The merciless criminal Kain has escaped from sub-space where he has been captured! Kain, who was deprived of his freedom by the Jurai royal family whom teamed up with the GP (galaxy police), has demolished the GP headquarters and attacked the Jurai King. His next target is earth! Around the same time on earth, Tenchi's house has suddenly disappeared. What's even worse is that Tenchi's body is disappearing too! Something must have happened in the past to Tenchi's mother, Achika. So the gang must now leave for a journey to the year 1970 to save her......

Tenchi Muyo! in Love

Somehow, and I still don't know the exacts to the story, the Anime series known as Tenchi Muyo entered my life and secured it's place as my all-time favorite Anime (Anime, not Manga, mind you… that title is still strongly held by Nausicaa). It got past the wonderful, yet far from complete Nausicaa of the Valley of Wind; it beat out Gainax's classic Gunbuster, as well as their new far-too-popular-for-it's-own-good Neon Genesis Evangelion (which, I guess, still has a chance); it even knocked out the beautiful, innocent romance Aah! My Goddess! The original OAV rooted itself deep inside me, but the final assurance of it's hold on my heart came the day I finally saw Tenchi Muyo in Love.

Tenchi Muyo in Love is the first full-length feature film surrounding the wonderful world of Tenchi and his friends. TMIL is based around the first TV series (Tenchi Universe); this isn't perfectly clear, and things can be a bit confusing seeing as how TMIL came out before the TV series in the US. The story opens with the destruction of the Galaxy Police headquarters. One of the most powerful, but feared and vicious criminal to ever exist has pulled off the impossible and escaped from sub-space, and now he has a thirst for the blood of Jurai. The entity's name is Kain, brought havoc upon his place of capture, and is seen flying off into space, heading for Earth. After a moment, a variety of different scenes of the main cast begin to play, showing them in rolls and places that are rather confusing, making you wonder what exactly is going on. The brief montage fades out into an amateur film of a young, beautiful girl named Achika. Tenchi and the gang are relaxing late one night, watching the old home movies, and everyone is shocked to find out that the girl they have been watching is actually Tenchi's mother.

Things, however, don't stay normal for long. Suddenly, Achika disappears from the film, and Tenchi goes flying through the air before anyone even has a clue as to what's happening. Luckily, one person already has a grip on the situation: Washu. Sensing a disturbance in the balance between time and space, she hurried to the room, and saved Tenchi using a force shield before he "disappeared." Before he disappeared? It seems that something has happened to Tenchi's mother in the past, and Washu proves this by looking at the film footage, on which Achika slowly vanishes, frame by frame. Thus, at that moment in relative time, whatever happened to Achika caused Tenchi to never be born, and he was almost erased from existence. Washu has a slight idea of when the disturbance in time and space happens, but beyond that, little else is know as to what it is that has happened, or why. A decision is made, and only one solution is seen: travel back into the past, and make sure nothing happens to Achika.

Tenchi, Ryoko, Aeka, Sasami, Mihoshi, Kiyone, and Ryo-oh-Ki all arrive in 1970, and position themselves in different places near Achika to watch over here; Ryoko and Aeka are students, Kiyone a school janitor, Mihoshi a teacher (!), and Sasami and Ryo-oh-Ki watching after Tenchi, should he start to break into non-existance again. Meanwhile, Washu is back in the present, trying to figure out exactly what it is that causes Achika to be lost, and continues to update the group as to what she has found. Finally, the pieces of the puzzle begin to fit together. Kain, the class-4 criminal, was captured by the house of Jurai. Finally free, he seeks revenge against the family of Jurai, and has chosen Achika as his current target. Time slowly runs out until the time in which Achika is set to dissapear, and a fierce battle erupts between Tenchi, Noboyuki (Tenchi's father), Achika, and the criminal Kain.

After a few false alarms, Washu pinpoints the exact time of the attack: when the school goes to Tokyo Tower for a field trip. So the crew set up a trap for Kain.

At the field trip, Kain makes his move. Tenchi rushes in to save his mother(who's a high-schooler at the time). Kain senses a Jurain presence but can not distinguish whether it radiates from Tenchi or Achika. After a struggle, Kain is sucked into the trap, but not before he grabs Nobuyuki(Tenchi's father) and Achika. Frustrated, Tenchi, Ayeka and Ryoko find a way to get into the trap as well. Tenchi, Ayeka and Ryoko try fighting Kain but it seems useless. When Achika wakes up and finds a beat-up Nobuyuki, her Jurain powers manifest themselves. She transforms into a Jurain kimono, grabs Tenchi's sword, and slays Kain.

In the end, Kain is no more and the gang is pulled out of there. With Achika safe, Tenchi is able to be born. The movie ends with a sentimental scene where Achika tells Ayeka and Ryoko to take care of Tenchi. Where is Achika in the TV series? You just have to see the movie and find out what happens to her.

There's a lot more to the movie than just that summary. There are a lot of drama elements as well, such as how Nobuyuki and Achika came together, why Tenchi is named Tenchi......just many things about Achika you ever want to know about.

Tenchi Muyo in Love is of superb quality, especially on LaserDisc. Being jointly developed in the US and Japan, TMIL is one of the few, and maybe even only, Anime features to be created adhering to THX standards for graphics and sound. The animation and artwork are breathtakingly gorgeous, existing at a standard far above most other releases. Sound is equally rich, especially when played through a decent system. The soundtrack for TMIL was composed by Christopher Franke, a German composer known for such things as the soundtrack to Babylon 5. While one may be a bit worried about someone not common to Anime doing the score for a major release, I can assure you that Mr. Franke composition not only fits the movie perfectly, but really adds and enriches the experience. And, of course, I must address the dubbing. This is the only series I've ever seen where not only could I stand the dub, but I actually recommend and respect it. The voice actors for the Tenchi series aren't just reading their lines from whatever script is spread out in front of them, they care about who they are, what they are saying, what their words mean and how they fit into the story. Sure, the voice actors for Tenchi and Washu can be a bit rough sometimes, but when you hear the voices for characters such as Ryoko, Aeka, Mihoshi, and Kiyone, their voices are amazingly fitting. The additional voice actors for TMIL continue Pioneer's commitment to a quality dub, and Achika is done with the utmost style and class.

