Street Fighter II: The Animated Movie
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| Street Fighter II: The Animated Movie | |
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| Directed by | Gisaburo Sugii |
| Produced by | itsuhisa Hida Akio Sakai Takeshi Sekiguchi Megumi Sugiyama Kenzo Tsujimoto |
| Written by | Kenichi Imai Gisaburo Sugii |
| Starring | Kojiro Shimizu Kenji Haga Miki Fujitani Masane Tsukayama Masakatsu Funaki Ginzo Matsuo Shozo Iizuka Yoko Sasaki Daisuke Gōri Yukimasa Kishino Unshou Ishizuka Tetsuo Kanao Kaneto Shiozawa Shigezō Sasaoka Jouji Nakata Hiromi Tsuru Hideyo Amamoto Takeshi Kusaka |
| Music by | Tetsuya Komuro Yuji Toriyama |
| Distributed by | Columbia TriStar |
| Release date(s) | 1994 |
| Running time | 90 min. |
| Language | Japanese |
| All Movie Guide profile | |
| IMDb profile | |
Street Fighter II: The Animated Movie, originally released in Japan as Street Fighter II Movie (ストリートファイターII MOVIE sutorito faita tsu mubi?, not to be confused with the similarly titled live-action adaptation) is an animated film adaptation of the Street Fighter II fighting games directed by Gisaburo Sugii. The movie, originally in Japanese, has been dubbed and subbed into a variety of different languages today by both fans and major anime production companies.
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[edit] English cut versions
Two versions of this movie were released direct-to-VHS in 1995: a tamer, PG-13 version and an unrated version which contains, among other things, a slightly more revealing shower scene featuring Chun-Li that is still censored from the original Japanese version. The UK version contains the Chun-Li shower scene and all the swearing and is rated 15 by the BBFC. In addition, a slightly different version of this movie appears on both the PlayStation 2 and Xbox versions of the Street Fighter: The Anniversary Collection as a bonus feature accessible from Hyper Street Fighter II's option menu. It is more censored than the PG-13 version in terms of language, however, and contains some other minor edits not related to mature or vulgar content. All English VHS releases and the version in Street Fighter: The Anniversary Collection was pan&scan while the Region 1 DVD has non-anamorphic widescreen. These localized English versions replaced the original Japanese soundtrack consisting of J-Pop, orchestral, and Jazz with a licensed American grunge and metal soundtrack (feat. Korn, KMFDM, and Alice in Chains), leading to mixed opinions on the localization. This movie is not to be confused with the live-action Street Fighter movie starring Jean Claude Van Damme, which is usually considered an awful adaptation by fans of the series. In addition, it is neither a prequel nor a sequel to the later produced anime series Street Fighter II V.
[edit] Uncut, Uncensored, Unleashed DVD
An Uncut, Uncensored, Unleashed DVD of the movie was released on July 18, 2006 and addresses the complaints made about the censored English versions of the movie in 1995. Unlike the previous unrated version released in the US which was still censored, this release is uncut from the original Japanese version and for the first time ever (for non-Japanese releases of this movie), it contains the original Japanese soundtrack in addition to the American soundtrack (both featuring a new Dolby Digital 5.1 mix). It is a double-sided DVD, with one side containing the English dub with the American soundtrack and the other side containing the original Japanese dub with the original Japanese soundtrack with optional English subtitles. The video on the English and Japanese sides differ, though, with the Japanese side sporting what appears to be a new, higher quality transfer from the original Japanese master. Like the original Japanese release, the movie is presented in non-anamorphic widescreen. Also, the addition of the infamous Chun-Li shower scene makes the Japanese cut of the film longer by two minutes.
[edit] Characters
[edit] Main
- Ryu, voiced by Kojiro Shimizu in the Japanese version, Skip Stellrecht (as Hank Smith) in the English version and Jesus Barrero in the Latin American (Mexican) version
- Ken, voiced by Kenji Haga in Japanese, Eddie Frierson (as Ted Richards) in the English version and José Antonio Mácias in the Latin American (Mexican) version.
- Chun-Li, voiced by Miki Fujitani in Japanese, Lia Sargent (as Mary Briscoe) in the English version and Maria Fernanda Morales in the Latin American (Mexican) version.
- Guile, voiced by Masane Tsukayama in Japanese, Kirk Thornton (as Donald Lee) in the English version and Eduardo Tejedo in the Latin American (Mexican) version.
- M. Bison (Vega in Japan), voiced by Takeshi Kusaka in Japanese, Tom Wyner (as Phil Matthews) in the English version and Alejandro Illescas in the Latin American (Mexican) version.
[edit] Secondary
- Sagat, voiced by Shigezo Sasaoka in Japanese, Peter Spellos (as David Conrad) in the English version and Enrique Mederos in the Latin American (Mexican) version.
