FarewellToWords's Anime List | FarewellToWords's Manga List

FarewellToWords's Profile

I wonder just how many times R2 jumped the shark, because I lost count at around 50 or so. Everything that was great about the first season of Code Geass was absent in R2. Every character became annoying, the plot twists were idiotic at best and character alliances changed like the freaking wind. It almost seems the target audience R2 was aimed at are 14 year old brats with extreme cases of A.D.D. By the end of R2 I stopped caring who won, and who died... I in fact wanted everyone to die. No plot twist, no matter how clever could have saved R2 from the complete disaster it had become once it passed half way. read more

The premise is simple, three complete strangers drawn together by fate to embark on a long, very parlous journey across unfamiliar territory. However, it's not the plot which makes Samurai Champloo note worthy, but rather the characters themselves. There is a very strong relate-ability present in the main characters Jin, Mugen and Fuu; no matter who the viewer happens to be it's a more than safe bet they will instantly find common ground with at least one if not all three. This element within it's self is the very one which drives the series forward, it offers added interest and added suspense as each of our three travailing companions find themselves in some rather tense situations quite regularly. The true paradox in Samurai Champloo is that it's actually the main characters' normality which makes them so extraordinary.

Jin is a quiet, very strong willed, mysterious man of few words and it shows through greatly in his swordsmanship. Gin fights the same way he lives, with decisiveness, with great resolve, and with honor. Jin is a man of tradition, and a man of respect. It comes as no surprise he isn't one to allow someone under his skin during the heat of battle, he remains un-rattled and content with his abilities even in times of great adversities.

Mugen can easily be considered Jin's polar opposite; unlike Jin, Mugen has no concept of reserve, always speaks his mind despite the outcome, he is an extremely reckless individual who is easily the most cut throat free spirit in existence. Mugen inadvertently thrives off of defying the laws and 'order' around him, but in reality he's simply seeking an opponent who he feels would prove as a worthy match for his skill and ability. There are some who claim they'd laugh in the face of death, Mugen would beat each and every one of you to it.

Fuu is unlike either of the two samurai who accompany her. Although she's a bit of a klutz and slightly clueless at times, Fuu proves to be a lot more cunning and determined than first impressions are willing to let on. Fuu is the type of girl who once her mind is made up, nothing except death could stop her from chasing and attempting to reach her goals and aspirations, but like everyone, some times she just needs a bit of motivation.

Samurai Champloo is able to excel where most other series fail, it's ability to balance both comedic elements with serious, very deep subject matter is a direct result of the characters themselves. Nothing seems forced, every line of dialog is believable, everything seems to fit with the personality, actions and dominate traits Jin, Mugen and Fuu possess; although most would think this should be expected, it's not an easy feat to accomplish. The multi dimensional perspective of Jin, Mugen, and Fuu's outward actions, as well as inner feelings more than make up for the lack of complexity in the story's plot. After all, who here hasn't seen an anime about samurai?

Most importantly this series left me fulfilled, it didn't leave any questions unanswered, and to me the ending, although somewhat anti climatic was in my opinion a more than suited one to close the final pages on what is one of my favorite animes of all time. You'll laugh, maybe even cry and through it all you'll enjoy every minute of it, and chances are you'll want to experience it all over again in the not to distant future. read more

Elfen Lied is often criticized for it's excessive use of graphic violence, dismemberment, sexual situations and of course nudity. However as with many things which come into the line of fire, the majority of critics often times miss the entire point. It is clear many focus on content alone and over look context completely.

Elfen Lied doesn't employ things of graphic nature for ratings, nor does it use them as a hook, although some of the lower level viewers/critics may see it as such, it's in truth much deeper than a simple marketing ploy. Elfen Lied provides a very symbolic look into the world in which we live, the violence, torment, cruelty and loss of identity are in exact relation with that which man kind face each and every new day.

I find nearly everything about Elfen Lied appealing, for instance how hard hitting it is, the character development, everything down to it's outstanding animation. It's really a matter of one's own security to how they will actually receive this series the majority of the time. If you're the type of person who does all in their power to gloss over the darker aspects of human nature then you're likely to find Elfen Lied both disturbing and unappealing. On the other hand, if you are the type of person who is willing to see things for more than their obvious surface value, look deeper, accept both the grotesque and the gorgeous elements of this reality there is a good chance you'll instantly be drawn in from the first episode till the last.

It's truly ironic that if I had to describe Elfen Lied with just one word, the word I would choose over any other would be "beautiful." I'm sure many will shake their heads in disagreement at this statement, yet I ask you to define what beautiful truly is. Something that is beautiful moves it's audience, it keeps them in awe, it can turn tears of sorrow into tears of joy, somehow managing to be uplifting even in it's most devastating moments; this is Elfen Lied. read more

Captivating, engaging, thought provoking, intelligent, and moving; everything that anime should be. If "11" were a rating option I would not hesitate to award Ergo Proxy with such a score. If Ergo Proxy confuses you, don't blame the series, but rather your intellectual short comings.

I found Death Note to be of exceptional quality, both in animation and in it's content from beginning to end, and when I say "end" I'm referring to episode 25. As far as I'm concerned, episodes 26 through 37 simply aren't relevant, especially when said episodes only serve to either dumb down the premise or even perhaps the viewer with a sort of "shock and awe, look at me and my overly predictable plot twists!" It also doesn't help that the most interesting and intelligent aspect of Death Note isn't even present at the series conclusion, but rather replaced by an extremely annoying, younger knock off, and don't even get me started on the 'other one' and his stupid chocolate bars!

If Death Note would have concluded at it's logical closure point it would be greatly deserving of the mass amount of hype it's been able to generate (despite it's terrible television ratings here in America). But alas, the logical closure point was ignored, and thus the series ended on a rather (pardon my French) shitty closure point.

I guess what bothers me the most is that there was so much potential to be had in Death Note, but in the end it was squandered for mediocrity. Not only is the official ending extremely rushed, it also leaves the viewer completely unfulfilled. Summed up, "You mean to tell me that I waited 37 episodes for 'that'?"

...my sentiments exactly

Had I'd been reviewing only the first 25 episodes 9's (perhaps 10's) would have been in order. I guess the best advice I can give to the viewer is this; Death Note is a 25 episode long series ;)

On a related side note, seeing as I'm somewhat of a music snob, I can't help but comment on the atrocity that is the second opening theme of Death Note. I'm not against loud screamy music, not in the least bit, after all I avidly listen to bands such as Orchid and Ampere for Christ sake. However when it comes to Nu-Metal garbage like the opening theme in question I simply can't stomach it. All things considered, it is amusing how the f-bomb is dropped several times during said song, a much needed comic relief (why is cursing broadcast on TV so damn amusing?) much the same as the poorly executed blast beat during the final few seconds. read more