- Last OnlineMar 18, 2020 11:58 PM
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- BirthdayJul 25, 1978
- LocationDallas, Texas
- JoinedOct 16, 2007
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Nov 4, 2007
It's an ok-looking series with a neat premise. It's not that any of it is totally original, but it's done pretty well considering how short the series is, not to mention the short duration of each episode. I particularly like the opening theme. Not even in the top 10 in terms of my fav anime music, but it's worth at least one listen, even so.
I had a good part of the story figured out half way through, but there were some elements that caught me by surprise, so I wouldn't say it's totally predictable. The series could really use a re-writing and expansion, much like
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was done with Kanon with the remake Kanon (2006). There's some neat (albeit cliche) secondary characters that could have really been given some depth. As it is, only Junna, Senna, and Haruhi get any notable development. Even that's pretty shallow.
I guess the thing that really puts me off on my ability to really enjoy the story was the borderline-incestuous relationship between Junna and Senna. I understand the Japanese culture views siblings a bit differently than Americans do, but this was going a bit far, in my opinion. I'm just thankful this doesn't even get ecchi. I'd have had to stop watching otherwise. The final unfolding of the story makes everything a bit more clear, but it's still a bit disturbing. Perhaps I'm just not used to this kind of story, but still...there's a line...
Despite cringing at every cry of "Onii-chan!!!", I still managed to finish it. Again, I liked the story and think it's a great baseline for a good plot, but it needed more fleshing out and less "special sibling bonding". My advice: just try to follow the story and ignore the suggestiveness involved. Not easy, but it can be done.
Reviewer’s Rating: 6
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Nov 3, 2007
Bizarre, violent, mostly nonsensical...but incredibly funny. I liked this for the same reason I liked FLCL and Azumanga Daioh. FLCL had a deeper story (yes, there was one...watch it again) and Azumanga Daioh had greater character development, but Dokuro-chan has a charm all it's own...not to mention lots of blood. The parody of the "magical girl" element really adds something. I never cared for those types (Sailor Moon annoys me, no matter what language it's in), but here, it's funny.
The visuals and sound were really well done considering how short the series is, but then, that's just how series like this work. Short, but high-quality
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(well, the good ones, anyway). The premise alone is what got me to watch it and I wasn't disappointed. You have to take this series for what it is: brainless fun.
Look, I really enjoy stuff like Cowboy Bebop, Kanon (2006), and Gundam Wing...but sometimes you just gotta let off some steam. You can't always be serious and this really hit the spot for me. Especially since my last 3 series were Air, Black Lagoon, and Kanon (2006). Talk about heavy...I really needed this!
The first episode alone was almost too much...the appearance of the "monkey" left me almost in tears, I was laughing so hard. I'm sure my neighbors were wondering if I'd cracked! It wasn't some cerebral joke, it was just so completely unexpected, it really caught me off-guard. That, and I happen to find monkeys funny in general. Nothing afterwards hit my funnybone THAT hard, but it was still worthwhile.
Kick back, let go of your rational mind for a bit, and enjoy this blood-soaked comedy for what it is and don't try to analyze it too deeply. It's just plain fun.
"Pipiru piru piru pipiru pi!!!!!!!!" -Dokuro-chan
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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Oct 24, 2007
Although there's no real plot to follow, I've come to really appreciate more of what this anime represents. My initial reaction was one of total befuddlement, but by episode 7 (yeah, it took me that long), I realized it was an expression of youthful imagination and chaotic creativity that's inherent in that age group. This just shows that it's been too long since I was in school. (Geez...I feel old...)
The pacing is almost totally random, as is most of what makes up this anime, but it all seems to have a purpose: to give a glimpse into the minds of girls that age, albeit a
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bit exaggerated for comedic effect. I will admit that this is my first look at "Slice of Life" style anime, but I'm familiar with the "anything goes" style from seeing FLCL countless times.
Even with the randomness of it all, I've grown quite fond of the characters (save for a couple, but they're just as necessary I think). Chiyo is the daughter any father would pray to have. Her youthful innocence really tugs at the heart. Osaka, though I wouldn't call her my favorite, really reminds me of how I used to be at that age. My heart, though, really goes out to Sakaki. She loves animals (well, anything cute, really). Unfortunately, her biggest love is cats, yet they don't appear to feel the same. Chiyo's dog seems to be ok with her, but no cat will have any part of her (unless they tear it off with claws or teeth). Being a cat person myself, I can understand her pain.