All of that aside, what really makes any Anime good is it's story, and while Tenchi Muyo in Love may not be revolutionary, it's how they present it that counts. I've seen TMIL countless time, and every time I watch, I still get drawn in until the very emotional ending. Tenchi Muyo fans simply could not ask for more from a connecting feature film. Not only is it in no way dissapointing, but it does exactly what a feature based on an Anime series should do: take the characters and put them into a story and adventure that just FEELS like a feature film. Tenchi Muyo in Love is truly, in my eyes, an epic, right up there with the likes of Nausicaa. You owe it to yourself to see this movie, no matter if you are a Tenchi Muyo fan or not. You sit down, you watch the movie, and when it's over, there's no doubt in your mind why you became an fan of Japanese animation in the first place.

A Daughter of Darkness can only envy the light or succumb to it! On a hot summer day, a fetching young girl named Mayuka appears to Tenchi, calling him Daddy! Jealousy and envy follow as Ryoko and Ayeka battle for Tenchi's attention with an apparently new rival. Who could the mother be?! Hiding in the background, Yuzuha, the Demoness of Darkness, is about to get her revenge against Yosho for a grudge held for over 700 years! She begins her plan by using Mayuka to steal Tenchi away to the Dimension of Darkness. So it begins again. Tenchi must fight to save his friends and Mayuka, daughter or not!

Tenchi Muyo! Manatsu no Eve!

I almost forgot how good the OVA series is.

Wow.....

Obviously, I have watched Manatsu no Eve, and it has become my new favorite Tenchi. It is wonderfully done, but I still can't help but wonder what it would have been like if they had had the budget like TMiL. Still.

Overall, artwork wise, it is on par with the OVA series, or perhaps a little better. Mayuka's design is well thought out, and jives with the "feel" of the series. Storyline wise, they must have studied the OVA series closely, because all of the manerisms, and little details are there. (For instance, Ryouko slouching on top of the beam in the living room).

This movie has a much darker feel then even TMiL. This is quite clear from the offset, the way the movie starts has a way to punch you in the stomach.

The movie not only jives with the OVA series, it also jives with the 101 with several things that were hinted to in the 101.

Both Mayuka and Kiyonne fit in, but Kiyonne is a bit different then her TV or Shin TV self. She definitly is the mature sister in this episode.

I was a bit worried about Mayuka, given that she is voiced by Iwao Junko, the voice of Key. Somehow, Key's absurdingly high voice made me fear a unapproachable character. Not so. One could just hope for a movie between Iwao and Megumi Hayashibara (Achika). Ryouko takes a beating, but also get's alot of character development. Sasami makes clear her intentions regarding Tenchi. Ayeka and Ryouko are less then pleased about it.

On the qustion of weither or not Manatsu no "Cannon" the LD clearly says: Tenchi Muyo Ryo-oh-ki: Movie Edition: Manatsu no Eve.

Finnaly, my last bit for the non-spoiler folks. There is an entire OVA series in this one episode, and I wish they had done so. Mayuka would really benifit. Mayuka-chan, we hardly knew you....

Anyways ... Below be Spoilers ...

The movie opens with the THX, Dolby Digital, and various other logos. It was really weird seing the Kadokawa logo at the start, but ah well.
 

The movie opens on Jurai. We see a girl with really poofy hair on Jurai, talking to a Jurain Boy. The boy gives her a berry, and she blushes. All of a sudden, out of nowhere, a starship hovers, about 20 Jurain Police come running. The girl goes running, trips. The Jurain Poilice get out long poles, and litterally beat her. The leader, uses a Jurain key, and slices her. She disolves into a shadow, which re-emerges later as a girl with huge years, and a poofed hair behind her. The Jurain police come at her and she disappears.

[BTW, this scene is really harsh. It's one thing to see grown ups get sliced and diced in the rougher anime's. It's quite different to see the Jurain's do this to a girl].

The same girl, now noticable older, wakes up, surrounded by toys, and a ton of TV sets. As she watches one set, she watches Tenchi & Crew preparing for christmas. useing some kind of device, she steals a hair from Tenchi's head She then goes into her lab, and combines that with her hair, in a big vat.

Some time later. All of the girls are doing chores. Kiyonne (who obviously lives there) is upstairs vacuming Nobiuyuki's office. Sasami and Aeka areoutside washing things, and Mihoshi is doing laundry. Ryouko is upstairs sleeping. Tenchi is at a family shrine. [BTW, there are 4 tombstones at the shrine, one of whom's (and the biggist of whom's) is Achika's.].

(By The way, this looks like it is exactly on the opposite side of the lake from Tenchi's Jichan's place)

Tenchi then starts walking down the stairs, feels something behind him, and hears Mayuka say "Papa". Mayuka follows Tenchi down the stairs to the house. As the girls come out, and start staring at Mayuka, Mayuka hides behind Tenchi. Mayuka then calls Tenchi "Papa" and all hell breaks loose. Ryouko dosen't believe Mayuka, and she attacks Mayuka (and I really mean attack, she was trying to inflict damage). Mayuka generates a LHW, and is about to _kill_ Ryouko, when yousho steps in and stops Mayuka. They are standing there when Washu comes out of her lab. Washu grabs a hair of Mayuka "Mayuka: Ack! Itai!" and goes into her lab to analize it.

The Girls and Tenchi are eating Ramen. Ryouko is still getting pissed (she dosen't learn). Tenchi says that he is going to the onsen. Mayuka starts to chase him (shedding her dress in the proccess, leaving her in a slip). The girls freak and grab Mayuka.

Tenchi has his shampoo and stuff, and is about to go to the onsen, when Washu stops him and tells him that yes, Mayuka really is his daughter. Tenchi _freaks_ drops the bukets, and has a look in his eyes like his life is flashin in front of him.

Sasami cuts up a watermelon, and the girls are in a bunch. Sasami shows Mayuka how to spit water mellon seeds. Washu comes and spits out watermellon seed like no-ones business. Washu tells them that Tenchi is the father. Aeka begins to fantasize about being the mother. Sasami says that perhaps she is the mother (which generates quite a response from Ayeka and Ryouko). Mihoshi says something inconsiquental. They start to fight, then notice that Mayuka is gone.

Up at the onsen (the flying onsen), Tenchi is taking a nice, quiet bath, when Mayuka (in the buff), covers his eyes with her hands. Tenchi goes off screaming (quite literall), being chased by Mayuka. (BTW, while Tenchi turns red here, no nosebleed.... Hmm).