- Vega (Balrog in Japan), voiced by Kaneto Shiozawa in Japanese, Richard Cansino (as Steve Davis) in the English version and Benjamín Rivera in the Latin American (Mexican) version.
- Balrog (M. Bison in Japan), voiced by Joji Nakata in Japanese, by Joe Romersa (as Joe Michaels) in the English version and Guillermo Sauceda in the Latin American (Mexican) version.
- E. Honda, voiced by Daisuke Gori in Japanese, Richard Epcar (as Patrick Gilbert) in the English version and Gabriel Chavez in the Latin American (Mexican) version.
- Dhalsim, voiced by Yukimasa Kishino in Japanese, Don Carey in the English version and Arturo Casanova in the Latin American (Mexican) version
- Cammy, voiced by Yoko Sasaki in Japanese, Debra Jean Rogers (as S. J. Charvin) in the English version and Xochtil Ugarte in the Latin American (Mexican) version.
- Fei Long, voiced by Masakatsu Funaki in Japanese, Philip Williams (as Phil Williams) in the English version and Carlos Hugo Hidalgo in the Latin American (Mexican) version.
- Dee Jay, voiced by Ginzo Matsuo in Japanese, Beau Billingslea (as John Hammond) in the English version and Cesar Arias in the Latin American (Mexican) version.
- T. Hawk, voiced by Shozo Izuka in Japanese Steve Blum (as Richard Cardona) in the English version and Guillermo Sauceda in the Latin American (Mexican) version.
- Blanka, voiced by Unsho Ishizuka in Japanese, Tom Carlton in the English version and Jorge Roig in the Latin American (Mexican) version.
- Zangief, voiced by Tetsuo Kanao in Japanese, William Johnson in the English version and Raul Aldana in the Latin American (Mexican) version.
[edit] Plot
The movie begins with the main protagonist Ryu facing off against Muay Thai champion Sagat. With the thunder roaring in the background, the two fight an epic duel. However, despite his renowned strength and abilities, World Warrior Champion Sagat finds himself losing the battle. Channelling his chi, he unleashes his built-up internal energy at his challenger. Ryu evades the blow, and counter-attacks by unleashing his chi in the form of a Shouryuken, inflicting a severe wound on Sagat's chest, a wound that later becomes Sagat's trademark scar. Enraged, Sagat charges towards Ryu, determined not to lose. Ryu, seeking his inner calm, gathers his internal energy and unleashes it in the form of a Hadoken. The battle is over. However, unknown to the combatants, the fight was being recorded and analyzed by a monitor cyborg transmitting the data to Shadowloo headquarters and it's leader, M. Bison who would later order a manhunt for Ryu and recruit Sagat to become his 'special soldier' alonside Vega and Balrog.
Several years later, and Ryu, the legendary "Wandering Warrior" now travels the Asian continent in search of battle. On the other side of the world, Ken, Ryu's old training partner, friend, and rival, finds himself dissatisfied with the lack of challenge. Eagerly desiring a rematch with Ryu, he reminisces over his childhood experiences. However, he finds himself attacked, defeated and captured by M. Bison after Bison learns of the common history between Ken and Ryu and their similar fighting style. Rumours of an underground terrorist organization named Shadowlaw that has unleashed several attacks on worldwide governments and political figures attracts the interest of Interpol.
Chun-Li, an Interpol agent who possesses a personal link to Bison, finds that Shadowlaw has been abducting and, sometimes, brainwashing Street Fighters from around the world to use as assassins. Seeking the help of Guile, she enlists his help in locating Ryu. While gathering information on Ryu's known whereabouts, they also warn other Street Fighters, such as Dee Jay, to look out for Monitor Cyborgs in their general vicinity (Chun-Li even demonstrates it to Dee Jay at the expense of a cyborg in disguise by kicking its head off). This attracts Bison's attention, and he subsequently dispatches Vega to New York to ambush Chun-Li. Chun-li is visibly naked on screen as she is showering. When she dresses in a bath robe she is attacked by Vega. Both Vega and Chun-Li fight it out in her apartment with Chun-Li as the victor via Lightning Kick, but at a heavy cost. By the time Guile had caught up to her, she was already at the point of passing out due to the loss of blood from Vega's attacks. Due to the change in circumstances, Guile continues the investigation in place of Chun-Li, vowing revenge for what Bison did to the both of them. After learning of Ken's whereabouts, he heads over to Seattle, only to find Ken's vacant car in the middle of a deserted road. With no other choice, Guile heads to Southeast Asia in the hopes of getting to Ryu before Bison does. Bison, however is aware fo Guile's intentions and sets out on an intercept course with Ken and Balrog in tow. Out in Southeast Asia, Guile finds Ryu and warns him of the plot and the possibility that Ken may have been brainwashed. At that point Bison arrives, he and Ken step out. Controlled by the psychic powers of Bison, Ken fights with a seething rage. Ryu, unwilling to hurt his friend, slowly loses the battle. Memories of the past wreak havoc on Ken's mind, and finally, through flashbacks of his past with Ryu, Ken succeeds in breaking the psychic control. Bison, who had just incapacitated Guile elsewhere, returns and does the same to Ken. With no help at hand, Ryu takes on Bison alone and is beaten back. Nearby, Ken uses his training under Gouken to regain full use of his legs and rejoins the battle. Aiding Ryu, the pair succeed in defeating Bison.
