Back to Ethan_07's Profile Ethan_07's Profile

Kemono Jihen is, without a doubt, the dark horse of Winter 2021. Dark, not only in its fame and premises that are being overshadowed, but also in its plot and story that twists the audience around its bloody, red hand-gloves.

Among tons of promising sequels and exciting, intriguing anime that are pumped into this season, I step into watching this show with no clue whatsoever it is about, and it left me impressed with the gory yet thrilling adventure of the protagonists against the relentless demons, warm my heart with a genuine portrayal of friendship that exceeds 'protect to protect' values, and really blew my expectation away.

In a society where demons of different races and classes exist unbeknownst to the human, it's up to a detective office cooperating with the higher-up in police officials to keep the boundary between two kinds clear, and visible. The main character, a child with high regenerative skill and enormous brute strength is recruited into the detective team from outskirt.

But, there's a catch: he doesn't know love, and is emotionless.

As the plot progresses, ensemble characters with different talents, and most importantly, captivatingly dark background stories intertwine together. It's almost like a celebration of a cluster of broken demons, yet with human emotions, that are brought together for a chance to live—regardless of the numbing pain that are yet to be unfolded, or lingering truth that are to be discovered.

Strangely, it is because of their childish like interaction and casual exchange of worries and concerns that forge the trio's (sometimes, quartet) relationship. It's not 'tomo-tachi' (friends) given the perilous and critical nature of their work, but it's 'nakama' (comrades) between them that added much depth to their bond. When one of them is in pinch, they do not shout or fill themselves with flashbacks to fuel their power and become temporarily invincible.

They cry.

Like a little child; because, in many senses, they are. They cannot shoulder the whole responsibility and burden that the world dropped on them by themselves. And this is where the depiction of comrades, where they would rely on each other, comes in through the perspective of the emotionless main character, Kabane. It is precisely because he sees thing subjectively—evil as evil, good as good—that he can evoke the best in his comrades, that they know how frustrating it is to be powerless and how powerful feelings, emotions are. And, as he learns more about the meaning of empathy, with love in its many shapes and forms with his comrades, I believe the story will reach much greater heights than what were depicted.

As for the animation, the fighting sequences are fluid and colorful; for the soundtracks, the music matches the ambience the show was going for perfectly. It seeps in creepy, thrilling piano notes in the moments of suspense and danger, while giving off a blood-pumping, hopeful, evil-hero-like vibe when the protagonists are face-to-faced with the merciless demons. The opening is great, with its editing matching the tempo of the songs while the J-rock ending ended each episode in a positive note.

Overall, Kemono Jihen is a show that wraps its hidden dark elements, and stories inside layers of pure, and genuine bond of reliance that the protagonists share, exhibiting their fragile, yet unyielding determination and emotions. It can get really, really dark sometimes, yet at the same time, you couldn't help but to crave for more of their heartfelt moments.

So, if you're into exploring some supernatural stories of demons through the eyes of young protagonists, I'd definitely recommend Kemono Jihen. Beware though, as it could shock and traumatize your senses, then warm and melt your heart when you least expected it.

Helpful

read more

“Al—right!”

One word. Just one, single word. Yet, Haikyuu!! manages to encapsulate thousands of indescribable feelings, emotions into it. There’s no need to fabricate it, choosing right inspirational terms, at all. When each and every player inside Karasuno hear that shout amidst the chaos, and look up to the ceiling that is almost blinding, eyeing the floating ball—they know, they don’t need a miracle.

Haikyuu!! has always been the embodiment of unyielding friendship, unbreakable team-work, positive rivalry and adrenaline gushing down the veins of the players, and the non-players. But, ‘To the Top ‘arc changed that. Maybe it’s considered boring, monotone at first, but it has captivatingly achieved a turning point for the main characters, where they learned and discovered something more than themselves that changed their perspective forever.

In regards to that, there are tons of changes and new insights, new characters to root for, but the one that amazed me is—which I’m going to strongly highlight here—Ryuunosuke Tanaka, the baldy. Depicted as the average, energetic member, he’s done more than his best; breaking out of the frame of not only his diffident but also his determination that proves he’s not just a great player, but a team player. Adding this with Hinata’s overwhelming abilities that he discovered as a water boy, and Kageyama’s willingness to wear his cape and pour his real feelings out, it’s almost a crime not to get excited over their match.

The heart-thumping music that elevates the ambience of tension inside the match, the art—which to be frank here, outsourcing to save budge is understandable but is a downright terrible choice given the company that was chosen—is decent, the animation is great and fluid. You can dart your eyes around the screen and still catch a glimpse of where the ball is, where the motion starts and ends, and even feel the weight of each ball as it hits the ground. The climax itself, that last ball, that last serve, that last spike, and that last block are all on point. Enough for one to shed a bit tears at the journey they’ve come far to.

