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- BirthdayJan 9
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- JoinedMar 30, 2016
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Apr 15, 2016
I’m pretty sure this review has taken me longer to write than how long it took me to watch this miniseries. But hey, that’s not exactly a bad thing. In this case, I believe Aiura is one of those shows that someone love, but others not so much. I fall into the later, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy some of the aspects of it. After all, this show only has four minutes in it. There’s an intro, and and outro song… so that doesn’t exactly leave a lot of time for show content. But hey, it’s a comedy sketch. What do you expect?
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Let’s get one thing settled. I definitely see the potential in the show, and I can understand why people gave this show a higher rating than I did. It just wasn’t my cup of tea. But hey, one man’s trash (well, it’s not trash… but hey, let me continue my oh so deep and inspiring quote) is another’s treasure. It’s a cute one, and I can see why it’s marked as a comedy. It must be that it’s really hard to get a laugh out of me. However, I wouldn’t say this was a “laugh-so-hard-you-fall-out-of-your-chair” kind of anime, instead more of one that will make you smile to yourself. It’s quick, and it’s a good middle anime you can watch in between two dark, lengthy, and deep anime. It’s a lifter-upper alright.
On to characters! The show focuses on three different girls - Saki, Ayuko, and Kanaka and a series of twelve shorts that broadcast their life right before school, during school, and right after school. Don’t expect some deep character development, or some kind of complex backstory from this anime. It’s just a comedy and a short, not meant for over analyzation. Kind of ironic for me to say that considering I’m working on an analytical review for the show right now.
Next- let’s hop aboard the sound train. There’s really not much to say about this. I wasn’t overly impressed by either the beginning or ending song, however don’t let my lack of musical knowledge curve your opinions on the music. I personally found it rather mundane, but hey, that’s just my look on it. . . Doesn’t mean you can’t rock out to the songs…
The animation wasn’t anything special, but I did like it. There’s a few good scenery shots, and it’s a beautiful thing. So that was one thing I enjoyed about this anime as well.
Let’s wrap this up, okay?
It’s a cute little short, and it’s an experience alright. However, this was one experience I could have gone with or without. But hey, it’s only 4 minutes per episode. It’s not like I regret anything. (: If you're into light comedy and a cute little short series focusing on these three highschool girls, then by all means... check it out.
Reviewer’s Rating: 6
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Apr 11, 2016
As someone that has never watched a yaoi before, this took me by storm. In fact, I never originally planned on watching this - nonetheless actually liking it. I was pleasantly proven wrong. Since this was only four episodes, my friend who had previously seen the series recommended it. We ended up binge watching the four episodes together. To be honest, I didn’t know what to expect. What I got though, was something better than I expected. The story comes to life with an interesting plot. We’re introduced to the idea of a personified doll that withholds the ability to grow if love is received
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from their masters. It’s referred to as a, “Hybrid Child” (hence the name of the anime). However, in this short lapse of time we’re also soon brought into the backstory of the creator of these doll-like-humans. It’s a ride, and I definitely enjoyed the ups and downs of this creation.
There is one thing to be noted, though. I had previously assumed this would have a lighter note to it. Yet, I was quickly shown otherwise. This shounen ai has a darker and more depressing vibe to it. I found myself letting out ugly sobs by the end of the series. Don’t think that the sadness takes away from the anime, though. It instead brings more depth the plot and introduces another complex yaoi to the genre. After all, I found myself enjoying this thoroughly even though I usually tend to avoid sad anime.
Let’s jump to the characters. Boy, this is a fun one. If you don’t want to learn about the relationships, then feel free to jump past this little paragraph. If you’re ready to learn a bit about the characters prior to watching (or after watching, I don’t know when you scan reviews (: ), then let’s go further. We are first introduced to the beginning characters, Hazuki and Kotarou. To be honest, I don’t have much to say on them, so let’s just jump to the next. We have our age-gap pairing. Usually, I avoid the idea of an age-gap pairing because it lacks morals. Yet, this pairing is cute and it focuses on the power of true love (not pure sex, mind you.) Here, we’re introduced to a character we’ll see until the end of the anime - Ichi. This brings us to the depth of the plot, and we’re brought into the better understanding of the creator of these hybrid children. It’s a sad ride, but we’re able to understand why he puts so much passion into the dolls. I love the characters here, and I have no complaints.
Okay, surprisingly, I actually have a legitimate point to make about the animation. All of the characters have either two different head shapes that help you identify the ‘uke’ and the ‘seme’. With information provided to me by my friend, I’ve came to the realization that the animator is known for this style. It’s definitely something, but I guess that it isn’t really shocking considering that this is the normal for this animator. Just it’s something to note.
Frankly, let’s jump to sound. The music usually goes over my head, and this is no exception. My friend who focuses primarily on the soundtrack is pleased by it, so that’s something. Usually I don’t really have anything to discuss here. I focus on the enjoyment it gives me, and since the music didn’t take away from the positivity, I thought the sound was perfectly fine.