Tomo is irritating, but she's a necessary character...she balances Sakaki's calm and quiet presence and EVERYONE has known someone just like her in school.
My only real advice is this: try to remember your times in junior and early senior high school (for those of us more than a couple years past graduation, at least). If you can put yourself into that mindset, watching this series is a joy. Try to think too hard or maintain an adult's perspective, you're likely to lose a few brain cells. I didn't realize that when I started this, so I'm speaking from experience. Just sayin'...
Good, clean fun with a chaotic, youthful energy. Very much recommended for the young at heart and the chaotically-minded.
KAWAII!!!!!!!!!!!! o.O
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Oct 24, 2007
I'm...*sniff*...speechless. I'm not sure what to really say! The animation is gorgeous, the characters are deep and interesting, the story has some really nice plot twists, the music and voices are fantastic (in Japanese...of course), and the ending really hits the mark.
Perhaps the closest comparison I can make (and it's still a fairly loose association) is to a modern re-telling of Pinocchio. No, it's not the same story...but you'll understand why I say that when you watch it.
I think what I love most about this series is the lessons it teaches about love, sacrifice, and what it really means to be human. It's definitely not
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a series for kids. Although nothing truly graphic happens, there are a few ecchi moments that some (American) parents would definitely object to. We have a much stricter culture here about such things...but I digress.
I found I really connected with Hideki. He reminds me a lot of myself in many ways...although I have MUCH better control over myself in public. ;p
I've found that the stories that stick with me the most are the ones that really make you think. If you allow yourself to become immersed in the world and the characters, you come out of it with a new appreciation for other perspectives. Even if you, in the end, don't agree with the philosophies explored, one can at least have the understanding of why they might think that way. Chobits definitely fits into this category. I'll be picking up the manga next! I hear it's even BETTER!
On a side note...SUMOMO ROCKS! I WANT ONE! LOL!!!!! (Come on, Sony...I know you've got a beta one in the works! Sign me up!!!!) -> watch the series to understand
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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Oct 19, 2007
Ok, imagine if (Vampire Hunter) D were a full-blooded vampire. Now imagine he decided to let go and embrace his dark side. Now, add a small dash of Vash for style (the red suit, yellow glasses, HUGE guns, and unholy accuracy), and you get Alucard, the sadistic anti-hero. His penchant for appearing out of nowhere, creepy laughter, occasional disembodied voice, and ungodly powers make him one of the most terrifying characters in anime. The music the use to introduce him in any particular scene only adds to this...it's almost like discordant ragtime, yet it suits him absolutely perfectly (kinda reminds me of the music used
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for Legato in "Trigun"). The extent of his power is not-so-discretely hidden throughout the series and the only thing that seems to make him one of the "good guys" is his ties to the Hellsing Organization and its leading lady, Sir Integra Wingates Hellsing.
I love just how deep a sense you get of who each of the characters are here. There really isn't a lot of character development, but you do get to see how some of them came to be who they are, even if it's a bit cryptic in places.
As for the sound, it's probably the only anime I'll ever say sounds truly BETTER in English. This has a lot to do with the authentically-localized voices they use (since it's in England, it really adds to the atmosphere). That, and the fact that the subtitles I've seen were particularly bad...very poor translation.
I do wish they'd tie up a few more loose ends...they leave things kind of open and, although I'm somewhat used to that in Japanese storytelling, it's still nice to have a true conclusion, even if the door is left open to future ventures. That's not to say it ends badly, just a bit more..."open" than I prefer. Call me a spoiled American...
I've seen the series twice now and will likely be watching it again. I would like to see the Hellsing Ultimate OAVs at some point, but they apparently do a lot less with Seras Victoria in it and that, to me, is a travesty! Oh well...it's still supposed to be very good.
Highly recommended for fans of vampires in general and for those looking for a good anime bloodbath. Not for the squeamish or easily disturbed!
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Oct 19, 2007
This is somewhat of a head-trip. The story doesn't really make a whole lot of sense at first, but if you can pay attention (meaning no drugs or alcohol...trust me, you won't need them), you can start to understand it. Although there are few parallels in any real way, I have to compare it somewhat to "The Matrix" in that you can't really get a full grasp of the whole story and all the levels of metaphor in just one viewing. At least "The Matrix" sits you down and attempts to really explain things (at least plot-wise)...whereas this series does not.
