Star Crossed Anime

Soukou no Strain – 05 – The Meaning of Teamwork

November 22, 2006 by psgels, posted in Soukou no Strain

Image Hosted by ImageShack.us

With the eventfulness of the previous episode, the current episode had to be some kind of intermezzo. And indeed, it takes a step back in order to focus on Sara’s relationship with the new team she’s been assigned to. The episode begins with a battle simulation, and there it becomes clear Sara really doesn’t know the meaning of “teamwork”.

Still, even though this episode took a step back, it still featured a very powerful climax, as Sara finally finds out that Isabella died. Remember the girls who assaulted Sara on the previous episode, well, it seems that they’ve convinced themselves that Sara was the reason that Isabella had to die. Sara really has to endure her heaviest beating thus far when they call her to some kind of abandoned section in the space-ship. Especially their leader, Marietta, goes mental on her. At least, until a deus ex machina makes sure that Lotti stops her. Still, I’m believing that Lotti’s meddling isn’t doing much good. Okay, she managed to stop Marietta for the moment, but it didn’t remove her grudge against Sara, and without a doubt she’ll be thinking of something even worse to do to her, until Sara herself does something about it.

Emily turned into a nice surprise. You would suspect that she’d animate and come to life after she’s been activated, but things just turned out the opposite direction. Even though she’s a major character, she is and remains a lifeless doll, somehow related to the Emily Ralph abducted in episode one. Ah well, it does make her the perfect friend for the ever-silent Sara.

One thing I didn’t like about this episode? Carrisford. I mean, he’s so incredibly bland, he meets all of the stereotypes, and now he’s also trying to become our main character’s love interest? At least Cedric had a bit of depth, but Carrisford is just the epitome of clichés. I hope he dies soon, that way, he’ll be at least a bit useful to the story.

Hi no Tori Review – 93/100

November 21, 2006 by psgels, posted in Anime Reviews

Image Hosted by ImageShack.us

When I found out that this was a case-based anime (as in a collection of individual, unrelated stories, sharing a common theme. Think Mushishi, Jigoku Shoujo and Bartender) I just had to check it out, as it’s one of my favourite genres. Now that I’ve watched it, I can really say that I’m SO glad that I gave this anime a chance. It’s brilliant!

It’s annoying, though. I’ve got so much to say about this wonderful anime, but I’ll refrain from doing so for the sake of spoilers. One of the great things about this collection of stories is its element of surprise. Every episode delivers themes you don’t just think of in one or two moments. The stories are just full of creativity, and they left me hungry for more after each single episode. It’s really best if you just watch this show without having seen or heard anything about it.

Hi no Tori, or in English, Phoenix, consists out of five unique stories, ranging from 1 to 4 episodes. Its main theme is life, but there’s so much more than that. It’s similar to Ningyo no Mori, though it’s way less restricted by the rules it set for itself and made perfect use of this. It’s true that the Phoenix’ blood does bring eternal life, but this anime carries this a bit further than just that. You’ll understand when you watch it. The long stories tell tales of heroes and battles between huge armies, surrounded by events you really can’t see coming, combined with a healthy chunk of atmosphere. The short stories grab one very creative idea, and start toying with it. The results really moved me like no other anime has ever accomplished. (Note: not necessarily that they brought up heavy emotions, more like a huge satisfaction, or utter surprise).

Still, when you start to watch this anime, there’s one thing that will immediately catch your eye: the art. If you only judge on the first episode, you wouldn’t suspect that this anime is from 2004, as it looks really old. Well, let’s just say that you don’t have to worry. I’m not sure why the creators decided this, but the art turns better with every story. And I really mean that significantly. When the fourth arc arrived, I was so surprised at the huge difference from the art-quality, when compared with the first story. The same goes for the music. As the anime progresses, it just starts sounding better and better.

Overall, this is another one of those unknown beauties. If you like thought-provoking stories, I’m definitely recommending you to check this out. My personal favourite episodes were 7 and 13. Episode 7 contained one brilliant concept, while episode 13 really goes further than any other anime has ever gone before. Much further. If you don’t believe me, just watch it, and you’ll understand.

