Saint Seiya: Warriors of the Final Holy Battle

Athena's warriors face Lucifer this time. Enemies already defeated are brought back from hell and the world is about to be destroyed. The Bronze Knights go to war one more time, accepting the losses. Masayuki Akehi directed. It is the fourth Saint Seiya feature and the close of the late-eighties run of theatrical entries. It is short, around forty-five minutes. That is a product of Toei's practice at the time: these films were made as part of package programmes screened for children rather than as standalone features. The result is fast and almost entirely combat. No character development, no exposition; it works like an episode designed for viewers already following the television series. The visual design is the real value here. The armour, backgrounds and colour work sit clearly above television budget. The series was a generational anime in many countries, and these films belong to that memory. Who it is for: viewers who know Saint Seiya and like eighties anime aesthetics. Who it is not for: newcomers; the film explains nothing from the start.