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Feb 19, 2010
This is just my general interpretation of how I understood the anime.
Tales of the Abyss
T.V Series: 26 Episodes
Anime Director: Kenji Kodama
Plot:
Tales of the abyss is a fairy tale set in a magical world governed by Fonstones, otherwise known as the “Score”. The plot of the series mainly focuses on the “Score” and how our heroines contend with seemingly impossible obstacles to prevent its alteration. In order to achieve this and maintain the order of the “Score”, they must face off against foes that they once looked up to as family. The task is not easily realized, as matters of the heart arise to
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challenge their course of action. Despite the heart aching challenges that stand poised to thwart their progression, our heroines were able to find solace in the bond they share with one another, as they continue their quest of salvation. With self-determination of an iron will, our heroines march on with resolute courage to ensure the survival of the world they love.
Characters:
Fon Fabre, Luke
Voiced by: Suzuki, Chihiro (Japanese)
Heroes are more often than not, bred of courage, wisdom and compassion, but those were traits that Luke profoundly lacked at the start of the series. Being imprisoned for almost the entire duration of his childhood, due to a kidnapping incident, Luke grew up not knowing much about the world around him. As the story progresses, our hero finds his true calling in life. His journey of discovery and salvation would negate all of his self-demeaning characteristics, and impart upon him the traits of a true champion.
Ash
Voiced by: Suzuki Chihiro (Japanese)
Reality forces us to grow up both physically and emotionally, and in Ash’s case this was certainly no different. In the series he’s portrayed as character full of heart and pride. As one of the six God generals, Ash originally supported the idea of overthrowing the “Score,” but after numerous encounters with our heroes, he changes his mind and assists them in their quest.
Curtiss, Jade
Voiced by: Koyasu, Takehito (Japanese)
Jade, also known as Jade the Necromancer is a very knowledgeable and mysterious individual. He is considered the originator of the fomicry art. During his adolescent stage, Jade experienced some horrific events that would later result in his peculiar behaviors in the show. Having a military background only excelled Jade’s decision making and profoundly developed his ever present self-awareness.
Ion
Voiced by: Kobayashi, Yumiko (Japanese)
As the leader of the Order of Lorelei, Ion was kind and open minded. His ability to read the fonstones immensely helped our heroines in their quest. He remained humble and courteous until his demise. As he was nearing his death, as a final act of good will, he used his last remaining power to extract the miasma that threatened the life of Tear.
Grants, Tear
Voiced by: Yukana (Japanese)
A courageous and an extraordinary person full of compassion and love. She is the descendent of Yulia and the blood relative to Van in the series. In the series she aids Luke and the rest of the ensemble to help defeat her beloved brother. She is strong willed and kindness is her strongest strength. She’s constantly consoling Luke whenever things don’t go his way. One of her notable traits is the series of hymns she sings and utilizes as battle tools.
Cecil, Guy
Voiced by: Matsumoto, Yasunori (Japanese)
Guy, originally a descendent of royal blood, but due to certain circumstances, he found himself working as a servant in the Fabre’s mansion. He is Luke’s best friend in the series. As a friend, Guy saw it his responsibility to guide and be there for Luke when things were at their bleakest point. Guy has a wonderful persona, but when it comes to women, that persona quickly gets erased and turns into a phobia.
Luzu Kimlasca Lanvaldear, Natalia
Voiced by: Neya, Michiko (Japanese)
Natalia is the princess of Kimlasca, and Luke’s fiancée in the series. As a princess, she lived up to the title, and as a fiancée she has been nothing but wonderful. She is very supportive of Luke, and her determination to help him never once wavered. In the course of the series, Natalia’s resolve was tested countless times, but she never allowed herself to succumb to the evil that threatened her and her companions.
