ef – a tale of memories

You know what I like? When an anime doesn’t takes a 26 episode series, turn about a third of them into storyline driving episodes, a fifth of it into story-related episodes, and then fills the rest of sewage. ef – a tale of memories is a great example of not having loads of wasted episodes. There’s really no wasted/filler episodes in the 12 that are offered by ef. The story was strong throughout the entire series, transitioning well from one story to the other (it’s really two and a half stories in one anime).

I liked this one. The animation was smooth, consistent, and all around solid (Unlike… ohh… say, Tenshi na Konamaiki). BGM’s and other sounds were pretty good (not Yuki Kaijura good, but pretty good nonetheless). The analogy of an animal, tethered, on a chain 12 years long with 13 hours of movement, is a powerful one. I definitely found Chihiro’s side of the tale a lot better than Miya-Miya’s. But 99 voice mails? Are there providers who actually give you that many pre-archiving?? I think Hiro-Hiro would’ve been at least a little creeped. Maybe he likes ‘em a tad crazy.

The two stories themselves are well written and lacking plot holes (plot holes the size of… oh… Trigun. And by ‘plot holes’ I mean ‘cataclysmic void’). Really, they’re both well done and enjoyable in their own rights even if they had little cross referencing/dependence. Could this have gone for 26 episode? I don’t know, I’m not familiar with the source material (a manga/light novel/adult visual novel/galge). The pacing was fantastic, so I can’t complain there isn’t more (yet… I’d like to see a Kanon 2006 style remake of this one).

My gripes? Who the hell is that nun-like woman? And where does she appear and disappear to all the time?

I’m going to start adding screen caps into these things.

Jigoku Shoujo

Hell girl! With an intriguing name like that, how can’t you at least wonder what it’s about. More or less some girl who takes requests for revenge. Vengeance is aweso. Now, the method of contracting out of said vengeance is questionably ‘right’. In not all of the oh-shit-pull-red-string cases is the vengeance really that deserved. ‘cases’ range from questionably remotely plausible, to “holy shit, how did satan himself not come up and give you a hug that snaps your spine in half and drags your torso to the underworld”.

That aside. Aside from the first eight episodes that set the tone and really, really ingrain how Enma Ai works, the storyline is ongoing with heavy ’story’ lines on top of the ‘episodic’ content you normally see in western television (i.e. CSI; Prelude, murder, finding clues, capture, grilling, conclusion. An example of boring episodic content. House M.D., is an example of good episodic content with underlying story). It’s not until episode eight that you’re introduced to the “protagonists” of the series. With a relatively conclusive ending, lack of ridiculous plot holes, and effective and detailed priamry character histories (Read: Reasons for acting crazy), I have to admit it’s a pretty good anime all in all. I’m not sure why one of the characters is a flaming chariot wheel, I wouldn’t volunteer for that job, personally.

A lot of recycled animation and shortcuts, but engaging story definitely makes up for the pitfalls. Worth giving it a try.

We’ll see how the second season rolls.

+ Judge Dredd, Japan Edition

+ Enma Ai/goodtastic characters

+ Angry, psychotic, burn-your-villages, Enma Ai

+ A real storyline

- Episodes 2-7

- Why can’t Enma Ai have deadly claws or spines that grow out of her back, instead of shooting energy balls

Blood+

God do I hate annoying characters. I don’t even know how I actually pushed myself through this anime. Thinking about all those episodes makes me a little nauseous. So there’s this main character. She’s a vampire-esque sword fighter. Think Blade, but Japanese, a woman, lots of lost memories, being relatively worthless in a fight, and having a useful sidekick. She-Blade is surrounded by annoying and worthless characters. Saya (that’s her name, by the way) herself is annoying, or rather it’s the poorly written personality and development that makes her annoying.

