Urusei Yatsura - Movie 2 - Beautiful Dreamer

It isn't. What it is is a little odd actually. It's a story which focuses on the human cast of Urusei Yatsura, leaving the aliens (except Lum and Ten) out, apart from the odd namecheck and cameo in Ataru's dream sequence. Instead we're treated to a surreal, seemingly post-apocalyptic mystery world inhabited only by the core Urusei Yatsura characters.

And very strange it is too. I don't want to give anything away, although the title does that very well on its own, but this story is not what you expect at all. Which is a good thing in many ways. It's full of surprises and odd twists. But beneath it all, supporting it like a stone collossus (sorry, in joke) is the old Urusei Yatsura humour. Because the jokes, puns and slapstick are there, the rest of the film feels fun, not complex and heavy. And in the end you come out having been entertained, and perhaps a little disturbed. An utterly fantastic film.

Just make sure to watch in Japanese!


A Beautiful Anime: A World Of Reality and Fantasy!   April 23, 2007
Ernest Jagger (Culver City, California)
9 out of 9 found this review helpful

I am a late comer to anime. Yes, I own a few, which are some of the better known anime. One in particular that I was really impressed with was this anime, "Urusei Yatsura" aka: "Beautiful Dreamer" Amazing that an anime as old as this one [1984 release] has been able to hold up to time so well too. I first saw this anime back in 1990, but did not purchase it until 2004. There have been some very good reviews of this film, and it is deserving of its high praise. I have seen many anime films, some I like, some are okay, while others, such as this film are a real treat and worth adding to ones collection. As I stated in the beginning, I am relatively new to anime. I have seen several, but not a lot. This one belongs in your collection whether or not you are a fan of anime. It's really that good!

Moreover, this is one anime that I would have loved to have seen on the big screen in a good theatre. I saw the film in a cheesy dive that did not have the best of sound equipment or subtitles. [Many of the subtitles were difficult to read]. I understand that this film is the second of part of a six film collection. Unfortunately, I have yet to see the others in the series. However, this one is great even if there were no others in the series. I will have to seek out the others some time. I found the anime to be very funny and entertaining, yet also very philosophical too. I do not wish to rehash what had already been said by many reviewers, and more importantly, I do not wish to spoil this film for those who have not had the chance to view it yet. However, the films story centers on reality and dreams. What is real? And more importantly; What is love? The film starts off with the changing of the world, where events seem to repeat themselves: And eventually result with disappearing people, streets and the changing of reality itself. But what is reality?

I have to admit, that when I first saw the film I did not understand some of the film; with both reality and fantasy blurred, and I had to view it again to catch some of the films meaning. Therefore, it was a real treat to finally purchase this film a few years ago. [repeated viewings are necessary]. And I never tire of the repeat reviewing. Also, one more thing, the musical score in the film is great. It seems to go with the film. Also, do not let the age of the film deter you from purchasing [or renting the film] as the animation is just terrific. I highly recommend this film to all viewers. It is well worth purchasing, and if you are not sure, then at least rent the film. You will not be disapointed. I know I was not when I first saw the film, and when I eventually purchased it. Highly recommended!