Toward the Terra (1980)
I tend to really enjoy stories that feature big concepts – especially imaginings of the future, and Toward the Terra features both of those things.
While it’s a generational story that skips a few years here and there, the beginning especially gives us a look at an unsettling ‘utopia’, a place boasting order and health but a place where a character might say something like “I’m sick of boys, let’s get a girl next time” and this statement would be perfectly normal.
The repressive society featured in Toward the Terra isn’t the main focus precisely, but it is the structure that our Chosen One (Jomy) must rebel against.
Ultimately, the story is a far-future struggle between humans and Mu (Mu are humans who can use psychic powers) and while the film does feature space battles and struggles, it’s not so much a war between equal and opposing sides, it’s more like a brainwashed humanity seeking to commit genocide upon the Mu.
It can be pretty grim – and while the ‘80s designs and animation might not make some of those things seem as visceral as modern shows could, it’s still compelling.
For me, the time skips I mentioned before suggest that this adaption would have worked really well as a series (and twenty-seven years later maybe it does :D), allowing the story to further explore things like Jomy and Physis for one, but beside that and similar issues related to the huge story and limited running time, I enjoyed Toward the Terra plenty.
4 Stars
This is totally mind of thing. The look alone of this anime makes me smile, but I also love the story elements you have described. It’s probably going to be a hard one to track down for me, but I hope to see it one day! Great post as always!😀
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Thank you!
I had to go DVD with ‘Toward the Terra’ as I couldn’t find it to stream, yeah. (And that classic aesthetic is so good, definitely :D)
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Ah! This is on my list to write about! I just watched this one again tree l recent and I’m glad you enjoyed it too!
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Awesome – I’ll keep an eye out! You’ve seen the series too, huh? I’m quite curious about seeing how the longer story goes.
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I’m still plotting out my post OshiiOct schedule right now, so not sure when the video happens.
I have years ago. It’s fantastic.
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Excellent, I’ll definitely add it to my ever-expanding list 😀
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Once again you review something I’ve also reviewed! Hahaha! Great job with it. Toward the Terra is so overlooked. Sure, the original movie does look dated, but the messages are still timely and arguably more relevant now with the issues involving systemic racism.
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😀
Thanks!
And yes, absolutely, it feels so relevant – and is also another reminder that the folks out there who think anime is not political are way off the mark.
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You’re welcome.
Of course, and it’s great you’ve noticed that, too. Good point about that. Anime can have much more depth than some people think.
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Maybe I should try a ‘beyond fan-service/levelling up’ kinda post one day 😀
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That would be a great post. I have also been coming up with some potential anime Top 7 lists that take a certain, yet specific angle when it comes to certain audiences. You should definitely try a post like that.
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