Saiyuki: Requiem

Saiyuki: Requiem
Japanese theatrical poster
Japanese name
Kanji幻想魔伝 最遊記 Requiem 選ばれざる者への鎮魂歌
Transcriptions
Revised HepburnGensōmaden Saiyūki: Requiem - Erabarezaru Mono e no Chinkonka
Directed by
Written byKatsuyuki Sumisawa
Based on
Saiyuki
by Kazuya Minekura
Produced by
  • Ken Hagino
  • Tetsuya Watanabe
  • Tomoko Gushima
Starring
CinematographyAtsuho Matsumoto
Music byMotoi Sakuraba
Production
company
Distributed byShochiku
Release date
  • August 18, 2001 (2001-08-18)
Running time
95 minutes
CountryJapan
LanguageJapanese
Box office¥250 million[1]

Saiyuki: Requiem (Japanese: 幻想魔伝 最遊記 Requiem 選ばれざる者への鎮魂歌, Hepburn: Gensōmaden Saiyūki: Requiem - Erabarezaru Mono e no Chinkonka; lit. "Gensou Maden Saiyuuki - The Movie - Requiem") is an animated film based on Kazuya Minekura's manga series Saiyuki and its anime adaptation, produced by Studio Pierrot.[2][3] The film was directed by Hayato Date, written by Katsuyuki Sumisawa, and features music by Motoi Sakuraba. It was released in Japanese theaters on August 18, 2001.[4] The story follows Genjo Sanzo and his companions Son Goku, Sha Gojyo, and Cho Hakkai as they are invited to stay at a mysterious mansion after rescuing a young girl, only to become caught in a supernatural scheme involving illusions and their pasts.

In July 2004, ADV Films licensed the film for North American distribution and released it on DVD in January 2005. It was subsequently released in Australasia, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, among other territories.

Critical reception was mixed. Reviewers praised the film's action, atmosphere, character dynamics, and cinematic presentation, while criticism focused on its predictable story, uneven animation, and dependence on familiarity with the television series.

Plot

Genjo Sanzo and his companions—Son Goku, Sha Gojyo, and Cho Hakkai, accompanied by Hakkai's dragon Hakuryu, which can transform into a jeep—continue their journey westward. After defeating a group of demons, they search for food and shelter. Along the road, they encounter a young woman named Houran being pursued by a giant demonic creature. The group intervenes, and Sanzo drives the creature away rather than killing it.

Grateful for their help, Houran invites the group to stay at her master's mansion for the night. Despite some reservations, they accept the offer. Once they arrive, however, the mansion proves to be a trap. Strange phenomena and illusions begin to affect the group, confronting each member with distorted versions of their pasts and fears. As the illusions grow more elaborate, the four are separated from one another and begin to doubt what is real.

The trap also creates apparitions resembling the members of the group, making it increasingly difficult to distinguish the real individuals from their doubles. While Goku, Gojyo, and Hakkai struggle to understand what is happening, Sanzo remains comparatively composed and recognizes that the events surrounding them are part of a deliberate scheme. As the mystery surrounding the mansion and its master unfolds, the group must overcome the illusions and discover the purpose behind the trap.

Voice cast

Character Japanese Voice actor English Voice actor
Genjo Sanzo Toshihiko Seki David Matranga
Son Goku Sōichirō Hoshi Greg Ayres
Sha Gojyo Hiroaki Hirata Illich Guardiola
Cho Hakkai Akira Ishida Braden Hunt
Houran Akiko Yajima Kelli Cousins
Go Dougan Ryōtarō Okiayu Andy McAvin
Dokugakuji Dai Matsumoto Mike MacRae
Lirin Kaoru Morota Hilary Haag
Kanan Michiko Neya Sasha Paysinger
Kougaiji Takeshi Kusao Vic Mignogna
Yaone Yūko Minaguchi Shelley Calene-Black

Creation and production

The film was produced by Studio Pierrot as a theatrical continuation of the Saiyuki television series, with Hayato Date returning as director and Kazuya Minekura credited as the original creator.[5]

