Tenchi Muyou! in Love 2: Haruka naru omoi

Title:Tenchi Muyou! in Love 2: Haruka naru omoi
Tenchi Forever
Tenchi The Movie 3: Tenchi Forever
Overall:Buy
Keywords: , , , ,
Notables: INOUE Kikuko
KIKUCHI Masami
NEGISHI Hiroshi
ORIKASA Ai
R1 License - FUNimation
YOKOYAMA Chisa
It is spring and the cherry blossoms are falling. As Tenchi and the rest clean up the shrine grounds, Ryoko and Ayeka get into a fight over a rake. Tenchi attempts to stop them from fighting but instead has Ayeka demand that he choose herself and Ryoko. Ryoko agrees and rather than make a choice, Tenchi runs away to the woods where he litterally disappears into a tree.

Six months later, Tenchi is still missing. Mihoshi and Kiyone are undercover at the Science Academy to provide Washu access to the academy's computer system. Sasami has gone to Jurai to use their network and Washu has tracked Tenchi to the Tokyo area. Ryoko and Ayeka have moved to Tokyo to continue the physical search. When they find him, he appears to be much older. Not only that, but he's with another woman and doesn't seem to be able to see or hear him. What is going on? Who is this strange woman? What is her connection to Yosho and what does she want with Tenchi? Will Tenchi choose Haruna over the rest of the girls?
[edit] The ↗Tenchi Muyou! franchise (original and still ongoing):

"↗Kajishima original canon" stories: Note: The GXP anime series is trumped by the novels from series creator KAJISHIMA Masaki. The canon GXP novels confirm that "Dual!" is set billions of years ago and why some of the characters are reincarnated in OVA 5. The "Paradise Wars" novels are included in the canon, which are also referenced in Tenchi Muyo! Ryo-ohki OVA 5.

"↗Hasegawa canon" stories: Note: The full Hasegawa spinoff continuity is captured in novel form.

"↗Negishi canon" stories: Non-canon Tenchi remake: Magical Girl Pretty Sammy (spin-off): Sasami (spin-off): Ai Tenchi Muyo (spin-off):
OverallArtAnimationCharacter Design MusicSeries StoryEpisode StoryReviewer
Buy 10 9 9 9 9 Ggultra2764 [series:131#1552]
Tenchi Forever is a movie that will be quite a surprise for fans of the Tenchi series to watch. The comedy and Ryoko-Ayeka bickering that the series is well-known for is barely present in this movie. Instead, we are left with a greater focus on the mystery surrounding Tenchi's disappearance and the emotional drama as Ryoko and Ayeka suffer from the lack of Tenchi's presence in their lives showing how greatly the two love the guy.

Being the finale to the Tenchi Universe continuity, Tenchi Forever features a couple aspects to it that make it stand out from most Tenchi Muyo anime. First, the movie features a villian that viewers will sympathize with in the form of Haruna, a woman trying to experience the love she couldn't have from dying young. Having a past relationship to Tenchi's grandfather Yosho, Haruna made for a more believable character to be an antagonist for this movie than what was seen from Kain in the first Tenchi movie.

The second aspect is that Tenchi finally chooses which girl he is in love with. All the girls hold a place in Tenchi's heart as family or friends. But, there was one girl that he had fallen for and even when he lost his memories while in Haruna's world, he still remembers that one girl as symbolized through the flashbacks and drawings that Tenchi makes of this girl. This helps create an emotionally powerful resolution to the Ryoko/ Ayeka/ Tenchi love triangle for the Tenchi Universe series.

The art and music were high quality for this film. The character designs and artwork were more polished reflecting this movie's more serious tone. Tenchi's older look while in Haruna's world was a fresh look for his character. The emotionally powerful music compositions from Tenchi Muyo in Love are retained for this movie as they blend in perfectly with the drama that takes place in this movie.

If you are a fan of the usual Tenchi Muyo humor, then you may not enjoy this movie. Comedy is hardly present in Tenchi Forever. But if you are a fan of emotionally-driven dramas, Tenchi Forever is guaranteed to give you a good romantic drama and a great conclusion to the Tenchi Universe series.

