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Sep 25, 2022
The much anticipated second season of Made in Abyss is more breathtakingly amazing than I ever imagined it could be. Everything from the writing, dialogue, character and effects animation, sound design, the music, the background art, each of these individual components stand alone as some of the best, if not the best, anime has to offer in their respective categories. Combined they make this series a masterpiece to behold.
Made in Abyss is one of the few pieces of media that can show you suffering and despair without overselling it, something I call superhero backstory syndrome. That feeling of "yeah yeah your parents are dead, just
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do the training montage and move on to the crime fighting already." It never seems to come off as just a learning or power up moment either. Suffering happens not as a means to grow the characters but rather as a natural outcome in this world. It is a cruel world. So many bad things happen and while that doesn't sound like a very attractive feature for a show, If you've made it here I'm sure you already understand, a small fire pit in a blizzard feels so much more significant than it normally would on a warm summer day. This series is really good at making you remember the comfort you can take in the little things.
With regards to the sound design, I could feel just about everything. Every wet slosh, squish and splatter. Every crack, every rip and tear. If you've made it here to this season I probably I don't need to go into detail on what those sounds were. Point being very good sound design.
Speaking of bodily waste and gore, I've found my favorite part of the story so far, and it puts me in the peculiar situation of having to say that it's my favorite because it made me recoil in disgust and brought me to the edge of feeling physically sick. I was overcome with a powerful mix of emotions by the end of it, unsure whether or not it would have been preferable for them to have died instead of surviving the ordeal.
Kevin Penkin, the man. His music is phenomenal and brings so much life to the series. The sound track gives you a sense of uplifting adventure at times, and at others makes you feel like you're drowning in a wailing sea of damned souls.
100% I recommend Made in Abyss. If you enjoy an emotionally engaging adventure with lot of twists and turns, you will enjoy this. If you thought season 1 was amazing, this is about to blow your expectations out of the water.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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Dec 19, 2021
In the isekai genre we often see characters who have advantages based on the talents and skills from their previous lives, or character quirks from said life. But that previous life is usually cast aside fairly quickly, forgotten, and have little effect on their new lives. Short of a few flash backs and "lessons learned" moments, those former lives never feel like they were truly lived. Mushoku Tensei is a series that stands practically alone in it's exception to this rule.
The greatest strength of this series is the depth of it's character writing. Each character feels truly alive, and lives a life beyond what we
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see on screen. Their weaknesses and flaws aren't just outgrown over a single arc and forgotten, nor are they kept around as lovable character quirks. Everyone grows. Even the parts we think are cute and funny, like a real person they grow out of it, and in times of weakness they fall back into them. Rudeus Greyrat's previous life isn't just an explanation for his character quirks and skills, and it isn't just something that explains his motivations for being different like in so many other shows. Being given a second chance, even being thrust into an entirely different world simply isn't enough for people to begin living better or make different decisions even knowing the likely results. For what seems to be the first time in this genre simply knowing wasn't enough and the consequences of that former life carries on in Rudeus, and only through further suffering, and finding support from the rest of the cast does he manage to over come his past.
The world building comes as a very close second. So much of the world's details are told through folklore, background details, conversation or even suggested through its absence in a particular conversation. in this world there really is a tangible difference in culture to every village, town and city we pass through. That's even ignoring that there are multiple original and seemingly functional spoken languages in play when different races are first encountered. (look around at other examples of fictional spoken languages, you're probably not sure how but you can tell if it's just gibberish or when writers put in real effort to create a structure for syllables and grammar)
The art and animation in Mushoku Tensei is breathtakingly beautiful. Even outside of the usual "sakuga" moments. It definitely feels like feature film quality, and at times I question if maybe the editors are adding a film grain and the occasional frame jitter in post to simulate the feel of a theatre projector that isn't perfectly timed, to enhance that feeling. (Seriously, find a shot where there's little to no movement on the screen, like when a character is talking. I swear you'll see it too!) The fight scenes are dynamic and there is good weight to not only the characters but their weapons and the environment. The same amount of detail is given to the most routine fights, like an evening sparring session, as to the big climactic fights.
If you like isekai, this is the best entry in the genre and you should watch this.
If you like fantasy, this is a good in depth sword and sorcery fantasy and you should watch this.
If you like deep character writing with strong development and growth, you should watch this.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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Aug 31, 2021
I feel like I've just witnessed the end of an era.
Did Thrice Upon A Time have a solid story, hell no. In fact I'd argue the entire latter half of the rebuild movies were kind of a mess, however 3.0+1.0 was clearly Hideki Anno giving us fans a last flip of the bird, and I respect that. I enjoyed the hell out of it even as it dismantled it's narrative before me. Who could argue this this hasn't been one of the most vile and disgusting fan bases to have ever existed? Not all of us, but too many indeed. I think the letters flashed
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during the final moments of The End of Evangelion are proof enough, then there's the ceaseless merchandising and fan creations.