Hayato Date explained that the theatrical format allowed the production to move beyond some of the visual restrictions imposed on the television series. For example, demons could dissolve without the heavy black coloring used in the television version, while scenes involving characters smoking could be depicted with more detailed gestures and movement. The film's widescreen format also encouraged more long shots rather than close-ups, increasing the amount of animation required. For action scenes, Date deliberately avoided relying on rapid cuts to reduce the number of drawings, instead using longer shots to emphasize movement.[6]

The theatrical production also allowed the character designs and color palette to be revised. Date said that the television designs were discarded and new designs were created by Yūji Moriyama, with more detailed hair and designs intended to more closely reflect Minekura's original artwork. The expanded color range likewise allowed several characters to use colors closer to those in the manga, including Gojyo's hair, Goku's trousers, and Sanzo's hair and costume. Date also explained that the additional production time and resources available for a theatrical film made these changes possible, whereas the television production had been constrained by its limited color palette.[6]

Hayato Date also discussed the film's use of the established supporting cast. The Kōgaiji group was initially considered for omission, including following an idea attributed to Minekura, but Date explained that the characters were ultimately retained because the production needed a means of conveying information that could not be communicated solely through the main characters. They therefore served partly as commentators within the story while also receiving their own action scenes.[6]

The screenplay was also designed as a longer-form story distinct from the television episodes. During a post-dubbing interview held on May 27, 2001, Toshihiko Seki said that the cast had been interested in presenting a long story different from the television series, while Akira Ishida noted that the film could explore the characters' journey from a different perspective, including events reaching back to before their departure. Soichiro Hoshi described the recording process as different from the television series, with the cast simultaneously checking the material and rehearsing their performances, while Hiroaki Hirata said that he read the script in one sitting because of its strong, fast-moving story.[7]

The film was released in Japan on August 18, 2001, with a running time of 95 minutes. Date said that the production initially exceeded the intended 90-minute theatrical runtime because the storyboard contained more material than could fit into the allotted time, requiring several scenes to be cut.[6][8]

Reception

Critical reception to Saiyuki: Requiem was mixed, with reviewers divided over its story, animation, and effectiveness as a theatrical film. Animetion praised the film's cinematic presentation, animation, music, stylishly choreographed action, and increasingly elaborate illusions, as well as its darker atmosphere and psychological elements. However, the review considered the film primarily aimed at existing fans, criticizing its lack of exposition for newcomers, the peripheral role of Kōgaiji and his companions, similarities between its plot and an earlier manga storyline, and its ending.[9]

Don Houston of DVD Talk praised the contrasting personalities of the protagonists, their interactions, and the greater room the film gives to its characters and themes. He considered it less effective as a completely standalone work because of the amount of background surrounding its characters, but viewed it favorably as a continuation for established fans and praised its higher production values.[10] Dennis A. Amith of J!-ENT, who had not previously followed the Saiyuki anime, likewise found the film enjoyable and considered its character and story background sufficient for newcomers to follow it. He praised the characters and the use of animation and CGI, but felt that the visual quality fell short of his expectations for a theatrical production and that the film sometimes resembled television episodes assembled into a feature. The film nevertheless increased his interest in watching the television series.[11]

Other reviewers were more critical of the film's narrative and structure. Red XIII of Anime UK News criticized its predictable story and reliance on conventions common to films based on television anime, although praising its character designs and backgrounds. Animefringe similarly argued that the film offered little new to viewers already familiar with the series and criticized its story, antagonist, adaptation of Kazuya Minekura's visual style, and Japanese audio mix.[12][13]

Dan Mancin of DVD Verdict found the film structurally weak, criticizing its failure to establish the setting and characters for newcomers, its repetitive third act, and the inconsequential Kōgaiji subplot. He nevertheless praised the atmosphere and nonlinear structure of the central story. Mancin also considered the animation uneven, noting that some computer-generated backgrounds had considerable depth and clarity while much of the hand-drawn material was closer to television animation than to the standard expected of a theatrical feature.[14]