Ryouko shows up, and proceeds to try and kill both Tenchi and Mayuka. Mayuka clinging to Tenchi's back, as Ryouko continues to attack. Yousho grabs Mayuka, covers her with a towel, and identifies himself as Tenchi's jichan. (Mayuka "Papa no Papa?").

Back at Yuzuha's lair , Yuzuha has a fit that Ryouko didn't kill everyone ;-) Then, in another flashback, we see Yuzuha's eyes glow, and three Jurain's dissolve into crystals, which she proceeds to eat. Then a kid Yousho comes up behind her, says something and gives her a berry (Startika reference again). Yuzuha is obviously touched, or crushed (as in, having a crush). (Anyone else notice that the longer TM goes on, the more Yousho resembles Tenchi?).

Mayuka, Sasami, Kiyonne and Mihoshi are outside, dressing Mayuka. (she wears that white dress with polka dots). (BTW, in this scene you can clearly see that Mayuka is younger then the rest of the girls). Mayuka runs upstairs to see Tenchi. Tenchi is in his room, resting, and Aeka and Ryouko are gaurding the door, and being quite cruel to Mayuka. Mayuka walks downstairs, obviouslly depressed.

Mihoshi has the brush she used to brush Mayuka's hair. There is a single long dark hair, which Washu looks at, then takes to her lab. (BTW, this was sooooo cool to see. For once, Mihoshi returns to her semi-competent self.

Sasami stops Mayuka, and Sasami teaches Mayuka and Mihoshi (or at least tries to teach Mihoshi) how to make oragami. Sasami just mentions christmas off the cuff, and says mentions gifts. Mayuka grabs her music box, and thinks it would be a great gift (this is really sweet if you think about it, because it is the only thing in the world Mayuka has). Mayuka shots that when you open the box, it displays a tree (a jurain style tree), and a picture of some people dancing. Mihoshi, Mayuka and Sasami fall asleep, Sasami mentioning something about Mayuka's mom (sorry, coulden't translate).

Upstairs, Aeka and Ryouko fall asleep, and Tenchi sneaks out.

Kiyonne and Nobiyuki are talking in the Garden. Nobiyuki says that he and Yousho decided that mayuka would stay, at least for a little bit.

(BTW, they are definitly setting up Kiyonne+Nobiyuki., this will make TMiL2 all the more angst driven when it comes out. )

Downstairs, the holorpojection of the tree turns into Yuzuha, and Mayuka's eyes dim over. Yuzuha is a little pissed that Mayuka isn't following the orders to kidnap Tenchi.

Tenchi is outside, about to go to the fields, when Mayuka grabs him, (rather teasingly), and runs up the stairs with Tenchi in tow. Mayuka then gives Tenchi a (rather romantic) kiss. Then green power starts swirling around them. Yousho and Washu instantly know that something is wrong.

Ryouko comes running in, and Mayuka is jolted back to reality. Mayuka realizes how close she is to Tenchi, and is embarresed. Ryouko demands to know what is going on, then takes Mayuka into the air, and drops her from very high up (think where Taro-chan is at in episode 8).

Later in the day, Mayuka wakes up, on the top of a tall tree. She screams for someone to help her.

Kiyonne and Mihoshi are out looking for Mayuka.

Tenchi and company are eating dinner. Tenchi is getting worried about Mayuka, and wants to go look for her. Ryouko is rather upset at this. Yousho brings in Mayuka, who then slaps Ryouko for trying to kill her. Ryouko then grabs her by her dress and nearly kills her again. Tenchi gets in between the two of them, while Ryouko continues to attack. Tenchi finally ends up slapping (and not a light slap, think Ayukawa style) Ryouko. Ryouko leaves. Tenchi tells Mayuka that he can't think of her as a daughter, but if she wants to be one of the girls, that's fine.

Back at Yuzuha's caveran, one of her toys (a teddy bear) makes a sarcastic remark, and Yuzuha throws a knife thru it.

Washu is in her lab, when her stomach starts growling. There is a knock at the door, and Yousho is there [There are a great many things which bother me about these exchanges, see my notes about this]. Yousho bring in lunch, which Washu attacks with a vengance.

They talk about Mayuka a bit. (Ie, what is she, what is she doing... Etc) 

Ryouko is sitting next to Funaho. Ayeka comes and talks to her. Ayeka says that she once decided that if Tenchi ever loved any one of the girls more then her, that she would leave for Jurain, but now she finds it harder to do. Sasami comes and grabs Ayeka.

(You ever want a scene in Tenchi that is just done right, this would be it).

The girls are playing with firecrackers. Mayuka holds one too long, and it burns her. Tenchi looks at it, and makes sure it's ok.
Yuzuha is watching the entire mess, and is transfixed watching Sasami play with a sparkler. Once again, a flashback. Yuzuha (in cute Jurain girl mode), meets Yousho under a tree. They start to talk, but the Jurain Security force shows up, and tries to kill her. She then dissolves back to the dark world. [BTW, I just have to say this now, this is easily the best Tenchi scene I have seen. It has a wonderfull poignency to it, and the music is unbelivalbey good.] She commands Mayuka to do something. Mayuka gathers a bunch of firecrackers in her hand, and puts them into the fire, where they all explode. Tenchi puts out the flames, and everyone checks Mayuka, who is slightly torched, but otherwise OK.

Washu and Yousho are still in her lab. Yousho says that Mayuka may be a bomb, to which Washu has an unexpected Reaction.. BTW, they are now sharing popsicles. Yousho get's a brain freeze.

All of the girls are in the same room (excpt Ryouko). They dig out Kiyonne's christmas album from last year (1996 ;-) (BTW, if they are indeed aging normally, that would now make everyone about four years older, Tenchi 20, Sasami 12-14 (depending on what timeline you go by...) .. etc). Mayuka wants to stay for the next christmas.

Tenchi goes and talks to Ryouko on the roof. (Ryouko fans, this is your one moment in the sun). Tenchi tries to confort Ryouko (which ryouko dosen't make easy). Ryouko eventually puts her head on Tenchi's shoulder.

