Honkai: Star Rail - The Embers of Glamoth

Action / Adventure

In the Year 4800 of the Star Calendar, the five lineages of the Vidyadhara made alliance on the Yuque, putting their sacred vow into writing. "This oath shall remain unbroken, standing stronger than even earth and steel." — History of the Xianzhou: Exodus of the Five Dragons. In the Year 7379 of the Star Calendar, the Imbibitor Lunae Dan Feng caused turmoil that threatened the sacred wood. The Cloud Knights joined forces with the Vidyadhara Preceptors to assault him. — History of the Xianzhou: Cloud Knights War Records "Noble successor of the Azure Dragon, bearer of divine blessings from the heavens. Traversing clouds and bestowing rain, shaping forms as the world's essence beckons." He dreamed of shouldering his responsibilities, performing the ritual dance gracefully, and sealing the Ambrosial Arbor. He dreamed of stepping into a battlefield where sharp blades and arrows fell like rain, and meted out punishment from the sky. He dreamed of being chained between jade pillars, pierced by long nails, sealed in darkness. He dreamed of wandering aimlessly in the darkness, chased by lurking shadows. In all the dreams, he was a dragon, a hero, a sinner, but never a person with love, hatred, sorrow, or joy like everyone else in this world. (Source: Honkai Star Rail Youtube Channel)

Fantasy / Mystery

The dual planets were intertwined in each other's tragic destiny, dancing an eternal rondo around a pitch-black great sun. In the beginning, one of the planets gave rise to humans. These people looked down, and named the land below "Izumo." These people looked up, and named the world above "Takamagahara." One day uninscribed in the annals, the Yaoyorozu-no-kami descended from Takamagahara. These demonic beasts named Kami overturned the skies, burned the rivers and oceans, and shattered the land — People realized in horror that it was not an invasion for rulership, dominance, or plunder. The evil Kami came only to kill. As the planet stood on the brink of death, Izumo embarked on a Kami-slaying journey, exhausting the might of the entire country to slay the calamity "Sovereign of Revelation" and forging the very first Edict Edge using its bestial body. Giving the Kami a taste of their own medicine, the wielder of these swords can recite the mantra contained within the blade to master the divine power of Takamagahara, and use it to combat the evil Kami and save the masses. From then on, Izumo started its long and arduous crusade, exchanging inordinate lives lost for the fall of one Kami after another, shattering countless mortal blades to forge the twelve Sentinels. In the merciless fight for survival, Izumo used the might of the Edict Edges to light up their uncivilized world of darkness in less than ten Amber Eras, building cities of dazzling neon lights. That distant Takama Divine Realm, once so far away, became so close within their reach — Yet history suddenly stopped there. The existence of the two planets instantly evaporated, disappearing into nothingness. Nowadays, the past of the border planet Izumo can only be gleaned from the scattered whispers in the universe. Academics hold various views regarding its disappearance, but none can solve the mystery. Izumo's history should have been a long flowing river, but it was severed in one cut, and all its past and future voided on emptiness' other shore. Did it never exist, and was it no more than a fabricated story? Did its histories never occur, and it ran aground on the beach of reverse causation? Was it yet another appalling experiment by Dr. Primitive, or was it a sign of the Voracity returning from the end of the Cosmos? Only that pitch-black great sun knows the answer, yet THEY remain silent, never speaking. Because everything that had happened will one day regress to the end, and everything that had ended is guaranteed to happen again. The universe undergoes an eternal recurrence under THEIR shadow, and Izumo is nothing more than the footnote for an ellipsis. (Source: Honkai Star Rail YouTube Channel)

Action / Fantasy

Year 7380 Star Calendar, Jingliu, the mara-stricken swordmaster of the Luofu, slashed her way out of Starskiff Haven, cutting through the Cloud Knights tasked to subdue her before vanishing in the mist of history. Year 8096 Star Calendar, a young soldier named Yanqing rose to fame from the tournament hosted by the Seat of Divine Foresight, and was conferred the rank of Cloud Knight Lieutenant. "The years pass in a flash, cups of wine the only solace." A fleeting flash — thus is the speed of swift blades as the master and her student spar, and thus is the passage of the unceasing torrent of time. Just how long has it been? His duel with his master, centuries ago, still rippled like a memory from yesterday. But the few years between now and when he took in the boy as his student felt like a lifetime. Time gallops, swift as a stallion, sudden as a lightning strike, agonizing as a blade that runs him through. And yet, it feels like everything has always been the same.

