Animated by Studio GAINAX, written by Kazuki Nakashima and directed by Hiroyuki Imaishi, Gurren Lagann is a stunning display of brilliance with its art style (1, 2, 3), character and plot development that was filled with dramatic highs and lows, plot twists and ability to pull on the heart strands of viewers by touching on philosophical aspects of fate and existence while incorporating well choreographed fight scenes and dialogue.
Story (5/5)
The story is a supposedly simple progressive campaign from the "depths of underground" to the "heavens". The initial start of the series quite standard as it provides no reason beyond "I want to" for the start of "adventure". Quite substandard for such a well writ anime, I thought. I quickly realized that this progression is consistent with characterization (Kamina) and with the "drill" motif carried through the rest of the series.
Characters (5/5)
The characters in this series are brilliantly done, not just complex and deep, but rather have intimate understandings and interactions with surrounding characters. Key characters I'd like to focus on are Kamina, Simon, and Viral. I'd like to also comment on the Helix King and romance aspect of this series.
Kamina, is by far the most "manly" character in the beginning of the series, prior to Simon 'becoming' Kamina. The importance of Kamina's drive in life, realization of purposefulness, leadership capabilities and ability to inspire people drove the series forward for the first section. His character is important in the development of Simon, Viral and pretty much all the other characters.
Simon, the protagonist of the story is just swooning in Kamina's shadow for the first bit of the anime leading me to care little of his existence (and even blame him for Kamina's death). The establishment of Simon as the scared digger who needed someone to support him. In an early struggle, Simon's depression made him an even less notable character aiding the introduction of Nia into the plot and making Nia, in contrast, even more lovable (and whose death more sad). The transformation of Simon into the more boss Simon makes this series particularly interesting as it parallels the how humans develop. We need leadership, we encounter loss and being lost, then we find our light and move on. The beauty of Simon's development and the re-establishment of a "main" character who epitomizes "epic" makes this series even better.
Viral, the immortal beastman who turns good, is another interesting character who begins as Kamina's rival, but only fights him twice. Viral expresses a "younger" Kamina, the one with drive and passion but not know where they are going. Opposite to Simon still. The development of Viral's motives and ideals make this series more of a charm to watch. This transformation mirrors Simon's but in a different direction and parallels humans who may not be "learning" but rather are "learned" and "comfortable" with life not seeing the more far reaching impacts.
Animation (4.5/5)
The Gainex and Imaishi combination proved very successful as anticipated. Animation I found was relatively high quality and consistent compared to other series out there, but not even close to Shinkai's. This consistency and ability to create nice backgrounds and realistic character developments (ageing of characters) made me like it. The unique style reminiscent of Evangelion, but also hinting at the styles at the later "Panty and Stocking with Garterbelt" further drew me deeper to appreciate it. In conclusion, I found the anime style very attractive with the majority of the series well done and engaging.
Sound (5/5)
The sound aspect of it was well done, and unique much like the animation. The pseudo hip-hop influence really carried the rash personalities and spontaneity of the characters and plot other than that there is little to comment on.
For a more comprehensive review please visit:
http://randomryanreview.blogspot.com/2011/12/qerqewrqewr.html
