September 23rd, 2017
Why Gyo is Better than Uzumaki
Gyo is a 2001 horror manga created by Junji Ito. It tells the story of a couple named Tadashi and Kaori, as they witness a whole city fall into chaos after the sudden appearance of these fish-like creatures with four mechanical legs. They then slowly discover the origin of these creatures as they began wreak havoc.
I personally feel that this is a step-up for Junji Ito, as compared to his other work, Uzumaki. Because personally, what I didn’t like about Uzumaki is how 1) it lacked a proper explanation about the phenomenon that engulfed that town, and 2) the characters, for a lack of a better term, don’t have basic common sense in terms of facing the situation they’re in.
But I feel like Gyo is a much better horror manga, and later on, OVA. It had better explanations about what’s going on. You also get to relate more with the characters in terms of their determination to find answers as to what happened in the past. You also get to feel their desperation to survive.
Gyo also posed philosophical questions when it comes to man versus nature, the hazards of mishandling of science and technology, and consequences of war even decades after it ended.
Like other works of Junji Ito, this manga had a Twilight Zone feel to it, especially in the latter half. And in a way, it also has multiple interpretations of this bizarre scenario. While one perspective is centered on the mishaps of manmade technology, the other perspective is inclined on natural selection and evolution. I prefer the former.
Finally, I offer slight criticism. I didn’t like how the manga translation interchanged the terms virus and bacteria. The anime had gratuitous nude scenes and sex scenes. Aside from reversal of roles as compared to the manga (which I didn’t mind) it also differed in interpretation of the gas that the bacteria emitted. Whereas the manga meant it more as metaphorically “alive”, the anime took it literally. That, I didn’t like.
Overall, I do think that Gyo is more satisfactory to read (and watch) than Uzumaki. But that’s just me. It had proper pacing, answered all necessary questions, provided metaphorical implications, and leaves it up to the viewer to decide which path to take.
That’s it for me. Thanks for reading!
I personally feel that this is a step-up for Junji Ito, as compared to his other work, Uzumaki. Because personally, what I didn’t like about Uzumaki is how 1) it lacked a proper explanation about the phenomenon that engulfed that town, and 2) the characters, for a lack of a better term, don’t have basic common sense in terms of facing the situation they’re in.
But I feel like Gyo is a much better horror manga, and later on, OVA. It had better explanations about what’s going on. You also get to relate more with the characters in terms of their determination to find answers as to what happened in the past. You also get to feel their desperation to survive.
Gyo also posed philosophical questions when it comes to man versus nature, the hazards of mishandling of science and technology, and consequences of war even decades after it ended.
Like other works of Junji Ito, this manga had a Twilight Zone feel to it, especially in the latter half. And in a way, it also has multiple interpretations of this bizarre scenario. While one perspective is centered on the mishaps of manmade technology, the other perspective is inclined on natural selection and evolution. I prefer the former.
Finally, I offer slight criticism. I didn’t like how the manga translation interchanged the terms virus and bacteria. The anime had gratuitous nude scenes and sex scenes. Aside from reversal of roles as compared to the manga (which I didn’t mind) it also differed in interpretation of the gas that the bacteria emitted. Whereas the manga meant it more as metaphorically “alive”, the anime took it literally. That, I didn’t like.
Overall, I do think that Gyo is more satisfactory to read (and watch) than Uzumaki. But that’s just me. It had proper pacing, answered all necessary questions, provided metaphorical implications, and leaves it up to the viewer to decide which path to take.
That’s it for me. Thanks for reading!
Posted by maattthhhh | Sep 23, 2017 12:43 PM | 0 comments
September 14th, 2017
Haibane Renmei and Youjo Senki: Two Sides of the Same Coin
Anime Relations: Haibane Renmei, Youjo Senki
Introduction and Warning:
What I like about Youjo Senki and Haibane Renmei is how they complement one another: they tackle different aspects of religion, in their own subtle ways. That being said, I apologize in advance if any reader would find this blog as disagreeable.
