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May 10, 2020
I have a bone to pick with this season. I want to make it clear that there will be aspects of comparison with both the manga and previous seasons just to give more context on my opinions. This also means heavy spoilers in the latter half. I am also aware that this season was directed by a different director so there's a clear cut difference with its presentation. Anyway, this season badly balances between good and bad, making it a fine season. The season does have several highlights such as Kirishima & Fatgums fight, and Eri's smile. I don't know the exact details of how
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badly the production was affected by the virus, but even then I'll be judging it as it is.
Story 7/10
The story and plot in this season are serviceable and do shine from time to time but those moments are sparse. The season doesn't live up to the previous seasons and it shows as some scenes either lack substance or it's rushed. One highlight from the manga I really enjoyed was the further characterization of Aoyama but I felt it could've been handled better. Even though key moments in the arcs may feel empty the show is still able to hit hard when needed.
Art 6/10
OH GOD, THE ANIMATION WAS KILLING ME. I'm gonna outright say it the animaiton in this season was bad, especially with the standard studio Bones sets. The manga panels had more life than this. Certain iconic panels from the manga either lack life or they're shot weirdly. I noticed a trend that the camera was really wide and dragged on and the animation during scenes between characters and the action wasn't snappy and felt floaty. The million fight scene could've been this amazing moment like Todoroki vs Deku but instead, its demoted to a PowerPoint presentation. A lot of it comes down to its cinematography and how it's shot as the camera felt wasted especially when it's a virtual camera.
I intend to keep this short cause my main critique was with the animation and I needed to get it out of my system. Hopefully, some of you people can understand what I mean.
Reviewer’s Rating: 6
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Apr 17, 2020
Amagi Brilliant the most unmagical theme park experience in Japan. Amagi Brilliant Park is another show directed by Kyoto Animation veteran Takemoto Yasuhiro whos work includes Hyouka, Koboyashi's Dragon Maid, and more. Its original run was back in 2014 but ever since then I never knew what hidden gem existed. I would consider Amagi Brilliant Park (ABP) to be underrated in the Kyoto Animation library as I haven't seen many people discuss this show especially with it being one of the greatest anime comedies to come out in the last decade. The beauty of this show is that anyone can find enjoyment in it
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and its high rewatchability. Each new watch offers a new experience and it'll always make you laugh in one way or another. ABP has become one of my top anime just thought I'd say that.
STORY 8/10
Picture this mossy pathways, rusty chairs & tables, and soulless employees, the perfect ingredients to create the worst theme park experience. We meet our protagonist Kanie Seiya who recruited by Sento Isuzu to visit the one and only Amagi Brilliant Park. Kanie then is dragged to a meeting with a real-estate company and discovers that the park will close if they cannot meet the quota the real-estate company has set. This is where Kanie Seiya comes into the mix. Kanie is tasked to fix the park within three months while attracted visitors to meet the quota.
So that brief synopsis is basically a summary of the plot and first episode. We follow Kanie through these difficult months as he works to get this park to a brilliant standard. Each episode we are thrown into a new situation with the characters as they work to solve the situation usually in a comedic fashion. Compared to all of the other Kyoto Animation shows none of them compare with its comedy well since it is built around comedy. Throughout the show, we do see character development and progression but the comedy is at the forefront.
The show does have some magical elements such as how the workers are from a magical realm and use the park to stay alive by feeding off the visitors happiness at the park. Now doesn't have deep dives into the lore and such (unless they are discussing a situation around Latifa) but it's easy enough to follow to the point you don't question it. The way they build the laws of magic in this world feels natural and simple. Whenever the show delves into the magic aspect it feels underwhelming, to say the least, and this can be seen with Princess Latifa and her predicament.
**SPOILER FOR THE SECTION BELOW**
So basically in the past with Princess Latifa, the original manager of Amagi Brilliant Park had a curse placed on her so that when it hits August 1st she loses all her memories and remains the age of 14. This has happened to her for the last 10 years but she uses the magic the park provides to negate the effects but because of its rapid decline this caused the curse to play its effects.
The way the show handles this subplot can feel underwhelming and it did in my case as it only reappeared in the latter half when the quota was nearing its end. Without this subplot, there wouldn't be any stakes and so not a reason to care but the consequences are the same for all the maple landers due to the risk of closure. To say it smaller terms it was very underwhelming.
