Revolutionary Girl Utena (1997)
A groundbreaking anime series where a chivalrous teenager navigates surrealist duels, forbidden secrets, and the true meaning of revolution at an elite academy.
Revolutionary Girl Utena - Series Information
- Original Title: 少女革命ウテナ
- First Air Year: 1997
- Last Air Year: 1997
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Animation, Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 24 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 39
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- First Air Date: April 2, 1997 (United States - TV-14), April 2, 1997 (United Kingdom - 15), April 2, 1997 (France - 12), April 2, 1997 (Australia - M)
- Networks: TV Tokyo
- Alternative Titles: Shōjo Kakumei Utena (JP), Utena, la chica revolucionaria (ES)
- Production Companies: Tokyo Laboratory, J.C.STAFF
- Production Countries: Japan
Revolutionary Girl Utena - Plot
"Never lose that strength or nobility, even when you grow up." When Utena was just a child and in the depths of sorrow, she found salvation in those words. They were the words of a prince, who bestowed upon her both a ring and the promise that it would lead her to him again. She never forgot the encounter. Now a teenager, Utena attends the prestigious Ohtori Academy; however, her strong sense of chivalry soon places her at odds with the student council and thrusts her into a series of mysterious and dangerous duels against its members.
Revolutionary Girl Utena - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a glimpse of the duels, symbolism, and drama awaiting at Ohtori Academy:
The power to revolutionize the world!
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Revolutionary Girl Utena - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Tomoko Kawakami
- Yuriko Fuchizaki
- Takehito Koyasu
- Takeshi Kusao
- Kotono Mitsuishi
- Aya Hisakawa
- Yuri Shiratori
- Jurota Kosugi
- Hikaru Midorikawa
- Nozomu Sasaki
Writers
- Yoji Enokido
- Ryoe Tsukimura
- Noboru Higa
Revolutionary Girl Utena - FAQs
What is Revolutionary Girl Utena about?
Revolutionary Girl Utena follows Utena Tenjou, a spirited teenager at the elite Ohtori Academy who is drawn into a series of ritualistic sword duels after a childhood encounter with a mysterious prince. The series explores themes of gender identity, adolescence, power, and surrealist symbolism through its layered, allegorical storytelling.
Is Revolutionary Girl Utena worth watching?
Absolutely. Revolutionary Girl Utena is widely regarded as one of the most artistically ambitious anime series ever made. Critics and fans praise its bold deconstruction of fairy-tale tropes, its nuanced exploration of gender and sexuality, and its visually inventive direction. It remains deeply influential on anime and queer media alike.
Where can you stream Revolutionary Girl Utena?
You can find up-to-date streaming availability for Revolutionary Girl Utena on JustWatch, which lists all current platforms offering the series in your region. Availability may vary by country, so checking JustWatch directly ensures you get the most accurate and current viewing options.
What does the symbolism in Revolutionary Girl Utena mean?
Revolutionary Girl Utena is saturated with layered symbolism drawn from fairy tales, Tarot, Jungian psychology, and queer theory. Recurring motifs — roses, dueling arenas, the Rose Bride — represent power, desire, and social conditioning. The series deliberately resists single interpretations, inviting viewers to engage with its imagery on multiple levels.
How many episodes does Revolutionary Girl Utena have?
Revolutionary Girl Utena consists of 39 episodes across a single season, which originally aired in 1997 on TV Tokyo. The episodes are typically around 24 minutes each and are organized into distinct story arcs, each escalating the mystery and emotional complexity of the central narrative.
Who voices the main characters in Revolutionary Girl Utena?
Tomoko Kawakami voices the determined protagonist Utena Tenjou, while Yuriko Fuchizaki portrays the enigmatic Anthy Himemiya. Other key performances include Takehito Koyasu as Touga Kiryuu, Takeshi Kusao as Saionji, and Kotono Mitsuishi as Juri Arisugawa, all delivering memorable work in this celebrated cast.
What is the content rating for Revolutionary Girl Utena?
Revolutionary Girl Utena carries a TV-14 content rating in the United States, indicating it is suitable for viewers aged 14 and older. The series contains mature themes including sexual identity, gender roles, psychological manipulation, and implied violence, making parental guidance advisable for younger audiences.
Did Revolutionary Girl Utena influence later anime?
Revolutionary Girl Utena has had a profound and lasting influence on anime. Its deconstruction of the magical girl genre, its frank engagement with queer themes, and its avant-garde visual style inspired countless later works, including Princess Tutu and various Kunihiko Ikuhara projects such as Mawaru Penguindrum and Sarazanmai.
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