Tatlin, Anise
Voiced by: Momoi, Haruko (Japanese)
Anise is a peppy and cheerful girl, but her intentions always tend to misguide others. In the series, she acts as shelter that fends off all harm that is likely to befall master Ion. She also helps out Luke and the rest of the gang in their quest, but for a different reason. Some of her distinct traits that are rather perceptible in the series are her deceitful ways and, her passionate love for money.
Grants, Van
Voiced by: Nakata Jouji (Japanese)
Van is the commandant of the Order of Lorelei. He commands the six Gog generals, and he is also Luke and Ash’s mentor in the series. After the destruction of his birth land, Van has made it his mission to overthrow the “Score” that predicted the eradication of his home land. To achieve this, he joined the ranks of Lorelei in order to amass a strong following that is loyal and willing. His resolve to achieve his objective never changed, and he thwarted anyone that dared to stand in his way.
Summation:
Tales of the Abyss manages to sustain the elements of the premise, without severally hampering its growth. By doing so, it maintained its charm devoid of ever leaving the viewer feeling discontented. The series pretty much narrators itself throughout the entire process, so the likely hood of any confusion on the viewer’s part is minimal. As a fantasy genre, the series didn’t portray that element to its fullest; rather, it was rarely present much of the entire storytelling. Where the series does succeed is in the manner by which the story was represented: Succinct and fast paced, thus allowing the viewer to experience every aspect of the show with straightforwardness.
Theme:
The overall theme of the show was never hidden from the viewer; rather it was present from the opening ceremony of the show. It depicts with simplicity, without throwing unnecessary weight on the script, the dire message of great change and salvation. This was evident throughout the process of the storyline, as Luke continuously confronted spectacles that questioned his existence. The general message of the series is humble and sincere, something that the viewer will profoundly come to acknowledge as the story arrives at its conclusion.
Media Related:
The animation sequence was superbly executed. Visually the series was amazing, and that was reinforced by the beautifully realized world where the story takes place. The character design was appropriate and delightfully complemented the overall fantasy element of the show.
The style of the series was well constructed to help transmit the over all message of progression. The fight scenes were rather brief, but potent enough to distinguish the style of the show. The creation within the world itself was well detailed and conspicuously presented. Though the visual style of the show was fully realized, the musical aspect of it was rarely touched. Suffice to say, these minor gaffes are hardly ever noticed, as the overwhelming substance of the storytelling easily removes these protracted shadows.
JJ
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Feb 11, 2010
Shigurui (Death Frenzy): Reviewed
Author: Takayuki Yamaguchi
Anime Director: Hirotsugu Hamakzaki
Original Run: July 19, 2007 – October 12, 2008.
Genre: Chanbara
Episodes: 12
Plot:
It’s often said that “The way of the samurai is found in death”, Shigurui is tale set in the early 1600 hundreds that beautifully foretells the ideology of a samurai’s life through renowned artistic violence. The premise of the show is centered around a duel between two master swordsmen, Gennosuke Fujiki a one-armed swordsman, and Seigen Irako a blind swordsman with an almost crippled foot. Through foreshadowing story telling the series gives birth to a magnificent plot. The plot then, guides the path for the young master
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swordsmen, Gennosuke Fujiki and Seigen Irako with a display of sensational visuals and an in-depth mastery of outstanding artistic showmanship, as they showcase their ability, courage and loyalty in hopes of grasping an unrivaled set of skills.
Characters:
Gennosuke Fujiki: Voiced by: Daisuke Namikawa (Japanese), John Burgmeier (English)
The protégé of the kogan dojo and the ideal candidate that’s most likely to inherit the dojo. Through out the series, Fujiki is portrayed as a calm and rational figure that never allows his emotions to dedicate the pace of his judgment. His ability to wield the sword is uncanny, and his compassion towards his fellow comrades is heartfelt and sincere. Amongst these admirable traits, the one that shuns his other noble traits, Is Fujiki’s loyalty for his master Kogan.
