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Grendizer AKA Goldorak or Goldrake is a very special case as it is the very first Japanese animation series to be very successful in Quebec, Italy, France and central Europe at the beginning of the eighties.

It was BECAUSE of this anime that audience from these countries became aware of what is Japanese animation, BECAUSE of this anime that parents and some politicians had a negative prejudice over Japanese Animation but more importantly BECAUSE of this anime big success that all the public and private channels had broadcasted almost everyday Japanese animation for more than a decade (until the beginning of the nineties : when Hokuto no Ken was broadcasted at a time when children was watching TV (!!!) it created a tremendous trauma to parents who then put pressure on TV channels to stop showing all these “stupid” cartoons from Japan). Therefore, you understand easily that Grendizer/Goldorak had directly and indirectly a phenomenal cultural impact. At that time, songs and themes specific for each country even get several Golden records. Nowadays, it still enjoy a cult status in many places (but of course among the eighties generation :-) ).

Be as it may, what about the anime itself?

Created by Go Nagai (Mazinger, Cutey Honey), the anime is a classic super robot anime focusing on the adventure of a team of young heroes struggling against invaders coming from outer space. Sounds like a simple plot full of Manichaeism but it gives the opportunity to develop cunning ploy, funny robot design and original ideas for each episode.

Ok Let’s face it, the art is completely outdated by today’s standards. But hey! This was the charm of the Seventies! Anyway it should be noted that Shingo Araki (Saint Seiya, Lady Oscar) was the animation director and was involved in the character design.

Because many songs was created for different countries’ audiences, depending on which language you speak, the songs could very enjoyable: good pop/rock heroic style.

Good character development through the episode as we understand the ties between the heroes. It is easy to feel empathy with the characters even the evil ones as they may be victim of their political system : instrument of a dictatorship, martyr of their people, brainwashed children, traitors and even lovers…

French Dubbing involved a great deal of effort and voice talents (especially Michel Gatineau and Daniel Gall), and is very enjoyable. I also heard that the Italian one is very good. Maybe some Russians can tell us about the Russian Dubbing? I have no clue about the English one if any.

Overall, this anime is part of a cultural phenomenon in Quebec and Continental Europe and if you can overcome the aged art, then you will discover a great heroic adventure full of optimism and charismatic characters and which have made a whole generation of children dream about future, space and hope for mankind…
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It is rather surprising that there was no review yet about what is considered a monument of Japanese animation in the eighties : millions of kids in Europe and South America have watched Captain Future (AKA Capitaine Flam) with passion. The theme (specific for each country) was even on the charts and I do remember hearing it in disco as well!

But let's get back to the review. The Story is based on a SF space opera work written by Edmond Hamilton in the 40s and 50s and published in SF pulp magazine. It depicts, in a distant future, the adventure of a young scientist and adventurer Captain Future and his companions whom always assist the earth government regarding impossible missions or strange phenomenons occurring on other planets.

Based on written work and the optimistic elan of the 40s, the story is the strong asset of this anime. Each story is independent and span over 3 or 4 episodes thus giving time for development and suspense. The main character will be confronted with great and original foes and will have to solve enigmas based sometimes on scientific, pseudoscientific theories or concept : dimension travel, space travel, the infinitesimal world, immortality... Love is not forgotten as our hero will have to rescue the charming Johanne.

By today's standard, art and animation are the downsides of this anime produced at the end of the seventies. Dull animation, sometimes flashy or awkward color palette. For me it is not a problem but I understand it could be difficult for younger generation. But don't let this drawback prevent you from watching this compelling anime although!

If you like Jazz music with soul/funk rhythm no doubt that will appreciate the score. Jazz is rather rare nowadays in anime.

Most Characters are well conceived and they have their own originality and specific powers (I was amazed by the Professeur living brain!). It is easy to identify with them and feel some empathy towards their ordeals.

