Space 2772

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Has anyone seen this? I bought it because Peter did mention it as his all time favorite animated film. I was lucky to get the longer 121 minute version. It is written and produced by Osamu Tezuka. The beginning is about 10 minutes of unvoiced animation played out to the most beautiful music, it stays with you. It's very sensitive. The story morph's around several times and ends up in a different place then where I expected, but its noble and lofty direction makes me like and admire Tezuka.

-- Barb e. (Suesuesbeo9@cs.com), March 20, 2002

Answers

Peter, this movie allowed the characters to grow and change relating to their situation. They had a little depth to them. The viewer might estimate a character based on an early scene, and later that character chooses an unanticipated path causing me to refect on the reasons behind their decisions, and the meaning behind the original actions, making them more interesting. I did recognize the similiarities to Metropolis, it was sort of comforting information.

-- Barb e. (Suesuesbeo9@cs.com), March 20, 2002.

How weird, because I was thinking of making this offer just last night. I believe it to be due to the collective unconscious of this forum Peter mentioned this, because we are definitely an eclectic group. Any of the regular people on this forum wanting to see this movie, because I feel I can trust you, may borrow this movie. It's vhs format. Email me and I'll be glad to loan it out. I really want you to see it, because as Peter said it's a great example of Tezuka's work. Good idea, Peter.

-- Barb e. (Suesuesbeo9@cs.com), March 21, 2002.

I will mention one strange thing about this movie, Phoenix 2772 though. The English subbed verson when referring to the Phoenix bird, of whom the movie is named after, calls her "Phoenix 272". Did the English translators leave a few thousand out or did the advertisers simply add on a few thousand?

-- Barb e. (Suesuesbeo9@cs.com), March 24, 2002.

It could be it was never released for listening. Incidently there is a copy on Ebay right now (finishes 7/14) for sale. Currently $5.00. The same 121 version I have. You know this movie is always popping into my mind, it was a little different for sure. The concept of planets having a soul is pretty original.

-- Barb e. (Suesuesbeo9@cs.com), July 10, 2002.

Oops sorry Tony, guess you researched more than me, the LP's made and out and extinct already. I would check ebay for that too.

-- Barb e. (Suesuesbeo9@cs.com), July 10, 2002.


I surmise this much work on the keyboard 'reminiscing' means lateral performance is at an all time low.

-- Barb e. (Suesuesbeo9@cs.com), July 12, 2002.

I hope your translation site doesn't confuse the language, but here goes my interpretation:

The incredibly beautiful music gave the film a kind of depth which it couldn't have contained without that musical score. I was surprised at the concepts embodied in the film. I've never heard of the earth having a 'soul' before but after seeing this movie that idea has never left me.

Also, I thought the female robot captured a kind of sweet innocence that is pleasant and somehow not appreciated widely. Barbara Eden, an actress who starred in a tv series in the U.S., (I dream of Genie) comes to mind as one who also embodied these traits completely in her portrayal of a loyal genie to her master. Likewise the female robot was unfailingly loyal, sweet and innocent. Her softer sexual nature helping the boy's transitional stage from child to adult to be more of a complete one. The boy was totally vulnerable as a child but worthy of a trusting relationship and led him to become a more intelligent and compassionate man due to his relationship with her. Through his feelings of love and trust for her he connected emotionally to himself whereas others around him were compared to be unfeeling to anyone but themselves, resulting in selfishness and cruelty. I think this was the author's intent in his use of her character, to make this point, and was for me a major statement in the movie.

-- Barb e. (Suesuesbeo9@cs.com), November 01, 2003.


It seems like love is considered a weakness in movies unless it's carnal. Do you remember in the last scene of the movie he gave the female robot Olga life? That last scene is comparable to another animated film by the name of the Velveteen Rabbit, narrated by an actress named Meryl Streep, and only 20 minutes long. It's about a stuffed rabbit who wants desperately to be real. The rabbit will be granted that wish by a fairy on the condition that someone must really love him. In the film the rabbit is forced to consider the meaning of his artificial existence when his 'toy' life faces extinction. In the rabbits last moments as a toy his artifice is taken away when he experiences the pain of love, demonstated by real tears. He remembers his life with the boy who loved him and he becomes real. I think there will always be people who will understand these movies, but I don't think it will ever be the majority of the audience.

-- Barb e. (Suesuesbeo9@cs.com), November 20, 2003.

And I guess one of the people who would appreciate that film would be Peter Chung. I just saw A.I. and it reminded me of the same beautiful ideals in Veleteen Rabbit. At any rate A.I. was incredible. Of course everyone else knows that, it's old news I know but I really hate to go to the movies, not comfy enough for me. Uhm not wanting to spoil this movie but did she die? I guess the point is he became real?

-- Barb e. (Suesuesbeo9@cs.com), December 12, 2003.

Barb, I'm glad you enjoyed the movie. I haven't seen it for at least 16 years, so I'm not sure how I'd respond seeing it today.

