"The absolute destiny: apocalyptic darkness, apocalypse"
Image (click for larger version) shamelessly stolen from Ohtori Online, link to which found at Anime Web Guide: Revolutionary Girl Utena:
Utena Tenjou arrives at a new school...in a boy's uniform. This establishes her reputation as a rebel and gains the adulation of virtually every girl on campus. Ansi Himemiya is a quiet dark skinned girl who seems to be completely submissive to a cruel student. Appalled at that cruelty, Utena resolves to save Himemiya and quickly finds that the key to this is a secret arena where duels (swordfights) are fought. Himemiya is the "Bride of the Rose" and must serve whomever is the Champion. Utena's admission ticket to the arena is a ring that was given to her long ago by a man (Utena's childhood memories remember him as her 'prince'). More by luck than anything else, Utena wins the match and gains Himemiya's service. This makes her a target for challenges for it seems that EVERYONE wants the position that Utena now has. What sets this series apart is the extensive imagery. A lot of the atmosphere is set up by shadow plays...both in the frequent flashbacks (Utena's mostly), and in the side commentary by two girls whose shadows are the only things we see. Other than that, it's basically a shoujo drama with many mysteries attached. For instance, what does being the Bride of the Rose mean?
Lyrics at Anime Lyrics: Revolutionary Girl Utena: Zettai Unmei Mokushiroku; Absolute Destiny: Apocalypse
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