Yuzuha wakes up Mayuka. Mayuka goes to Tenchi's room, trying to wake Tenchi saying that she is scared. Yuzuha takes over Mayuka. Mayuka again starts to kiss Tenchi, and the light comes on again. (BTW, this scene is _just_ wrong. Those of you who didn't like the Washu nurse scene, will definitly not like this scene, it made me remember why Tenchi OVA would have a late night slot, if it were ever a TV series).

(Bear in mind, it is about 3 in the morning right now). Washu _and_ Yousho come barreling in the door. Yousho generates TenchiKen, without a key. (According to the 101, you can) Ryouko pops up right after that. Once again, the effect fades. Mayuka runs away. Tenchi starts to run after her, but is stopped by Ryouko.

The entire group is outside, and Sasami is upset that everyone is giving up on Mayuka. She runs after Mayuka, with Ayeka in tow. Tenchi runs after them.

Sasami comes up, and see's the holo projection (for some reason, Sasami is able to identify Yuzuha by name). Mayuka grabs Sasami, and they disappear. Yuzuha blasts Ayeka. Tenchi and Ryouko go after Yuzuha and Sasami.

They wake up in Yuugi's lair. The toys start attacking them. Tenchi dosen't have tenchiken. (see my notes below). The floor swallows Tenchi and Ryouko. The next thing they here is "Merry Christmas" in a rather spooky voice by Mayuka. Mayuka and Ryouko fight. Tenchi starts to generate the LHW's, but it dosen't work (but looks really cool). A chrismas ribbon from hell attacks, wrapping Tenchi and Ryouko, Ryouko slices away the ribbon, and Tenchi plummets down. Ryouko flies away, but runs into the teddy bear from hell, and is knocked out.

Yousho explains that LHW's won't work in the Dark World.

Tenchi and Ryouko wake up, and see Sasami trapped on one of the tree's. (she is unconcious). Yuzuha explains that Mayuka is actually created from her DNA + Tenchi's DNA. Since the LHW's are not a trait due to DNA, Mayuka's LHW's where just light tricks ;-) Mayuka attacks Tenchi, while ryouko is a bit incapacitated. Sasami wakes up, and screams and pleads for Mayuka to stop. She does end up getting thru to Mayuka, and Mayuka is no longer under Yuzuha's control. Yuzuha blasts Mayuka. Mayuka slices Yuzuha's eye, which heals. Yuzuha blasts Mayuka again. Mayuka can't get up, and she says something to Ryouko, and then Tenchi, and then sasami. After she finished talkign to Sasami, she dies (Which Sasami takes really hard), with Tenchi pulling her away from Mayuka.

Later, Washu comes in, and tells everyone that she can re-create Mayuka. But only if everyone agrees. Everyone looks at Ryouko, who says yes, and that now Mayuka can be raised right. Tenchi, Washu and Sasami get a look of utter horror on their face, as they think about the horror of a child raised by Ryouko.

They then do a series of Pastals, ala the end of Episode 7, and 13, where they show Mayuka growing, and then being taken care of by the girls. (BTW< Sasami, not Ryouko is taking care of Mayuka).

The last thing on the LD is a concert. Washu's VA sings the Japanese version of "Silent Night". Pretty cool.

Anyways, now my comments. There is a lot here. First of all, this movie fit in very cleanly with the OVA series. Even small little mannerisms, like Ryouko sleeping on top of the beam in the family room (which Zero does in episode 11). Likewise, Mihoshi, Washu and Sasami all revert to their OVA selfs. Mihoshi is not hurt by Kiyonne's presence, but that is because Kiyonne and Mihoshi are never together in the entire flick (other then in a group).

Kiyonne herself fits in very well, but as a possible interest of Nobiyuki, not Tenchi. (There are two scenes where it is just Nobiyuki and Kiyonne). Kiyonne does play a fairly good "older sister" to tenchi. For instance, in the scene where the girls are trying to figure out what is going on, Kiyonne defuses a situation that could have become ugly, by asking Mayuka who her mom is. Kiyonne fit's in, and is fairly inconspicus. (BTW, she also clearly lives in the Masaki domicile, not an appartment, because she is helping out with the chores at the beggining of the movie.) (More to the point, she is vaccuming Nobiyuki's office).

Washu, washu.. This is where things are a bit interesting, because they did not go exactly back to Washu's OVA self, but the new attributes they gave her, are not from TV or STM either. Washu is constantly eating in this one. (Me with my paranoid consipiracy brain came up with something about this, but there is no secondary evidence to that either). She did get the person working behind the scene's attributes again. Also, when she saw Mayuka generating the fake LHW, she get's the exact same expression on her face, that she got when Tsunami shows up in OVA 6.

A Few points: a) Washu calls Yousho "Katsuhito". No-one else does. b) Washu and Yousho are together from about noon one day to early in the morning the next. When Mayuka pulls her stunt the second time, Yousho and Washu appear, at the same time in Tenchi's room, TOGETHER. c) Washu and Yousho sharing popsicles. d) Yousho bringing Washu dinner, just happaning to know that she would be hungry...

Hmm, well, I don't know why I am complaining so much, it works very nice with my theroies.

A Couple of more points. -) Yousho generating a blade, w/o TenchiKen. -) Speeking of which, where is TenchiKen anyways? Not in this movie. could this have anything to do with Tenchiken's importance in TMiL? -) they still have not named Tenchi's mother, in the OVA's or MNE. -) Their were four graves when Tenchi goes to the shrine, whoose are the other three? -) Yuzuha is Yuugi. Their attitued, style are very similar. Yet in Shin Tenchi, Yuugi is growing to compete for Tenchi. In Manatsu, Tenchi kills Yuzuha. Yuzuha was interesting, meerly for the fact that she is a redeamable character. Yet, they redeem this character, but do not stop from killing her. (Think Nakago from FY).

Anyways, this movie is by far the best since the OVA's, and in fact, probibly the best since OVA episode 6. The villian certainly is cooler then an inverted Black Hole. In terms of Balance between comedy and storyline, this does very well, tho not as well as OVA episode 11.

The last thing I came away with, is that it is unfortunate that they had a tighter budget then TMiL. Esp because I can't think of any one outstanding Anime sequence in TMiL (perhaps the exception being the Operative being chased by Ryouko). A budget, and about twice as long would be great.

Actually, there is the basis for an entire OVA series here. A lot of things that they just touched (like Kiyonne) would be better presented, and certainly the climatic scenes in the dark world would have done better, if seperated a little more from the "Christmas from hell" theme.