Evangelion was a creation made in the deepest depths of Anno's depression. A work of art created in anguish. There is simply no way to recapture that lightning in a bottle, and in my opinion there could have been no way for him to end it that would have satisfied even a fraction of the fanbase. I think this ending was Anno screaming his wish for the entire franchise to disappear. Beyond a cheap "it was all a dream" ending, Anno went ahead and gave Evangelion a "by the literal power of god, it doesn't exist" ending in OUR world. I can only imagine that if he actually held the rights to the franchise that he would have immediately ceased the production and distribution of all the trinkets, and toys, and figures, and pachinko machines associated with Eva upon the release of this film.
Honestly despite my own frustrations with the story in the past, In hind sight I don't think any of our questions, all the plot holes, and mysteries actually matters. Evangelion played with the powers of god. Not some sci-fi being from a higher plane of existence god, but an actual biblical omnipotent god. After Shinji, a flawed being plenty of baggage, is essentially granted the choice to end it all or rebuild the world in the End of Evangelion, I don't think any of it matters and it's entirely possible that the inconsistencies and unexplained matters like Mari may even be intentional. I'm by no means a fanboy of the franchise, in fact it is ironically the fanboys who've now spent decades defending Eva as a "masterpiece and philosophical break down of this and that and you're just too dumb to understand it" who are clearly the most critical of this ending.
If you're a hardcore fan looking for a definitive answer to the secrets of the Evangelion universe, you will be disappointed. However I still think it is worth your time to watch it. If nothing else it does in some sense properly conclude the story and finally provides closure for the characters. A hard stop if you will. I think so long as you aren't the insufferable type of person who must know the conditions of all existence, you'll enjoy this movie despite it's flaws.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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Apr 27, 2020
"I don't know if the world is beautiful, but it sure is big!" - Hermes
Having recently watched the 2017 adaptation of Kino's Journey I felt it was only appropriate to check out this version as well. I can can say with certainty that this 2003 adaptation is a superior series. If you have not seen either I recommend you start with this one, then pick up the 2017 one. If you've already seen the 2017, you might as well watch this one as well as it mostly covers different chapters from the light novel series. In the few cases where they adapted the same chapters,
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the story is visually told a bit differently, and I think this version will give you a better understanding of it.
Kino's Journey - The Beautiful World - shows us a flawed world through the eyes of our protagonist, Kino. She travels from country to country exploring the varied scenery and meeting the people in those places. Each episode features a unique country or group of people which loosely resemble some of our own world, whether in current times or in history. These individual nations are used as a means to explore the logical conclusions of different schools of philosophical thought if taken to their extremes, at times also delving into the events which would lead to the adoption of such ideas.
At times we are shown the beautiful perseverance of humanity through struggle, as well as the sometimes hideous approaches we may justify as a solution to those struggles. It asks on many occasions what we might be willing to trade for those outcomes. In this way we are lead to examine our own lives and the world around us. By what principles do we live our lives? What have we gained, and what have we traded for it? Have the ends justified our means? At no point are we given an answer however, and it seems there was never any intent to drive us toward a conclusion to these thoughts. In a few cases even what we would undeniably identify as good acts are put under scrutiny.
This series is a must watch, especially so if you are someone who likes to examine a bit of philosophy and human behavior. Currently, in a world which is so often trying to preach to us, it was refreshing to find something which simply allowed me to explore.
Surely, as big as it is, every bit of this world is beautiful to someone.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Apr 25, 2020
Standalone:
Kino's Journey (2017) is an interesting examination of cultural practices, political ideology, and personal philosophy. It mainly uses our protagonist Kino as a lens through which the origins and/or results of those things are observed, at times also acting to correct what she sees as unbearable injustice, or failing systems. By framing cultures and practices loosely similar to our own civilizations, Kino's Journey attempts to make us introspectively examine our own lives and the systems around us. However while similar they are not the same. The systems examined are basically taken to the extreme ends of an ideology, and taken all the way to their
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then logical conclusions. The extreme of the extreme. Paired with vibrant beautiful art Kino's Journey paints us the picture of a beautifully varied, and flawed, world.
The show runs on an episodic structure, having little overarching story and no real chronological importance to the series of events.
It is definitely an intriguing series, but if you're into more action packed anime this one is definitely a slow burner. I definitely recommend a watch if you're looking for something a little different. I also recommend you pick up the 2003 adaptation, even if you ultimately decide not to watch this one.
In comparison: (SPOILER ALERT)
While I would not say that the 2017 adaptation is bad, I can definitely say it is inferior in it's story telling to the 2003 version. This has much to do with the fact that the new adaptation surveyed fans to decide which stories from the light novels to cover, resulting in a noticeable shift in the tone of the story. Because of the stories chosen Kino appears to be more of an activist going around solving problems than the pacifist observer which the light novels intended her to be, only taking action when she is personally put at risk or the situation becomes overwhelmingly unbearable for her to watch.
