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- BirthdayFeb 23, 1999
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Sep 23, 2021
This show is a good one. It does, however, feel off at times, and I genuinely think that it might be because it just doesn't work as an anime compared to a manga. I will be harsh, but please bear with me.
First things first: the story. It is the type of story where you get to know the ending, but don't know much else, and then you're fed with more and more information as time goes on, until it all clicks and you have that "aha!" moment. While not for everyone, that type of storytelling is my personal favourite.
However, in anime form, it
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is very difficult to keep up a good pacing in order to make your audience remember each and every detail, especially if it's watched weekly. Some episodes were just fine, while others went off into either direction; one episode covered one single chapter that hasn't been all too relevant so far, while another covered three plot-heavy ones, making it feel rushed and confusing. I feel as if most of the pacing problems could have been avoided if they removed the opening and ending when needed, and thus didn't need to cut plot- and character-relevant information.
Another thing that I felt did not work as well as in the manga was the comedy. In the manga, chibi forms still exist, but didn't take up the whole entire page like the anime does with its screen, and perhaps just felt more lighthearted than silly and obnoxious because of the lack of colours. In the anime, it felt as if it was thrown into your face while watching, and the abruptness of it all didn't help most of the time. That type of comedy can work (for me) if its pacing is done well, but I don't feel as if it were here.
That being said, it got better as the episodes went on.
As for the art and animation: it was good, but not amazing. I absolutely love the character designs, and the background art was spectacular. When it wanted to get serious, it did, and you could feel it through the animation and especially the colours. The fighting scenes, however, felt a bit stagnant at times, but for a character- and dialogue-heavy story, that is not a big issue. The directing on some scenes felt off, but a few others were amazingly well done, enhancing the confusing or disoriented states the characters were in, or making the scene more intense by completely changing the art direction.
The music was good, but unfortunately didn't stand out to me except the ending song and one track from one of the later episodes. The voice acting, however, was phenomenal, and each and every voice actor fit their roles and performed really well. They were the reason why I felt as if some of the comedy bits still worked, as the voices enhanced the experience.
Last but not least... the characters. Frankly, they don't feel interesting UNTIL later parts, at least to me. It's difficult to get invested in a character when you barely know anything about them. But, this show manages to at least make you want to know more about them, specifically Vanitas. However, it will be difficult for some people to enjoy his character since he is not meant to be likeable in the beginning. He is a douchebag for sure, but an interesting one, especially when you learn more about him.
Noé, on the other hand, will to some be less interesting. But, he proves himself to be the type of character who manages to not only be polite, caring and naive, but also strong, both physically and emotionally. He is empathic, but not annoying.
The other characters are all interesting in their own right, but are so far not the focus in the anime.
The tropes and stereotypes that each character have can be noticeable in the beginning, but with the type of story-telling the author uses, these stereotypes slowly get peeled away to reveal several well-developed characters with their own unique mindset, ideals, traumas and goals.
Something that actually bothered me was how the blood-sucking scenes (it IS a vampire anime) felt way more like simple fanservice in the anime than it did in the manga. Perhaps it was how I felt they dragged on unnecessarily long, or how the noises made it way more sexual than simply seeing a picture on a manga page, but watching these scenes did not sit well with me, and frankly put keeps me from recommending it to friends. Again, I feel like this was an issue with the pacing and unfortunately served to reinforce the different atmosphere the anime had compared to the manga, which felt rather ominous , rather than quirky, silly and sexual.
Overall, I would still say it's worth watching, simply because despite all my criticisms, I know it will be worth it during season two as a manga reader. Especially since season one proved they can provide serious scenes that actually surpasses the manga (episode five).
Therefore, I recommend watching it to at least episode five, and if you still don't like it, then it might just not be for you. For me though, while the manga sits at a 9/10, the anime adaptation is a solid 7/10, because despite its flaws, it is a nice adaptation of the source material.
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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Apr 4, 2021
This movie is not perfect.
Why? Well...
The story itself, as a whole, is something many may have seen before; a save-the-world combined with save-the-girl storyline with a satisfying ending to many. It does manage to add its unique spin to it though, mostly through the characters and their motivations. I would, however, have preferred seeing the "normal end" rather than the "true end" from the VN, but that's just me nitpicking. What isn't nitpicking, though, is the fact that they failed to properly explain several important scenes, undoubtedly causing confusion among anime-only watchers. At the same time, it added to the story by showing us
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more than the VN did during certain scenes.
The art and animation were outstanding. The motions were fluid and the camera angles, lightning and colour palettes were pure eye candy. I really don't have anything else to say other than that I believe it's pure perfection.
The sound fit the scenes phenomenally well, and added to the emotions and hype. I admit I even started crying when a certain theme song started playing because I was simply way too happy seeing all of it animated. Needless to say, the sound was perfect as well because of how it complemented each scene.