The only reason I rate
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the story as low as I did was because of how hard it is to follow. There are so many elements that just seem random...and, I do believe, was probably intentional. From my understanding, this was basically the crew at Gainax (the production studio) just blowing off steam and not trying to make a serious attempt. Honestly, I wish they'd do that more often...the result was fantastic! I do rather love the real quick jabs they make at a few other popular anime series (of course, I believe Gainax produced those as well).
The art was incredible in many areas...I LOVE the "3D rotating camera" effects they use in certain places. The sound is AMAZING. If you have surround-sound, it really does add an extra dimension to the action on-screen. The soundtrack is also VERY good. I actually bought the album for the series...it's all done by a Japanese rock band called "The Pillows". "Hybrid Rainbow" and "Ride on Shooting Star" (the end theme) are my favorites.
Although there's not much time to get in character development, the writing is done very well in that you really get a feel for each character's distinct personality. The only thing that bugs me (and again, this goes back to my giving it a 7 for story) is that it seems to be part of a much bigger series or storyline, but I've not been able to come up with anything. Even the manga just basically recaps the anime. Luckily, there is a distinct beginning and conclusion, but it really does seem like there should be more...I wish there was!
Between the surreality, bizarre metaphors, humor, music, and action, this is a series well worth watching. My advice? Watch it once with an open mind and enjoy it for its aesthetics both visually and aurally. Then, watch it again to catch the story and some of the metaphors. Otherwise, you might sprain your brain...I almost did! It really does make a lot more sense the second and third time through. I've seen it many times and will see it many more in the coming years. I highly recommend it!
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Oct 19, 2007
There isn't much I can say about this but...WOW. Between the art, the music (oh, the music), the storytelling, and the overall surrealism of the whole experience, it's at the very top of my MUST WATCH anime list. The last line, if nothing else, gets me every...single...time. Yes, that's right...real tears! The story is THAT good. Man, I'm getting a lump in my throat just thinking about it. The whole movie is a roller coaster and the ending is one of the best written in all of cinema, in my very humble opinion.
I think one of the reasons this is so good is the
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way the story is told. An actress' life story re-told as a blend of both factual memory and through the eyes of the characters she portrayed in film over the years. What makes it truly unique is how the ones conducting the "interview" aren't just idly sitting, taking notes...they get sucked right into the stories as if they were actually there! Believe me when I say that this is hardly just some boring movie about a has-been actress. It's a story about love, discovery, betrayal, and forgiveness. This one STAYS in my collection if I have to sell every other movie I own.
I haven't seen any of Kon-san's other works, but believe me when I say that I'll be snatching up every single thing I can get my hands on. I dare say he may be better than Miyazaki-san! (and that's saying something...I happen to be a big fan)
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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Oct 17, 2007
I love this manga. It was my first read and is still at the top of my list. The artwork lent itself well to anime translation and the writing is outstanding. I really found myself wanting to learn more and more about each of the characters all the way down to the bit-players.
Despite the violence inherent in their relationship, you can see very early on just how much Keitaro and Naru care for one another. Oh, come on...don't tell me you couldn't tell just looking at the covers! I could tell you the end and it'd still be worth reading. Don't worry, I won't...just sayin'.
I
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love Akamatsu-san's attention to detail. He really takes the time to delve deeper into the supporting characters. Everyone gets a chance to tell their story and give you a glimpse into who they really are.
Loser or not, you gotta love Keitaro. Lady luck just had it in for him from day one it seems...he just can't get a break! Despite all that, he's a decent guy with strong morals and the biggest heart. Of all his shortcomings, he still comes through when it really counts and that's what matters.
I think what gets me is just how well Akamatsu-san conveys the emotions of the characters. Although first impressions give a good deal of information about each of them, they all grow and change over the course of the series and in the end...well, you'll just have to read it to find out.
I know plenty of people who would laugh at a nearly-30 straight male reading something like that, but I don't care. It's a great story, funny as hell, and it really connected with me. I even shed a few tears when...LOL...don't worry. I know better. Just read it, ok?
"NARU PUNCH!"
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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