Last updated Monday, March 24 2008. Created Monday, March 24 2008.
Buy Stretch [series:131#628]
Pretty damn good! The first half was an intriguing mystery which I really enjoyed. After it became fairly clear what had actually happened to Tenchi, the movie remained interesting because of the unusual way the conflict is resolved. The "villain" is not an evil person who must be destroyed. Probably the most violent scene is when a tree gets cut down! I wouldn't be surprised if there was more poignance, more emotion, in this single movie than in the entire Tenchi Universe series combined. (Speaking of parallel universes, I was surprised to see Azaka and Kamidake depicted as real live men instead of wooden gatekeeper robots!).
My favorite line:
"I do NOT talk like a chipmunk! You're the one who always grinds her teeth--and last night you even farted!" --Ayeka

Last updated Saturday, January 10 2004. Created Saturday, January 10 2004.
Buy 9 9 9 7 7 Kari [series:131#798]
It seems the problems never end for Tenchi. This time he manages to get himself sucked into a tree, by a woman named Haruna. This Tenchi film is a very serious one, well certainly more serious than the Tenchi Muyo sagas anyway, meaning I don't think this was written for laughs. It starts out with Ayeka and Ryoko doing what they do best, bickering...over a broom.

Tenchi, peacemaker that he is, intervenes in Ryoko and Ayeka's little dispute, causing himself to be given an ultimatum: "Tenchi you have to choose!" Yes, the girls ask Tenchi to choose between the two of them. Anyone who's watched Tenchi, knew he was not going to make a decision, so don't go buying this thinking he will. Instead he distracts them with a lame excuse, and escapes into the woods. Around this time he sees a beautiful woman...nude in a tree. It's always a bad decision to listen to naked women who appear in trees, everyone knows that.



Well after Tenchi's been missing for about 6 months, his crew finally decides to take matters into their own hands, and search for him. There are a couple of cat fights over who Tenchi belongs to and some crying. The dub isn't bad. I've always liked Petrea Burchard as the voice of Ryoko.



This a 'hurt the women who love me' Tenchi episode stretched to 95 minutes. Unless you're a die hard Tenchi fan, who must own everything Tenchi related, watch this. I only gave it a "Buy" rating because it's so cheap. I bought it for $3.00 on DVD, but that's a rare find.



Last updated Friday, November 17 2006. Created Sunday, June 22 2003.
Buy 10 9 9 8 9 AstroNerdBoy [series:131#436]
I'd heard that Tenchi Forever finally had Tenchi make his choice between Ayeka and Ryoko. So I was keen to get this final story in the Tenchi Universe saga. It was well worth the wait. Except for the very beginning and one brief moment toward the middle of the movie, the humor of the Tenchi Universe series is gone. This is a serious tale that is not only about love, but about growing up and maturing as a person. First, Sasami takes on an adult role when she returns to Jurai to aid in the search. Gone is the child-like joy and replaced by the serious nature of her work.

Next, we have Ryoko and Ayeka. Both have been rivals since their youth and both love Tenchi a great deal. Both learn to put aside their differences and work together for a common goal. One learns that it is OK to sacrifice their desires and allow another to be with Tenchi. The other learns that it is OK to try one last time even though it might mean being rejected. In the end, everything works out for both parties.

Tenchi also learns that it is OK to love one of the girls. Tenchi loves all of the girls staying at his home as sisters and friends. Yet one girl has captured his heart and he doesn't know how to let her know this without hurting the other girl. Tenchi made his choice a long time ago, and this is shown in the drawings he does in the parallel world. He doesn't remember Ayeka or Ryoko, but one is so deep in his heart that she comes to the surface repeatedly. Very touching.

The only bad part was that there was some brief nudity (nothing like the OAV series though) and a couple of sex scenes that could have just been implied without showing it. It may be shocking for people whove seen the other Tenchi series to see Tenchi and Haruna making love. Having said that, these two scenes are pretty brief.

Bottom line: not your standard comedy Tenchi fare, but this is a well written and touching story which should be enjoyed well beyond those of us who are Tenchi fans. A great ending to the Tenchi Universe saga.

