Professor Hershel Layton—renowned archaeologist, puzzle-solver, and extraordinary gentleman—and his young aspiring apprentice Luke Triton receive a mysterious letter from his former student Janice Quatlane containing tickets to an opera at the Crown Petone. They soon discover that it is no ordinary opera, but rather a devious game for the legendary Fountain of Youth—the giver of eternal life. However, this only scratches the surface of an unfolding mystery that the pair must solve together in order to survive.
Despite being faced with complex puzzles and fervent competition, Professor Layton and his trusted assistant Luke never forget to uphold the standards of true gentlemen... And a true gentleman never leaves a puzzle unsolved.
[Written by MAL Rewrite]
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Archaeon
Game adaptations seem to be a bit of a tricky subject for most anime studios for some reason. There are numerous examples of a perfectly good game being turned into mediocre show for no other reason than to cash in on the game's popularity. Part of the problem stems from the mistaken belief that fans of a particular game will spend their hard earned cash on a sub par representation of it, and while there are people who will buy the anime adaptation, the resulting income barely justifies the cost of making the show in the first place. Not all adaptations are bad though. While manyadopt a rather simplistic method using the existing storyline and characters (and nothing more than that to be honest), there are a few that take a more revisionist approach and attempt to reconcile various elements of the game's storyline (tightening up the plot, adding new themes and improving existing characters amongst other things - Tears to Tiara is a good example of the revisionist approach at work).
On the other side of the coin there are anime adaptations that simply use the game's existing characters and the world in which they live to create a totally new story. Titles like Tales of Vesperia: The First Strike have proven how this method can enhance the game in a way a straightforward adaptation cannot, however this method also has its own inherent issues (for example ensuring the plot actually works within the framework of the game's world).
Layton Kyouju to Eien no Uta Hime (Professor Layton and the Eternal Diva), falls into the latter category of adaptations, and while it may look like a show aimed at kids and fans of the games, there's surprisingly more depth to it than one might expect.
The story begins with Professor of Archaeology and puzzle enthusiast Hershel Layton and his self styled "number one apprentice" Luke investigating the theft of Big Ben (to those of you who don't know, Big Ben is actually the nickname of the bell, although most people use it for the tower). Following the successful completion of this investigation the pair continue with their normal affairs until Layton receives a letter from an old acquaintance, the opera singer Jenis Quatlane.
And so another adventure begins.
One of the things that stands out right from the start is the acknowledgement that not all viewers may be familiar with the games. The opening five minutes offer a concise introduction to the characters and the world in both a visual and descriptive sense. By necessity only the important facts are imparted, however there is enough information given during the first few scenes to allow all but the most pedantic viewers to enjoy the movie.
Given that this is ostensibly a movie for children, the story proper is well formed and proceeds at a nice pace, but there is an inherent predictability about certain characters and events. The plot is somewhat simplistic for the most part, however there are flashes of ingenuity that can keep the viewer guessing - no matter their age. What is probably the most surprising aspect of The Eternal Diva though, is that it's actually a rather interesting movie to watch.
The movie incorporates several aspects of the game's mechanics into itself in a rather interesting manner. Given that this is based on the world of Professor Layton there are the obvious puzzles to solve, but in addition to this there are scattered references linking the movie to the games in some very subtle ways. One example of this is the numerical notation for the first puzzle Layton and Luke have to solve a short way into the story, as the font is exactly the same as that used for the puzzles in the games. This attention to detail may cater specifically to those who have played the games, but the immersive quality it allows may also be tangible to those who've never heard of Professor Layton.
In terms of visuals The Eternal Diva is everything fans of the game would want to see. Layton and Luke appear exactly as they do in the games, while the rest of the characters have been designed to look as individual as possible. Everyone in the movie has a different look and feel, right down to their clothing, and one can only applaud the effort that has gone into their design. Granted they are on the simplistic side, but the sheer number of individual characteristics on show really does set this movie apart from many others. This attention to detail also applies to the scenery, which is as quaint and expressive as fans could wish for, and while the usage of CG does stand out a little from the backgrounds, the discrepancy is very minor, and not enough to upset the balance of the scenes.
The movie also features some very good animation, much of which is very fluid and well choreographed, however there are certain character actions and movements which are a bit on the ludicrous side. That said, this is a kids movie, and the stranger aspects of the animation may appeal to the movie's target audience more than it would to someone older.
Besides, I liked the fact that I got to watch Layton fight whilst holding onto his hat.