Andrew Garner of DVDvisionjapan similarly praised the film's character interactions, humor, and self-contained plot, but felt that the screenplay made it resemble an extended television episode and caused some sections to drag. He preferred the English dub to the Japanese track and concluded that the film was most likely to appeal to viewers already familiar with the television series.[15]

Release

In July 2004, ADV Films licensed Saiyuki: Requiem for North American distribution.[16] ADV Films released the film on DVD in North America on January 18, 2005.[17] On May 19, 2009, the film was reissued as part of a double-pack DVD with Martian Successor Nadesico: The Motion Picture – Prince of Darkness.[18]

In France, Kazé released the film on DVD on June 29, 2005, followed by a second edition on January 18, 2006.[19][20] In Germany, Anime Virtual released the film on DVD on June 20, 2005.[21]

In Australasia, Madman Entertainment released Saiyuki: Requiem - The Movie on DVD on May 17, 2006.[22] In the United Kingdom, ADV Films released Saiyuki: Requiem - The Motion Picture on DVD on August 21, 2006, marking the first UK DVD release of a Saiyuki title.[23] The film was also licensed in Sweden by Kaze Sweden and in Spain by Jonu Media.[24][25]

In Japan, Shochiku released the film on DVD in several editions on January 21, 2002, September 21, 2002, December 3, 2005, and January 27, 2007.[26][27][28][29] Shochiku released the film on Blu-ray on July 10, 2024.[30]

Gensomaden Saiyuki: Kibou no Zaika

Gensomaden Saiyuki: Kibou no Zaika (幻想魔伝 最遊記 -希望の罪過-), also known as Saiyuki Interactive, is a DVD interactive animation based on Kazuya Minekura's Saiyuki series. Directed by Yūto Date, with Minekura credited as the original creator and Hijiri Misagi credited with the story concept and main scenario, it was released in Japan by Geneon Entertainment on September 19, 2002.[31]

Unlike a conventional OVA, Kibou no Zaika was designed as an interactive DVD in which the story changes according to the viewer's choices. The release contains approximately 90 minutes of material and includes multiple endings; a cast discussion featuring Toshihiko Seki, Soichiro Hoshi, Hiroaki Hirata, and Akira Ishida becomes available after all of the endings have been completed.[32]

The interactive animation was directed by Yūto Date, with Kazuya Minekura credited as the original creator and Hijiri Misagi as the story concept and main scenario writer. Its four principal voice actors were Toshihiko Seki, Soichiro Hoshi, Hiroaki Hirata, and Akira Ishida.[32]

Other media

The light novel adaptation of the film was published by G-Fantasy / Square Enix on October 1, 2001.[33][34]

Music

The film's music was composed by Akira Senju, who replaced Motoi Sakuraba, the composer of the Gensomaden Saiyuki television series.[4]

The ending theme is "TIGHTROPE", written, composed, arranged, and performed by TETSU69.[35]

The Gensomaden Saiyuki: Requiem Original Soundtrack was released in Japan by Nippon Columbia as a single-disc album on August 18, 2001.[36][37]

Track listing

All tracks were composed and arranged by Akira Senju. The soundtrack contains 23 instrumental tracks with a total running time of approximately 45 minutes.[36]