Saiunkoku Monogatari – 21 – Another Intermezzo

November 20, 2006 by psgels, posted in Saiunkoku Monogatari

Image Hosted by ImageShack.us

Finally, the subs seem to have caught up with me. It was a nice experiment to start experimenting raw-watching with Saiunkoku Monogatari, but this show just isn’t fit for that. Luckily, I’ve found enough series over the past few months who are, which means that I’ll continue watching this series, based on Shadow’s subs.

This episode had a surprising main character: Ran Ryuuren. This episode again was more of an intermezzo between two arcs, just like the previous episode. Still, there were a lot of differences in theme and tone with the previous episode. Basically, after having disappeared for a while, Ryuuren returns to his Soul Mate #1 and Soul Mate #2: Shuurei and Eigetsu. He also discovers the existence of Soul Mate #2.5, aka Yougetsu. ^^

It’s a comical episode at first sight, though when Ryuuki appears, the serious side of Ran Ryuuren gets into the spotlight. He’s unique in the Ran family, as, even though he’s a genius, he doesn’t concern himself with power and politics. Because of his behaviour, he’s also impossible to blackmail or control, making him very reliable, in a way. Ryuuki realizes this, and uses him as a messenger.

– Kourin also made her appearance during this episode. Kouyuu informs Shuurei of the things she’s done. Afterwards, Kourin visits her, though she’s too scared to say anything about the poisoning. Still, she’ll get her moment some time, as she’ll be accompanying Shuurei to the Sa province.
– The location of the ring of the Sa-clan gets revealed. I should have known. Sho Taishi had it all along. He used it as a vessel for Sa Taiho’s soul, who makes a small appearance in front of Shuurei during the episode.
– Kurou also gets to see Shuurei. With this, Shuurei knows that she’s got the full support of the main house of the Kou clan.

I’m also wondering about the supernatural aspects of this show. They’re well hidden, but they’re there nonetheless. Especially the eight enlightened ones. It’s clear that Sho Taishi is one of them, but what about the other seven? First, I thought that the strange ghost Sho Taishi summoned in the previous episodes was also one of them, but it just appeared to be the young soul of Sa Taiho, who obviously wasn’t one of them.

Star Crossed One Year Aniversary, New Lay-out and more

November 20, 2006 by psgels, posted in Special Articles

Wow… I finally managed to last a full year. It seemed an appropriate time to change my lay-out. Star Crossed v3, in a way. I’m really liking it so far. It’s basically a huge edit of the Georgia 2004 template. Unlike my previous two lay-outs, it’s really been built to match my style of postings, instead of the lay-out I had on blogspot, which was just the basic lay-out with a few things changed, or my previous lay-out, which was an attempt to move the same-lay-out to blogsome, because I liked it so much.

This also seems a good time to introduce a new feature: the review index. I’ve written quite a few anime reviews in the year I’ve been active (61, to be exact), and I must imagine that things are getting a bit unorganized. That’s why I’ve made two posts, one which sorts them alphabetically and one which sorts them, based on ratings. Along with a small genre-definition for each of these anime.

Popolocrois 2003 – 21 – Punpun and Kogoto Goodness

November 19, 2006 by psgels, posted in Popolocrois 2003

Image Hosted by ImageShack.us

With this episode, the Croconesia-arc has ended, the finale is probably about to begin, and I’ve finally caught up with the subs. Here’s hoping that the final episodes get released quickly, as something tells me that I haven’t seen the best of this anime yet. The episode itself was very good again. Not as good as the previous three episodes, but I still made for a great watch. 🙂

While you would expect that the current episode would focus entirely on Momba, it actually tells two stories right through each other: Momba’s story, of course, and Punpun and Kogoto’s story. Unexpected, but surprisingly touching. I also loved how Pinon, Marco and Luna were just pushed into the background in order to feature the threesome to have their own airtime.

As expected, Momba fails the ordeal. The previous episode may have given him courage, it didn’t remove the chicken inside of him. Afterwards, Pinon attempts to give him a bit of courage through the placebo-effect, though Kogoto rather blows that point. Still, when Momba learns that Pinon and him actually have some similar points, he agrees to try again.

There’s just the problem that Punpun got a strange idea again, and dressed herself up as a female Croconesian (I loved how Luna tried to imagine what that would be like ^^). If I’m not mistaken, it’s actually the first time in the anime that she separates herself from Kogoto. The latter gets incredibly worried about her, and the fun starts.

