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Jul 1, 2014 5:27 PM
#1
The wide variety of anime provides insight into elements of reality that are relatable to any single viewer, yet what I often see in criticisms is the failure to acknowledge or to attempt to understand the central theme of various shows. Theme and symbolism are essential to the meaning of a work, regardless of how abstract or realistic it may be. Anyways, enough of my intro. What I wanted to do with this thread is to have people post their favorite animes along with what they believe are the most important themes. I'll start mine off with some intellectual insight into Clannad AS... (taken from my post in the AS forum). Sample Theme The deleterious effects of living meaninglessly. There are several underlying reasons that make After Story a master piece, and one of those encompass the necessity to watch the first season, despite its mediocrity compared to what a masterful work After Story is. Tomoya is neither spectacular in a good nor bad way, but rather a perfect depiction of how an average, realistic person is. The realization of his love for Nagisa in season 1 and the sudden metamorphosis of his character is an elucidation of how one event alone can drastically impact a person's attitude toward life. Prior to Nagisa, Tomoya was lifeless, dull, and boring. Her introduction kindled a side to Tomoya that propelled him to live because of her, and not the other way around. When Nagisa tragically passes away in After Story we see the destruction of what was a renewed Tomoya Okazaki. It blinds him with an agony so monumental that he even gives up his own daughter to Nagisa's parents. While we can see the years pass, it's obvious that Tomoya is an empty person without a purpose in life. After Story uses this as a stepping stone to its central theme of family by reintroducing Ushio into Tomoya's life. Inherent in Ushio are Nagisa's features, which are painful reminders of the loss of Tomoya's true love. This is why Tomoya initially refuses to stay with his daughter while his step parents go on a "trip" and even treats her coldly; however, as we can see during the trip Tomoya undergoes an epiphany that forces him to realize that he and Nagisa will always be connected in the form of their daughter, and that alone was enough to spark what little life was left in Tomoya. After Story's drive to resurrect a dead man by reviving elements of his past serve to underscore that recovery from a tragic event is possible so long as one has a defining purpose (in this case, Clannad, AKA family). We're able to see Tomoya transform; he shaves, takes Ushio to school, meets with Fuuko and his old friends. The broken and shattered man that's been living in solitude for years has finally come to terms with what has happened. Yet, as the many of us know, the passing of Ushio acts as the catalyst in proving After Story's central theme. Shit happens, and often quite unexpectedly. What makes her death much more agonizing is how she dies. When Ushio slowly passes away in Tomoya's arms, he gets flashbacks of Nagisa. It immediately becomes manifest that the manner in which both daughter and mother die are identical and that Tomoya is reliving the death of both his love and daughter simultaneously. Tomoya's growth into a caring character, his descent into solitude, the revival of his spirit through Ushio, and the ultimate catabolic destruction of his happiness (just when he gets it back) culminate to reflect very realistic emotions that stem from loss. Nagisa's reversal of fate in the final moments of Clannad is not a work of extreme "magic", but is rather a metaphor to a very inspiring thought that miracles do happen (patients coming out of comas sort of thing) and that not everything has to end badly, as is dictated by certain slice of lives. So yes, Nagisa's revival was not "realistic" in a sense, but to criticize After Story on that one event and to ignore its overarching themes is simply a form of ignorance that refuses to acknowledge a very powerful and iconic message that the show strives to (and quite successfully) achieve. |
Jul 1, 2014 6:19 PM
#2
My favourite theme is themes. |
Jul 1, 2014 6:26 PM
#3
My favorite theme is head tilts. |
Jul 1, 2014 6:27 PM
#4
Clannad AS's theme is terrible endings ruin the entire series. |
Jul 1, 2014 7:05 PM
#5
one my favorite themes in anime is Fighting. Literally, a series just gets better for me if there is any type of fighting inside it. not just fists or swords, even superpowers and magical girl fights i just love fighting, best usage i remember of it is when it's a heavy subplot in a romance. |
Jul 1, 2014 7:12 PM
#6
"You are not who you think you are." -Mars of Destruction |
получить деньги моего друга |
Jul 1, 2014 7:33 PM
#7
pLaguE_ said: Clannad AS's theme is terrible endings ruin the entire series. A very well thought argument with a splendid foundation to support it. If you're going to criticize something at least put some more effort into it. I can definitely see why people hate the ending, though. Let's see ... NGNL Theme glorifies the necessity of discovering/finding a person's place in society/world. In Shiro's and Sora's case they find delight in Tet's world. |
Jul 1, 2014 7:35 PM
#8
