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Jul 12, 2015
It's widely known that anime as a medium usually doesn't work out with the horror genre. "Another" challenges this notion and presents a story of accidents seemingly coincidental in nature, that lead to the demise of students and the family of these students.
Story: 7/10
At first glance, the story itself is adequate. Basically, in class 3 of the 9th grade in Yomiyama North middle school, death will befall the students, teachers and families of these students in seemingly unprecedented ways. Our protagonist transfers into Yomiyama North middle school, due to familial circumstances, completely unaware of this rumour, and the tragedies begin. As you progress through
...
the show, the students grow more desperate trying to escape the hands of death, "climaxing" at the end of the series with a plot twist.
I felt like the pacing of this show was far too slow to be considered a thriller. Each episode blended into the next, and there was never a real sense of urgency. It felt like watching a train-wreck in slow motion.
Characters: 5/10
"Another" has a large cast of characters, with a focus on Sakakibara Kouichi and Misaki Mei. Initially I was intrigued by the potential of these characters. Sakakibara, the protagonist, is curious with the way the class operates, seemingly good natured and interested by another student Misaki. Misaki, on the other hand, can be seen as the doll archetype because she doesn't outwardly express emotions or reactions to tragic events. The story begins by leading you on, creating expectations for the characters, believing the show could deliver. It didn't. What we do get is a bunch of generic stereotypes and an overwhelming sense of incompetence by majority of the cast. Many of the characters actions don't match their intentions and most of the time these actions didn't make sense. I was dumbfounded by the sheer incompetence of some characters it was ridiculous.
Sound: 7/10
There isn't much to comment on the soundtrack of the show. It worked well with the themes and tones of the show and didn't try to overwhelm to audience. It wasn't very memorable and the opening was no "must watch" either.
Art: 9/10
The art for "another" is definitely one of it's strong points. Initially i was a bit put off by the characters design because they didn't quite match the theme the show was going for. However you quickly get used to it and even begin to enjoy it. Every scene is drawn to precision and there wasn't a single moment where i felt that animation was off or lacking.
Enjoyment: 7/10
Honestly i was really invested with the plot at the start of the show, but gradually it became duller and duller to the point of "whatever". It's starts off true to it's mysterious nature, and you're itching to deduce these mysteries yourself. However once you get the answers to these mysteries, you immediately see the blatant flaws behind the logic of certain actions that make no sense and were really stupid. The ending was anticlimactic and i was left with no sense of closure because they hint at a possible, vital, element of the show that they completely ignore. The show never truly felt like it the "climaxes" or sense of anticipation it needed to be a thriller. Everything was slow paced, and they drag things out as long as possible before finally revealing the mystery behind it.
I also found it extremely frustrating when characters withheld vital information simply for the show to progress. If the creators had established the setting quicker, the story would have reached new levels of potential, but instead we're left with a lack-lustre, generic plot.
Overall: 7/10
I'll say it again to re-iterate but there is never a real sense of urgency thus the "thrill" of the story is non-existent. As much as i've been badmouthing "Another" it's definitely not the worst i've ever seen. I would recommend it to anyone interested with the premises of the show but other than that anyone looking for a thought-provoking, thrilling horror series is going to have to keep looking because this show just didn't do that for me.
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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Mar 28, 2015
First and foremost DO NOT WATCH IF YOU'RE CONSIDERING READING THE MANGA. DON'T DO IT. Seriously there are so many spoilers and it's much better presented in the manga. Another note is that Tokyo Ghoul has a bad anime adaptation. The series itself as a stand alone is fine, pretty run-of-the-mill if you ask me but the manga is honestly so much better and it's worth it if you still gave the manga a chance even after watching the anime and thinking that it sucks.
Ok to start of this review, keep in mind that the second season diverges from the manga so there are some
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changes here and there.
Story: 4/10
Ishida Sui wrote the plot himself, but considering the fact that he's still continuing the manga, i can imagine that he didn't have too much time to dedicate to this underwhelming adaptation. I'm just not feeling this alternative plot. Everything is too fast paced, or not fast enough and when you think something is about to happen, it doesn't. Honestly but what even was to point of having him join Aogiri if nothing really changed from the manga? They should've just announced to do a 24 episode 2nd season and just adapt the manga. THEY REALLY SHOULD'VE JUST DONE THAT INSTEAD.
