Arjuna

Arjuna is an anime series created by Shoji Kawamori, which aired on TV Tokyo in 2001. Combining fantasy, drama, and science fiction, the series presents a compelling narrative interspersed with strong environmental themes and intricate character development.

The storyline centers around a young protagonist named Juna Ariyoshi. Juna is an ordinary high school girl, leading a normal life until a tragic accident disrupts the course of her existence. Following this event, she finds herself bestowed with a supernatural power that is reminiscent of the hero Arjuna from the Indian epic, Mahabharata. Hence, the entire series gets its name from this relation. Juna, like the legendary Arjuna, becomes an archer; only, her weapons are energy bows and arrows. With these newfound abilities, she gets thrust into an unfamiliar world, marred by the devastating consequences of environmental degradation.

The visual animation is spellbinding, with an acute attention to detail that brings the imagery of Juna's world to life. Imagery of clashing elements, symbolizing the dire condition of Mother Earth, is hauntingly beautiful. The array of vibrant colors perfectly fits the atmosphere, and there is a distinct fluidity in the animation sequences, particularly the action scenes. This can be attributed to the considerable animation expertise of studio Satelight, known for their work on several other successful anime series.

The anime explores the conflict between modern society's relentless consumption and nature's gradually diminishing resources. It casts a harsh light on the environmental threats prevailing worldwide, with a focus on the importance of harmony between humans and nature. Arjuna does not shy away from portraying the brutal reality of our times, but rather it thrusts its viewers straight into it, nudging them to reflect deeply on the implications of their actions on the world around them.

As the story unfolds, Juna grapples with understanding her newfound responsibilities, and the weight of her mission, which tends to take a toll on her personal life. This personalized conflict adds an additional layer of complexity to her character and lends a relatable human element to the story. The way Juna battles her internal struggles and overcomes her fears forms an integral part of the overall narrative.

Supporting characters in the series are equally well-developed, each having their own distinctive set of values and beliefs. Their complex relationships with one another and their individual ways of coping with the impending environmental crisis add to the depth of the overarching narrative.

The series strikes a balance between the dramatic elements of the story and the educational aspect. The environmental themes are never preachy, but rather are seamlessly woven into the plotlines. The combination of emotional moments coupled with eye-opening revelations about the state of our planet infuses a sense of realism and authenticity to the series.

Moreover, Arjuna features an enchanting soundtrack by Yoko Kanno, who is renowned for his work on several other successful anime series. Kanno's music not only accentuates the emotional intensity of the story but also blends organically within the narrative. The soundtracks, featuring a mix of different genres from across the globe, manage to capture the show's varying moods perfectly.

Apart from its stunning visuals and excellent soundtracks, Arjuna also presents an abundance of symbolism. Elements of both Eastern and Western mythologies are incorporated, aligning with the series' overarching themes, and adding an extra layer of intrigue for those interested in deciphering them.

Arjuna is a sharply-produced anime series that encompasses a variety of elements to make it a worthy viewing experience. It harmonizes environmental themes with elements of fantasy, drama, and action, offering a captivating narrative that engages viewers while encouraging them to reflect on prevailing real-world issues. Effortlessly weaving an environmental conscience into an aesthetically-pleasing canvas, Arjuna remains a poignant and thought-provoking series that continues to be relevant even today.