The characters are all great ones. However, here's when the movies' short runtime causes them to suffer from it by cutting some well-needed explanations of character motivations. While 80% of the VN's inner monologues or explanations can't be adapted to a TV series, much less to a movie trilogy, I felt that at least some extra lines of dialogue or inner monologue would have gone a long way to make up for it. I'd even argue that Shirou's condition is one of the largest and most important plot points, but it felt rushed, and the character characterisation suffered as a result.
Overall, the enjoyment I felt while watching this movie was immense, and I'd even say it's my all-time favourite. As someone who's been obsessed with the franchise for several years now, this movie was pretty much perfect to me despite my criticism of it. I feel as if Ufotable knows their own strength, and thus went all-out when it came to the animation, camera and sound composition.
It's not perfect, but it sure as hell is worth watching.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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Jul 14, 2020
*Spoiler-free review*
This is a show that shows how hard it is to accurately adapt a visual novel to a TV series. While, on some aspects, Unlimited Blade Works does succeed as an adaptation, it fails drastically on others.
Now, I am a reader of the original visual novel, but first saw this anime before ever having heard of a visual novel. Even during my first time watching it, I loved it because of its art style and animation. I am easily impressed by art, making my only complaint that there were too many flashing lights as blades clashed. Character design is memorable and the art
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easy on the eyes.
The OST, openings, endings, and voice acting were phenomenal, and I loved every bit of it.
The story in itself and the characters are something I will naturally love as a reader of the original work. However, the TV series could have handled it better by pacing it another way and perhaps shorten scenes that didn't add to the characters nor the story in itself, and instead focus much more on the ones that did. That being said, it was still enjoyable, but it takes a while for the show to really get going.
The characters, especially Shirou, doesn't get development until the second season, and also never on the same level as the VN does. Instead, Shirou comes across as one-dimensional and a typical hero protagonist who stupidly rushes into every fight without thinking. In reality, Shirou is supposed to be a deconstruction of this trope, that the anime never clearly builds upon, even when the route it's adapting is supposed to be all about Shirou. Similar problems appear regarding Rin, the secondary protagonist, and Saber, Shirou's summoned Servant. Archer is probably the only one who comes across as fairly well-developed in the anime series. The reason I have given character a high rating regardless of this, is simply because I am biased, but I won't deny that the anime fails to adapt certain characters properly; or rather, it "can't".
You see, spending 130 hours inside a protagonist's head versus spending 50 episodes outside of it shows the difference in understanding the main protagonist and his struggles, as well as understanding his actions. Now, I won't go into more depth, but my point stands that visual novels aren't easily adaptable, and this series is no exception. It could possibly have been done better, but it wasn't.
All in all, I love Fate. It has a special place in my heart, and I am biased towards it beyond belief because of how it has helped me through some hard times.
Now, should you watch this? Yes, I personally think it's at least worth a try.
I hope you enjoy.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Jul 14, 2020
*Spoiler-free review*
As a reader of the original visual novel, I greatly appreciated the effort put into this movie, especially a certain scene depicting Sakura in an Alice in Wonderland dream, hinting at a very different scene from the original.
I am certainly biased, and I have rated everything high simply out of me enjoying this movie so much. However, it still had its flaws. For instance, the fact that one of the most plot-heavy routes of Fate/Stay Night didn't get a TV-series, but rather three movies is wasteful. A positive of it is of course that they were able to adapt it accurately to the
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original without need of censoring, but a dire consequence of that is that it steals away screen-time that could have been used to develop the characters way better, and not making the whole movie seem rushed. This is overshadowed by the brilliant animation and tone of the movie though, in my opinion, but it's still a flaw that needs to be addressed.
As for the characters; I loved Sakura and Shirou's portrayal in this one, but this is largely due to already having a deep understanding of their characters from the VN. Someone who hasn't read the VN might not pick up on certain character flaws and motivations. For example, Shirou is a way more complex character than a TV series, lest a movie, can accurately depict, as most character development takes place in his head.
There was a particular scene that made me wish they would have gone through the thoughts in his head a bit more throughout it, as his actions were pure stupidity, but the thought process behind it was filled with paranoia and fear. Remove that, and you have an incredibly stupid scene that unfortunately fits TV Shirou.
As for Sakura, her character shines quite a lot during this movie, even if her predicament or certain quotes ("I'm not a virgin!") may seem like it came out of nowhere for those not entirely acquainted with the Fate series. This is probably mostly a fault in the original writing more than the movie itself, though.
Another thing that deserves praise is the fluent and gorgeous animation. Everything from the lightning and movements of the characters are beautiful, in my honest opinion. I believe there were two scenes in the entire movie in which a movement felt even slightly off, and that's after watching it four times.
