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Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon (2003-2004)
Naoko
Takeuchi wowed her fans when she announced in 2003 that Sailor Moon would
indeed return, but this time as a sentai (live action) called
Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon (PGSM/
Miyuu Sawai- Sailor Moon
Rika "Chisaki" Hama- Sailor
Mercury
Keiko Kitagawa- Sailor Mars
Myuu "Mew" Azama- Sailor
Jupiter
Ayaka Komatsu- Sailor
Venus
This version of Sailor Moon enjoyed the
same success as its predecessor on a smaller scale. Unlike the anime, however,
PGSM was based and designed in style much closer to the manga even though
it still followed a different story arch. This time, there was more focus on
character development as you got to see how the girls interacted with each other
in more realistic situations while still having that good old Sailor Moon fun.
PGSM begins with Usagi Tsukino, the typically
ditzy Japanese girl who, one day while running late for school, runs into a
talking
stuffed cat named Luna. In a later meeting, when Usagi's best friend, Naru
was attacked by a Youma (monster) Luna introducers her to her role as the
senshi of love and justice, Sailor Moon. As the story progresses, Usagi is
joined by the brainy Ami Mizuno (Sailor Mercury), bad tempered Rei Hino
(Sailor Mars), and the motherly tom boyish Makoto Kino (Sailor Jupiter). As
the four girls battle with Youmas sent by the vicious Queen Beryl (who
spends most of her time watching and waiting) and her Shintennou (Jedite,
Nephlite, Zoicite, and Kunzite) they try to come to terms with their past
lives, awakening powers, and the mysterious pop star Minako Aino (Sailor
Venus).
Aside from all of that, there is the tension
and love between Usagi and her lover in her past life Mamoru Chiba (Tuxedo Mask)
who at one point in the series is dating another girl. And right when they seem
to finally be together, Mio, an extension of Queen Beryl's self adds to their
already complicated love life. Let us not forget dear Princess Sailor Moon, the
soul unification of Princess Serene (Usagi's past self) and Sailor Moon. The
result is a vengeful warrior that for once brings the airy all loving Usagi to a
more human level. Yeah, even the bad guys blow up. Many important issues are
brought up. Which is more important, the past or the future? With so much
arguing and drama, it's a wonder these girls were able to put aside their
differences and save the world. In the end, after battling it out with
Princess Sailor Moon and failing and then having to watch as she destroys the
world and THEN joining up in the end for a heart warming embrace just makes you
want to smile.
For
such an interesting series, I must say it had one of the worst endings I've
ever seen in my life! There were so many plot holes and the ending just
seemed sort of rushed. Also, the concept of Princess Sailor Moon destroying
the world and bringing it back all in the name of her love for Mamoru forces
you to refrain from rolling your eyes. The whole concept of PGSM was unity
among the senshi so why not ended it that way? Then again, in the manga
Sailor Moon DID stand alone, but not under the same circumstances that are
presented in the sentai.
Yes, the CG animation sucked, and not all the actors were a sight to
behold but the five actresses held their parts down and brought a little
treat for fans and non fans everywhere, while getting a little fame
themselves. It was quite obvious that the castors chose looks over talent
but over time the girls began to grow into their characters and play them
really well! PGSM ended with 49 episodes in 2004 and followed up with 2
DVD movies, the Special Act (which tells the story of what happens to the
Sailor Senshi 4 years after they defeat Metalia), and Act Zero (Codename: Sailor V brought to life.)
Sailor Mars
BASIC STATS:
Name: Rei Hino
Meaning: Spirit of Fire
Birthday: April 17
Sign: Ares
Age: 14
Blood Type: AB
Pets: Phobos and Deimos (crows)
IN THE SENTAI:
Rei
was the reserved type with quite an attitude under her belt. She had no
love interest but her blunt and cynical attitude often put her against the
other Inner Senshi in some way, shape, or form. Her strong willed attitude
sometimes made her a difficult person to deal with but she was caring all
the same and has a soft spot for children. At school she's not very
popular because her classmates are suspicious of her psychic abilities.
