Search - X TV Re-Mix Collector's Set on DVD

Welcome to the End of the World

Kellyannl | Bronx, NY USA | 02/12/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"X is a very decent melodrama about one of anime's favorite subjects - the endtimes - with a shoujo twist.

Teenager Kamui Shirou returns to Tokyo to retrieve a magical sword reputed to eventually play a part in the battle between the forces of preservation (to be represented by seven psychics of varying powers called Dragons of Heaven) and the forces of destruction (seven opposing psychics called Dragons of Earth).

However, Kamui is more concerned about keeping his worried best friends, siblings Fuma and Kotori Monou, out of his problems - especially when the situation becomes more complicated when he finds out he has a choice between becoming the leader of the Dragons of Heaven or Dragons of Earth. When he finally decides to lead the Dragons of Heaven, he does so only to find that his decision has doomed Fuma to become the leader of the Dragons of Earth, instantaneously and horrifically altering his personality. As Fuma gathers the Dragons of Earth, the other six Dragons of Heaven rally around Kamui - including Tokyo Babylon main character Subaru Sumeragi, seven years later still an emotional train wreck and drawing breath only to find the man he loves, Dragon of Earth Seishiro Sakurazuka, for a reckoning regarding what happened between them (for the full impact of their story, I strongly suggest reading the seven volume Tokyo Babylon manga before either watching or reading X). Subaru isn't so soul dead, however, that Kamui's plight doesn't bring out his innate kindness, and knowing more than a little bit about Kamui's pain he becomes the boy's emotional support.

However, although the other Dragons of Heaven have their own issues and Subaru does indeed eventually face Seishiro again, this is ultimately Kamui's story, as he tries to bring Fuma back to him - and wrestles with the question of what he will do if he has to stop Fuma by any means necessary.

The series isn't perfect - for one thing there are far too many momentum-killing flashbacks - but it's strengths outweigh it's weaknesses. A great amount of time is spent introducing us to all of the fourteen very different psychics, and they are all adequately fleshed out with the exception of the frightening yet oddly sympathetic asexual clone Nataku, who could have been an even more fascinating character if the question of whether it has a soul or not had been further pursued. We get to know them well enough that when the final battles begin in the last quarter of the series, we care about what happens to the Dragons of Heaven and even some of the Dragons of Earth who resist the roles that fate has cast them in.

That, in the end, is what this kind of story is all about; and if you want to curl up with a good angstfest this might fit your bill. I would only strongly recommend skipping Episode 0, which is only a summary of the general idea of the story that gives away too much."

Definitely worth it!

Danielle LeClair | ME, USA | 07/11/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Out of all the anime that I have watched, X is still by far my favorite. The high price of this box set might turn some people off, but it is worth the price. The story centers around Kamui, a young man of 15 who has been given the fate of the world. But there are two Kamui, and the other just happens to be someone who was very close to him. Kamui must choose between two sides, The Dragons of Heaven (Seven Seals) who want to keep the world in its current condition, and the Dragons of Earth (Seven Angels) who want to wipe out mankind and let the Earth start again anew. One of the things that is hard for people I think, is the fact that there are like 17 major characters, and still more minor characters that have significance. However, these characters are memorable, and you'll know them by heart in no time.

I recommend this to people who are over the age of 13. There are a couple scenes with some brief, not graphic nudity, and there is a lot of violence. Nothing too bad to.

After watching this tragic tale, you'll need something to cheer you up however. The series makes me cry every time I watch certain episodes, and people do die. So be prepared.

This is really great though, and comes highly recommended from me. The manga is also excellent, but the movie isn't as good. So get this.. The anime!"

Good anime.

CharlieGone | SB county, CA | 03/27/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"What can I say about X. Its a darn good anime with a pretty catchy story. I'm sure many of you will find it interesting and confusing at the same time...but it all falls in place at the end so its not as bad some may say. As for quality I would say this anime has pretty top notch stuff. Story is pretty good, though like I said it is a mind bender. Music is good and catchy "Drowning in my dream!" ...ahh yeah pretty catchy. Although it has some imperfections (like what happened to Kanoe or why wasn't Nataku's character developed more)..it is still a pretty good anime. For those younger viewers, I wouldn't suggest it to them (besides the story itself would be too confusing for them anyways)...there is some violence (and people DO die!) very very brief nudity, but nothing to close your eyes to. I would say around 13 and up would be appropriate. BTW...skip episode 00. Gives way too much info on what happens. SO skip it!!"