Ranma 1/2: the Movie 2 -- Nihao My Concubine

A very popular character in Japan, Ranma 1/2 has more on the ball than most series, and one of the most interesting storylines currently found in anime. Ranma Saotome, martial artist, fell into the wrong spring and took the form of whatever drowned there last--which is why the macho Ranma now looks like a buxom redhead, and has to worry about gender issues in addition to being an action hero. In Nihao My Concubine, Ranma's fiancée Akane is kidnapped by a bratty teen ruler named Prince Toma, who's holding a marriage competition to choose a bride. In the best sequence, Ranma joins the competition, which includes Olympic-style competition in cooking and flower arranging, in order to rescue Akane. Based on the popular comic by Rumiko Takahashi, Nihao My Concubine doesn't feature flashy animation, nor graphic gore, nor much nudity. But the story, though occasionally cute, is also not particularly compelling. An optional purchase. (R. Pitman)