It is said that she inherited her psychic powers from her mother (who died
of a weak heart) and that is why her father ( a rich politician) out
of fear of her abilities sent her to live at the Hikawa Temple. There are a few
acts of PGSM in which Keiko runs into trouble over the memories of her
mother and the negligence of her father that affect her in battle (those
acts are so beautiful! *sniffles*).
As a soldier of fire and
passion, she was the third to appear for the protection of the princess.
At first she is reluctant to join forces with Sailor Moon (Usagi Tsukino)
and Sailor Mercury (Ami Muzino), but eventually she gives in. She takes
her job seriously and relies
more on her raw power
rather than fire readings to locate enemies. Even
without her memories of her past life she is the first Sailor Senshi to
mature and exercise full power. Her views on the future and indifference to the past often put her
at odds with Sailor Venus (Minako Aino) who was the leader of the senshi (in spite all
lies and misconceptions ^_^) and wants the senshi to understand the importance
of their past lives. Her pet crows, Phobos and Deimos are rarely seen or
acknowledged as guardians though numerous crows are seen near her in the
first few episodes of appearance. Her fierce Amazon-like qualities and fire power
make her a hard
enemy to beat.
Main Cast*
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*you can get an extended cast listing here . |
The Music of PGSM
PGSM has a VERY extensive soundtrack ranging from character singles to music
from the TV itself. Below is a list of those albums, including where you can
buy it thanks to some hardcore research. ^_^ The music is performed by the
actresses (including Keiko) themselves, with some professional help and
lyrics by the creator of Sailor Moon herself, Naoko Takeuchi.
Dear My Friend
16 tracks featuring music by the five Sailor Senshi, SAE (PGSM theme song),
Sailor Luna, and Mio (Alisa Durbrow). EXCELLENT soundtrack. If you can't get
your hands on any of the other soundtracks--BUY THIS ONE!
Buy @
CDJapan
Moonlight Real Girl
Grand box set of music from the series which features 3 CDs with a total of
58 tracks! The first CD features 43 tracks of instrumentals from the
episodes. The second CD is called "DJ Moon Special" and features 9 songs.
The final CD is called "I'll Be Here" and is an original mini album sung by
Minako/ Sailor Venus actress (Ayaka Komatsu) featuring 6 tracks.
Buy @
YesAsia
PGSM Complete Soundtrack
19 tracks featuring the five Sailor Senshi, SAE (PGSM theme song), and
Sailor Luna. EXCELLENT soundtrack. If you can't get your hands on any
other---BUY THIS ONE.
Buy @
YesAsia
DJ Moon 1, 2, and 3
DJ Moon 1 contains 36 tracks that contain instrumental music from
the TV series. DJ Moon 2 contains 21 tracks in which a couple of the tracks
feature a small skit between the Five Senshi as an introduction to each
song. DJ Moon 3 contains 18 tracks and have a mix set of up DJ 1 and 2 in
which music from the series, music by the actresses, and skits are mixed on
to one CD.
Buy DJ Moon 1 @
CDJapan // Buy DJ Moon 2 @
CDJapan // Buy DJ Moon 3 @
CDJapan
Korochan Pack 1, 2, and 3
The Korochan Packs each contain 6 songs ranging from the theme song
to songs performed by the 5 Senshi actresses. Included with the CD is a
booklet that contain pictures from the TV series.
01. Kirari! Sailor Dream- SAE
02. C'est La Vie- Minako (Ayakao Komatsu)
03. Kirari! Sailor Dream (original karaoke)
04. C'est La Vie (original karaoke)
Buy @
Amazon
Sailor Moon Character Single
01. Here We Go!- Usagi (Miyuu Sawai)
02. Over Rainbow Tour
03. Here We Go! (original karaoke)
04. Over Rainbow Tour (original karaoke)
Buy @
CDJapan
Sailor Mercury Character Single
01. Mi Amor- Ami (Rika Hama)
02. Yakusoku
03. Mi Amor (original karaoke)
04. Yakusoku (original karaoke)
Buy @
CDJapan
Sailor Mars Character Single
01. Hoshi Furu Yoake- Rei (Keiko Kitagawa)
02.
03. Hoshi Furu Yoake (original karaoke)
04. Sakura Fubuki (original karaoke)
Buy @
CDJapan