Tonight's main feature is the newest movie in the universe of Tenchi Muyo! Originally titled Manatsu no Eve (Midsummer's Eve), the title was changed to Daughter of Darkness for the U.S. release. Though the changed title makes the movie seem darker, there is no need for concern; the movie is classic Tenchi. Actually, the title does make sense, even though it may give the wrong impression... but more on that later. "Midsummer's Eve" is along the OAV storyline (for those of you unfamiliar, the TV storyline is not related to the OAVs at all, minus having the same characters and settings) and is in that style. The entire OAV gang is here, including Kiyone from Tenchi Muyo in Love. Our movie opens with a flashback to a celebration on Jurai (the home planet of Ayeka, Sasami, and Yosho). The celebration is called Startica and is very similar to our Christmas. We see a young girl, Yuzuha, present a music box to a young boy, Yosho. All of a sudden, the Jurai police rush in, subdue Yosho, and attack Yuzuha. During their attack on her, we see that she is actually an older creature of some sort. She disappears, and the threat is thwarted. Flashing to present day, we see Yuzuha watching the Tenchi gang celebrate Christmas. She magically steals one of Tenchi's hairs and combines it with hers to create a Startica present for him. We next see Tenchi and the crew cleaning and tending to their chores. While out, Tenchi happens upon a girl sitting all alone on the steps to the Masaki shrine. Mayuka, the daughter of darkness, is Yuzuha's "gift," and she wastes no time in wanting to express her love for her found "papa." As one could guess, when Tenchi introduces her to the girls, all heck breaks loose! From Sasami's excitement over finding a new friend, to Ayeka and Ryoko's jealous rage, to Mihoshi's obliviousness to it all, everyone is geared up and ready for another great Tenchi adventure. Let the mayhem begin! |