Anime: Eiga Inuyasha: Tenka Hadou no Ken

This is the third Inu Yasha movie, taking place after the hero has learned the diamond shard technique. Although still a filler movie, it is offering lots of canon information that was never used in the main series but is otherwise not contradicting anything either. So it is a sort of a must-watch to anyone interested into the past of Inu Yasha and his family, as we see the last moments of his parents and how the third powerful sword his father was using was taken over by the hatred of a mortal who was in love with his wife. In the present, that is more than enough for both Inu Yasha and his brother fighting both the sword’s demonic powers, as well as each other to see who gets to wield it.

The emotional engagement is simply great, as the whole conflict is based on twisted love and not the usual megalomaniac villains who want to take over the world. For once Inu Yasha’s dark side is not used just for the sake of cheesy drama but as true reason to become a full demon. Plus this movie has by far the largest amount of action you can find in the whole franchise. It literally raises hell itself and the affected areas turn to a thing of horrors. Combined with far better production values than the tv series, you get a more than good action/drama movie.

The ending though is kind of a cop-out and ruins the otherwise interesting build-up. It was more than obvious what would the solution be to the problem. But whatever, those who are fans will appreciate the fleshing out of the protagonist, while those who are not will get kicks out of the epic level fights.

As the previous review has noted, this is the BEST of the four Inuyasha movies. Unlike the prior two movies, this one actually has some background information that is relevant to the series itself.

The third Inuyasha movie is about one of Inuyasha's father's three swords which is possessed by a strong demon (only a super-demon like Inu's father could control it). The sword (without a master) goes on a rampage and attempts to destroy the world. What is great is that it focuses heavily on Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru, the descendants that must clean up their father's left over sword.

Animation:
This was created on a high budget so expect some very smooth action sequences and some nice looking FX. Note that there is CG use though it is done fairly well and doesn't detract from the movie at all. For all you Sesshoumaru fans, he finally gets the movie air time that he deserves.

Sound:
What you'd expect from the Inu series. More traditional Japanese instruments, more of the same from the series. VAs do a great job again, esp. Sesshoumaru.

Story:
Inuyasha's father possesses three swords. Inuyasha's Tetsusaiga, Sesshoumaru's Tenseiga, and a previously unknown third sword known as the "Sword of World Conquest". It is rumored that once the sword gets in the hands of a human, doom will befall the planet. The story is the best out of the first three in terms of plot development and in addition, we learn a lot about Inuyasha's past.

Expect brotherly "love" between Sess and Inu as both strive for the sword (and to get rid of it by themselves). It was really nice to see Inu's group and Sess's group actually working together for once. The only heavy drawback here is an inconsistency in the story dealing with how the sword needs a body to chop other things up (it will become apparent why late in the movie). The climax is also rather lame relative to movie 4 and I didn't like how the falling action was all in the credits.

Character:
Inuyasha's father and mother make an appearance!! In addition, there is a lot of Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha. The focus of this movie shifts away from Inuyasha and Kagome's relationship (which was highlighted in the first two movies). Though in the end, the characters are still static (the brothers still hate each other, Miroku is still a leecher, etc.)

Value:
Overall, this was a very interesting and engaging watch. There were parts that were inconsistent as mentioned above which bothered me, but overall it is a great addition to the Inuyasha series.

The best of the Inuyasha movies, Tenka Hado no Ken brings in a lot of new information to the series, unlike the other 3 movies, which make watching this movie much more interesting than the mere side-story-esque qualities of the other three movies (which could be inserted in the series without adding anything to the story).

This movie brings in much information about Inuyaha's origins: specifically, his mother and father, his birth, and lots of information about his father's ideals and personality, which we haven't seen in the Inuyasha series itself. The plot itself is also pretty interesting; tons of action, especially with Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha. The development of the villian is fairly interesting, though the ending isn't too great.

The characters and the development of them are fairly typical of the Inuyasha movies and series; a bit of Inuyasha/Kagome love-tension, and Inuyasha/Seshoumaru tension.

The animation is very well done, fight scenes are typical Inuyasha fare, but with CG and other advanced techniques due to the greater budget. The soundtrack and voice actors are also typical Inuyasha fare, nothing new to hear here.

I would reccomend this movie if you are an Inuyasha fan, even if you didn't enjoy the other movies. I enjoyed this movie the most out of the 4 movies.