Guilty Crown (anime)

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Shu gazing off in class

With the holiday approaching, I've found myself with some extra time.  My tv rotation also was lined up for an anime.  So I decided to try a longer anime series since I had plenty of time for it.  Guilty Crown was a title consistently recommended to me on Hulu for a long time. So with that, I went with Guilty Crown for my Christmas break.  Well worth it my friends!

Guilty Crown follows Shu Ouma.  A quiet shy boy who longs to be anyone else.  While hidden away in a run down part of town, he comes across Inori, the lead singer of Egoist.  Inori unexpectedly is part of the terrorist group knonwn as Funeral Parlor.  Funeral Parlor fights the powers that be to get back to a state of order, run by the people of Japan.  Ever since the "Lost Christmas" event 10 years prior, Japan is now under the watchful eye of the world court and is a semi dictatorship.  Shu, through unintentional circumstances, gains access to the Void Genome.  The Void Genome allows it's owner to use "the Power of Kings", the ability to use Voids.  Voids are physical constructs built from the hearts and desires of someone. It seems like Guilty Crown is all over the board but the series explains all of this in it's own time while still showing Shu struggle and grow in a world tittering on the edge of obliteration.

Inori is ready for action

Good - Guilty Crown took some time but in the end, I was really glad I watched it. The whole Void system really is unique.  It made every possible person have some sort of relevance within the show.  The evolution of Voids also allowed for new and more interesting situations to arise.
Guilty Crown did 2 things completely right.  The first of which was a solid plot.  There were times I may have been confused or lost, but the writers took note of every smile and knowing glance.  They explained all of the important stuff by the end of it all, even giving a pretty solid ending.  Something that rarely happens.  It was clear what Gai was fighting for and why Inori was so smitten by Shu.  We learned well enough why Shu called his mother Haruka instead of Mom.  Nothing was forgotten or left out.  More so, everything came together beautifully in the end, cohesively and organically.
The other thing done right was the characterizations.  Without using a heavy hand, you had a good idea what was motivating everyone in the large cast of characters.  You also saw how everyone reacted differently to the world falling into chaos.  Guilty Crown did an amazing job of following multiple paths of people and yet never felt like it was trying hard to do so.  

Funeral Parlor

Bad - I think the series followed Neon Genesis trends a bit too much.  The series seemed repetitive and unoriginal in the first half.  Shy kid gains god-like power and has to handle being in the spotlight suddenly. So the first half of the series was tough to watch.  Still, the series pays off the patient.  The second half totally made up for it.

Worthwhile? - I think this show is totally worthwhile.  I didn't think it was going to pay off but the series really ramps things up near the end.  All the story threads laid out meticulously all come together to a strong end where everything falls in place.  The story never felt forced or too wild, even for bringing the world to an end. 4.5 out of 5 stars.

I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas.  I totally did at least! 

Gai Tsutsugami, lead of Funeral Parlor

Simliar To - Neon Genesis Evangelion, The Future Diary, Linebarrels of Iron

Dusk Maiden of Amnesia (Anime)

Watch it on Hulu like me!

Despite the beginning of the new fall season, I haven't felt inclined to watch anything new.  No Modern Family or Parks & Rec just yet.  Instead, I've had a urge to watch someone more anime.  I didn't want to watch something terribly long, as it would take longer to get into the fall lineup.  After looking on Hulu for much longer then I should have, I settled on this little gem - Dusk Maiden of Amnesia.

Teiichi and Yuko

Dusk Maiden of Amnesia follows Teiichi, Yuko, Momoe, and Kirie, the members of the Paranormal Investigation club. After school, this team follows various rumors in school about ghost sightings and paranormal activity.  What's unique about the group is the Yuko is a ghost herself.  She can only be seen by those who are aware of her, and even then, they only see what they think she should be.  The first person to see Yuko with clarity is Teiichi.  The series follows the group as they investigate rumors, delves into how the group came together, and ultimately solves the mystery behind Yuko's death. 

