Ranmaru and Kei have a strong and passionate relationship built on years of trust, sacrifice and love. But when the mysterious son of a Yakuza boss begins to pursue Ranmaru?s affection, tempers flare, and hidden emotions r... more »ise to the surface. Will Ranmaru and Kei?s love survive this difficult test, or will the emotional conflict finally come to a head?« less
Wiggle | Kansas City, MO United States | 11/07/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Don't listen to people who say that the Kizuna OAV is difficult to follow. All the information that you need is presented plainly, and the backstory is told through flashbacks. The story of Enjoji and Ranmaru's love enduring despite obstacles is very touching, and a nice change from the "doomed love" theme of some other yaoi anime. The characters are all well-developed for such a short OAV (two half-hour episodes), and the relationships between them are well-described.The only problem I had with this DVD was in the structure of the DVD itself. The subtitling timing is WAY off, often appearing well before the character speaks, or in the middle of a different character's lines. Unless you listen closely it is sometimes impossible to know who is saying what. Also, there are no extras, no alternate soundtracks, and no scene access on this particular version of the DVD. All you get is two OAV episodes with Japanese voices and rather large white subtitling."
Lovely Animation and a Nice Adaptation
Patrick | 02/17/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Kizuna, parts I & II, are a visually satisfying and entertaining pair of 1/2 hour videos based on the Japanese manga (graphic novel) of the same name, created by Kazuma Kodaka. The story involves the romance between a male couple, Kei Enjouji and Ranmaru Samejima, once a junior champion in the world of kendo (an oriental form of fencing). Ranmaru's future is crushed when he is struck by a hit and run driver, rather than the intended target - his lover. Other problems arise with the arrival of another mysterious young man who is obssessed with Ranmaru, Kai Sagano.Romantic, sexy, and quite poignant. The silliness and violence factor are kept to a minimum, unlike alot of other anime out there. Splendid shounen-ai (boy's love)."
I loved the Manga, next was the Anime
Carolyn | NSW, Australia | 05/15/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I personally prefer the Manga over the Anime but this is a great edition to any Yaoi Fans collection ~ not to mention the fact it's the first Yaoi Anime to have an English Dub!
The only problem with the Dub is that it features Dan Green as Enjouji, and if you don't know who Dan Green is - he's the voice of Yugi from Yugi Oh! And hearing Yugi during the `rompy' scenes is...odd...lmao. Dan Green also did the voice of Tsuzuki from Descendants of Darkness so it's all good.
There are quiet a number of extras which is a nice change. And just a note, the animation is older compared to titles like Gravitation (which is out now) so if you're not a fan of older Anime art forms, this probably won't be the best for you."
A great yaoi
Patrick | Wisconsin, USA | 07/31/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I'm a straight guy and don't speak Japanese and yet I managed to love this movie. I think what I like best are the characters and the relationships between them. The rest of the storyline kind of takes a backseat. At the end I was left wanting more."
Lovely Yaoi
Carolyn | NSW, Australia | 10/30/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Based on the hit manga that The Village Voice calls "a romantic epic" by yaoi superstar Kazuma Kodaka
Ranmaru and Kei have a strong and passionate relationship built on years of trust, sacrifice and love. But when the mysterious son of a Yakuza boss begins to pursue Ranmaru's affection, tempers flare, and hidden emotions rise to the surface. Will Ranmaru and Kei's love survive, or will the emotional conflict finally come to a head?
Original Japanese with English Subtitles
Warning: Contains scenes of violence, nudity and mild sexual situations that may not be suitable to those who find such content objectionable. Parental discretion advised."