Gestalt
(MVM Region 2 PAL DVD)
(2003)
review by Blackgloves

"Gestalt" is an imaginative comedy fantasy anime based on an eight volume Manga by Yun Kouga. Set against the backdrop of a mythological world that recalls the opulent writings of H. P. Lovecraft with its mix of exotic humanoid races, bizarre, gargantuan monsters and towering dream-cities -- richly adorned with gleaming spires, fabulous minarets and ornately decorated domed temples -- the series bares strong resemblance to the "harem" sub-genre, where hapless male protagonists find themselves at the mercy of countless hordes of flighty females who usually both tempt them  and lead them into heaps of trouble. The animation style recalls that of the Tenchi series of anime films, although, thankfully, the plot is a little easier to make sense of than the convoluted mythology of that particular series allows! Despite dealing with strange, fabled lands, unfathomable magic and the recondite spiritual journey of its lead character, the series retains that bright, innuendo-filled zaniness that chracterises most of the old-style "harem" anime -- mixing adult references with supremly childish antics in that familiar fashion only found in Japanese animation.

 

Father Olivier is a priest in the order of Vasana. Contemplating the founding myth of his religion, Vasana leaves his temple on a quest to explore the facts behind the story of Salsatoa. Long ago, Salsatoa is said to have been the leader of a council of eight gods who, together, controlled the world. Then a great war took place when one of the gods, Gestalt, rebelled against Salsatoa's leadership. The kingdom of "G" was built far to the south; this was the domain of Gestalt and no-one has been allowed to visit this fabled place since then -- or even mention the name Gestalt out loud. Olivier (who wears trendy Lennon specs and sports an exotic turquoise hairstyle) is not satisfied with simply accepting this story without investigation. He determines to leave his order and travel to the kingdom of G himself! This state of affairs does not go down well with his superior -- father Messiah employs a "dark elf" called Suzu to go after Olivier and bring him home.

 

From the start, the humour is animed at poking fun at its subject matter: the temple of Vasana is captioned "head office" and Suzu (a catlike creature with big ears and purple hair) doesn't accept her mission until after whipping out a calculator and summing up how much she will charge for her services! Meanwhile Father Olivier becomes the subject of much curious adulation when he stops off to rest in the village of Barbaros. The simple townsfolk ask for a miracle and Olivier duly obliges by adorning the bare trees with gorgeous pink blossoms. In thanks, he is presented with a buxom, pink-haired girl in skin-tight lycra, "eighteen years old and a virgin", says the landlady of the inn where Olivier is staying!  The girl is unable to speak -- gurgling instead with baby-like yelps and coos -- but Olivier is apparently able to see the boxed captions in which she tells him that she "belongs to him" and is "fully at his disposal". Olivier is horrified, and at first declines the present because of the inequity of slave trading. But when the landlady claims the girl will be sold to someone else if he doesn't take her he relents.

 

As they embark on their journey, Suzu (who has been watching these events with the aid of second-sight) finally catches up with them: riding on a great, pink salamander with wings. Olivier's pink-haired companion tells him that she is a sorceress, who may even come from "G" itself; unfortunately, she has been placed under a magical sealing spell which leaves her unable to use her powers. With the aid of a prayer to Salsatoa, Olivier is able to release Ohri (for that is her name) from her magical bondage for just long enough to enable her to use her powers to affect an escape from Suzu's clutches. The childlike temperament of the female characters is another "harem" anime element, but Ohri seems to transform into a more adult form (her true form, we learn later) whenever released from this sealing spell.

 

Next, Olivier and Ohri travel to the bustling city of Dangai, home to King Bilmol. They soon see that dark deeds are afoot: the kings guard has just been crucified for treason and a tournament is about to be held to find a replacement. While looking around the city, Ohri cheerfully decides to sell herself into prostitution in order to procure money for her master, much to Olivier's horror. Her first "client" turns out to be a handsome fortune teller called Shazan, who is, thankfully, more interested in discovering the secret of the King's new princess (who seems to be behind the recent harsh regime in the kingdom) than he is in having sex with the pink sorceress! Along with Shazan's large-framed brother, Raja, Olivier, Ohri and their new friend attend the tournament which is being held in a huge stadium. Those taking part have to defeat a giant maggot-like creature with foul, dripping fangs and slimy tentacles; if they lose, they end up as maggot food! Father Olivier attempts to intervene in this barbaric contest, but only ends up being thrown to the beast himself! Ohiri tries to take his place and, by the end of the ensuing events, something of Ohiri's past life will have been revealed, and Olivier will have a strange spiritual vision which challenges everything his religion had previously taught him to believe!

 

This disc comes with the choice of an original Japanese soundtrack or an English dub (both in 2.0 stereo), but extras are limited to art galleries and trailers. This is an entertaining blast of colour and magical comedy which promisees much more imaginative "world-making" in future instalments.