Last updated Monday, August 09 2004. Created Tuesday, April 15 2003.
Buy 10 10 10 10 9 Jack Walrath [series:131#375]
I am not fond of the Tenchi series, but I like the movies. Some dislike the changes made in this movie, but I think the plot and conclusion are very good even though not all the characters have strong parts. The story of Haruna makes it work. I like the more mature character designs and being able to see Ryoko in jeans. It also has an absolutely wonderful musical score and animation, like the flotating camelias. These two things keep the moving going over some of the dull parts.

Last updated Friday, September 13 2002. Created Friday, September 13 2002.
Rent 8 9 8 6 8 Courtney [series:131#80]
First and foremost, the first Tenchi movie will always be the best one in my eyes, but I still found a lot of love for this one as well. Though it got considerable flack by fans for not being the usual TENCHI they has been familiar with (you know, serious) I felt a lot more comfortable with the idea of the series ending on this note rather than another (Though Ive heard a fourth series is in development).
I liked seeing Ayeka and Ryoko actually getting along since youd figure, after all this time, they might be able to find a little common ground in their volatile but sisterly relationship (You know, no one messes with her but me sort of deal). I also liked to see Tenchi grow past his awkward Peter Pan phase into a responsible young adult youd hope hed end up being. While Haruka wasnt the good guy she did bring out something in Tenchi I never thought Id seesomething that makes his worth all the fuse these girls put up. Im also happy that, at last, Tenchi has finally started leaning towards a side in Ayeka and Ryokos tug of war for his affection (Though I must say I was rooting in the opposite direction).
Not your usual TENCHI, but it is closure.

Last updated Tuesday, October 16 2001. Created Tuesday, October 16 2001.
Unevaluated 7 7 6 Kaitou Juliet [series:131#137]

Although this movie has a lot of nice touches, overall I find it unsatisfying. I can't fully say why without spoilers, but I'll keep this review spoiler-free and explain as much as I can.

To me, Tenchi at base is an ensemble series. The interplay between the various characters is what makes it so enjoyable, and the delicate balance of romantic tension is an important part of that interplay. This movie throws all that out the window. First, it adopts a minimalist plot centered around just three or four characters, with the others sent to the sidelines. It just doesn't feel like Tenchi to me any more without the interaction of the large cast. Second, maybe I'm the only Tenchi fan out here who doesn't want to see him choose just one of the alien girls. I love them all, and I love the Tenchi "family" as a family. They all belong together, and they can't really be together if one becomes the favorite and the others are left out in the cold.

Even so, maybe I could have accepted it if they had (a) made it clear what lifted the "winner" above the competition, and (b) provided some kind of happiness for those who didn't win. This movie did neither. Fans of the winner like to tell me that of course it was clear she was the one all along, but I always saw the various girls' chances as about equal. I needed something else to make the balance tilt clearly.

I also had some problems with the character of Haruna and her backstory, but I can't really go into detail there without getting into spoilers.

I didn't hate the new character designs, but I didn't love them either. Though I must say that "older" Tenchi, with long hair, is quite delicious!

I realize that my reactions are just that, my own reactions. I really don't know what to tell the "average" anime fan or Tenchi fan who is considering watching this movie, so I'll mark it "unevaluated." Just decide whether the things that bothered me are likely to bother you or not, I guess!



Last updated Wednesday, August 07 2002. Created Friday, April 20 2001.
Buy 6 6 10 8 9 X [series:131#157]
I hate and liked this movie. Hate it for the obvious reason of ending the Tenchi series and liked it for the amazing storyline, character development and an overall great ending to a series.
What you will first notice though is the animation. It was a totally new set of animators that created this Tenchi movie to be more serious. If you watch you will notice how the characters have lost that *cuteness* style in them and there were hardly any exagerrated facial expressions as seen in the other Tenchi series/movies. The characters DID NOT get older, it was a new set of animators used to make the movie look more mature. Personally I prefer the older animators, this serious approach of animating Tenchi just didn't suit it.
Otherwise the story and characters were great. What a dream it was to finally see Ayeka and Ryoko working together all for the sake of Tenchi. To see Tenchi take control and finally know what he wants. Its great to see the characters develop into something betterr than in the series. The only downfall was the minimal play from all of the other characters. As well as the uneeded nudity.
The ending is perfect for a Tenchi series. In the truest Tenchi fashion, it was meant to be ambiguous. Leaving those who never knew the series wondering and those who knew satisfied.

