#amon saga

[xanaxfarts]

Yoshitaka Amano: ‘Amon Saga’ Artworks from Anime V Magazine (1991)

[animenostalgia]

The Anime Nostalgia Podcast - ep 119: ReView: Amon Saga

This month’s episode is another short ReView! What is a “ReView” episode, you might ask? Well, it’s my highly-clever (ok not really) name for episodes where I go back and revisit an older title I haven’t seen in a long time, and see if what I remember (and what my opinions on it) are still the same now that some time’s gone by. This month, I dig into a dark 80s fantasy OVA film with character designs by Yoshitaka Amano! No, it’s NOT that vampire one you’re thinking of--it’s the much lesser-known Amon Saga! Is this one worth revisiting, or does it belong stuck at the bottom of the DVD bargain bin? Let’s find out!

Stream the episode above or [Direct Download] Subscribe on apple podcasts | Stitcher | Google Podcasts | Spotify

Relevant links:

Buy the out-of-print DVD on Amazon

Other anime mentioned in this episode: Vampire Hunter D, Arion, Record of Lodoss War, The Weathering Continent, The Heroic Legend of Arslan, The Five Star Stories

My theme song music was done by Kerobit! You can find more about them on their website!

Support the work I do on this podcast by leaving me a tip on Ko-fi! Want to have your name read in the special thanks segment on the next episode? All you need to do is buy me 2 or more “coffees” on Ko-fi! As always, feel free to leave me your thoughts on this episode or ideas for future episodes here—or email me directly at [email protected].

Thanks for listening!

[animarchive]

Amon Saga by Yoshitaka Amano / Anime V magazine (01/1991)  

[holy-cucumber01]

Amon Saga

Genre : adventure, fantasy

Аnime film : 72 min

[akylk0]

Star vs. the Forces of Evil and  Amon Saga

Oh, those blue big-eyed magicians...

[unblinded-by-nostalgia-blog]

The Story

The story has been told 100s of times before and the ending isn't the most satisfying, but with the story being all about the action scenes, the weak story that doesn't take itself too seriously makes the story more satisfying overall.

The story reminds me of the classic Zelda games (especially Zelda II: The Adventure of Link) where the story is cliché and weak, but the action-orientated gameplay is what makes the game that great. And it's the same situation with this film.

The Characters

The characters are not the most memorable cast out there, but for what this film is, they suit the story well. You have the straightforward protagonist, the big and brash one, the sly and sleazy one, the big villain and the damsel in distress.

You do get a bit of development with the protagonist and the princess, but it isn't the best out there.

The Animation/Special Effects

You can tell just by looking at it that it has a low budget, but it knows how to look good despite that. Some of the scenes are really powerful with the use of sound, colour and music.

The action scenes look really amazing, even though the budget is low, the action scenes are really well choreographed with its use of camera, animation and colour effects. The battle with the sorcerers is really well drawn, especially with its creativity. It's something you have to see to believe.

The animation has to use some cheap shortcuts now and again, but you can forgive it because of the brilliant animation they used.

The Dub

The dub isn't that great... It's really corny and cheesy at times, but it suits this film well. But if you don't like the sound of the dub, you can still enjoy it by watching it subbed, but you will be too busy reading the subtitles to be seeing the brilliant fighting scenes!

Final Thoughts

Overall, this movie isn't a masterpiece by any means. But if you want to turn your brain off and enjoy some great action and a story that feels like a classic Zelda game without taking itself too seriously, give this film a go. You can get it cheap on Amazon for like 20p! So you won't be breaking the bank by getting this.

The Story 4/5 The Characters 3/5 The Animation/Special Effects 4/5 The Dub 3/5

Overall 3.5/5

[animemiscellany]

[avaneshop]

Amon, from Among Saga hand painted production cel from our collection.