Watch Vision Of Escaflowne
- TV-14
- 1996
- 1 Season
-
7.8 (4,572)
Vision of Escaflowne is a classic anime series produced by Bandai that aired in 1996. The show tells the story of Hitomi Kanzaki, a teenage girl who is inexplicably transported to the world of Gaea, where she becomes embroiled in a conflict between warring nations and discovers that she possesses a unique ability to see into the future.
The lead protagonist, Hitomi Kanzaki, is voiced by Mayumi Iizuka in the Japanese original, and Kelly Sheridan in the English dub. Hitomi is a high school student who is initially depicted as a track and field enthusiast with an interest in predicting the outcomes of races using tarot cards. Her world is turned upside down when she suddenly finds herself transported to the mystical world of Gaea, where she becomes the subject of a power struggle between nations, and discovers her unique ability to see into the future.
Hitomi is aided in her journey on Gaea by Van Fanel, the prince of the kingdom of Fanelia, voiced by Tomokazu Seki in the Japanese original and Kirby Morrow in the English dub. Van is a skilled pilot of a giant humanoid weapon called a "Guymelef," and is initially wary of Hitomi but ultimately becomes a close ally and friend.
The show also features a cast of supporting characters, including Folken, Van's estranged elder brother who serves as the primary antagonist of the series, voiced by Jouji Nakata in the Japanese original and Paul Dobson in the English dub. Other notable characters include Merle, a member of the cat-like "mystic" race who becomes attached to Van, and Dilandau, a young and sadistic soldier who serves as Folken's right-hand man.
The voice acting performances in Vision of Escaflowne are generally well-regarded, with several notable actors providing memorable performances. In addition to Seki and Iizuka, other standout performances include Maaya Sakamoto as the enigmatic and ethereal character known as "The Mystic," and Yuri Amano as Millerna, the Princess of Asturia who plays a crucial role in the political intrigue of Gaea.
The animation in Vision of Escaflowne is also well-regarded, with dynamic action sequences and detailed character designs that bring the world of Gaea to life. The series blends elements of traditional fantasy with mecha anime, resulting in a unique and visually striking aesthetic that has helped establish it as a classic of the genre.
Aside from its visual and audio elements, Vision of Escaflowne is also notable for its intricate and complex plot, which features elements of political intrigue, romance, and both personal and existential crises for its characters. The show explores themes of destiny, free will, and the consequences of violence, and provides a nuanced and thought-provoking examination of these topics over the course of its twenty-six episode run.
Overall, Vision of Escaflowne is a classic example of anime storytelling at its best, featuring memorable characters, stunning animation, and a rich and detailed world that will captivate viewers from beginning to end. Whether you are looking for a thrilling mecha anime adventure, a gripping political drama, or a thought-provoking exploration of existential themes, this show is sure to deliver on all fronts.