of the comedic atmosphere and avoid some of the boredom that comes with watching this show in marathons, as I did frequently at the start.
Overall: 9 (Great)
It wasn't the best show in the world, but it's one I believe most anime fans should at least try a bit of at some point or another, because it's got something in it for everyone. It's made by the creator of Inu Yasha, which in itself might make you think it's *like* Inu Yasha, but no. I'll tell you right now, this show is not like Inu Yasha, the show where absolutely *nothing of interest* ever happens. Sure, nothing really epic happens in Ranma either, but at least it's *interesting* nothing. Sort of like Seinfeld, in a way.
Another thing I liked about it is that this show does not try to be ecchi. Far from it. Sure, someone will walk in on Ranma as a girl the odd time and you might catch a glimpse of some (uncensored) boobs, but it's not meant to be a big deal, there is no big eccentric close-up like in the ecchi series of today, there is no "WHOOA! Nosebleed!" effect (none that I can recall), and there is no 'kawaii' exclamation from someone every couple of minutes. It's simply a moment for the character, and it passes, and it's not a big deal.
An example: Ranma goes to a public bath. Ranma gets splashed with cold water by Happosai. Oh noes, boobs (because of the situation), but no one seems to care (and why should anyone? It's just boobs.) Ranma fights with Happosai. Ranma is eventually done and turns back into a guy, having gotten his revenge by punching Happy out through the ceiling or something. And that's it. These days series make a big deal of boobs on 'kawaii' girls and panty shots at unexpected times, and make them out to be a big deal. Ranma does not attempt to do this (maybe because of the time when it came out). It assumes more maturity on the part of the viewer, and I commend the PG rating on this show and the fact that no one felt it needed to be censored. There exist some otaku out there that love this show because it's down to Earth, and there also exist some otaku out there who may not like it because of that as well.
SO IS RANMA 1/2 FOR YOU?
If you're looking for a comedy series with a lot of laughs, interesting characters, and some memorable moments that you can share with other anime fans, then go for Ranma 1/2. Martial arts fans, you get a lot of that in this show as well, but it's not taken very seriously, and in fact, sometimes it's taken to a ridiculous (yet humourous) extent (ie. Martial Arts Tea Ceremony, Martial Arts Gymnastics, Good Ole Days Martial Arts, etc).
If you're looking for boobs or panty shots, well, you'll get boobs, but they won't be a big deal (nor should they really unless childish ecchi is your thing). If you're an ecchi fan, sorry, this won't do it for you.
Are you a rather mature anime fan who likes that classic aged animation, comedy, anything-goes humour, and a wide array of likable characters? If so, then Ranma 1/2 IS for you. read more
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Tasolth
13 of 18 people found this review helpful
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161 of 161 episodes seen
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| Overall |
9 |
| Story |
8 |
| Animation |
8 |
| Sound |
9 |
| Character |
10 |
| Enjoyment |
9 |
Ranma 1/2 is something that is difficult to pin a single description on. At times there are lots of action scenes, explosions, and various attacks flying around. At other times it is side splitting humor due to an awkward time and place for Ranma to transform, or situations he gets roped into, and still other times where Akane's explosive temper or jealousy takes us by surprise. Scattered here and there are some genuinely sweet and tender moments as well.
(8) Ranma 1/2 is episodic. It has no overarching plot other than to perhaps reverse the curse placed on Ranma and several others we meet along the way. We have our core group of Ranma and friends, and a number of other characters that come and go.
(8) The art is generally very good. Age is no qualm here as an excuse for sloppy art. The animation quality is a bit simple at times. But at others, especially during fight scenes, is very good. Quality overall is still very good though. Although in rare occasions, the art quality drops significantly.
(9) The sound quality suffers a little bit due to age. Especially having been on VHS for over half of the series lifetime. But otherwise the sound quality is still very good to great. Surprisingly enough the core group of characters have very good English dubs. Even a lot of the supporting and background characters have good voice overs. Occasionally we run into a bad voice over, but by far that is in the minority.
