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Apr 7, 2024
Heated online discussion, controversy, online hate and strong emotion seemingly related to the discussion is not a new thing for any of us when it comes to the internet.
This series puts that theme into a new perspective utilizing a familiar presentation relating to the theme and genre of magical girls as a tool for this exploration.
The exploration presents mainly criticism towards the online culture of discussion and group mentality as far as the presentation goes. Topics like freedom of speech, anarchy, politics and surveillance are touched in the series.
The premise used as a tool for this criticism is simple Aiko is a magical
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girl who meets her companion who allows her to gain power from online hate and the discussion related to controversies and "injustice". This power is in turn used to eliminate the source individuals who are the target of that controversy.
The pace of the series and the overall curve of the occuring events is relatively fast and id say that enhances the impact of the commentary presented as the over the top nature of the presentation compared with the familiarity of the magical girls genre presents a contrast that essentially spotlights these issues in a way that doesnt make them obvious by themselves.
Overall id say this series despite of its relatively heavy themes relating on the commentary on the previously mentioned topics is mainly defibed by thw final culmination of the series instead of the criticism or the commentary that it presents, which is something that i view asa positive as evdn though it makes the engagement with the series something that you can reflect through these topics, the conclusion id say adds another layer to the commentary undermining its seriousness in a way that id say makes it more meaningful in a long run.
10/10 series an intense combo of heavy and comedic elements presented as a tight package with a familiar setting that brings a spoonful of nostalagia into the mix.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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Dec 28, 2023
Dokaben, a great journey. The series is based on one of the longest manga ever that only concluded few years ago, so this anime is only covering the start of the start of the story.
The story follows Tarou Yamada and his team as they fight in the High School baseball championships. There isnt much happening in the story other than the games and the focus is always on the team vs the rivals. That might sound familiar position as its kind of similar that was presented in another series Kyojin no Hoshi, however unlike Kyojin no Hoshi this series is more about the team as
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a whole, even when Yamada is at focus relatively often, compared to Kyojin no Hoshi where Hyuuma and his relationships were what the series essentailly was about.
The whole team as characters are essentially important but 4 of the members of the team are what I would call as the main chatracters inside of the team: Yamada, Satonaka, Tonoma and Iwaki. These four characters are the carrying force of the team and the character of the team. Most of the arcs focus on one of these characters. Other important group of characters are the rivals, this is where the series gets interesting as there are lot of rivals, and these rivals are what make the scale of the series feel larger as the series progresses.
Now this series like I mentioned is only the start of the start of the series, and at the end of the series you see all of these rivals and other characters ready to move forward. You just want to see what step all of these guys take next, most of the characters that are introduced are not forgotten and will be relevant later which I think adds another layer to the scale of the series.
The series managed the make the world and the characters and how they move forward towards pro baseball very exciting and I think that is pretty impressive considering this series covers only the start of the whole journey.
Only downsides in the series were mostly that there wasnt much excitement on the matches and some of the elements presented in the series were essentially supernatural and were kind of weird, However those dont really bother the experience as much as the series doesnt really present itself as serious as series like Kyojin no Hoshi and instead realies lot on comedy.
The comedy in the series I'd say is really good and lot of the comedy is carried by the character Iwaki and his antics which make the series I think very enjoyable.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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Nov 17, 2023
An acclaimed classic picture book story adapted with a relatively special presentation.
The interesting aspect of the film is that it utilizes stereoscopic presentation in order to achieve a 3D effect, I wasnt able to test that version due to the lack of equipment so I went with the 2D version instead.
Now I'm sure everyone is familiar with the classic and acclaimed picture book series, the film presents 5 stories 3 of which are directly associated with the picture book series and the characters, the 2 others I assume focus more on highlighting the 3D presentation to the audience with their visual.
Key element in the
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film is that it is spearheaded solely by the anime song legend Mitsuko Horie when it comes to the musical performance, narration and the vocal presentation of the visual elements. Her vocal prowess and professionalism I'd say elevates this film in the audiovisual experience to a new level entirely and is a essential part of the experience of the film.
The song performance itself is a famous song for youth "Omocha no Chachacha" The song I'd say provides resonance to the themes and youthful approach presented with the tone of the story and the elements and their vocal portrayal.
The art in the film is simplistic but not overly simple and puts the emphasis on setting up a youthful atmosphere for the visual presentation. The professionalism of the vocal presentation of Mitsuko Horie I'd say takes into account this youthfulness found in the visual which I'd say elevates the combined experience into a higher realm.