To make things better, Chun-Li awakens in the hospital right in front of Guile's eyes (Guile and Balrog were rescued by Honda), and Ryu and Ken say goodbye once more after eating at a restaurant. Ryu begins his journey anew. That is, until he sees a huge truck heading right for him with Bison in the driver's seat. The movie ends with Ryu preparing for a second battle with Bison.
[edit] Music
Music featured in the movie includes (American version):
1.Korn - "Blind"
2.Alice in Chains - "Them Bones"
3.Silverchair - "Israel's Son"
4.In The Nursery - "Hallucinations" (Dream World Mix)
5.Black/Note - "Evil Dancer"
6.KMFDM - "Ultra"
7.Smokin Suckaz Wit Logic - "Cuz I'm Like Dat"
8.Intermix - "Mantra"
Japanese version:
1. Alpha-Lyla - "Break!"
2. Big Life - "Cry"
3. Alpha-Lyla - "Kizu Tsuki Nagara Atsuku Nare"
4. Ryoko Shinohara - "Itoshisa To Setsunasa To Kokoro Tsuyosato"
5. Ryoko Shinohara - "Good Luck"
[edit] Legacy
This movie prompted Capcom to create the Street Fighter Alpha series and flesh out the backstory of many of the characters. Many elements from this movie that ended up in the games include:
- A thicker, more muscular look for Bison, a contrast from the slender version seen in the Street Fighter II series.
- Ryu and Ken teaming up against Bison in a Dramatic Battle in Street Fighter Alpha.
- The transport jet that Bison used in the movie is seen in many endings in the Alpha series. It is also seen in Bison's stage in Street Fighter Alpha 2.
- The grass field where Ryu fights Sagat at the beginning of the movie is a stage in Street Fighter Alpha 2, complete with lightning in the background.
- Ryu's red headband coming from Ken as a gift.
- M. Bison's mad scientist servant, Senoh makes a cameo appearance in Bison's ending in Street Fighter Alpha 2.
- In fact, Bison's ending in Alpha 2 is meant to parallel Bison's capture and subsequent brainwashing of Ken in the film, but with Ryu in his place.
- Before the first round, Cammy will remove a red cloak similar to the one in the movie.
[edit] Trivia
- While the name of Ryu and Ken's master is never spoken on-screen, it appears printed as "Goutetsu" when Ryu's and Ken's profiles are compared on a monitor. In the video games' continuity, Gouken is Ryu and Ken's master, while Goutetsu is actually Gouken and Akuma's teacher.
- Akuma makes a cameo appearance in the movie, sitting against a wall in Calcutta shortly before the assassination attempt.
- The fight sequence between Chun-Li and Vega was hailed by anime critics and fans as one of the best action sequences ever in a Japanese animated movie.[citation needed]
- During the English version's credits, Cammy's and Dee Jay's names are spelled Cammie and DJ respectively.
- In the ending sequence at the Gas Station, Ryu's protective gloves lose their backing and are seen only as wrist bands.
- The action sequences had a very realistic portrayal in comparison to other Street Fighter anime, and action anime in general, due to the assistance of K-1 founder and professional fighter, Kazuyoshi Ishii and Andy Hug.
- When Ken is driving on the highway, and is about to go head on with a semi-truck, we can see that the truck has a Capcom logo on its side.
- Dee Jay, a Jamaican fighter, is given an "urban" American accent instead of a Caribbean accent.
- Chun-Li hails from China in the games but is an Interpol agent with an American accent in the English version of the film.
- In the games, Guile is tattooed on both shoulders with an American flag. This is missing in the movie.
- The organization "Shadoloo" is called "Shadowlaw" throughout the movie.
- Printed mentions of the bosses names retain their Japanese version (Shadowlaw being led by Vega (Bison)) While the names at the top of the profiles Chun-li presents have been edited, the lower descriptions haven't; Balrog in Vega's profile, M Bison in Balrog's.
- Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is called simply Patterson AFB.
- This movie is one of few anime to ever feature a Jamaican (Dee Jay) besides Kinnikuman with Voltman.
