The Ultimate Anime Revivals That Will Leave You Astounded

Highlights

Blast of Tempest features a clever resurrection that is well-executed and adds complexity to the storyline.

The series reaches its climax with a patient and unique approach, skillfully intertwining two distinct narratives to create a captivating conflict. The incorporation of Shakespearean themes and references adds a layer of depth, propelling the characters’ development throughout the series.

Warning: The following content contains spoilers for Blast of Tempest, currently available for streaming on Crunchyroll.

Within the realm of media, tragic and impactful deaths are abundant. However, incorporating resurrection into a narrative can be a challenging task, as it often risks feeling undeserved or devaluing the preceding death. This is precisely why Masahiro Ando's Blast of Tempest manages to leave a lasting impression. Its mid-series finale not only presents a clever resurrection but also delivers an exceptionally distinctive and patiently developed climax.

The Context

: The anime series Blast of Tempest, which aired in the Fall of 2012, beautifully combines elements of Shakespeare and modern fantasy. With a captivating score by Michiru Oshima, the show constantly references the great playwright's work, immersing the audience in a world of drama. The story revolves around two young men who embark on a quest to save the world and unravel a murder mystery, all while being assisted by a banished witch situated on a distant island.

To give context to this dramatic turning point and highlight the significance of reviving a deceased character, it is essential to delve into the backstory. Yoshino Takigawa and Mahiro Fuwa share an unbreakable bond as best friends. Despite the seemingly cold demeanor Mahiro's sister, Aika, exhibits towards Yoshino, the two have been carrying on a secret romantic relationship. However, tragedy strikes when Aika is unexpectedly and suspiciously killed, plunging Mahiro into a state of despair and rage. Consumed by these intense emotions, Mahiro disappears without ever uncovering the truth behind his sister's death and the role his closest friend plays in the unfolding events.

After a month had passed, Mahiro made his return just in the nick of time to rescue Yoshino from the clutches of a peculiar being that was petrifying the townsfolk. During his absence, Mahiro stumbled upon a message enclosed within a bottle, sent by none other than Hakaze Kusaribe, a stranded witch who had been marooned on a distant island to thwart her brother Samon's scheme to unleash a cataclysmic force capable of obliterating the world. However, the arrangement came with a condition: if Mahiro were to aid Hakaze, she vowed to divulge the hidden truths surrounding Aika's untimely demise.

The Stage

The merging of two apparently distinct storylines marks the commencement of a unified journey, propelled by an inexorable sense of destiny. Yoshino and Mahiro establish a telepathic connection with Hakaze through a enchanted puppet, and under the guidance of the sorceress, they unearth the necessary tools to confront the Kusaribe clan, with the hope of averting the cataclysmic demise of the world.

Imagine this scenario: as the first half of the series draws to a close, Yoshino and Mahiro embark on a challenging expedition across a desolate Winter-stricken Japan. Along their journey, they encounter newfound allies and engage in intense battles against formidable adversaries. At this pivotal moment, their adversaries are in the midst of performing a ritual with the potential to unleash unparalleled devastation upon the world. Meanwhile, the Japanese Self-Defense Force mobilizes, launching an all-out assault.

Guided by Hakaze, the two young men make their way towards the base of the Tree of Exodus, accompanied by a sense of determination. To aid in their mission, Mahiro possesses a special talisman resembling a Heckler and Koch MP5. This powerful weapon holds the ability to shatter the protective barrier, serving as a valuable bargaining tool to negotiate Hakaze's safe return to the mainland. However, their plans take an unexpected turn when they discover Samon, Hakaze's brother, positioned on top of a hill within the depths of the forest. His presence brings forth a new challenge, as he is determined to persuade them to abandon their endeavors. In this unfolding situation, the word "convince" takes on even greater significance.

The Twist

Right from the beginning, Hakaze and her two companions emerge victorious, and she boldly declares their triumph. With just one decisive pull of the trigger from Mahiro, Samon's defeat is inevitable. However, Samon refuses to go down without a fight. He vehemently asserts that their actions are not about saving the world, but rather about perpetuating its destruction, claiming that everything they have been told is a fabrication.

What makes the drama of Blast of Tempest so captivating is its strong reliance on uncertainty. Hakaze and Samon, two siblings from a clan of mages, find themselves locked in a fierce battle driven by their contrasting perspectives on forces that remain elusive to humanity's understanding. Much like death and the afterlife, there are aspects of existence that are beyond human comprehension, yet they become the very grounds for their deadly confrontation. Samon wields this enigmatic power as his first weapon, aiming to manipulate the two boys.

Unfortunately, even with Yoshino's potential influence, Mahiro stands out as a unique individual. He remains indifferent towards a world where his sister's death holds no meaning. His sole focus lies in uncovering Aika's murderer. If Hakaze can aid him in achieving this goal, he is willing to support her. In the realm of anime characters, he embodies the essence of "Chaotic Neutral." Holding the talisman, he possesses all the power, and the rest of the characters must persuade him.

In order to sway Mahiro to his side, Samon only needs to prove that Hakaze is incapable of fulfilling his desire. From a mysterious barrel resembling the one present on Hakaze's island, he presents a skeleton that he claims belongs to Hakaze. Initially, the boys find this notion absurd, as they have been conversing with her throughout the entire show.

When they ask her what year it is, she tells them it's two years prior.

The Battle

The subsequent four episodes revolve around this pivotal point. There's a distinct absence of gunfire or bloodshed, as Yoshino, Mahiro, Hakaze, and Samon embark on an intense psychological chess match with the highest stakes. This extraordinary climax maintains its tension through expert directing and exceptional music.

With the demise of Hakaze, Samon finds himself obligated to personally fulfill her promise to Mahiro. In a desperate attempt to find a solution that will save everyone, Yoshino reflects on his past discussions with Aika and is reminded of another Shakespearean work - a play that concludes with a happy ending, coincidentally sharing the same name as this Anime: The Tempest.

This series goes beyond using Shakespeare's work as mere inspiration or motif; it employs it as a thematic tool to propel its characters forward. Yoshino must either prove that Hakaze's death is a falsehood or find a way to save her. Her demise is considered a "Prison of time," as the chances of rescuing her without causing a paradox appear slim. However, if there was even the slightest possibility of Samon's plan failing, he would have required a method to bring her back, thus indicating that there must be a solution.

The solution was right in front of them: Hakaze's skeleton. After three episodes filled with intense bargaining, theorizing, and heated debates regarding who or what is accountable for Aika's death, Samon's clandestine strategy to revive Hakaze is unveiled. The only requirement is for her to teleport her flesh from the past onto her skeleton in the present.