Screenshots

      I grabbed this show because the artwork surprised me. It is a recent show (2006), but it has the definite feel of something hand drawn. I doubt anyone but Ghibli has the budget for that, so this must represent a masterful use of computers. They capture the essence of late '80s hand drawn animation perfectly. I'd compare its style to shows like Tenchi Muyo and Fushigi Yugi.

      If I understand correctly, "Yume Tsukai" should translate something like "Dream Fairies" or "Dream Messengers" That sounds just a bit too childish for this show. It is heavily steeped in the traditions of the Shinto religion. Like the writings of Freud, it seems that the most powerful of unexpressed dreams have the power to cross the barrier of dreams and nightmares into the waking world. Two sisters and a few friends have taken on the job of setting the dreams right. In other words, the show is a twisted meeting of The Exorcist and Sailor Moon. (I said it was weird).

      So far, nearly all of the episodes have involved lovers (what occupies more of man's desires than this?). The one exception has been the dream of a little five year old girl awaiting surgery that prevents the doctor or even her mother from entering her hospital room. Needless to say, a five year old doesn't fight the way you or I would. Rinko getting hauled off to her doom by a 10-foot tall teddy bear is priceless.