Gensomaden Saiyuki: Requiem Original Soundtrack
No.TitleLength
1."Gensomaden" (幻想魔伝, Gensomaden)2:39
2."Sorrowful Houran" (哀しみの朋蘭, Kanashimi no Houran)2:15
3."Goku and His Nyoibou" (悟空と如意棒, Goku to Nyoi Bou)1:50
4."Into the Dark" (闇の中へ, Yami no Naka e)1:03
5."Silent Rage" (静かな怒り, Shizuka na Ikari)1:12
6."Lurking Evil" (待ち構える邪悪, Machikamaeru Jaaku)2:06
7."Twisted Love" (屈折した愛, Kussetsu Shita Ai)1:05
8."Dark Plot" (暗闇の陰謀, Kurayami no Inbou)1:34
9."Dougan's Fang" (道雁の牙, Dougan no Kiba)1:15
10."Surging Zombie" (押し寄せるゾンビ, Oshiyoseru Zombie)1:04
11."Genmaoh" (幻夢王, Genmuou)0:42
12."Sunny Table" (ひだまりの食卓, Hidamari no Shokutaku)1:07
13."Paper Airplane" (紙飛行機, Kami Hikouki)2:37
14."Brokenhearted Dougan" (傷心の道雁, Shoushin no Dougan)4:56
15."Imminent Danger" (迫り来る危険, Semari Kuru Kiken)1:55
16."Hakuryu and Kougaiji" (白竜と紅孩児, Hakuryu to Kougaiji)1:55
17."Houran's Secret" (朋蘭の秘密, Houran no Himitsu)1:57
18."Breathtaking Tension" (息詰まる緊張, Ikizumaru Kinchou)1:45
19."Time for the Final Battle" (決戦の時, Kessen no Toki)2:09
20."Twist of Fate" (運命の屈折, Unmei no Kussetsu)2:30
21."The End and the Beginning" (終りと始まり, Owari to Hajimari)2:19
22."To a New Journey" (新たな旅へ, Arata na Tabi e)2:25
23."Saiyuki" (最遊記, Saiyuuki)3:24
Total length:45:44