Last updated Monday, March 26 2001. Created Monday, March 26 2001.
Buy 7 7 6 8 8 Krisha [series:131#68]
Although this is not one of the best works to come out of Tenchi it is worth watching. The story is interesting and it's kind of nice to see Ayeka and Ryoko being civil to each other. There was a little bit of pointless nudity and a couple of sex scenes but nothing graphic.
The character designs were almost as bad as Tenchi in Tokyo (Ok nothing is that bad) but you get used to them after a while.
Overall, a good ending to a great series.

Last updated Saturday, March 17 2001. Created Saturday, March 17 2001.
Unevaluated 8 9 9 7 Black Panther [series:131#142]
I cant say enough about how good this one is, but there is the bad.....There was sexual content in it so beware!! Other wise this was an outstanding anime. I really wish, however, that they would have left those few parts out, its not like it helps the plot or anything. Not for kiddys!!! But is VERY GOOOOOOD!!!!

Last updated Thursday, March 08 2001. Created Friday, March 02 2001.
Buy 9 10 5 9 10 Midnighter [series:131#94]
I didn't know whether to cheer or cry, but this movie produced strong emotions in me. Tenchi Forever is supposedly the last chapter in the Tenchi Universe continuity (though another chapter in the inferior OAV continuity is currently in the works) and I have to admit, I am sad that it's done.
The movie was excellent, emotional, touching, and is a great ending to a great series. I was disappointed at he charater re-designs, but that's a small complaint in light of so much to love.
The characters all stay true to their personalities, and the love triangle is finally wrapped up. Much more serious than usual Tenchi fare, this one is more about drama and emotion than laughs, which is a good thing. I have grown to love these characters, they have become very real to me, and it was very rewarding to see a respectful, honorable and tasteful wrap up of a beloved series.
This film deserves a place in any anime collection, and definately in any Tenchi fan's collection. It's not easy ending Tenchi in a satisfying way, but the people behind this succeeded with flying colors. Good job, and thank you.

Last updated Thursday, March 01 2001. Created Thursday, March 01 2001.
Buy 8 8 9 7 6 Jack Hawksmoor [series:131#114]
Well, that's that. The end of Tenchi. The whole thing was really good. It gives a different perspective as to Tenchi Masaki yet stays true to the well established characters. It's hard to say more, because Tenchi is Tenchi, and it's generally good. Putting an end to Tenchi is a hard thing, but it leaves you with a warm, fuzzy feeling.

Last updated Saturday, January 13 2001. Created Saturday, January 13 2001.
Unevaluated 8 8 10 9 CatWoman [series:131#65]
This is the best of all the Tenchi movies and it is the perfect ending for Tenchi Universe! I loved the storyline and they stayed true to the characters, and it ends so perfectly! If you know anything about Tenchi you will find this very sweet. I wise I could say this is one you should buy, but I can not do so. There are at least two sex scenes and a little nudity, which do nothing to advance the plot! I so wise they had left all that out! It seems like such a wast!

Last updated Thursday, July 27 2000. Created Thursday, July 27 2000.
Buy 9 9 10 9 The Coyote [series:131#64]
This was the perfect ending to the perfect series it is not a comedy like the tenchi series are but they do a perfect job of wraping it up Parents sorry to say the sexual content is too heavy to ignore an absolute avoid on that front a real shame too because the nudity and sex scenes really don't do anything for the story if you liked the Tenchi OAV series this is a excellent bye

Last updated Saturday, July 22 2000. Created Saturday, July 22 2000.
Buy 5 5 4 6 6 Dingle [series:131#35]
This is the last Tenchi movie. The story give a different view of Tenchi. I like the whole thing, but I did not like the character design. I understand they are trying to make the characters look older, but they end up looking stupid. Ending Tenchi is a hard thing to do, and this ending did fine.

Last updated Friday, June 16 2000. Created Friday, June 16 2000.

Other Sites
NameURL
Tenchi Muyo! Another Universe http://tigercow.fateback.com/index.html
An excellent Tenchi fan site.

Community Anime Reviews

anime mikomi org