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Feb 25, 2022
Overall, Binbougami ga is painful and cringy to watch. References feel forced and the comedy is stale, with about 1 in 100 jokes hitting its mark... and yes, I understand that humor is subjective, but sheeeeesh.
A few of the character designs were nice though. I really liked how they drew Ichigo's eye lashes. That's not something you see a lot in anime. Also, whoever designed Momiji was spot on. Despite looking like somebody's Deviantart original character, her character design is a hilarious and stereotypical take on the impoverished hobo. Aside from these two characters, the rest of the show looks completely and utterly forgettable.
For what
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it's worth, the OP and ED are also quite good, but this is truthfully where the good qualities end, and nothing about this show makes it worth my time, especially not the repulsive comedy.
Reviewer’s Rating: 5
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Feb 25, 2022
Be warned those who are not partial to tragic backstories (or gratuitous panty shots!)
While not the masterpiece VN fans hoped for, Fruits of Grisaia is absolutely worth checking out if MAL's synopsis piqued your interest!
To those out their who are anime only viewers (i.e. will not play the visual novel), do not let yourself be dissuaded from watching by VN-purists! The one thing the anime adaptation succeeds with that the VN failed at is CONCISENESS! Despite cramming all the routes into one season, Fruits does a good job of getting the main points across, and gives ample screentime to the fan favorite route.
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Much of the flak Fruits gets comes from too much being packed into one season. Only two of the five girls have their stories expanded upon for more than one episode. If only the show had a few more episodes, one each to flesh out the routes of the neglected three, I think much of the dissent this season garnered could have been avoided.
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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Dec 1, 2021
Tokyo Ghoul is, in a way, a modern day Evangelion. This is a pretty bold statement to make, so let me explain.
The series starts off with Ken Kaneki being unwillingly drawn into the world of ghouls in the same sense Shinji Ikari is drawn into the world of Angels and Evas. Sprinkle in main characters coming to terms with their respective circumstances, strong allegorical themes (prejudice and the dangers of indecisiveness in Tokyo Ghoul's case), final episodes consisting of mostly inner monologue ("congradulations"), and the overall dark and foreboding tones of the two series, and my prior claim becomes much more reasonable.
The character development in
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this show is really quite good. Kaneki spends the first few episodes in denial, refusing to accept that he has become part ghoul and isn't completely human anymore. As the series progresses, he assimilates more into ghoul culture, and by the end grows to fully accepts himself as a ghoul. Touka was also an interesting character to see develop as the series unfolded. She comes off as cool and collected at first, but later in the series we learn that she wants nothing more than to be like the humans. At one point in the show, it is revealed that Touka is forcing herself to eat human food to the point of sickness, which illustrates this point rather effectively. Additionally, a few of the side characters, in particular Mado and Amon of the police force, were given enough screen time to make their scenes impactful, but their screen time never overshadowed the main characters and their actions.
Another talking point, and something I felt like the series did very well, was portraying sadistic characters in a frightening manner. The characters that antagonize Kaneki over the course of the series all had something about them that made your skin crawl, from Tsukiyama's occasional French dialogue and obsession for Kaneki, to Mado's half opened eye and malicious commentary, to Jason's large stature and finger cracking (not to mention the brutal torture scenes in the final episodes). Making evil characters seem like bad guys isn't too hard to do, but Tokyo Ghoul was able to make its antagonists truly frightening, which is much harder to pull off, so kudos to them.
The series is a bit slow to start however and didn't really pick up until about episode 6. The characters and backgrounds were a bit underwhelming as well (not bad, but they felt somewhat generic). In particular, the show didn't have "that one character" that so many other great anime have. Kaneki develops alright by the end, but he didn't feel as inspired or well written as main characters from other critically acclaimed series. He was no Lelouch from Code Geass, no Edward Elrich from Full Metal Alchemist, he just didn't really stand out as a character. The rest of the cast was not much better. Compared to the cast of characters from say Fate/Zero or Madoka Magica, the cast of Tokyo Ghoul feels bland and underdeveloped.
The soundtrack also felt uninspired. One of the songs from the OST, "Auferstehung" sounded exactly like the over-world music in Skyrim. Youtube it. Skip to 2:00 and click play. I swear to god I've heard this in Elder Scrolls before! It was really distracting every time they used this song in a scene and it really took me out of the moment, but that's a little bit of personal bias getting in the way. Nevertheless, the soundtrack was pretty boring overall; nothing really stood out as being above average, though I guess the OP was pretty good.