All in All, an awesome movie tho. Look for screen Captures and other thing The last thing I came away with, is that it is unfortunate that they had a tighter budget then TMiL. Esp because I can't think of any one outstanding Anime sequence in TMiL (perhaps the exception being the Operative being chased by Ryouko). A budget, and about twice as long would be great.

Actually, there is the basis for an entire OVA series here. A lot of things that they just touched (like Kiyonne) would be better presented, and certainly the climatic scenes in the dark world would have done better, if seperated a little more from the "Christmas from hell" theme.

The director of this film is Toru Kimura of "Miracle Girls " and "Akazukin Chachacha ". Original script is by Naoko Hasegawa who also wrote the OVA and novel versions of TENCHI.

In a spaceship heading to the Earth, young Youshou is taking care of a young woman, Haruna, who is ill in the bed.

At Masaki Shrine, people are out to clear the petals of cherry blossoms covering all over the ground. Katsuhito finds a flower of camellia. It impresses him no less than the cherry blossoms and he makes a poem on it. Aeka and Ryouko are no mood for poem. They are in the middle of their routine quarrel. Tenchi does his part of the routine by trying to mediate between them. But today the girls react slightly differently. They want a clear answer from Tenchi; which of them does he want? Tenchi cannot answer such a question and runs away into the forest.

There Tenchi finds an old and magnificent camellia in full bloom. Then an image of Haruna, naked, appears on its trunk like an illusion. She speaks to Tenchi, "Tenchi... let's go". As if enchanted, Tenchi walks straight to the tree and vanishes. Aeka and Ryouko come to look for him but find no sign of him.

Everyone looks for Tenchi under Washuu's direction. She investigates all the data available about him to guess his whereabout. Kiyone enters the Science Academy with a forged ID card made by Washuu. She is relieved to come out of the checking room only find her partner joyously shouting "How wonderful of Washuu-san. She can even forge the ID card of th Science Academy!" Sasami has come back in Jurai Star, welcomed by Azaka and Kamidake (the knights), and immediately heads for the Royal Room. Aeka and Ryouko are on a train running a rural area.

Back at the Masaki's, Nobuyuki comes back from the police after registering Tenchi as a missing person. It is already six months after he disappeared. Nobuyuki is very worried but Katsuhito is sure Tenchi is tough enough to survive.

Ryouko investigates the registry at the town office of Ooi. She meets outside the office Aeka, who has been looking for Tenchi separately in the town. Both has had no success. Ryouko thinks the sensor on her wrist is the only way to find him now however long it may take.

Aeka and Ryouko are working in a family restaurant. They have been earning money like this while traveling in search of Tenchi. Back in their hotel [ryokan, a Japanese-style inn] room, they encourage each other to find their man when they receive a routine call from Washuu. The lack of good news does not seem to discourage her much; she is sure about her calculations which tells Tenchi is in the town.

Tenchi is floating in the darkness with red petals flying around. He has been looking for Ryouko and Aeka in vein and doesn't even know where he is now.

It was a dream. He wakes up in a shabby room [Haruna's room is not only shabby but old fashioned. It's something a poor student would have used during 70's. Also all of Haruna's world is hued with brown/sepia colour]. Somehow he looks older and his hair has grown really long. He is only half awake and find a woman in the kitchen, cooking breakfast. Seeing Tenchi has waken up, she urges him get up; otherwise he will be late for school. She comes in to the room and open the curtain and the gives him a morning kiss. Now Tenchi appears fully awake, "Good morning, Haruna." [He seems not to remember the dream] Haruna comes out of the house to pick a flower from a camellia to decorate their breakfast table. An old woman of the next door offers her some persimmons.

When she comes back to the room, Tenchi is trying to make the TV set work as somehow it shows only noise. The breakfast is simple but Tenchi enjoys it, except for natto. He seems to remember that he told her he didn't like it but Haruna isn't sure [hinting the confusion in Tenchi's memory]. After breakfast, he leaves for his college. Haruna sees him off from the window.

Sasami is in the Royal Room. She is accessing to their network for information about Tenchi's location as told by Washuu.

Aeka and Ryouko are on the bus in the town. While Aeka watches the street for the sign of Tenchi, Ryouko takes a nap. She claims Aeka's sleep-talking was too loud last night for her to sleep. Aeka talks back bitterly when the sensor on Ryouko's wrist rings the alarm. Aeka finds Tenchi walking down the street. Ryouko dashes off the bus and chases him. But soon he "disappears" in the crowd. By the time Aeka catches up, all his signs are gone. But both are sure it was Tenchi, despite his older look. Ryouko looks up an old tall building nearby.

Washuu is confused to hear their report. If it was Tenchi, why didn't it synchronise with Tenchi's "air"? [probably something Washuu has been sensing.] She think the entire date must be re-checked and cuts off the communication, leaving poor Ryouko and Aeka at a loss.

That evening, Haruna sits on the window sill and looks up the starry sky. She is doing a model for Tenchi's drawing. He calls it a day as Haruna looks a little tired. He shows his drawing to her, which pleases her very much. But he is not satisfied, "It somewhat lacks reality." Haruna repeats she love the drawing which *he* draws for her then lies herself on tatami invitingly. Tenchi understands what she wants and put his drawing aside. In futon Haruna enjoys Tenchi's warmth. As he feels her face with his hand, Tenchi tells her he feels as if he is dreaming. Haruna assures him it is not a dream.

In the mean time, Katsuhito finds the camellia into which Tenchi disappeared. He is deeply shocked by something.

Aeka and Ryouko continues their search of Tenchi in the town.

It is heavily raining. Haruna waits for Tenchi at the gate of his college with an extra umbrella for him in her hand. Tenchi, however, doesn't appear for sometime. Watching other students somehow makes her timid and, when Tenchi eventually comes out of the gate, she has been sitting down on the heels. A few kind words from Tenchi are enough to cheer her up. Tenchi wonders how she could come here. She tells him she got a permission to be out for a short time. Tenchi doesn't receive the umbrella but puts his arm around her shoulders instead. He seems a little embarrassed at what he is doing but the couple happily walk away.