Of course, Punpun’s plan never works, but she does have to battle a rather scary-looking dragon-zombie. Kogoto and Momba manage to find her in time, and another battle follows, in which Momba finds out that he can actually do something useful. That exactly was enough to give him a bit of courage. Kogoto, meanwhile, does the impossible of building a instant-catapult on the battlefield, in order to hit down the Dragon Zombike. Pinon, Luna and Marco arrive just in time to see him hit down that huge creature. ^^

Also… I’ve been wondering… what about Papu? Does he still have a role? He’s really starting to turn into the usual cute, useless pet. Still, the fact that the law which forbids forest sprites to enter the sea, and water sprites to enter the land is called “The Law of the Moon”, and he happens to be the Seirei of the Moon, there could be some point at which his presence can be useful.

Popolocrois 2003 – 20 – Adventure in Croconesia

November 19, 2006 by psgels, posted in Popolocrois 2003

Image Hosted by ImageShack.us

I am SO glad that I decided to continue watching this anime. The past few episodes really have been awesome, with the current episode as no exception to this. There really are too little people who know about this great episode. Same with its 1998 counterpart. It’s a real recommendation for any fantasy-fan.

Pinon, Punpun and Luna SO reminded me of Souta, Shirayuki and Ringo. Now that they’re travelling together, it becomes even more apparent that Punpun keeps clinging to Pinon. Let’s just say that Luna doesn’t like that. (^^) Also, this episode revealed another interesting future-couple. Donovan just acted way too nervous when Elena suddenly appeared in a beautiful dress. (^^)

Still, as the episode takes place in Croconesia, the main focus of the episode has to be Momba. And indeed, in order to get to Zephys, a special boat is needed. In order to get this boat, one must overcome an ordeal. That just leaves the problem that only a Croconesian can captain that ship, and thus take the ordeal. Poor Momba. The next episode will be a living hell for him, as he’s just been acting like a big coward throughout the anime. But that’s what makes him such a great character. ^^

Still, against all clichés, Momba doesn’t get to be the hero of the episode. Elena gets the glory for that, as she quite bravely defeats one of Zephys’ minions. Momba just learns a couple of things. I’m suspecting that his moment of glory will come with the next episode. ^_^

I think that one of the major elements which has made the past few episodes so great is the great bland of action and comedy. Due to the first half of the anime, the characters have already been fleshed out. Right now, the creators are making perfect use for this, which makes each of the scenes funny yet dramatic at the same time. There aren’t many anime which can achieve the same, not to mention at the high level of the past couple of episodes. The chase at the end of the episode was a brilliant example of this. It also was something you couldn’t predict AT ALL.

Overall, if you’re wondering whether or not to check out this anime: DO IT!!! It may have a slow first half, but the second half really is awesome. 🙂

Ayatsuri Sakon – 17 – And The Culprit Breaks Down

November 19, 2006 by psgels, posted in Ayatsuri Sakon

Image Hosted by ImageShack.us

And I’ve finally caught up with the subs. This really was one of the better episodes of Ayatsuri Sakon. I really think that this series would’ve been better off as a 13-episode one, as it’s formula is starting to get a bit repetitive. Still, Isshiki was great to see this episode.

During the previous episodes he always was so incredibly calm, sarcastic and full of himself. Then this episode comes, and his alibi is suddenly shattered. Talk about a personality switch. I loved how all of the clues he dropped over the course of the episodes have been unmentioned till now, and Sakon just dishes out one after another at a certain point. That really was the best moment of the episode, in my opinion.

This also was the first arc with unexplained events. For example, the exact reason why Takahashi died. Also, my memory isn’t that clear yet on the exact role of the contact lens.

Otogi Juushi Akazukin – 21 – Lunar Eclipses… Sortof

November 18, 2006 by psgels, posted in Otogi Juushi Akazukin

Image Hosted by ImageShack.us

Very interesting. This episode actually had a light character, instead of the dark characters of the past few. While the past few episodes have been just fighting, fighting, getting stronger and fighting, this episode adds something more: hope. It’s indeed the case that Akazukin will discover that her powers are rather uncontrollable, but that’s just a side-story for this episode.