In addition the directing and voice acting, while not objectively bad, also has played a role in changing the story. For example if we look at the episode covering Kino's origin, the speech and movements of the adults after Kino is killed, while the script and even shot composition is mostly the same, when comparing the 2003 adaptation to 2017 the situation seems very different. In the 2003 adaptation it is very clear by each speaker's tone of voice and their gestures that it was legitimately an unexpected result and that their attempts to rationalize after the fact was defensive and is actually because they are all lobotomized. On the other hand the 2017 adaptation's characters seemed almost spitefully sarcastic in their vocalization, giving off the suggestion that the act was perhaps intentional. Like a mean sibling shouting "Aaaa-WHooopsie!" after they trip over your sand castle.
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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Apr 22, 2018
When the Winter season began I pretty much brushed this one off as just another moe show and missed it entirely. By about mid season I started hearing some interesting buzz about this series, so i gave it a chance and watched the first episode. I was instantly hooked. I must say so right now that I absolutely will recommend this anime to everyone.
When these girls take off on their journey to a place farther than the universe, you will be dragged right along with them. On their road forward you will cheer with them, laugh with them, and at every turn cry with them.
Sora
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Yori Mo Tooi Basho has, right out of the gate, put itself well in position to contend for anime of the year 2018. If you ask me it's going to take something pretty damn spectacular to steal the spot.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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Apr 2, 2018
"A beautiful work of art" is perhaps the only way to describe this series. I must applaud the director, the writer/s, and anyone involved in planning every shot and every scene. They have broken my heart, and warmed my soul many times over throughout it's run. Whats more impressive is the way they could drop the devastating weight of a thousand worlds onto somebody's shoulders with the placement of a single shogi piece.
The music, the dialogues and monologues, every cut, every visualization draws you in to each character so deeply that you can't help but to become them in that moment. Every character's emotions and
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interpretations of their own anxieties are just so beautifully and vividly portrayed.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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Apr 2, 2018
This anime gives us a beautiful and unusually realistic glimpse into depression, anxiety, and isolation. Each of these issues are tackled through multiple characters with their own perspective on the matter and their own methods of coping. It demonstrates the numerous different ways we may define "strength." I would definitely recommend this series to everyone.
What I liked best about this anime was that when learning to write a story we're often told that all the supporting characters need to be real, that they can't just exist for the sake of having people for your protagonist to interact with. They must each have their own stories
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beyond the story, each with their own struggles. They must be, like here in the real world, the protagonist to their own stories. 3-Gatsu no Lion (March Comes in Like a Lion) takes this idea well beyond what we could imagine. To the point where you're not entirely sure who to root for during any of the numerous shogi matches. Even the cruelest antagonist has their story told such that we can sympathize with them and in the end realize that they aren't just "that a-hole."
If you love to have your heart warmed, if you like to go "DAAAAAAaaaaaaaaaawwww," or if you're a bit down in the dumps and are looking for something to pick you up this could be just the thing you need.
WARNING: This series is a super slow burn the entire way through both seasons, all 44 episodes.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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Sep 28, 2015
If you have managed to avoid all information regarding this show up until now...GOOD, plug your ears, cover your eyes, and go watch the first episode RIGHT NOW before you come across spoilers. I was not so lucky. But don't worry if you really want to read a review, there are no spoilers here.
This series is what i would call "GENRE BREAKING" Gakkougurashi is to slice of life moe what Puella Magi Madoka Magica was to magical girl anime.
This is a slice of life moe series to be sure with the typical school setting, but what makes it unique is the situation in which
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these main characters have found themselves. Everything starts off as you'd expect, bright and cheery. But sooner or later you begin to realize something is amiss, and when you do you'll also realize all the quirky and fun activities these girls take part in have a much more important purpose than simply having a fun and youthful school life. They start off fairly subtle with it but by about the mid point of episode 1 most people should begin to catch on to what might be happening with the visual cues. That is if the fact that they live at school and have a dog aren't enough of a clue already.
The art is as you would expect from this genre of show, bright and colorful with fairly a simplistic art style along with some stereotypical character designs.
In terms of writing they also use some fairly common character archetypes of this genre. From the the lead character whose a clumsy playful idiot, to the sporty fighter girl, calm collected and mature for her age motherly girl, the girl whose always worried, to the friendly teacher who really has no leverage as an authority figure, they hit most of the clichés. Oh, and also the trouble making sidekick pet.
The music isn't particularly special but they do hit the right tunes to top off every moment.
All in all it's a refreshing twist on a pretty stale genre. While it does stay bright and cheery for the most part, it gets a little deep and depressing at times. I absolutely recommend you give it a chance even if and especially if you absolutely despise moe.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Jan 9, 2014
The first few minutes of this show is surely enough to make a grown man cry. It is one of the most powerful few minutes of anime i've ever seen.
The show itself focuses on alienation, childhood trauma, and the problems which persist after the events pass. It deals with this in the form of comedy with a bit of drama in between, but mostly comedy. Sadly the show as a whole pitters out at the end where all of the Kotoura's problems simply cease being a problem, and every other conflict along the way gets glossed over with comedy.
to sum it all up though it
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was still fun to watch, though you'll have to have a certain taste for bad jokes. However despite it's lack luster state, i would still recommend that everyone give this show a try if only for the first few minutes of the first episode. It is so detached in style and of such weight that it feels as if they swapped writer and director.
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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