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Mar 27, 2024
Never have identified with a fictional character more!
Hitori, our main lead, is an introvert with poor communication skills. She wants to make friends but is so scared of reaching out so will try everything else in order to peak other's interest.... only to chicken out and try to hide over analyzing every single interaction to death.
More than that is the cast because even if you can't relate to our beloved introvert each cast member is unique and loveable in her own way. Ryou being my personal favorite since I do idolize that kind of independent woman.
It's a coming of age story but
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from an introvert's perspective who, while struggling with social anxieties, still wants all the normal things like friends, group outings and shining bright like a star in the night.
I want to note that I watched this on the plane ride from Tokyo, Japan. It was so nice to see the same locations I just visited in the show. While the 'clubs' can be seen as generic each area has it's own feel or vibe and the show projected that perfectly.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Feb 24, 2024
Miyazaki came out of retirement for one last hoorah.
However he was in said retirement for 10 years, also it's Miyazaki so who's going to tell him "no" to anything?
I went into the Boy and the Heron blind not knowing a thing about it beyond the poster... two hours later I still know nothing about it and I'm rather sleepy.
I can see the general outline. A boy dealing with the grief of losing his mother and the growing pains of integrating into a new family. The way it's presented however is nonsensical. More like other characters and actions from other ghibli productions were just
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rehashed here in a watered down version. Spirited away + princess mononoke being the two most prominent influence.
While I don't mind the dreamlike logic the movie was going for my question with any show is:-
1. Does the character/s actions make sense within context?
2. Was the show entertaining?
No & No.
The characters have zero reason to act they do aside from "it's in the script". In one case it's because having a character with a big laugh is sorta of a ghibli troupe so regardless if it fits this specific character or the context of the scene they have to give a big belly laugh... kindda made them look touched in the head honestly. Also the main character seemed to just know stuff, no reason for him to just because "it's in the plot script". The fact that he's always right is weird.
I left the theater twice I was so bored so, no it wasn't entertaining. I doubt anyone would have given this anything above a 5 if Miyazaki's name wasn't attached to it. More so with that ending, I was just.... so confused by that. Did the projector run out film?!
Reviewer’s Rating: 3
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Aug 30, 2023
Published in 2022 under the name (The Liminal Zone) in English, there is a little declaimer in the back that the majority of the book was written/drawn in 2021 while Itou was confined in his studio due to covid. Maybe because of that the stories lack his usual punch? Who knows, this one is a D tier sadly.
The book is a collection of four independent stories, NO SPOILERS, one thing I'll note is that in all of them the art and visuals are top tier, it's the overall plot that lets it down.
1. Weeping Woman Way (7/10)
There is an odd profession called "mourner" where people
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would hire someone, usually a woman, to wail and cry during a funeral. Mostly so it'll look good for the family, suitable for the occasion and all that. Our heroes encounter one of those and now the tears won't stop.
This one is very Junji Ito, the fact that it's so mid yet is the best in the book tells you something...
2. Madonna (4/10)
I'm guessing Ito was trapped in his house for too long and needed to air the place out a bit. This is about the virgin Mary and Lot's wife turning to piller of salt. It's.... yeah it's not good. A lot of mixed metaphors and religious misinterpretations makes this a mess. This was noted in some of this other works but the Kanji for Madonna can be read as "wicked woman" or witch woman which is the whole joke this story is leaning on.
3. The Spirit Flow of Aokigahara (1/10)
Aokigahara, also known as the sea of trees, has a tragic history. There is something about that place that draws people looking to commit suicide to it. This one explores both that and the stupid incident where a shameless youtuber went to film in that place mocking the dead and attempting to profit off their tragedy. I think it's the first time something as modern as a youtuber popped up in an Itou story.
This one is kindda nonsense not going to lie. Also there is an uncomfortable implication that the spirit of those that died in the forest still roam it every night. Keep in mind this is a real place where people really go to do this so it comes off as in poor taste.
4. Slumber (2/10)
When you sleep you leave yourself open to anything and anyone. Don't let your mind wonder, who knows what or who will pick it up.
The art here is top tier, story really weak & boring. This one was the worst of the bunch plot wise because of how predictable it was.
Overall - 4/10
In the summery, this one might be the worst of his works so far. Unless you're a completionist I'd advice against this one.
Reviewer’s Rating: 4
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Aug 30, 2023
Junji Ito's writing style can best be summarized by "literally".
Take a common saying, cliché or play on words and stick to the literal meaning dialed to 11/10. That's the normal plot for any Ito story.
Black Paradox is no exception. A group of people intend to commit group suicide, leaving this world to the next.
Well... guess what...
You can say that the real plot however is the line "The price of progress has been humanity's soul". I'll leave it at that to avoid spoilers.
Over all it's an interesting read with odd visuals. A bit meh compared to his other works though which is why I'm lowering the
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score a little.
