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Apr 16, 2020
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
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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.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Mar 28, 2020
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.
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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.
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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Mar 27, 2020
“A light shines in the detectives’ eyes. This row house is filled with the strangest of men, and people call it - The Detective’s Row House.”
First of all, Kabukichou Sherlock is not to be taken too seriously. Although it has its fair share of mysteries, but most of the time, comedy takes the spotlight. You’ll have to be patient, and just struggle a bit to see why it can turn out to be a good mystery and even give you chills with how it connects the dots, about half-way through the series. I couldn’t promise that it would worth your time, but definitely, the twist
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doesn’t disappoint.
Kabukichou Sherlock initially meant to introduce an ensemble of characters resembling the ones from Arthur Conan Doyle series, with a twist. The main character is of course, the Japanese Sherlock Holmes that loves rakugou and is willing to sniff, lick or try any methods to solve the mystery. There’s also his doctor-partner, John Watson who is portrayed to be more sensitive and powerless. Following up is the mastermind of the criminals, but now a young and friendly ally James Moriarty. The side characters are comprised of a flamboyant Mrs Hudson that manages the Detective’s Row House, Mycroft Holmes that works with the government and Irene Adler - the only woman that can outwit Sherlock.
If there’s one word to comment on Kabukichou Sherlock, it would be rich.
It’s rich in colors. Production I.G. (Vinland Saga, Haikyuu!!, AoT..) has done a great job in creating the opening and ending that fully utilized the color palattes to bring a contrast to each of the detectives, and framed the stories in the shape of photographs and memories that is truly mesmerizing. The art of the night city in red light district, with the neon lights of the shops and nightclubs really bring out the feeling that it’s a lively part of the city and that anything, can happen.
It’s rich in characters. Other than the ordinary names that you’d find in Sherlock Holmes series, new detectives varying in their mystery-solving style are also introduced. We have a pair of sister that represents a bad and good cop, an upright gentleman with glasses, a soft-hearted ex-yakuza and a gambler that’s in it for the bonus. They have decent development, and are some of the characters that bring about comedic relief and deeper attachment to the main casts.
It’s also rich in its songs. The opening "CAPTURE" by EGO-WRAPPIN', is funky with its rhythmic beat. It’s one of those rare opening that actually has the whole plot inside, which you will only realize afterwards. Both the ending song is decent, the first ED - Hyakuoku Kounen has a deep and resonating vocals with characters aimlessly looking into the universe, literally. The second ED – Parade is chilling, both emotionally and physically. For both arcs, they just fits.
Overall, Kabukichou Sherlock is not a spectacular anime, nor a great embodiment of mystery. But seeing how the characters shine in their own way, and how the trivial cases connect to a big reveal, one couldn’t help but stay for the last moment of it. To witness and experience the fall and the rise of Sherlock Holmes, with the other colorful detectives. As chaotic as everything seems to be, it could actually warm your heart.
If you choose to watch it, that is.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Mar 24, 2020
Though we are parted,
If on Mount Inaba's peak
I should hear the sound
Of the pine trees growing there,
I'll come back again to you.
A bittersweet poem that represents Taichi. If you can feel the emotions in it, then you are hopelessly in love with Chihayafuru. It’s been eight years since the first Chihayafuru has been introduced to the world, and this is how long this anime community has waited for this season. Despite being both a jousei and slice of life genre, over the seasons, Chihayafuru has created much competitive and warm atmosphere for the matches and built up ample friendships and tension. Now, it’s finally time
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for the long-awaited King and Queen’s match.
This season will be presenting an all-out match that brings out the best of them, and a turning point for the bittersweet love triangle that has remained stagnant all this time. The story of the poets behind each card, has been expanded to reach for a greater height. Each of the little words are nicely blended to reflect different situation that the characters are in, along with their respective introspective thoughts. And in many ways, this become a powerful tool to evoke emotions. This is a trick that has been applied before, but each and every time, you couldn’t stop one from falling into the beauty of it.
Also, the studio Madhouse has done such a great job by creating more mesmerizing characters that you couldn’t help but not hate them, be it their foes or friends. Ironically, some of the side characters actually have greater backstories than the main trio. But, I genuinely think that this is why Chihayafuru is so likeable. They do not constrain the range of character developments and because of this, we get to witness and empathize with more and more little stories of their opponents and allies.