Overall, Tokyo Ghoul was a captivating series that never felt like it overdid itself for how ambitious it was at points, although I could not recommend the series to those who don't have a palate for gore and horror, and it's certainly not something you show the kids.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Dec 1, 2021
This is one of those shows that is so comically bad that it ended up being worth the 20 minutes to watch it. Mars of Destruction was at least good for a laugh, but this was just sad. Every concept derived from Evangelion, be it the characters, the alien attacks, and even the symbolic content were absolutely butchered in this appalling reimagining of the timeless classic. There were some themes about humanity's destructive nature bringing about their own demise, but everything about the show was just so bad that it didn't even matter. Pointless transitions, an incomprehensible plot, and crap animation, make this anime
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a shitpiece from beginning to end.
Reviewer’s Rating: 2
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Dec 1, 2021
~~SOME SPOILERS~~
The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya is truly a masterpiece like everyone says. The only issue with the film is the extremely long run time which is close to three hours. While every frame of animation is high quality, I found myself fatigued by the time the exposition ended and the real plot started (hitting the Enter key on the computer). An hour and a half of exposition is way too much, and half an hour could easily be cut from the first half of the film.
But my god was the payoff during the second half of the movie huge! During this portion of
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Disappearance, we get some great character development for both Yuki and Kyon. By the end of the film, Kyon realizes just how much he cares for his friends and the misadventures they share, and how he couldn't imagine going back to life the way it was before joining the SOS Brigade. And for Yuki, let's not forget that the entire basis for the movie was Yuki yearning to experience human emotion. Considering the fact that Nagato was essentially a robot for the first two seasons, seeing her struggle with wanting emotions is a really big deal.
The conclusion of the film was also well executed. Kyon realizes how important his friendships are and makes it back to the current timeline. It is also hinted that Yuki was able to retain some of her emotions. Overall, it was an extremely satisfying end to a great movie, and for how good the ending was, it makes up for some of the show's other short comings.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Dec 1, 2021
A light hearted, thought provoking, abstract comedy series from studio SHAFT. SoreMachi chooses not to put on a grand comedic act, but decides rather to take a comedic look at the humorous aspects of daily life. This gives the show a more natural, candid, feel compared to other great sketch comedy anime like Nichijou, and it is the most charming quality about the series.
What makes SoreMachi such a worthwhile watch is that it delivers more than just comedy. Every episode is like its own individual story, each with its own insights into the little things that make the world turn.
Overall, SoreMachi is a one-of-a-kind
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anime that will win you over with its subtle humor and colorful cast of characters.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Dec 1, 2021
Sakurasou's Pet Girl for me, is like an antique or perhaps an old piece of furniture you might find whilst rummaging at your neighborhood garage sale. It’s not something you’re looking for, and definitely isn’t something you intend to buy, but once you get it home and give it a fresh coat of paint, you might be surprised at how good it looks. Now, the romance/slice-of-life/comedy genre is far from being considered antiquated. Actually, it has been done to death by this point. It is a spawning ground that spits out an endless slew of new shows every season whether we ask for them or
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not. While it breaks no boundaries and certainly isn’t anything you haven’t seen before, Sakurasou’s Pet Girl stands out amongst the crowd because of how perfectly refined it is. Just like that piece of rubbish your neighbor pawned off on you, with enough polish, the old can become new again.
Sakurasou no Pet na Kanojo doesn’t really do anything new in terms of plot. It’s the same old story with the same old twists and turns you would expect from a show of this genre. I found myself calling the shots as they were happening during some of the show’s most dramatic scenes. I don’t mean to brag, but pretty impressive, right? It is a well executed, albeit not very novel story, and there really isn’t a whole lot more to talk about here regarding the plot. I’m not saying the plot is bad, so definitely don’t let what I said so far discourage you from watching this show, but it’s honestly just your typical slice-of-life plot but with more artsy protagonists. #CreativePeopleProblems.
What really stands out about Sakurasou’s Pet Girl though are the characters. They’re all just so damn likable. Even though every single character is a trope that we’ve all seen before brought to life, it feels like just that: the characters are brought to life. Each and every one of them (with the sole exception of Ryuunosuke) has an arc devoted to their relationships and them pursuing their goals, and because the writers take the time to develop these characters and turn them into real people, the dramatic scenes become that much more poignant, and the happy moments more triumphant. You become invested in them and want to see them succeed, and when they don’t, you want to see them get back up and try again. Despite how uninspired the plot of the show can feel at times, the colorful cast of characters breathes fresh life into it and adds some much needed color to the otherwise gray story.
Speaking of color, the soft color palette the anime opts for compliments the tone of the series quite nicely. The character designs too are something that I really liked. It’s rather perplexing actually; they are these average, ordinary people with no readily identifiable characteristics, yet they still managed to leave an impression. Perhaps it’s their usage of colors that I mentioned? I’m not sure. Needless to say, I liked how the show looked.