In Naruto: the whole Sasuke/Itachi/Uchiha clan thing. Very interesting themes concerning revenge and hatred. Also the whole conversation between Naruto and Nagato: suffering, pain, hatred, and love Also Obito's reasoning for Project Tsuki no Me; to ultimately end war basically. Anime with "Raison d'Être"/fighting to protect something themes can either be really good or really cheesy. I also like anti-hero themes where the MC desires to make the world a better place, but uses malevolent methods to do it; such as Code Geass, Guilty Crown, Death Note Anime with "the ultimate end is death" / morality of human evolution (or cybernization) themes are really deep. Stuff like Ghost in the Shell, Ergo Proxy, Texhnolyze |
Jul 1, 2014 7:36 PM
#9
Xari said: pLaguE_ said: Clannad AS's theme is terrible endings ruin the entire series. A very well thought argument with a splendid foundation to support it. If you're going to criticize something at least put some more effort into it. I can definitely see why people hate the ending, though. Why should I do that on this website? These forums support biased opinions with baseless claims. If I find reason to actually debate someone, it will more than likely be through PM's or profile to profile. Doing that on these forums is like asking for a death sentence. Remember, if your opinion differs from another, then your opinion is wrong. |
Jul 1, 2014 8:04 PM
#10
pLaguE_ said: Why should I do that on this website? These forums support biased opinions with baseless claims. If I find reason to actually debate someone, it will more than likely be through PM's or profile to profile. Doing that on these forums is like asking for a death sentence. Remember, if your opinion differs from another, then your opinion is wrong. No, that's wrong. Opinions exist because they're opinions; however, when you discuss the literary elements of a movie, show, or book, you're giving insight into the message it's trying to communicate. To discuss these elements is neither argumentative nor is it "baseless", but is rather an intelligent conversation between two or more people who are able to find meaningful elements within the work. Our ability to discover and explain these elements provide entertaining discourse and deepen our understanding of both the art and external elements (aka reality). |
Jul 1, 2014 8:08 PM
#11
I wouldn't mind another little sister harem, but it needs all loli heroines, be anime original, and has an mc who lives right, I'm not asking him to screw them but he needs to confess to them and fall in love with them. |
Jul 1, 2014 8:11 PM
#12
pLaguE_ said: Clannad AS's theme is terrible endings ruin the entire series. I thought it was that watching paint dry is indeed a better venture than watching some series. |
"Let Justice Be Done!" My Theme Fight again, fight again for justice! |
Jul 1, 2014 9:00 PM
#13
Zergneedsfood said: I'd do it simply because having the forums being less shit while I'm at work is preferable. :P Having proper discourse over an anime is something I've been craving. I've yet to see a thread where people talked about the actual literary elements that they like in a show. Yes, people talk about their favorite romantic plot, or that character whom was totally bad-ass, but they never actually say why. Sure, he/she kicks ass, but that's not what contributes to the great character people love. |
Jul 2, 2014 8:17 AM
#14
Xari said: pLaguE_ said: Why should I do that on this website? These forums support biased opinions with baseless claims. If I find reason to actually debate someone, it will more than likely be through PM's or profile to profile. Doing that on these forums is like asking for a death sentence. Remember, if your opinion differs from another, then your opinion is wrong. No, that's wrong. Opinions exist because they're opinions; however, when you discuss the literary elements of a movie, show, or book, you're giving insight into the message it's trying to communicate. To discuss these elements is neither argumentative nor is it "baseless", but is rather an intelligent conversation between two or more people who are able to find meaningful elements within the work. Our ability to discover and explain these elements provide entertaining discourse and deepen our understanding of both the art and external elements (aka reality). You took me too seriously. |
Jul 2, 2014 9:02 AM
#16
people crashing into big boobs is a theme in anime, so overused it's not entertaining anymore, well, tbh, I haven't seen it for a while. |
Raise it up, raise up the happiness. |
Jul 2, 2014 2:06 PM
#17
One of the main themes of Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann is that if you aren't progressing further in a plot, make your explosions bigger by twisting your ignition harder. Well....hang on just a moment there. To be honest, I was originally deterred from watching this show for that very reason. While watching it, for the most part I felt that if I took it too seriously for more than 10 seconds that I'd begin to despise it. I've finished it a while ago, and I can say with a partially straight face that I am a believer. (my drill is the drill that will pierce... ah well, all that crap) There are indeed many explosions of enemies of the protagonists, as well as plot. But I wouldn't say that logical conflict is the main point of the show, when looked at in detail. I think that clashing of absolutely opposite ideals is a constant theme throughout. First against the immediately encountered forces and eventually Viral, following the war against the supreme generals, taking on the spiral king and beyond. It's always generally for the same reason, to stick it to the man that's holding them down. At the same time we get to see that the antagonists ideals, at later times, addressing much larger issues that our protagonists have had no perspective of. |