The animation on the other hand, is captivating.
The layout of the games, and the thinking process are beautifully visualized. The big brown eyes of Chihaya, with her clumsy and tomboyish attitude really managed to form a contrast. Arata with his sharp blue eyes fits his cool and calm personality while Taichi has that ambitious look and has a sense of loneliness in his eyes. For him, action speaks louder than words and it's truly amazing what the season has accomplished with this.
Other than that, the J-rock song for opening is kinda catchy with its tempo and is well-matched to elevate the mood for each episode to unfold. The song, Hitomebore for ending has a calm tone to it, but at the same time, gives the visual of igniting fire with the trio burning passion. It subtly sets a pace for the journey to be continued.
Overall, Chihayafuru 3 has evolved to be the most diverse, gentle and impactful season yet. It leaps beyond the expectations set by its ancestors with its high rating and forges deeper attachments to the side characters, while taking you closer to the trio’s heart. Don’t blink yet, as you’re about to embrace their passion, friendship and feelings all in one whole season.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Mar 22, 2020
“Sleep is very important.”
Half-way through the show, I chuckled on this scene. It sounds ridiculous without context, but being warped inside a world within an unconscious world, it has this heavy irony that comes with it. Like, it makes one afraid that everything is just not real after all. But at the same time, it sort of bring back an amazement of the setting that this world is enveloped in, as it gives the desire to seek for more info. That’s when it clicked.
ID: Invaded has this ability to construct a mind-bending story premise by intertwining reality and fantasy, but in a way, it
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doesn’t succumb to its own madness. It consists of sci-fi element that will mess with one’s morale and mystery that keeps one at the edge of the seat. However, even with twists, the plot doesn’t deviate away from what it set out to be, but converges through seemingly unrelated cases toward one – the creator of serial killers. It’s like a maze within a maze, and the only way out is to solve it, layer by layer.
This is where the writing and the execution of the plot becomes crucial, which it all lies in three main characters whom we see the world from each of their perspective – the brilliant mentalist, the newbie detective and the director of the analyst team. They each have their purpose – to discover, to lead and to collect. It is this symphony created among this trio that makes the team works and pushes the story forward.
ID: Invaded is also fully aware of the meticulousness needed on the reasoning and explanation behind all the unconscious mind theory, the motives of the serial killers, the methods used by the mastermind. And they do so by connecting the dots, which all linked together to this one girl that keeps appearing. They done this without altering the fundamental rules set in the story world, that’s why the mysteries are great. It gives you space to deduce, and it triggers your mind to make connection alongside the characters.
Also, the metaphysical visuals are stunning.
The action scenes are fluid, and each unconscious world of different style are handled quite nicely that it doesn’t create noticeable CGI ambiguity. But most importantly, the dream-within-a-dream concept is a really captivating way to explore the MC himself through it. It challenges and changes what he believes in, but at the same time, reconnects the pieces for the big reveal.
The studio NAZ has done a decent job in their character designs ( since this is an original series ). The generic spiky head of the main protagonist – Sakaido, made a great contrast to when he was young with after he became miserable. It’s a clear distinction between a loving father and a rogue detective that seeks justice in his own way. There’s also a 23-years-old detective Hondoumachi who gives a refreshing and cute addition to the show. The other team members are varied in characteristics and just good at their job, that’s all I can say about them.
Besides, the soundtracks are amazingly awesome. Yes, that’s double positive in one sentence. The opening ‘Mister Fixer’ by Sou flawlessly matches the agony of Sakaido and how his regrets have haunted him ever since that incident. The ending ‘Other Side’ by MIYAVI also has this J-rock rhythm that is really catchy and just good even on its own. Even the side songs – ‘Memories of Love’ and ‘Butterfly’ are chosen carefully to blend in with the emotions evoked on the scenes. That’s just how serious the producers are on the OST.
Overall, ID: Invaded is like a blue ocean. The waves envelope you with layers of uneasiness, blurring the line between dreams and reality. So, brace yourself, as this will be one hell of a dive.
Into the painful, yet beautiful world of ID: Invaded.