The OST of Sakurasou’s Pet Girl was also pretty good. It never felt like they overdid it with the soundtrack, and the music used very effectively complimented the humor and drama. Shout-outs to DAYS of DASH, the incredible first ED of the series. It is the reason I decided to finally give this show a chance after being lost for so many moons in the inescapable black hole that is my watch list.
Despite how tropey this anime is, I just can’t compliment it enough. Watching this show was such a positive, uplifting, experience. Constantly throughout the series I found myself with a grin on my face, admiring the aforementioned animation and laughing at the show’s humor, which fortunately is a lot less in your face than most slice-of-lifes. It was an invigorating watch that inspired me with its powerful message of perseverance and following your dreams, and if only the plot had been as fresh and colorful as its characters, Sakurasou's Pet Girl could have been more than just a polished antique; it could have been a real treasure.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Dec 1, 2021
"Ya like jazz?"
Love, jazz, and manly friendship. A truly fantastic show that I have to thank my friend for introducing me to.
The characters in this show were fantastic and the romances genuine. So many times over the course of the series I would finish an episode and just say to my friend, "Wow, this episode just blew me away." The overall quality of the series is very high, and the time and effort that was put into it is very apparent.
Kids on the Slope is not without its flaws however. The major thing that stuck out to me when watching was how jarring some of
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the scene transitions were. The show might as well be called "characters conveniently running into each other on the slope" because that is exactly what happens any time the scene changes and the plot needs to advance. Talking with my friend about the boy I like? There he is passing in front of the shop. Can't get Brother Jun off my mind? My cat jumps off my lap and runs into the street in front of my house, which he is conveniently walking passed... While it's certainly not good to watch characters aimlessly wander around, it is unrealistic to think that these characters keep randomly bumping into each other at the most opportune times. It was jarring to watch every time it happened, and it became very distracting by the end.
Nevertheless, this is a fantastic series that I can whole-heartedly recommend to anyone seeking a good romance or a show about music. As far as the dub is concerned, it's good. Andrew Love's role as Sentarou in particular stood out to me. It's the only time that I felt his voice fit the character he was cast as, and he plays the part well. And for the soundtrack? Ya like jazz? Cause if you do, you'll love the OST. The jazz rendition of Favorite Things in particular was incredible. The OP was also memorable if that means anything to you.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Dec 1, 2021
The show has a fantastic main character, but not fantastic enough to save Sabage-bu from its shortcomings.
I didn't really like this one at first, but the show's sense of humor really grew on me by the end. Watching Momoko's mean streak was very enjoyable, and was quite refreshing compared to the Mary Sues you see in most other slice of lifes. It was this aspect of the show that differentiated Sabage-bu and made it a unique watching experience.
Onto the negatives, the OST and animation were not memorable in the slightest. The characters? Well, aside from Momoka and maybe Lemon, the rest of the cast was
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completely forgettable. The first few episodes were also tough to get through, and the anime didn't hit its stride until over half way through. For these reasons, I really can't rate Sabage-bu any higher.
Reviewer’s Rating: 6
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Dec 1, 2021
Foreword: This review contains spoilers, and only covers my thoughts on the first season of Re:Zero, and nothing from season 2.
One night, in a town not-so-unlike your own, a murderous cult attacks, leaving a trail of blood and despair in their wake as they carve their way through the village. When they set fire to a particular house in a particular part of town, not unlike your own, the cultists are confronted by a young girl with magical prowess far beyond her years. To what lengths (you ask) will this girl go, what all will she sacrifice, and to what extent will she suffer to
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protect her powerless younger sister?
Spring yields to the insufferable, scorching, heat of summer. Summer gives way to fall, the scorching autumn leaves but a remnant of crimson, midsummer sunsets. Chilly autumn days turn to frigid winter nights, and frigid winter nights to bright spring mornings. And so the cycle continues, repeating, refraining, the wheels of time set in motion, turning forever forward.
Many years pass. Residing at a luxurious manor, not unlike your own, atop the highest peek in the kingdom, two loveably sarcastic twins reside. On one fateful day, their lives change forever when some dude in a tracksuit comes to live in the mansion with them as per an agreement with Roswaal-sama. Clad in kawaii maid costumes with only their wit and snarky one-liners to defend them, these sisters will have to come to terms with the event that took place all those years ago. The younger sister who is haunted by the guilt of her powerlessness, and the elder sister whom within burns a seething anger towards her sister who wields the power that was once hers, will clash. Tears will be shed and friendships will be tested in this touching tale of sisterhood. Can the sisters come to terms with the past and reconcile their feelings? Will the witch cult be brought to justice? Why is Subaru such a dork? Find out in Spring 2016 in a theater near you.
