Rate the last anime you watched out of 10
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devilrules666
Combat Butler
black lagoon 10 out of 10
'Please Teacher' and 'Please Twins' (incl. OVAs)
Rating: 8 (seriesx2) 9 (OVAs)
Please Twins is a spinoff of Please Teacher, with many characters returning/making brief cameos.
Both series have quite literally exactly the same structure with the first 5 episodes being more comedy driven and 6-12 being quite heavily romance/story driven. OVAs are comedy once again for the most part.
I was not particularly interested in the romance/story sections of the show, although I can see that they were very good. The comedy is what I was in it for, and it was some VERY good comedy, if only the whole series had been comedy these would definitely be a 9, consequently the OVAs (being mostly of teh funnies) got a 9 from me.
I think I slightly prefered Twins though, due to the fact that it didn't go quite as deep (although got pretty darn close) to Teacher, it also included many interesting cameos of characters from Teacher.
Anyhoo, I need something more action-orientated to watch after all that girly shiz... Gundam! Yes, my old buddy Gundam.
Rating: 8 (seriesx2) 9 (OVAs)
Please Twins is a spinoff of Please Teacher, with many characters returning/making brief cameos.
Both series have quite literally exactly the same structure with the first 5 episodes being more comedy driven and 6-12 being quite heavily romance/story driven. OVAs are comedy once again for the most part.
I was not particularly interested in the romance/story sections of the show, although I can see that they were very good. The comedy is what I was in it for, and it was some VERY good comedy, if only the whole series had been comedy these would definitely be a 9, consequently the OVAs (being mostly of teh funnies) got a 9 from me.
I think I slightly prefered Twins though, due to the fact that it didn't go quite as deep (although got pretty darn close) to Teacher, it also included many interesting cameos of characters from Teacher.
Anyhoo, I need something more action-orientated to watch after all that girly shiz... Gundam! Yes, my old buddy Gundam.
fabio de lunatico
Claymore
I quite enjoyed Twins but for the exact opposite reasons. The lame anime comedy didn't appeal, but the romance was handled with a surprising amount of maturity, and the main character wasn't a massive loser.
The same can't be said for Teacher, however, whose main romantic pair are quite pathetic. But that show does at least have a really great supporting cast who provide plenty of entertainment (not to mention much more interesting romance).
The same can't be said for Teacher, however, whose main romantic pair are quite pathetic. But that show does at least have a really great supporting cast who provide plenty of entertainment (not to mention much more interesting romance).
Aion
Time-Traveller
True Tears
True Tears is a slow to average paced high school romance. Mostly old ground is covered, with very little original content. The lack of originality is masked by an excellent presentation, including backgrounds that look alive due to the use of CG, with numerous CG characters usually walking around behind the main characters as they talk. Older, more experienced studios most likely would not bother doing such things, instead opting to save time and money, but True Tears was P.A. Works first creation and they clearly wanted to make it a little bit special.
The story is centered around Shinichiro (Shin), a plain guy who has the attention of three attractive girls: Hiromi, a classy, quiet and athletic girl with long hair (she lives with him and his parents because of her parent dying); Noe, a 'special' girl with short hair, and obsessions with chickens, flying and tears and Aiko; a red-haired tomboy who runs a pancake shop and 'goes out' with the best friend of Shin.
I was half right with the predictions I made at the start, getting one correct and being completely wrong with the other. I was on the money when I predicted who Shin would end up with (it was fairly obvious, though). However, I was wrong about something else: the series decreased in quality as it went on rather than increasing as a result of character development and drama that I assumed would increase in intensity. It started well enough - the lead and his three wannabe girlfriends quickly got fleshed out, enabling me to get into the story from the start. Not a lot happened in the early episodes but there was enough good characterization to make me expect that the series would get better with each passing episode, and it did at first. There was even a surprising twist towards the end of the first disc that made me start to doubt my prediction about which girl Shin would end up with. But, in the end, it all went wrong...
The least damaging of my issues with the series is its dialogue. Like in many teen romance series, there is a character who childishly replaces words like 'happiness' or 'depressed' (or, using an example from another anime, instead of saying 'courage', saying a certain expression over and over instead), and this time 'flying' is the word used. I was fine with it at first but, later on, it gets repeated a lot, mainly because that is all Noe ever talks about. What could have been viewed as humorous got the beaten with a stick treatment and, in the end, I disliked Noe because of her limited vocabulary and odd personality.