Other recommendations:
- Hannibal, The Mentalist, Criminal Minds, The Minority Report, Inception
- Psycho-Pass, ERASED, Death Parade, The Promised Neverland (anime)
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Mar 20, 2020
Winter 2020. One thing that is not lacking this season is the mystery element, which has been embodied in quite an amount of anime. Darwin’s Game is no exception. Its first few minutes in the first episode has nicely captured the essence of mystery and awesomeness that attracted many to the series.
But, to what extent?
Darwin’s Game has done a great job in laying out what to expect from the life-or-death survival game with the intro of ‘skills’. They reveal just enough information about the game to hook you and then take you to the male protagonist that is just as clueless as you. Then,
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the possibilities are expanded once the ground rules are cleared. The potential with its premise are explored with the idea of clan-creating, currency-exchanging, events-joining and a lot more features in store. Eventually, the MC and his team are all in this together, to survive this dreadful free game by any means.
But other than that, there’s not a lot to say about it. If you watch close enough, you’ll realize that Darwin’s Game is merely a hype machine. Almost every ending is set for the next episode, the ambience it created and the cliffhanger it inserted all serve the purpose of building the anticipation. Events triggered by events like domino, new characters are introduced and then eliminated, it’s a never-ending battle royale out there. By cycling the formula of twists, blood and tears, the story can go on and on. Depending on the type of audience, you’ll either grow to hate this or love it.
On the other hand, the art is done by studio Nexus, which also handled Granbelm. Some fighting scenes are made to be quite simplistic while the real showdowns has decent animation to keep up with. The opening "CHAIN" by ASCA is thrilling and entertaining while the ending "Alive" by Mashiro Ayano is just fitting when blended in at the right time. Characters-wise, both animation and songs are nice.
Overall, Darwin’s Game is best enjoyed as it is. Up till now, it’s really hard to decide whether the rest of the journey would be worthwhile or not, and the reason is simple. Based on how the story has expanded so far, we won’t be seeing the end of this that soon. So, that leaves you with two choices – read the manga or wait indefinitely for the next season.
Now, you decide whether to play the Darwin’s Game or not.
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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Mar 12, 2020
Zombieland Saga is entertaining. And that's a fact.
Zombieland Saga, preys on your attention with its well-timed editing. It feeds on it. Whenever there are events unraveling, you'll notice how one action can completely flip the mood of the situations. These comedic moments can envelop the show because of the reaction shots on the characters whenever something came up. A look at their facial expressions and another look at the situation. That's all you need to evoke emotions. The right pace.
The art is also done so well that it can mimic the reactions that can make you laugh. Of course, no one can forget the various
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role-playing and voice intonation switching by the voice actor of the manager. He can light up the mood, tense up the situation and pretty much do anything with the silliness bestowed on his character. A close-up on his face and high-pitched voice are his charm and a precious gem that blend well the show.
By still keeping his absurdity going, little by little, the studio pulls you in closer to the characters. It hooks you back to reality, taking you face to face to see what they are looking at. As it goes on, more and more little stories unravel to tickle your bone and warm your heart. Rolling heads, undead bodies, awkward CGI dancing animation are all its embodiment that take you a step closer into their zombie world.
In the end, Zombieland Saga has introduced an idol group known as Franchouchou to the world. A group of zombie girls fighting to take every chance and every breath they can, to save Saga and tell the world that they are - alive.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Feb 11, 2020
If you could pinpoint one depressing moment and one delightful moment in your memory, could you notice the difference between the two? Rather than focusing on your negative thoughts that you had or struggle that envelopes your moves, both physically and mentally.
Was there anyone by your side?
When you're feeling down and unsupported, of course not. If there is, you would at least taste a sense of warmth inside your heart. So warming that it might makes you want to cry at that very moment. The lump stuck in your throat, now bursting to come out through your tears. Because you'd realise even against the
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world, you're not alone. The seat beside you is only empty, temporarily. You don't have to sit through it alone, all the time.
And you'd smile.
You'd cry. Because that's what everyone does, no matter how strong we force yourselves to appear. There's just this uncertainty inside our heart and our brain. Without even us realising it, we calculate the best route to stay in our comfort zone and enjoy little things, one at a time. No matter how hard depression hits, how heavy the burden feels.
