Sailor Moon Eternal is a two-part anime movie that came out in 2021. It’s based on the Dead Moon storyline from Naoko Takeuchi’s original Sailor Moon manga. The story continues where the 90s anime left off, following the Sailor Guardians as they face a new enemy—the Dead Moon Circus.
This dark circus group is after the golden crystal and has a plan to take over the world. This movie brings back the classic characters with updated animation, offering fans both a nostalgic and fresh experience.
Plot and Storyline
The story centers around Usagi (Sailor Moon) and her future daughter, Chibi-Usa, as they face their fears and doubts. These inner struggles start when an eclipse happens, marking the arrival of the Dead Moon Circus. The evil circus takes advantage of people’s dreams, creating illusions and causing nightmares. Each Sailor Guardian has her own challenge to face, adding depth to the story. Watching them overcome their struggles and become stronger brings a lot of meaning to the movie.
Visuals and Animation
One of the movie’s best features is its beautiful animation. The characters and settings look modern and more detailed than the original series, but still stay true to the classic Sailor Moon look. The colors are bright, the costumes are eye-catching, and the action scenes are exciting to watch. However, some fans might find the CGI (computer-generated) scenes, especially the transformation sequences, a bit unusual compared to the traditional animation style.
Character Development and Themes
The movie focuses on themes like dreams, courage, and inner strength. Usagi and Chibi-Usa’s bond as mother and daughter is explored, especially as Chibi-Usa grows more independent. Each Sailor Guardian also gets her moment, showing her strengths and weaknesses. This makes the story more relatable and emotional, especially for fans who’ve watched the characters grow over time.
The theme of “the power of love” is strong throughout, but it’s done in a way that feels genuine and heartfelt. The movie uses these emotional moments to reach older fans while still being fun for younger viewers. It’s about facing your fears, protecting the people you care about, and finding strength inside yourself—all important messages in Sailor Moon.
Personal Opinion
As a long-time fan, watching Sailor Moon Eternal felt like seeing old friends again. It brings back the warm feelings of the original series while adding something new. The darker, more serious themes felt meaningful, especially now that I’m older. Usagi’s strength and kindness are still inspiring.
The CGI transformations did feel a bit out of place, and I would have preferred to see them in traditional animation. But even so, the movie stays true to what makes Sailor Moon special. It celebrates friendship, love, and bravery in a way that both longtime fans and new viewers can enjoy. Sailor Moon Eternal is a touching and magical movie that honors the legacy of Sailor Moon.