At first she’s not sure if she should fight the batpires, horsepires, or dogpires. They’re only trying to kill you, why would you fight them! Apparently you are genetically the most fit to fight them, so why not just turn your back on what you are? She goes through this personal dilemma for approximately too many damn episodes until one day, her annoying brother happens to befriend one of the enemies. And then suddenly she’s rarin’ to go slaughter some vampire-derivative species without remorse or second thoughts.

Huh. That’s… that’s retarded. Thinking back, I literally sat there with my mouth open, arms outstretched, hands open, palms up, with a “What? What the fuck? What the fuck happened? Did I miss eleven episodes?” look on my face. I guess the writers decided to turn that way to try and create some melodrama and tension between primary characters.

Now on to her brother. Kai. He is either a) Intentionally stupid or b) Comes from a long line of incest, because he is downright retarded. He’s one demented smile away from an institution. Every other sentence out of his mouth is “Why! I don’t understand! Why can’t I fight with my measly sub-human strength! So what if the monkeypires are virtually bulletproof, I’ll load up my .45 and go get my ass kicked.” Even AFTER repeated beatings at the hands of friend and foe alike, he’s still trying to insist he can actually help in some meaningful way. I have some half-subconscious urge to stretch my hands out and try and choke the life out of him every time he appears on screen. I’m trying to think of a good metaphor to describe his need to help without apparent considering of his personal abilities. Uhh… how about: “But I need to fight! Let me pilot one of the planes! You’re seriously shorthanded!” “No, you’re short handed. You’ve got no arms. Or legs. Stop asking.” The other brother is also senselessly useless. I won’t elaborate, due to spoilers, but enough to say he sucks.

Her ‘foes’ have dozens upon dozens of chances to kill Saya, but choose not to. Likewise, Saya is given many opportunities to achieve her objectives, but hesitates for poorly thought out reasons. The foes are also unexplained or act without due reason, but that’s pretty on-par with what Blood+ has offered from the ‘good’ guys.

The story also drags on. And on, and on. Not to the level of Bleach (*barf*), but enough to warrant slamming. The 50-episode trainwreck that was Blood+ could have easily been done within 26 episodes, or perhaps even 13. I wasn’t kidding in the paragraph up there when I thought I had missed eleven episodes. The story moves that slowly.

So what’s good about Blood+? Well, the first episode opens with copious amounts of blood flowing, so that’s a plus (Get it? No? Okay…). If you like some decent violence action every 4-5 episodes? Chicks with swords? Werepires? I dunno. I’ll probably never watch this again. I might watch Blood – The Last Vampire movie though. The ending was alright I suppose, perhaps felt a bit like they just wrapped up stuff just to get it out of the way though.

+ Blood

+ Blood that sprays, like a high pressure fountain

+ Interesting backstory

+ Bipolar characters?

- Bipolar characters

- Boring main story

- Slow, oh so slow

Kimi Ga Nozomu Eien

This is the most miserable anime in all of ever. They should change the title to “A story of a couple of peoples lives being ruined to shit.” It’s like watching 13 episodes (okay, well, not ALL 13 are miserable) of police officers telling parents their children have been found, dead, in a gutter, two blocks from their house. Don’t let the pictures of cheery highschoolers with Skittle-coloured hair fool you. I cannot meaningfully say exactly how pathetically deep it will dig into your consciousness.

Strangely enough, I disliked all the characters by the end of it. Yet I still enjoyed the anime itself. The male lead, Takayaki Narumi is pansy. If you want to die, just die. Moping around and knowingly damaging other peoples lives doesn’t help anyone. Haruka Suzumiya, the unfortunatest (yes, made up word) victim. Maybe I pity her more than dislike her. Nothing positive in either case. Hoebag McBluehair and Guy-Who-Really-Has-No-Importance-As-The-Fourth-Friend-Other

-Than-To-Create-Misery rounded out this happyfunfun cast to make sure you couldn’t really cheer for any of the characters.

