Synopsis
Many years ago, a young princess suffered a terrible loss when both her parents died. Devastated and inconsolable, it seemed nothing could bring her comfort. But a wandering prince came to visit her, hoping to lift her spirits. He gently wiped away her tears, handed her a ring with a rose emblem, and promised that as long as she kept it, they would meet again one day. This encounter left a profound mark on the girl, Utena Tenjou, inspiring her to become a prince herself. Years later, Utena enrolls at Ootori Academy, where she notices the same rose emblem found on her precious ring. Drawn by the scent of roses, she sees Anthy Himemiya tending the flowers, accompanied by Student Council President Touga Kiryuu and Vice President Kyouichi Saionji, who appear to be arguing over Anthy. Though Utena thinks little of it, the Student Council soon gathers to discuss a crucial matter. Later, a misunderstanding pulls Utena into the world of Duelists—those who possess rings similar to hers. These Duelists compete for ownership of the Rose Bride, Anthy Himemiya, who is said to wield great power. Wanting to prove herself as a true prince, and furious that Anthy is being mistreated and objectified, Utena resolves to fight the Duelists and save her from this cruel fate.
Background
Childhood idealism, illusions, ambition, adulthood, sexuality, abuse, incest and identity are all prominent themes which are explored in what is essentially a highly metaphorical and symbolic coming-of-age story. Loss of innocence, both sexual and otherwise, is treated as a life changing event. Fairy tale archetypes such as the noble prince and the damsel in distress, as well as standard tropes of the shoujo and magical girl genre are incorporated, subverted, inverted, averted and deconstructed. Shoujo Kakumei Utena won the Best TV Animation Award at Animation Kobe in 1997.
