In this feature-length Japanese anime effort, two opposing Tokyo "armies" (about a half dozen members each) called "Dragon of Heaven" (who want to save humanity) and "Dragon of Earth" (who want to destroy humanity) attempt to recruit Kamui, a young man with magical powers and serious reservations about participating in Earth's apocalyptic endgame. As the spell-wielding superstars of both sides knock each other off in systematic, operatic fashion, Kamui is ultimately drawn into the fray when his best friend sides with the baddies. While some of the action scenes are admittedly eye-catching, the videogame-level plot and transparent Biblical trappings make this predictable exercise more something to be appreciated on the level of craft than enjoyed as narrative. Optional. (R. Pitman)
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Palm, 100 min., dubbed in English, R, VHS: $19.95 Vol. 15, Issue 6
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