Overall this film is a must watch for fans of Mitsuko Horie as her strong presence essentially carries the film and presents a youthful presentation of the classic well known picture book seriees. The stereoscopic 3D aspect is another factor that might be interesting aspect as far as the overall execution goes, though like I mentioned eearlier my expereince was limited to the 2D presentation so I can't provide a full analysis for the 3D experience by itself.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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Nov 30, 2022
Himitsu no Akko-chan, original series created by Akatsuka Fujio, the manga released in 1962 in Ribon magazine. The animated series followed the series Mahoutsukai Sally as another defining work when it comes to the girls entertainment in Japan in 1960s - 1970s.
The series follows Kagami Atsuko (Akko) who at the start of the series had buried a mirror after it broke and is presented a magical mirror from heavens as a present for her kind gesture towards the old mirror. This mirror holds a very special power that allows Akko to transform into anything that she wills by chanting a magical phrase "Tekumaku Mayakon". The
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exploration in the series is focused mainly on this power and how Akko utilises this power to help her friends and relationships while also exploring these relationships in depth and from different perspectives utilising this power.
The series also poses an interesting approach to the characters and the morality of Akko posing as these different characters to escalate or fix these situations. The power is also used to drive home the comedic presence of these characters and escalate the situations to highlight the comedic aspect of the series. The relationships and their importance around Akko is also highlighted through the usage of the transformation power that Akko utilises in the series.
When it comes to the characters Akko herself is obviously on the focus when it comes to the series. The surrounding characters are mainly presented as "caricatures" and serve as a contrast to Akko and the power, the surrounding characters also highlight and escalate the comedy and other situations that arise from Akko utlising the power.
The art style of the series draws parallels to the earlier series "Mahoutsukai Sally" and I'd say utilises similar approach when it comes to the design and visaul aspects of the series. The character design also draws parallels to the iconic designs from the original manga. Blending these two aspects into a very wholesome look and feel when it comes to the visuals.
The sound and voice acting is one of the highlights of the series as was the case in "Mahoutsukai Sally" the characters personaly is enhanced to a new level through the brilliant voice acting in the series and the soundtrack doesnt leave anyone cold with the iconic theme song and many other tracks enhancing the engagement and immersion to the emotion presented in the series.
Overall the series is a timeless classic that presents an interesting approach to the morality of posing as others and the responsibility when it comes to utilising a power. This all is presented in a wholesome and kind manner leaving a smile to your face
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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Oct 11, 2022
Probably the bravest venture straight into the "deep end" of existential philosophy, that I've seen from Sugahara Souta - yet.
The premise is relatively straightforward, but asserts an intriguing question at the same time. You got a button, by pressing it you will get lot of money, but in turn you spend 500 million years in an empty space, consciously. After that time your memory is wiped and you return to the moment when the button was pressed, as if nothing had happened.
The interesting part here arises from the question that is the "reward" in a modern and current "capitalist society" "worth" the conscious existence in
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empty solitude for 500 million years. This question is tackled in the series utilising multiple different perspectives and it is explored multiple times.
Another question presented is that if you forget the 500 million years after it is over is it the same than not experiencing it at all. Regarding this question we must first have an answer to another question that is whether the "current" experience is more important and defining of an "individual" than the "percieved" experience.
You can look at it in this way, let's say that you know that you went to store and bought bread last night, but you don't remember the "experience", does that render the "experience" related to that as same than the "experience" where you didn't go to the store at all. In short does simply "perceiving" the "experience" and not the the "experience" itself hold a value?
These questions and more relating to what is "self" and "current state" are explored in the series in depth.
Another factor to the series comes from the "characters" the experience is mainly explored through the "character" Tonio whose visual representation in the series provides an unique perspective to the "philosophy" of the character. The series, themes and questions are mainly explored from the perspective of "the character" however the visual representation of "the character" sets us apart from the party whose perspective is utilised to explore these questions.
As with the story the main factor of the "characters" are their reactions and "answers" to these same "questions" essentially you are getting three or four answers to each of these questions as they are explored through each of the characters. And their differing ideologies.
The presentation of the series is something you'd expect from Souta so i won't go into detail about that. Overall if you're looking for something that has some interesting philosophical commentary about existence, self and religion I'd say this series provides those elements in a mix that you don't see often.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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Sep 11, 2022
After the detour from the original series themes in "Shin Kyojin no Hoshi", this sequel brings the series back to its roots for a perfect conclusion for the whole series.
The long awaited continuation of the father and son relationship reaches finally its conclusion through brilliantly presented climax where the whole saga reaches its culmination point. That climax you could say brings definition to the whole series. In addition of that also the relationship to the sport and the people around him are brought to a brilliant conclusion through another set of events culminating to the series of events leading to the final conclusion.
To be
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honest I didnt think it was possible to bring this series such a perfect conclusion considering how many different aspects and themes there were presented in the series and how the first season of "Shin Kyojin no Hoshi" seemed to ignore most of these themes and relationships.