Background:
Youj Senki is a light novel that has recently been turned into a 12-episode anime. Its author is Carlo Zen, and its anime was made by Studio Nut. Its story revolves around a modern day businessman that has been reincarnated into a little girl in a World War 1-esque timeline, by a being who claims himself as God.
Haibane Renmei on the other hand, is a 13-episode anime made by Yoshitoshi Abe. The main characters are these individuals who are born within eggs, and slowly (and painfully) grow wings. They live in a walled village, along with more “normal” people. They follow the rules of these masked elders, who they are not allowed to speak with, unless told.
Setting:
I like how these two anime contrast in terms of tone and behavior of the main characters. Youjo Senki is full of loud explosions and vivid colors. Its main character, Tanya Degurechaff, is a no-nonsense military officer, an antitheist who bows to no one. Though he respects the decisions of his superiors, he will not hesitate to voice his opposition if he thinks that a better tactical approach should be made.
In contrast, Haibane Renmei has a more mellow and slow tone to it. It’s a more slice of life show, but with an intentionally dull background. It’s symbolic of how passive most of the characters are, especially the main protagonist, Rakka. They are mostly submissive of their current conditions – unquestioning of their unusual appearance and traditions. I’d also like to point out that the way they acquire their wings is very unsettling. It’s very graphic and painful to look at. It’s as if having them is more of a curse rather than a gift.
Main Protagonists:
Now like I’ve said, the main protagonists of these shows are complete opposites of one another. In appearance, Tanya and Rekki are almost the same age. But Tanya’s actual age and personality gives her a more radical and at times ruthless approach in life. He’s a natural born tactician, even in his previous life.
Rekki on the other hand, is hatched with no grasp on the world she was born in. I mean sure, she already has the mental capacity of her physical age when she came out of her shell. But she has a mild-mannered nature. She prefers to tiptoe her way into the rules of her new environment.
Antagonists:
Aside from both rival countries, and superiors who make questionable strategies to maintain their empire, Tanya also has to deal with Being X. His constant effort to pin her down and force her to worship him, only made Tanya more stubborn. This interesting rivalry makes this show a unique underdog story. One can’t help but to root for this morally crude protagonist as she struggles her way against a seemingly omnipotent entity.
Haibane Renmei doesn’t have any antagonists, per se. But what can be agonizing to watch is how the way they have become submissive to their current state. And on one hand, accept their fate as “sinners”, especially Rakka and Reki, whose blackening wings are viewed as bad omen by their elders. This for me is eerily reminiscent of how various religions can be very dogmatic.
Final Thoughts:
Though some would argue that Haibane Renmei is a show about redemption and acceptance, I for one would beg to differ. I cannot accept the idea that a person is perceived as a sinner just by the disposition she’s been born and put in. To be forced into a way of life that is created by traditions and beliefs, and how from the moment they are hatched are told what to think and act, without allowing them to form opinions of their own is just wrong for me.
On the other hand, I like how Youjo Senki showed how Tanya’s decisions are morally ambiguous. Because on the one hand, he will not hesitate to kill those who stand in his way. But on the other, it cannot be held against him because of his play on words when it comes to rules of war. Having admired Niccolo Machiavelli’s The Prince, I appreciate this series for showing a more cunning approach towards leadership.
*****
That’s it for me. Thanks for reading.
What I like about Youjo Senki and Haibane Renmei is how they complement one another: they tackle different aspects of religion, in their own subtle ways. That being said, I apologize in advance if any reader would find this blog as disagreeable.
Background:
Youj Senki is a light novel that has recently been turned into a 12-episode anime. Its author is Carlo Zen, and its anime was made by Studio Nut. Its story revolves around a modern day businessman that has been reincarnated into a little girl in a World War 1-esque timeline, by a being who claims himself as God.