Jul 2, 2014 2:24 PM
#18
Zergneedsfood said: Themes in Texhnolyze are truly 2deep4ppl |
Jul 2, 2014 3:18 PM
#19
D4rkseid said: woe woe woe. The themes in TTGL were actually much deeper than just causing braindead shounen.One of the main themes of Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann is that if you aren't progressing further in a plot, make your explosions bigger by twisting your ignition harder. Anyone who talks bad about TTGL is obviously an antispiral. |
Jul 2, 2014 5:34 PM
#20
First of all, this topic is totally rad and I think your efforts to encourage discussion, while largely futile, have been admirable. Rock on! Black Lagoon is an anime I frequently see heralded as nothing but Hollywood-esque action. Few people seem to acknowledge that its use of philosophy is so outright that Black Lagoon has its characters quoting philosophers to justify their actions by the end of the show. I don't mean to imply that Black Lagoon is particularly profound. It's largely nihilistic and misanthropic, and if you're interested in those views you shouldn't have to look much further than the nearest disaffected teenager. However, there is something to be said for its portrayal of crime as warrantable. The Monogatari series is characterized by a lot of interesting themes and Nisemonogatari is no exception. However, I've seen this installment criticized for its excessive fanservice and accused of being the worst part of the series entirely too often. I'd like to argue that Nisemonogatari's sexually charged atmosphere (which happens to permeate the entirety of the Monogatari series) is central to many of its themes. As implied by its title, Nisemonogatari primarily concerns itself with the nature of authenticity. It introduces the rather fascinating idea that a fake/impostor in pursuit of validity becomes more legitimate than the real thing. The thing about fanservice is that it is used to arouse the viewer. However, there is something about the way it's handled in Nisemonogatari that separates it from what we usually see in anime or any other form of entertainment. That difference is the Monogatari series' use of cinematography. It has consistently demonstrated the ability to visually allow the viewer to understand what a character is thinking and (more importantly) feeling. In most instances of fanservice, the camera (whether or not we're using the term literally) is invasive; it's almost exclusively limited to the perspective of the individual being aroused. This is a factor that is conspicuously absent in Nisemonogatari because of the way its "camera" is used. Every instance of "eroticism" in Nisemonogatari is totally controlled by the character that initiates it. The shots are purposeful and provide insight into the characters' experiences as opposed to being solely used for sexual arousal. Ultimately, when you apply Nisemonogatari's primary stance on authenticity, you end up with a show that has fake fanservice. For example, we have the infamous toothbrush scene, which manages to be excessively sensual despite being about such a non-sexual activity. It becomes more real than the real thing. (Ugh. The more I look at that, the more convoluted it seems. I'm so sorry.) |
Jul 2, 2014 9:48 PM
#21
Xari said: [Having proper discourse over an anime is something I've been craving. I've yet to see a thread where people talked about the actual literary elements that they like in a show. Yes, people talk about their favorite romantic plot, or that character whom was totally bad-ass, but they never actually say why. Sure, he/she kicks ass, but that's not what contributes to the great character people love. I would also like to participate in more academic-style discourse on this subject, but there are few people on this website who enjoy this activity. A few good posts have appeared in this thread, so it is worth the effort to keep it alive for a while. Given that it is difficult to construct a good critical argument in a sentence or two, this topic is bound to generate some large walls of text if it is taken seriously. In the interest of keeping the forum neat and clean, I'll put most of my discussion in a spoiler tag, but it does not contain actual spoilers. The ways in which anime series depict Japanese social hierarchy have been of interest to me. Specifically, some series use language, specifically honorifics, to reinforce, draw attention to, or destabilize systems of hierarchy. When an anime series deviates from the usual pattern regarding honorifics, a message regarding social hierarchy and social distance lurks beneath the surface. My discussion involves three serialized programs - two anime series, Love Live and Maria-sama ga Miteru, and one American sitcom, Our Miss Brooks. As an outsider to Japanese culture, my understanding of the complex system of honorifics is necessarily incomplete, but I have seen enough anime series and read enough elsewhere about the system to have at least a basic understanding, and I can certainly recognize overt instances of nonstandard usage, so perhaps my interpretations