Book comes with two bonus stories. The licking woman, which is about a woman that licks... go figure. And Mystery Pavilion which was just two pages.
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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Aug 25, 2023
In 2006 a short series called (Ayakashi: Japanese Classic Horror) aired with only 11 episodes and consisted of three stories. The first two were classic Japanese plays by notable authors, The last story however was an original tale about a mysterious medicine seller that goes around exorcising mononoke / evil spirits.
The writers of the show must have been proud of their creation because a year later we got Mononoke. A spin off staring that same medicine seller and with the same art style.
While the show itself is fine the SUPER busy art style, combined with the aggressively bright colors and the jump-cut style of animation...
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This show was just not for me, half way through a single episode I'd get severe headaches and rather nauseated because of it.
Plot wise this was rather formulaic. Medicine Seller (I'm going to be calling him fox dude from here on out because that's what he is in my head) appears because there is an evil spirit around. There is a bunch of characters and at least one of them is lying through his teeth. This stretches the story arc a few episodes until finally the truth comes out in the last 10 minutes of the episode's arc and exorcism done. Rinse and repeat. It reminded me a little of gegege no Kintaro but without the clever writing or the attention to yokai lore.
The attraction of the anime is the rather unique artwork. However as mentioned it was just so busy it ended up making me physically sick. To add to it there is a texture filter placed over it so that's another layer of annoyance.
Sound and music were nice and added to the show's atmosphere.
Overall, this show depends on style over substance. The second story about the Umibozi was probably the best because it's subverts expectations. You'll probably figure out if the show is for you after the first story arc so give that a try at least. I can't really recommend it to someone with migraines or motion sickness though.
Reviewer’s Rating: 5
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Aug 24, 2023
Aired in 2006 this show is made up of three separate tales each with it's own unique art style.
Story one "Yotsuya Kaidan" 10/10
One of the most famous ghost stories in japan. Written in 1825 as a Kabuki play by Tsuruya Nanboku IV it tells the story of Oiwa and Tamiya. The dutiful wife who was betrayed and her piece of cow dung samurai husband. The way this is presented is a little unusual as we get the author himself narrating the tale and laminating both the events in the play and out of it.
Yotsuya Kaidan has gone on to gain a reputation not
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unlike that of Macbeth in the west. It the cursed play, don't speak it's name and make sure to visit Oiwa's shrine before you have anything to do with it.
Overall this one is the stand out. The drama between the characters, the twists and turns, the added supernatural element all work to produce something haunting.
It's one failing is attempting to gild the lily in a few scenes. The hair combing one in the play is quiet giving it a haunting feel and far more effective than her screeching through out.
To me this was the best one regardless. A complex plot, beautiful art and fluid animation.
Story two “Goddess of the Dark Tower” 7/10
Adapted from a the Kyooka Izumi play called Tenshu Monogatari (the tale of the keep or castle) is a love story between a god and a human. While Izumi's writing often hide social commentary under a thin vail of the supernatural this one was more direct. There are quite a few fable staples like humans/spirits turning into other creatures because it emotionally fits the moment.
However there is something lost in translation with this one as the emotions of the play didn't carry over. Perhaps it was the timing as the pace was hurried to fit into three short episodes.
Over all this one was just ok plot wise, the animation though was rather unusual giving the spirits an unworldly feel in a few scenes.
Story three "Ghost cat" 5/10
Unlike the other two this one is an original tale created for the anime. An exorcist under the guise of a medicine seller visits a house that's haunted by -read the title of the story-.
Plotwise this is the weakest of the lot, stylistically though the art and animation is the best. I like that there can be more than just one truth. The truth that really is, and the one we tell ourselves.
Most hype up this one as the medicine seller (Kusuriuri) is very popular. While I do like the character this one was style over substance.
Overall it's a 7.5/10. A solid show, whatever your taste is one of the three stories is sure to suit it.
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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Jul 27, 2023
Written and illustrated by Yoshihiro Togashi, the mind that created YuYu Hakusho, comes Hunter X Hunter. The story of a 12 year old on a Journey to find his dad that left one day to get milk.
The show starts with the hunter's exam arc. From the beginning the tone of the show is set, just because the main character is middle schooler don't think this show doesn't have teeth... or fangs for that matter. The death toll in this series is brutal!
The show doesn't bother much with backstory or intros. There is a short one, here are your mains (maybe) lets go! The plot waits
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for no one! You get to know them as the series runs along, sometimes their backstories or roles get expanded but it's never at the expense of the main story/arc.
The show is divided into distinct arcs, some outshine others with the Yorknew City being my personal favorite followed closely by the second half of the Chimera Ants arc. There is something to be said for a show that can make you feel for an antagonist who wants to turn the human race into cattle!
Overall this show has staying power for a reason.
Characters= 10/10 and that includes sides, red shirts AND antagonists!