Haibane Renmei on the other hand, is a 13-episode anime made by Yoshitoshi Abe. The main characters are these individuals who are born within eggs, and slowly (and painfully) grow wings. They live in a walled village, along with more “normal” people. They follow the rules of these masked elders, who they are not allowed to speak with, unless told.
Setting:
I like how these two anime contrast in terms of tone and behavior of the main characters. Youjo Senki is full of loud explosions and vivid colors. Its main character, Tanya Degurechaff, is a no-nonsense military officer, an antitheist who bows to no one. Though he respects the decisions of his superiors, he will not hesitate to voice his opposition if he thinks that a better tactical approach should be made.
In contrast, Haibane Renmei has a more mellow and slow tone to it. It’s a more slice of life show, but with an intentionally dull background. It’s symbolic of how passive most of the characters are, especially the main protagonist, Rakka. They are mostly submissive of their current conditions – unquestioning of their unusual appearance and traditions. I’d also like to point out that the way they acquire their wings is very unsettling. It’s very graphic and painful to look at. It’s as if having them is more of a curse rather than a gift.
Main Protagonists:
Now like I’ve said, the main protagonists of these shows are complete opposites of one another. In appearance, Tanya and Rekki are almost the same age. But Tanya’s actual age and personality gives her a more radical and at times ruthless approach in life. He’s a natural born tactician, even in his previous life.
Rekki on the other hand, is hatched with no grasp on the world she was born in. I mean sure, she already has the mental capacity of her physical age when she came out of her shell. But she has a mild-mannered nature. She prefers to tiptoe her way into the rules of her new environment.
Antagonists:
Aside from both rival countries, and superiors who make questionable strategies to maintain their empire, Tanya also has to deal with Being X. His constant effort to pin her down and force her to worship him, only made Tanya more stubborn. This interesting rivalry makes this show a unique underdog story. One can’t help but to root for this morally crude protagonist as she struggles her way against a seemingly omnipotent entity.
Haibane Renmei doesn’t have any antagonists, per se. But what can be agonizing to watch is how the way they have become submissive to their current state. And on one hand, accept their fate as “sinners”, especially Rakka and Reki, whose blackening wings are viewed as bad omen by their elders. This for me is eerily reminiscent of how various religions can be very dogmatic.
Final Thoughts:
Though some would argue that Haibane Renmei is a show about redemption and acceptance, I for one would beg to differ. I cannot accept the idea that a person is perceived as a sinner just by the disposition she’s been born and put in. To be forced into a way of life that is created by traditions and beliefs, and how from the moment they are hatched are told what to think and act, without allowing them to form opinions of their own is just wrong for me.
On the other hand, I like how Youjo Senki showed how Tanya’s decisions are morally ambiguous. Because on the one hand, he will not hesitate to kill those who stand in his way. But on the other, it cannot be held against him because of his play on words when it comes to rules of war. Having admired Niccolo Machiavelli’s The Prince, I appreciate this series for showing a more cunning approach towards leadership.
*****
That’s it for me. Thanks for reading.
Posted by maattthhhh | Sep 14, 2017 9:19 AM | 0 comments
July 9th, 2017
In This Corner of the World: My Biased Review
Anime Relations: Kono Sekai no Katasumi ni
SPOILER ALERT!!!
So I just recently watched In This Corner of the World. And to be honest, I have mixed feelings about it. Let’s start with the good part.
Setting:
The story is shown through the perspective of Suzu – a young girl in pre-world war II Japan. She was arranged to be married to Shuzaku, despite her having feelings for her childhood friend, Tetsu. And as the story progressed, it shows how she and her in-laws struggle to survive being in the middle of a war – food shortages, attending to wounded soldiers, and trying not to get killed by the constant air attacks and bombings.
Conflict
In a way, it is haunting to see how these people were remaining optimistic despite this situation. Because they know that others are having worse experience than they are. But when tragedy struck and they actually lose a family member, along with Suzu losing her right hand, things became bleaker. As she realizes she can’t paint anymore, she starts to break down. She begins to blame herself for the death of her niece-in-law, wanting to go to her parents and sister.
