Suna no Bara: Yuki no Mokushiroku

TL;DR Give it a watch, its definately worth it.


Its a shame not that many people appreciate this show to give it a higher score, but more importantly, that many people haven't even heard of it to begin with considering how rare the more grounded subject matter it deals with is both more poignant in today's political climate, and absent in anime's obsesdion with action schlock geared towards the fantastical.

Because Desert Rose is action schlock, and honestly has no real greater message other than, terrorists are bad. But its execution is admirable and the creator clearly is well researched enough to immerse his audience ... within the story that he spins with great detail.

Desert Rose is about an all female group of counter terrorists led by a female victim of terrorism. The OVA came out in the 90s and for some reason was never picked up for a full series. Which is a shame because the manga it was based off of gave me the same kind of enjoyment as gunslinger girls.

The OVA in question is more than competent as well. The enjoyment comes from the details I mentioned earlier. I get that this is an anime and obviously takes some liberties with its realism but what was there brought a huge smile on my face. Soldiers that talk like soldiers, who clear rooms and relay reports to one another with brevity. There's a scene where a Swiss commando tests these ladies in their competencies by drawing a gun on them and while most of it was over the top, there was a bit in there where two of the counter terrorists immediatwly snap to covering the window in anticipation of other opposition forces. The implication being that they are always cognizant of their surroundings and are as a result, always alert.

This last part was what I got out of the OVA the most and what I expect is what warranted such a low MAL score. I expect most people wanted a Die Hard or Black Lagoon kind of show where everyone is a Peckinpah, Woo, or Tarantino creation and was bored by the pre planning, waiting, and brief bits of action that actually occured. To those people I ask, don't we have way too many of those shows already? Again, this is just an anime so girls with guns in maid outfits are a plenty, but they have a mission pertinent reason for putting them on to begin with. Not to mention the female combatants are given way more agency than just, girls who like to shoot things.

The ending was abrupt and if this was supposed to be a pilot for a potential series, I wonder why they didn't jist adapt the first chapter which was a more palatable opening for what the series can offer.

All in all, I think this is a great OVA, the character designs were cool and much attention was given to the firearms to not look goofy. The large cast works as a strength as they serve more as a way to highlight tue main character's competencies as a leader and how they admire her l, with the exceptions of her direct subordinates, each of whom have a moment, however brief to shine.

The soundtrack, outside of the Ending was kind of forgetable but the baclground art was consistently enjoyable.

I'd give this a 7.5/10 with a strong reccomendation to check out the manga after the OVA but more than likely the OVA will have sold you on that option already as I was wanting more and binge read as much as I could.

Jesus H. Christ! That twitter profile was right! Or X, if you're an idiot. The sheer aura and charisma of "Daily Irene Sanders" convinced me to watch Desert Rose: The Snow Apocalypse. Simply because Irene Sanders is best girl! Without a doubt! Don't question it!
So, Mariko Rosebank is the commander of an all female team of counter terrorists called C.A.T. (Counter Attack Terrorism.) Fight fire with fire, as they say. Just a group of badass ladies who kick butt. Mariko despises terrorism after her husband and son were killed in an airport explosion. Her deep-rooted hatred would inspire her to create this group. Bit ... of a moral quagmire there, but hey, I didn't make the OVA.

Women empowerment is the name of the game for this one. Seems like almost every guy featured in this OVA is either a total scumbag, a misogynist, or a creep. A total weirdo. What the hell are they even doing here? They don't belong here. One of these creeps is completely decimated halfway through. Eats fucking lead so hard, and is swiftly turned into swiss cheese. That was a satisfying moment to watch. Keep in mind, not all of the men are like this. The main characters and action animation kinda remimds me a lot of a Riding Bean. If you like the 1989 OVA Riding Bean, you'll definitely like Desert Rose. Gunsmith Cats is also a great comparison. Considering all of the women are packing heat, and it's just an enjoyable pulp action OVA. Quick little fun fact, Riding Bean and Gunsmith Cats takes place in the same universe. Just thought that was a neat piece of information.
I'll be real for a minute, this OVA is nothing truly remarkable. Even the plot itself is quite basic. If anything, it's a 6 out of 10. The only reason why I brought my score up to a 7 was because of Irene. She is easily the best member of C.A.T. and definitely the most provocative. Seeing Irene in that maid unifom was something I didn't think I needed until I actually received it. The tit grab in the beginning, that short scene of her working out, and trying to hook up with guys while on the clock. She's so goofy in the best way possible. Hands down, the best character in the OVA. Sadly, you don't get many scenes with her. Well, the entire OVA is only 45 minutes long, so you don't get many scenes with anyone. But those few scenes are great, I assure you.

Desert Rose was fun. A quick and easy watch. 7 out of 10. I would give it a light recommendation. Check it out if you have the time. Or if you're madly in love with Irene. :)

I am going into this without reading the 15 volume source material, so I'm limited. I am also viewing this in a post 9/11 era so the idea of terrorism at airports is kind of a taboo thing and I was honestly surprised to see it.
Desert rose is another product of 90’s one-time OVA’s complimentary to their manga. A very simple plot and quick story, maybe a little too out there for 40 mins, but we get a swimsuit shot at the end so who cares right?
Following the story of C.A.T. , a small unit of women trained in anti-terrorism and led by ... captain Rosebank. Partially named after the scar she has on her chest from a quite horrific bombing at an airport. Her and her motley crew of young women embark to the pseudo Geneva conference- this time in the mountains to protect world leaders from the inevitable assassination attempts.

There is not much to say about Suna no Bara, other than the character design is a nice change of pace from conventional anime. Honestly the character interactions before and after the main plot hold more interest than the actual storyline. Nothing to write home about in any department. And quite forgettable. But, if you have 40 minutes to spare why not.