a.k.a. Kaze no Na Wa Amunejia
Genre: Drama
Company: Hideyuki Kikuchi/Asahi Sonorama/Japan Home Video
Format: 1 movie
Dates: 12/22/1990
A mysterious wind blows through town. No, this isn’t the start of some spaghetti Western; this wind carries with it the memories of those unfortunate masses who stand in its path. Without their thoughts, mankind is forced to live in a world not much different than that known to pre-civilization man. Wataru is lucky enough to be granted a second chance; he sets himself on the path of relearning the world with a clean slate.
summary by Kain
Reviewed: 01/14/2002 by
Grade: 52% 
Highs: Interesting premise; some nice insight into the human psyche
Lows: Falls oh so short; parts never explained adequately; they call that an ending?
Oy, what a complete letdown. A Wind Named Amnesia is the epitome of potential unfulfilled. We start off with an idea that is so intriguing I was nearly salivating with anticipation. Instead of filet mignon, however, I had to settle for a Quarter Pounder with Cheese. How utterly disappointing.
At least their intentions were good going in. This movie reminded me a lot of Stephen King’s The Stand; nearly everyone’s memory is wiped clean, relegating them to a state of infantilism. These kinds of stories make the perfect premise for observing the depths of human resilience and understanding why we do what we do. That’s great… if it can be backed up properly.
Contrary to popular opinion, this has to be one of Kawajiri Yoshiaki’s worst botch jobs. That’s really saying a lot when you look at his resumé (Demon City Shinjuku, Birdy the Mighty and Wicked City). Scenes appear to be pieced together haphazardly with Elmer’s glue. Maybe this anime would have redeemed itself better if an ending actually existed. I don’t know about you, but closure is typically a good thing.
A Wind Named Amnesia is like a bad blind date; sure, she sounds good on the phone, but you better expect disappointment when you knock on her door. There are other fish in the sea. Throw this one back.
Anime Academy 