Labyrinth of Flames (2000)

[炎のらびりんす]

Director: Katsuhiko Nishijima
Studio: Studio Fantasia
Starring: Koichi Tochika, Yuki Masuda, Yukari Tamura
Episodes: 2

Synopsis:
A Russian otaku is introduced to his Japanese girlfriend's family and gets caught up in a fight over the family heirloom and the hidden treasure they protect.

Impressions:
Although this came out in 2000, it definitely feels like a throwback to the early to mid-90s. Unlike most of the two-episode OAVs from that period, this one actually manages to tell its story in the container it was given. Being headed by the director of Project A-ko and Agent Aika will tell you what to expect in terms of the humor and the fanservice factor. There's nothing too substantial here in terms of the depths of the writing, but if you're a fan of 90s anime, you may enjoy yourself. I found it to be an amusing enough romp (and the nostalgia factor was probably a big part of it, too), so for some light viewing, I'd say it's worth a watch, but I don't know if the current generation will be able to connect to it as much and the relative shallowness may limit the appeal as well. In the final tally, take it or leave it, I guess.

Rating:
50/50