I could never understand what you feel.
What everyone's been through, because it's unique for them. I dare to say that no two people has one hundred percent similarity in experiences. Some excels in shogi, some great in making new friends, some good in creating science experiments, some love baking traditional sweets, some love cooking and caring for others, while some are simply living their lives true to themselves. But, no matter how diverse our lives from each other, no matter how disconnected we are from others, bonds can still be created.
So, what makes Sangatsu no Lion special?
I'd say it is its idea on the pursuit of happiness. Because even if all the changes keep emerging and changing their shape, you'd still be you. With your own judgement, emotions and experiences to conquer it. If you can't, it's always better to find someone to reduce the portion of stress you're holding. It's an universal fact that proves one way or another, there's one thing that makes people happy and Sangatsu no Lion executed it smoothly.
A worthwhile relationship.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Jan 4, 2020
“ Life is a tragedy when seen in close-up, but a comedy in long-shot. ” - Charlie Chaplin
Cautious Hero is an isekai comedy that was never meant to be taken serious. Far from being overpowered, the hero is overly cautious in preparation no matter how weak the opponent seems to be. If there's a comparison to be done, he's that guy in the group that brings two umbrellas, a raincoat, two pair of clothes and a hat to the beach in a sunny day that was confirmed twice by weather forecast.
It's ridiculous. It's silly. It's entertaining. It's almost everything anyone could have thought of, combining
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the cliché jokes and moments with various over-the-top facial expressions from Rista and her voice actor that seems like having way too much fun. Then, there's the calm and composed Seiya with no reactions and no feelings whatsoever.
With this duo, what could possibly go wrong?
S-rated demon underlings that is both way unpredictable and powerful, two dragon-descendant party members that have little to no power, a goddess that is worth lesser than medicine herbs and legendary weapons seemingly out of reach. This isekai defies many of the unspoken laws that governs the world of isekai, and within every step, it makes fun of it.
The way the words are expressed with the emphasis on action becomes the embodiment of comedy in this show. This is repeated and applied into many different scenarios under various mood that the Hero is under. And even so, the laughs are never-ending with Rista around here. And I think that's the beauty of it. On what she meant for him.
As it all links together, this comedy show evokes something that I never thought was possible with its premise. It makes it far better, and valuable to be seen. It takes the story, the reasoning to a whole new level.
In the end, it all makes sense.
Cautious Hero is a comedy when see afar, but look closer, and you'll discover the hidden beauty of its tragedy.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Dec 29, 2019
" Far, far to the west, across the sea .. there lies a new world where the trees are laden with fruits and glassy plains cover the land. It's warm and fertile. It's a faraway land, without slave traders and without wars."
It's at this moment that child Thorfinn realise what a weird man his father was, trying to give hope to a dying slave. It's something that he would never understand, at least, when he was little.
But, his fathers' words in fact, speaks for all the people in that chaotic world, that are trying to live peacefully. These few sentences has such a great impact
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to cover for the entire theme the story is on about, and inserting all kinds of horrible situations that could happen in the dreadful world to all of us. It warns us.
Yet, you're still watching it till the very end. You crave for details on how Thorfinn will make up for his incompetence, how Askeladd emerge and become one of the top characters you care about, how a wimpy Canute take the spotlight and searching for the never-reaching conclusion. Until it hits you.
Just like a war doesn't have clear distinction between evils and justice, the anime doesn't have a happily-ever-after. All that's happened, every emotions evoked are long-lasting and they carry these characters forward to reach their goal. Their revenge.
This is why tons of people love this anime. The story is executed well that anyone can understand the story and motive behind each action, like how persistent Thorfinn is and Askeladd, for continue to play with him. The songs added much credit to the story with the opening that can pump adrenaline and ending that eases your nerves, giving ample anticipation for the next episode.
The art, by Wit Studio once again show you the true faces of despair, anger, amazement, determination and relief. A grassy scenery that fills with body parts that are torn apart. A town drenched with red and with piles of bodies buried underneath. It's the contrast that made the chaotic world stands out in the peaceful surrounding, and it made a great impact.
The faraway land that I mentioned?
I think you know its name.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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