- Last OnlineMar 15, 2020 2:27 AM
- GenderMale
- BirthdayMar 18
- JoinedOct 12, 2014
RSS Feeds
|
![]()
Sep 21, 2015
Non Non Biyori Repeat for a lot of people was the anticipated second season to continue the light hearted atmosphere the first season created, but its become more than that. The "Repeat" in the name is a great way to define the sequel (if we can even call it that). If one were to ask about the entire season of Repeat, they'd be given with a new approach to the actual first season. Kind of confusing, yet still genius to redefine what we think of the anime and create a stronger bond between character and audience than before.
The greatest aspect of this is the
...
idea is that if someone hasn't seen the first season of Non Non Biyori, they won't be left out due to the idea of this being an alternative styled season. Though on the other hand, if you've seen the first season, you're given more time to spend with the characters, and as we visit their small village for another year's duration within a time span of 12 episodes, many more relations can be established. The layout and premise of "Repeat" seems to be more character oriented and driven, and that allows for the merry group of four to be fleshed out and come to know them as if we've spent our time along side with them creating memories. All of the four are relatable in certain aspects that probably we've all done at some point in our life: Creating games out of school supplies, playing with the fun of nature, like blowing whistles from leaves, and the want for a pet to raise.
Surprisingly enough, the anime tackles the idea of city versus country. Renge's sister Hika-nee (or Hikage) is always getting a chance to share her experiences in the big city life in Tokyo when she's back at home with the rest of the main cast, while Hotaru is constantly finding new joys about the fun one can have with nature and the embodiment of a humble life style. Both of them are enjoying themselves in a setting where they didn't really grow up in, and aren't very accustomed to, but they're basking in the full glory of what they both have to offer, and seemingly don't dread being where they are.
One thing to note is the way the characters are presented in the actual story, not just this season specifically though. Many shows today, not only anime, present their characters, whether it be one kid or a group, as child prodigies, otakus, and socially awkward people. Though, the main group are represented as just any causal children growing up in their elementary through middle school phase. No one of them is standing out from the rest by skipping grade levels or talking about subjects a child near their age wouldn't know. They hold the qualities of what makes a child, a child. It's the realism that is produced from these factors that make the anime more life-like and less one-dimensional.
✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿
"Make sure you don't lose it. It'll be too late to regret it once you do." - Komari "Koma-chan" Koshigaya
Koma-chan, more often than not, is the running gag of being short for one's age, and at first she might be seen as just that type of character to fill in comedy, but through the development of the entire series, there's maturity and still a little bit of childish actions, regardless of her being the eldest of the main four. A running concept about her is the fact of wanting to be mature and adult-like rather than being treated like the child she usually is. It can hinder her at times, and make her act beyond what she wants to, but at certain moments she obtains her mature nature and truly takes care of her friends and gains experience to help her in life later. Her development is subtle, but certainly shows improvement in the latter half of the season when she goes through a stage of recollection. Although, what child hasn't longed for being an adult at one point of their lives? It's only natural for someone of her age to want be treated older, and it brings out for amusing situations.
✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿
"Play while you have a chance is my motto" - Natsumi "Nattsun" Koshigaya
Nattsun is the tomboyish personality within in the main cast, and the loudest personality of them all. Nothing can overcome her mighty sense of determination, aside from school and tests. Her image at the start of the anime was more or less the typical never-ending energy type of person, but as the season went on, she shows more sides than what can be observed after only a mere few minutes. "What would she look like as a "proper" girl?" is answered, and it just isn't something that suits her outlook. At times it's obvious she can be over the top, her playful actions are what brings the meat to the meal that is the show of Non Non Biyori and it is not the same if she weren't a part of it. Although perhaps the beauty of her character is her relation to real life tendencies people make. Losing objects, impulse actions, and probably her words alone. "What the heck do those "Explain what the author was thinking here" question mean?! I'm not the author! How am I supposed to know?!" These are words and feelings are familiar to students in a multitude and ways, and personally had the same thoughts myself at one point. She's more than just the "energetic" or "reckless" personality that people may depict her as, and she certainly proved that through the course of the season.
✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿
"Take this seriously and say "goo-goo" - Renge "Ren-chon" Miyauchi
Renge is an interesting character because she can be the perfect example of a typical child. Although she can have her moments of being greater than someone her age in some talents, her one trait sticks true to what can be said about children: Innocence is bliss. Her tendencies gear more and more towards the mindset of a child as time passes and even exemplifies what would happen near her age. Riding a bike, fooled by simple illusions, spontaneous ideas that have no reason to them, the many "wants" of a young child, such as raising a pet. At first she can seem like a bit of an awkward character that seems to be the "cute" image of the group, but she develops into a mindful friend who has unique outlook on her surroundings when things seem a little off, and quickly develops from her experiences that she gains daily with the adventures she does with her peers.
✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿
"I'm not that grown-up. I'm just normal. I really act childish in front of my mom, especially. I wish I could be more mature, really." - Hotaru "Hotarun" Ichijou
Hotaru is the "foreigner" of the group as she moves in from the bustling city life into a quaint village that has nature as its main attractions. At the beginning of the anime she tends to be more towards the passive type of character who doesn't really "drive" the story per se, but does make it more enjoyable for the people around her. Her physique is older than she seems, which can make her uncomfortable in certain situations when she receives praise of acting older than how she usually is, but surprisingly is quite childish, and the second youngest of her group of four. She's relatively positive and rarely negative, and has hobbies of making Koma-chan dolls. Although quite a well-rounded character, her debut slowly approaches and she establishes herself as a more "active" character in pursuing the story as the season progresses.
✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿
Even though the characters themselves are great individually, without their interaction as a group, the anime wouldn't be the same. The comedy brought on is rather light-hearted and can be childish, but relatable for anyone who experienced what they did at one point in time. It's the idea of the group setting that can push this anime to reach the fullest potential of making it exactly what it is: An anime about four girls and their adventures as friends through their nature filled village. Though what plagues many slice of life is the concept of not putting out enough content to keep the audience attracted for most of the series, and seemingly making it like the episode had nothing happening and very unproductive. Non Non Biyori has a new adventure waiting around every corner for the audience to join in on, bringing in new experiences for the characters to develop, and more chances to make connections and special moments for each one.
Although the characters themselves are one of the main focuses of the anime, since the setting is located in a little village surrounded by nature, the greenery and locations they often go to is an antidote for sore eyes. Regardless if the scene is a still frame, or a little walk through the forest, the detail in every little thing is made to be left breathless. Water dripping from a leaf giving that immersive feeling of morning dew, the river to dive into and play around, the daily walks to school. Each of those scenes are given just about as much detail as the rest to help the audience be familiar with the character's home where they grew up in. Even during season changes, the color scheme subtly adapts to fit the tone and atmosphere of the cool welcome of autumn, and the bright appearance of the new year.
The opening sequence accompanied by the song gives the feeling of a worry free journey for anyone who is a fan of the genre to experience. The march sequence can be a nice depiction of their friendship growing and changing as the seasons pass, through all the days spent in the hot summer stuck doing homework, to the snowy winter days creating igloos. The ending, and even the opening, are similar to the atmosphere they create as the openings for both seasons are performed by nano.RIPE and the ending by the main cast. The endings as a whole are created to be more relaxed and slow compared to their counterpart opening, which provide a nice closure to their long day, and a nice closure to open their eventful opening for the next encounter.
At the same time, the OST that are played in the background deserve praise for themselves alone. Although a little similar in sound, they each have their own country type of feeling to them when they're being played in each scene. It's especially special when each character has certain sound clips added to their scene, such as a recorder song when Renge has a moment, or anything that seems to be suitable to close off a long day with a relaxing tune. The wide range of instruments and sounds used never seem to make it overused, but rather casual, and a delight to hear when they make an appearance.
While the season may have wrapped up, and the legendary sword being put to an end after its reign has been established, the welcome it gave was all the more special. Our time to spend time with the cast and characters may have been short, but it truly felt like a connection was made after our year of memories made. Opening in the spring with a brand new school year, with a year to look forward to, and closing with the spring to open a new chapter in our life as we graduate and open ourselves to new experiences. I look to the future when we may meet and spend time as a group again, but for now, I'll keep the new fondly made bonds cherished and hope others will feel the same while watching this.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
What did you think of this review?
Nice
 0
Love it
 0
Funny
 0
Confusing
 0
Well-written
 0
Creative
 0Show all
![]()
Sep 13, 2015
The saying "age is but a number" seems to apply to almost anything, but it can be a bittersweet feeling when speaking about certain topics. A boy waking up to explore a surreal world through the power of language with a stranger who talks about anything, but herself. The world seemingly begins with the entrance of rain caressing nature, exposing the inconceivable beauty of Earth, while ending with the sun tainting the sacred place to free oneself from reality. Two individuals from different circumstances coming together by a connection of rain to make a relationship that can only be described as "sweet and sour".
