Anime Reviews (2000s): She, the Ultimate Weapon – Complete Collection (2002)

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This was a popular classic anime series back in 2002 when it was released.  My only problem with it is the lack of inclusion of the two OVA episodes but other than that, “She, the Ultimate Weapon” is a short, deep and violent anime series that goes into the horrors of war and teenage love.  It’s definitely worth watching!

Click here to purchase this Blu-ray on Amazon

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TITLE: She, the Ultimate Weapon – Complete Collection

ANIME FILM RELEASE DATE: 2002

DURATION: 325 Minutes

BLU-RAY INFORMATION: 1080p High Definition, English and Japanese DTS-HD MA 2.0, Subtitles: English subtitles

COMPANY: Sentai Filmworks

RATING: TV MA VSL

Release Date: October 26, 2022

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Originally created by Takahashi Shin

Directed by Kase Mitsuko

Series Composition by Era Itaru

Music by Miratsu Takeo

Character Design by Kagawa Hisashi

Art Direction by Higashi Junichi, Kohama Toshihiro

Anime Production: GONZO

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Featuring the following voice talent:

Ishimoda Shirou/Mark Atherlay as Shuji

Orikasa Fumiko/Melissa Hutchison as Chise

Miki Shinichiro/Abie Hadjitarkhani as Tetsu

Sugimoto Yuu/Amy Provenzano as Akemi

Ito Miki/Elaine Clark as Fuyumi

Shiratori Tetsu/Joe Wyka as Atsushi

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Separated in the chaos when their city was bombed, students Shuji and Chise’s lives are shattered despite the actions of a mysterious defender. After reuniting with Chise in the ruins, Shuji is horrified to discover that she is no longer the girl he knew. Twisted and reshaped by nightmarish science, her body has been transformed into something that isn’t completely human: a living weapon! And even worse, the remaining facets of the person she once was seem to be fading away. Can Shuji continue to feel love for the shell of the person Chise once was? And how long can Chise’s soul endure inside a device whose only purpose is to kill? As the fires of war burn, a young woman teeters on the brink of becoming the engine of the final apocalypse in SHE, THE ULTIMATE WEAPON!

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Once in awhile, we get to see old school anime being released by Sentai Filmworks on Blu-ray.

And the latest anime to make its appearance once again is the 2002 anime series “Saikano” (aka “She, The Ultimate Weapon”).

The anime adaptation is based on the manga series written by Takahashi Shin (which was serialized in Shogakukan’s “Weekly Big Comic Spirits” from 1999-2001).

While the series was released in 2014, for those who missed it, have their chance once again to enjoy the series courtesy of Sentai Filmworks.  A two episode OVA and also a live action film was released.

The anime series first introduces us to Shuji, a high school student in Hokkaido and is dating the pure, shy and little clumsy, Chise.

In the future, Shuji through a series of flashbacks, reads diary pages left behind by Chise and through the flashbacks, we see how the two, who are a bit different, have a relationship as the two have feelings for one another, despite not being able to communicate it all that well.

One day while Shuji is shopping in Sapporo, bombers attack the city during the day and as he and his friends run for cover, a small flying object shoots down the enemy bombers.

Through the wreckage, he sees Chise, who has metal wings and weapons on her body.

We learn that Chise is the ultimate weapon of the Japan Self-Defense Force (JSDF) and she is not sure how she became a weapon  nor giving consent.

But as the war rages on, Shuji is not sure how to deal with the fact that his girlfriend is a war weapon and being a horny teenager, all he wants is to be with his girlfriend and have sex.

Meanwhile, Chise doesn’t understand what is going on.  She just wants to be with Shuji, but she is always thrusted to fight in war, when she just wants to be a normal girl.

Through the storyline, we become acquainted with a variety of characters, especially those who Shuji and those that Chise know.  Their perspectives towards the war and also trying to survive.

By no means is this anime series meant for children, as it deals with war and the deadly violence which happens during war.  Many people die in terrible ways and it goes to show how brutal war can be.

The series is short at 13-episodes, so many people can jump on and enjoy the series.  If there is only one thing that I am disappointed is that the two OVA episodes were not licensed and included in this series, because the OVA’s do answer questions on how Chise became a weapon.

But other than that, you do get the 13-episodes and for many people, the series will suffice.

And as most Blu-rays have become barebones releases, with no hint of special features, “She, the Ultimate Weapon – Complete Collection” does come with special features including a live event, Japanese promos, music video, sit down discussion and more.

Overall, this was a popular classic anime series back in 2002 when it was released.  My only problem with it is the lack of inclusion of the two OVA episodes but other than that, “She, the Ultimate Weapon” is a short, deep and violent anime series that goes into the horrors of war and teenage love.  It’s definitely worth watching!

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Click here to purchase this Blu-ray on Amazon