( 10) The characters here all have a healthy dose of insanity. With few exceptions most of the characters have some unique personality traits that either put Ranma and crew in massive trouble, or cause such an awkward scene that you can't help but burst out laughing. Also with few exceptions most of the characters are so tenacious that they just cannot give up. ever. It doesn't matter how many times they get pounded into the ground, or launched into the sky, or made a total fool of, they just keep coming back for more. But it fits with those characters personalities and makes them what they are. We do have a number of one or two shot characters that appear for a scene or two and are never seen again.
(9) Ranma 1/2 is a very long series, 161 Episodes, 12 (now 13) OVA's and two movies are a lot to watch. This series is no exception to getting a bit burnt out on itself. I won't lie and say I enjoyed every single one of the stories, but I'm willing to forgive them in light of the insane fun of the majority of the set.
(9) Overall I loved Ranma 1/2 and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a bit of insane fun mixed with various action bits and a romance plot that is extremely warped due to the number of opposing parties involved. Not to mention that Ranma is both a boy and a girl, and with the plentiful insanity, various people either love him or hate him depending on which he is at the time.
The only bad things I can say about the series is that sometimes enough is enough. Ranma's immaturity, and Akane's explosive temper can get a little old
but still.
9/10 without a doubt. Bias included.
*This could easily be a solid 10, but the series was never finished. The anime cuts off roughly in volume 22 (out of 38) of the manga. The OVA's only take on a few more stories but leave a substantial number untouched.
There are still a lot of interesting characters that we never see, and a lot of fights, plots, and other bits that I would have loved to see animated. Not to mention the resolution of the series as a whole.* read more
Recommendations
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Same creator, same stuff... I just tend to love this type of stuff. XD
This is very similar animes,even same devloper,Inuyasha and Kikyo voice actors,here as Ranma and Akane,both have action-romance and comedy, even same personality ^_^
Same mangaka, similar graphics, same seiyuus. Wanna hear Yamaguchi Kappei again? Then you should watch this.
it's just like inuyasha but more like the love side. it doesn't really have any blood. and ranma 1/2 is just a little more silly =P
Both are by Rumiko Takahashi and the relationship between Kagome and InuYasha is very similar to the relationship between Ranma and Akane.
Another long series by the same creator Rumiko Takahashi that revolves around the term 'tsundere'.
Same creator
both have lots of action and fighting
same romance-ish feel
some of the same voice actors XP
Both from the same creator! They are both action and romance!
They are made by the same manga-ka and the main characters are very alike and they are voiced by the same seiyuu
Both anime are by the same person, great comedy and mostly liked by people who watched it as a child or watched when they just starting to like anime, both has prideful and powerful protaginist and with a girl that they must work together
Same author. Same feel to it. Similar characters
The characters, story and art are very similar. What else do you expect if it's made by the same creators? Though the genre is not exactly the same thing. They added action (Not matrial arts, but fighting most of the time monsters) and adventure to InuYasha, so Ranma 1/2 has more comedy. Ranma 1/2 is also older, they made InuYasha after Ranma 1/2. So the art looks very similar, but InuYasha's art is better.
There are some characters with almost excatly the same personality..
Akane Tendo - Kagome Higurashi
Ranma Saotome - InuYasha
Ryoga Hibiki - Koga
Cologne - Kaede
and probably more.. InuYasha and Kagome's relationship is almost the same as Ranma's relationship with Akane.. It gives me the same feeling.
If you liked Ranma 1/2 I strongly recommend you to watch InuYasha.
If you you watched InuYasha you might think Ranma 1/2 sucks because its old. That's what I thought before watching it, and now I'm really glad I've tryed this series.
Im almost sure you'll like it, vica versa ^^
The characters are very similar and both series since they are written by the same author. Each series is on the lengthy side and although there is more story in InuYasha it still follows a similar comedic and romantic pattern with Ranma 1/2
there both great animes that idk they just remind me of eachother in many ways. they love tringals-the fights-realistice in some ways to real life (not by much in some situations but anyway XDDD)
n i think they have all the things that a anime needs to make at list me wanna watch :D
both funny, same similiar charaters. but it was the same person who made the mangas.
the desing of the characters is very similar, the personality of inuyasha and ranma and its the same and aome and akane
The main couple hide their feelings for eachother andit has good action.
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Another really funny anime series, written by the same manga-ka. Both series are very alike because they don't focus on a main plot. Instead, they tend to concentrate on the characters, their evolution and their relationships throughout the series.