Conclusion:
When Japan began to surrender, the only positive thing is that the other family members were safe. They also adopted an orphaned girl whose mother died during the bombing.
My thoughts:
Let’s start with the positives: I liked the cinematography, especially the part where in Suzu’s eyes, the bombs looked like splatters of paint, reflective her naïve perspective. The drawings are almost minimalistic, which is a good touch. I loved the music because it adds to the weight of the scene’s emotion.
Now for the negatives: The movie is very one-sided with its nation’s portrayal of the war. Yes, many innocent Japanese civilians were tragically involved, especially with the bombing of Hiroshima, where the battle ships are stationed. But what struck a chord with me is they never showed the cruel things that their own people did – the thousands of people their soldiers unnecessarily tortured, raped and killed. Add to that the main character’s grief when they lost the war – how they endured all these suffering only to be met with defeat – honestly triggered me.
To some they might view this as a propaganda movie. And to be honest, I am inclined to think so too.
Lastly, I do think that the scene with the orphaned girl was unnecessary, to the point that it’s forced drama. It came out of nowhere, and was shoehorned at the last minute.
*****
In the end, I did not like this movie. Do I think you should watch this show? Yes, but tread carefully. Despite me trying to have an open mind, I still give it 4 out of 10. But you may have a different perspective on it, and I’m open to reading it as well.
That’s it for me. Thanks for reading.
So I just recently watched In This Corner of the World. And to be honest, I have mixed feelings about it. Let’s start with the good part.
Setting:
The story is shown through the perspective of Suzu – a young girl in pre-world war II Japan. She was arranged to be married to Shuzaku, despite her having feelings for her childhood friend, Tetsu. And as the story progressed, it shows how she and her in-laws struggle to survive being in the middle of a war – food shortages, attending to wounded soldiers, and trying not to get killed by the constant air attacks and bombings.
Conflict
In a way, it is haunting to see how these people were remaining optimistic despite this situation. Because they know that others are having worse experience than they are. But when tragedy struck and they actually lose a family member, along with Suzu losing her right hand, things became bleaker. As she realizes she can’t paint anymore, she starts to break down. She begins to blame herself for the death of her niece-in-law, wanting to go to her parents and sister.
Conclusion:
When Japan began to surrender, the only positive thing is that the other family members were safe. They also adopted an orphaned girl whose mother died during the bombing.
My thoughts:
Let’s start with the positives: I liked the cinematography, especially the part where in Suzu’s eyes, the bombs looked like splatters of paint, reflective her naïve perspective. The drawings are almost minimalistic, which is a good touch. I loved the music because it adds to the weight of the scene’s emotion.
Now for the negatives: The movie is very one-sided with its nation’s portrayal of the war. Yes, many innocent Japanese civilians were tragically involved, especially with the bombing of Hiroshima, where the battle ships are stationed. But what struck a chord with me is they never showed the cruel things that their own people did – the thousands of people their soldiers unnecessarily tortured, raped and killed. Add to that the main character’s grief when they lost the war – how they endured all these suffering only to be met with defeat – honestly triggered me.
To some they might view this as a propaganda movie. And to be honest, I am inclined to think so too.
Lastly, I do think that the scene with the orphaned girl was unnecessary, to the point that it’s forced drama. It came out of nowhere, and was shoehorned at the last minute.
*****
In the end, I did not like this movie. Do I think you should watch this show? Yes, but tread carefully. Despite me trying to have an open mind, I still give it 4 out of 10. But you may have a different perspective on it, and I’m open to reading it as well.
That’s it for me. Thanks for reading.
Posted by maattthhhh | Jul 9, 2017 1:38 AM | 0 comments
June 8th, 2017
Haibane Renmei: My Thoughts
Anime Relations: Haibane Renmei
So I just recently finished watching Haibane Renmei. It is done by Yoshitoshi Abe, the same guy who did Serial Experiments Lain. Now as an atheist, it struck a cord with me. Now if you’re religious, I apologize in advance, but maybe this post isn’t for you. Sorry.