Seigen Irako: Voiced by: Nozomu Sasaki (Japanese), J. Michael Tatum (English)
An aspiring master swordsman, whose methods of reaching a profound goal lack proportion. In the series, Irako’s ideals are encompassed in the sense of deceit, betrayal, and utter disloyalty for his master. Not only does he lack a sense of cultural value, his actions often, are very impulsive, as if they required a sense of instant gratification. The desire to reach a higher plateau is very demanding, and treacherousness is often a counter productive method that is likely to hinder progression. The noble path Irako walks requires a sense of self-acceptance, prudence, and mutual respect between pupil and master, traits that Irako profoundly lacks.
Kogan Iwamoto: Voiced by: Seizō Katō (Japanese), Jerry Russell (English)
Kogan Iwamoto is the headmaster of the Kogan-Ryuu school. He is a fearsome person whose mastery of the sword is regarded as unrivaled. In the series he’s depicted as an unbalanced figure who’s suffering from dementia: and once a year he breaks free from his uncertain slumber to oversee his dojo. He constantly wishes for a strong breed which in turn will oversee the dojo in his demise. To ensure the success of this, Kogan treats daughter as an instrument that is bring forth this vital breed.
Mie Iwamoto: Voiced by: Hōko Kuwashima (Japanese), Laura Bailey (voice actress) (English)
Mie Iwamoto is loving daughter with an infinite sense of pride. She tends to her father when he’s in his dementia state, along with the aid of Fujiki. Mie is portrayed as a maiden of staggering beauty that is lovely as the autumn rain. The Kogan-Ryuu school’s survival rested solely on her shoulders, as the presupposed offspring she is to produce would be the future of the Kogan dojo.
Summation:
To amass an unprecedented amount of artistry of violence through remarkable story telling is an astounding achievement that requires profound dedication and a level of sophistication that is almost impossible to reach, but Shigurui with ease, was able to capture all of these requirements. The bloody path of a samurai’s a life was captured instantly from the get-go of the series, until it reached its wondrous climax. The aspect of a samurai’s life was ensnared wonderfully with phenomenal storytelling that captured the core of its ideology.
Theme:
The society we live in today follows many ideologies that are coherent to our present time, but Shigurui strongly introduces its audience to a style of ideology that will surely appear to be morally twisted, and completely unnecessary. The series offers several valid themes that can relate to how our society behaves in the current times, but the main theme it wonderfully depicts, is the resolute and harmonious loyalty that a samurai wholeheartedly adheres by. This distinctive quality was terrifically exposed through out the series, with events that tested a samurai’s physical and mental tolerance for his master. Shigurui magnificently delivers this profound and rich artistic representation of the early 1600 hundreds with immense success, and it paints how marginally the ideologies of the past were regarded with great ambition and respect, a rare trait that our self-imposing society lacks.
Media Related:
With a stellar star mesmerizing image, Shigurui showcases a marvelous prospective through beautifully realized violence. Visually astonishing, artistically inspiring, these are the stupendous rich traits that the series embodies. The visual aspect of the show is demonstrated constantly with revered artistry that marvelously appears to be as graceful as the left hand of Rembrandt. Shigurui is a phenomenal work of art that is worthy of the highest recognition.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Feb 11, 2010
Ninja Nonsense: The Legend of Shinobu
T.V Series: 12 Episodes
Original run: July 7/04 – Sept 25/04
Genre: Comedy
Original Author: Royichi Koga
Anime Director: Hitoyuki Matsui
Plot:
In the world of ninjas, danger is imminent and lives are always at stake, but that’s not the case in this series, instead of focusing on the essence of a ninja, the show strays on a more comedic path. Despite this minor alteration, the series remains one of the best of its genre. The series focuses on the world of Shinobu, which is done through comedic snippets revolving around the protagonist. Despite not having an actual plot, the series does well to please its
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viewers through facetious plot lines. In the world of Shinobu, mysteries events unfold and our heroin is faced with physically and morally questionable tasks that are concocted by her devious and lechers instructor, Onsokumaru. Absolutely absurd Assignments such as stealing underwear, abolishing taxes, pinching a marchman and making him cry, stum wrestling a bear, drying a river of tears, hitting a home run while holding the bat between your legs, to crossing the Pacific Ocean on a rubber raft. The comedic aspect of this show is incredible, and viewers are sure to get kick out of this series.