Ryouko and Aeka are on the top of the tall building, near which they lost Tenchi's sight the other day. From there they can have a good view of the town. Ryouko takes a melon bread from a bag and divides it into two to share. But the bread wasn't divided cleanly in half. She compares two pieces and, after a good hesitation, decides to give the bigger one to Aeka [^_^;;] when she takes the small one without thinking. Aeka is pretty down at the lack of clues to Tenchi. Ryouko cheers her up by saying, "You're angry because it was the smaller piece, right?" Then she suddenly switches the subject to the Tenchi's home. "The house must be pretty a lonely place now." To clear the air, Ryouko shouts at "Hey, Tenchi, the bastard! Where are you now!?" Aeka follows her example, "Yeah, how can you leave such a pretty girl like me behind!?" Then Ryouko opens another routine quarrel; "Aeka doesn't matter but came back to me!" It is a routine they have forgotten. Aeka knows it is her way to cheer her up and thanks Ryouko honestly.

Suddenly Ryouko's sensor sets off the alarm again. They see Tenchi far down. He is with Haruna and about to turn the corner. Ryouko jumps off the building and flies to Tenchi. But again she soon loses his sight. Aeka catches up with Ryouko and wonders who the woman was. Ryouko doesn't want to know.

The fact Tenchi was with a woman does affect the two girls. Ryouko is less keen to work at the restaurant and it is obvious Aeka is dejected. The manager gets worried for Aeka and asks her what has happened. Aeka pretends to be OK but a gentle word of the manager triggers her emotion. She runs to the ladies' and bursts into tears.

Kiyone clings to a wire and goes down in the computer room. She is trying to crack the Dimension Fixing System of the Academy as her partner makes her task as difficult as possible by shouting down at her, "Are you all right!?" Kiyone knows, if found out, she will get a life sentence.

Aeka has a dream where Tenchi comes back to their home but disappears just before she can touch him. She wakes up and looks at Ryouko in her futon showing her back towards Aeka. Aeka knows she is awake and asks her "Who is that lady?" Tenchi's happy look, as if he has forgotten everything, worries her tremendously. "Who is she!? Why is she with him!?" She cannot keep her tears back. Ryouko gently asks her if she wants to go home. The six month may have taken Tenchi away from their reach. "She was pretty." Ryouko continues, if he has really forgotten them and are happy now, could she give him up without hesitation? Aeka cannot answer. Ryouko is still gentle, "Don't worry too much. With such a tired look on your face, you'll be no match to her." Aeka is now clam, "You're tough, Ryouko-san."

Next morning the two girls are cleaning the windows of the restaurant when Ryouko's sensor finds Tenchi for the third time. But, for the third time, Ryouko loses his sight.

Haruna tidies up Tenchi's room while he is at college. She sees the drawing of herself on an easel, which brings a gentle smile on her face. Then she finds a sketch on another easel. It is a very rough image of a woman's face but definitely resembles Ryouko. She fiercely tears it.

When Tenchi comes back in the evening, he notices that the sketch is torn. He wants to know if she did it. Haruna doesn't answer but only sobs. Tenchi repents his show of his emotion over such a small issue and apologise her. He suggests to go out for lunch.

They come to a jeweler. Haruna is keen on a ring. Although it is expensive, Tenchi agrees to buy it and put it on her left ring finger. [It's not clear here but they bought a pair of the rings and Tenchi wears one, too.]

At the restaurant, Aeka is cheerfully working. Ryouko is relieved to see it and asks her about her quick recovery. "Oh, this is what I usually am. Besides, you can never tell Tenchi-sama may come to this restaurant." The manager wants Ryouko to be as keen as Aeka and she hastily gets back to work. Then Ryouko's sensor rings the bell again but the two girls cannot find him. The next moment, something happens to the space and the restaurant changes its look into an old-fashioned one and all the customers vanish. Instead they find Tenchi seated with Haruna.

Haruna is eating macaroni gratin. Tenchi, having finished his meal, wonders if they were too extravagant over the rings. Perhaps they should cut down the living cost for a while. Haruna tells him there is no need to worry about money but Tenchi isn't convinced; Haruna's part-time job doesn't bring in too much money. Haruna is quick to change the subject and Tenchi gives up discussing about the money.

Ryouko and Aeka come to the table and talk to Tenchi. Haruna glares fiercely at them but Tenchi shows no sign of hearing them. Tenchi and Haruna continues their conversation but it is obvious that Haruna is aware of the girls. Ryouko tries to touch him but fails; he is like an illusion. Yet, as if responding to Ryouko's plea, Tenchi gets a headache. Haruna quickly comes to next her, passing Ryouko's body [Haruna's body is not real, either]. Ryouko hits at Haruna in vain. She looks at the two girls with a cold triumphant smile on her face and then says to Tenchi, "Let's go home now." The same change happened again, but in the opposite direction this time; Tenchi and Haruna vanishes as the other customers come back with the modern interior of the restaurant. Ryouko and Aeka don't understand what has happened but they are not only ones; Washuu, who has been monitoring the scene, doesn't either. "Haruna, who the hell is she..."

Sasami is about to leave Jurai for the Earth with an empty hand. She is standing in front of a big statue of Youshou. Azaka and Kamidake come to see her off. Kamidake murmurs "It may be a fate in the family." Long time ago Youshou also vanished. He abandoned his status as the Royal Heir and ran away with his love.

Washuu is excited by the information from Sasami. Haruna was the name of the woman who ran away with Youshou.

At the ryokan room, Aeka and Ryouko discusses about what happened to them during the day. They are really at a loss when Washuu appears on the TV screen in the room; "How are you?" The girls are too dejected too respond. Washuu knows why, "Perhaps Tenchi-dono disappeared before you like a mist?" Washuu explains that Tenchi is in a parallel world [Is this an ad for "Dual"? ^_^] but hasn't been stabilised yet. That's why he appears in this world from time to time. And it was Haruna who took Tenchi to the parallel world.

Ryouko wants to know how to get Tenchi back. Washuu tells they must fix the dimensions of the both world first with the Dimension Fixing System of the Science Academy. Kiyone and Mihoshi are already at it. She tells that Tenchi's body is being stabilised gradually at this very moment and thus the action should be taken as soon as possible.