The Eternal Diva is a little bit unusual when it comes to the acting as the lead roles of Layton and Luke are played by Oizumi Yo and Horikita Maki, who also voice the characters in all three of the games. The rest of the cast is made up of some rather well known names, including Mizuki Nana as Jenis Quatlane and Orikasa Fumiko as Melina Whistler, and the experience they all bring to the movie really is telling.
There are a wealth of effects on display here too, each very clear and well synchronised, but one of the stars of the show is actually the music. As the title suggests music plays a key role in The Eternal Diva, and the movie makes great use of the pieces on offer. In addition to this the vocal tracks are just as absorbing as the instrumental ones, all of which add an air of authenticity to proceedings.
One small gripe though, is that a movie is nowhere near enough time to develop characters in any meaningful way, and The Eternal Diva is no exception to this. One of the aspects of the anime that may not sit too well with some people is the fact that both Layton and Luke are only fully appreciable if one has played at least the first game, hence the reason for the 5 minute introduction. The problem though, is that even if one has played The Curious Village and Pandora's Box (the only two games released before The Eternal Diva), there is still something lacking. The movie doesn't really try to develop Layton or Luke in any way, and while I do like them as characters, the truth is that they are very one dimensional from start to finish. Granted there is some decent characterisation at work in the film, but unfortunately it's not enough to carry the characters forward, and it's more like they're simply going through the motions of having an adventure rather than actually ... having an adventure.
This "shallowness" is also present in near enough every other character with a speaking role, and while it doesn't really detract from one's overall enjoyment of the movie, it also makes it more difficult to take it seriously. Unfortunately it seems to be a legacy from the movie's video-game origins, and one can only hope that future productions attempt to test the characters instead of simply letting them out for a run in the yard.
Be that as it may, in all honesty I rather enjoyed The Eternal Diva, but then again, I rather enjoyed the games as well. The movie isn't overly complex or taxing in any way, and there are some nice concepts introduced that make the story into something more like a strange cross between Sherlock Holmes, Tomb Raider and The A-Team (you'll understand why when you watch the movie), all wrapped up in some very proper manners and dry British wit.
Granted this is movie is very obviously catering to kids and fans of the games, but there's enough going on to keep most people happy. The Eternal Diva isn't so much an adaptation as an extra chapter in the story of Professor Layton, and because of this it has an appeal that many straight forward conversions just can't seem to match.
That said, I do have to wonder how many more games the franchise will sell as one could also view this as nothing more than a glorified advert.
kindergraph
There seems to be some great misconception among the general viewership that a work of film needs to be bursting at the seams with blood and sex to be “mature”. More people will see a film that wears an R rating like a badge of honour on a weathered veteran than will see Professor Layton and the Eternal Diva and films like it, and it’s their loss. ‘Eternal Diva’ is the first in a planned series of anime films based on the Professor Layton series of puzzle games. Though the games aren’t for everyone, the movie takes place years before the games’ timeline (with the exceptionof a brief scene at the beginning, but it’s easy to tell what’s going on), so the uninitiated needn’t worry over catching up to a long, pre-existing canon. The plot is simple enough: Layton and Luke find themselves trapped in the middle of a contest, hosted by a strange masked man, in which the winner will gain immortality, and the unfortunate losers will all die. But not all is as it seems (is it ever?), and the professor and his young apprentice make it their mission to get to the bottom of the affair.
The plot is multi-layered, thought-out, and pristinely paced, though it never quite stops itself from being patently ridiculous (Hershel Layton built this helicopter in the jungle with a box of scraps!). As the film builds towards its climax it becomes increasingly bizarre, but by that point it doesn’t seem to take itself too seriously. That said, it’s fun all the way through, and if the viewer can suspend his disbelief long enough to watch Layton fall hundreds of feet through the air and land with his trademark top hat undisturbed from its place, he shouldn’t have too much trouble with the rest of the plot.
The writing does a remarkable job of fleshing out even the minor characters; they all have their reasons for pursuing the prize of immortality (some more noble than others). Every character has a defined personality and motivation without resorting to “quirkiness” (with the exception of Growski, though he’s not a bad character—bless justice-serving, shark-wrestling, moustache-having hairy bosom). As for the main characters, the titular Professor is an almost paternal character whose patient, distanced and logical approach to even the most outrageous of subjects gives the viewer a sense of respect for the character, rather than seeming elitist or even creepy (as it would were it guided by clumsier writing). Luke Triton, our young Watson, manages to be cute and believably childlike without grating on the viewer’s nerves.