The theme
...
of the short 46 minute film can be interchanged between mind-sets by the individual, but Makato Shinkai has always been one to keep an open-mind in his films. The topic of love is nothing new in society today, but the idea of older relationships are viewed as a wrong, especially when the age gap is more than ten years. Though this film does a head dive into just that thought and creates a story about two people who would have never met unless life didn't take a turn for the worse. Both face hardships, both are unsure about their abilities, and are seemingly riding the flow to wherever life takes them, not taking control to steer their own path, but their roads intertwine to produce a story of love that was never meant to be. A 15 year old boy, ambitious to pursue a career in shoe making meeting a beautiful, kind, but mysterious 27 year old female. A tantalizing tale depicting the social abnormalities of how society can affect a story between two.
Romance in this case is set to create a tone of light-heartedness throughout the film, but it isn't as romantic as one may think. Rain is the entrance to the beautiful garden of freedom, but it's a theme to represent peace and the ability to break away from what life is throwing at a person. Takao skips school, and has the maturity of people far from his age. His family circumstances leaves him to be the responsible one, even if he just recently entered his first year of high school. Meanwhile Yukino skips work to immerse herself with chocolate in one hand, and a beer in the other. Feeling invisible in society not knowing where to go next, afraid to make a wrong move. When the rainy season comes, the two meet daily to have a companion to outweigh the negatives and break off from the hardships in the world, even if only for a few hours. When the sun comes out, the two go back to what seems like a mundane, routine based life that creates emptiness in the soul. Though romance is more of a facade in the story, the dialogue is where the most of the messages are conveyed.
One of the few measly set backs this film has is the character development due to the limited time they have to work with. In this film the two characters enter a garden during monsoon season, while one sketches, the other is staring into the pond and they exchange words over time, but little is known about the two. The challenge of a slice of life type of film is the heavy reliance upon events taking place to create an environment for the characters to thrive in and establish themselves to be fleshed out and understood, but there were only a few moments where that occurred in the film. Though the pace picks up in the second quarter of the film and the characters do make themselves to be more sought out than others, the issue was the time constraints that limited the development to be spread out and subtle. Without a doubt, if the film was the length of a regular movie, it would have been enough to create a relationship with the audience to help enhance the plethora of emotions shown throughout the film, but the movie, regardless, had enough time to still guide the characters in the right direction.
Imagine a location to feel at home; a location like no other to let one thrive and become the person who they wish to be. A garden in the middle of bustling city life to simulate time stopping to savor the moments spent between the two. Aesthetically the film did a superb job creating the backdrop of the garden showing the transition between the fast paced life, to a frozen oasis hidden by a invisible cloth made of rain. Throughout the entirety of the film the art, and especially the rain, is peaking at the audience like moonlight beams breaching the sky against clouds to create an aura of calmness and an ambient feeling of comfort. Like an elegant flower alluring solely by its ethereal beauty showcasing everything it has to offer.
Surprisingly enough, the ending theme is titled "Rain" and it perfectly sums up the feeling of the film. The soundtrack of this movie is more subtle rather than blatantly proclaiming that it's there to provide music for the scene, but it's done in a way for the music to feel natural and seamless throughout the film. It's a warm, soothing track to keep your mind open while interlacing with the characters and their endeavors. The sound of rain, the piano solos, the calm voices; they all add up to become an equation with the answer being tranquility.
While Kotonoha no Niwa is only a mere 46 minutes, don't let the time fool you. Along side the plethora of emotions comes morals and themes, which can be different for every person. The dialogue makes up the majority of the film while the story is more of a lead and guide to follow the characters during their short season with each other. The art throughout the film is much like a bud blossoming to become a flower that blooms only once every thousand years, and it very much seems so. Though it seems as if monsoon season is approaching earlier this year. I hear a faint clap of thunder, perhaps of thunder, will you stay here with me?
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
What did you think of this review?
Nice
0
Love it
0
Funny
0
Confusing
0
Well-written
0
Creative
0Show all
![]()
Aug 27, 2015
"A picture is worth a thousand words", or in this case, an animation. The idea of a silent film in anime can be puzzling to some people, as anime is highly made up by its cast of voice actors, but Tsumiki no Ie goes beyond that to create a story drawn to look similar to a jour painting. Yet, twelve minutes is all it takes to dive into a the past of an old man and reflect on how short of a time people have to make the most of their lives.
