Tenshi Kinryouku

Title:Tenshi Kinryouku
Angel Sanctuary
天使禁猟区
Overall:Rent
Keywords: , , , , , , , , , ,
Notables: KAWASUMI Ayako
KOYASU Takehito
MIKI Shinichirou
ORIKASA Ai
R1 License - Central Park Media(Defunct)
TAMAGAWA Sakiko
UEDA Kana
Setsuna Mudo struggles with the realization that God is asleep and that he is in fact the reincarnation of the most powerful angel in heaven. By the director of Saber Marionette J.

For a more detailed summary - see the Wikipedia Entry.
To read the translated manga online, see MangaFox.

[OVA, 2000, 3 episodes, 29 min]

2:39min Series Opening - YouTube Video
OverallArtAnimationCharacter Design MusicSeries StoryEpisode StoryReviewer
Rent 9 7 9 7 7 7 Ggultra2764 [series:319#1552]
This OAV was a big tease in the fact it seems to be a small sample of what to expect out of its manga adaptation. Angel Sanctuary appeared to be going for a major angle in its storyline which it did do a decent job presenting despite its limited running time and lack of finale. It presents a look into how everything dictated by God to be "right" might not be so much as angels commit horrific acts against innocent demons and a look into the moral high ground taken by folks opposed to Setsuna's taboo relationship with his sister. You do get enough familiarity with the issues faced by prominent characters in the series as well like Kurai's rescue by Alexiel, Yue dealing with having any humanity despite his immortality and Alexiel disgusted with the corrupt actions of the angels. The series' main gist was learning to confront whatever actions are considered "sins" by society head on instead of trying to run away from the world and in this instance, Angel Sanctuary handles this decently with Setsuna and Yue. The series even sports some great looking visuals with crisp and detailed scenery and character designs despite some moments where it appeared the animation sagged a bit. But since this OAV is just a small sampling of what to expect from the manga, the highest I can rate this is a Rent.

Last updated Sunday, October 31 2010. Created Sunday, October 31 2010.
Buy 8 8 9 7 9 9 Dreamer [series:319#2279]
The plot was what sold this anime to me. It turned out really good but unfortunately very short.

Art, Animation and Character Design
Art and animation was pretty good. At times, the animation would drop a few frames, but nothing really serious. The character designs were pretty good. As expected of an OVA.

Music
The music was virtually not noticable. During the anime, there was very light and subtle piano pieces. The ED was a hard rock, very short piece that was pretty good.

Series and Episode Story
This anime reminded me of X. The big difference is that this story is more based on real world theological beliefs and religions.... if loosely. With that said, I tend to enjoy stories that portray religious or "heaven vs hell" concepts, along with "end of the world" themes. This happens to be one of them. Running right along with this plot is the taboo idea of "incest". These two plot elements are an interesting combination and works really well. Incest is considered an abomination in the eyes of "God", as the biblical scriptures are written. As well, the "denial" of God's existing is almost equally as bad. Now, in step Setsuna our protagonist, who not only is sexually attracted to his sister, but doesn't believe in God for the most part. A double-sin and the least likely candidate to be "chosen" by heaven. There's a message to be had here.... Even the greatest of sins can be forgiven. A tale such as this being told in only 3 episodes didn't do it justice. There was so much more that could have been told. The ending was excellent! It was the type of ending that "hints" at the story being just the beginning of a more grand tale!

Overall, this was a good anime. The plot had serious potential had it been longer but instead, we get thrown a few tasty bones.

Last updated Sunday, March 08 2009. Created Sunday, March 08 2009.
Rent Forbin [series:319#1573]
Drama : Med / High
Comedy : None
Action : Med
SciFi : None
Ecchi : None


I actually liked this. Too bad that it looks like someone just ran out of money after 3 episodes of a 26 episode Series. IMHO this could be as good as X (TV). I also recognize the artists that created Full Metal Panic in Sara versus Tessa.

It was entertaining, up the the end when you go WTF where's the rest of it?

Last updated Friday, April 15 2005. Created Friday, April 15 2005.
Watch 9 9 9 9 9 9 Ambriel [series:319#1357]
Not good if you want the full story. 20 books and all they did were 3 episodes!!!! Which covered only the first few books!! Aaarrrgghhh!!! Ok if you just wanna see how angel sanctuary looks like on screen, then yeah watch it. But for those you who wanna get the whole gif of the story, ah... sorry, ain't happening.
The art's really good. Does justice to the manga. The music's just as good. Story line... well it's follows the manga pretty ok. I mean at least it made sense. The only bad part is how short it is. Leaving people wanting to see more of it on screen. But all is not lost!! Go read the manga... Hahaha.

Last updated Saturday, April 24 2004. Created Saturday, April 24 2004.
Watch 9 8 6 6 3 5 Devil Doll [series:319#752]
[Score: 58%]
I was very disappointed when the screen became dark at the end. You cannot just squeeze a story line of this size into just 90 minutes of OVA - all you get is the impression that had this been a 26 episode series, it might have worked nicely.
I do go along with the story line, with Setsuna's situation, with his problematic relation to his sister (whichever you mean ... ;-), but it just doesn't work when all you get is a shallow impression of how the story might have went on had there been more time.
I guess I have to read the Mangas to get what I was up for ... too sad. But if that is what the OVA intends to make me do, so be it - thus no "Avoid" rating from me.