have some validity. All three of these series explore the ways in which norms of social address, particularly honorifics, interact with close friendships. Love Live is the most straightforward example of the three, and it plays out just as one would expect. As friendships become closer, formal language is replaced by familiar forms. In the United States, in an earlier less egalitarian period, people would start addressing each other on a first name basis as they became friends. In France, the formal second person pronoun vous is replaced by tu as a relationship becomes close. In Love Live, the girls decide to use the familiar -chan honorific regardless of differences in seniority. This change reflects their equality as members of their idol group, and the typical distance between underclassmen and upperclassmen is explicitly removed. In Maria-sama ga Miteru, if the language is to be believed, the social distance between underclassmen and upperclassmen is greater than normal; the very formal honorific -sama is substituted for the usual -senpai, and other archaic and highly formal forms of language are used on a regular basis. This series does not seek to reinforce social hierarchy; rather, it uses the language of hierarchy to set up a paradox. Extremely close friendships form across the barrier of seniority, but the language of social distance is considered obligatory and the rules are seldom violated. This series is not trying to overtly criticize systems of social hierarchy, but it makes a strong case for friendships that, while they exist in a hierarchical system, show that hierarchy need not be a barrier. In drawing attention to hierarchy by modifying the associated language, Maria-sama ga Miteru strengthens its overall message of the power and joy of friendship. These days in the United States, we seldom use honorifics. While some exceptions survive, most people address each other on a first name basis. This is a recent development; it was once obligatory in this society for people not in close relationships to address others of the same or higher social standing using the honorifics Mr., Mrs., Miss, or others appropriate to the person's profession. These honorifics were considered polite, and they signified a degree of social distance and, when used asymmetrically, a difference in social status. Our Miss Brooks, a radio and television sitcom of the 1940s and 1950s, uses this system of honorifics to illustrate a barrier preventing the full development of a romantic relationship between two of its primary characters. Though they are very close friends, Miss Brooks and Mr. Boynton never address each other on a first name basis, even when they are outside of the professional environment. As in Maria-sama ga Miteru, the combination of formal honorifics and close friendship creates a paradox, but in this case, the formal language serves to reinforce the presence of a barrier (specifically, Mr. Boynton's shyness and fear of romance), while in Maria-sama ga Miteru, it suggests a great barrier, but the barrier is actually quite small and porous. (Anime fans who listen to or watch Our Miss Brooks will note a striking resemblance between Mr. Boynton and the stereotypical clueless harem lead.) Small details of language, such as the use or misuse of honorifics, can reveal a great deal about a program's message. A little effort digging beneath the surface of the plot and characters in a series can result in greater understanding. If this thread keeps going, there are other series I would like to discuss, and I will make further contributions. Also, maybe some of the other posts will make me curious about a series that I haven't yet seen. |
WeirdHeatherJul 2, 2014 9:51 PM
It is pitch black. You are likely to be eaten by a grue. |
Jul 3, 2014 12:23 AM
#22
WeirdHeather said: I would also like to participate in more academic-style discourse on this subject, but there are few people on this website who enjoy this activity. A few good posts have appeared in this thread, so it is worth the effort to keep it alive for a while. I'm glad someone is approaching this with an intelligent stance in mind. WeirdHeather said: Given that it is difficult to construct a good critical argument in a sentence or two, this topic is bound to generate some large walls of text if it is taken seriously. I would hope the argument is longer than 2 sentences! Otherwise it'd be a statement with one very poor supporting argument. When I finish Shingeki no Kyoujin (just started ep. 1 a few minutes ago) I plan to write my thoughts on it here. |
Jul 3, 2014 1:47 PM
#23
HxH CA arc themes,Humanity. Nothing beats it |
FragOutFire said: Why am I a Berserk fan? All I ever experience is pain. We are in the eclipse and Miura has sacrificed us |
Jul 21, 2014 5:14 AM
#24