The next issue up on my list is the love quadruple. The problem is, there are not actually three girls Shin cares about. The third girl (for spoiler reasons, lets call her 'girl three') gets ignored, then kisses the lead, then gets rejected because he is not into her...and that is it. She only appears a few times after that. She may as well have not even been in the series - her and her forced relationship with Shin's best friend simply took up time in an already slow paced story.
Next up is Shin, the lead himself. I am used to dullards getting a harem in anime, and I am also used to them being indecisive. That is just how it is - they have to be plain so others can put themselves in their shoes, and they have to be unable to decide anything to add to the drama. But this guy takes the word 'indecisive' to a whole new level. During episode ten, he picks the girl he wants, chasing after her in dramatic fashion on a bike (ignoring the fact he could have talked to her normally a few minutes beforehand), and tells her he will take care of her. She had been the only girl he wanted since the start; the only girl he had shown a genuine interest in. Credits time, right? He had got the girl he wanted and his relationship with his only other option was not active. Well, the answer is no - the credits did not roll until the end of episode 13 because he changed his mind AFTER the episode ten drama - and this point brings me onto my final, series ruining problem.
What is my main issue, you ask? Quite simply, the series should have ended after the tenth episode, with a different final episode. The story was complete at that point - Shin had the girl he wanted, he clearly never loved girl two and was not into girl three at all. He even had a history with the girl he liked dating back to a childhood festival. But, for whatever reason, the story kept going, and in episode 11 Shin did a complete 180, no longer caring about the girl he had always wanted once he won her heart, even ignoring her and saying he had to go when she came to see him, instead only thinking about another girl. There was no consistency or logic about this sudden change; it was obvious from the start to me how the series would end (and, eventually, it did end like that) and Shin's random change of direction just did not fit. At first I thought the writers, for shock value alone, had ignored what happened in the first ten episodes and decided to go with another girl. Thankfully, it turned out that they had simply done a bad job of extending the story and it ended how it should have done, but the damage episodes 11-12 in particular did was not erased by that.
If not for the final three episodes, I would be here typing a shorter review, awarding the series a solid 8-8.5/10 'with bothersome flaws' score for being an involving drama with pleasing attention to detail, in terms of both characterization and the visuals. But nearly all of Shin's character development got discarded towards the end, resulting in a lot of damage. And, to rub salt into the wounds, when Shin finally stopped being a top of the line idiot, nothing was shown of him and the girl he picked together. Shin told her she was the only one for him, she cried, a few parting shots of the cast were shown... the end. With all of the repeated chicken/flying dialogue and pointless time Shin (and his best friend) spent with the girl he was never interested in, you would assume that an actual ending would have been added, but no.
'True Disappointment' would be a far more fitting title for the series. Excellent and detailed visuals, as well as it including a catchy opening and very good first half are not strong enough plus points to make me ignore the end. It could have been great, yet it fell at the final hurdle, with my only emotion near the end being anger. If the series ended like it looked like it was going to during episodes 11-12, the only tears I would have shed would have been the painful, fist-through-TV kind.
I recommend this to fans of romance, but in no way do I suggest it is a classic. Its flaws are far too problematic for me to ever regard it as being any more than a decent, one-watch title.
Rating: 7-7.5/10
True Tears is a slow to average paced high school romance. Mostly old ground is covered, with very little original content. The lack of originality is masked by an excellent presentation, including backgrounds that look alive due to the use of CG, with numerous CG characters usually walking around behind the main characters as they talk. Older, more experienced studios most likely would not bother doing such things, instead opting to save time and money, but True Tears was P.A. Works first creation and they clearly wanted to make it a little bit special.
The story is centered around Shinichiro (Shin), a plain guy who has the attention of three attractive girls: Hiromi, a classy, quiet and athletic girl with long hair (she lives with him and his parents because of her parent dying); Noe, a 'special' girl with short hair, and obsessions with chickens, flying and tears and Aiko; a red-haired tomboy who runs a pancake shop and 'goes out' with the best friend of Shin.
I was half right with the predictions I made at the start, getting one correct and being completely wrong with the other. I was on the money when I predicted who Shin would end up with (it was fairly obvious, though). However, I was wrong about something else: the series decreased in quality as it went on rather than increasing as a result of character development and drama that I assumed would increase in intensity. It started well enough - the lead and his three wannabe girlfriends quickly got fleshed out, enabling me to get into the story from the start. Not a lot happened in the early episodes but there was enough good characterization to make me expect that the series would get better with each passing episode, and it did at first. There was even a surprising twist towards the end of the first disc that made me start to doubt my prediction about which girl Shin would end up with. But, in the end, it all went wrong...