What seemingly looks like a boring tale, takes a turn into the world
...
of reminiscence to showcase the changing life that is simultaneously happening around us. In the world of the old man, his life is constantly facing a flood requiring him to create a new room for him to live in when the water reaches his current one. But with every new room created, a memory is left behind. At first we move down from present time to the furthest memory in the final room, but the story presents the memories like a spider web weaved into a pattern to showcase beauty.
With each descending floor, we enter a different stage of life: Adolescence, young adult, and old age. Although the concept seems simple enough, the creator left room for interpretation for just about anyone to take this short film with a grain of salt. Perhaps the flood symbolizes the short coming of their lives and the higher they build, the closer to the end to their story of living. What's for certain is, what started as a sweet remembrance, ended in a bitter taste wanting to return to the past, to the prime years of his life. A time with his newly born child, a time when his wife was alive, and a time which he enjoyed. Life on Earth is short, and we take it for granted. If anything, Tsumiki no Ie shows to cherish the moments you're living now, as in a few years time, or decades down the road, life will be drastically different.
The icing on the cake is, without a doubt, the fact of having no voice actors. The mood is set with soft, soothing, and almost lull-sounding music to put the viewer in a state of mind to match the elderly man's as he travels down memory road. It isn't limited to a simple piano or an orchestra, but rather instruments that could capture the feeling of nostalgia and life by mere strings and melodies. In combination with architecture to match the visual aid of the dark color scheme to stimulate a feeling of empathy, a story is unfolded to remember for years to come.
Twelve minutes is all it takes to finish this film that seems to be a hidden gem for most people. Even with a busy schedule, watching this could produce that relaxing feeling you're looking for.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
What did you think of this review?
Nice
0
Love it
0
Funny
0
Confusing
0
Well-written
0
Creative
0Show all
![]()
Aug 26, 2015
Before I begin, I'd like to take a moment and point out the fact that "Origination" is the last season of Aria, not the start. It frightens me that there are more total entries of "Origination" than "Natural" in people's lists. Even though Aria does not have a foundation story so skipping the first two seasons won't let you miss out on anything that would drastically impact the story, you don't get the full experience and development by doing so. I highly stress if you are planning to watch this to begin with "Animation", not "Origination", otherwise you'll be losing the special connection when the
...
ending comes.
"Origination" is that season that just manages to stick to the original idea, but give more with it. Characters with more spotlight, new fresh music, and an ending with a bang. Though as our time at Neo-Venezia is ending, it's still there for everyone else to experience, and definitely something everyone should try. The episodes in "Origination" slowly build up more and more emotion as the series goes on, and eventually closes with an ending like no other. We're introduced to a past member, and how the company even came to be where it is now. The season will focus a lot more on what the past has brought to make up where we are now, and the moving forward of all the members to signify development.
It's note worthy that Aria has been sticking to its original story since the very first episode, so there isn't much of a change to describe in this aspect. "Origination", however, does offer much more back story to the characters giving them more meaning than ever before. This season does take the route of "Animation" rather than "Natural" of being more character based, and the opening episode shows it from the start. Since it's been a whole year without Aria since the ending of "Natural", the first episode is more of a reintroduction to the undines. From that point on we're watching the characters come to their peak of training, and them moving forward with their life. I'm not saying there isn't any scenery focusing episodes, but the episodes are mainly just acting as the character's final time with us.
While experiencing the daily life of Neo-Venezia with Akari you'll see a lot more of the citizens around this season, even some unique jobs that we have yet to discover. One of the more notable ones is the traghetto gondola. It's another branch of a job that Undines can have, but this involves two rather than one to row the gondola. It requires more teamwork and balance all around, which in turn helps both of them to learn in a team environment, and also work on their gondola skills. Aside from this, we get a lot more views of the town square and more buildings that resemble some of our own Venice on Earth.
The characters in "Origination" are generally the same, but each of them individually change over the course of our daily trips to Aqua. In "Animation" and "Natural" it would have seemed as if nothing was ever changing or occurring rather than the typical episodic adventures that were present, but knowledge and lessons taught to the characters from every place, every person, and every memory they obtained structure them to become who they are now. Don't worry about not having enough time to spend with any of them, every episode will focus on a different character, and even on the fairies. You won't need to fret about experiencing time with any of them, as they're given the same amount of time as one another.
✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿
"You alone are reason enough." - Akari Mizunashi
Akari is the first character we were ever introduced to on our first trip to Neo-Venezia, and quite a bold character. She left Man-Home to become an Undine and her first mistake was learning to row backwards. She has come quite a long way on her training, and on her impact on the planet. Her purpose and spot in the story is like no other. She manages to help her friends get through tough times, and has qualities that are only unique to her. She's the expert of happiness, as one would say, and illuminates an aura around her like an effect only she can produce. While she may not be the most sharp and smartest of people, she definitely portrays change and development in character in a fashion that only she can produce.
✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿
"Things you don't have, you can just make." - Aika Granzchesta
Aika is a character that is flawed in many ways, but that's the best thing about her. Her personality and sense of what an Undine is, is heavily influenced by her adoration for Alicia. In "Natural", you learn that she is heavily striving to be something that isn't the real her, but after an event such as what she faced, she changed into someone new. Nothing about her changed to an extent of not being to even recognize her new self, but in way that she's more herself. Slowing down and looking at her own self rather than becoming a replica of someone she adores. Aika even influences her mentor in ways she wouldn't even imagine, her spot in Aria is much more than any other, and it wouldn't have been the same ride without her being there.
✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿
"As a matter of fact, I am the best pupil of Siren, who is one of those fairies." - Alice Carroll
Alice is one of the most realistic characters in this series without a doubt. Her attitude and personality is so much like a lot of people, and towards the end of the series she blossoms into a character like no other in this series. At the start of the series it was very apparent that she was very shy and cautious towards everyone except for her senpai Athena. Her skills gradually develop more and more as the series progresses and truly shows how much she improved in "Origination". Her confidence and ability to put herself out there dramatically improved, but for the better, and she still manages to retain her playful personality and sarcastic sense of humor. Alice is definitely the example of experience setting in and helping the character grow, while also having people there to help guide her in the right direction.
✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿
"Because after all, I am an imperfect human being." - Alicia "Snow White" Florence
Alicia has come a long way from the start of the anime. While it may not seem like she has even changed from the series, she's changed from how we perceive her. Rather than the typical kind and caring instructor, we're given more and more glimpses of her personality and thinking as the series goes on. There's even an episode in "Origination" focused on her teaching strategy, and thought process behind it. Seen as perfect and the ideal model on the outside, she is just as much human as the next person. It all plays into key for her method, while at the same time giving off the personality that calms the mood. In the past, we learn that Alicia is very much different from how she is now. Hinted in the OVA, we find out that she was hesitant in herself and her abilities, more or less similar to Akari. She goes past the typical senpai trope, and is actually given a story, and an ending that will definitely make a memory that stick with you for a long time.
✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿
"I'll become a prodigy." - Akira "Crimson Rose" Ferrari
Akira is shown to be the more prominent of the three fairies, but we don't really get a glimpse of her back story or true personality until "Origination", and it does a hell of a good job just showing what she went through. If you've noticed that Alicia is a genius in gondola rowing, as she was the first to become a prima of the three, and kept on the legacy that Grandma left with Aria. Then, that Athena is gifted in singing, what is Akira gifted in? There's an episode spent with a feeling of confusion going on in Aika's life, but Akira shares a story from her past that really gave her character more meaning than it ever could. Akira is the prime example of not having any "special" quality that is just naturally given to her, but more so hard work paying off. She was the last of the three to become an undine, and her dilemma was shown realistically. She's not there just to show face, but there to give support to the up and coming Himeya owner.
✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿
"Because I always make stupid mistakes, I always cause trouble for you, right Alice-chan? Because of what happened this morning, I thought you really hated me. It made me feel very insecure." - Athena "Siren" Glory
The last Fairy, and possibly the best, is Athena. Her character throughout the anime seemed more like a comedy relief to just add more to the seemingly easy going instructor Alice, and tyrant personality mentor Akira. Her character is explored as more time passes and we learn that overall, each and everyone of the fairies are just like any other person, same with Athena. She's insecure about the people who she treasures most, and the person she sees as family. Her influence onto Alice is very strong as you'll see their bond deepen as our journey comes to a close in Aqua and their story finishes off. No one person is perfect with every great quality given to them, and Athena's character just shows that up front. The message you take from her purpose in the story can be however you want to interpret it as, but she was definitely more than the clumsy character that is in a lot of anime today.
✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿
The soundtrack for this anime has always been the same, and there's nothing wrong with that at all. The same soundtracks seem to never get old and fit every scene possible. Even the new opening and ending are just as wonderful as the last. You'll notice that the ending this season isn't as mellow as the last, but it's more trying to show the change from the very start of the series to the point of where it is now. The insert songs in the episodes that they appear in are just as great as any of the opening and endings. They provide another level of emotion for the respective scene that they play in, and just all around makes the experience better. The animation itself is a lot more fluid and flows from scene to scene, a lot better than the "Animation" season, but still retains its calming art style. The colors are beautifully chosen to show the hidden beauty in the town, and the sky beautiful. Just the sunset combined with the architecture that makes a view that is awe inspiring without being there.
Aria has definitely been a ride of emotions for me. It quickly became one of the best slice of life for me due to its relaxing atmosphere and calm pace that anyone can enjoy by just watching one or two episodes per day. The closure for this was better than anything I could have asked for, and it retained its theme from the very start not straying away and becoming something else. Even as the pace fastens and characters change, they still are the same characters that we began to know and love. While our time with Aria is done, the legacy left behind will forever carry on in Undine history. Aria will always have a special place in my heart, so why not try it out for yourself too?
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
What did you think of this review?
Nice
0
Love it
0
Funny
0
Confusing
0
Well-written
0
Creative
0Show all
![]()
Aug 25, 2015
P.A Works has always been a company that reliably releases anime that keeps a consist quality of some sort, but when it came to the Summer season of 2014, Glasslip was a huge disappointment for the company, and for the fans. Yet, the season right after, Fall 2014, P.A Works took the initiative to air an anime to show the behind the scenes of creating just what the fans wait for. Isn't it amazing how anime has come so far to the point of releasing everything on a schedule of seasons and for fans to enjoy with a connection that is created through an industry
...
that's fairly new? The staff behind a "legendary" anime, or one that someone may enjoy, can be overlooked, but it wouldn't be the same without them, and Shirobako goes to show that.
If speaking about Shirobako, you're given two ways to approach the anime and its message to the audience. In one hand, it could be seen as a SoL type of anime just following 5 ambitious girls pursuing their ideals of the anime industry after their animation club in high school got them interested. But in the other, Shirobako can be seen as a message to the audience of fighting the obstacles in life that chain down dreams and making them realistic through hard work and dedication. The under-lying theme of that end goal is a quality that can be overlooked in the anime with all the subtle jabs at the concept, but it ultimately kept the anime together. Numerous examples of dreams can be seen throughout the 24 episodes from characters talking about what got them into the industry, to their wisdom coming in hand when the new comers are having a slump or break down and experience is all that is needed. The staff in the series are often imagining their anime character's coming to life when in a hard time, or speaking about the future, which can be a personification of the hard work put into creating them and the pay off when finished.
An odd quality that many people don't consider is the setting it has: young adult life. It seems as if many studios today are afraid of moving away from the typical high school setting and expanding on the adult life that many people are realistically having trouble dealing with. Without a doubt, the series does not hold back on the importance of keeping the job that the characters are currently holding. Countless times are the characters speaking about needing to provide food on the table to keep them alive with the job, and competition becoming more stiff as times are changing. 3D CGI vs hand drawn animation, lost in trust after massive blow out of production, the seemingly simple animation that we view actually has a intricate process behind it. Failures aren't taken lightly, as we view a studio going out of business, a voice actor struggling to get a role and debut, the industry isn't filled with rainbows and sunshine as some perceive it as.
A lot of anime display the trope of characters being "prodigies" at a certain task, such as drawing or intellect, but the characters here display nothing of the sort. That doesn't mean they're talent-less, but rather, hard working and experienced. At one point in the show, Ema is having a roadblock in her creativity and art style, she's uncertain of how to approach it. It interferes with her work and shatters her confidence. The other artists assist in her issue and proclaim they've all been at that point, it's just a matter if she can find her muse to get out of it, or crash and burn. This alone creates a connection that many more people can enjoy as the series progresses through the trials and tribulations that they all face, knowing they weren't handed the job by talent alone while being fed with a silver spoon.