So Haibane Renmei is about these winged people who are born inside a cocoon, that magically appear out of nowhere. They are named based on the dreams they had before they are hatched. They live in a walled city, where they can interact with “normal” people, and can buy whatever they need just by writing notes. They follow the rules of these masked elders, who they are not allowed to speak with, unless told.
Now what made this series unsettling is the way they acquire their wings. It’s very graphic and painful, to the point of losing a lot of blood. It’s as if it is a curse rather than a gift. And they also need to wear these halos made of melted metal. To me it symbolizes indoctrination and dogma.
As for my interpretation, it seems as if they represent those that are perceived as holy by various religions – monks, priests, seers, etc. They are forced into a way of life, created traditions based on beliefs, and are “designed” to be looked up to as pure.
What’s also interesting is how they view sin. If a Haibane (that’s what they are called) is born with black taints, they are viewed as sinners, and must repent for what they have become. It’s like being viewed as sin if you are born with a particular trait, even if technically, it is not your fault that you were born to have that trait to begin with. And don’t even get me started with the idea that if you feel sorry for having such a trait, therefore you’re forgiven. What?
Another symbolism is the presence of crows. In Noah’s Ark, it was viewed as the one that disobeyed God and Noah’s bidding. From the beginning of the series, we are shown these birds that were viewed as bad because they bring objects from outside the walls. And the main character, Rakka, have this strange connection with them, as if warning her of what is lying ahead.
*****
In the end, to me, Haibane Renmei is a social commentary of religious dogma. It can be slow paced and dragging at times, but I nevertheless enjoyed the symbolisms. Thanks for reading!
So Haibane Renmei is about these winged people who are born inside a cocoon, that magically appear out of nowhere. They are named based on the dreams they had before they are hatched. They live in a walled city, where they can interact with “normal” people, and can buy whatever they need just by writing notes. They follow the rules of these masked elders, who they are not allowed to speak with, unless told.
Now what made this series unsettling is the way they acquire their wings. It’s very graphic and painful, to the point of losing a lot of blood. It’s as if it is a curse rather than a gift. And they also need to wear these halos made of melted metal. To me it symbolizes indoctrination and dogma.
As for my interpretation, it seems as if they represent those that are perceived as holy by various religions – monks, priests, seers, etc. They are forced into a way of life, created traditions based on beliefs, and are “designed” to be looked up to as pure.
What’s also interesting is how they view sin. If a Haibane (that’s what they are called) is born with black taints, they are viewed as sinners, and must repent for what they have become. It’s like being viewed as sin if you are born with a particular trait, even if technically, it is not your fault that you were born to have that trait to begin with. And don’t even get me started with the idea that if you feel sorry for having such a trait, therefore you’re forgiven. What?
Another symbolism is the presence of crows. In Noah’s Ark, it was viewed as the one that disobeyed God and Noah’s bidding. From the beginning of the series, we are shown these birds that were viewed as bad because they bring objects from outside the walls. And the main character, Rakka, have this strange connection with them, as if warning her of what is lying ahead.
*****
In the end, to me, Haibane Renmei is a social commentary of religious dogma. It can be slow paced and dragging at times, but I nevertheless enjoyed the symbolisms. Thanks for reading!
Posted by maattthhhh | Jun 8, 2017 8:31 AM | 0 comments
June 6th, 2017
FLCL: My Interpretation
Anime Relations: FLCL
Now bare with me: I don’t think that there is one single interpretation of this show. So feel free to come up with your own XD
What I think is the one theme constant with this short series is the dilemma of adolescence. How the main character, Naota, tries to fit in the norms despite the cliche notion of raging hormones. The giant flat iron symbolized said norms and how Naota sees it engulfing the city with a fog of monotony. Typical of teenagers seeking adventures.
Lewd as it may seem, the protruding horn, suggests sexual tension, both by Naota and Ninamori, presented in a comical way. And his brain being the “portal” for extraterrestrial beings is a wishful desire to be special.