Tenchi is finishing his painting of Haruna in his room. But images of Ryouko linger in his head. White oil colour on his pallet reminds him of her hair and he starts shaping the colour into Ryouko's hair style [a hedgehog ^_^;;]. Haruna, sitting on the window sill, sees the town changing its colour from sepia to grey. Sensing something wrong is going, she runs to Tenchi, who is now back at Haruna's painting. He declares he calls it a day as he has been suffering from a headache. Haruna is concerned; he doesn't look well. Tenchi comes near the window and says to Haruna he doesn't like the pink colour of the curtain. Beige or sky blue would do. Haruna agrees to buy a new one but then clings to Tenchi. "I feel as if you're leaving for somewhere."

Katsuhito, in his traveling clothes, visits an enormous camellia tree. "Haruna... you must have been lonely..." He makes a fire at the foot of the tree and drinks sake. Washuu's image appears in the flame. She urges him to tell everything; they don't have much time left as Tenchi is getting stable quickly. Katsuhito agrees and starts talking about his past as Youshou, Juralian.

She was his lover and they left Jurai for the Earth. But the life in space was too much for Haruna, who was delicate by nature. She soon developed serious illness. One day he brought a vase, full of camellia. She was aware that her life wouldn't be too long. She thanked Youshou deeply and passed away. After landed on the Earth, Youshou buries her body and planted her tree at the same place. Jurai people have one's own tree and the camellia tree was hers. It is one before him now that Youshou planted long time ago. The tree got a new life on the Earth, which persuaded Youshou to have his new life here. He wanted to show the beautiful planet to Haruna and traveled, planting the camellia at many places. The big camellia at the back of Masaki Shrine is one of them. When he planted it, he met Itsuki, Tenchi's grandmother. Youshou, who determined to live with Haruna, betrayed him before he knew. No wonder she still bears a grudge against him.

Washuu checks with him that it is Haruna who took Tenchi away. Katsuhito hoped it wasn't but now he is sure. He knows the original camellia is about to die. It used its energy to the last drop to bloom. That energy waked up Haruna's soul, which has been asleep. Washuu wonder why it was Tenchi, not Youshou. Katsuhito answers, "He is very gentle and I'm now too old to accept her love."

Haruna comes into Tenchi's room and is satisfied to see her painting almost finished. There is no unwanted sketch on the other easel. But she finds a smaller canvas hidden behind the painting of her.

Tenchi is trying hard to remove her misunderstanding. He thinks Haruna broke the sketch again for jealousy and tells her the girl of the sketch does not exist, except in his head. Haruna only says, "I hate her." Tenchi gets really frustrated and throws his body to the drying place [It's difficult to explain but please imagine one in Maison Ikkoku; a small space outside of the upper floor of a building to dry your washings. Here its height is the same as the window sill. So Tenchi can sit on the window sill and then lie his upper body there]. Haruna's attitude isn't the only problem. He isn't sure of himself, either. Then Haruna approaches and lies herself over him, after sensually touching his legs. She gently yet determinedly demands his answer, "Do you love me?"

Having planned about the Dimension Fixing System, Washuu's concern is now how to transmit the Jurai energy. She needs a few relay station to send the energy to Tenchi. The camellia trees Katsuhito planted would be ideal!! (Un)luckily Kiyone and Mihoshi come back from the Academy. As soon as she receives the date for the Dimension Fixing System, Washuu asks the next favour to them [^_^;;].

Tenchi is sitting on a swing in a park. Images of the real world, especially Ryouko, pop up in his head but he doesn't know what to do with them.

Washuu puts a wire around the trunk of the camellia tree into which Tenchi disappeared. A SD doll of Washuu is put at the knot of the wire. Now all she has to do is wait for Kiyone and Mihoshi to do the same treatment to other trees. They do their task as expectedly [Mihoshi proves herself to be useful for the first time in the film ^_^;;]. When everything is ready, Kiyone shouts, "Tenchi-san, we'll rescue you right away!"

Haruna has set up the lunch for Tenchi but he has no appetite. Even the pumpkin salad she made specially for him fails to interest him. He tries to turn on the TV without a success, "What's going on in this world!?" The ring on his finger reminded something; what's happened to the money for the rings? He checks the bank passbook in a drawer and is shocked; the same numbers are repeated in it. This is not a real one! Haruna tries to persuade him not to think about it but he isn't moved. Then Tenchi lies down because of pain. Haruna, for the first time, apologises to him for the truth, "I'm sorry. I just wanted to be happy with you." Tenchi calmly replies, "I loved you, too. But now, I'm not sure if I can love you forever." All Haruna can do is sob.

Katsuhito in his Juralian costume faces Haruna's camellia as Washuu activates the Dimension Fixing System. She calls Ryouko and Aeka, "Are you ready?" Their determined and somehow cheerful look impresses Washuu, "A woman in love is tough, isn't she?" In the meantime, Sasami concentrates her mind on the Jurai energy. The energy is pumped into the town of Ooi thought the camellias. Something like a gate opens above Ryouko and Aeka.

Ryouko and Aeka fall from the sky to the drying place of Tenchi's room. Looking up at them falling, Tenchi momentarily remembers Ryouko's name. Ryouko lands on the space but poor Aeka misses it and hits her hip hard against the ground. Ryouko tells her to go around to the entrance. When Aeka is about to do so, she is stopped by the old woman of the next door, "Haru-chan, have some persimmons" [showing the inconsistency of Haruna's world].

Tenchi cannot remember Ryouko but at least recognises her as the woman in his head. Haruna gets in between them when the TV set suddenly shows a program that never fits the nostalgic world of Haruna. She throws a small pan to it and destroys it. Then she takes Tenchi to the kitchen, where Aeka arrives from the entrance. Pitched by them, Haruna looks a little worried. But Ryouko's dirty shoes ignite her fury, "How can you come into my heart with muddy shoes!?" [This is a Japanese saying. "Stamping one's heart with muddy shoes" means hurting someone in a rude and merciless way.]. With a frightening look on her face, she lets her power out; "You all, vanish!"

Washuu is surprised at what is going on. Energy is coming out of the parallel world!

Ryouko and Aeka find themselves in the darkness. Then Haruna appears in front of them. She is defiant; "It's simple. I want him. So I took him here." Ryouko tries to talk back but Haruna's isn't moved. She claims Ryouko and Aeka are the same as her in trying to restrict Tenchi. "So the one who loves him most will win."

Washuu now realises her mistake. It isn't a parallel world, "That's why the time axes don't match."