However I was blown away by the spectacle that was the ending and the conclusion of these themes and how they were presented in this finale. Another impressive factor here is that the passage of time and growing up is also brought into the mix that essentially is one of the keys when it comes to the final conclusion of the series. The history and what has happened throughout the series is reflected against the "time" and what "youth" means. With this addition the themes that weer originbally brought up in the original series are able to strike you even more impactful fashion when compared to the original presentation in the origianl series.
In short this finale makes the whole series look and feel better and more meaningful, even the first season of "Shin Kyojin no Hoshi" that I personally dont consider to be up to par with "Kyojin no Hoshi" and " Shin Kyojin no Hoshi II"
Overall I'd say that this series presents one of the most complete and satisfying endings to a series that I've ever seen, rivaling series like "Ginga Eiyuu Densetsu" and "Ashita no Joe" with its scale and the multitude of themes explorted throughout the series.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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Aug 12, 2022
The character Kodama and the visual representation of her philosophy as depicted in this series is one of the more intereseting approaches that I've seen in modern series.
The story and each episode starts of with the opening theme, which I think is one of the key parts of the experience when it comes to the series as a whole and what it represents. In the opening theme we can see how the character (Kodama) starts off her day and does what I would call things that represent her daily routine. This is emphasized in the series as the opening theme plays in every episode
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and it lasts over half of the episode duration. After the "routine" it is time for the "hack" where Kodama is depicted as "breaking from the mold" and you are able to gain glimpse of the world through the lens of her philosophy.
As far as the character goes I'd say that it is one of the key points when it comes to this series. The character Kodama is presented as someone whose philosophy and "routine" when it comes to her daily life have what I would call a visible "conflict of interest". This "conflict" is brought into the light during the "dangerous lifehack" segments of the episodes, while it is also presented that "the routine" doesn't fall apart because of these "dangerous lifehacks". Another way of looking it is that "the routine" is more of a metaphor on how she sees herself as from the eyes of "the society" and "the lifehack" part is more related to her own philosophy and how see sees herself as when she is free from the shackle of "the society".
The art and audiovisual presentation in the series I'd say enhances the "duality" of the series when it comes to "the lifehacks" and "the routine". Visual approach also takes influence from the philosophy of the "character" and "the world" is mainly presented in a relatively abstract manner that I would say plays out nicely when you look at the series as a whole.
I'd say this two segment approach that is utilized in the series is done in very creative manner and the series is filled with small visual cues and metaphors that I would say help to represent the philosophy of the "character" in a relatively abstract but still direct manner that can be understood even if you miss some of the visual cues and metaphors.
Overall if you're looking for something that is able to present a "human experience" in a relatively abstract but still surprisingly relatable manner I'd say this series manages to do that, and leave a good impression on top of that.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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Aug 10, 2022
Aside from her other critical masterpiece "Prism Season" I'd say this work is the most important one when it comes to experiencing her works through film and animated presentation.
While Prism Season takes you through the setting and the philosophy of the motifs of Moe Nagata utilizing a more immersive approach, this work approaches the philosophy and the art in much more direct manner. The film presents itself as almost like a visit to the art gallery. The different "works" present themselves in sequential fashion each layered with different music and atmospheric visual representation of the work.
The music and atmosphere enable immersion into each of
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the animated sequences all of them which explore the world through the lens of the motifs that Moe Nagata is famous for and the philosophy relating to those motifs. The sequences themselves are relatively short, but each is laced with ultimate care and emotion when it comes to the animation and the presentation of the motifs. After each segment there is a short pause in the music and the visual presentation that allows for a transition to a different "experience". However this pause surprisingly doesn't disrupt the overall experience or the atmosphere. I believe that is because of the film presents itself as an artistic journey where "the art" is the key factor when compared to the implied "continiuty" that often is emphasized in more narratively heavy works.
Each segment starts with a year, title of the art and a framed setting on a wall background. Then the animated representation of the work and gentle music starts. I'd say that the presentation of the famed "piece" on the wall into the animated presentation, represents the "depth" that can be experienced if you've visited art galleries and looked at the pieces on the wall. This film proposes an example on how you this factor can be enhanced while still staying true to the initial setting of the film. After the audiovisual presentation each segment ends with reverting back to the original piece and it is signed my Moe Nagata.
Overall I'd say that this film provides an experience that is comparable to going to the art gallery and experiencing the works there in person. Essentially the film is filled visual presence of Moe Nagata and provides you the ability to be able to expereince that presence through an "art gallery" like visual format. Definitely recommended for everyone that is yearning to be able to see Moe Nagata works at a gallery.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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Jul 20, 2022
A fairly dramatic approach and portrayal when it comes to Moe Nagata and her art. I can say that the fantastical aspect and the focus on legendary creatures such as mermaids was visually done in a brilliant manner, however the tone of the film and the approach was more tragic and dramatical than I would've expected from artist like Moe Nagata.
