Last issue, we reviewed the BORGMAN OVA released by A.D. Vision, "LAST BATTLE." A.D. Vision's most recent BORGMAN release, LOVER'S RAIN, actually takes place before LAST BATTLE. Those not familiar with BORGMAN may find this a little bit confusing, but it doesn't take much straightening out.
LOVER'S RAIN opens on a very rainy Tokyo. Not much time has passed since the end of the television series, as evidenced by the frequent references to Memory's death. Ryo blames himself for her death and is shutting out everyone who tries to help him, including the other Borgmen. He is spiraling downward into a dark pit of depression.
Chuck tries to talk to him and reminds him that his emotional state will affect the mechanical implants in his body; if he remains in this state for long, the machines will stop functioning properly and start to break down. Upon returning home, Ryo encounters one of the Undead that they fought during the television series. This of course leads to a showdown between Ryo and the Undead, and also to an explanation of the nightmares that torment him and how he can end them all.
This story seems to have been done to tie up many of the loose ends that were left after the television series ended. As a result, there is not a great deal of plot in this movie. However, it does an admirable job of answering some long-standing questions, and the scene where Ryo realizes and vocalizes his love for Anice is one of the best in the video. It serves as an epilogue to the television series and little more, but it does its job well.
Character designs are handled by Michitaka Kikuchi, who also did the designs for the series, so the characters retain their familiar look. The animation is of higher quality than the television series, which makes the artwork that much better. The music for the movie, however, is somewhat lackluster, and the vocals don't have the punch of the signature songs of the series. The BGM however, seemed very similar.
Unfortunately, since this movie is so dependent on knowledge of the television series, viewers who haven't seen the series may feel that something is missing. For example, the tragic death of Memory Gene, both creator and friend of the Borgmen, is the focal point for a large portion of this movie, namely Ryo's difficulty in dealing with her death. But without knowing how and why she died, the story is somewhat weakened.
Also, the unrequited love between Anice and Ryo, which is hinted at throughout the series, comes to the foreground in this movie. But again, without prior knowledge of this, Ryo's declaration of love loses much of its emotional impact.
Fans of BORGMAN will feel like they've been reunited with old friends again. New viewers should be able to piece many of the parts of the Borgmen's past together, but it may not hold quite the same appeal. Still, it's worth a rental at least, especially if you are a fan of 1980s television anime.

SONIC SOLDIER BORGMAN: LOVER'S RAIN Copyright © 1990 Toho Co. Ltd. English Subtitled version © 1997 Toho International Co. Ltd. Released in North America by A.D. Vision VHSSO/002S 45 minutes $24.95