The least damaging of my issues with the series is its dialogue. Like in many teen romance series, there is a character who childishly replaces words like 'happiness' or 'depressed' (or, using an example from another anime, instead of saying 'courage', saying a certain expression over and over instead), and this time 'flying' is the word used. I was fine with it at first but, later on, it gets repeated a lot, mainly because that is all Noe ever talks about. What could have been viewed as humorous got the beaten with a stick treatment and, in the end, I disliked Noe because of her limited vocabulary and odd personality.
The next issue up on my list is the love quadruple. The problem is, there are not actually three girls Shin cares about. The third girl (for spoiler reasons, lets call her 'girl three') gets ignored, then kisses the lead, then gets rejected because he is not into her...and that is it. She only appears a few times after that. She may as well have not even been in the series - her and her forced relationship with Shin's best friend simply took up time in an already slow paced story.
Next up is Shin, the lead himself. I am used to dullards getting a harem in anime, and I am also used to them being indecisive. That is just how it is - they have to be plain so others can put themselves in their shoes, and they have to be unable to decide anything to add to the drama. But this guy takes the word 'indecisive' to a whole new level. During episode ten, he picks the girl he wants, chasing after her in dramatic fashion on a bike (ignoring the fact he could have talked to her normally a few minutes beforehand), and tells her he will take care of her. She had been the only girl he wanted since the start; the only girl he had shown a genuine interest in. Credits time, right? He had got the girl he wanted and his relationship with his only other option was not active. Well, the answer is no - the credits did not roll until the end of episode 13 because he changed his mind AFTER the episode ten drama - and this point brings me onto my final, series ruining problem.
What is my main issue, you ask? Quite simply, the series should have ended after the tenth episode, with a different final episode. The story was complete at that point - Shin had the girl he wanted, he clearly never loved girl two and was not into girl three at all. He even had a history with the girl he liked dating back to a childhood festival. But, for whatever reason, the story kept going, and in episode 11 Shin did a complete 180, no longer caring about the girl he had always wanted once he won her heart, even ignoring her and saying he had to go when she came to see him, instead only thinking about another girl. There was no consistency or logic about this sudden change; it was obvious from the start to me how the series would end (and, eventually, it did end like that) and Shin's random change of direction just did not fit. At first I thought the writers, for shock value alone, had ignored what happened in the first ten episodes and decided to go with another girl. Thankfully, it turned out that they had simply done a bad job of extending the story and it ended how it should have done, but the damage episodes 11-12 in particular did was not erased by that.
If not for the final three episodes, I would be here typing a shorter review, awarding the series a solid 8-8.5/10 'with bothersome flaws' score for being an involving drama with pleasing attention to detail, in terms of both characterization and the visuals. But nearly all of Shin's character development got discarded towards the end, resulting in a lot of damage. And, to rub salt into the wounds, when Shin finally stopped being a top of the line idiot, nothing was shown of him and the girl he picked together. Shin told her she was the only one for him, she cried, a few parting shots of the cast were shown... the end. With all of the repeated chicken/flying dialogue and pointless time Shin (and his best friend) spent with the girl he was never interested in, you would assume that an actual ending would have been added, but no.
'True Disappointment' would be a far more fitting title for the series. Excellent and detailed visuals, as well as it including a catchy opening and very good first half are not strong enough plus points to make me ignore the end. It could have been great, yet it fell at the final hurdle, with my only emotion near the end being anger. If the series ended like it looked like it was going to during episodes 11-12, the only tears I would have shed would have been the painful, fist-through-TV kind.
I recommend this to fans of romance, but in no way do I suggest it is a classic. Its flaws are far too problematic for me to ever regard it as being any more than a decent, one-watch title.
Rating: 7-7.5/10
Haibane Renmei - 8/10! As mentioned, I do feel it's one that girls will enjoy but I still liked it. The story had meaning but I felt it was fairly slow going. Hmm, I could best describe it as a charming, down-to-earth little series with many more positives than negatives. Not as good as Texhnolyze or Serial Experiments Lain. It's also the first anime in a while that I picked but my partner actually enjoyed, which can't be a bad thing and that's probably why I see it as more of a anime for a girl.
ayase
State Alchemist
Origin: Spirits of The Past - 7/10
Gonzo does Ghibli - For the most part, fails. Beautiful background art (some of the best I've seen for a long time) and accomplished animation, but CGI still jars and the sudden leaps in plot after the well paced first half-hour will be a little irritating if you enjoy plot or character development.