Overall, ‘Haikyuu!!: To the Top’ arc ends here not with a perfect conclusion, but more to a satisfying one; it depends on which side you’re one, nevertheless. But after all is said, I dare to say that this part of the season highlights some characters and development that might seem insignificant, but it’s going to impact everything in the long run. And, it does, carve a wide smile on my face.

So, cheers to Haikyuu!!. May it continues to reach to the top, and beyond; the anime, that is.

Helpful

read more

"What do you think is the most powerful destructive force in the universe?" asked K.

"I don't know," replied J. "Sugar?"

There is a brief pause between them before K decides to answer, his word slices across the silence in the room,

"Regrets."

-----------

Zetsuen no Tempest kicks off with two high school boys mourning over the death of a girl they both cared about, in their own way. The dead cannot revive, even in the world where logic is engulfed by one big tree's magic. They could only either let the memory fades and the pain grows numb, or resist and seek out the truth, the murderer to exact revenge upon. Each of them, chose their own path.

And none of them regretted their action.

They blindly fight for what they believe, to seek for redemption: be it against mages with impeccable powers, militaries with enormous numbers, or amongst themselves. In a fragile world that looks like it's about to collapse any time, their belief, is the only fuel that pushes them forward. Because no matter how many twists and turns the plot takes, the core remained the same: they, are still standing.

It's despicable to say with ease that 'moving forward' is the best choice when sometimes, we could bear to imagine how much it hurts for them. For ones who lost things that they really, really cared about—there is no moving forward. Sure, there can be things that change here and there for them, they can meet new people that changes their perspective, rivals that motivate them out of their despair or have the world crumbles down before them.

But the guilt of not being able to do more, to spend more time or to notice even a slight difference in the past is always there. And it always, will be.

All these conflicts and feelings are blended in with the dialogues, the facial expressions and the subtle action shown by the characters. Frustrated faces, determined faces and angry faces, they all manifest the most primal ability that humans have—to feel. These are all blended with BONES' art that could realistically portray the slight change in emotions, the breathtaking landscapes, with the music that slips in to elevate the ambience.

Action shounen-vibe opening, playful shoujo-vibe ending theme song on the first half, with the gender of the singers completely flipped on the second half—it's as if the show itself is playing with us, trying to see if we truly capture the theme of it. The captivating, beautiful meaning behind their actions. Did we?

Overall, Zetsuen no Tempest is a tale weaved by its characters that are intertwined by fate—for better or worse—as they come to terms with precious things they have lost, and gain a new thing that they can treasure. Despite its heavy reference to Hamlet that ended up in tragedy due to revenge between the two male leads, it is repeatedly mention that the story is closer to The Tempest—where everyone has a happy ending.

Each of them, with their own tale.

Helpful

read more

Haven't you heard?

There's a girl who lives up on the hill, raising up two flags every morning and pulling them down the flagpole every evening. She never misses a day doing so. Like how she cook breakfast for her relatives every morning, prepare dinner for them every night, it's become a routine for her. A routine that she is satisfied of. A promise that she made to herself.

Then, she met a reckless male classmate.

Always so lively, so free doing what he likes and liking what he does. His enthusiasm, his actions are all something that she's never known would prompted her to go out of her zone that she's barricaded herself in. To discover, what it means to truly dedicate in things that makes oneself happy. That she finds joy in.

The Ghibli's portrayal of nature and breathtaking landscape, mesmerizing characters with kind and sad smile, melancholic soundtracks that adds in the mood for the old, old village in Tokyo and the contrast of all these to the busy and hectic lives that she gets intertwined in, stories that she has yet to discover, people that she has yet to meet—these are all the embodiment of Poppy Hill; and it's depicted well.

Because when all is said and done, if a story is able to leave you with a smile as the credits scene roll, pondering what's going to happen next after the happy ending, then it's done quite a damn great job.

In the end, 'From Up on Poppy Hill' blatantly shouts to us that with just a bit more of communication, tolerance and understanding of one another, our thoughts can and will reach the people we wanted them to. It's almost like a desperate yet genuine cries that we cannot ignore and are hopelessly attracted to. Everyone has the tool to evoke this emotion, to create this warm feeling, to give strength, and inspire people.

I believe it's a little thing called "heart".

Helpful

read more

"Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world."

'Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!' is nothing short of a great cluster of creativity. In fact, the switching art style between the monotone draft version and colorful final product makes the animation much more realistic and impactful. This type of art style is simply ingenious for the theme that it was going for, intertwining fantasy and reality.

It brings out the fun of creating a new world, the enjoyment in recreating movements in characters and planning the whole production process. Though it's not as detailed as Shirobako, it does has its own merits in its anime production and managed to encapsulate the fun and struggles to forming a harmonic teamwork.