Kimi ga Nozomu Eien has a strong story (even a lack of filler and random fanservice episodes), well developed characters, good music and good animation. Probably the most realistic anime I have ever seen. No magical girls, transformations, magical girl transformations, giant mecha, mini-mecha, aliens, time travelers, or espers. Accurate depictions of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Classical avoidance, disassociation and even some flashbacks for good measure. These people are really suffering.

The ending felt inconclusive, we never really find out what happened to certain parts of the story/characters. I’d have to watch it again to provide more in-depth commentary, because I’ve forgotten a lot of what I intended to say. I guess I’ll just edit it at a later date for more fullishness.

+ Excellent story and storyline

+ Well developed characters

+ Every episode seemed relatively important

+ Wow this is miserable!

- Wow, this is miserable…

- Destroyed more of my faith in humanity

+ Destroyed more of my faith in humanity

Ghost In The Shell – Stand Alone Complex – Solid State Society

They just love these titles. Ghost In The Shell – Stand Alone Complex – Solid State Society – The Sequel – Return Of Motoko Kusinagi – The Lost Children. GitSSACSSStSRoMKtLC. In either case, it’s an actual movie that consists of real screentime for the actual primary character of Ghost In The Shell.

Following the storyline/tangeant of the Stand Alone Complex series, the Major has left Section 9 to pursue her own interests. Apparently she’s doing the exact same thing as when she was still a part of Section 9, but is now independent. More interesting facets of a conspiracy of society-proportions (and an interesting look at social welfare and our social security nets).

Animation quality is on par with that found in Stand Alone Complex. It is essentially a complete extension of everything that Stand Alone Complex was/has/is, but in movie format. And that means it’s just as convoluted in it’s intricacies.

I haven’t read the mangas, but I want this story to continue. Like another season of Stand Alone Complex. Or even a new tangent. As long as it’s more. Ghost In The Shell has turned out to be one of the most enjoyable anime franchises I’ve ever seen. Hopefully it doesn’t get watered down and bastardized by local kids TV stations who hire dubbers that have never seen or heard the original character seiyu’s. Ugh.

Click more for a continuation, with spoilers!

Ghost In The Shell – Stand Alone Complex – 2nd GIG

For those who wanted more Stand Alone Complex, this is exactly what it is. I found this season lost some of the intensity of the first season (That bit with Batou and his minigun in the hall). But it explores more of the past of some of the characters, and how they ended up joining Section 9. Like the first season, strong individualized episodes help to define and flesh out the characters (Togusa’s trial was a great one). There’s also an actual episode devoted almost entirely to Pazu. Apparently future-stalkers are so much more resourceful and creepy.

The manifestation of the stand alone complex is much farther reaching than in the first SAC season, and as such is far more complex. The idea that millions of people could exist solely as net entities with no physical bodies mimics the first two Ghost In The Shell movies, where Motoko ‘lives’ on the net.

Heavily improved quality of animation over first series (everything looks great, from the lighting, shadows, facial expression, everything), no noticeable problems or inconsistencies. I never really liked the soundtrack, but I might have to listen to the OST once or twice in order to really judge it.

If you’ve already watched the previous renditions of the GitS universe, you might as well keep going. Definitely worth your time.

A spoiler or two.

Ghost In The Shell – Stand Alone Complex

Probably my favourite of all the Ghost In The Shell adaptations. An actual anime series that allows the story to be fleshed out with actual character building and background. Intriguing story, a good mix of action and character development, with humour to boot? Hell yes.

The futuristic environment is much more developed in the anime than in the movies, and gives a much better glimpse into the lifestyle of the futuristic. Many tragic elements of the GitS universe turn up in a few episodes of Stand Alone Complex, such as what I call the “skinning” episode, the “Jeri” episode, and the overall Cyberbrain Sclerosis scandal. Episode 21 also had one of the most intense scenes I’ve ever seen in an anime, part of that which I have turned into a .gif

She’s firing a large calibre anti-material/sniper rifle into an Armed Suit (exo-skeleton style mech). With one arm. In the rain. While very, very angry. The drama. Feel free to ’steal’ the .gif.