Art: 8/10
The art style is consistent from the last season and continues to be pretty good. However the same censoring issue is still VERY PRESENT. I mean they blur out some very tame moments to the point where it was really unnecessary. Also the fight scenes are okay at best, but they're short and anti-climatic.
Sound: 10/10
I just really like the soundtrack. Obviously there are new songs and such, but these songs just add a certain grace and atmosphere. Honestly the music is such a waste because the rest of the show can't seem to keep up with the amazing songs that are being played. I feel like the only parts of the show that have any type of atmosphere would be the music. Not even the visuals do much to make you feel empathetic or invested.
Characters: 2/10
Pathetic. Where did all the characterisation go? If you've read the manga, you would see my disappointment in every single character so much. Even the 1st season did a much better job than this. Kaneki is such a jackass that i don't even recognise him sometimes. He went under such immense psychological and physical torture, nearly going insane from the pain, just to become a stone brick like this? The problem began with trying to condense 70/80 chapters into 12 episodes but that's no excuse to have him lacking in so many fundamental areas where the manga just excels and excels even further. For instance, his own resolution. He honestly did not just go through hell to become the pathetic wimpy shit he is here. Literally he gets beaten once then decides that he's just not strong enough... again. There wasn't even any progress montages of his training at all, he just suddenly knew martial arts and battle experience despite rejecting the very notion of fighting just 1 arc ago.
Overall enjoyment: 5/10
Disappointment. So much disappointment and dissatisfaction. I'll be blunt and say that this 2nd adaptation had a fighting chance to be one of the worst adaptations I've ever seen. As mush as i love the manga, it's honestly sad that such a great story has a crappy 2nd season. There are no tense scenes in this season at all and honestly anyone who actually likes Tokyo Ghoul wont even consider this to be an adaptation. This "sequel" is just a bad decision and will turn off any anime fans that just want a continuation of the 1st season. For anyone who's really invested in the story, i highly suggest reading the manga. Honestly you'll be pleasantly surprised at how much better the story and characters are. The Kaneki in the anime and the Kaneki in the manga are two VERY DIFFERENT people.
TLDR: It's crap and don't watch it. Just read the manga and we can all pretend that this never happened. Lets just wait 10-20 years for another 50 episode adaptation by someone who's actually read Tokyo Ghoul.
Reviewer’s Rating: 4
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Oct 5, 2014
First review so be easy.
Story:
The story is beautifully melancholic. Hear me out. Two boys who have obviously suffered a great deal of hardship, bring forth riddles and destruction. Why? Well you'll find out. However you know right off the bat that they're not exactly bad people. From the first episode you notice that everything was planned so that nobody dies. What could this mean for the characters and their motives?
The conclusion- although bitter- felt right and ended the show on a realistic note. Just a warning, if you're looking for a sunshine and rainbows kind of story, this is probably going to break you.
Art:
The
...
art style was nice and i really don't have any complaints other than the fact that some scenes were quite dark, but that's really just a nit-pick.
Music:
This music is so fantastic and beautiful, if nothing else, watch the show for the music. You're doing yourself a disservice if you don't at least listen to the music. Honestly trying to explain how great this soundtrack is, is like trying to fit the sky into a bottle. You just can't do it.
Characters:
The show is only 11 episodes long, so it's not surprising that we don't get a great deal of development.
Nine is quite mature and cold like ice. He's the leader of the two, and is generally portrayed as mildly bitter. The way he conducts himself is calm and calculated. His intelligence is definitely not something to laugh at.
Twelve on the other hand is quite cheeky and mischievous. Although he acts as a polar opposite to nine, don't assume he's not as cunning and intelligent. Twelve is also more willing to "befriend" people.
Lastly Lisa. Gee all i can really say is poor baby. She's bullied, has an over-protective mother and the show doesn't seem to want to give her a break. She's pretty much tired and done with the world.
Enjoyment:
I loved it, end of story. These days, too many shows give heinous endings and plot twists, just for the sake of a "happy ending". I loved the characters, the music and animation. The emotion and tones were realistic and show that in reality, sometimes you don't always win.
Overall:
If you're looking for a good story, this should definitely satisfy. From clever riddles to astounding music, this show is a definite source of food for thought.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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