Good - I wasn't sure exactly what to expect with this series, other then some sort of ghost element.  I ended up having a great time with this one.  It has a lot of cute humor between the surprisingly small cast.  The exchanges between Yuko and Teiichi are sweet, once you get past the creepy point of Yuko being a ghost.  In fact, the series deals with that issue head on, which I appreciate.  For being a shorter series, it was refreshingly succinct.  It didn't waste time with filler episodes and even had it's fair share of twists.  This is by no means an action packed, testosterone drenched series but the character interactions and development made this a great show to watch.

The Wiki Site

Another aspect were the various horror scenes.  For being a light hearted series, there was some brilliant and downright creepy scenes throughout.  Without much effort, this series seemed to be able to do it all.

Bad - Honestly, I found nothing bad with this series.  I liked everything about it. 

Someone is being a bit friendly 

Overall - Dusk Maiden of Amnesia is a solid choice.  I wasn't sure what to expect going into the series.  Thankfully I like anything, so long as the story is strong.  Dusk Maiden had a strong story, fun characters, and even pacing.  If you're looking for something fun, light, and quick, pick Dusk Maiden of Amnesia.  You will not be disappointed.  4.5 out of 5 stars. 

Similar to: Dorm, Toradora, Casper the Friendly Ghost (maybe), Typical ghost movies

Review: El Cazador de la Bruja (anime)

I've gotten to a point I've almost exhausted all the anime series Netflix has to offer.  I was getting desperate, not sure what to watch. El Cazador de la Bruja's description offered something I was interested but I wasn't sure if it would deliver.  I decided to give it a shot.  It took some times, and a few attempts to get through the first episode.  I managed to watch this whole series in the end and it was a fun trip.

Streetwise bounty hunter Nadie.

El Cazador de la Bruja follows Nadie, a bounty hunter, as she captures Ellis and brings her to her client.  As the series progresses, Nadie and Ellis develop a relationship beyond the expected.  They go from ward and watcher to sisters.  Nadie goes from simply protecting her cash cow into looking out of Ellis' best interest.  As the 26 episode series progress, strangers turn to enemies, who in turn become trusted friends.  Truths are revealed.  Hearts are broken and mended.

Likes -  It took some time but in the end, I came to really enjoy this anime. El Cazador de la Bruja has all the makings to be a repetitive anime series, like Hell Girl, but I never felt like the I was treading ground I had already covered. There was a natural evolution to the story and settings, akin to Gurren Langann, There were times I was a bit lost as to what was going on but I've had that with any good series, anime or otherwise.   I respect a show that goes full force forward and expects the audience to keep up.

Naive bounty Ellis

The big home run with this series were the characters.  Nadie immediately comes off as a caring individual with enough experience to not trust everyone she meets.  Which is in great contrast to Ellis, a young amnesiac devoid of recognizing any social cues.  From the beginning, we know that Nadie looks after Ellis.  A simple observation but has many implications through out the show.  The other characters like Blue Eyes and Ricado are developed naturally and thoughtfully.  Nothing feels forced.  All the characters seem to fall into the place we expect hem too in time.  Seeing each person get there is the real fun of the whole series.

Click here to watch the 1st episode on YouTube!

Dislikes - There isn't anything specific I disliked about this series.  I enjoyed it fully.

Overall - I recommend this series.  It was a lot of fun and definitely an enjoyable ride.  It offers settings and stories unique to anime, offering something fresh to longtime anime fans.  The are plenty of actions and gun battles.  The real enjoyment in this series comes from seeing the characters grow into something you can't help but love.  4.5 out of 5 stars!

Review: Portlandia (series)

Pure and simple, Netflix recommended this.  And it was a home run!

Portlandia is a sketch comedy show starring Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein.  The easy episode has a very loose, shallow plot.  It works for the show though.  Portlandia is a caricature of life in Portland, and to me, a send up on the hipster/new age living that I come across everyday. 

Likes - I loved this show.  It was only 6 episodes and I watched them all in one sitting.  There isn't anything else like this.  Personally, I deal with this kinda organic, green conscious daily.  It was great to see someone be able to pick out all the foibles and shortcomings of this green friendly crowd.  The women's bookstore owner skits were great and so spot on.  The opening song "I Dream of the 90s" really set the tone for the whole series.  One thing I really enjoyed is how the different skits were linked together.  The shrunken sweater in one skit was carried over the to the dumpster in another.  It's this kind of detail that really showed the time and care put into the show.  