A couple of points I have to make, though: the film's title is PHOENIX 2772. The alternate English title is Space Firebird. The other is that I called it ONE OF my all-time favorite animated films. In fact, I have a lot of favorites. I wanted to mention this one since there is a revival of interest in Tezuka's work and this film is mostly forgotten today in spite of being one of the best examples of Tezuka's style and storytelling. It's interesting to compare against Metropolis, since they both contain similar ideas as well as characters.

I do remember what struck me at the time was the way the viewer's sympathies with the characters were allowed to shift throughout the story. Such a simple principle, but considered taboo for an American animated production.

-- Peter Chung (cretep@earthlink.net), March 20, 2002.



Peter, how is the Phoenix movie by Rintaro. I noticed it on his filmography, but couldn't find any information on it. I assume it's a sequel?

-- Inukko (paul@nadisrec.com), March 20, 2002.

Paul, I've only seen Rintaro's Phoenix film in Japanese without subtitles. It's an "OAV" and I doubt an English version exists. It is not a sequel, but an adaptation of one chapter of Tezuka's Hinotori comic series. The setting in this case is medieval Japan. Kawajiri also did an OAV of Hinotori, which was set in the future. (Madhouse producer Maruyama-san is an ardent Tezuka fan.) They are both fairly heavy with dialogue and static (quite limited animation).

Hinotori (Phoenix, or Firebird) is Tezuka's sprawling, time-tripping saga of man's eternal search for the legendary Phoenix, which is believed by those who search for it to be the solution to worldly problems -- whatever those are in each period of history that Tezuka deals with. The series does not progress in chronological order, but jumps forwards and backwards in time, from man's most primitive state to the distant future in which humanity is barely recognizable. The movie Phoenix 2772 takes place in the distant future, and was certainly influenced by 2001: A Space Odyssey.

If you're going to see one Phoenix animated film (there's also a live- action feature version with live actors in make-up to look like Tezuka's characters), see Tezuka's own Phoenix 2772. Maybe you can borrow Barb's copy, since she's got the rare uncut English version.

-- Peter Chung (cretep@earthlink.net), March 21, 2002.


*wave* longtime reader, first time poster...

Actually, there is an english version of this movie available.. in fact I first saw it on TV years ago, after a showing of "Attack of the Bioroids" a Macross movie.

skye

-- skye (skyknyt@aol.com), March 23, 2002.


Skye, Please clarify: Are you saying you saw RinTaro's Hinotori OAV in English? Otherwise your comment is puzzling, since Barb and I are both talking about the English version of Phoenix 2772, which is available in two versions: the original 121 minute cut and the much more common 95 minute version, which is probably the version that was aired on T.V.

-- Peter Chung (cretep@earthlink.net), March 23, 2002.

Go to the following thread to see the beginning of this topic: How animated is Aeon Flux?

-- Peter Chung (cretep@earthlink.net), March 23, 2002.


sorry for taking so long to reply. I have been having difficulties in the past month or so.

Anyways, yes, I saw "Space Firebird" on TV, the channel that showed it was actually fairly local (I live in LA) and I think they shut down not too long afterwards. I agree with all of you guys, the movie is fantastic.

skye

-- skye (skyknyt@aol.com), May 02, 2002.


Skye, you live in LA? Where at?

I'm a poor student from Westwood ^_^

-- Inu (paul@nadisrec.com), May 06, 2002.


I live in Glendale. And if you know where that is, I actually live in La Crescenta. But I go to school out in the boonies, in Redlands.

skye

-- skye (skyknyt@aol.com), May 08, 2002.


I've got two versions of this, both offical, the first was half the lengh, cut to bits and the other was (I think) the full version. I don't know if its 121 minutes long, but it has the intro that u described. Its the last UK release by western connection, (the first was mountain video). Barb e. I totally agree with u about the soundtrack, its truly beautiful, I've been trying to find it for years now, searching collector record shops all over the world (thru the net). I found out what the LP covers look like, theres two of them I think released by Columbia records in 1980. If u or anyone else on this page knows where to get this amazing soundtrack can u please email me -- thanx

Tony

-- Tony Day (preda_king@yahoo.com), July 09, 2002.


Here is a tip for home-schooling children in sex education. Have them watch you and your husband have sex, and tell them to copy you. Tell your daughter that she is to allow her brother to penetrate her vagina with his penis whenever he wants to, then tell your son to stick his penis in his sister whenever he gets an erection. Also, tell him how to penetrate her rectally, and teach her how to suck on his penis. Build an improvised cage for your daughter that will hold her in place with both her vagina and anus on display and easily accessible and urge your son to try and fill her holes with as much sperm as possible. Tell your husband to masturbate in front of your children while your daughter is sucking your son's penis - and make sure she swallows the semen. When she goes to school, make sure she wears a skirt with no panties and often exposes her slit in front of men, and tell her she is to allow any penetration any time a man wants to put his hands or penis inside her. Tell your son that whenever he sees a women and has an erection, he is to grab her breasts, rip off her panties and insert his penis in her. If he ejaculates inside her and still has an erect penis, tell him to penetrate her rectum. Then, lie on your back, open your legs and let him thrust his throbbing dong inside you while his fingers go into your asshole.