The ‘unrelated filler’ Individual episodes actually have a purpose, thankfully. They explore concepts of artificial intelligence, character backgrounds and motives. I wish other anime’s had this feature, as opposed to being ridiculously long bore-fests like Bleach and Naruto.

Watch it. Cyberpunk hooooooo!

Ghost In The Shell 2 – Innocence

Motoko Kusinagi shows up for about 5 minutes in this entire movie, before you go expecting this movie to actually be about her. I mean why would they do that? She’s only the best character out of the GitS universe.

This movie is the ’sequel’ to the original Ghost In The Shell feature film, and does NOT follow the storyline of any of the Stand Alone Complex stuff. Batou. Lots of Batou. As well as the other regulars. But no Motoko. She shows up in the end!… Sorta. Same voice, different body. So even what you get is incomplete. Like buying a deluxe burger that has no cheese. Why? The movie itself is still good. Further explores concepts of humanity vs. cyberization. More delicious philosophical topics. It’s also more complex than the original Ghost In The Shell movie, watching it a second time definitely revealed more plot and less “huh? Wait wait what the hell just happened?“

Animation quality has taken a definite overhaul (you’d damn well expect so, with a 9-year gap in release times). I liked the ‘gun camera’ view of Batou’s machine gun (Minimi with blue muzzle flash!). Non-animated movies should definitely try this, would look damn cool. The way the gynoids ‘open’ when they are shot is kind of creepy and strange. It’s hard to visualize, but instead of just receiving bullet holes, pieces of their bodies ‘open’, as if a rib snapped away from your sternum and splayed open for all to peer into your innards. Perhaps I should really add pictures to these posts. Would help describe, mayhaps?

If you liked the first movie, you’ll like the second. The same ‘landscaping’ shots seen in the first movie also appears in the second, and they look pretty damn good. A must see for GitS fans.

Midori no Hibi

My first question when I heard about this anime was “How does she poop? If she is his right hand, and she eats, she must poop. She poops into his arm? Right into his bloodstream? Double-you-tee-eff?”. Something that will remain a mystery.

So she’s his right hand. A surprisingly strong right hand. I love how she drags his unconscious body around while she cleans, vacuums, and flies down the stairs to answer the door (yes, his body flops down the stairs as well). How does she answer the door? No one can know she’s a right hand. So she lifts up Seiji. By the back of the neck. And talks for him. And drops him a few times in the process. That was a good episode.

Also, no explanation as to why Midori falls in love with Seiji. Ayase I can see, because he saved her with many drop kicks. I don’t know if I had to have read the manga for this one, but I prefer explanation.

An odd and crazy story. Funny in the way the story was presented and worked out, with a satisfying (if a little bland) ending. Not too high on my list of likes, but definitely watchable.

Dai Mahou Touge

Hilarity! Random, random hilarity! The heroine is a seemingly bi-polar princess, one half being the nice and polite princess of castles and flowers land (not entirely true, her parents are merciless dictators), and the other half is an expert wrestler with bone-crunching, painful looking (and sounding) maneuvers. Just the sounds of her holds and leg locks are so over the top you have to laugh. She doesn’t just stop at breaking your forearm or leg, she will break every limb she can get a hold on. Resulting damage? Hilarity.

And while the ‘violence’ is bloody (sometimes, see the ‘unicorn mushroom’ episode), it’s so obviously overblown by the animators it just adds to the laugh. These guys knew what they were doing. I mean the OP consists of Punie dancing in front of burning Japanese landmarks, dancing in some WWII battlefield, and other happy scenes.

Watch it even if it doesn’t sound like you’d like it. It’s a relatively short anime, but it makes up for it in random humour. Like the potato who peels himself in an act of sacrifice. That’s just classic.

I’ll assume not everyone finds this as funny as I did. Heretics!