Dislikes - My one grip is the series length.  6 episodes? REALLY!?!?  They could have done so much more 

Overall - I absolutely loved this show.  I started it just to help pass the time but it became a new obsession that only lasted an evening.  For anyone who is a fan of Scott pilgrim or is annoyed by the the kids who frequent coffee shops, this is for you!  Watch the first season and then be prepare for the 2nd one! It starts next week, January 6th!

Review: Mushi-Shi (anime)

Nothing special regarding how I started watching this series.  Netflix recommended it.  I read the description and figured it was worth the shot.  What a pay off though!

Mushi-Shi is about Mushi Master Ginko, a man who travels the lands, doing what he can to help those afflicted by mushi and trying to get a souvenir when he can.  This series is very episodic, each episode containing a full story.  The full series has no ultimate goal or climax. Instead, we see different people having different troubles.  Ginko tries his best help each one out.

Like - Though I'm not a big fan of series that don't have an ultimate plot, I really enjoyed this one.  The main reason being Ginko was such an unassuming, endearing main character.  He viewed the people afflicted by the mushi and the mushi themselves both as being victims of circumstance.  Ginko is a mix of ghostbuster, MacGuyver, and Doctor Who.  Not one to allow anyone to die, he has to find a solution where everyone, mushi and person, can walk away better off.  The animation itself wasn't anything special but the scenes were very beautiful.  Seeing the world still untouched by modern progress in each episode was really enticing.  The animators were able to create a gorgeous landscape that I had no regrets getting lost in.  The last great piece of the series was the music.  It was more orchestral then other series I've watched previously.  All these elements together create a series that was very mellow but was still very inviting.  Something truly unique.

Dislike - This isn't much of a dislike as much as it is a possible different direction.  It would be nice to see the series go towards a larger climax.  The last episode actually had very little of Ginko, though he still played a big role.  Other then that, I can offer no improvements to this show.

Overall - I really enjoyed this series.  I actually put off watching my normal slew of films of drama and horror so that I could watch the next episode of Mushi-Shi.  It's hard for me to put my finger on it exactly, but I think the characters, specifically Ginko, really drew me in.  I was glad to watch this series and I think you should too.  5 out of 5 stars!

Review: Phantom:Requiem for the Phantom

Phantom: Requiem for the Phantom is a very redundant and poorly worded series title.  Thankfully, the series itself was crafted in a much more thoughtful fashion.  As usual lately, I was in need of a new anime series to follow, especially since the US TV season is on break.  Netflix suggested this to me.  I  was hesitant but after the 3rd episode, I was hooked.  This series proved completely worth my time.  I even found myself losing sleep. I was so engrossed with the story I would stay up way past my bed time.  

Phantom follows Zwei, a Japanese boy who has no memory of his past.  He finds himself fighting for his life the moment he awakens.  After his initial struggle, he is taught the ways of the assassin by his predecessor, Eins.  Soon, with his new abilities, we watch has Zwei rises and falls with Inferno, the organized crime syndicate he works for.

Likes - I didn't just enjoy this series, I loved it.  The story was great.  There was alot of development for all the major characters involved.  Specifically, Zwei. We see how he really asks why his life is the way he it is.  He rises.  He falls, He realizes what matters in life.  But so does Eins.  She eventually comes to see Zwei's philosophy to be better suited for her then the bland one offered to her by Scythemaster.  Even Cal, who is introduced later on, grows up as well.  If you want a series that offers alot of character development, watch this one.  It is central to the whole plot.  I liked how it was an adult series, swearing, but only when it made real sense.  Overall, I think this was a very thought-out, well crafted series.  

Dislikes - My main complaint is the animation style.  It is so plan that I was turned off by it.  I thought Phantom was another generic series about who-knows-what.  I'm glad I stuck around because it was worth the pay off.  Another complaint I have is about the ending.  What the hell happened????

Overall - I highly recommend this series.  It is a bit long but with so many characters running around, it could easily run longer.  I know I raved about Baccano! before but I think after you watch that, make the effort to see this one.  You won't be disappointed.  5 Stars!