The main focus is Fernando. He makes use of a special natural phenomena. Those who’ve been paying attention might’ve noticed that Fandavale has more than one moon. This episode, two of these moons (a large one and a big one) formed one line, along with the planet itself. Thus an interesting eclipse follows, which apparently strengthens the power of water-based magic and wind-based magic. Fernando uses this power to come in contact with Souta, while Randagio uses this power to unleash probably his strongest goon yet.

The first half of the episode also was highly atmospherically. It seems that this turned into something like Christmas for the people of Fandavale, as everyone stops for a bit to watch the spectacle. The latter part of the episode also featured a rather emotional scene between Souta and Akazukin. Finally we get a bit of development from her side. 🙂

Also, we get our first clue about Souta’s mother. She indeed is in Fandavale, and Fernando met her. The question remains, was she kidnapped because she was special on her own, or is she special because she married Souta’s father? I still think that he was the guy from the mirror. The fairy-tale may tell that the story took place 1000 years ago, the girl did talk to someone at the end of the mirror. In Erde. With large buildings you see only in the modern age, and definitely not 1000 years ago.

Next episode will be a great one: we have a Rapunzo-cameo, and Hansel will return again.

Death Note – 07 – “You Remind me of L”

November 18, 2006 by psgels, posted in Death Note

Image Hosted by ImageShack.us

Okay that was such an annoying episode. I just loved it. Nothing much happens. The largest part of the episode consists out of Light, finding a way to kill “Maki”, and Watari shows himself. Especially the former part was strange, but great to watch at the same time.

I’ve indeed put “Maki” between quotations, as she indeed used a false name. Light has a huge deal of trouble, trying to figure out her name, without acting suspicious. After all, there’d be no way for him to know that she used a false name, so he can’t mention it. In the end, he makes use of something that’s in every human: longing. The moment Light found out that she’s been working for L, and that she trusts him, he knew that she was longing to see him back. He made use of that, by pretending that he was member of the investigation team, and offered her a place in this. If you asked a normal person, he or she would react sceptical to this, but with “Maki”, it’s her weak point. Light made good use the fact that he wouldn’t have to continue his act as soon as he got her name written down.

The best part of the episode, though, was the ending. Not because Light won at the end, but because of two other things: the soundtrack, and its mystery. I just love the tune that the creators made for this. It fits the atmosphere perfectly. But so many strange things happened in such a short period of time. And before it has even time to sink in, the cliff-hanger sets in. First of all, one of the officers on Kira’s case gets sent to the police office, in order to make sure that one of them always is there, in case someone (like “Maki”) comes with an interesting tip. He just walks right past “Maki”, handing over her ID and nothing happens. Only seconds later after he passed, Light tells her that he’s Kira. Did he hear, or did he not? Talk about close calls. Also, why did Ryuk laugh more hysterical than ever when Maki agreed to hand light her ID? I also loved how Light reveals he’s Kira, two seconds before the Death Note takes control of her. The fear really was in her eyes.

I believe that L’s weakest point is Matsuda. Whenever Light figures out that he’s part of the investigation, L will be dead. He’s just too inexperienced and unprofessional for such a job. I wonder if L already noticed this. Also, only now I realized when this anime’s taking place. The current episode takes place at December 30, 2006. That means that Light should attain his Death Note, right about now. It’s a freaky thought that perhaps tomorrow, the newspapers will be full of strange deaths. Is this some trick by the creators of the anime, or were the same dates used in the manga?

Asatte no Houkou – 07 – Happy Birthday

November 18, 2006 by psgels, posted in Asatte no Houkou

Image Hosted by ImageShack.us

The first four episodes of Asatte no Houkou have been really emotional. Right now, we’ve got ourselves three episodes, which are about the opposite, as they’ve been really peaceful, and because of that really great to watch. The next episode, the emotional scenes will probably return again, as Karada discovered that Shoko and Hiro were once lovers. Right now, she’s boarding a train. Probably because she wants to leave the two of them alone.

Following the usual pattern, this episode again is a Shoko-episode. It’s centred around Hiro’s birthday, which, of course brings back memories. Karada also spends about three quarters of the episode, baking a cake for her brother. Shoko is encouraged by this and helps her out a bit, even though she’s horrible at cooking (and really shows that this episode).

It’s another highly atmospheric episode, in which not much happens. Though for some reason, Asatte no Houkou turns keeps to amaze me. It also made the perfect use of the small bits of comedy, involving the different character’s quirks. ^^