The character designs are unique among anime, and they will further endear some viewers (like myself) and drive others off. The art style is a very simplistic kind of imitation of Western cartoons with an unmistakably Japanese twist, and the film is set in dusty, sunny Edwardian England, unafraid to dabble in steampunk. The art and even the way the characters move is expressive and fluid enough that even a quick glance over a character gives the viewer an idea of their personality. Upon seeing the character designs, one could be forgiven for expecting the same childish cartoon art in the whole picture, but OLM takes care to render the Victorian architecture—and other settings—in loving detail.
Those familiar with the Professor Layton games will recognise a few songs from their soundtracks making cameo appearances here, particularly Layton’s own catchy leitmotif. The film’s original songs aren’t too shabby either, sporting surprisingly entrancing vocal work by Nana Mizuki (let it be said that this is the first time I’ve found her voice to be anything other than grating). There’s not much I can say about the voice acting, simply because it’s very good—though some minor characters have exaggerated, embellished ways of speaking, it works, and it’s not unexpected (this is, after all, a cartoon).
If it sounds like I’m gushing about the movie, it’s probably because I am. It’s hard to remember the last time I enjoyed an anime this much, and although it can probably be attributed to my fannish expectations and love of the games it’s based on, I can’t imagine anyone honestly calling Professor Layton and the Eternal Diva a bad movie. It’s worth a chance; give it one.
Hanaji
I'd have to tell you one thing, Finishing this anime made me feel like I finished Lupin III and the Castle of Cagliostro all over again, and that actually says much, considering the fact that overall, I consider Lupin III and the Castle of Cagliostro the best anime I've ever seen. It all starts with Prof. Layton and sidekick Luke being invited to an opera by a very important person who happens to be a former acquaintance of Prof. Layton, Seeing that this is a Layton movie, Things suddenly go awry the moment the whole performance is finished, puzzles ensue. The score, as heard on all theProf.Layton games, is astoundingly staggering and the art makes you feel like you're watching a show that's done by Studio Ghibli, it may rely a bit on CG, but it actually goes quite well with everything.
Regardless, I'm disappointed that they didn't release this in cinemas throughout the US, It had the potential to outsell Ponyo. If you want an anime that will make you feel that excitement you once experienced back when you were a kid, this is the anime you're looking for.
Tyfighter
Let’s not beat around the bush, Professor Layton and the Eternal Diva is one of the good video game movies. I would even dare to say that it’s worth buying! I was scratching my head when I first saw this on my way to Japan one year during the flight. Fortunately, the film had English subtitles so I could understand the plot. When I was done watching it, I was pleasantly surprised. One of the best factors of this movie is the story. It’s an original story that wasn’t based on any of the video games and it is supposed to be canon with the games’timeline, which is a nice perk to the fans. Just like the games, the main plot is a genuine mystery that keeps the viewer guessing and the puzzles that take place in this movie transition perfectly. The puzzles don’t feel forced and it actually keeps the plot going. It’s almost like a game for the viewer to solve the puzzle before the characters solve it.
The animation is very nice. I love how it is done in the same style as the video games in both traditional hand-drawn animation and some computer generated images. The backgrounds on the ship and the island can be nice to look at and the action scenes move naturally.
The music stood out to me the most in this movie. Since the movie is called the Eternal Diva, it lends itself to good vocals. Both the vocal songs and the orchestral pieces sound beautiful. Of course the Professor Layton video game theme is played, but my favorite songs are “Jenis’ Tears”, “Song of the Sun”, and “The Eternal Diva.” I won’t go into much detail of the songs since they are important to the story, but I believe these sum up the movie in the story, tone, and mood. I listen to them all the time on my mp3 player.
To sum it up, this is a great anime movie and video game movie. It received a lot of praise in Japan and it even got an American DVD release. You can probably find a copy in Walmart (since that’s where I got mine) or any anime store. I don’t have the soundtrack to the movie, but I believe it’s worth owning too. I’m always happy to watch this film again and again. For being a good movie on its own and being a good video game movie, Professor Layton and the Eternal Diva gets 10/10 on MyAnimeList and 5/5 on Rotten Tomatoes!
