Sailor Moon S the Movie: Hearts in Ice
Ah, Sailor Moon. For so many of us, those five magical words conjure up a whole universe of memories: afternoons glued to the TV, the thrill of the transformation sequences, the sheer, unadulterated girl power of it all. While the series itself was a staple, the theatrical movies felt like special events, bigger and often bolder adventures for Usagi and her friends. And among them, 1994’s Sailor Moon S the Movie: Hearts in Ice (or simply Sailor Moon S: The Movie in Japan) holds a particularly frosty, yet surprisingly warm, place in many fans' hearts. Forget grabbing this one off the shelf at Blockbuster; this felt like a prize, something you might have caught at a local anime club screening or ordered specially on VHS, a treasured glimpse into a grander Sailor Moon story.
This wasn't just another monster-of-the-week escapade blown up for the big screen. Based on a poignant side story from Naoko Takeuchi's original manga titled "The Lover of Princess Kaguya," the film shifts the focus in a delightful way. Our central figure isn't Usagi this time, but her loyal feline advisor, Luna! Remember how she always seemed so wise and slightly put-upon? Here, Luna experiences something utterly, achingly relatable: falling in love with a human. Her crush is Kakeru Ōzora, a brilliant but ailing astronomer obsessed with the mythical Princess Kaguya. It’s a storyline filled with a gentle melancholy and sweetness that feels distinct, giving Luna unexpected depth.
### A Chilling Threat, A Warm Heart
Of course, this being Sailor Moon, personal feelings soon collide with cosmic peril. An ancient extraterrestrial entity, Princess Snow Kaguya (no relation to Kakeru's myth, initially), arrives with her icy minions, the Snow Dancers, intending to cover the Earth in ice and add it to her frozen collection. It’s a classic Sailor Moon setup: a seemingly unstoppable foe with a planet-threatening agenda, requiring the combined might of the Sailor Guardians.
And what a sight it is! The S movie benefits immensely from taking place during the third season of the anime, meaning we get the glorious inclusion of the Outer Senshi: Sailor Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto join Sailors Moon, Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, and Venus. Seeing all ten guardians assembled (including Chibi Moon!) for a cinematic battle was pure magic back then. The animation, overseen by director Hiroki Shibata (a veteran of Toei Animation who also worked on Dragon Ball Z films), boasts that lovely theatrical polish. Transformations feel grander, attacks crackle with more energy, and the icy landscapes created by Snow Kaguya possess a stark, beautiful menace that felt genuinely cinematic compared to the weekly TV budget. Watching those familiar attacks – "Mars Fire Ignite!", "Mercury Aqua Rhapsody!", "Supreme Thunder!" – rendered with feature film quality? Goosebumps, every time.
### More Than Just Moon Power
What truly elevates Hearts in Ice, though, is its emotional core, expertly adapted for the screen by writer Sukehiro Tomita (who also penned many episodes of the TV series). Luna's longing, her wish to become human to comfort Kakeru, is genuinely touching. Kotono Mitsuishi (Usagi/Sailor Moon), Aya Hisakawa (Ami/Sailor Mercury), Michie Tomizawa (Rei/Sailor Mars), and the rest of the incredible original Japanese voice cast bring their usual warmth and energy, but the spotlight on Keiko Han's performance as Luna allows for a vulnerability we rarely saw.
Retro Fun Fact: The movie directly adapting a manga side story was a neat treat for fans, showing fidelity to Naoko Takeuchi's wider vision. It also cleverly weaves in themes related to the Japanese folktale of Princess Kaguya (Kaguya-hime), adding a layer of cultural resonance, particularly regarding Kakeru's research and longing.
The adventure itself unfolds with a sense of escalating stakes. The Snow Dancers are visually interesting, distinct from the usual daimon fodder, and Snow Kaguya herself is a formidable, imposing villainess. Her plan to freeze the entire planet feels vast and dangerous, pushing the Sailor Guardians to their limits. The final confrontation, involving the combined power of the Guardians and the legendary Silver Crystal, delivers the kind of spectacular, emotionally charged climax that Sailor Moon always excelled at. It’s not just about raw power; it’s about hope, love, and the strength found in friendship – themes that resonated deeply, whether you were watching on a worn-out VHS tape or catching a rare theatrical showing.
### Still Sparkling After All These Years?
Watching Sailor Moon S: The Movie today is like opening a time capsule filled with glitter and stardust. The animation, while clearly 90s, holds up beautifully with its expressive character designs and dynamic action sequences. The blend of heartfelt character drama (Luna's story is genuinely moving) with high-stakes magical girl action remains incredibly effective. It captures that specific brand of earnest emotion, dazzling transformations, and unwavering belief in love and justice that defined Sailor Moon.
Sure, some plot elements might feel familiar to the series' formula, but the focus on Luna provides a refreshing perspective. It’s a reminder that even the supporting characters in this universe had rich inner lives. The inclusion of the Outer Senshi adds a layer of cool sophistication, their powers and personalities contrasting nicely with the Inner Guardians. And let's be honest, seeing Sailor Moon unleash the power of the Silver Crystal to save the day? That never gets old.
Final Verdict: Sailor Moon S the Movie: Hearts in Ice is a delightful gem from the peak of the Sailor Moon phenomenon. It successfully translates the magic, action, and heart of the series to the big screen, elevated by a touching character arc for Luna and the thrill of seeing all ten Sailor Guardians united against a chilling threat. It’s a perfect slice of 90s anime nostalgia that still warms the heart, even amidst all the ice.
Rating: 8/10
This movie understood what made Sailor Moon special: the bonds between the characters, the dazzling spectacle, and the unwavering belief that love and friendship could overcome any darkness, even one threatening to freeze the world. It’s a cinematic adventure that felt truly special back then, and revisiting it feels like catching up with old, dear friends. Now, who else suddenly has the urge to shout "Moon Crystal Power, Make Up!"?