Ep 1. The Rose Bride

In episode one of Revolutionary Girl Utena, we are introduced to a world full of mystery, intrigue, and romance. The episode opens with a young girl named Utena Tenjou, living in a world that is ruled by a mysterious and powerful student council. Utena is determined to become a prince-like figure, following in the footsteps of the noble and chivalrous male heroes she has read about in fairy tales.

One day, Utena witnesses a strange and surreal event. A girl named Anthy Himemiya is physically abused by a group of male students, who fight over her. In the midst of the chaos, Utena sees a strange symbol on Anthy's back, and the girl seemingly disappears before her eyes. Utena is left confused and shaken by what she has witnessed, but she is determined to get to the bottom of the strange events at Ohtori Academy.

After school, Utena follows a strange set of stairs that lead her to a secret garden, where she finds a mysterious dueling arena. Here, she meets the student council president, Touga Kiryuu, who offers her a chance to become a member of the council. Utena is initially hesitant, but decides to accept the challenge when she learns that it will allow her to meet Anthy again.

The episode then takes a surreal turn, as Utena engages in a surreal and otherworldly duel with a member of the council, Saionji Kyouichi. The duel is fought with swords, but it is clear that there is more at stake than just physical victory. As the two battle, Utena begins to see strange visions, and a mysterious and enigmatic force seems to be guiding her actions. In the end, Utena emerges victorious, and is granted possession of a strange and mystical object - the Rose Signet.

The episode ends on a cliffhanger, as Utena learns that her victory has earned her the title of "Engaged to the Rose Bride". She soon realizes that Anthy is the Rose Bride, and that she is now caught up in a web of intrigue and danger that she cannot escape from. The episode sets the stage for a wild and surreal adventure, full of twists and turns, mystery and romance.

Overall, The Rose Bride is a stunning and imaginative start to the first season of Revolutionary Girl Utena. The episode introduces us to a world that is both familiar and strange, full of familiar high school archetypes and surreal dreamscapes. The visuals are gorgeous, with sharp lines and bold colors that bring the characters and settings to life. The music is equally stunning, with hauntingly beautiful melodies that add to the otherworldly feel of the show. The characters are complex and intriguing, each with their own hidden agendas and motivations. Utena herself is a fascinating protagonist, determined to follow her own path and discover the truth behind the strange events at Ohtori Academy.

In conclusion, The Rose Bride is a must-watch for fans of surreal and imaginative anime. The episode sets up an intriguing premise, and introduces us to a fascinating cast of characters and a world full of mystery and magic. With its stunning visuals, beautiful music, and complex storytelling, Revolutionary Girl Utena is a true masterpiece of anime, and The Rose Bride is an excellent introduction to the series.