IMDB rates 10/10
MAL rates 10/10
I rate TENOUTTATEN
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If only I could have written that review for Re:Zero. If only the writers had focused on the deep feelings of Rem and Ram's past, we could have had a real masterpiece on our hands. I mean, COME ON, there is so much delicious drama that could have come out of Rem and Ram's backstory and the huge impact it had on the psyche of these characters. I can't be the only one who wanted to see their backstory more thoroughly explored, to see Rem genuinely crack under the weight of her guilt, or to see Ram's point of view on the issue examined what so ever!
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Sorry. I'm ranting again. I can't help it. It's just so frustrating to see the writers take the time to build and develop good characters like Rem and Ram and then mercilessly kick them to the curb to focus on a political election and go on a three episode whale hunt.
But shit, I've gotten really off topic. Time to really start the review.
I'm not going to waste your time explaining the premise of the series or discussing the main plot. You've all seen the show, you know what happens. And you should know that there are some real issues that need to be addressed here.
One of the biggest issues that stuck out to me was just how hit and miss the writers could be when it came to remembering that while we (the viewers) and them (the creators) remember what happened during previous time loops, the other characters should not, except Subaru of course. Just one example of this is how every single time Subaru calls Emilia "Emilia-tan" at the castle, she always inquires as to what the "tan" means. But when Subaru summons Puck to shield Emilia from the Bowel Hunter's attack in episode 3, nobody ever questions him about how he knew Emilia, or more importantly how he knew she had a magical familiar named Puck who could be summoned between the hours of 9:00 and 5:00.
You want another one? How about the fact that Rem's attitude towards Subaru goes from complete indifference to undying love over the course of 4 days. Yeah, it's easy to forget that the arc at Roswaal's manor, which is pretty much the entire first season, takes place over a four day period. Remember that time Rem kills Subaru after four days at the beginning of episode 7? I sure do, and it is such a contrast to her disposition towards Subaru in episode 11, where after pushing her out of the way of some wolves and taking a couple minutes to tell her she is a good person, she falls completely in love with him. There's obviously a little more to it than that, but they've only known each other for four days at this point and have only had one genuine conversation.
Another issue I had with Re:Zero was just how convenient Subaru's Return by Death ability was from a writing standpoint. The parameters of Return by Death were never properly defined. Specifically, it is never explained how Subaru's checkpoints are determined, so when he dies, he respawns at a point that is convenient for the writers. One of the most notable examples of this is how Subaru conveniently respawns after the battle with the White Whale instead of going all the way back to the apple stand after being possessed by Petelgeuse.
Return by Death really is the defining feature of Re:Zero, and don't get me wrong, it is a really cool concept and is what makes this show stand out against the sea of MMORPG fantasy anime that have come out following Sword Art Online's success, but by the end of the series, Return by Death is so overused that it loses a lot of meaning. What started out as a source of mystique and psychological trauma became nothing more than a way for Subaru to cheat his way through the game by the end.
It was also kind of irritating how by the end of the series Subaru's solution to every problem was to utter the words, "I can Return by Death" and then the witches hand grasping his heart. He uses it to beat the White Whale, he uses it to expel Petelgeuse from his body, and just any time the writers want to add tension to a scene where someone is asking Subaru how he knows what he knows, they just have him utter these words. It was so annoying how often this came up over the course of the series, and it's something I had to point out.
After reading all the negative things I said above, you'd probably be surprised to hear me say that I actually really enjoyed Re:Zero and despite some of its flaws, it managed to tell a compelling and gripping story.
I've already touched on the smart premise of the series, but the thing that really makes Re:Zero an enjoyable series is the same thing that made shows like Full Metal Alchemist, Death Note, and SAO popular. Good pacing. Pacing is somewhat of an intangible concept, but it truly is the most important feature when determining the commercial success of a series. Re:Zero struck a fine balance between exposition, drama, and action, and that coupled with the anime's effective use of cliffhangers, made the series very easy to binge.
The characters in Re:Zero were the other factor that made the series so enjoyable. Not just Rem and Ram, but the other inferior characters too. Subaru was on the whole a believable protagonist that viewers can identify with, Emilia, while generic, was a sweetheart, and the majority of the side characters were likable too. The only character I genuinely disliked was Priscilla. She was just such a bitch for no reason.
If you're a modern day anime fan, Re:Zero is a show that you're basically required to watch. It's one of the most popular and talked about series that has come out in the past couple years, and it's to your benefit to watch the series so that at the very least you can be part of the conversation when it inevitably comes up. Even though the series was shrouded in an air of mediocrity and had more plotholes and inconsistencies than CGI lizardpeople, Re:Zero was definitely one of the most exciting shows I've seen this year, and was absolutely worth the watch.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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