Cyclonestar
Okay,I've been a Professor Layton fan for ages and when I heard about the movie,I got curious.I found wonderful reviews about it,even it being given a 10/10 about 900 times or so.I thought "Is is really that good?" as I know Professor Layton never fails in terms of the story so I finally got to watch the movie.Did I like it?Did I hate it?I'm here to tell you... Story 9/10 The story to this movie is spectacular.It was very well written and had an explination for all the puzzles,unlike in the games. The only flaw I had with it was in the end,I was left with afew unanswered questions.And must I say, Emmy uses animal abuse. And the only other flaw(Or maybe I was just too much of a Layton Pro and figured it out myself)that I could obviously tell who Layton was going to point to somewhere near the end of the movie.You would know what I mean if you watched it.
Art 8/10
Okay,not much to say about the art,it's the same as the games's CGI cutscenes.I just have to say that it's wonderful hand drawn art which reminds us how this is set in the olden days of London.
Sound7/10
The voice acting was great.The only flaw I have with this is some of the music.Especially when it comes to the main theme.It was just a remix of the first Professor Layton game and not a very good one.
Character 10/10
Okay,each and every character had wonderful charactersation. Although, I would have liked it if Emmy contributed a bit more like she did in the Last Specter. A character that I really grew to love was Amelia Ruth. She's well developed and caring. Plus,points go to how smart she is. She's as smart with puzzles as Layton himself is.And they managed to fit in Flora as a cameo(FLORA RULES!!Sorry,flora fan)even if they made her head huge in the screenshot. I also think Mellina is a wonderful character. And Janice but the two have very similiar personalities.It's such a shame none of these characters are in London life(Yes,I know Last Specter and London Life came out earlier but still)
Enjoyment 10/10
Although,my little sister didn't enjoy(Even though she also saw two minutes halfway)I enjoyed this movie alot.I was never bored at any time throughout the movie or feel like pausing it.I watched through the whole movie clearly satisfied.
Overall 9/10
So overall,this movie is wonderful and I reccomend it to anyone.Although, people new to the series may have to play Last Specter first and then watch the movie.I'm Cyclonestar and I hope you enjoyed this review,if you did not then don't keep saying this is not helpful until my review is less then half(like EVERY SINGLE other review on this whole website) Until next time.
jiaojasjjasjsa
Very solid installment. More video game movies should be exactly like this. While it is weaker than the usual Layton game, its great as a 1 hour and 30 minute movie. the fact they crammed such a great story in that short time span says a lot. Although, Descole was a weak antagonist, and i kinda wish they did more with Emmy, other than her just kicking peoples asses. Luke and Layton are a amazing duo as usual though, and the story was well presented, alongside with the superb ost. The artstyle also smoothed into anime quite well. I also loved the way they presentedthe puzzles into anime form. All in all, great video game movie, and more should be like this. You can tell a lot of heart went into this. 8.5/10
crunchyyogurt
I loved every second of this movie! I think I've watched this movie over 25 times already. I'm a big fan of Professor Layton and this was such a gift. Oh my god. story 9 I actually want to give the story a 10/10 because it's such a good story. The mystery they had to solve was really fascinating and thrilling. The reason I gave it a 9 is because it was so hard to understand the first few times I was watching it. In the games, I usually got the story but the movie was a little hard to understand. Especially when I watched it when Iwas younger.
art 10
I mean, it's professor Layton. I don't think I have to write a lot here. The Professor Layton games we're always such a feast for the eyes. The movie ditto. It was just amazing as usual. What I especially like about the art style is I think the colours they use. Also the shape of the characters, especially their faces. They really inspire me when I draw, myself.
sound 10
I can never get bored listening to the soundtracks of Professor Layton. They are all so beautiful and unique. The cherry on top was in my opinion the song in the theater, sung by Nana Mizuki. Simply amazing. Her voice is so beautiful.
I also loved the concept of the Song of the Sea, Stars & Sun. Very clever.
characters 10
I love love love the main characters. The whole Professor Layton character is made so well. He's a true gentleman, but a cool one. Luke is maybe my favourite character. He's just so cute and stubborn. I think the two of them really fit well together. I'm not really in love with Emmy though. I don't know how but I'm still glad she's there because even though I think they could leave her out, it would feel a little 'empty' seeing only Layton and Luke solving this big mystery.
What I think is so amazing about the supporting and minor characters in the movie/series, is that they were all drawn so 'correctly', for lack of better word. When I see the clothing and shape of a character, I already get kind of a feeling what the character would be like. (basically what I want to say is that the character design is perfect).
enjoyment 10
overall 10
I cannot stop saying how much I love this movie.
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I really recommend watching this, especially if you've played the games and enjoyed those!