Story/plot= 10/10
Art & animation= 9/10
Sound= 7/10
Fun Factor= 11/10
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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Jul 12, 2023
In this world monsters and fantasy tropes are pets... even human/humanoid ones like a paladin or legendary hero.
They are treated like pets from being on a leash for walkies to getting their shots in a pet hospital. The weird part is that their appearance doesn't change. A human hero looks like a gorgeous guy (or girl) in armour and walks around with Excalibur. A zombie is an undead that wants to eat you. Demons use magic circles...etc
And this fantastic is treated with the mundanity of taking your dog to the park!
The manga follows a Demon King type pet, A maou if you will, in
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their everyday life. It's very sweet and wholesome without shying away from big subjects. One of the characters is LGBTQ, another is a drunk divorcee classified as "scum and human trash". Both are treated in interesting ways with the kids gloves off.
There is an over arching plot for the whole thing with the author leaving little hints and clues for you to find along the way which just added to how good this was.
Overall this one is unique, wholesome and well written. The artwork is pretty good which surprised me considering the cover. You need to get over the initial (what the hell is this?!) of the first few chapters because this is different but once you do you're in for some unexpected cuteness and wholesomeness.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Jul 12, 2023
With how formulaic and tropey anime has become there are only two ways for a show to stand out.
1. sculpt it to diamond like perfection. Everything from the writing, character design, animation...etc all of it has to be unique, interesting and top shelf.
2. Drop a sea urchin on the viewer. Something so bizarre and makes no sense that it forces your attention.
Guess which one the isekai about a cult member that got dropped with his goddess into a godless world is? I'll give you two guess and the first one doesn't count.
In every single episode there are jaw dropping scenes and "what the F
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is even happening?!" segments, not moments, SEGMENTS! There are choices here that are possibly inside jokes but more than likely are there just because it'll confuse the viewer (tracker scene anyone?)
The show makes no sense, By design it's not supposed to, HOWEVER what makes it work is the method to this madness. Social commentary about real life issues thinly veiled as the main motivator for most of the arcs. Using common tropes in anime like idols to... I'm not really sure for what, this show is a LOT lol.
The thing is, it's entertaining and fun. It leaves it's mark the same way the cool aid guy does to your wall!
For that it's a recommendation but only for that special someone that enjoys the weird and unusual.
Reviewer’s Rating: 6
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Jul 11, 2023
Well... this was both boring and intellectually insulting.
Another Isekai but the hook here is that it's a girl and she's a bookworm reincarnated in an era where literacy takes a backseat to everything else.
Ok, I'll bite. How does she prove herself? How does she use the knowledge she has? What hurdles will she face? Will she find it hard as an adult to be treated like child that nobody takes seriously and detective conan this?
BWHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!
Plot/story = 1/10
This was horribly written. It's character driven but not really, their are certain points the plot wants the characters to reach so they do even if it doesn't make
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sense for a 5 or 7 year old to act this way. Also considering the main character is 20+ on the inside it makes no sense for her to think like a child unless plot.
Characters = Negative one million / 10
So you're a working adult that suddenly woke up in a strange place and in a strange body, you know nothing about your surrounds and it looks like you live barely above the poverty line. Your first thought is not to explore your surroundings and figure out what's going on. it's "BRING ME A BOOK, WAAAAAAAH WAAAAAAH! BOOK BOOK BOOK GIMME WAAAAAAH!"
... yeah. These characters are weird. Nobody here acts like an actual human let alone their age. You have 5 & 7 year olds acting and talking like someone in his mid twenties, then the one actually in her twenties acting like a mentally deficient toddler with plot armour so thick it doubles as a wall. She does the inner me thing like "reincarnated as villainess" only her inner self is actually more of child than her outer self and her outer self is 5 that keeps reminding you that she's actually 20+!
Art and animation = 4/10
The animation isn't too bad but it's too stiff. The characters often look forward their face frozen in a smile and their large soulless eyes threaten to steal yours, It's off putting. To add to the soulless aspect there is never any background activity or art. Everything is focused on whatever is front and center screen only.
Fun Factor = 0/10
This was really boring. 90% of the screen time is just whine whine whine. 10% of it is plot holes and "this is happening because the plot says so". Who is this for? It's not for people that enjoy reading because they actually want a clever plot, it's not for people into Isekai, it's not for pre-schoolers as the characters ages seem to suggest, it's not for my cat that was judging me for watching it. I'm running out of demographics here!
Overall = 3/ 10
It's my policy to never go below 3/10 unless it's something bottom of the barrel or offensive. While this one came close to being both that was mostly due to my irritation with all the whining and stupidity on screen.
Summery
This is a hard pass from me. The show sets up something but does nothing with the premise. Instead all you get is stupidity, nonsensical behavior and whine, whine, WHINE! I honestly watched it just for 2023 stack challenge, no other reason what so ever.
Reviewer’s Rating: 3
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