Amon Saga
This sword-and-sorcery epic was originally released in 1986, when the look of Japanese animation still displayed a pronounced Western influence. Although the characters were designed by Yoshitaka Amano, who was already well known for his work onVampire Hunter D,Amon Sagasuggests a mixture ofConan the Barbarian,Prince Valiant, and American Saturday morning TV shows. Having been trained by the "wandering poet and master swordsman" Ekuna, young Amon is a warrior of exceptional skill. He has devoted his life to avenging his mother, who was murdered by the bestial Emperor Valhiss. To fulfill his plan, he joins a ragtag group of mercenaries in Valhiss's service. In addition to dispensing any foe foolish enough to cross swords with him, Amon rescues the Princess Lichia, slays his quota of werewolves and monsters, and forges an alliance with two fellow warriors, gigantic Gaius and crafty Alcan. Their adventures are fairly standard for the genre, and the battle with the dragon kept by the emperor's sorcerer is shamelessly lifted fromThe Return of the Jedi. The violence seems very tame by contemporary standards, and the pacing of the film is much slower. However,Amon Sagaoffers one genuinely striking visual: the capitol-fortress of Valhiss, built on the back of a monstrous tortoise. "Parental discretion advised": suitable for ages 14 and up for violence, grotesque imagery, and minor nudity.--Charles Solomon