Sci-Fi / Slice of Life

A new year dawns and prosperity beckons. In a certain corner of the Exalting Sanctum, Master Gongshu and his two assistants are consumed by preparations for the Xianzhou's New Year performance.

Action / Fantasy

As the sun rises, the generals seize the ever-fleeting time, each beginning their own plans for the day. At this moment, they are no different from the common people aboard the Luofu. (Source: Honkai Star Rail Youtube Channel)

Action / Fantasy

The vast expanse of the boundless silver sea conceals countless fiendlings beneath its surface. Border villages fall under the onslaught of these fiendlings, and even the once-bright moon above has turned into a tyrant. "Whomst defends the world's justice? Whomst sees through the deceit of vice and indulgence? Whomst will wipe out these evildoers? Whomst will protect the light of ten thousand homes?" The weak are silenced by sinister laughter, leaving only a sorrowful sigh. But when the people raise their heads to the sky, the falling stars beyond the heavens have already answered— A dazzling blaze of otherworldly fire will soon obliterate the calamities of this realm. This is the divine retribution of the Mappou Age of the Dharma, delivered by the Ninja Heroes patrolling the sea of stars. (Source: Honkai: Star Rail Youtube Channel)

Action / Drama

Some believe that growing up is to gradually break free from the shackles. Fate sets the most brutal rules for us, turning day into night, leaving the future dwelling in but the lingering warmth of dreams. Thus, our weapons clash, burying the remnants of another setting sun, and welcoming the next rising dawn. Then, when the cage shatters, once and for all— May gentle flames envelop the shriveled flowers, with their song echoing in the embers.

Action / Drama

In the year 2015, the Angels, huge, tremendously powerful, alien war machines, appear in Tokyo for the second time. The only hope for Mankind's survival lies in the Evangelion, a humanoid fighting machine developed by NERV, a special United Nations agency. Capable of withstanding anything the Angels can dish out, the Evangelion's one drawback lies in the limited number of people able to pilot them. Only a handful of teenagers, all born fourteen years ago, nine months after the Angels first appeared, are able to interface with the Evangelion. One such teenager is Shinji Ikari, whose father heads the NERV team that developed and maintains the Evangelion. Thrust into a maelstrom of battle and events that he does not understand, Shinji is forced to plumb the depths of his own inner resources for the courage and strength to not only fight, but to survive, or risk losing everything. (Source: AniDB) Note: Later releases include edited versions of Episodes 21-24 called the "Director's Cut" with some visual editing and adding extra scenes that previously appeared in the theatrical recap 'Death'.

Action / Adventure

Three young girls, Hikaru, Umi, and Fuu, are transported to a magical world called Cephiro during a field trip to Tokyo Tower. They are soon greeted by Master Mage Clef, who explains to them that they have been summoned to become the Legendary Magic Knights and save Cephiro. The girls are less than enthusiastic about this idea, and only want to return home. Clef further explains that they must seek out the three Rune Gods to help them fight. He bestows armor and magical powers to each of them. They learn from Clef that High Priest Zagato has kidnapped the Pillar of Cephiro, Princess Emeraude. The Pillar of Cephiro has the sole responsibility of keeping Cephiro alive and in balance with her prayers. Without Princess Emeraude, Cephiro would fall into ruin. Hikaru, Umi, and Fuu must fight off Zagato's henchman and find the Rune Gods if they ever want to get back home. They soon learn that friendship and loyalty are the only things they can rely on in the crumbling Cephiro. (Source: Anime News Network)

