A free showing of Japanese animation!

Please keep in mind that showing schedules are always tentative, and that programs are not necessarily listed here in the order they'll be shown. Sometimes tapes show up late, or library runs longer than expected, or (once in a great while ) chaos will reign and the masses will force another episode of Fushigi Yuugi to be shown...you get the idea.

On the program are:

• Whispers of the Heart (movie)
  Our nod to Valentine's Day, I think. One of the latest releases from Studio Ghibli, this is the coming-of-age story of a junior high student in Japan, who meets her true love and is inspired by him to push herself towards new goals. That may make it sound dry, but I think it's one of the most wonderful films I've ever seen, anime or not. It being a Studio Ghibli release, the animation is of course beautiful, and the music is pretty neat too (with several renditions of "Country Road"--don't ask).

• *Ruroni Kenshin #2
  A "martial arts drama/comedy" set in the early Meiji Era (1800's), about a former legendary samurai who has settled down with the residents and hangers-on of a fighting dojo run by a young woman. Naturally, as a great warrior trying to go straight, there are many incidents involving people wanting rematches, or to earn reputations, as well as people who have a grudge against the woman running the dojo, or against her late father.

• *Legend of the Galactic Heroes #34 (concludes this story arc)
  Space opera at its finest, this story arc deals with the "Battle of the Death Stars" (Walter's phrase), as the Empire throws one of its REALLY big guns at the Alliance's Iserholn Fortress (possibly mispelled). If I recall correctly, last week's episode ended during the big battle between the fortresses, so this week's should start dramatically as the crew of the Iserholn try to keep things together long enough for Yang to make it there.

• * Fushigi Yuugi #18
  'Magical Girls' show about a schoolgirl, Miaka, who is transported via an ancient Chinese book to another world, where she is declared Suzaku no Miko, the priestess of the guardian deity of the kingdom she finds herself in. Romantic storyline, but also full of lots of fights with Miaka's protectors (which, at this point, are still being discovered). Just remember, Suzaku is a peacock, not a phoenix.

• * Nadia #17
  This show, set in the early 19th century and loosely based on Jules Verne's 20, 000 Leagues Under the Sea, follows the adventures of a young circus performer named Nadia, her pet lion King, and their friend Jean. Nadia, being fairly mysterious herself, of course has a mysterious jewel (named 'Blue Water'), which several other people are looking for; this, along with sea monsters, battleships, and ominous cults bent on world domination, accounts for many of their exploits.

So if you're interested in seeing some great animation with some truly diverse stories, check out the Anime Club free showing, open to all on Friday, February 14th, from 7pm to midnight, in Engineering Teaching Center room ETC 2.108. For those not familiar with UT, the ETC building is located near 26th and Speedway; the main entrance is right on the north side of the 26th street bridge.

Please feel free to email this account with any questions.