Dragon Century (1985 Video) User Reviews

One of the hidden gems of Anime...

[A Scanner Darkly · 9/10 · 9 March 2004]

Dragon Century is one of the most decieving Animes ever made. Everything about it leads to the conclusion that it is yet another blood-drenched, anti-human endtimes Anime. e.g. - (Demon City Shinjuku)

From the Boxart, the description,everything points to such a work.

But yet, it isn't. And becuase it doesn't conform to any expectations one would expect of a stand alone 'Dragon' anime, it succeeds wonderfully. It does this through 3 ways.

1. The universe it creates is a believeable and almost allegorical one. The characters found therin are beleivably human and thus it works with the precision of a Swiss clock. So good, that it unbelievable and tragic that it is only a stand alone anime.

2. The artwork and anime itself. Simply incredible. Not at all the quality one would expect. No Akira here, but it definetly is worthy of standing next to Anime classics like Ghost in the Shell. And this from a stand alone Anime!

3. Humor. Since it is such a well-made universe the humor from the characters is made all the better. But yet, it isn't everywhere, and the Zen-like timing it has makes it all the more important.

You will remember "Booster Dragon!".

Overall, this is amazing gemstone of a Anime and worthy of the journey it will surley be to find it.

Excellent and obscure dragon anime (contains spoilers)

[DRAGONBOY2402002 · 10/10 · 25 April 2005]

This is a definite 1980's anime treasure if you can find it. A possible (but not my preferred) style of dragon fantasy where dragons come to our world to protect us and live alongside us. The main dragon character, Carmine, has a great personality and strong sense of honor and justice (plus he's the star of the whole anime). There have to be more protagonist dragons like him, like Bazil Broketail. The other characters include other dragons and humans. Of the humans, two female teenagers are ally and friend to Carmine. The violence in this anime is bit much, but if you're a fan of blood and gore, that's what you'll get with this anime. The music, especially the ending theme, is good. I recommend this anime to all dragon fans (good luck finding it).

Deeply moving character-led drama

[saur_dash · 10/10 · 22 March 2006]

Ryû Seiki is incredible - This anime encapsulates everything I love about the medium in the first place; emotionally deep and truly unforgettable characters that effortlessly tear your heart to shreds.

This production has a very unique vibe to it, the pain, darkness and misery the central characters experience is mirrored in the visualisation of the world around them. In fact the whole world and the story of evil taking over is only a background for the characters to exist in, this is ALL about the relationships between the characters not what's happening around them.

The characters themselves are VERY real - so much so that they'll play on your mind and linger in your memory for a long time. There's no glamour, no super-powers from the central Dragon character Carmine - he's as physically and emotionally vulnerable as everyone else, but it's the strength of his resolve, his loving nature and his undying devotion to those he cares about which is truly touching.