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X - The Movie

© Catherine Ramos

A more recent anime, "X" is one of the best movies I have had the opportunity to see. The execution of the plot, characters, and above all, the artwork is outstanding; however no less could be expected from Studio CLAMP.

CLAMP's other anime and manga greats include the popular "Magic Knights Rayearth" and "RG Veda". Many of CLAMP's stories revolve around ancient myth, sometimes Japanese but usually from other countries. "X" is similar, however it revolves around a fictional prophecy involving a boy named Kamui.

Kamui, like hundreds of anime characters before him is given the responsibility of deciding the fate of the world. Soldiers from the side of darkness and light approach him, wanting to preserve peace and destroy reality. However "X" is far from a tired story, retouched and updated for an expectant audience. The underlying theme is not the battle of good and evil, but the pain of loss.

The dragons of heaven approach Kamui to save the world he loves, however he replies that if he chooses to protect the world it would be only to protect the two people he loves, Kotori and Fuuma. He reluctantly joins the dragons of heaven in fight which he belives will bring tranquility to his violent life of destiny. However, at this time Kotori - a childhood love of Kamui's is taken by the dragons of earth how planed to use the girl to force Kamui to their side. However, their plans change as Fuuma, Kotori's brother breaks into the dream realm where she is held captive. Fuuma then sees the first of three visions of the death of Kotori, this one by the hand of a demon winged Kamui. The violent image kindles a deep hatred within Fuuma and he joins the dragons of earth as their own Kamui.

Several one on one battles arise between the dragons of heaven and dragons of earth, and Fuuma slowly sinks into an insanity of rage. When Kotori escapes from her dream prison, Fumma kills her to obtain a sword from within her body. Kamui is left holding her body as Fuuma laughs and leaves to destroy the remaining dragons of heaven, as well as those of earth. At last, only Kamui and two others are left to defeat the near-insane Fuuma. Fuuma kills the last two dragons of heaven, and faces Kamui in a battle on Tokyo Tower. Kamui pleads for Fuuma to return, yet Fuuma charges him and Kamui is forced to kill his best friend. Kamui is left on a crumbling tower, in a dying city, embracing the head of his most beloved friend, crying out and asking for answers.

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