I usually see her as an artist that excels on portrayal of fantastical visual atmospheres utilising many of the motifs that are associated with her works. I'd say that these motifs and their portrayal is the key when it comes to the presentation and portrayal
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of her pieces. However when it comes to this particular work that draws parallels to the Japanses fairy tale "Akai Rousoku to Ningyo" you can see that the presentation of the motifs and the usual portrayal that you'd expect from her art is mostly focused on the beginning act and the visual presentation of the culmination of the series which is in the latter half of the film.
The middle part of the film is spent on a unusually long build up and setting up the culmination through narratively focused portrayal of the visual atmosphere. After the vibrant start that mesmerized me into the atmosphere I was not expecting such a stark change of tone in the visual atmosphere, especially considering that it is Moe Nagata that we are talking about here.
While the middle part and the more dramatic and tragic presentation came as a relative surprise to me after the act that was presented in the beginning, I dont particularly see that as a bad thing. It is different from what we are used to getting from Moe Nagata and her portrayal of the motifs that are more familiar when it comes to her other works and the general presentation that you can see in them.
In this work the portrayal is segmented into three different "acts" first off you can immerse yourself into the fantastical setting of the mermaids, presentation using the familiar fantastical elements and motifs found in many of her other works. I see this act as something that is meant to soothe the audience into the sense of fantasy and visual atmosphere that comes with the setting. The second act fowever brings us into a very "raw" and very "human" setting that serves as a platform for setting up the tragedy and the unimaginable suffering. This is portrayed well visually as well as in the atmosphere. The presentation is done without much or any emphasis on the motifs which I think enhances the contrast and raw nature of the "raw" human sociaty versus the fantastical mermaid society where the presentation was more focused on the motifs and fantastical approach during the first act.
The last act brings these two contrasting "opposites" into a tragic mix that serves as a culmintaion point for the entire film. The atmosphere stays very raw as the motifs feel almost being ripped apart. The presentation of this visual spectacle is something that I would call a "visually violent" experience. The harmony of the motifs and the visual atmosphere is ripped apart pice by piece which I think adds another layer of horror into the atmospheric experience I'd also say that it complements the tragic narrative pretty well.
You could intrepret the film containing some relatively serious topics through the metaphors that are present in the visual atmosphere. I'd say that the main takeoout of the film for me was the incredible visual deconstruction of the usual Moe Nagata atmosphere and her visual presence. I am aware that her works usually contain themes revolving around longing, growth and youth but I'd say that the execution in this film was pretty radical when it comes to those themes and their presentation in the visual atmosphere of the film.
Overall for Moe Nagata fans I'd say it is a experience that is definitely worth it other than that the film might not provide much to you as far as visual experience goes if you're not already familiar with the approach and motifs she uses to establish the visual atmosphere in her other works.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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Jul 8, 2022
A fairy tale classic Oyayubi-hime, visualized to a film by the legendary illustrator Moe Nagata. I recommend going into this work after familiarizing yourself with the motifs and visual presence of Moe Nagata first.
I say that because even as the story of the film presents itself utilising a relatively straightforward approach, the motifs and subtle presence of Moe Nagata and her visual prowess are the highlight of the film. The experience of the story is moreso used as a tool for Nagata to highlight the motifs and the breathtaking art and visual laced with subtle animation throughout the film.
Essentially you could say that the film
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portrays the identity of Moe Nagata herself as an artist in a visually subtle manner. As the presence of the motifs and the subtle atmospheric visual experience grows more intense finally reaching the culmination point at the end where essentially, you can experience the flow of the visual presence of Moe Nagata at its fullest.
Interesting factor here is the minimalistic approach that is emphasised also throughout of the film, even when the visual flow and rawness of the art is more freely flowing by itself, the subtle presentation limits this flow to something akin to a little flutter. I see this as a visual metaphor that relates to the small size of the character "Oyayubi-hime" and her presentation.
The audio and its presentation through the film is also relatively minimalistic, there is a soft narration throughout the film that manages to immerse you into the story and into the visual presentation, without drawing too much attention to itself as this is mainly a visual atmospheric presentation. However there are few culmination points when it comes to the audio experience relating to the visual experience. These culmination points are brilliantly laced together with the subtle visual and atmospheric elements and the soft song performance that occurs is truly something special.
Overall if you're fan of Moe Nagata I'd say that this film doesn't disappoint as all of her key visual motisf are represnted both in a visual and in a narrative manner.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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