The French dubbing had involved professional Theater actors voices (especially Philippe Ougouz) and are consequently very enjoyable. The German Dubbing seems well made as well. I do not know about the Italian and Spanish dubbing maybe some of you can tell us. Curiously (If I am correct) only 8 episodes were dubbed in English...

Overall, if you are able to overcome the aged art, you will discover a jewel of space opera SF and compelling epic adventures.

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Ulysse 31 illustrates perfectly the idea that combining different cultures expertise may lead to a wonderful result as this anime is a Japanese French production involving artists from both countries. It was made at a time Producers not only want to entertain children but also educate them (in this case about Greek Mythology) in the framework of an anime with a good artistic value. Other examples of such policies are Les mysterieuses cites d’or (The mysterious cities of Gold) and il etait une fois l’homme (once upon a time..man).

Ulysse 31, as you have understood,is a futuristic transposition of the Odyssey epic poem and the scene takes place just after the war of Trojan. We follow the adventures and ordeals of Ulysses, young Telemachus and the mysterious Themis throughout their galactic voyage.

The story is based (faithfully or loosely depending on the episode) on the Odyssey and each episode unravels a new mystery that Ulysses have to discover, a new charismatic character that Ulysses have to confront with or a new barrier that the Gods have set for Ulysses. Will he finally reach the Kingdom of Hades and return to the warm heart of his Beloved Penelope?

The story is simply excellent and raises several concepts and ideas such as Love, tyranny, religion, Fate,drugs, the redundancy of Human life... an excellent mean to stimulate a child curiosity and mind as this anime was aim for children! Moreover, there is not always a Happy ending for each episodes : Life can be cruel sometime... Thanks to the work of Jean Chalopin and Nina Wolmark.

Art and animation are surprinsigly good for an anime of that period even by Today's Standards. This is mainly due to the Famous Shingo Araki/Michi Himeno's Work (Goldorak/Grendizer, cat's eyes, Lady Oscar, Saint Seiya...) and the design of Manchu.

Music score is nice to listen to and match the anime ambiance by its synthpop features.

Most Characters are well conceived and they have their own development. It is easy to identify with them and feel some empathy towards their ordeals.

The French dubbing had involved professional Dramatic Art Theater actors voices (especially Jean Topar) and are consequently very enjoyable. The English Dubbing seems well made as well.

Overall no matter how old you are, this is truly a must see masterpiece and a good introduction to Greek Mythology in general.





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Hi no Tori or Phoenix or Firebird is one of those end seventies/eighties movies which worth a look. it is a work of Tezuka (Astro le petit robot, Blackjack, Leo Lion King...) whom is often regarded as the father of Manga!! I was therefore rather curious to watch this anime.

The story depicts a dystopia : A young pilot living in a society with genetic engineered individuals born for a precise purpose and belonging to specific classes has to find a mysterious being called 2772... What could that be?

Obviously the story and the art itself have many influences from movies or novels : 2001, Alien, a brave new world... which is a positive aspect.

Art and animation are truly wonderful even by today's standards, and the animation can easily match Disney's movies. I was amazed by some scenes and the fluidity of the animation. Back at that time, every frames had to be drawn by hand!! Besides, some of you will recognize Tezuka classic characters (Black jack, the big nose researcher, the Walrus like old man...)

The score is definitely a great feature of this movie. Wondrous classic music played by a symphonic orchestra conveys strong feelings and ideas even without word. Some parts of the movie are even speechless to let you appreciate this musical work.

This anime addresses many issues and concepts even if I feel it was made for a young audience : Love, struggle for power, ecology, the superficiality of the bourgeoisie, prejudice and ignorance of politics...

There are only 2 downsides : the humourous counterpart characters (2 funny creatures) which are quite often irritating and the rather Oedipal idea underlying the relation of the characters.

Overall this Movie really deserves your interest, no matter your age or generation as it raises many questions and let you pondering it while listening to a magnificent melody.

PS : for French speakers, the anime is dubbed very well in French. Excellent voice acting.



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