i also like Weird Romance in anime. or "How far romance can be taken" Future Diary (How love can come to existence) and Sword Art Online (with what is real and what isn't) are two examples of what i would consider to be weird romances) I liked how Future Diary built it's romance. a Yandere of that degree would clearly frighten off most guys but Yuki stayed and even fell in love with her. most people would consider it completely unrealistic but given a few factors it presents, i consider it pretty plausible. circumstance - even though she scared him alot, she was the only person he could trust to keep him safe in the death game. because it was in his favor, Yuki depended on Yuno many times for survival, even through two dimensions. this of course raised Yuki's "affinity" for Yuno and made her more and more tolerable overtime, to the point where he felt safe around her. Characters - Yuki is a boy who has been pretty lonely his whole life. he didn't even have a Goal to keep him company and drive him through life. if anyone would grow attached to a Yandere, it would be a loner like him, he he would have some1 who would pay all of their attention to him. Yuno is somewhat similar to Yuki, since she never had anyone very close to her, once the death game started in World 1, she was finally able to spend time with her crush, Yuki. throughout the course of that first death game, Yuki's and Yuno's relationship grew into a bond strong enough to survive many near death experiences, with only them left in the end. Yuno not suiciding with Yuki and failing to revive him must have created alot of grief and regret inside her, since she basically betrayed her lover's trust AND was left all alone. learning about her true abilities as God, she chooses to relive her days with Yuki as long as she can by going backwards in time. Since she already (accidentally...kinda) starved her parents to death and (probably) killed many people in the first death game, she is even more numb to death and killing, so long as it is for Yuki. (and, she was planning on going back in time anyways) the realization of Yuno always protecting Yuki also helped Yuki start to cherish Yuno, especially since he didn't have anyone else at that point. basically, these two really did depend on each other for everything with a very strong bond. they were even able to grow and learn from the experience. Yuki learned what love was and was able to understand Yuno. Yuno learned that her obsession wasn't true love and gave up her own life for her love for Yuki instead of planning to relive her days with him. then the extra ending has a good balance of happy feels and cheesy undertones, classic tale of love reaching through time and space, and then they finally get back together. it was quite the quirky relationship indeed. and there is SAO now, comparatively, Sword Art Online's Romance is more regular. two people on different paths meet up, kindle a relationship that grows stronger as they grow, marry, get a child, ect, ect, but.. the reason why its a bit more weird than others is party because of the context. this relationship started online, in an MMO. that's where they met this is interesting to me because (at-least back when SAO came out) internet relationship where considered somewhat of a joke, especially the "stronger" ones like Marraige and family. basically, since its all data and codes, it really should matter that much. even the marriage they did was just an in-game function that most people who were close enough would try. now, its the way that it was handled here that made me think it was splendid. we are able to see Kirito and Asuna's relationship build up, from the beginning (where they both shared their goal for the game) to the secrets between them (when they both saw a ghost in-game) to some of the many life/death situations they shared, all building up to a marriage the felt like more than just an in-game mechanic. they even questioned if their relationship meant anything. but in the end, it didn't matter if they were on separate parts of the world or if everything around them was just data. their Love was real. that's the feeling it conveyed to me. Yui also brings up the point about what is real and what isn't. even though she is a code written to control Aincrad, she seems like any other sentient being. i would right more but... im kinda tired. |
AzuStarJul 26, 2014 2:25 AM
Jul 21, 2014 8:11 AM
#25
I want this topic to stay alive. I'd like to type a bit about Nagi no Asukara, which I had finished a while ago. I'm going to type about the shows feeling of inevitability and coping with the inability to accept predetermined futures. Also, social issues such as breakdown of families in the modern world and something that isn't dealt with too often, racism. Unless I otherwise state, I will not be going into anything too specific or major spoiler dealing plot points. Oh, and people excuse my terrible grammar. Most of it is typed as though I'm speaking it out loud. (mostly) I'll start with racism. Is it actually racism? Or is it speciesism??? God. I'm just calling it racism for now. It is more likely to be taken as racism. However, due to technical reasons, it should be speciesism (which is totally a thing). It boils down to there being two different types of humanoids in the anime. Just regular old land lubbing humans, and people who are born in/live in the ocean (I'm dubbing them "merpeople" for now). There are no real differences between them besides merpeople being able to breath and live in water. They can even have normal children/produce fertile offspring (which should mean that they are of the same species). It should be noted that offspring produced from a human and a merperson cannot be a merperson, and will not be able to live in the ocean/have merchildren. This is part of the plot, and is a social issue that takes place in the anime. Any way, this is just getting the complications out of the way in order for things to make slightly more sense. A major part of