References

  1. ↑ "『最遊記』の漫画・小説・アニメの概要、売上". ラノベライブラリ (in Japanese). Retrieved August 6, 2026.
  2. ↑ "Movie version of Genso Maden Saiyuki coming". Anime News Network. January 18, 2001. Archived from the original on December 2, 2022. Retrieved November 17, 2023.
  3. ↑ "Saiyuki Movie in Production". AnimeNation. January 18, 2001. Archived from the original on June 14, 2023. Retrieved August 24, 2022.
  4. 1 2 "劇場版 幻想魔伝最遊記 Requiem ～選ばれざる者への鎮魂歌～". Studio Pierrot. Retrieved August 19, 2026.
  5. ↑ "劇場版 幻想魔伝最遊記/スタッフ＆キャスト". Studio Pierrot. Archived from the original on March 11, 2004. Retrieved August 19, 2026.
  6. 1 2 3 4 "劇場版 幻想魔伝最遊記/伊達勇登監督インタビュー". Studio Pierrot. Archived from the original on March 11, 2004. Retrieved August 19, 2026.
  7. ↑ "劇場版 幻想魔伝最遊記/コメント". Studio Pierrot. Archived from the original on March 11, 2004. Retrieved August 19, 2026.
  8. ↑ "劇場版 幻想魔伝最遊記 Requiem ～選ばれざる者への鎮魂歌～". Studio Pierrot. Retrieved August 19, 2026.
  9. ↑ "Saiyuki Requiem - The Motion Picture Review". Animetion. Archived from the original on June 13, 2023. Retrieved August 26, 2022.
  10. ↑ Houston, Don (March 4, 2005). "Saiyuki: Requiem: The Movie". DVD Talk. Archived from the original on November 15, 2023. Retrieved August 19, 2026.
  11. ↑ A. Amith, Dennis (February 2005). "SAIYUKI REQUIEM: THE MOTION PICTURE" (PDF). J!-ENT. Archived from the original (PDF) on November 3, 2005. Retrieved August 19, 2026.
  12. ↑ XIII, Red (October 3, 2006). "Anime Review Saiyuki: Requiem". Anime UK News. Archived from the original on June 11, 2023. Retrieved August 19, 2026.
  13. ↑ "Anime Briefs". Animefringe. April 2005. Archived from the original on May 5, 2005. Retrieved August 19, 2026.
  14. ↑ Mancin, Dan (October 6, 2005). "Saiyuki: Requiem: The Motion Picture". DVD Verdict. Archived from the original on March 21, 2007. Retrieved August 19, 2026.
  15. ↑ Garner, Andrew. "Saiyuki: Requiem Review". DVDvisionjapan. Archived from the original on September 29, 2008. Retrieved November 16, 2023.
  16. ↑ "ADV Films Licenses". Anime News Network. July 3, 2004. Archived from the original on June 13, 2023. Retrieved August 12, 2022.
  17. ↑ DeMott, Rick (January 18, 2005). "ADV Films Releases Saiyuki & Farscape: Starburst". Animation World Network. Retrieved August 19, 2026.
  18. ↑ "Saiyuki: Requiem / Nadesico: Prince of Darkness [Double Pack] (DVD)". Anime News Network. May 19, 2009. Archived from the original on April 21, 2019. Retrieved November 18, 2023.
  19. ↑ "Saiyuki Requiem - Erabarezarumono e no chinkonka". Manga News (in French). Archived from the original on May 6, 2023. Retrieved November 18, 2023.
  20. ↑ "Saiyuki Requiem - Film". Manga News (in French). Archived from the original on August 19, 2010. Retrieved November 18, 2023.
  21. ↑ "Saiyuki Requiem". jpc.de (in German). June 20, 2005. Retrieved August 19, 2026.
  22. ↑ "Saiyuki: Requiem - The Movie". Madman Entertainment. Archived from the original on May 20, 2011. Retrieved November 18, 2023.
  23. ↑ "ADV UK DVD Releases for August 2006". Otaku News. June 12, 2006. Retrieved August 19, 2026.
  24. ↑ "Saiyuki Requiem". Kaze Sweden (in Swedish). Archived from the original on May 24, 2011. Retrieved November 18, 2023.
  25. ↑ "Saiyuki tendrá un nuevo arco animado". RamenParaDos (in Spanish). November 1, 2021. Archived from the original on November 30, 2022. Retrieved February 23, 2024.
  26. ↑ "劇場版 幻想魔伝西遊記 メモリアルDVD 2002年01月21日". Oricon. Archived from the original on November 17, 2023. Retrieved November 17, 2023.
  27. ↑ "劇場版 幻想魔伝最遊記 2002年09月21日". Oricon. Archived from the original on November 17, 2023. Retrieved November 17, 2023.
  28. ↑ "劇場版 幻想魔伝最遊記 2005年12月03日". Oricon. Archived from the original on November 17, 2023. Retrieved November 17, 2023.
  29. ↑ "劇場版 幻想魔伝 最遊記 2007年01月27日". Oricon. Archived from the original on November 17, 2023. Retrieved November 17, 2023.
  30. ↑ 「最遊記」初の劇場作品がBlu-ray化、峰倉かずやが懐かしみつつ三蔵を描き下ろし. Comic Natalie. Natasha, Inc. April 5, 2024. Archived from the original on April 10, 2024. Retrieved April 12, 2024.
  31. ↑ "DVDインタラクティブアニメーション 幻想魔伝最遊記-希望の罪過-". Oricon. Archived from the original on November 20, 2023. Retrieved August 19, 2026.
  32. 1 2 "DVDインタラクティブアニメーション 幻想魔伝最遊記 ～希望の罪過～". Surugaya. Retrieved August 19, 2026.
  33. ↑ "劇場版 幻想魔伝最遊記―選ばれざる者への鎮魂歌(レクイエム)(著)向坂氷緒/(原作)峰倉かずや". Oricon. Archived from the original on November 17, 2023.
  34. ↑ 劇場版 幻想魔伝最遊記―選ばれざる者への鎮魂歌(レクイエム). Enix. October 1, 2001. ASIN 475750554X.
  35. ↑ "TETSU69 TIGHTROPE 歌詞". Uta-Net (in Japanese). Retrieved August 19, 2026.
  36. 1 2 "劇場版「幻想魔伝 最遊記 Requiem」選ばれざる者への鎮魂歌〜オリジナルサウンドトラック〜商品情報" (in Japanese). Nippon Columbia. August 18, 2001. Retrieved August 19, 2026.
  37. ↑ "SAIYUKI -Requiem-: Theatrical Feature [Original Soundtrack]". CDJapan. August 18, 2001. Retrieved August 19, 2026.
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