**SPOILERS END HERE**
CHARACTER 8/10
We have our three main characters Kanie Seiya, Sento Isuzu and Fleuranza Latifa with Kanie and Sento having more screentime. The supporting characters include all of the staff of the park but there are specifically three characters sharing the screen majority of the time them being the mascots Moffle, Macaron, and Tiramie. These three mascots a cute mouse, sheep, and cat respectively are the best subversion within the show and this is where a lot of the comedy can be found.
Moffle a cute brown mouse with a green hat on the outside but has a short temper is hot-headed and would fight you at the drop of a hat. Moffle is not afraid to get aggressive with visitors but exclusively gets into fights with Kanie. Moffle is the uncle of Latifa so he is very protective especially when it involves his family. Unlike the other two mascots, he isn't as perverted. Tiramie a pink cat with the magic of nature who also possesses the power of being a massive scumbag, pervert and womanizer showing no remorse for his actions which often invites a scolding by Isuzu. Macaron a white sheep who possess the skill of music except he is like Tiramie but tamer with being a pervert and scheming. One major fact about him is that he is divorced and has a daughter that's in the custody of his ex-wife. These three mascots get into all types of schemes and shenanigans except Moffle isn't as involved with their pranks and such.
Kanie Seiya is our narcissistic & egotistical protagonist with a superiority complex. Despite these negative personality traits, Kanie is still a compassionate man who cares about his fellow friends & employees. Though he maintains his superiority complex throughout the show we watch him become more open with people about his feelings. Then we have our expressionless secretary Sento Isuzu. Sento is usually the one putting out the fires of the comedic conflicts with her magic guns e.g. fights between Kanie and Moffle. Though she is often blunt and cold we do get to see her sensitive side once in a while and a couple of other expressions.
Each episode places these characters in new situations and the comedy stems from the character interactions and dynamics. Though one issue I do have is with its fan service as it's very confronting. The fan service isn't handled in unique ways like the panty shot in K-On but it's blunt with its delivery and sometimes it can be awkward sometimes.
ENJOYMENT 10/10
It's very good what else can I say. My experience may differ due to having a nostalgic feeling for theme parks and the show encapsulates that energy of a working park perfectly. Mileage may vary depending on what makes you laugh but I say give it the 3 episode rule.
CONCLUSION
Give it a watch for some brilliant comedy but if you're looking for the classic Kyoto Animation slice of life literally watch any of their other shows. I rate it a 9/10
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Apr 11, 2020
“If I don't have to do it, I won't. If I have to do it, I'll make it quick.” - Oreki Houtarou
Hyouka is a show I would consider to be underrated in the Kyoto Animation library. It has received critical acclaim by their fans but personally I feel that it doesn't have much appeal or reach and this may be due to its way of storytelling. It would be hard to recommend this show because I would feel my words wouldn't do it justice as even giving a basic summary could be considered wrong. I believe the show is good but I have had a
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rough journey watching it, I will talk about this detail later.
Anyway onto the review.
Story 8/10
We follow Oreki Houtarou a high schooler beginning his first year. Unlike other male protagonists, Oreki is quite uneventful and is an advocate of personal energy conservation. If he doesn't have to do it, he won't. He takes this attitude or lifestyle into high school and sees the world in a black and white way until he meets Eru Chitanda. Oreki meets Chitanda through the Classics Club when his sister an old scholar asks him to join so the club doesn't die out. Eru Chitanda is a polite yet cheerful high school girl who is curious. Turns out Oreki has a talent for mystery solving and so ensues episodes filled with mystery and wonder.
Now that is the best summary I can conceive but the fork in the road I stumbled upon is "What the show is". It indeed is a mystery but even though the mystery elements end up becoming the plots of a majority of the episodes there are elements of slice of life and romance depending on the context and perspective. In my opinion its culmination of all these things with romance only becoming a sub-plot in the latter half. In the end, this show is a character-driven story as each character in different ways. Each character in the Classics club learns from these events may it impact them greatly or just subtly. Now each character doesn't have great noticeable changes in personality or character but its shown in a progressive way. These changes in character I will discuss in the 'Character' section of this review.