When referring to the characters of the anime, it's amazing how only five of them are labeled as "main character", yet each individual one seem to make an impact that goes past the typical "side character" trope. All of them seemingly have the qualities that could take over and become the main focus at any moment, given the situation, but even without doing so, they have just enough air time to distinguish themselves from any stereotypical "regular" character that is in recent anime. Although some of them do make more of an impact than others, they're all equally needed completing a beautiful mural. To give light of some impressions and impact of the characters, some will be reviewed.
✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿
"I kept remembering when I was being interviewed, and it's depressing". - Miyamori, Aoi.
Miyamori, Aoi is the prime focus of the "main characters", as I would say, and definitely a realistic character. When she enters the industry, she's unsure about where she wants to pursue, unlike her co-workers. For example, her friend Ema has chosen the Artist path, Midori wants to become a Script writer, Shizuka strives to become a voice actor, and Misa wants to create 3D art. In more ways than not, Aoi is a character that many people can relate to, myself included. Her worry about a career and choosing a path is often taking over her outlook on things and indirectly steers her to be where she is now. Though her realism is quite stellar, it's her development that seems to be the biggest trait there is to offer. At the start of her job she's only a production assistant. Constantly making mistakes, apologizing to everybody, and even has a history of being denied job interviews from other studios. But throughout the entire 24 episodes, we witness what experience and support does to a person. Aoi becomes a person who's illuminating ambition as opposed to the wavering fragile girl she once was. The quote selected from her displays when she's put into a situation that requires her to become someone of high importance in the production team, and is constantly reminded of her failures, but overcomes her past to lead the studio she was accepted into.
✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿ "
"Well, I want to exceed the expectations, without betraying them". - Kinoshita "Director" Seichii.
The director is an interesting character, as his overall personality seems to be more "have fun doing your job", rather than the serious tyrant. Throughout the series you learn that he's actually a person who has directed other anime in the past, but one bad mistake ended up ruining his image as a director, and ultimately his image in the industry. He has many philosophies in his work that can push him to become over the top to some staff members and to the audience, but in his mind, he's a child at heart. It's the free spirit that he has while also being able to take his own responsibility when times get tough that make him reliable. Whether it be his childish approach to getting around work or motivating ideals when beginning to actually do work, the director is a character that is used a comedy relief factor, yet impacts more than that. A fan of anime that stays true to what the audience wants, even if it has to stray from the creator's, a trait that seems to set himself apart from the other directors that appear throughout the run time.
✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿
"I'm excited, too. No matter how long I've been doing this, the feeling I get when I see my drawings move... There are no words". - Iguchi, Yumi.
Yumi is just one of many examples in the anime that show experience is everything. While not being one of the highest known artists in the industry, she's enough to keep the art department going to motivate and help them out when in need. When Ema was in her road block to clear her mind of troubles, Yumi gives her advice that she actually got while she was in the same situation and is more of a figure of assistance. Although there are many characters that are in the same role as her, she becomes an individual as the series progresses to set herself apart and really show what she has to offer to the entire staff and audience watching.
✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿
For a studio like P.A Works to produce an anime about animating, art would be a pretty big factor in itself to keep the concept of how hard it is to create one running. Luckily enough, P.A has never failed to produce great art that has their own style that indicates it's their studio, yet Shirobako has the detail and attention that goes beyond what they usually do. It's amazing how they capture the idea of producers and staff members as just usual people by the snip of their home and office space. Little figures of characters, a family to go back home to when done with work, over sleeping, nothing is left out in a way that focuses entirely on art detail, but also detail in life. As for the sound department, we actually even got to see how certain sounds are made in the anime, and by the looks of it, technology has come a long way, but making them right on the spot seems more enjoyable. In all honesty, sound probably isn't too notable in a series such as this, though not because it wasn't clicking together, but because of it's eccentric focus on the characters. Although, "COLORFUL BOX" has definitely become a piece that never gets old when watching.
While a facade is created to follow 5 girls and their quest to impact the anime industry together, Shirobako is much more than that. It's a present to the anime industry and audience of hard work and enjoyment for all ages. There was no melodramatic theme to plague the series and create hard feelings to connect with, but rather a realistic approach to almost every aspect that can be experienced by adults. Rooting the foundations of creating an anime and centering it around that may seem strange, but it's a ride to experience once beginning. It's more than what it may seem like; fitting the saying "Don't judge a book by its cover" has never been more true.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
What did you think of this review?
Nice
0
Love it
0
Funny
0
Confusing
0
Well-written
0
Creative
0Show all
|