Characters:
Shinobu:
Voiced by: Nana Mizuki (Japanese), Emily Blau (English)
Shinobu is the focal star of the series. She is affectionate, and painstakingly devoted to her work. But her credulous behaviors sometimes conflict with her duty, making the simplest of tasks appear complicated. Despite these minor defects in her design, she is able to maintain an honest and caring relationship with Kaede through out the entire series, albeit sometimes their relationship escalates to a level that far exceeds the normalcy of companionship, which makes it insurmountable for the viewer to correctly assume the nature of their relationship. Shinobu’s state of simplicity is her strongest charm, which is wonderfully depicted through out the entire series.
Kaede Shiranui:
Voiced by: Ayako Kawasumi (Japanese), Zoe Martin (English)
Normally one would associate blonde with deaden, but Kaede is the opposite image of that notion. She’s intuitive, more self-aware (despite being the same age as our heroin), and the most rational character in the series. However, her lack of knowledge of the zany world of ninjas is the reason why she is the most victimized in the series, but this certainly doesn’t diminish any of her established merits, as she remains astute through the series.
Onsokumaru:
Voiced by: Nario Wakamoto (Japanese), Sean Schemmel (English)
Onsokumaru’s an enigmatic figure, and a very distinguished character in the series. He’s portrayed as a yellow spherical creature with a face, which is capable of metamorphism, and can freely change the shape of his physical being. One of his most notable transfigures is the muscular human body he takes when he reaches the emotional precipice. Onsokumaru is pervert that transcends the normal level of perversion. He constantly fantasizes about sexual situations to satisfy his sexual urges. He’s also the leader of the Sasuke army. Despite these foul exterior traits, Onsokumaru does have a decent side to him.
Summation:
For the die hard fans of the comedic art, this series will definitely shed a new perspective on comedy as a whole. Ninja Nonsense immerses the viewer into the world of the ninjas and Shinobu, through a series of incredible sketches filled with witty humor. The standard of comedy depicted in this series is above precision, and the zany world of shinobu reinforces this point beautifully. With a dash of comedy, and perversion, this series is sure to appeal to the mass audience of the craft.
Theme:
Ninja Nonsense as a comedic anime and manga solely intended for mature audiences is filled with sarcasm used to blemish other anime works. The standpoint of the series focuses more on the sex-related aspects of the show. These range from Onsokumaru’s perversion, which is at times illustrated with incredible measures, to Shinobu’s innocent care for Kaede, which is often misinterpreted by Onsokumaru as something sinister and sexually appetizing. The use of the fourth wall is a crucial element in the show, as it’s used as a mean to keep the viewer’s appetite riveted. The series heavily relies on this to invoke laughter from its audience.
Media related:
The character design used in this series is more soft and playful, which is certainly favored in comedic animes. This is surely to appeal to the viewers, and is definitely and excellent way to present the atmospheric nature of the show. The Voice acting was superb, both the subbed and dubbed version were terrific. The audio quality and animation are wonderful and are an immense asset to the show.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Feb 11, 2010
Piano -The Melody of a Young Girl’s Heart: Reviewed.
Original Run: 11/11/2002 – 01/13/2003
Genre: Drama, Romance.
Anime Director: Norihiko Sudo
Plot:
Music has many distinguished sounds, sounds of joy sounds of pain, but it also sheds a new light to a path so serene that it’s captivating. Miu Nomura (our heroin) has walked this path from a wee tot to her adolescent stage. She had incredible talents ever since she was young, and playing the piano was her specialty. She was blessed and her talents were at their peak when she shared what she loved doing best with an audience. As Miu reached her preteens, she began to struggle
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like all musicians do as they try to find their muse. The path she once walked was shrouded with darkness, and her talents had come to a screeching halt. To struggle is to survive, and reinventing oneself is a hard task than it appears to be. Through the pain, and social struggles, Miu continues to march down that black painted path in hopes of rediscovering her former self.