Haruko is a manifestation of Naota’s desires for adventure. Knowing he can’t have Mamimi because of his obligatory loyalty to his brother, he instead creates this elaborate imagination of robots, government conspiracies and aliens.
But despite that he is still plagued with insecurity mainly because deep down he knows he can’t handle a mature relationship, yet. The “Pirate King” symbolizes his older brother, a guy that has figuratively and literally become distant to him. And how Haruko kept chasing the Pirate King is a subconscious awareness that Mamimi will always choose his older brother over him.
*****
Overall, and regardless of my interpretation, FLCL was a short awesome ride! Hopefully “season 2” doesn’t mess it up XD Anyways, thanks for reading!!
What I think is the one theme constant with this short series is the dilemma of adolescence. How the main character, Naota, tries to fit in the norms despite the cliche notion of raging hormones. The giant flat iron symbolized said norms and how Naota sees it engulfing the city with a fog of monotony. Typical of teenagers seeking adventures.
Lewd as it may seem, the protruding horn, suggests sexual tension, both by Naota and Ninamori, presented in a comical way. And his brain being the “portal” for extraterrestrial beings is a wishful desire to be special.
Haruko is a manifestation of Naota’s desires for adventure. Knowing he can’t have Mamimi because of his obligatory loyalty to his brother, he instead creates this elaborate imagination of robots, government conspiracies and aliens.
But despite that he is still plagued with insecurity mainly because deep down he knows he can’t handle a mature relationship, yet. The “Pirate King” symbolizes his older brother, a guy that has figuratively and literally become distant to him. And how Haruko kept chasing the Pirate King is a subconscious awareness that Mamimi will always choose his older brother over him.
*****
Overall, and regardless of my interpretation, FLCL was a short awesome ride! Hopefully “season 2” doesn’t mess it up XD Anyways, thanks for reading!!
Posted by maattthhhh | Jun 6, 2017 8:42 AM | 0 comments
May 27th, 2017
Death Note VS Breaking Bad: A Comparative
Anime Relations: Death Note
Death Note and Breaking Bad are both great examples of how upstanding citizens can devolve into murderous sociopaths. Research shows that people who are biologically predisposed to psychotic tendencies can still live normal lives.
But sometimes, all it needs are a series of traumatic events for these people to snap.
The Setting:
Light Yagami, Death Note’s protagonist is a teenager who lives with his parents and younger sister. Being a straight-A student and a son of the chief of police, the future looks bright for him.
Breaking Bad on the other hand, started off with the main character Walter White being an overqualified Chemistry teacher, who also works part-time for a car wash company, just so he can provide for his son Flynn and his pregnant wife Skylar.
The Event:
Out of boredom, the Shinigami Ryuk (Japanese version of a Grim Reaper), decided to drop his Death Note in the human world. The name of a person written in the Death Note will die. And it just so happen that Light Yagami was the one to pick it up.
Meanwhile, Walter White was suddenly diagnosed with lung cancer. Hearing his DEA agent brother-in-law Hank Schrader talk about how lucrative the drug industry is, he begrudgingly teamed up with his dropout student Jesse Pinkman to make Methamphetamine.
The Stressor:
The moment that served as a trigger for Light’s psychosis is when he wrote a person’s name in the Death Note. Seeing that person die in front of his eyes awakened something inside his mind – a sense of righteousness. And later on, when L, a world-renowned detective, challenged this feeling of authority, Light’s pride blinded him further. And there goes a series of cat-and-mouse between these two intellectuals.
As a parallel, what set off Walter’s mental breakdown was when he was forced to kill a drug dealer so as to protect his and Jesse’s identity and his family’s safety. And as the stakes got higher – being chased by both law enforcement and rival drug dealers, pressure to hide the truth from people around him, and being forced to directly or indirectly kill people involved in the drug trade – Walter became more and more desensitized.