Last updated Saturday, April 16 2005. Created Sunday, June 08 2003.
Buy 10 10 9 9 Sesen Kelader [series:319#471]
Honestly I haven't watched the Anime yet. So my review is based on the comic.
It's obvious to see the taboo love of the two main characters and the altered setting of Angels and Devils. It's a brand new idea to interpret Angels, Devils, Men, and the God. It has a great innovation.
However what I like about it is not the prohibited love or the killing that treats humans, angels, or devils like shit. Actually I dislike all these, but Angel Sanctuary's central idea catches me. It's way of disliking, interpreting, and opposing the God "that is created by humans" and the aristocratism coming with it is so strong and detailed. Angel Sanctuary is more a story that disagrees with the God most people hold in minds in nowadays world.

Last updated Friday, January 03 2003. Created Friday, January 03 2003.
Rent 10 10 10 8 8 Chibisj [series:319#451]
Even though the art was excellent, the OVA wasn't.
Too much stuff was left out. It was all chopped up compared to the manga.
However, it is nice to look at the art. But don't expect much. I suggest finding yourself the manga... somehow.

Last updated Tuesday, December 10 2002. Created Tuesday, December 10 2002.
Buy 10 10 9 9 7 Almost Eilonwy [series:319#428]
The Angel Sanctuary OVA is a very ambitious project. Trying to cram a 20 volume manga into 3 OVA episodes means quite a bit of editing and cutting. What you end up with is a string of episodes that teases you by throwing out a whole bunch of background and mythology, then leaves you hanging.
It may sound like I disliked Angel Sanctuary, but that is far from true. It did the best job it could for 3 episodes, and you have to look at it separately from the horribly complex manga it's based off of. Angel Sanctuary is an interesting look at a story that focuses around elements from Christian mythology. The characters, for the most part, are very interesting and the storyline is engrossing. The pace is set very well and the final episode will leave you wanting more.
There are some weak points in that some of the characters aren't well developed. Sara is just a love interest with little personality of her own, and a lot of the minor characters don't get much screentime. It would be interesting to see this turned into a longer anime series to reach it's full potential.

Last updated Thursday, November 21 2002. Created Thursday, November 21 2002.
Rent 10 10 8 8 7 boo [series:319#262]
Angel sanctuary is an interesting work. The animation is amazing. You can hardly believe the type of eye candy is being used here. The dub was a little disappointing (surprise). There are some momments that are just stunning in this OVA. Other than these momments, the OVA seems to fall a little flat. The problem to me is that it's just too short. Just when things really seem to get going, it's time to go home.
Kira is the real reason that this is worth a rent. The animation is admirable and the story does grow on you. Be wary of the subject matter. It is rather dark at points and it dips into gender and incest issues that may not be appropriate for most kids.
3/6/02

Last updated Wednesday, March 06 2002. Created Wednesday, March 06 2002.
Watch 9 8 7 7 7 Courtney [series:319#80]
Well here is certainly an acquired taste. ANGEL SANCTUARY is one of those animes that is intended for a specific audience rather than everyone. I, personally, found it to be an interesting series with a promising plot from the first 3 episodes I saw; however, my friends got a little hung up over the incestuous tendencies, cross-dressing, sexuality, and freaky violence. Truly not for anyone who doesn't like the former subjects.
ANGEL SANCTUARY will probably be enjoyed by people who have a thing for theology based plots, graphic violence, apocalyptic motivations. ANGEL is certainly playing at the epic angle as it's setting up for something big, I can't help but wonder where it's all leading to. Overall, the production of the anime itself is a little better than average (but in no way is it a Princess Mononoke level of achievement) and I have to say I'm a little tired of all the cross dressing in AnimesI mean can't boys be boys and girls be girls while still holding an interesting plot?
Borrow it off of someone you know and see if it grabs you before you spend some hard earned money on something that might offend or confuse you; otherwise ANGEL SANCTUARY is a nice addition to an anime collections but it doesn't really make or break it.
For more interesting tales of past lives and complicated relationships check out:
AYASHI NO CERES
NAZCA
PLEASE SAVE MY EARTH

Last updated Thursday, November 22 2001. Created Wednesday, October 10 2001.
Buy 10 10 10 9 8 Midnighter [series:319#94]
Angel Sanctuary is a visual feast for any anime fan. It is a visceral, wrenching tale that plays on religious convention, then tears it all down in a beautiful, blood-soaked frontal assualt.
The story centers on Setsuna, a troubled youth whose potential for violence is held in check by his little sister Sara. When she is kidnapped, it sets him over the edge and jump-starts his terrifying angelic powers.
The animation is nothing short of breath-taking, with individual strands of hair moving seperately, and tremendous detail all around. The character designs are likewise excellent. Diologue, while nothing special, is indeed better than average, suitably dramatic without becoming cheesy. Although Setsuna and Sara's ...'relationship' is quite unnerving, downright disturbing, in fact, one still cannot help sympathizing with them and their pathetic, broken emotional states.
I highly recommend this 3 part series. Though not at all for young kids, older fans will find this a rewarding anime.

Last updated Thursday, May 30 2002. Created Tuesday, August 28 2001.

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