The mystery element is what drives the show but these mysteries aren't dramatic situations like murder or crime but instead small situations that are riddled throughout high school life which such as "Why is this room locked?". With these low stake situations, we are able to see more subtly character motivations and developments but because of their low stakes, it may seem that it can be hard to be engaged but they get you through its presentation.
Animation 10/10
The animation is on par of an animated film with each episode offering a new and unique experience. Where most of the praise for this show comes from is with its delivery and presentation of exposition. Instead of watching characters communicate exposition, we are instead taken on an experimental visual journey as each explanation for a theory/hypothesis is paired with a new animation style. Words cannot do justice its direction by Yasuhiro Takemoto who has directed other popular Kyoto Animation shows such as Amagi Brilliant Park and The disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya among others. 'Memorable' is the only word that can describe what the animation is like.
Character 9/10
We follow four characters in the Classic's club, all being first years. With a cast primarily focused on 4 teenagers, there is bound to be one you can relate to may it be Chitanda's curiosity, Oreki's laziness, Satoshi's cheerful attitude or Mayaka's stubbornness. With the show being character-driven we see Oreki's attitude of “If I don't have to do it, I won't." slowly fade away as he progressively becomes more interested and driven to pursue his curiosity.
Another character we see develop is with Satoshi Fukube. What seems to be the energetic best friend of the main character we slowly see how insecure he is. Unlike Oreki is contempt with his personality Satoshi is still unsure of who he is which can be seen with episode 21.
Enjoyment 8/10
I have had a difficult journey with this show as during the time I began this show I was experiencing anime fatigue so I was having a hard time watching it early on. Only recently as of April 2020 I was able to continue watching the show and just for reference, I began this show halfway through last year. Because of this, my analysis isn't very justifiable as the first half of the show was hard to get into due to personal matters. The other half of the show was just amazing to watch but also hard to follow one when you have a basic idea of what happened in the first 10 episodes so my experience was very tainted.
FINAL VERDICT 8/10
On a personal note, I need to rewatch it to have a better understanding of its characters but it was an amazing journey.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Jan 31, 2020
Konosuba the Movie, the closest thing we will get to a season 3 as of January 2020. Did the film worth nearly a year of waiting since it was announced? YES! The film captures the original energy and essence perfectly. Humour is on point, voice acting brilliantly acted, animation outstanding and very very enjoyable.
*Spoilers Beyond this point*
Story 7/10
The story is pretty basic in concept with the humor and characters driving the plot forward. The film feels like an episode just stretched out to 90 minutes and this point is proven when they included the cutaway slides. To be honest I think they were making the
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first cour of season 3 but said: "Nah make it into a movie". The cutaway slides did bring a sense of nostalgia but did get a bit tedious as it broke up the pacing of the film but it stopped when the climax was happening
Art 8/10
The animation was one thing nearly every Konosuba fan was worried about as it was a change in the studio but we were able to rest assured knowing its the same staff. The animation, in my opinion, looks more crisp and clean with the expressions and movement of the characters having more impact.
Character 10/10
The Konosuba gang and company are better than ever. Kazuma is his usual self a gender equality advocate as well as being a pervert but still has a heart, Aqua is actually useful but does still has her classic whining, Darkness is as masochist as ever, Megumin is still a one-trick pony showing a glimpse of change with her skill, Yunyun still has no friends but more screentime, and old characters return as well as new ones. The film likes to focus mostly on Megumin and Kazuma (obviously as the film is basically named after her race) with them having the most screentime.
The comedy mostly consists of character interactions and its sexual humor but I felt around 60% of the jokes involved something sexual which I felt was distracting at some points but they weres still effective to make me laugh. The 40% of humor would involve subverting the viewer's expectations which they were able to do perfectly.
Final Verdict 9/10
A lot of criticism stems from nitpicks but they don't really affect my enjoyment and the quality of the film.
If you haven't seen this film watch it. If you haven't seen Konosuba S1 & S2 + OVA's go watch them then watch the film.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Jan 28, 2020
The second film in the Fate Heavens Feel Trilogy 'Lost Butterfly'. I'm having difficulty writing a general verdict of the film because I find the Fate franchise is hard to look at critically due to serving a part in an overall story (specifically in the core story). It's hard to explain but its balancing telling a good story and being a product but leaning heavily to the storytelling due to some other key elements being the saving savior.