The Climax:
Having eliminated what he perceived as his only competition, and gaining hundreds of sympathizers, Light biggest mistake was letting other people do his work for him. His identity being found out by L’s successor, Near, and being betrayed by Ryuk, who saw no way out for Light, he lashed out and was shot to death.
With his cancer returning from remission, and being resented by his wife and son, Walter made his last attempt at redemption – rescuing Jesse from the Mexican Cartel. Unfortunately, a bullet ricocheted and hit his stomach. And as the police raided the place, he began to bleed to death.
Conclusion:
Though fans of both shows theorize that both Light Yagami and Walter White managed to live in the end, I personally think that it’s more gratifying that they both died.
For me what separated these two characters were their final moments. Where Light tried to justify that what he did was right, and some viewers would argue that he is so, Walter recognized the errors of his ways. He recognized that what he did was just to prove his worth. Feeling cheated of recognition by his colleagues years before the start of the series, he felt frustrated and has always longed for greatness. Something that he thinks he achieved by the name Heisenberg.
In the end, I love both these protagonists and how their lives turned upside-down. The devolution of their characters was well-written and was a treat to watch.
But sometimes, all it needs are a series of traumatic events for these people to snap.
The Setting:
Light Yagami, Death Note’s protagonist is a teenager who lives with his parents and younger sister. Being a straight-A student and a son of the chief of police, the future looks bright for him.
Breaking Bad on the other hand, started off with the main character Walter White being an overqualified Chemistry teacher, who also works part-time for a car wash company, just so he can provide for his son Flynn and his pregnant wife Skylar.
The Event:
Out of boredom, the Shinigami Ryuk (Japanese version of a Grim Reaper), decided to drop his Death Note in the human world. The name of a person written in the Death Note will die. And it just so happen that Light Yagami was the one to pick it up.
Meanwhile, Walter White was suddenly diagnosed with lung cancer. Hearing his DEA agent brother-in-law Hank Schrader talk about how lucrative the drug industry is, he begrudgingly teamed up with his dropout student Jesse Pinkman to make Methamphetamine.
The Stressor:
The moment that served as a trigger for Light’s psychosis is when he wrote a person’s name in the Death Note. Seeing that person die in front of his eyes awakened something inside his mind – a sense of righteousness. And later on, when L, a world-renowned detective, challenged this feeling of authority, Light’s pride blinded him further. And there goes a series of cat-and-mouse between these two intellectuals.
As a parallel, what set off Walter’s mental breakdown was when he was forced to kill a drug dealer so as to protect his and Jesse’s identity and his family’s safety. And as the stakes got higher – being chased by both law enforcement and rival drug dealers, pressure to hide the truth from people around him, and being forced to directly or indirectly kill people involved in the drug trade – Walter became more and more desensitized.
The Climax:
Having eliminated what he perceived as his only competition, and gaining hundreds of sympathizers, Light biggest mistake was letting other people do his work for him. His identity being found out by L’s successor, Near, and being betrayed by Ryuk, who saw no way out for Light, he lashed out and was shot to death.
With his cancer returning from remission, and being resented by his wife and son, Walter made his last attempt at redemption – rescuing Jesse from the Mexican Cartel. Unfortunately, a bullet ricocheted and hit his stomach. And as the police raided the place, he began to bleed to death.
Conclusion:
Though fans of both shows theorize that both Light Yagami and Walter White managed to live in the end, I personally think that it’s more gratifying that they both died.
For me what separated these two characters were their final moments. Where Light tried to justify that what he did was right, and some viewers would argue that he is so, Walter recognized the errors of his ways. He recognized that what he did was just to prove his worth. Feeling cheated of recognition by his colleagues years before the start of the series, he felt frustrated and has always longed for greatness. Something that he thinks he achieved by the name Heisenberg.
In the end, I love both these protagonists and how their lives turned upside-down. The devolution of their characters was well-written and was a treat to watch.
Posted by maattthhhh | May 27, 2017 8:03 AM | 0 comments