To conclude, I think this anime was good. I enjoyed it a lot, and I think yaoi fans will really love this one. Even though I hadn’t shown and prior interest in shounen ai, this made me love it. Definitely passion and love is poured into this ova series, and you’ll be able to spot it out. I recommend this - not only to yaoi fans, but also to people who are wanting to test the waters in this genre. I jumped in and I don’t regret anything.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Apr 10, 2016
Let’s get something straight. This anime is only twelve episodes long. There’s no way that you can expect every single character to be developed to the ‘T’, or any long and extended issues. However, given the time frame, Death Parade accomplished a lot of things that I didn’t assume it would be able to. I can see how some people were a little upset about the seemingly useless background arbiters who had wasted potential. Must I remind you that it’s virtually impossible to dive into the depths of characteristics in this limited scale of time. It amuses me how many people are expecting the whole
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deal in only twelve episodes.
This brings me onto the pacing of the show. The first two episodes introduce the basic setting and point of view. We’re given a general idea of how Quindecim (the bar in which you’re sent after life where you’re judged and sent to either ‘heaven’ or ‘hell’) works and functions. Also, that’s where we’re introduced to our two main characters- Decim, the stoic bartender arbiter and his assistant (whose name is not told until episode ten). We also learn that to get a proper judgement, two people have to play a game so that their true morals come out.
(LIGHT SPOILER!!!!) In the first episode, we’re introduced to our first couple who play a game in order to get fit judgement. So that’s two episodes down, ten left. Next we’re brought to the following two episodes where we put the rules into play with two new pairs of people. Four down. On the fifth episode we’re introduced to more characters and we’re introduced to a deeper part of the plot that goes beyond the first conflict. Five down. The sixth episode brings back another game, but it’s a bit… different than the prior games. Six down. That’s half of the series already. Later down the road, we’re given two more episodes that focus on the game. Eight down - that leaves us with four episodes. In the four remaining episodes, we dig deeper into the plot and the more complex character traits of our main people. That’s not nearly enough time to dive in on everyone. ( LIGHT SPOILER OVER!!!!)
Anyway, let me go on. The cast the show changes a bit considering that we get a lot of deceased humans in the bar, but the main arbiters remain in the anime. We experience a heartfelt story that indulges us into the minds of the characters. Basically, we’re able to see the reasoning on what makes the people who they are.
Let’s focus next on the sound and music. To be honest, I usually just skip a lot of theme songs after listening to them once. However, this opening definitely was great. I’m sure you’ve already gathered that, however… it only feels right adding it into my review. The theme song is very catchy, and it’s definitely a fun thing to watch. I was highly intrigued by this mesmerizing sound. 10 / 10.
The animation was also great, now that we’re discussing the making of Death Parade. I have no complaints about it, and in fact I rather enjoyed it. We’re given beautiful and fresh visuals that match well with the added side effects of the show.
Overall, I really enjoyed this anime. I mean, the reason anime was created was to serve as a form of entertainment. Death Parade managed to capture my interest and it was definitely a show I wanted to binge-watch. Even though this is my own opinion and thoughts towards this anime, I do recommend it for others to watch. I can’t guarantee that you’ll find it as amazing as I do, but it’s worth a watch to find out!
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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Apr 10, 2016
Okay, I don’t even know where to start with this work of art. “Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi” - or in English referred to, “Spirited Away”, honestly swept me off of my feet. Before I go on though, I’d like to address one thing. This is in fact my review, and my opinion towards this anime. I’m only speaking for myself as everyone has their own thoughts. None are “better” or “more legitimate” than others.
Starting this off, I’m not going to lie, I saw this anime movie feature when it first came out. I was a child back then, and this film managed to
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scare me. However, recently I decided to revisit this due to high recommendation of a friend. Never would I have ever guessed that this film would rank so high on my list. Being a child that was easily frightened, the unique animation had sent chills down my spine… but with age, I’ve came to enjoy the plot and characters within this series.
First, let’s go over the basic plot of this anime. It might seem stereotypical, but this anime introduces the idea of a young girl stumbling into a magical and unheard of world. However, despite previous adaptations of this simplistic idea, Studio Ghibli brought something fresh and interesting to the table. We’re brought into a world featuring a bathhouse for spirits, complex characters, and blooming romance. For those who don’t find amusement in the romance genre, don’t fret. It’s not a major thing in the plot considering that the main character is ten, whoever, it does introduce the power of ‘true love’. With that essential power at their disposal, our protagonist learns how to work with this world to save her parents and to escape in the meanwhile.
Next- let’s jump into the characters. The first thing I’d like to announce is that the characters are in no way bland. Each person has their own personality, appearance, and importance in this. Character reliability is also put into play here. Our main character, Chihiro, is at first terrified by this whole experience. However, with the help of Haku (a strange boy who aids her in her search to go back home), she’s introduced into the basic lore of this world. Along the way she meets a series of foes and friends who she later learns to get along with. They bond, and over a period of time she becomes content with these spirits. The characters all play important parts in Chihiro’s journey even if it’s a faceless spirit, a huge baby, or a dancing light post. I don’t know if it was only me, but I loved being introduced into the different types of characters in Spirited Away.
