Shoujo Kakumei Utena


Revolutionary Girl Utena

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Alternative Titles

Synonyms: Shoujo Kakumei Utena
Japanese: 少女革命ウテナ
English: Revolutionary Girl Utena
French: Revolutionary Girl Utena
More titles

Information

Type: TV
Episodes: 39
Status: Finished Airing
Aired: Apr 2, 1997 to Dec 24, 1997
Premiered: Spring 1997
Broadcast: Wednesdays at 18:00 (JST)
Studios: J.C.Staff
Source: Original
Genres: Award WinningAward Winning, DramaDrama, FantasyFantasy, MysteryMystery, SuspenseSuspense
Themes: Mahou ShoujoMahou Shoujo, PsychologicalPsychological, SchoolSchool
Duration: 23 min. per ep.
Rating: PG-13 - Teens 13 or older

Statistics

Score: 8.221 (scored by 6702167,021 users)
1 indicates a weighted score.
Ranked: #3612
2 based on the top anime page. Please note that 'Not yet aired' and 'R18+' titles are excluded.
Popularity: #1116
Members: 229,493
Favorites: 8,879

Resources

8.22
Ranked #361Popularity #1116Members 229,493
Add to My List
Episodes: /39

Synopsis

Years ago, a tragic incident befell a young princess when both her parents died. Devastated, it seemed nothing would calm this poor soul. However, a prince traveling through the area came to see the princess, hoping to cheer her up. After wiping her sorrowful tears, the prince gave her a ring carrying a rose emblem and told her as long as she holds onto the ring, they are destined to meet again. The event leaves a deep impression on the girl, Utena Tenjou, leading her to become a prince herself.

Years later, Utena attends Ootori Academy, recognized by the same rose emblem as her precious ring's. There, attracted by the scent of roses, she witnesses Anthy Himemiya tending the flowers, accompanied by the Student Council President Touga Kiryuu and Vice President Kyouichi Saionji, who seem to be arguing over Anthy. While Utena thinks nothing of the occurrence, the Student Council gathers to discuss an important matter.

Subsequently, a misunderstanding leads to Utena being dragged into the world of Duelists—those with rings similar to her own. The Duelists fight for the ownership of the Rose Bride, Anthy Himemiya, who is said to possess great power. Wanting to prove her capabilities as a prince, and enraged that Anthy is being wronged and objectified, Utena resolves to fight against the Duelists to save her from the cruel fate.

[Written by MAL Rewrite]

Background

Childhood idealism, illusions, ambition, adulthood, sexuality, abuse, incest and identity are all prominent themes which are explored in what is essentially a highly metaphorical and symbolic coming-of-age story. Loss of innocence, both sexual and otherwise, is treated as a life changing event. Fairy tale archetypes such as the noble prince and the damsel in distress, as well as standard tropes of the shoujo and magical girl genre are incorporated, subverted, inverted, averted and deconstructed.

Shoujo Kakumei Utena won the Best TV Animation Award at Animation Kobe in 1997.

Characters & Voice Actors


Staff

Ikeda, Shinichi
Producer
Ikuhara, Kunihiko
Director, Script, Storyboard, Theme Song Lyrics, Original Creator


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Opening Theme

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"Rinbu Revolution" by Masami Okui
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Ending Theme

1: "Truth" by Luca Yumi (eps 1-24)
2: "バーチャルスター発生学 (Virtual Star Hasseigaku)" by Maki Kamiya (eps 25-38)
3: "Rose & release" by Masami Okui (eps 39)

Episode Videos




Reviews

Jul 26, 2008
Admittedly, I'm biased when it comes to reviewing this anime. I started watching it at a very impressionable age, and the impact it had on me at that particular time in my life is astronomical. I also have a huge soft spot for anything surreal, gender-bending, absurd, existential, or psychological.

That being said, Utena fulfills all of those criteria beautifully. And it is enjoyable on multiple levels. I enjoy it as much now, at age 20, as I did at age 12. My understanding of the characters, the symbolism, and the message inherent in each episode has changed dramatically. At a young age I saw ...
Apr 20, 2011
Mixed Feelings
Is it possible to stay noble forever? From birth onward, reality batters at purity: those who wish to fly are pinned down by gravity; those who wish for harmony are lied to in a world filled with hateful war; and those who wish for love are perhaps given it, only to be broken by death or betrayal.

Sometimes the pain is so great, that the victim begins to fear never-ending misery inflicted by a disappointing world - one all to lacking in miracles. This fear becomes a barrier between the victim and the world. The mere thought of intimate connections triggers very strong anxiety, resulting ...
Apr 18, 2019
In probably what was some of the longest 48 episodes I've ever had to endure in anime (asides from shonen junk), Utena is absolutely frustrating.

Now, let me just share my experience with this supposed "legendary" show.

I usually avoid analysis vids/posts at all costs, before, during, or even after first-time watches, just because I feel as if even the most abstract and symbolic works should be interpreted on your own.

With Lain, I rewatched it 3 times just to really get a grasp on what it all boiled down to, and even after those, I never really fully grasped the show.

But I STILL never ...

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