It is a performances centric movie

If the ambition is to provide two hours of instantly forgettable, popcorn-munching escapism, it succeeds.

Unshakable, witty and deeply felt, the film will be paying emotional dividends for a long, long time.

It is encouraging that the film ends so strongly.Otherwise, it wouldn't have been a particularly memorable film

The following may contain some spoilers...be advised.I have recently completed watching every season of the Ranma 1/2 anime, including the movies, OAV's, and all the Manga.This movie by far I have enjoyed simply because, while it is still a rehash of Akane being a damsel-in-distress type of story...which really was a repeating arc in the series. It is done at least freshly here outside of the confines of Japan, Furinkin High School, or Jusenkyo. A fresh look that was a very rare occurrence in the series. Besides it's "Ranma", you don't watch for deep plot lines or realistic stories. You watch because of the comedy and to see the progression of the Ranma/Akane relationship.You can easily pick any of the Ranma characters and find something of yourself in one of them.The animation in this movie has been by far the best of the entire series IMHO. For fans of the series, you already know there is a distinct style between all of the seasons, the movies, and the OAV's. This particular movie has a distinct OAV style. One thing to watch for all of the young female characters seem to have "grown up a bit", if you get what I mean). The character design is blatant in targeting a specific demographic obviously...especially with the designs of Female Ranma, Nabiki, Shampoo, Akane, & Ukyo. I would recommend watching at least the first 3-5 seasons of the anime series before watching this film. (I personally watched all 7 seasons before I hit the movies.) Something that we have not seen before in this movie is the presence of dripping blood (Ranma) and weapons piercing the skin (Mousse).Speaking of Mousse. His fight scene with the Bird-man for Shampoo is by far the best of the entire franchise. For the first time we see real emotion out of Mousse as a serious character, not just the butt of jokes. Excellent scene.Again, the storyline is basically the same as the majority of the anime series. But if you are watching ANY part of the "Ranma 1/2" franchise for the plot...your missing the point. With the twist in location, the superb animation, and updated character designs...this movie is by far very entertaining.The opening sequence is an eye opening experience.

I'm not an otaku, so take that as a preface. I'm more a casual fan who got exposed to Ranma years ago and I enjoy it. The romantic dodecohedrans (rather than triangles) and the slapstick humor is always good fun. And call me shallow but for an adult male skimpy bathing suits on the girls is no minus. I write for those who don't follow anime so closely and say this is a fun movie and worth a rental if not a purchase.

I must disagree with Techno Panda. Though I haven't read the manga, I've seen much of the series (subbed and dubbed), and for me anyway, this movie was just the icing on the cake. Albeit there were many breast shots, but it's not like you don't see many of those in the series as it is. Every part of this movie was in keeping with the spirit of the series, especially the end, but I don't want to ruin it for anyone so I won't go into detail. I thoroughly enjoyed this movie.

To my taste, this film was better than the first (Big Trouble in Nekonlon, China). The jokes are funnier and more silly. The animation is pretty much the same. The story is rather lame and could have been told in about 2 or 3 comic-chapters. The plot girl-guy saves girl isn't really that much different from Movie No. 1. The women's breasts are bigger and the legs are longer, and since all takes place in an exotic beach-environment, the creators have the opportunity of pointing this out to the viewer fairly often. Better than the first, but still not that great. Oh, but I must admit, I thought the main theme was kinda cute.