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Apr 29, 2009
It's difficult to review a show that defines why you enjoy anime, especially when it's not critically acclaimed. This said, Ah! My Goddess is a show that I will hold dear for quite some time. Let's face it, the show has charm.
The show, while quirky and admittedly cheesy, will forever remain one of my favorites. I immediately connected with Keiichi, but the true "ringer" was Belldandy. Never have I witnessed a female character that has drawn me in as Belldandy has. Some critics claim that the relationship between Keiichi and Belldandy is "unhealthy," stating that Belldandy is merely a reflection of the Japanese desire for
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a submissive female. Claims such as these irritate me; Keiichi and Belldandy's relationship is far removed from normalcy, but in no way is it unhealthy (setting aside outside forces). Rather, I found their relationship to be a breath of fresh air in the world of drama/media. Keiichi and Belldandy's utter devotion to each other is enviable on many levels, and very unique. While I found the lack of any type of physical contact annoying (the show only gives mere pecks and caresses, while the manga already has them kiss), it was nice to see a show where two characters could show love to each other with out having to disrobe. The point is this: while the relationship is seen as unrealistic and cheesy by most audiences, I see their relationship as something to envy and aim for. I would take dedication and trust over realism and pointless drama any day.
Furthermore, I would argue that Belldandy is no where near submissive and if she is, it's towards the man she loves, not to outside circumstances. Even during her submission (just wait till episode 19), Keiichi refuses to take advantage of her, and that I would argue is the true strength of the show.
The animation is nothing unique, but it is well done and uniform. The soundtrack is a tad cheesy, but it fits the mood of the show well. Fanservice is apparent, but not overdone and the comedy of the series ranges from slapstick to drop-dead hilarious. This all said, the draw of the show lies in the characters. The show is relatively episodic; no real plot develops, but this format works well for the show. The side stories where excellent as well. Skuld, Urd, Hild, Sayoko, and Megumi all had some great characterization, leading into some great episodes. I especially liked "Ah! Urd's Small Love Story?" Unfortunately though, the end of the series leaves you wanting more. Many fans are still hoping for a season 3 to say the least. A little closure would be nice!
Overall, Ah! My Goddess is a solid, slice of life anime. A show that I would recommend to nearly any anime viewer.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Apr 12, 2009
Hailed as “the new Miyazaki,” Makoto Shinkai has done it again with 5cm Per Second. Anyone familiar with Miyazaki’s work will realize how powerful of a compliment Shinkai has been given. Although his resume may not be loaded with titles as Miyazaki’s is, Shinkai is proving very quickly that he has what it takes to be the next great master of anime. For those of you unfamiliar, I recommend that you watch his features; they are brilliant compositions that reflect upon the beauty and sadness of the world. For example, Voices of a Distant Star highlights the relationship between two lovers. When one of them
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is required to work in outer space, the only way they can communicate is through text messaging and the farther they move apart, the longer the text messages take to reach each other. Brilliantly intriguing.
5cm Per Second is the latest installment in Shinkai’s works, and in no way does it disappoint. The movie excels in nearly all departments. The animation is razor sharp, and at times, literally stunning. One can’t help but ask, “That was drawn?” This beauty no doubt helps the anime, but the characters and plot are enough to stand on their own. The music flows smoothly from scene to scene, especially the movie’s theme, “One More Chance, One More Time” by Yamazaki Masayoshi. This song is also the theme to Moon and Cabbage; Shinkai chose such a famous song because it helped evoke images of everyday occurrences.
Arguably the movies greatest strength is the beauty it captures in everyday objects. The aforementioned animation quality truly shines in both the urban and countryside Japan. The pacing is slow, the dialogue is raw and when they mix with the stunning visuals, the overall portrait is one of beauty. Each distinct sound brings back countless memories of summers long past and romantic interests removed. Seasons flow from one to the next, capturing perfectly the emotions that each carries. The poetic beauty of the internal dialogue is rivaled by few anime.
The story is clearly Realist, with a pinch of Romanticism and its what makes 5cm so extraordinary. Typically, Realism makes me cringe; the images that Realism usually bring forth are not pleasent. 5cm on the other hand, focuses of love and relationships, always allowing for enough symbolism and imagery to lighten the mood. While the movie is clearly realist, it remains a story of deep love and an even deeper hope.
It’s this hope that redeems the movie. Throughout the duration of the movie, there is a looming sense of longing. It’s hard to truly capture with words, but the movie is both painfully sad, but at the same time incredibly comforting to watch if you, as the viewer, have experience what the protagonists have. The pain becomes your pain, the desires become your desires, and each scent actually pervades you. It’s incredibly vicarious and this is what makes Shinkai so successful; he truly has a grasp upon human emotion, experience, and memory. Powerful desires, deep seated memories and cool summer nights long past will flutter back into your mind as watching the film, allowing you to relive past moments of painful bliss.
Regardless of if you watch anime or not, 5cm Per Second is a movie that everyone should witness. Sit down, be patient, absorb each moment, revel in the beauty in each object presented before you, listen to the raw sounds and reflect upon your own life. And maybe, just maybe, the movie will move you enough to notice the beauty around you.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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