All in all, I loved it, and it's definitely my favorite Fate work so far. It has its faults, but doesn't everything? I give it a "perfect" score to showcase my enjoyment, but depending on your stance on the Fate series and its characters in general, you might not find it as perfect as I'd like to see it as.
Nevertheless, give it a try! It's definitely better than its prequel movie.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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Jul 14, 2020
*Spoiler-free review*
I love Fate. I love Fate/Grand Order.
However, as all things, it does have some faults, some even severely affecting my enjoyment of the show.
The beauty of this particular arc of the game was that it was the end of a long journey, and you enter the Age of the Gods with hopeful expectations that are in, one way or the other, fulfilled. However, for anime-only watchers, this feeling won't be present, and thus snatching away what made me, as a F/GO player, love this arc in the first place. They also changed some parts of the story, which I was not a
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fan of.
The art and animation is great, especially in the beginning and certain, later fights. A huge problem I have with the animation, though, is the CGI of the final boss. While it certainly gave off the feeling of an other-worldly being, it took me out of my immersion and made me cringe each time I saw it in what was supposed to be mainly a 2D-format. The monsters first seen in the anime didn't bug me that much at all, as it was easier to hide and somehow blended in better. Other than this, the art was definitely above average.
As for the characters; they are all loveable, except for the main character, Ritsuka, who takes on a larger role than needed. I understand the logic behind a main character needing to "do something" and trying to expand upon his personality, but when his role is already established from the beginning as being a support to his Servant, and his non-existing personality trying to be developed... well, it feels off, to say the least. The other characters all mostly come across the same as in the game, and Merlin in particular was very interesting to see animated. Most were portrayed well, although the quality certainly fell in some of the later episodes, which was a pity.
All in all, even if I was disappointed with certain episodes, I felt that it did the game justice as an adaptation. I'd recommend it to anyone who has played F/GO, as some knowledge of the earlier singularities and the game itself makes this anime more enjoyable.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Jul 14, 2020
*Spoiler-free review*
If you haven't watched any Fate show before watching this one, I don't think you will enjoy it as much. You see, there is a certain beauty to seeing characters otherwise engaged in bloody conflict sit down, relax and enjoy the main protagonist's incredible cooking. Not only that, the pure cuteness of certain characters is simply great.
Characters, sound and story are all enjoyable, with little to actually complain about, especially since you should already be acquainted with the characters.
While the first few episodes may be a bit repetitive, the show soon spices it up with a few unique, and really memorable episodes
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that are both cute and hilarious.
The art in itself, and the animation, is, as expected of Ufotable, top-tier. The art style fits the anime well and gives it a calming, soothing atmosphere that probably wouldn't be achieved should they have used their usual animation style.
All in all, it is a really enjoyable watch for anyone who has already seen Fate/Stay Night. Definitely recommended!
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Jul 14, 2020
*Spoiler-free review*
...Oh wait, I don't think I can actually manage to spoil this anime.
Ahem, Carnival Phantasm. What would you normally expect from the Nasuverse? Fighting, trauma and murders! This anime has none of that.
It consists of several short comedy sketches, with some vaguely tied to one another. There are several running gags in the series, and it is hilariously executed here for all fans of the Nasuverse to experience. The characters somehow manages to stay somewhat true to themselves (with some exceptions, but those are obviously intentional), and that's to be commended.
The art is cute, and the opening is upbeat. Voice acting
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is great, and even as someone who hasn't yet read Tsukihime, I enjoyed this anime immensely for what it is.
Definitely watch it if you are a TYPE MOON fan!
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Jul 14, 2020
*Spoiler-free review*
I think there are many problems with Bleach, but there was also a lot of potential, especially regarding the Soul Society and its system. The concept is certainly interesting enough, and I love the idea of Soul Reapers and their powers. I'd probably enjoy the anime much more if it'd focused more on those aspects, like it did for a while during one of its earliest arcs (Soul Society).
While the story is engaging during the first arcs, it quickly pummels as you come across its fillers. Frankly, I barely enjoyed the fillers at all, and it took a long, long time for me
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to get through them at all. They had little relevance to the main story, and its characters were often very uninteresting.
Speaking of characters, even though my low score of it (3), I did find a few of them worth following (Hitsugaya, for example). However, most of them had very little development and that's something I care very much about. Power-ups are not character development in my eyes. Most of them also felt very one-dimensional.
That being said, both the sound and art was probably the anime's strongest points, and I did enjoy the anime up until the fillers started. While fillers can be skipped, I personally always want to watch the anime in its entirety. However, I'd recommend skipping them if you are new to this anime and only want to enjoy the good parts.
All in all, I did enjoy the concept enough to watch it through to the end and even pick up the manga in order to find out how it all ended; if it was worth the ride. While I certainly think I did waste some time watching all 366 episodes of Bleach, I am still glad I did.
Reviewer’s Rating: 4
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Jul 13, 2020
*Spoiler-free review*
I started watching this after finding out how highly praised it is.