Ryouko and Aeka are back on the top of the building. Washuu explains the situation to them thought Ryouko's bracelet. It is not a parallel world but Haruna's creation. She wanted Tenchi at a certain age, slightly older than he really is. That's why the time axes of the two world didn't match. That the world is created by Haruna's passion means non further intervention by science is possible. Unless Tenchi remembers the real world, he will never be able to come back. To make things even worse, Tenchi's Jurai energy is consumed to sustain Haruna's world.

Tenchi, with a short hair, floats in the darkness. This time he is looking for Haruna but hears Ryouko and Aeka calling. "Who are calling me?"

Then he wakes up in Haruna's room. A very similar sequence with one at the beginning of the film is repeated, except that Tenchi is waring the ring and the curtain is now sky blue. But just when Haruna tries to give him a morning kiss, Ryouko and Aeka break into the room from the sky (this time, Aeka lands successfully, too). Ryouko tries to separate Haruna from Tenchi but Haruna is determined to be with him. Aeka, on the other hand, tries to persuade her, "At least we don't make such a big lie [Haruna's world] to get Tenchi." Haruna doesn't care as long as Tenchi is here with her. Ryouko and Aeka try to recover Tenchi's memory. Ryouko is about to resort physical power when Tenchi, who has been seeing images of the real world, cries out, "Stop! Don't hurt Haruna!" While the two girls are shocked at this unexpected words, Tenchi continues his words, "Please understand how Haruna feels, too" [This "too" implies "as well as yours" so I think he has recovered his memory at this time]. It is easy for Haruna to send the two distrusted girls away.

Ryouko and Aeka are back in the top of the building again. Washuu appears through the communicator, "I told you so." This time the shock to Ryouko was bigger than one to Aeka. Ryouko doesn't even try to get up to listen to Washuu but remains lying with tears in her eyes, "I couldn't do anything!"

Tenchi wakes up in his futon for the third time. Another similar, but less similar, sequence is repeated. This time Tenchi asks a question, "Haruna, who are you?" She admits she knew he has recovered his memory but quickly change the subject. "What a fine day! If only you agree to, we can have this peaceful happy life for ever!" But today's Tenchi is different and he wants to know the truth, "But I don't remember how I met you!!"

Back in the real world, Katsuhito slashes Haruna's camellia with his sacred sword. He pours his energy into the tree though the sword. It sends Haruna in the other world into a fit. She screams and rolls around for the pain. Not knowing what is happening, Tenchi wants to tell something to frantic Haruna. "Calm down! This is your world, right? Then why do you lie to yourself!? What are you afraid of!?" But she isn't listening. She gives one big scream.

Haruna is now on the space ship with Youshou. The Earth is in front of them. She is very pleased to see it but knows her weakened body will not be able to stand the landing. Youshou regrets having taken her to this journey but Haruna doesn't. The journey with his so far is worth her life. "I'm so happy to see the planet we were planning to live is so beautiful." Youshou holds her in his arms and answers her questions; the same questions she asked Tenchi.
"Do you love me?"
"Yes."
"Will you be with me forever?"
"Yes. I will be with you."

Haruna's mind is now back and she is sobbing. Petals of camellia fly into the room from the window and Youshou appears in the room.

Washuu is alarmed to see the energy of the other world is rapidly diminishing. She tells Aeka it means the other world will soon perish, perhaps along with Tenchi.

Youshou asks Haruna if she recognises him. She tells that she just had a dream of him. Youshou gently corrects her, "No, Haruna, that time was only reality for you." He blames himself for letting her die with unfulfilled passion but Haruna knows no one was to blame. "You'll return my grandson to us?" Haruna cannot answer but looks down with tears wetting her rap. She is surprised to see Tenchi put his hand on hers. His tenderness is enough for Haruna, already softened by Youshou. "I'm sorry, Tenchi. It was me who lost myself. I was just completing my dream which I couldn't with him."

Now Haruna stands next to Youshou, who tells Tenchi to return to the place where people are waiting for you. Haruna has his painting of her in her hand and promises to cherish it. In return Tenchi vows her that he will remember her forever. But Haruna has a different view, "No, you will forget me and that's the way it should be." Youshou and Haruna slowly vanishes as the petals now flying out of the room. Only her ring is left on tatami.

Aeka tries to persuade Ryouko to go to the world again to save Tenchi but Ryouko has given up her hopes, "He won't come back." But Aeka keeps persuading her with all her passion. Ryouko sarcastically replies, "Why don't you go then?" Aeka's answer surprises her, "If I could... but I want *you* to go!" She continues to tell her, if the other world is about to vanish, Tenchi may need her help. Washuu agrees, now that the power of the other world has subsided, it may be possible to take him back. She says her system is still active to send at least Ryouko. It is Aeka's words that finally put Ryouko back on her legs again; "As long as there is a hope, if you lie to yourself, you will lose sight of yourself."

Ryouko is back in the parallel world and slowly approaches to the window of Haruna's room. She is surprised as Tenchi appears suddenly at the window. He now remembers her and tells her that everything has been settled about Haruna. Relieved, Ryouko shows her real feeling to Ryouko and admits that she didn't mean to come again because Tenchi no longer needed her. "I'm sorry, Ryouko, but I was sure *you* would understand me." Then the twisted side of her nature comes out but Tenchi knows what she really means. Ryouko pulls Tenchi into the sky to escape from the vanishing world. He left his and Haruna's rings by the camellia the table. "Tenchi, have the last look at this world."

Katsuhito stands in front of Haruna's camellia, which is now dead. He gently speaks to it, "Good night, Haruna." Then his sleeve is pulled by someone. It is Itsuki as a young girl. "Don't be so jealous, Itsuki."

The life at Masaki Shrine is back to its norm. Sasami is baking sweet potatoes with a bonfire with Mihoshi, Kiyone, Washuu and Aeka. Aeka wonders where Tenchi is. Kiyone tells her he has gone to the back of the shrine. Tenchi has been sketching a forest over the lake. Ryouko comes to the place. "Did you think I've disappeared again?" "If so, I'd come and take you back." Looking at Tenchi, who looks as he used to be again, Ryouko thinks she prefers him like this. She finds he has been sketching. Tenchi points out his father used to do the same at the age of Tenchi. "Drawing makes me feel nostalgic as if there existed something really important to me." Ryouko and Tenchi enjoys the scenery side by side.