Having known of The Spirit of Wonder: Miss China's Ring only through vague advertisements in publications like Manga Mania and Anime FX, finally diving into the 1992 OVA felt like uncovering a beautifully preserved artifact.
The film is immediately captivating, presenting a cozy blend of intricate retro-futurism and intimate, small-town human warmth. The setting of a quiet seaside environment, where advanced scientific endeavor operates directly alongside the mundane daily life of a local ramen shop, suits this duality perfectly. This unexpected juxtaposition is the very heart of the narrative as this eccentric world is anchored by its three principal characters.
Miss China runs a successful local restaurant, but her tenants, the senior scientist and inventor Mr. Breckenridge, who works in a rented room upstairs, and his protege Jim, have a grand plan to create an aerospace vehicle. The tragedy and comedy of the piece emerge because their brilliant ideas and ambitious dreams are consistently outpaced by their budget and practical capacity. It is precisely against this backdrop of impractical genius that Miss China becomes the vital emotional and logistical anchor. Her efficient, grounded sensibility contrasts sharply with the airy, optimistic dreams of the inventor, frequently making her the one to manage their debts or provide common-sense solutions. While the explicit plot concerns a mysterious ring that may hold the key to the success of the latest rocket launch, this ultimately functions as a vehicle for character study and atmospheric exploration.
The OVA’s true strength lies in its execution. The animation, characterized by soft colors, detailed machinery designs, and unhurried pacing, prioritized immersion over high-speed action. This approach allows the viewer to truly appreciate the sense of quiet, optimistic pursuit inherent in the scientist's vision. Director Mitsuru Hongo created a sweet, optimistic and intricate film about the power of dreams and community.
Overall, Miss China's Ring stands as an excellent example of high-quality, pre-digital OVA production, offering a sophisticated, character-driven narrative rather than a spectacle, and is highly recommended for viewers who appreciate thoughtful science fiction grounded in intimate, human settings.
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