Search - Wolf's Rain - Final Encounters (Vol. 7) on DVD

Death and Transformation

Marc Ruby? | Warren, MI USA | 06/03/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This DVD contains episodes 27-30, unusual numbers for a series, occasioned this time by the four episode retrospective interlude in the middle of the series. For those who thought that the spectacular visions of episode 26 were the final conflict, there are more than a few surprises ahead.

There is a complete mood change in this set as, following Jaguera's destruction the characters continue on their quest for paradise. The omens are grim as the world begins to crumble around them. Three groups, the wolves and Cheza, the Quent and Blue, and Cher and Hubb, make their way across the ice. For some the legends say there will be no entry into paradise, yet all work there way, separately and then together.

The journey, of course, is symbolic. Each character must face their inner nature and burn that part of them away. For most this means facing heroic decisions or character transformations. For the gate into the future that Cheza is destined to open is not an open doorway, but a narrow and perilous path. To the nine travelers who have some share in the light there is a tenth, Lord Darcia, twisted by grief and remorse. He is darkness and cataclysm. The end result is a lot of heartbreaking moments.

The ending, for all its poetry reminds us that new beginning is born from the seeds of loss. For wolves to find their humanity, humans must step aside, sacrifices must be made. What we have here is a modern legend without the romantic lip-gloss. It is beautiful, enlivened by Yoko Kanno's music, but it captures the tragedy of change like the short bloom of the moonflower. Paradise, Kiba reminds us, is a journey, not a resting place."

Season final, but hopefully not the last.

D. Allen | Sparks, Nv USA | 03/22/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Well, here we go with the final episodes. As I've stated before, your'e going to need a couple boxes of tissue along with this disk. I'm not going to ruin this for those of you still waiting to see the final episodes, I'll just say it's on the magnitude of the ending of the "Cowboy Bebop" series. Hint; for those of you who had seen the run of the series on "Adult Swim", pay close attention to the opening sequence (opening credits never shown on The Cartoon Network...at the end of the last episode, it will come into context. The one positive is that the ending leaves enough opening for a second season, or perhapes even a film (al-la Cowboy Bebop).
Within these episodes contain the final journey of the pack, Hub, Cheir, Blue and Quent. By the end, the surviors of the journey have ther final run in with Darshia, who with the help of a magical stone, has transformed himself into a wolf. Paradise is finally opened, but not in the way you'd expect.
Personally, I had wished for a happier ending, and one with more closure, but hopefully we will get that when and if this extrodinary series continues. The final scene between Tsume and Toboy was especially touching.
To end this series, I'd like to include some side notes. I've heard from others that this series is partially based upon Japanese Urban legend; Though wolves have been extinct in Japan for more than a century,yet from time to time, wolves seem to be mysteriously spotted in the countryside. Though that may be, this series, intentionally or not has touched upon NAtive American "mythology" as well, which is why I particularly enjoyed it. There are two particuarl legends, that of the Skinwalker and that of the final days. The skinwalker is the opposite of what was persented in this show; humans that can transform into animals, most comonly wolves and coyotes. The final days legends tell of the souls of animal spirits that are born into human form; the souls of wolves, etc, that are contained in the bodies of men.
I loved the concept of the wolves disguising themselves as humans, though I though that they could have pulled it off a bit better. I saw an interview with the director where he stated his problems with mixing sound effects, and I loved what they did in Episode #1 (When Tsume grabbed ahold of the boy, then showing him as a wolf grasping the boy with his jaws), but I think they lost focus of the details as the series went on (How could Kiba hold Chza's hand while walking?).
Finally, a few suggestions for a scond season if produced. First, show the pack more in their wolf forms. I know some people like more human-centric stories, but I think it would be more interesting and challanging to show the pack in their true formes most of the time, and give the audiance a better fell for how the pack interacts with each other. Second, Indians don't wear war paint all the time (for that matter, hardly at all). Those episodes were amon the best, but please. It's like us drawing all Japanese people as small with unusualy slanted eyes and buck teeth. Finally, give us a happy ending for once, eh? This series had the best developed and most diverse charactors of just about any series I have ever seen (animated or live). We'd like to see some of them hang around at the end.
Thanks for a truly magnificent series, and please...continue it for at least a follow up feature film!"

Wolf's Rain

Kiba | Tennessee, T.N. USA | 06/18/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"this is to all those who are doubtfull of this story's ending it may seem like a bad ending at first but once you see it for what it is, which a true work of art,you will love this series it is again related to the ending of the show Cowboy Bebop. This is because the creators of Bebop also created Wolf's Rain.Wolf's Rain is one of the best Anime Iv'e ever seen if not the best. In my opinion, it is the best.It is very deep and it is filled with poetry,despair,love and beauty.That is why it is my favorite and always will be."

A story open to interpretation

Emicheri | 05/19/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"These are the four episodes that were produced after the 26 episode television series. It could have ended there but the creators still had more to tell. Questions are answered, new ones are raised & fates determined. Over all I think several fans may dislike this ending & become frustrated. And they will want a second season, or a movie. If you want more, buy the manga since it is available in English now too. I found this to be an excellent and exhilarating finale. This story has been done just right to me. The director has said multiple times he didn't want to cage our imagination by nailing down the specifics."