The perspectives of the animator duo seeing the world is more to abstract side, while Kanamoney mostly stays on the realistic side. This is an interesting contrast that separates them, yet connects them as comrades. It shows that all dreams come with a price. It could be a bowl of ramen, a bottle of milk or pulling several all-nighters. Whatever it is, know that this trip is up to the challenge. And they will stop at nothing, to achieve their goal.

Overall, Eizouken managed to climb to the top because of its interchanging art style and unique storytelling mode that transcends different dimensions. The setting is more to adventure and exploration than stuffing you with a bunch of how-to-make-anime knowledge. It shows that anything, with enough interest invested in it, can be fun. Of course, you could join them too. But, remember one thing.

Keep you hands off Eizouken!

Helpful

read more

What makes a great anime?

The ideal first rule is to find voice actors who can sing, has soaring popularity and big racks to voice the main characters. The second one is to avoid creating original anime, because if the ideas to be presented are all horribly mashed together, then it is doomed. The third is to find production staff with a motivation more than "just because".

Yet, look where we are. Being both an original anime, and has mostly not-so-popular voice actors to back up the main characters, Shirobako colorfully takes off to the sky. It defies the very rules that it sets, the challenges that it adds and trample them one by one. All through the perspective of the characters inside the story world. And, there are tons of them.

Annoying ones, irresponsible ones, and lazy ones. But most importantly, are the ones that are willing to go the extra mile, to hold the team together, to make the sound effects a bit better, to make the sky a bit sadder, to do just a few more key frames, to give one piece of advice, to spend a few more nights and ultimately, to dream.

To make a great anime.

Shirobako is a prime example that only one's own efforts can move oneself. It's never easy continuing something without credits, and only criticism. But little by little, you're gonna make it. Because everyone's been through it. Made stronger by it. And these lessons, they never stop emerging and igniting the fire inside others. To inspire, and to support.

Overall, Shirobako is far from cute girl doing cute things in anime industry. No. It's the struggles they face, the surprises they dread, and the taste of teamwork comes to a satisfying conclusion that makes up the story. They dream, they do and they keep pushing forward however bitter disappointment tastes. The four of them, and her. Moving forward, little by little.

One step closer to their dream.

Helpful

read more

As the sunlight draws near the horizon, the sakura trees and the whole town are drenched in a warm color. There, standing five person on top of the hill, watching. Summer breezes softly swipe across their face. It's a breathtaking and beautiful scenery. A mesmerizing color that envelope the whole world before them. A color that united them with a promise.

There, a faint nostalgia came up. It was 10 years ago. He was given two choices by his future self. A letter saying he could choose to let go, or hold on. Both of which, are tinged with bitter taste. Deep inside his heart, he knew that, there's no right or wrong. Either way, he could never reach to a happy ending that he deserves. And always, a drop of regrets will swirl around his heart. Sometimes, it's hurtful. But most of the time, a temporary blissfulness engulfed it so he could smile. Which, was never really rid of his regrets.

But, he made a decision.

Beside him, three of his blunt friends are cheering for him. He, on the other hand, is cheering for the other two. Doing his best to guide them, and wishing them the best. The passive duo. All so he could embrace the happiness they are having, and fill in the void inside his heart. He's not kind. Just a genuinely nice guy, supporting the duo with his unrequited love. Maybe, just maybe, he could smile widely and genuinely after 10 years. To grab the conclusion to his happiness.

And then he awakes. Tears dropping from his eyes, of the dream he and she had. A dream of lingering regrets, and efforts poured in reaching out with love. A visual of the future on their dearest person receiving that love, and repaying them by just living. It is during a sunset. Now, the six of them standing at the top of the hill. The cherry blossom is falling, with the gentle wind. Their eyes are set on the warm sunset, alive to absorb and appreciate this moment. This nostalgic color.

Orange.

Helpful

read more

‘Kakushigoto’ means secrets. ‘Kakushi Gotou’ is the father’s name. ‘Kaku shigoto’ can be defined as a drawing job. So, the entire situation that Gotou put himself in, is meant to be an ironic pun. He’s hiding some secrets from his daughter, Hime to spare himself the embarrassment if she ever finds out. However, it seems that there is much more to his secrets other than being a vulgar mangaka.

All the silly, yet somewhat effective attempts he’s done to hide his secrets are the highlights of the show so far. He’s somewhat like an overly-cautious dad for a change, doing his best to raise his oblivious and cute daughter. His voice actor, Hiroshi has the ability to switch from a playful and deadly serious tone (Levi from Attack on Titan) to a caring young-father-figure which really matches his character build. Hime, on the other hand is voiced by the same VA of Emilia from ReZero, and Megumin from Konosuba. So yes, you might have noticed a bit of childish and innocent type of kindness when she speaks. This duo is more or less, a great pick for this show.