Urusei Yatsura was the first big series and success of Rumiko Takahashi, it was on Urusei Yatsura where she developed her clever and wacky classic comedy stories that she would also use later on Ranma. Both series went to being highly influential on the anime industry and comedy anime was never the same after them, especially Urusei Yatsura.
Needless to say that if you enjoy one, you'll also enjoy the other.
Firstly, they're by the same mangaka, Rumiko Takahashi, and they have the same wacky, absurd type of comedy, stupid, crazy, unique characters, and surreal, insane (mis)adventures, all put into a rather normal, slice of life-ish situation.
In both anime the 2 main characters don't exactly get along well with each other, even though they live under the same roof and are destined to get married.
Also, the male and female protagonist of both series have about 3 or 4 people who are hopelessly in love with them, and constantly chase after them trying to break the couple up, and who, also, deeply hate the fiancée of their loved one.
In both series the main female character (Akane/Lum) is a short-tempered, easily angered tsundere, but actually cares a lot about the main guy (Ranma/Ataru).
Both anime have a huge cast and a lot of weird supporting characters.
Also, both are really long series, and have a bunch of OAVs, specials, movies, and OSTs.
The main difference is that Ranma 1/2 is better, funnier, and about martial arts, and Urusei Yatsura is a sci-fi series (even though Ranma has some fantasy/supernatural elements too).
They are made by the same manga-ka.
The main characters don't get along very well even though they live together and are destined to be married.
Other people who are desprately trying to break them up both sets of main chartacters who live with their parents and go to the same highschool.
Both shows are long running comedies that emply lots of slap stick and ironic humor and mnisadventures. Also both shows have their share of movies and ovas, and a huge OST set.
Both series are, of course, from the same author... which is why one can recognize a lot of familiar faces between the two. Both series have static characters with fairly linear plotlines that you can usually predict a mile away, but these traits bring a certain pleasant quality to both of them. They're great series to relax to if you just want to sit down and watch some "wacky hijinx."
A lot of the themes of Ranma 1/2 were first developed in Urusei Yatsura. There are so many similarities, in fact, that you may wander why you should watch one if you've seen the other (just remember that Urusei Yatsura was a hit in Japan and Ranma wasn't).
There is a character Ryuunosuke that has a very similar relationship to her father to Ranma's and his dad. That character is also a female martial artist like Akane and a female crossdresser like Ukkyo. Lum and Ten wear tiger stripes like Ryoga, and all of them have fangs. Themes of Japanese folklore pervade both series. Lum's obsession with Ataru is similar to ... well, all the girl's fascination with Ranma. Ataru's relationship to Ten is similar to Ranma's relationship to P-Chan. Cherry the preist is reminiscent of Happosai. Mendou is reminiscent of Kuno, though he was trained in much the same way Ranma got Cat-Fu. As I said, the similarities are extensive.
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Opening Theme#1: "Jaja Uma ni Sasenai de" by Etsuko Nishio (eps 1-18).
#2: "Little ★ Date" by ribbon (eps 25-41).
#3: "Omoide ga Ippai" by CoCo (eps 42-63).
#4: "Zettai! Part 2" by Yoshie Hayasaka (eps 64-87).
#5: "Chikyuu Orchestra" by KUSUKUSU (eps 88-117).
#6: "Mou Nakanaide" by Azusa Senou (eps 118-135).
#7: "Love Seeker CAN'T STOP IT" by VisioN (eps 136-161).
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Ending Theme#1: "Platonic Tsuranuite" by Kaori Sakagami (eps 1-13).
#2: "Equal Romance" by CoCo (eps 14-18).
#3: "〜Don't mind lay-lay Boy〜" by Etsuko Nishio (eps 19-30).
#4: "Lambada☆RANMA" by The Ranma 1/2 Operatic Troupe (eps 42-56).
#5: "Present" by Tokyo Shounen (eps 57-72).
#6: "Friends" by YAWMIN (eps 73-87).
#7: "Hinageshi" by Michiyo Nakajima (eps 88-117).
#8: "POSITIVE" by Miho Morikawa (eps 118-135).
#9: "Niji to Taiyou no Oka" by Piyo Piyo (eps 136-161).
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