the plot is the history between the humans and the merpeople, and their inability to coexist. Their feud has gone on for so long that the elders/decision makers from each race could not agree on any sort of mutual arrangement, and are quick to regress to hateful comments and general breakdown of communication even when it comes to the wishes of their children. Another instance is that, for the majority of the show, humans do not willingly accept merpeople into society. Merpeople are looked down upon for various reasons. These reasons are similar to those that happen in real life. People from different countries taking up job markets, taking land, etc. While at the same time, it is of utmost importance for merpeople to stay underwater and have children. The elders feel as though their people are being stolen by the humans. Merpeople who chose to live on the surface are banished. Racism can also be seen in human children that the main characters meet at school. The next theme is of inevitability and the inability to change things in life that are out of our control. (not really SPOILERS, but I'm putting this here if you really haven't seen the show yet. The show isn't designed to have major ass pulls or plot twists) *AN ACTUAL SPOILER WARNING THOUGH* (there will be spoiler comments) Not being able to fix the relationship between humans and merpeople; feelings that certain characters have for others; not being able to convince their own families of their wishes; setting up the Ojunehiki festival; Manaka losing her ability to live in the ocean |
Jul 21, 2014 9:36 AM
#26
I like this thread, so I'll briefly tackle a significant theme in Serial Experiments Lain: identity. I'm not much of a critical analyst though; I just like organizing my thoughts. During the course of the series, the viewer is introduced to what seems to be various personalities of Lain, of which there are three main ones to distinguish: the reserved Lain, the bolder Wired Lain, and the deceitful Lain. The writers ensured that these personalities were recognizable from each other by giving them each a different style of dialogue, or orthograph. As SEL winds down, we become aware of the fact that these personalities were simply different representations of how people saw her, as suggested by Lain's quote, "I just inside all sorts of people, that's all." Given a particular individual, one person may see him as loyal and trustworthy while another may regard him as someone much different. This idea is also applicable on the Internet, where people cannot see each other and have to develop their own versions of other people based on their interactions with them. Furthermore, an individual's personality may change when they make the switch from offline mode to online mode: a change which may be for better or for worse, but is oftentimes for the latter, as the cloak of anonymity can unfortunately bring out the dark side of people. Which personality is the real you? I would love to delve deeper into SEL, but I'm lazy. I've posted some of my thoughts and interpretations of scenes on a few of the SEL episode discussions, so that's good enough for me. |
Jul 21, 2014 1:03 PM
#27
Great to see people discuss shows from an intellectual standpoint! After recently finishing Shingeki no Kyojin, I'd say the show manifests a wide variety of themes through its brutal gore and violence, along with shocking deaths and horror. Possible Very Minor Spoiler Ahead While the titans are the primary focus of the anime and certainly induce a significant amount of horror, the primary conflict within humanity lies not in the physical threat that awaits outside its walls, but rather in its ability to foster common flaws such as corruption, fear, and self-preservation at the price of the deaths of friends and family. The inner wall's residents are the embodiment of the failure of humanity. Despite the ever looming idea that the titans could drive humanity to extinction, the inner city residents have done nothing to prevent the destruction of their own kind, nor have they undergone military procedures to save the people whom provide the fuels to their promiscuous and luxurious lifestyle. From a theoretical standpoint the titans are neither humanity's greatest problem, nor its most fearful enemy, but are rather an allusion to the self-destructive flaws that people are capable of inheriting. Mankind's greatest enemy, the titans, should have inspired an ubiquitous fervor for unification, but instead reveal the incessant growing disparities between those with power, and those without. |
Jul 26, 2014 1:35 AM
#28
