La Duelist: Kyouichi Saionji | Utena Analysis

[@tonlito22]

My favorite thing about Saionji is that, despite all of his casually cruel and toxic behaviors, he is not the one dimensional villain you would expect from that. He doesn't put together schemes to break people down, try break their fingers before duels, or attack through other people, he just uses his skill and aggression to try and win duels.

[@thedistinguished5255]

He has a sense of honor, its just so off one doesnt notice it at first

[@faultypremise]

Late to the party, but I had to chip in. Back when this anime was being released, I really heavily identified with Saionji, as at the time I was in a very abusive relationship with my then husband. Despite all his bravado and cruelty, I saw part of myself in him via the toxic and domineering relationship he clearly had with Touga. I even wrote fanfic about it, it helped me work through my own complex emotions at the time.

[@vilvile]

I wish there had been more resolution to this character. His eyes were teary during Revolution; however, I wish Wakaba had had a final word with him and him accepting that even one of his most devoted followers grew out of him. While Mickey, Juri and even Nanami had some final Utena-related moments, Saionji’s was almost non existent. He was purposeful for the story, and not a likeable character to redeem, but it feels unfinishes to me to some degree.

[@johnboy9596]

Kyouichi's need for validation from his friend really resonated with me. Great analysis!

[@kitlandslot9887]

I'm super excited for this series, I absolutely love RGU!!

[@iceluvndiva21]

Minor nitpick but in the black rose arch? We get the saionji Duel right before the one with Touga. The one with kanae is likely supposed to be saionji but it was more of untena vs corrupt version ideal prince and thus foreshadowing of end of the world. Also, I find it interesting that friendship, choice, and using someone else to be special are shown in both saionji and wakaba. Unlike Togua, Utena doesn't try to put a distance between her and Wakaba, she values her friendship with Wakaba. However Wakaba admits to using Saionji just as much as he used her. So when she turns to the black roses for help? It comes full circle. Just sucks that Prince Tatsuya of the Onion Kingdom got caught in the crossfires. Poor guy. One minor downside in the last Arch is we don't see saionji much. He's one of those bad guys ya love to hate. Where as akio....you just hate the asshole

[@kellodrawsalotkello7058]

If after the revolution is anything to go by, Saionji manage to become a mure full fleded adult compared to Touga,

[@maximilianoramirezromero9771]

With the duel cycles, the second one goes actually from bottom to top given their roles, Miki as a treasurer, Juri as the diplomat, Saionji as the vicepresident, Nanami as the president by proxy and Touga as the real president

[@latizias8252]

I love your RGU videos :)

[@thisisshah]

Awesome analysis. I enjoyed watching this!

[@Minetrollando]

Even the background music is superb! Remids me Disney's song from "Fantasia". How you make your choices!?

[@crowiltiziodeltreno4177]

THIS IS THE SERIES I WAS LOOKING FOR! Saionji is one of my fav characters, at least in the anime.

[@northernstar5941]

Your insight is impressive.

[@iceluvndiva21]

Can't wait for akio and utena's videos

[@starmelia2721]

this is a really cool vid! does anybody know what song plays in the background at around 3:02 ?

[@2nnawrap]

following because im also curious

[@starmelia2721]

@@2nnawrap i actually found it!! it’s ”coffee (arabian suite) from tchaikovsky’s nutcracker! (i thought i’d reply since you were interested too)

[@witchbetelgeuse]

Even tho he is a terrible person in my eyes he is a children abused by this toxic masculinity system. He thought if he can be the "man" he could beat Touga. Gosh he is so stupid and easy to trick.