Stretching the run-time from ninety minutes to two hours could have made all the difference. That is if it wasn't for the 'Nothing has to be sacrificed and nobody has to deal with the consequences of their actions' ending, and the fact that the bad guy had to have a violent streak because without it, he wouldn't really have been that 'bad' at all.
Gonzo does Ghibli - For the most part, fails. Beautiful background art (some of the best I've seen for a long time) and accomplished animation, but CGI still jars and the sudden leaps in plot after the well paced first half-hour will be a little irritating if you enjoy plot or character development.
Stretching the run-time from ninety minutes to two hours could have made all the difference. That is if it wasn't for the 'Nothing has to be sacrificed and nobody has to deal with the consequences of their actions' ending, and the fact that the bad guy had to have a violent streak because without it, he wouldn't really have been that 'bad' at all.
Samurai Gun 7/10 I've gotta be honest, surprisingly, I really enjoyed this series. I've heard plenty of bad reviews for it but it was fun to watch and I enjoyed what I'll call those 'The Claw Moments'. When I watched the first few episodes it seemed like a rip-off of a couple of other animes but I was won over as the story went along. Nothing special as far as storyline is concerned, just your basic revenge story but enjoyable. Plus I picked up the entire set for about £5 so you can't really go wrong.
The Big O
Not entirely sure where I stand on this one. On the one hand it’s a deeply intriguing show with a distinct style, cool mecha battles and memorable quirky characters. On the flipside it can be needlessly convoluted and pretentious, tying itself in knots and feeling slightly disjointed.
It’s very much a show of two halves. Literally I believe as it’s comprised of two 13 episode series. The first takes on an episodic monster of the week format (which may sound irritating but actually proved to be very enjoyable) while the second opted for a longer overarching narrative, something I feel it was less successful in.
The art style appears to take inspiration from 50’s/60’s era cartoons giving it a distinct visual edge setting it apart from the barrel load of mech shows out there. This does occasionally backfire though. Character designs and the titular mecha ‘Big O’ look fantastic, however some of the one off characters and monsters appear messy and dislikable by comparison. The animation itself is solid and sometimes surprisingly fluid for a TV show, while small touches and details stand out from the deceptive simplicity of the drawings. The music should also be given a special mention, ranging from era style jazz/blues over to exhilarating electrical or orchestral themes for action.
I highlighted characters and indeed, they may be the shows greatest attribute. I particularly enjoyed the banter occurring between Roger and Dorothy. His arrogant hotheadedness being juxtaposed against Dorothy’s cold robotic sarcasm. These exchanges are funny, but are also drive the development of the relationship between them.
Admittedly I found the ending to be extremely abrupt, right up until the final few minutes I felt like there would be another episode to follow. I also had a hard time making sense of it before re-watching the series, but ultimately I was pleased with the conclusion. The plot leading up to it seems to hit a few bumps along the way, but the final point proved more thought provoking than I’d initially believed.
To summarise: The Big O suffers from a few narrative hiccups during its second half and at times it feels like it’s going in circles (intentionally maybe?), but if you can overlook these niggles there’s a thoroughly enjoyable anime to be found with unexpected depth to boot.
8/10
Not entirely sure where I stand on this one. On the one hand it’s a deeply intriguing show with a distinct style, cool mecha battles and memorable quirky characters. On the flipside it can be needlessly convoluted and pretentious, tying itself in knots and feeling slightly disjointed.
It’s very much a show of two halves. Literally I believe as it’s comprised of two 13 episode series. The first takes on an episodic monster of the week format (which may sound irritating but actually proved to be very enjoyable) while the second opted for a longer overarching narrative, something I feel it was less successful in.
The art style appears to take inspiration from 50’s/60’s era cartoons giving it a distinct visual edge setting it apart from the barrel load of mech shows out there. This does occasionally backfire though. Character designs and the titular mecha ‘Big O’ look fantastic, however some of the one off characters and monsters appear messy and dislikable by comparison. The animation itself is solid and sometimes surprisingly fluid for a TV show, while small touches and details stand out from the deceptive simplicity of the drawings. The music should also be given a special mention, ranging from era style jazz/blues over to exhilarating electrical or orchestral themes for action.
