Revolutionary Girl Utena Adolescence of Utena Movie

Revolutionary Girl Utena: Adolescence of Utena – A Surrealist Masterpiece or a Confusing Mess?

If you’re a fan of anime that makes you question reality, Revolutionary Girl Utena: Adolescence of Utena (1999) is a film that will either leave you in awe or scratching your head. Directed by Kunihiko Ikuhara, this movie is an alternate retelling of the iconic Revolutionary Girl Utena anime series, and it’s anything but straightforward. Packed with surreal imagery, heavy symbolism, and a narrative that feels like a fever dream, Adolescence of Utena has sparked endless debates among fans. Some hail it as a masterpiece, while others dismiss it as an incomprehensible mess. So, what’s the real deal? Let’s dive into the chaos.

The Plot: A Wild Ride Through Ohtori Academy

For those unfamiliar with the Utena universe, the movie follows Utena Tenjou, a pink-haired transfer student who arrives at the enigmatic Ohtori Academy. She quickly gets entangled in a series of duels to win the hand of the Rose Bride, Anthy Himemiya, and the power to “revolutionize the world.” Sounds simple, right? Wrong. The film takes the original series’ themes of identity, adolescence, and societal expectations and cranks them up to eleven, often at the expense of coherence.

Fans on MyAnimeList have described the plot as “a delusional fairytale about men being bishi princes whom are just a trial for Utena to realize that there are no princesses, so she should just give in and be a lesbian.” While this interpretation is reductive, it highlights the film’s bold exploration of gender and sexuality. The movie doesn’t just challenge norms—it smashes them with a metaphorical sword.

The Visuals and Sound: A Feast for the Senses

One thing everyone agrees on? The animation and soundtrack are stunning. The film’s surreal visuals—think floating castles, cars transforming into swords, and a literal tower of swords—are a treat for the eyes. The use of color and symbolism is deliberate, with every frame feeling like a piece of art. The soundtrack, composed by Shinkichi Mitsumune, complements the dreamlike atmosphere perfectly, blending classical influences with haunting melodies.

A fan on MyAnimeList put it best: “It’s not as good as the series, but it’s still the greatest animated movie ever made. I don’t understand a thing about it, but it’s one of the greatest jokes ever played on an audience.” Whether intentional or not, the film’s absurdity is part of its charm.

The Characters: Love Them or Hate Them

Utena and Anthy’s relationship is the heart of the film, but their dynamic is far from conventional. Anthy, the Rose Bride, is often seen as a passive figure, but the movie subverts this by giving her agency in unexpected ways. Utena, on the other hand, is a protagonist who defies traditional gender roles, refusing to conform to societal expectations.

However, not everyone is sold on the characters. One critic noted, “The symbolism is far too much to take it seriously, or even have any idea of what’s actually going on without seeing the vastly superior series first.” Fair point—Adolescence of Utena assumes you’re already familiar with the source material, which can alienate newcomers.

The Controversy: Is It Genius or Nonsense?

Here’s where things get spicy. The film’s abstract storytelling has divided fans for decades. Some argue that its ambiguity is intentional, forcing viewers to interpret its themes for themselves. Others, like one frustrated viewer, called it “incomprehensible to the point that it was actually funny.”

A particularly polarizing scene involves Akio (Anthy’s brother) searching for his keys—a moment that one fan described as “hilarious, even though it involved the deaths of two of my favorite characters. Also rape.” Yeah, it’s that kind of movie.

Final Verdict: Should You Watch It?

If you’re looking for a straightforward narrative, Adolescence of Utena isn’t for you. But if you’re up for a visually stunning, thought-provoking experience that defies conventions, give it a shot. Just don’t expect to understand everything on the first watch—or the tenth.

As one fan perfectly summarized: “Did it make sense? No, but the car chase was AWESOME.” Sometimes, that’s enough.

Rating: 8/10
For its boldness, beauty, and sheer audacity, even if it leaves you more confused than enlightened.

Would love to hear your thoughts—did you love it, hate it, or just sit there wondering what the hell you just watched? Drop your reactions below!