The Ranma ½: Live Action Special is a special two-hour live action episode which includes an original story not from either the anime or manga that aired on Friday, December 9th 2011 at 7:00 p.m.[1] as part of NTV's "Friday Super Prime timeslot" that was first revealed on September 26th 2011, with the first trailer commercials airing on November 23rd.[2][3][4][5]

Yoshihiro Izumi scripted this first live-action version of the series after having written the live-action television and film versions of the Rookies baseball manga. Takahashi herself said that she was surprised at first when she heard about the live-action adaptation — but with the interesting story scenario and all-star lineup, she added that she now thinks it is very amusing.[3] The opening theme for the special is called "Chikutaku☆2NITE" and is sung by all the female group, 9nine.[6]

Plot Summary

As the third daughter of the Tendō family, Akane is determined to protect the family's legacy, its dōjō. However, her father Soun suddenly and arbitrarily announced one day that "only men can be heirs." Unfortunately, this puts Ranma in a bind, since he turns female when splashed with cold water after falling into a cursed hot spring in China. To return himself to a "full man," Ranma searches for the "secret hot spring" and gets caught up in a battle with a mysterious enemy. Now Akane holds the key to the story.[3]

Cast

Gallery

Trivia

Despite not appearing in the special, there are some "nods" towards some of the other characters from other Ranma ½ cannons, these include: Ranma wearing a wig which bears a resemblance to Shampoo's hairstyle. Akane having a lot of piglet toys in her room, one of which is black (Ryoga's cursed form) Kasumi can be seen having a cookbook for Okonomiyaki (Ukyo's signature dish). Happosai is also mentioned in a conversation between Soun and Genma (Happosai also acts as the opening narrator). Principal Kuno is mentioned as being away on vacation.



Notes

↑ A new original character for the special.

References







Ranma ½ (live-action special) (film) at Anime News Network's Encyclopedia