-- Gerard Hall (98798797@hiberryhills.com), July 11, 2002.

Well, I'm currently through half way through watching this movie called 'Happiness' (waiting for friend to get off phone). I log on and find this fascinating post. Good timing huh?

-- Sam (janecherrington@paradise.net.nz), July 12, 2002.

Now one of the best movies I have ever seen.

-- Sam (janecherrington@paradise.net.nz), July 12, 2002.

Oh yeah, Happiness. It's one of my favorites, I guess somehow I forgot to mention it. What a great movie... it really blew me away. And the ending was amazing. Hehe.

-- Mat Rebholz (matrebholz@yahoo.com), July 13, 2002.

Yeah, I was pretty ecstatic about the ending. The movie also reminded me plenty of 'American Beauty'.

-- Sam (janecherrington@paradise.net.nz), July 13, 2002.

I have space firebird but i also have another toho release which is called techno police which has a 3 minute trailer for space firebird at the end of the tape... its lush

-- (jh8@totalise.co.uk), November 02, 2002.

I really liked this film very much. That was when I was about eight years old, because I'm 28 now. I think it's a beautiful story, and the soundtrack is wonderful. I'd like to have this film in a tape or CD if possible. Can anybody help me?

Thanks a lot.

-- Stanley Campo (dic2574@yahoo.com), May 14, 2003.


Hello all! i only bought this anime is because i am interested in 70/80s japanese animation I bought a copy of Firebird 2772 at yesasia dubbed in cantonese, supposely it has english too but for some reason the english includes cantonese in the bacground.

ppl can check it out at: http://global.yesasia.com/en/PrdDept.aspx/pid-1001838266/did-0/code- c/section-anime

I only watch a few minutes but wasn't sure the story, i know it would be a good animation.

can someone please intro me to good japanese animations from the 70/80s? thz

-- Ah Man (easonchan7@hotmail.com), August 30, 2003.


How do you do. I am a Japanese woman. I like Mr. Osamu Tezuka's animation movie "Phoenix 2772." Although this work was disrepute in Japan, it was heard that evaluation was high overseas. I want to talk about this work. I cannot speak English. I am speaking to you using the translation site. Thank you for your consideration.

-- Jun Saito (oruga2772jp@yahoo.co.jp), October 29, 2003.

Thank you for replying. Is English by the translation site strange? I am sorry to be unclear language. I also think that the music of "Phoenix2772" is beautiful. Although it had the cassette tape of the sound track of this work, it was heard repeatedly. This music is listened to and Mozart's music and Stravinsky's ballet music "the bird of fire" were remembered. The theme music which flows through this movie is coming from Mr. Yasuo Higuchi's original music VIOLIN CONCERT"Koma." Moreover, Ms. Mariko Senju who took charge of the violin solo was called gifted girl at home those days. the earth having a'soul' ... If surely it says, very fresh surprise will be memorized. Those who is called Barbara Eden do not know me. But it can imagine in what woman. I have worried about evaluation of the character of female robot (Olga). I think if it talks some day. Is the confidential relation of hers and a hero (Godo) really fresh? I think that it was not spoiled though there were inappreciative persons. Mr. Tezuka had said that the theme of this movie was love. Evaluation of "Phoenix2772" may be having not become settled yet. At least, I think that it will wait 50 years.

-- Jun Saito (oruga2772jp@yahoo.co.jp), November 20, 2003.

DVD of "the phoenix 2772" was released in Japan on July 25 this year. Various love is told with this work. Man and woman's love, brotherly love, love to an animal, and big love that also wraps in the whole earth. I think that these love is like trusting Santa Claus. I think it very important to believe what is not visible. I know Meryl Streep. I regard her the great actress. "That last scene is comparable to another animated film by the name of the Velveteen Rabbit, narrated by an actress named Meryl Streep, and and only 20 minutes long." Your words pleased me.The Velveteen Rabbit said here is Olga? I think very beautiful tale. Even if a political situation changes can't these works obtain a large majority of audiences?

-- Jun Saito (oruga2772jp@yahoo.co.jp), December 16, 2003.

Barb --

AI SPOILER (kinda)

Re AI, his mother could only come back for a day, so I think she died again. As for the boy becoming real, I think that the whole point of the movie is that most of the androids were more real than the humans who used them. They were more human than the humans (oh god, isn't quoting Rob Zombie one of the signs that one's mind is indeed going?!).

What I thought at the end of the movie was, oddly enough, the same thing I thought at the end of "Donnie Darko":

Come away, o human child! To the waters and the wild With a faery, hand in hand, For the world's more full of weeping Than you can understand.

-- Aimee Powell (arpowell@cox.net), December 16, 2003.


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