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Jun 28, 2021
Fruits Basket is a horrible anime.
Over the span of 53 episodes, dragging three seasons of joyous and disheartening events, this is the best they can do? One question. Why? Why not just create love rectangles, add some dramatic shouting, slapping, running, crying scenes of all the characters confronting each other, at the end of 11th episode and just be done with it? Just expose all the inner feelings and hidden truths in one final showdown. That's it. Let's throw whatever conflicts they have, mesh them together and let it be resolved by themselves. Let them break their characters. No one cares. We just want a
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happy ending, with whatever means necessary.
But, no. Fruits Basket doesn't want this. The character developments are tediously pulled and widened across these three years, seemingly reaching an endless abyss before what is known as the 'finale'. The ensemble cast of zodiac members, are one by one, meticulously portrayed, represented by their own quirks and words. They are, each of them, shaped to be a person. A person united with each other by a curse—and a gift—until a carefree girl barged into their little worlds. Merrily, kind-hardheartedly, courageously, she cared for them, weaving their stories into her perspectives. Into ours. She helped a rat out of his depression and identity crisis; she helped a horse out of her parental abuse and emotional trauma; she helped every zodiac member that she can, even if she's not obligated to. But, she needed to.
Because only then she can help herself.
Fruits Basket is a very pretentious anime, in this sense.
Every shoujo story needs a villain. Dread a villain. A love rival. Fruits Basket has it both: a villainous love rival, who controls the zodiac members at her will and disposal—Akito. The sound of her name itself invokes seas of rage. She appears as the children-book villain that gloats about her supreme, and ceases the main protagonists' wills to live, trapping them, while doing heinous evil deeds to leave emotional and physical scars. She's good at what she does: everyone hates her. So, why? Why does Fruits Basket redeem such character? She is evil. Evil needs to stay evil. There's no other alternative. She's done unfathomable things. She needs not exist. Not as one that we can resonate to.
But, no. Fruits Basket doesn't care. Even if it's perfectly reasonable under the theme of selflessness and kindness that is depicted by Tohru over the plot. Even if the portrayal of acceptance of oneself has fully been embraced by each and every one of the zodiac members, including Mr. Tsundere Cat. Even if Tohru believes second chances to a fault, and accept good as they are, but most importantly—evil as they are. Even if Akito wanted to only protect her little world, with her only means. Tohru doesn’t care. She thrives on her belief, because it is the only thing that she holds on dearest to. Her world would collapse once she stops believing. If she ever does.
Because she, amongst them all, is the loneliest.
She craves people's kindness, as much as she’s given it away herself. It is the overwhelming affection and tenderness that she shows to others, that contradicts her genuine feelings. She creates a world for others to save themselves, but she herself is lost inside it. Because even though we don’t show it, everyone, anyone wants to be cared for. It’s inside our core. That’s why we connect, make bonds. That’s why we empathize with characters, and resonate with their emotions, actions. That’s why we stay strong, even if we are weak.
And that is why Fruits Basket is also highly manipulative.
Sad, melancholic music tracks don't do the tricks for them. Nope. They don't want that. They adapt a much heart-wrenching, orchestral music that elevates the emotional drama, to bring out people's desire to connect, to emphasize that we're experiencing that scene at that moment, to let us know that we are not alone. It's horrifying how influential music and songs can be, until you are relishing it in that particular moment. The sound director, Aketagawa Jin has done a truly intricate, endearing job at this. I cannot think of how many times the music has brought me on the brink of tears; I hate being manipulated like this. Now, don’t even get me started on those cute chibi style changes.
And, accompanied by the elegant piano play, with their wholehearted interaction, comes this wave of warm, lingering feelings. It's a feeling particularly enhanced by the clever use of color tone and the crafty dialogues that are as bare as they get. The ingenious scene transitions using black and white and space, the deceptive teary eyes under a heavy downpour, and the silence that allows tension to creep in. These are all not supposed to be felt, but it added much more merits to the whole story itself. Making it much more manipulative, heartfelt.
Overall, Fruits Basket is a horrible, very pretentious and highly manipulative anime. If the zodiac members can be portrayed as different forms and shapes of snowflakes, then Tohru would be the spring. The snow captures, traps all the insecurities, pride, identity, trauma, anxiety and nightmare that they can't let go of; waiting to be melted away by their own passion, convictions, ideals, actions, and acceptance. Waiting for spring.
Because spring will come, when the snow melts away.
And to Natsuki Takaya, for creating a heart-breaking story like this, I'll never forgive you. Ever.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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Jun 12, 2021
Amidst the scary tigers, hides a fish with crippled tail who yearns to swim free, and an angel with wings that seeks to soar the sky.
Josee, the Tiger and the Fish is a compelling story that pursues not only the meaning of dreams and the values within, but also the cost of having them. The laughs, the cries, the smiles, the tears: these are the fundamental emotions that made up a life, a life that's worth loving for, and create a story that is worth discovering.
And, I'd like to share a story.
Having lost the ability to swim—the essences of freedom for a fish—Josse lives her
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life guarded by her grandmother from various beasts roaming outside her small little home. One fateful night, just as Josee is about to be eaten by a tiger, an angel saved her. Spent time with her. Cared for her. Opened her world. Gave her purpose. Taught her freedom.
Draped by colourful, vivid art and animation, Josee ventured out with the angel to do things she never dared to, to escape the little confront zone she was roped to. She became a human, and savoured various moments. To eat crepe, to ride a train, to taste sea, to be buried in sea of books—it was all but a dream come true, and she was happy.
Accompanied by breathtaking sceneries, melancholic music that blend into any ambience, and a song performance by Eve, she couldn't be happier. With her vibrant red rose eyes, the angel is always by her side, to see and experience, capture those moments together.
But not every story has a happy ending; so, experience it yourself.
A story about a tiger, a fish, and an angel.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Mar 28, 2021
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
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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.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Dec 18, 2020
“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
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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.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Nov 14, 2020
"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."
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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
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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.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Aug 21, 2020
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
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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".
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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May 9, 2020
"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
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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!
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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May 7, 2020
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
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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.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Apr 28, 2020
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,
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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.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Apr 23, 2020
‘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
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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.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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