I highlighted characters and indeed, they may be the shows greatest attribute. I particularly enjoyed the banter occurring between Roger and Dorothy. His arrogant hotheadedness being juxtaposed against Dorothy’s cold robotic sarcasm. These exchanges are funny, but are also drive the development of the relationship between them.
Admittedly I found the ending to be extremely abrupt, right up until the final few minutes I felt like there would be another episode to follow. I also had a hard time making sense of it before re-watching the series, but ultimately I was pleased with the conclusion. The plot leading up to it seems to hit a few bumps along the way, but the final point proved more thought provoking than I’d initially believed.
To summarise: The Big O suffers from a few narrative hiccups during its second half and at times it feels like it’s going in circles (intentionally maybe?), but if you can overlook these niggles there’s a thoroughly enjoyable anime to be found with unexpected depth to boot.
8/10
Urzu seven
Dandy Guy, in Space
Laputa Castle in the Sky 10/10
I now have a few of Miyazaki-sans work and each one I have enjoyed immensely.It is a little hard to believe that this work was made way back in 1986,it looks that good and still so fresh looking.I'm particulary pleased by his lead female characters who are usually protrayed as strong,selfless individuals who put others before themselves and are not afraid to risk their own lives to save others.This is the exact opposite from a lot of anime and Hollywood mainstream nowadays that sees females as nothing more than eye candy.
Spirited Away 9.5/10
The reason I did'nt give the film a perfect score is not down to the film itself which again is fantastic.But is down to the fact that it took until this 2003 film that Hayao Miyazaki and his studio Ghibli were recognised by the mainstream and awared an Oscar which in my opinion was highly overdue.Counting the above two films I also have Nausicaa,Porco Russo.Totoro,Kiki's Delivery Service,Princess Mononoke and the Castle of Cagilistro.
Any suggestions on which one I should get next guys?
Ninja Scroll 5.5/10
From the sublime to the not so sublime,the makers tried to remake the success of the movie (which I actually liked)into a tv series with very limited success.The animation as done by madhouse is quite good but that's as good as it gets as the plot and storyline (Jubei fights a super powered ninja,kills said ninja and moves on,etc.etc)is really giving lip service.If you don't take it too seriously it will pass a few hours but expect anything else.
I now have a few of Miyazaki-sans work and each one I have enjoyed immensely.It is a little hard to believe that this work was made way back in 1986,it looks that good and still so fresh looking.I'm particulary pleased by his lead female characters who are usually protrayed as strong,selfless individuals who put others before themselves and are not afraid to risk their own lives to save others.This is the exact opposite from a lot of anime and Hollywood mainstream nowadays that sees females as nothing more than eye candy.
Spirited Away 9.5/10
The reason I did'nt give the film a perfect score is not down to the film itself which again is fantastic.But is down to the fact that it took until this 2003 film that Hayao Miyazaki and his studio Ghibli were recognised by the mainstream and awared an Oscar which in my opinion was highly overdue.Counting the above two films I also have Nausicaa,Porco Russo.Totoro,Kiki's Delivery Service,Princess Mononoke and the Castle of Cagilistro.
Any suggestions on which one I should get next guys?
Ninja Scroll 5.5/10
From the sublime to the not so sublime,the makers tried to remake the success of the movie (which I actually liked)into a tv series with very limited success.The animation as done by madhouse is quite good but that's as good as it gets as the plot and storyline (Jubei fights a super powered ninja,kills said ninja and moves on,etc.etc)is really giving lip service.If you don't take it too seriously it will pass a few hours but expect anything else.
ayase
State Alchemist
In Ghibli terms, you should definately get Whisper of the Heart. That's very similar to the stuff you've been watching, but also grounded in reality (don't let the cover fool you) and directed by the late Yoshifumi Kondo.Urzu seven said:
Then maybe try out some Takahata (Ghibli's 'other' somewhat under-appreciated Director): Grave of the Fireflies, and Only Yesterday. Be warned that these aren't quite the same as Miyazaki's films - GotF is a pretty grim story about orphans during the war, and Only Yesterday is a very slow, contemplative film about a young woman reminiscing her childhood. I personally love both of these films more than most of Miyazaki's though.
