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Nov 1, 2014
The Bitter Truth
(please note that it's a spoiler-free review)
We love fantasizing about the future of humanity. We shake our fists at the stars and anticipate amazing discoveries. Through oceans of blood and suffering, we keep pushing forward, always so hopeful about better tomorrow. The faith we have in ourselves is in fact justified, as we can easily trace the progress made throughout history. Humanity has become more civilized, open-minded, peaceful. And even though there's still room for improvement, our achievements to date give us a firm conviction that we're on the right track... but really, are we? What if it's all just a lie we
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keep repeating, a convenient lie that keeps us going? What if deep down in your heart, nothing has changed, ever?
We all have gone through that kind of story at least once in our lives. A story that you get hooked on with time rather than from the get go, one that you don't necessarily enjoy as much as some more accessible ones. And still it leaves a mark on your soul that won't disappear even long after you finished it. Shinsekai Yori is definitely one of those. Set one thousand years in the future, the story of this anime bears no resemblance to any sci-fi futuristic predictions I have ever encountered. Some would expect a highly developed, space-faring civilization, others would settle for a singularity-based vision of human evolution or even a post-apocalyptic dystopia. That's where the series has already broken with convention. There's almost no technology there whatsoever, except for electricity(very scarce) and some rudimentary accessories. The closest reference for the world depicted in Shinsekai Yori would be the pre-medieval Japan, actually. If I were to classify the setting in some way, I'd say it's a modern psychological fantasy, as it doesn't dabble in hard science and instead draws on an elegant yet improbable concept of cantus. Telekinesis (on the molecular level), as this is what the term refers to, is handled with much care and insight in Shinsekai Yori. It's not just a superpower, it's a potent yet dangerous ability that can lead its user to almost godlike achievements... but also to unspeakable atrocities.
The aura of mystery and menace pervades the story long before it unveils any of its dark secrets. The animation, even though technically inferior to some high-profile productions, boasts a stunningly beautiful artistic design. Accompanied by equally effective soundtrack, as eclectic as the anime itself, Shinsekai Yori is a thrilling and unsettling ride through a bitter-sweet utopia. It's all the more effective due to profoundly allegoric character of the series. It is an elegant and painful critique not only of the caste-based society, government and blind faith in it, but also of the unspeakable evil that lies dormant in all of us. If only for the unprecedented setting and concept, the anime is worth watching. If, however, you keep a lookout for ambitious productions that aren't afraid to venture where no one else does, Shinsekai Yori is a must-see.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Jul 29, 2013
With high rating come high expectations. Code Geass, being one of the most popular and high rated anime series, have ignited my interest even though I'm not really a fan of shounen mecha. And well, at first I was really disappointed with its abrupt and clumsy commencement of the plot. The story of Code Geass, despite being impressive with its intricacy and "wow factor", doesn't make much sense and is based mostly on happy and unhappy coincidences. I know that a good and captivating plot is what matters the most, but not at the expense of elementary logic! Still, I can't say it is bad,
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quite the opposite it's charming as hell with its anti-hero-tactical-genius-morally-ambiguous protagonist and numerous twists and turns.
I'm not proud of it, but I like my anime pretty. I like pretty images, pretty characters, backgrounds and whatnot. Code Geass is not pretty, oh no, it's not. Even though the animation itself and visual effects are top-notch, character design is just terrible. I know it's a cartoon, but give me a break, these are not human proportions. The soundtrack is quite good with some interesting jazz and orchestral influences, but the opening and ending themes almost made my ears explode with how unsuitable for the show they were. Who picks this stuff?
Characters are what Code Geass is first and foremost about. Their beliefs, conflicts, loves and alliances determine the flow of the story. The protagonist is obviously the most detailed and complex figure, full of conflict and brilliance boiling within. Still, the creators didn't avoid some painful absurdities. On one hand they struggle to create a story based on tactics, politics and the main character's reasoning, but on the other hand they fail to provide the supporting characters with even a pinch of intelligence. (SPOILER ALERT!) How could they all fail to recognize Lelouch by his voice or silhouette is still beyond my comprehension. (/SPOILER ALERT!)
CONCLUSION
A very good yet a bit overrated anime, with a captivating yet at times painfully contrived story and intriguing main character.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Jul 28, 2013
By combining the dramatic style of Shakespear's play "The Tempest" with modern vision of magic, this anime surely doesn't fail to be original. The backstory is too chaotic and the pacing too irregular to really make it fully enjoyable, though. Some elements of the plot seem awfully detached or illogical, but nonetheless the story is intriguing till the end.
As for artistry, great work by BONES as usual. Nice and rich backgrounds and distinct atmosphere make this anime a pure pleasure to watch. Characters are very well animated and their emotions are perfectly conveyed. Both music and voice acting is top-notch in ZnT (Kana Hanazawa as
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Aika, OMG). Soundtrack is as ambitious, solemn and dramatic as an ost of series inspired by "The Tempest" should be. May be a bit tiresome after a while with its constant pomposity, though, which is a minor fault.
The biggest strength of ZnT are the characters. Fantastic, unpredictable and almost hypnotizing Fuwa Aika is the true highlight of the show, but all characters are well constructed and way more intricate than your average anime character. Shakespear would like it that way, I believe.
CONCLUSION:
A very good anime that, despite messy backstory and unclear concept, redeems itself with great characters, artistry and music.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Jul 27, 2013
Nothing's better than a series you start watching without any particular expectations that turn out to be an outstanding piece of art, pulling your heartstrings with wonderful artistry, music and captivating story.
The series' relatively low rating surprised me at first but I may know what's the reason behind it. Suisei no Gargantia is more eclectic genre and theme-wise than most mecha anime, adding social and ethnological layers to the setting and interspersing the story with hard sf elements (especially the intellectual evolution of Chamber AI comes to mind as an example). The key features of the series are the "stranger in a strange land"
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element of cultural adaptation, the main character's inner evolution and the theme of utilitarian utopia represented by Gargantia. Therefore, SnG demands some flexibility from the audience it is addressed to.
Wonderful music, great pacing and coherent story is what makes this series extraordinary. Some may criticize those few mild fan-service moments in this - rather serious - sf tale, but it just made it more varied and enjoyable in my book.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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