Synopsis
In deep space, four astronauts discover that their colleague Makimura has died under mysterious circumstances shortly after leaving a cryptic note about his own upcoming murder. Despite the shock, the damaged condition of their spaceship leaves the crew no time to mourn, and they evacuate using escape pods. Determined to find the culprit, the survivors begin to suspect fellow crewmate Kizaki, due to a rivalry between him and Makimura over the only female team member, Nana Ichinomiya. However, to their bewilderment, they notice Makimura's pod following them, yet it fails to respond to any attempts at communication. As the astronauts try to understand their perplexing situation, they learn more unbelievable stories about their lost teammate, including one involving the Phoenix, a mysterious bird said to grant immortality. It is only when they crash onto a seemingly deserted planet that the crew finally uncovers the sinister truth behind Makimura and his suspicious pod. Set in a distant future, Hi no Tori: Uchuu-hen illustrates the cruelty of human beings who passionately pursue their own desires without any regard for the consequences.
Background
The work of Yoshiaki Kawajiri, who has also directed Wicked City and Ninja Scroll, Hi no Tori: Uchuu-hen is an anime adaptation of Uchuu-hen, the fourth volume of Hi no Tori manga series, written and illustrated by Osamu Tezuka. It is also the Madhouse's final production of the 1980s' trilogy adaptations of Osamu Tezuka's manga. The stylized character designs add a layer of maturity to Tezuka's originals and combined with Madhouse's signature of limited color—blue for this OVA—in the capsules scenes and stark lighting, add to this production's intensity.