Saiyuki Requiem

"Saiyuki Requiem - For the One Not Chosen" (劇場版 幻想魔伝最遊記 Requiem 選ばれざる者への鎮魂歌) is the first animated film adaptation of the Saiyuki series, produced by Pierrot and released in Japan on August 18, 2001. Set after the first TV anime series, the film follows the Sanzo party as they save a girl being chased by a giant bird during their journey west. As a gesture of gratitude, she invites them to her home, which turns out to be a trap. The group encounters various bizarre events, including shikigami, doppelgangers, and a monster who destroyed his own soul for twisted purposes. Directed by Hayato Date, written by Katsuyuki Sumisawa, and composed by Motoi Sakuraba, the movie is known for its high-quality animation, music, and design, creating a true cinematic feel. While the action scenes are stylish and well-designed, some reviews consider the plot predictable and heavily reliant on series clichés, yet it still provides an enjoyable experience for fans of the series. The ending theme is "Tightrope" by Tetsu69.