Okay, now onto the more technical parts of this anime ; the anime and sound qualities. The animation is pretty good, as it’s not that straining to watch. I don’t have much to compare it to, but definitely it gets the job done beautifully. The sound quality was good, as they gave distinguished noises to multiple things.
Now to wrap this up. I highly enjoyed this feature. Hands down, I recommend this to both anime fans and not. It’s a good movie, and it DEFINITELY deserves the high rating it has on MAL . Even though it might not be for everyone, a bigger half of anime fans mark this film as one of their favorites. And after watching this, I can definitely understand why.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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Apr 9, 2016
I have to say, this is one of the best anime I have ever watched. I know, a lot of comments say ‘fan service’, but I have to disagree. Now, I know there are different opinions than mine, I’m not saying mine is the best or theirs should be invalidated, but I will say all these people who fail to realize that others have opinions and won’t always agree on things with them should not be allowed to call this show ‘shit’.
First, I can understand how some may see this as fan service, though I have to say that isn’t all the show is.
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Yes, there is some in there, I cannot deny that, but it is not purely a ‘show for girls to fan over’. The show is not meant to be too in depth but the plot is one that will leave you thinking. The theme of this show is friendship and growing up, as you watch it you follow Haruka Nanase and the rest of the Iwatobi gang as they bond over their love for swimming and try to reconnect with an old friend, Rin Matsuoka.
So, first, let me get this out of the way: Swimming guys are going to be half naked. That in no way can be called fan service. Yes, maybe they didn’t need those prolonged scenes of Haruka getting out of his tub (He has jammers on so calm down anyone who thinks otherwise), but they’re going to be shirtless, they’re going to have muscles. Another thing to point out is the fact that the characters are close, everything they do can be interpreted as you like, so that means you can see it as friendship or as pure yaoi. Again, it’s up to you. In no way does that mean that this is fan service, it’s all up to interpretation.
Next, I would like to say that the characters did develop during the show, it wasn’t some great life changing development, it was rather more realistic which may be why so many people have a problem with it. Haruka Nanase begins to appreciate his friends more, learning they are all he needs to swim freely, and he also realizes he needs to leave behind his bad memories in order to move forward. Rin Matsuoka learns to let go of his past, instead embracing a warmer future where he can swim happily and reconnect with his old friends. The gang learns teamwork and all become closer during the show, with there being both ups and downs in their friendships. Fears are explored, acceptance is given, and the characters all grow as they learn new values and morals to live by. It is subtle but still there, still present as it would be in our lives. We don’t rapidly change over the course of a couple months, it is a gradual process, so in this way you can see the show is even more realistic.
If you don’t agree with me, that is fine, but please do not be the asshole who writes that it shouldn’t have the score it has. Do not put women under the bus stating that this isn’t fair because men can’t have high scoring fan service anime. Especially, do not say that ‘any respectable women needs to give this a 2 or 3’. IT IS NOT FAIR TO PUSH YOUR OPINIONS ON OTHERS. Realize that while I have this opinion, the next person reading this may differ, and the person after that, that makes them no less of a person, but when you shame them and imply that they would be disrespectable if they liked this show then you should get no kindness here. I’m sorry you may not like this show, I really am. I wish you could see this the way I do, but again realize that everyone has opinions and your opinion is no better than anyone else’s. By shaming other people who like this show you are becoming a bully and if you are one of these people, please realize this. You would not like it if someone made you feel dumb, upset, hurt, or angry for your opinion and I for one, as a respectable woman who liked the show Free!, do not like feeling this way by you.
So, the choice is up to you. This show is interpretation only. Feel any way you want about it, please be respectful, and I hope you enjoy.
-Cassie ( A friend who feels the same kind of passion I do towards Free!, although she lacks a MAL account. )
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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Apr 5, 2016
☆☆☆☆
Before we start, I'd like to state that I usually don't read manga because it doesn't manage to captivate my attention. However - I couldn't put "Petshop of Horrors" down! Definitely I'd recommend this as a starter-manga.
We're introduced into these very fleshed out characters (Take Count D - the main character for example with his indepth backstory). They have very realistic motives and actions that I can fully imagine happening in a real-life scenario. I mean, if this story wasn't focusing on a mysterious horrific petshop filled with exotic creatures.
Anyway, the plot is fresh and I enjoyed reading it. The creators, Akino and
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Matsuri outdid themselves here. Each volume and each chapter brought up a new concept and a fascinating grasp on the new addition to the world.
The art was good, as it fit with this story pretty well.
Even though this is titled, "Petshop of Horrors" don't be quick to assume it'll only terrify you. There's heartbreaking scenes as well as parts that will make you laugh. It makes a good manga because it doesn't only focus on one primary emotion.
And I appreciate it.
I won't ever stop recommending this manga to eager readers because it's definitely worth a glance.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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