Adventure / Drama

Soon after Hikaru, Umi, and Fuu return to Tokyo, the three of them meet at Tokyo Tower to talk. Hikaru says that she wishes they could return to Cephiro and do something good for the land that Princess Emeraude protected so dearly. Umi and Fuu agree. Suddenly, a light appears in the sky and they are transported to Cephiro. Clef explains to them that with no Pillar to keep Cephiro peaceful, it has fallen into chaos. Monsters are multiplying and the land is becoming desolate. All the remaining inhabitants of Cephiro have moved into a magical castle. Clef also tells the girls some alarming news; three other countries, Chizeta, Fahren, and Autozam are trying to invade Cephiro and take over the Pillar system for their own purposes. The girls must stop the invaders as well as the mysterious and evil Lady Debonair, who believes she is the rightful Pillar, all the while desperately hoping and searching for a new Pillar to make Cephiro into the beautiful land it once was. (Source: Anime News Network)

Action / Drama

The Earth lies darkened and deserted. Despite the best efforts of the film's heroine, Hikaru, the evil-filled castle of Cephiro has taken over the world and stands in the center of a lifeless Tokyo. Before the ice-witch Alcyone can take her revenge on Hikaru, she is rescued by Lantis, a young man who seals her into a magical maze where she is challenged to prove her powers while her friends are hunted down by Cephiro's warlocks. Fleeing through the silent city, Umi and Fuu must seek out the sleeping Mashin; godlike creatures that will fuse with them to form giant warriors of awesome destructive power. But the Magic Knights are afraid, untrained and alone... will even the Mashin be enough to save them from the evil acts of Cephiro? Note: During 1998 Toshihiro Hirano released a Director's cut called "Special Edition - The Wings of Hope", including the three episodes in a two-hour movie with some new scenes and dialogue changes

Drama / Mecha

Compilation recap movie for the series Shin Seiki Evangelion. Due to the struggling production of the movie 'End of Evangelion' delaying the film a month before it was set to release, this film was announced to 'hold fans over'. During the early 21st century a meteorite crashed into Antarctica. After scientists went to study the crash a gigantic explosion followed, classified as the 'Second Impact'. Shinji Ikari is a fourteen year-old boy who has come to Toyko3, a city that also serves as a fortress, to meet up with his father who left him many years ago. The city also happens to be under siege by monstrous creatures called 'Angels' at the time of his arrival. Somehow Shinji finds himself in Evangelion Unit 01, and manages to synchronize with the giant robot. Shinji is told to become its permanent pilot, and is thrown into combat as the city's last defense for fighting off the angels. However, as Shinji fights, he begins to realize the truth behind the Angels, the Second Impact, man's struggle against God and what he truly is afraid of. (Source: Anime News Network) Note: Exists in several versions: (with most appearing on the Japanese 2015 Blu-ray Boxset) • Evangelion: DEATH & REBIRTH, released theatrically on March 15, 1997 - 2-part feature, the first 2/3rds titled 'Death' consisting of a recap of the TV series with new/re-drawn animation added in, and the later 1/3rd titled 'Rebirth' consisting of the first 28 minute rough cut of End of Evangelion. • Death(True), aired on TV channel WOWOW on January 2, 1998 - re-edited version of 'Death' by director Masayuki, with most of the new animation cut (as it was moved to the "Directors Cut" of Episodes 21-24), but with some new shots added. Later released on the 'ARCHIVES OF EVANGELION' DVD Boxset. • Death(True)², released on March 7, 1998 - a further edited down version of Death(True), but with some new animation added. Regarded as this film's 'definitive' release, this is the version opted to be licensed by Netflix. • Revival of Evangelion, released theatrically on March 8, 1998 - Theatrical double feature consisting of Death(True)² + 4 minute intermission + End of Evangelion. For simplicity's sake, we are only counting the first theatrical release in this entry.