Metropolis - Definitely a 'seen it once, don't need to see it again' kinda film. Not awful, but not great. The rendered 3d backgrounds look very dated, the 20's style jazz soundtrack was dodgy as hell and I can't stand Tezuka's character style. The side story of the political struggle and the revolution was also very confusing. Having said all that, it does have it's moments of beauty and a very good ending. [5]
Ninja Scroll - My first watch of this supposed 'classic' manga release. Very simplistic, straight up actioner, which involves the wondering hero encountering ever increasingly weird enemies to slaughter in hilariously over the top fashion. Although quite old now, I loved the animation style and the cheesy American dub somehow added to the fun. A couple of distasteful scenes aside, this is leave-your-brain at the door action adventure done right. [7]
Paprika - I was expecting something quite special after the brilliant Perfect Blue, and what I got was......something far more confusing. The premise is absolutely crazy and pretty much allows the director to do whatever the hell he wants. Definitely a film which needs repeat viewings to capture all the references hidden in the dreams, it kinda gets too muddled up (quite literally) towards the end and you just give up trying to guess what is going to happen and go along with the ride. Given the complete randomness of some of the scenes, I couldn't help but compare it to Miyazaki's stranger films and in terms of the animation and imagination it doesn't quite measure up. Enjoyed this one, but I need to see it again. And then probably again after that. [7]
Tokyo Godfathers - Now this one I really enjoyed. Fantastic characters that you actually cared about, beautiful animation with lots of subtle touches and a story filled with plenty of humour, outrageous moments and touching scenes. The realistic look and feel of modern day Tokyo was just the icing on the cake. Along with the Girl Who Leapt Through Time, definitely a film you have to watch if you've ever been to Tokyo. Watching the details on the animation of the cross dressing Miss Hana was worth the price alone. Also, it had a great 'Satoshi Kon' style ending that comes out of nowhere. [8]
Regards
K
Ninja Scroll - My first watch of this supposed 'classic' manga release. Very simplistic, straight up actioner, which involves the wondering hero encountering ever increasingly weird enemies to slaughter in hilariously over the top fashion. Although quite old now, I loved the animation style and the cheesy American dub somehow added to the fun. A couple of distasteful scenes aside, this is leave-your-brain at the door action adventure done right. [7]
Paprika - I was expecting something quite special after the brilliant Perfect Blue, and what I got was......something far more confusing. The premise is absolutely crazy and pretty much allows the director to do whatever the hell he wants. Definitely a film which needs repeat viewings to capture all the references hidden in the dreams, it kinda gets too muddled up (quite literally) towards the end and you just give up trying to guess what is going to happen and go along with the ride. Given the complete randomness of some of the scenes, I couldn't help but compare it to Miyazaki's stranger films and in terms of the animation and imagination it doesn't quite measure up. Enjoyed this one, but I need to see it again. And then probably again after that. [7]
Tokyo Godfathers - Now this one I really enjoyed. Fantastic characters that you actually cared about, beautiful animation with lots of subtle touches and a story filled with plenty of humour, outrageous moments and touching scenes. The realistic look and feel of modern day Tokyo was just the icing on the cake. Along with the Girl Who Leapt Through Time, definitely a film you have to watch if you've ever been to Tokyo. Watching the details on the animation of the cross dressing Miss Hana was worth the price alone. Also, it had a great 'Satoshi Kon' style ending that comes out of nowhere. [8]
Regards
K
Urzu seven
Dandy Guy, in Space
Ayase & Unellmay ,thanks for the suggestions.
Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex 10/10
Extremely intelligent & interesting. Good pace without rushing things. Emotion in all the right places.
I suck at saying why I like things so you'll have to take my word for it. Stand Alone Complex is one of the best intelligent scifi anime shows ever made.
Extremely intelligent & interesting. Good pace without rushing things. Emotion in all the right places.
I suck at saying why I like things so you'll have to take my word for it. Stand Alone Complex is one of the best intelligent scifi anime shows ever made.
Urzu seven
Dandy Guy, in Space
Strait Jacket 7/10
I enjoyed this a lot,but probably would have given it a higher score had it lasted longer.At 76 mins long it really only gives you a glimpse of this world and it's characters set at the end of the 19th century and with an intreasting mix of science and magic.I especially liked the mold suits(strait jacket) of the tactical sorcerors.Good,but I would liked to have seen more.
