- Last OnlineApr 28, 2023 10:01 AM
- GenderMale
- BirthdayMay 9, 1999
- LocationSingapore
- JoinedJan 13, 2016
RSS Feeds
|
![]()
Dec 24, 2016
Being one of the most hyped and watched anime of the 2016 season, Re:Zero is an action-fantasy series that sets high expectations for itself given its smooth entrance and promising base story. The entire anime is centralised around protagonist Natsuki Subaru and his ability, 'Return by Death', which allows him to return to a specific 'checkpoint' after perishing (which he does so countless times in the series). Now, onto my review proper.
Story: 6/10
Re:Zero, as mentioned beforehand, is an anime that showed immense potential given its unique base concept and opening sequence. Time loops are commonplace occurrences in the anime world, but given the complexity of
...
the concept and the difficulty in pulling off a successful time-based series (such as Your Name or Stein's Gate), it was a risk using this idea due to high risk of backfire. Fortunately, Subaru's main ability was deployed to good (but not great) effect. There was appropriate suspense and sufficient focus on the main storyline, which created an uncanny 'black-hole effect' where viewers were drawn into the series, unable to stop watching due to innate curiosity and a desire to explore the next timeline. This would serve as the key plus point for Re:Zero; its ability to attract viewers, and keeping them immersed in the constant action. Plot development was also fine, with the pace of the anime being brilliant despite repeated time loops, which often cause animes to move too slowly. However, there are also major problems with the plot, with plot holes being all over the place. The developers failed to identify many core issues in the plot, causing viewers to constantly question various occurrences and phenomena due to poor explanation and missing focus. Examples would include Subaru's complete ignorance to why he was sent to the alternate world, or what even happened to Felt. There is a plethora of unanswered questions, and although the main storyline is decently developed, there are plenty of holes in the otherwise beautiful tapestry. Whether these questions will be answered in future series, or whether they are the fault of direct light novel adaptation, I do not know, but it has ruined the potential of the series for me, and caused Re:Zero's plot to be lacklustre and average at best.
Art and Story: 9/10 and 10/10 respectively
I lack a basis for judgment for anime artwork, and nor do I overly nitpick on the art of an anime, so that explains the 9/10. No outstanding issues, and I was pleased with the artwork, so yeah.
For the part of music, I loved all the opening and ending songs, and the OSTs present. Be it 'Redo' by Konomi Suzuki, or the rich palette of songs by Myth and Roid (or even the other songs), they fit perfectly into Re:Zero, and remain as one of my most listened songs. I highly recommend giving them a listen :D
Songs:
-Redo (Konomi Suzuki)
-Stay Alive (Rie Takahashi)
-Wishing (Inori Minase)
-Paradisus Paradoxium (Myth and Roid)
-Styx Helix (Myth and Roid)
-Theatre D (Myth and Roid)
-Straight Bet (Myth and Roid)
Character Development: 5/10
I think its pretty ironic for Emilia to be listed as a main character and Rem as a side. As much as the female characters are eye candy and do have their respective defining traits, fact remains that character development in Re:Zero is poor and many of the characters' backstories have not been explored by the series. To be honest, we know hardly anything about main character Subaru, other than the fact that he is naive, rash, slightly retarded, blunt and shameless. (In other words, a douchebag) Emilia is listed as a main character, but close to nothing about her past has been revealed, and her low screen time did the series no favours as well. The only proper character development the series has done is probably revolving around Rem (and a bit of Ram), but otherwise, looking back, we actually know close to nothing about Subaru, Emilia, Julius, or just any character in the show. Kimi no na Wa was 2 hours long, and it had better character development than this full 24 episode series. Yes, Re:Zero is action-centric and places a greater emphasis on fighting than narrating, but character development is still necessary for providing a wholesome environment for all to truly empathize and understand the doings of the characters, and ultimately, love the series.
Overall: 7/10
While Re:Zero was a series I truly enjoyed and binge-watched, after analysis, I believe it was just a mediocre anime, and did not fulfill its true potential. Still, I believe that it is a must-watch, as the series was truly entertaining, and had an uncanny ability to suck you in, causing you to be unaware of its problems and flaws. It still remains as one of the superior series this year, and I really hope they come up with a season 2 to further the plot, and answer all the questions that they came up with in the original series.
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
What did you think of this review?
Nice
 0
Love it
 0
Funny
 0
Confusing
 0
Well-written
 0
Creative
 0Show all
![]()
Jan 13, 2016
After watching the first season of Love Live (reluctantly at that too), I was rather disappointed by the anime and did not have high expectations coming into the second season. To my utter surprise, the second season seriously impressed me and even 'transformed' me into a Love Live fan. This was definitely a pleasure to watch, as the developers had drastically improved the anime from its first season to create this work of art. Listening to the criticisms of the public in this case definitely worked out for the producers, and they were able to amend most of the glaring flaws present in the anime's
...
first season. Going on to specifics:
Story: Well, this season was mainly about the development of the idol unit as a whole -- the producers evidently decided to ditch individual character development, and emphasized on the development of μ's as a whole. This was an intelligent gamble -- after all, going deeper into nine main characters' backstories would prove to be detrimental to the quality of the anime, causing it to be melodramatic and boring. It was a pleasure to watch as μ's grew and cruised towards their final goal -- to win the competition -- although some parts could be further elaborated. Overall, the story in Season 2 was enjoyable and rather well development -- a massive development from the mess in season 1.
Art: This is mainly personal preference, but I really love the art used in Love Live (even for Season 1). How the characters are portrayed, how the environment is drawn, etc. -- all these are very well done, and I am unable to pick out any flaws or problems with the artwork of the anime.
Sound: Now THIS is the defining factor of Love Live. It might be a given for idol animes to have good music, but Love Live's music is beyond fantastic. Almost all of the music in the anime is brilliant, (with a few exceptions here and there) and these songs are also used to great effect -- they have proved to be superb in amplifying the atmosphere and mood present in the scenes they are deployed in. Season 1's music is already good -- but Season 2 takes it to a whole new level. Each new song just has this ability to draw you in -- no matter how much you listen to it, it never gets boring, but instead provides that spark for you to start twitching/rocking to the beat. My personal favourites: Dancing Stars on Me! (S2), No Brand Girls (S1), Snow Halation (H2)
Character: As mentioned before, the developers decided to sacrifice the development of the individual μ's members to focus on the development of μ's as a whole. Thus, character development is certainly lacking and can be worked on, but I believe that this intended neglect has allowed for the story to be much more enjoyable and appropriately paced.
Enjoyment: I enjoyed watching Love Live's Season 2 very much -- μ's jovial nature just seems to draw me in, and create that elusive smile on my face. Throughout the entirety of season II, I have thoroughly enjoyed the anime, and have spent most of my time watching it either grinning stupidly, or even giggling. This is perhaps the anime I have enjoyed the most -- I simply love the jovial, carefree nature of μ's and how the anime was developed.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
What did you think of this review?
Nice
0
Love it
0
Funny
0
Confusing
0
Well-written
0
Creative
0Show all
|
