Search - Saikano OVA - Another Love Song on DVD

A treat for Saikano fans

K.M. Viglione | PA USA | 05/18/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"First off, it's best to mention that this OVA is not a good way to be introduced to Saikano. Viewers will gain a great deal more if they have seen the show first.



For only two episodes, a lot more happens in this space of time than in the rest of the show. Yet this OVA relies on following events that take place early on in the show. Hence why it's important to watch the series first.



While the series was mostly told through Shuji's point of view, the OVA is more 3rd-person, with emphasis on new character Lieutenant Mizuki and Chise. In fact, Shuji has no major involvement at all, apart from constantly being on Chise's mind.



This OVA is good in that it explains more. In the series, viewers don't know really know the "how" or "why" Chise was made into the ultimate weapon. We get those answers, but once again, the "how" or "why" isn't as important. Themes of war, being human, and love are still going strong. We see more of Chise's internal struggle between her human self and the weapon inside, and how her feelings for Shuji affect her actions.



New character Mizuki is the perfect foil for Chise. Mizuki is fiercely dedicated to her role as both a soldier and a weapon. She is fearless, determined, stubborn, and intelligent. As the prototype of the weapon that Chise will become, viewers will learn why Mizuki's ability never equaled or surpassed Chise, and how this makes her feel and dictates her actions. Mizuki also has connections to Tetsu, and interactions between them I felt were important because they shed some light on how Tetsu was with Chise. Oddly though, this seems to contridict how he felt about his wife, Fuyumi, who is just barely mentioned. Mizuki, while in a position to be resentful of Chise, proves to have the potential to be Chise's friend and confidant, the best hope Chise had of having someone who understood how she was feeling. Even Shuji had a hard time grasping this at first in the series.



Mizuki is also a tragic character, as are many characters in the Saikano canon. And true to Saikano, this short piece is emotionally driven, heart-wrenching; there's only a glimmer of a happy ending.



Overall, this OVA could easily fit into the anime series. It's a nice compliment to it, but seeing it isn't necessary to understand the actual show. But it's a must for Saikano fans."