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key_o011.jpg

key_0000.jpg

Key The Metal Idol
Ver .11: Save


Copyright: © 1994 Pony Canyon / Fuji TV (Japan), © 1997 Viz Video (North America)
Length: 23 minutes
Rating: NR, Extreme violence and nudity, Recommended for Mature Audiences
Format: Subtitled (VHS)

Screenplay: Sato Hiroaki Director: Sato Hiroaki Animation Director: Ishikura Keiichi Character Design: Tanaka Kunihiko Music: Terashima Tamiya English Version Producer: Yoshida Toshifumi Translation by: Karahashi Takayuki


[ plot summary ]

vhs jacket

Tataki Suichi's recent voyage to the Mamio valley has left him with more than just more questions about Key's mysterious past. He now finds himself plagued by disturbing visions and recurring nightmares about his experiences. Why were the villagers so protective of the local secrets? And what of Key's mother Toyoko, the local shrine's priestess, who passed away seventeen years ago?

Key has not progressed very far in her lessons with Hikaru either. Yet the enigmatic producer seems determined to continue the lessons, despite the apparent lack of progress. In fact, he admits that he would have tossed Tokiko out had she given even the slightest hint of trying to mimic what he typically wants in human talent... But if this is the case, just what does he want?

Meanwhile, Tataki finds that he's getting a bit of a lecture from Sakura. And rightly so, since he's been out of touch for almost a month. Things get even more tense when Sakura discovers that Suichi went to her old village without telling her... or even coming back with the expected omiyage. But while recounting some the past events, Tataki comes to the realisation that Mima Murao's death may not have been accidental -- and the man responsible may be none other than Jinsaki Ajo!


[ capsule review ]









There are times when you'll see a show that presents information in such a novel way that you'll find youself saying, "wow!" Other times, you'll find youself wondering, "what is going on?" Key the Metal Idol at times tries so hard to stimulate the intellect that it stumbles on its own accord. Or perhaps is that their intent? The flashbacks and visions that Tataki has been experiencing may be disturbing enough on their own, but the line between dream and past events become so blurred that they become inseparable. The net result is that viewers will begin to second guess themselves, and suddenly you begin to wonder what is supposedly real, and what might be merely illusory. While this technique is very novel to say the least, it might also leave many viewers so confused as to turn them away from this series. The viewer is forced to put certain ideas 'on hold' until the later dialog snaps everything into focus. While this might be suitable for some audiences, I think that many would find this tedious, if not downright confusing.

The introduction of Beniko Komori as part of the Miho mythos adds yet another element of depth to an already near-mind boggling storyline. I'm beginning to wonder that with all they elements that Sato Hiroaki has introduced that things might get a little rushed towards the end of this series -- and perhaps get wrapped up a little too tightly. One hopes not. But the exploration of Mima Toyoko is a very welcome addition, the insight into this player gives you that wonderful sense of "Ah-ha!" as things begin to make sense. (If you haven't followed closely, she's the enigmatic figure who hands the stricken boy to Key in episode 6.)
- AN, 98.04.12


Original: Subbed: Dubbed:
Story: N/R 4 stars N/A
Direction: N/R 3 stars N/A
Acting: N/R 4 stars N/A
Animation: N/R 3 stars N/A
Music: N/R 4 stars N/A
Translation: N/A 4 stars N/A
Overall Rating: N/R 3 stars N/A



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Page last modified 1999.10.24