Characters:
Miu Nomura.
Voiced by: Ayako Kawasumi (Japanese), Rebecca Soler (English)
Miu Nomura was born a prodigy; she had an unbelievable talent for playing the piano and found it to be the rhythm of her life. Playing the piano was her way of expressing herself and a way of connecting her emotions with those around her. The urge to share the wonderful feeling that music instilled in her heart with her beloved ones, is what fueled her ambitions and allowed her to excel at her forte. With such feelings, puddles of nerving emotions begin to develop, and Miu’s heart was enveloped with unfamiliar feelings, feelings of love, friendship and despair, that she struggles with immensely as she tries to lead a normal life. Despite this enormous weight that she caries on her shoulders, she continues to strive forward in hopes of grasping the emotions that once filled her heart with immeasurable joy.
Yuuki Matsubara.
Voiced by: Voiced by: Tomoko Kawakami (Japanese), Zoe Martin (English)
Yuuki is a wonderful person; she’s friendly and enjoys helping others. She is energetic and full of life and is always putting others ahead of her own needs. Yuuki’s Miu’s best friend in the series and they share a warm and sensational relationship in the series. Through out the entire aspect of the story telling, we find Yuuki always keeping a watchful eye on her best friend, as she tries to help her deal with the daily struggles of a preteen’s life. Together they embrace their surroundings and march towards a resolution to the crippling problems that befell them. Amidst the misery, Yuuki’s determination to help her friend never once wavered, and this quickly becomes one of her strongest traits in the series.
Kazuya Takahashi.
Voiced by: Voiced by: Jun Fukuyama (Japanese), Michael Sinterniklaas (English)
There comes a time in every boy’s life when he has to decide between his future and love life, and Takahashi is no stranger to this moral dilemma. Takahashi is a hard working teenager that’s devoted to his studies and his school life. In the series, he serves as Miu’s serene crush and one of the reasons that hindered Miu’s talents. Although this is somewhat true, Takahashi is not entirely to blame, as it was Miu’s uncontrolled emotions towards him that caused her severe disillusions.
Summation:
Music has powerful affects, effects that can heal, sadden or spring forth an astounding surge of energy to the human vessel. Piano is a series that embodies all of these affects that music produces, and it does this through a young maiden named, Miu Nomura. The viewer is immersed in all what music has to offer through Miu’s struggles in the series. Miu’s struggles are portrayed wonderfully via a terrific script and rich character, that the majority of the viewers are likely to be familiar with. Piano is a powerful series that offers a sensible insight on teenagers in their adolescent stage, and how they contend to deal with internal uncertainty.
Theme:
The show does well to establish a moral theme that everyone can familiarize with. Through powerful characters and a beautiful story line, Piano dictates the pace on how humans struggle with love, friendship and change. The series solely focus on how change can affect us all, but it also depicts how love and friendship can have such tremendous effects in our everyday life. The message is spectacularly delivered through solid actors and self-conscious characters. The viewer is sure to be enthralled as he is taking on a journey of struggle, despair and salvation.
Media Related:
Although it’s not the originator of its genre, piano does well to deliver a solid story line that is sure to appease the mass audience of the genre. Through elegantly designed characters and breath taking scenery, piano amasses all the necessary traits of a magnificent drama filled, and romance inspiring series. Not often are we blessed with extraordinary story telling and memorable characters, and only a few series have succeeded in this beloved field, but Piano quickly erases all doubts from the viewer’s mind from the get go to the preclusion of the series, and in doing so it distinguishes itself and establishes a solid foundation for itself as one of the greats.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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