Action / Drama

After the second impact, all that remains of Japan is Tokyo-3, a city that's being attacked by giant creatures that seek to eradicate the human kind, called Angels. After not seeing his father for more than eight years, Shinji Ikari receives a phone call in which he is told to urgently come to the NERV Headquarters, an organization that deals with the destruction of the Angels through the use of giant mechs called Evas. Shinji's objective is to pilot the Eva Unit 01 while teaming up with the Eva Unit 00 pilot, Ayanami Rei. Note: Exists in several versions, as denoted by the version number: • 1.0: Sep 1, 2007 - Original theatrical release • 1.01: Apr 25, 2008 - DVD release containing minor adjustments and fine tunings in picture, editing, and sound quality.  • Explanation of Evangelion 1.01 - Included with the special edition DVD release of 1.01, overlays large captions to provide the "official designations" of people, locations, weapons, technology, and so forth. • 1.11: May 27, 2009 - Blu-ray/DVD re-release with 3 minutes of new animation added to the first 15 minutes and fixing video issues present in the previous release.

Action / Drama

In the aftermath of the Fourth Impact, stranded without their Evangelions, Shinji, Asuka, and Rei find refuge in one of the rare pockets of humanity that still exist on the ruined planet Earth. There, each of them live a life far different from their days as an Evangelion pilot. However, the danger to the world is far from over. A new impact is looming on the horizon—one that will prove to be the true end of Evangelion. Finally, the Human Instrumentality Project is set in motion, and WILLE makes one last grueling stand to prevent the Final Impact. Note: Exists in several versions, as denoted by the version number: • 3.0+1.0: March 8, 2021 - Original theatrical release • 3.0+1.01: June 12, 2021 - A second theatrical release which features updated cuts of various scenes while not changing the overall story of the film. • 3.0+1.11: March 8, 2023 - A home media release scheduled for the film's two-year anniversary.

Action / Drama

14 years after third impact, Ikari Shinji awakens to a world he does not remember. He hasn't aged. Much of Earth is laid in ruins, Nerv has been dismantled, and people who he once protected have turned against him. Befriending the enigmatic Nagisa Kaworu, Shinji continues the fight against the angels and realizes the fighting is far from over, even when it could be against his former allies. The characters' struggles continue amidst the battles against the angels and each other, spiraling down to what could inevitably be the end of the world. (Source: Anime News Network) Note: Exists in several versions, as denoted by the version number: • 3.0: Nov 17, 2012 - Original theatrical release • 3.33: Apr 24, 2013 - Blu-ray/DVD release with minor visual changes. • 3.333: Jan 8, 2021 - Theatrical IMAX screenings mastered in 2K with numerous small adjustments to lighting and color, as well as a new preview at the end of the film.  • Aug 25, 2021 - 4K Blu-ray release of 3.333

Action / Drama

NERV faces a brutal attack from SEELE, but with Asuka in a coma, and Shinji in a nervous breakdown, things soon turn into the surreal. This movie provides a concurrent ending to the final two episodes of the show Neon Genesis Evangelion. (Source: IMDb)

Action / Drama

In the earliest battles against the monstrous Angels, young Eva pilots Shinji and Rei were forced to carry humanity's hopes on their shoulders. Now, with the deadly onslaught of the Angels escalating and the apocalyptic Third Impact looming, Shinji and Rei find their burden shared by two new Eva pilots, the fiery Asuka and the mysterious Mari. Maneuvering their enormous Eva machines into combat, the four young souls fight desperately to save mankind from the heavens—but will they be able to save themselves? (Source: FUNimation) Note: Exists in several versions, as denoted by the version number: • 2.0: Jun 27, 2009 - Original theatrical release • 2.22: May 26, 2010 - Blu-ray/DVD release with new scenes and 'readjustments'.