The Princess and the Pilot - Reviews

Alt titles: Recollections of a Certain Pilot, Toaru Hikuushi e no Tsuioku

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outoforder's avatar
Jan 31, 2021

SPOILERS SORRY DUDES

This movie is not at all what I was expecting. Would I recommend this? I don't know. It's truly up to you.

I thought this was going to be a basic princess and the pauper style mission where she gives up all the money and the gold and frolicks off with the poor man to go live in a shack for the rest of their happily little lives but no. They don't end up together in the end, which is kind of nice I will admit.

In stories like these, the rich person usually abandons their past relationshihps and/or duties based on a whimsical bond they forged with a total stranger over the course of a couple of days. I thought this story was going along a simialr route up until the very end when it had to be spelled out for me that this wasn't a Hallmark movie.

I have words in my head but they just won't come out. All I can think in are images and colors. Think lilac meets navy blue and realizes that the world was never always yellow. The world is full of all sorts of colors, from red to white to black. And through this journey lilac becomes stained with red and turns into a stronger, deeper, more true shade of herself. And navy softens, not exactly tinged with yellow, but rather gold and transforms to a sea green that can easily blend in with the sky.

I highly recommend "Sinatra" by Forrest Nolan / "Escapism" Steven Universe

7/10 story
7.5/10 animation
8/10 sound
8/10 characters
8/10 overall
Otaku108's avatar
Jul 23, 2012

Yes, another reivew where my Overall score doesn't refelect the actual scoring of the rest.

Story:

The Princess and the Pauper er Pilot. Cute story, well told over the corse of a few days with mild flashbacks. Sadly, the main reason that I liked this story was also ultimately why I didn't like it... Unfortunately I can't explain why without dropping a major spoiler and that is something I don't do in my reviews.

Animation:

Nothing I wouldn't expect from an anime from this era, and perhaps that's made me a bit jaded in this regard, still the designs were well done, beautifully presented and in the end, visually pleasing.

Sounds:

I know there were sounds, I pretty sure I heard them, did I care thou? Not really, which in my case is a good thing, someone else whom is more into soundtracks and what not would probably like to murder me in my sleep for such a poor accounting of this but thankfully I remain safely annonomous.

Characters:

One thing this title lacked, a wide aray of characters well fleshed out and with depth. You really only had 2 characters for most of this and even then they weren't exactly presented with much personality for a good portion of the show. Which made their sudden changes kind of hard to swallow, well more in regards to the princess whom goes from prim and propper to spoiled child back and forth so much that I think I developed a bad case of whiplash. Good news is that they were likable characters so I could turn a blind eye to it.

Overall:

Once you start watching the show you get a pretty good idea of where it's gonna end and that in of itself made for poor viewing, especially how it ended not just that you saw it coming the whole way. It was a pretty package but when that package delivered holds something you'd rather not partake of the wrapping is hardly important. That being said, there are those that enjoy this brand of romance and to whom I say; Masochists, you will like this one.

8/10 story
8/10 animation
7/10 sound
7/10 characters
6/10 overall
roisaru's avatar
Aug 7, 2021

Although it's the basic premise of star-crossed lovers separated by a difference in social class, it's simplicity is what makes it a refreshing watch. It's also rare to see an open-ended ending like this one that doesn't make you frustrated, rather it makes the story different from usual by deviating from the cliche happy ending. Although the character designs are typical, personally, I like the character and steady relationship development between the two. The buildup towards the climax is also worth mentioning along with the exceptional fighter jet scenes. Overall, I think this movie is worth a chance and a good watch for those interested in light romance between the elite and commonalty. 

8/10 story
8.5/10 animation
8.5/10 sound
8.5/10 characters
8.4/10 overall
SEGHE's avatar
Sep 21, 2023

"The Princess and the Pilot" - A High-Flying Tale of Love and Courage

Story (8/10): "The Princess and the Pilot" presents a captivating story set in a world reminiscent of our own but with intriguing differences. The narrative follows Charles Karino, a skilled pilot tasked with the mission of safely transporting Princess Fana, the heiress to the Levamme Empire, through enemy territory. The film balances elements of war, romance, and adventure expertly, immersing viewers in a thrilling and emotional journey. While the plot occasionally veers into predictability, the characters' depth and the exploration of the harsh realities of war elevate the storytelling.

Animation (9/10): The animation in "The Princess and the Pilot" is nothing short of spectacular. The aerial sequences, in particular, are beautifully crafted, allowing viewers to appreciate the grandeur of the sky and the intense dogfights. Character designs are detailed, and the backgrounds effectively convey the vastness of the world. The animation quality contributes significantly to the film's overall appeal.

Sound (8/10): The film's soundtrack complements the story's emotions and the aerial action sequences. The soaring melodies and orchestral compositions heighten the tension during combat and convey the tenderness of the budding romance. The voice acting is well-executed, with Charles and Fana's voice actors capturing the nuances of their characters' personalities.

Characters (8/10): Charles Karino and Princess Fana L'ascell are the heart of the film. Their relationship evolves naturally as they overcome the challenges and dangers of their journey. Charles, a talented but humble pilot, and Fana, a princess burdened by her responsibilities, are relatable characters with distinct personalities. The film succeeds in portraying their growth and the deepening of their connection amid the chaos of war.

Overall (8/10): "The Princess and the Pilot" is a hidden gem in the world of anime films. Its compelling story, stunning animation, and well-developed characters make it a must-watch for fans of romance and aviation. While it adheres to some familiar tropes, the film's execution and emotional depth set it apart. My overall score of 8/10 reflects my admiration for the film's ability to deliver a touching and thrilling experience. Whether you're a fan of aerial adventures or heartfelt romances, this movie offers a satisfying blend of both.

8/10 story
9/10 animation
8/10 sound
8/10 characters
8/10 overall
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