I came out... feeling that - at least this first season - didn't really deserve the praise it gets.
Don't get me wrong; for all my criticism towards Bakemonogatari, I did somewhat like it because of what I perceived as its strengths. However, many things did still bug me.
First things first, this anime is condensed into different arcs, each one about a different aberration haunting a different girl each time. It does seem to have an overlaying story, that being Araragi Koyomi's complex and supernatural life.
Each arc focuses on a
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specific character; the girls he finds and has to help.
I enjoyed the mythological aspect to it, and how the conflicts never seemed to be truly solved, something I hope will be expanded upon in further seasons.
As for the art and animation... it certainly had Shaft's unique style. It was beautifully animated, and the few fight scenes were incredibly fluent. However, something that threw me off from the start were their choice of adding pictures with text and rapidly switch between them. At first, I thought I seriously had to read them to understand the story better, but was later told by a friend that it wasn't necessary. That, and the fact that they changed style a lot - references I never caught - lowers this score for me.
The character designs are very nice though, at least in my opinion.
The sound, particularly the voice acting and the opening and ending were great. The reason why it's not higher is because the OST barely stood out to me during the actual anime, and to me, that's a big part of how I rate sound.
As for the characters... Frankly, I didn't like most of them so far. Araragi was blatantly creepy in how he treated Mayoi and Sengoku at times, which I hate. Other than that he seems like a decent character, but things like that bug me a lot.
Then we have Senjougahara, a sadist tsundere that I dislike a lot so far, mainly because I can't relate to her and never really find her remarks funny, as I can only see Araragi's and her relationship as an abusive one. Hopefully that changes as well.
The other characters had some good moments, but were generally not really interesting. I did like Sengoku and Shinobu though.
Overall, the humour often flew over my head or was tied to sexual jokes which I don't often appreciate or like. Many of the references eluded me as well, as I'm not that well-versed in different titles. The fan service in general threw me off as well, especially as it never seemed to serve any purpose other than... well, fan service. Unfortunately those are probably the main problems with the series in my opinion, but that being said:
I did enjoy it overall. After the second arc ended and the third one began, I got more interested in the series as a whole. I enjoyed Kanbaru's and Sengoku's arcs the most, and the conclusion of Hanekawa's wasn't bad either.
All in all, I give it a low score, but only because I personally didn't enjoy it as much as I'd hoped. I will continue watching regardless in hopes of it getting better, and I'd say to give it a shot, especially if you're into fan service and harems, but also if you like witty conversations and tsunderes.
Reviewer’s Rating: 5
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Jul 13, 2020
*Spoiler-free review*
Oh boy, do I love "Baccano!" and its weirdness and style of story-telling.
It is confusing; it is frustrating, but when it all comes together it is satisfying.
That being said, I do think this particular light novel adaptation is probably way better in its original format, as it most probably gives more insight to the vast cast of characters that inhabit this crazy world. I haven't read it yet, though.
Baccano! is unique in that it tells three stories at the same time, which may make you shy away when you hear it the first time. After all, keeping track of three storylines in
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one confusing mess of scenes is a challenge. If you aren't attentive, you are bound to miss something important. This in itself can be a problem, and while it isn't executed perfectly, I personally think this type of story-telling adds to the show's charm. After paying attention the whole time and trying to figure out what's going on, the end-result felt satisfying.
...For one of the storylines.
You see, only one of the storylines holds any real mystery (that being, the Flying Pussyfoot train storyline). I really loved this one, mainly because of the mystery surrounding who the Rail Tracer truly was. However, the other two storylines weren't as compelling. While it did still have ties to each other and tied up nicely at the end, it didn't feel as satisfying, but rather predictable. However, that may not be true for everyone. Perhaps you will even enjoy the other storylines more than the train one.
As for the rough, violent animation; I think it captures the atmosphere of the setting extremely well, and I enjoy its somewhat simplistic style.
The cast of characters is, as stated above, vast. It can be confusing keeping track of who's who, and above all, where the characters are at the time a certain scene is taking place.
As characters themselves, they are all decent enough, but aren't properly built upon, as I don't think that's the story they're trying to tell. Rather, it's not a story about Jacuzzi's journey to becoming less of a cry-baby, or Czeslaw's journey to trust others. It does manage to develop some of its characters somewhat during its short run time, but there is no major character development. And, oddly enough, that's okay, even as someone like me who puts characters above pretty much all else.
The characters feel like chess pieces on a board game, and that's interesting to me. You feel like any of them could die, and that none of them are truly the main character. While some characters are more enjoyable than others, and some might even be annoying at times, I did find it a good cast over all, as (almost) each one had a story to tell.
All in all, I would recommend this to anyone who likes mystery and plain craziness. It is an interesting watch, and I enjoyed it very much.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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