I'm going to post about White Album 2 since it became my favorite anime, effectively bumping down Clannad AS from as my only 10 to a 9, and becoming my second anime to receive a 10. Well, here's my review. White Album 2, wherein lies one musical prodigy. One diligent and altruistic boy. One vocally talented and beautiful school idol. WA2 serves to elucidate the deleterious effects that stem from an indecisiveness caused by altruism and does so very well through the eyes of Haruki Kitahara, a hard-working student and valedictorian of his high school. Through him, we are exposed to a very complex love triangle that leaves an aching gap in the heart that feels very hollow and empty indeed. While the show employs the classic love triangle, there is a distinct disparity between its predecessors. For those who have read Cassandra Clare's The Infernal Devices what makes this love triangle excruciatingly painful, and to a point heartbreaking, is the relationships that connect the three main characters. The three are best friends whom have promised one another that their friendships would endure for an eternity. Yet, there is a very destructive and unavoidable thorn that manifests itself as both a requited and un-requited love. Is it possible to remain friends when three close friends are trapped in a love triangle? White Album 2 exposes the consequences of the characters' choices and actions through heartbreak and reveals a very obvious flaw of humanity: its inability to be perfect. All three characters are flawed, and it's because of these flaws (and ironically their altruism) that ultimately end up destroying their relationship. Haruki is plagued by his sense of moral excellence, but also indecisiveness when it comes to love. Setsuna's decision to force Haruki into a one-sided relationship characterizes her insecurity in relationships. Kazusa's denial of her love for Haruki creates a romantic and sexual tensions that serves as a catalyst for the dissolving of their high school friendships. Some people may hate the ending. It's created quite a schism between HarukiXSetsuna followers and HarukiXKazusa lovers. While I, myself, prefer Haruki and Kazusa to end up together, I also realize the meaning behind the inconclusive ending of White Album 2. Kazusa leaves. Haruki is stuck in a loveless relationship with Setsuna. Everyone is aware of one another's feelings. How do you cope with that? The sadness is only stressed by the ending credits in which the trio sing their final song at the festival, which is regretfully called "A Love That Cannot Be." It is both the OP to White Album 2 and one of the final songs to be played at the end. Haruki's, Setsuna's, and Kazusa's fates were decided the moment they met and we're shown that life isn't clearly defined or manifest. People aren't perfect. Love is flawed. Altruism can be intrinsically destructing. Yet, these imperfections and flaws, despite kindling the pain of love in the final episode, stress the beauty of White Album 2. Imagery, music, and characters culminate to communicate extreme heartbreak from the perspective of three different people. The master piece that is White Album 2 played with my heartstrings. When I realized that the promise that the three had made early on to "stay together forever" could never, ever be fulfilled my heart broke. These characters are very realistic, complex, and lovable. They are bound and separated by not uncommon events that make this anime incredibly enjoyable. Anyways, that's what I have for now. It's late at night and I'm certain my review is relatively incoherent and un-flowing. Still, I wanted to keep this thread going for I appreciate academic discussion. It helps us understand and enjoy anime more than for their superficial elements. |
XariJul 26, 2014 1:41 AM
Jul 26, 2014 3:17 AM
#29
Funny how people are still keen to criticize an anime over half a decade old. |
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Jul 26, 2014 3:45 AM
#30
Jul 26, 2014 3:55 AM
#31
TheNaturalPerm said: AirStyles said: Funny how people are still keen to criticize an anime over half a decade old. are you not allowed to criticize "old" anime? you dumb or something? Maybe. Cuz it seem like a waste of time to me. Maybe I'm getting old |
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Jul 26, 2014 4:02 AM
#32
It seems no one understands that Samurai Flamenco is about what it means to be a hero because apparently everyone thinks that the show abandoned it's themes at episode 7. But yeah, it's one of my favourite shows because I think, actually scratch that, know that it did exactly what it wanted regardless of what the audience would think and was a better show because of it. |
Jul 26, 2014 5:32 AM
#33
Miraclezify said: It seems no one understands that Samurai Flamenco is about what it means to be a hero because apparently everyone thinks that the show abandoned it's themes at episode 7. But yeah, it's one of my favourite shows because I think, actually scratch that, know that it did exactly what it wanted regardless of what the audience would think and was a better show because of it. Thank you for going into such detail as to the reasons that everybody is wrong about one of your favourite anime. You sure showed them. |
Jul 26, 2014 11:26 AM
#34
Jul 26, 2014 11:44 AM
#35
Miraclezify said: This thread is not to a place to come and rant about anime x for reason y. Please elaborate on your thoughts, like everyone else has done.It seems no one understands that Samurai Flamenco is about what it means to be a hero because apparently everyone thinks that the show abandoned it's themes at episode 7. But yeah, it's one of my favourite shows because I think, actually scratch that, know that it did exactly what it wanted regardless of what the audience would think and was a better show because of it. |
Jul 26, 2014 11:48 AM
#36
I enjoyed Ghost in the shell: SAC complex's theme of the evolution of technology taking away our humanity. With humans become androids and robots becoming humans. |
Jul 26, 2014 3:44 PM
#37