Jyu-Oh-Sei The Complete Series 8/10
Just after watching all 11 episodes and I loved the show which I had never seen before but I can't quite put my finger on why I did like it so much but what the hell.
I enjoyed this a lot,but probably would have given it a higher score had it lasted longer.At 76 mins long it really only gives you a glimpse of this world and it's characters set at the end of the 19th century and with an intreasting mix of science and magic.I especially liked the mold suits(strait jacket) of the tactical sorcerors.Good,but I would liked to have seen more.
Jyu-Oh-Sei The Complete Series 8/10
Just after watching all 11 episodes and I loved the show which I had never seen before but I can't quite put my finger on why I did like it so much but what the hell.
fabio de lunatico
Claymore
Beck: Mongolian Chop Squad - 9/10
The story of Yukio, a bored 14-year-old middle school student. He doesn't have any hobbies or many friends, and he lacks self-confidence. One day, while walking home from school, he chases away a bunch of kids bullying an odd-looking dog. The dog's owner is Ryusuke, a talented and charismatic young guitarist who used to play with a member a hugely popular American band called Dying Breed. Ryusuke thanks Yukio for helping his dog, Beck, and they go their separate ways. After a second chance enounter a few days later they become friends and Yukio is gradually drawn into the exciting world of this magnetic character. When he receives a guitar from Ryusuke, he soon discovers a love of rock music and a natural talent for the instrument, as well as singing. Eventually Ryusuke decides to take a chance on Yukio and invites him to play with his new band.
Beck shares a lot in common with shounen sports anime: it's about an ordinary young boy with extraordinary talent who must overcome adversity to realize his dream and what have you. Now, I don't like sports anime but I do like Beck. There are a couple of reasons for this: firstly, I like music and thefore I find it easy relate to the characters' passion for listening to, creating, and peforming music. I love the way that Beck neatly juxtaposes the mundanity of everyday life with the energy and glamour of live performance, even when the band are playing in front of no more than a couple of dozen people.
Secondly, Beck avoids the usual cheesy melodrama associated with this kind of show. Yukio and the band have to deal with problems on their way to where they want to be, and sometimes they're serious problems, but director Osamu Kobayashi never overdoes it. There's a grittiness and realism to the characters and setting.
The only negatives, aside from the anime only covering what must be less than half of the manga, are the often terrible Engrish and inconsistent animation. There are actually some really impressive sequences scattered throughout the show, and the performances are usually fairly well animated, but some of the episodes look awful. The detailed backgrounds, however, are excellent. Also, Maho is hot. Or she is when drawn competently, which sadly doesn't seem to happen all that often.
The story of Yukio, a bored 14-year-old middle school student. He doesn't have any hobbies or many friends, and he lacks self-confidence. One day, while walking home from school, he chases away a bunch of kids bullying an odd-looking dog. The dog's owner is Ryusuke, a talented and charismatic young guitarist who used to play with a member a hugely popular American band called Dying Breed. Ryusuke thanks Yukio for helping his dog, Beck, and they go their separate ways. After a second chance enounter a few days later they become friends and Yukio is gradually drawn into the exciting world of this magnetic character. When he receives a guitar from Ryusuke, he soon discovers a love of rock music and a natural talent for the instrument, as well as singing. Eventually Ryusuke decides to take a chance on Yukio and invites him to play with his new band.
Beck shares a lot in common with shounen sports anime: it's about an ordinary young boy with extraordinary talent who must overcome adversity to realize his dream and what have you. Now, I don't like sports anime but I do like Beck. There are a couple of reasons for this: firstly, I like music and thefore I find it easy relate to the characters' passion for listening to, creating, and peforming music. I love the way that Beck neatly juxtaposes the mundanity of everyday life with the energy and glamour of live performance, even when the band are playing in front of no more than a couple of dozen people.
Secondly, Beck avoids the usual cheesy melodrama associated with this kind of show. Yukio and the band have to deal with problems on their way to where they want to be, and sometimes they're serious problems, but director Osamu Kobayashi never overdoes it. There's a grittiness and realism to the characters and setting.
The only negatives, aside from the anime only covering what must be less than half of the manga, are the often terrible Engrish and inconsistent animation. There are actually some really impressive sequences scattered throughout the show, and the performances are usually fairly well animated, but some of the episodes look awful. The detailed backgrounds, however, are excellent. Also, Maho is hot. Or she is when drawn competently, which sadly doesn't seem to happen all that often.