REVIEW: ‘Ranma 1/2’ Episode 1 — “Here’s Ranma”

As a remake of a late ’80s, early ’90s classic, Ranma 1/2 Episode 1 always faced an uphill battle. While the original anime wasn’t able to fully tell the original story, and the animation quality was inconsistent, there’s an old school, textured charm and beautiful color stories. Based on a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Rumiko Takahashi, the MAPPA adaptation infuses new, vibrant life into the series while honoring the foundation it’s built on.

Directed by Kōnosuke Uda, with Kimiko Ueno writing the series’ scripts, Hiromi Taniguchi designing the characters, and composer Kaoru Wada, the production is immediately well-rounded and immersive. There are no attempts to ground us in reality, as that would defy the point of the series, which lives fast and loose with rules. Ranma 1/2 Episode 1 sets the stage for the rest of the series with the necessary vibrancy while begging the question of how the Netflix production can build on the existing legacy while bringing new, modern life to the story.

Ranma 1/2 follows a 16-year-old boy, Ranma (Megumi Hayashibara as female Ranma and Kappei Yamaguchi as male Ranma), who, while training in martial arts under the tutelage of his father, is cursed to transform into a girl when splashed with cold water. He turns back into a boy when splashed with hot water. Genma’s father is similarly cursed, though he transforms into a panda. The series plays on the gender swap narrative as we first meet Ranma in his female form while battling it out with his father in his panda form.

Ranma is adamant in refusing his father’s request that he marry one of the daughters of the Soun Tendo. Tendo’s daughters are equally disinterested, especially his youngest Akane (Noriko Hidaka), who hates men. The central ‘drama’ of the Ranma 1/2 Episode 1 is due to the misunderstanding of his gender. While Ranma is trying to play nice and keep his secret under wraps, it’s revealed shortly that he’s a man who’s been cursed to transform into a girl. From there, Ranma and Genma explain the situation while both fathers continue to try to press the issue of marriage. The wish is that, together, they — Ranma and Akane preferably — will help carry on the Tendo Dojo.

It’s a frankly ludicrous premise that works because of how well-executed the slapstick humor is. And the fact that the humor isn’t solely about how Ranma’s curse changes his sex. Instead, the writing derives a lot of comedy from situational interactions and the bizarre male pride and threatened ego of both Tendo and Genma. The two men silently sitting across one another in tears is one of the episode’s best gags, totally encapsulating their energies in a single frame. That, plus Tendo’s mournful reaction to first meeting Ranma and believing him to be a girl, ensures Tendo is a comedic MVP.

However, MAPPA’s aesthetic to Ranma 1/2 Episode 1 genuinely allows the series to shine in its premiere. With only “Here’s Ranma” available, it’s difficult to tell if some of the more problematic aspects of the original series will resolve themselves. But on face value, it looks great. And it looks great from the establishing shot of Tokyo’s skyline rendered with a watercolor effect. This quickly removes any lingering worry that the adaptation would cheapen the look.

While the colors aren’t as rich (at least for now), the animation imbues the series with a kinetic liveliness that reaches beyond the action scenes. Though, said action scenes are impressive. Genma and Ranma’s fight at the Jusenkyo springs is particularly effective, displaying a sense of weight and impact in their trading blows. But instead, the series looks for depth behind hand-to-hand combat. The series gains leverage in using onomatopoeia and dynamic line work and lighting. A sense of energy pulsates beneath even the most still scene.

It’s why even the simple exterior shots of the dojo are so effective. There’s a sense of time and place. The series takes place during the ’80s in Tokyo, and it feels like it. The animation, so far, is easily the driving force of the series. It doesn’t quite capture the original color schemes, but it doesn’t need to, especially when aided by the energetic framing.

With well-written characters and some definite laugh-out-loud moments, Ranma 1/2 Episode 1 proves to be a worthy successor. There’s room to grow, and the basic premise will be difficult to adapt for a modern audience, but it’s energized and fun. And, more than anything, it allows for the animation team to play with form and style for something constantly in flux — fitting for the series protagonist.

Ranma 1/2 Episode 1 is out now on Netflix.