FloatsBoats said: I enjoyed Ghost in the shell: SAC complex's theme of the evolution of technology taking away our humanity. With humans become androids and robots becoming humans. The concept of humans turning into things we hate and things we hate developing humanistic characteristics is always impacting. |
Jul 26, 2014 5:59 PM
#38
Jul 26, 2014 11:18 PM
#39
Jul 27, 2014 6:16 PM
#40
Jul 27, 2014 7:20 PM
#41
Jul 27, 2014 7:28 PM
#42
"imouto x oniichan reunite" after a long years is a good theme |
Jul 28, 2014 1:28 AM
#43
I'm sold with any anime that has dystopian and cyberpunk themes. GiTS, Texhnolyze, Bubblegum Crisis, Lain, etc are some of my all time favourites because of these reasons. It's easy to blend social issues, with politics, science and philosophy because even if the setting might be new, these are old aged issues. And the more time passes, the closer we get to a possible reality. I'm not saying we'll have mechs on the street any time soon but given the advances in medicine alone, one could say these anime might one day become reality. |
If you are a fan of (or simply interested in) Japanese films then please join the Cinema of Japan club! Thank you (: |
Jul 28, 2014 2:17 AM
#44
Xari said: SamuelLJackson said: You go watch Kiss x Sis and Koi Kaze and you tell me incest is not the theme. Incest isn't a theme. If I go watch them right now I'll probably return with what I believe are themes from them. Incest is probably the superficial theme that circumscribes the deeper message. Be my guest sir, or you can take my word for it. Your choice. Choose wisely. |
Jul 28, 2014 3:06 AM
#45
one of my favorite is 'rolling star' from bleach i also liked ' life is like a boat' but i don't think that was a theme song. and i also really liked the songs of guilty crown. |
Jul 28, 2014 4:13 AM
#46
All you with your "Yes, underlying message + much fanservice = amazing story!!!" Bull. Not aiming at anyone in particular, but read this, then say again how "awesome" your loli anime are https://sites.google.com/site/gintamawhy/ Just read it, don't think I'm trying to deface anyone, don't try and flame me, just read the whole thing bloodlover said: but given the advances in medicine alone, one could say these anime might one day become reality. I quote from this person. Sorry that you are my example, but look at your ignorance. There have not been ANY new antibiotics in medicine for around 20/30 years. Do any of you even know what you're talking about? SamuelLJackson said: You go watch Kiss x Sis and Koi Kaze and you tell me incest is not the theme. You have to admit though, this guy has a point.. |
"Life is basically like a soap bubble. It rides on the wind, flying here and there... and before you realize it - pop! It's gone. When it's about to disappear, you think that you could've flown a little higher. But by the time, it's already too late." -Sakata Gintoki |
Jul 28, 2014 4:14 AM
#47
Because antibiotics = advance in medicine? That's how you compare it? |
If you are a fan of (or simply interested in) Japanese films then please join the Cinema of Japan club! Thank you (: |
Jul 28, 2014 5:30 AM
#48
Well themes I enjoy and make me think the most are ones where they make you just question everything about humanity, what being human is really about and whether being human is a good thing or not. |
Jul 28, 2014 12:05 PM
#49
Flip_Side said: All you with your "Yes, underlying message + much fanservice = amazing story!!!" Bull. Underlying message + fanservice != an amazing anime. That much is true; however, there are multiple things that serve to create the foundation for good anime. Music, animation, art, character development/characters, imagery, symbolism, foreshadowing ... these elements have to be employed in an effective way (and often) to enhance the meaning behind the anime. Flip_Side said: Not aiming at anyone in particular, but read this, then say again how "awesome" your loli anime are https://sites.google.com/site/gintamawhy/ Just read it, don't think I'm trying to deface anyone, don't try and flame me, just read the whole thing Loli anime can be good, but I don't consider an anime to be good unless its premise is good and it satisfies the literary criteria that I follow listed above. Flip_Side said: I quote from this person. Sorry that you are my example, but look at your ignorance. There have not been ANY new antibiotics in medicine for around 20/30 years. Do any of you even know what you're talking about? It'd be much more ignorant to state that we'll never get medical advances. People who are open to the possibility of new ideas/advances are better than those who state that there will never be any. Of course that's not what you did. You merely refuted the statement that there haven't been substantial antibiotic changes in the last 30 years, but my point still stands. Flip_Side said: SamuelLJackson said: You go watch Kiss x Sis and Koi Kaze and you tell me incest is not the theme. You have to admit though, this guy has a point.. There's a difference between a theme and an element/motif in a show. |
Jul 30, 2014 2:12 AM
#50
Xari said: Flip_Side said: SamuelLJackson said: You go watch Kiss x Sis and Koi Kaze and you tell me incest is not the theme. You have to admit though, this guy has a point.. There's a difference between a theme and an element/motif in a show. Like I said, you can either take my word for it, or go watch them for yourself. Incest IS what those anime are about. It is the boiled down theme of those anime. |
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