The art and animation are decent, with the art style frequently changing whenever comedic scenes cue in. The opening and ending are both soothing, and I really enjoyed the overall calm ambience that they are aiming for. It’s like a hint to something greater, a big reveal that would crush the peacefulness that they are living in. Yet, you just want to cling for more of their hearty interaction.

Overall, Kakushigoto is a change of pace for just a normal portrayal of father-daughter relationship, with comedy that I couldn’t help grinning to, and a poignant feeling that is lingering around it. Many seeds have been planted for the secrets of Gotou, and it looks like we might not be able to taste this sweetness for long. So for now, I’m just gonna enjoy it for what it is.

You should too, before it hits right in your feels.

Helpful

read more

Sometimes, inspiration can rise up when you least expected it. Be it from just a small action that others do, a quote that you remembered out of nowhere or an anime about fashion. A world of fashion that you have no idea what it is about. A 'Haikyuu' of fashion.

Runway de Waratte is one of the finest examples for it. It takes the defiance of expectations that everyone has a taste of, and shove it right down the throats of those who said - “IMPOSSIBLE”. It's true that in many ways, we care about what others think of us. Whether we have enough strength to do it, whether we can sacrifice our time to accomplish it or whether those whom we admired approve us or not.

The author is painfully obvious of that, and as such, managed to envelope the characters in these settings. The characters themselves realise that, inside the real world, everyone is an underdog. But, this realisation only fire up their determination. It forces them to choose, within their own limits. Except that, they didn't.

They refused to be moved, to be changed by other's perspective. Chiyuki works relentlessly to perfect her model working steps and maintain her figure, even if her interviews didn't last more than two steps. Ikuto continue to sewn clothes, create his desired design even when he has financial problems and resort to using clothes scraps.

Yet they choose to push forward whenever they have a chance. They push while sobbing, they push while smiling and they push while they are being dragged back to the start. It's their passion that make their character development and lay their kindness bare for us to see.

In the end, Runway de Waratte is not a story about heroes. It's a story about how any of us, can make our dreams come true if we push in the right direction hard enough. To receive the claps and tears that we so desperately deserved.

To smile, down our own runway.

Helpful

read more

Human beings are storytelling creatures.

Our little stories are vital for us to convey truths, and sometimes, create lies. However, truth manifest lies. Lies, conceal truth. In every mystery and detective anime, there is always one definite truth. Everything else is just a fabrication to bury the truth, layer upon layer. In most cases, a clear line is drawn between what is real and what is not. But, what if, just what if – the line no longer exists?

Then, truth and lies are no longer differentiable. They are blended into each other, and being played around by whoever’s behind them to reach a desired conclusion. Justice would no longer be that opaque. Everything that you ever believe in can be twisted, changed in just that instant.

Kyokou Suiri knows this, and it brings this element into play. It is fully aware that in reality, one single truth cannot fit everything into an equation. There will always be doubts surrounding its authenticity, even when the methodology is laid out bare. So, the focus of it is not on the solution to the mysteries, but rather the long and tedious psychological portrayal of wit and knowledge applied in the progress. They use this to try and explain the little details of the case. Call it baseless assumptions or wild imagination, but this is what makes Kyokou Suiri close to Death Note than simply playing the role that sticks to only one truth.

In fact, it doesn’t even care about the truth as the bossy female lead, Kotoko already has the answer thanks to her connection to the spectres. Everything else is just a tackle to each and every questions one would have, with its meticulous monologue. She answers each of them, by linking the dots she have. If it doesn’t work, she would try an alternative way to reshape the missing pieces. It sounds simple, but the hardest part is to make us, the audience believe in it. They need to convince us, otherwise the assumptions are just plain nonsense. Except that, this is the charm of it.

They threw this on your face, saying that they don’t have a definite answer either.

As for the characters, the mismatch of the lead duo is the charisma of the show. They are the complete opposite of each other with Kujo being calm and composed, and Kotoko being self-centered and a bit annoying. One has the power, the other has the wisdom. But in a way, this polar attraction is the magnet that makes the cases more attracting and approachable. It brings out the best of them both but also take the heart-tugging romance away from this pair and only igniting it inside the imagination of Kotoko.

Additionally, the studio has done a great job in shaping a continuity during the ‘talk but no action’ scenes. The transition from one place to the other, and back to the start has blended in nicely as the dialogues continue. For the songs, the fun and jazzy ending ‘LAST DANCE’ is what got my attention. It’s a perfect portrayal of their relationship that I can’t really describe in words. It’s somewhat of a partner-couple bond with a bit of toxicity in between.

Overall, Kyokou Suiri Kyokou Suiri is far from what you expected at first glance. It takes an unorthodox route to reach the end, with the unfit duo exploring different perspective on the cases instead of settling you with one truth. It can be unbearable sometimes, but watch closer, and you might discover the fun of it.

Helpful

read more