Animation is the best I've seen so far in the Fate franchise (specifically the ones done by ufotable) the quality and animation has just been upped by 10.
Music
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is bloody brilliant and well-composed able to hit the emotional beats or dramatic scenes perfectly. The music compliments the animation by adding a layer of omph.
Ok so my favorite parts of the film are basically anything involving Sakura as they were the most interesting but there was one issue that I found to be very annoying 'The Pacing'. The film goes on for way too long and has way too much fluff amongst the good stuff.
solid 8/10 Apocrypha is my favorite installment fight me
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Jan 7, 2020
A lot of this first half of the review is based on my personal opinions and not really anything critical which I will discuss later. Out of the two popular anime films that came out in 2017 the other being Your Name, A Silent Voice was my favorite pick. Both films deliver a different experience and are very different films one focusing on romance and the other on the human condition. Personally I prefer A Silent Voice due to its relatability factor as there should be an aspect of this film somebody can relate too and my god how this film hit me like a
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brick that's made from emotion. This film was one of the first-ever films to make me cry during several scenes. Anyway when looking at this film from a critical standpoint its amazing. The amount of care and passion just oozes out of the film from the visuals, to the voice acting and to the music god the music is just beautiful.
Story 9.5/10
Now I won't bother with explaining the story/synopsis and get right into it. So the story is focused around the human condition as mentioned before and we follow a cast of characters as they are dealing with complex emotions and even mental illnesses. The story has a simple message that "everything will be okay" which is brilliantly executed by the director Naoko Yamada and the team at Kyoani. The way the story is constructed isn't in a traditional sense with a right and wrong side no the film doesn't explicitly say that what this character is doing is wrong it lets the audience decide on their own. Now I story may be beautiful but regarding how the characters are integrated into that narrative is one issue I have. In the film, there is a large cast but we mostly focus our time with Ishida and Nishimiya and not with the secondary characters. They do get a lot of screentime but not enough to flesh them out as characters which I'll explain later.
Animation 10/10
I don't need to tell you this you should already know this is one of the best looking Kyoto Animation films out there. Visually pleasing and the animation tells the story. I feel like A Silent voice is more of a visual story with the animation telling the story.
Character 9/10
As mentioned before the film mostly focuses on Ishida and Nishimiya and their issues which is done beautifully but aside from Yuzuru the other characters don't get enough development which is a shame as all the characters in the manga are very interesting. Even though we don't get much character development from the secondary characters they are handled very well no where near as bad as it could've been.
Music 10/10
Now the music is the real standout for me as the music is written to display the emotions of the characters in a scene. Another point is how tangible it feels and this is due to the imperfections the clanking on piano keys, shifting of the hammers in a piano, slightly offbeat notes which creates a very human sound.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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Jan 2, 2020
Stars Align was a breath of fresh air in sports anime in my opinion. It was able to balance the sports aspect as well as the drama very well. All the characters in the main cast were well fleshed out and developed. Overall it is a very solid show but my main criticism revolves around the drama aspect of the show
Now the drama is one of the main aspects of the show which is more focused on the sport in the overall narrative. Each character in the main cast have some issue/drama in their personal life which most likely involves their family. The show introduces
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these issues but neither develops them further or concludes them and because of the large cast it can sometimes feel overwhelming. Only both the main duo Maki & Toma see some development but could've handled better. If the show had a longer episode count I'm sure all of the drama would've been fleshed out and better paced. Now if the show didn't introduce drama for each character the supporting cast would not have been interesting the slightest.
On a positive note the characters. Each character in the soft tennis club exclusively feels very realistic and their dynamic is very entertaining to watch and that is where I found most of my enjoyment of the show. Sure I did find the drama each character dwelled in interesting which did service the narrative in some way but the soft tennis aspect was what told the story. Seeing a cast of characters progressively give a shit and learn the values of sport was so wholesome.
Quick note the ed was banging.
Animation wise. The animation is simplistic in design but with this simplicity, we have more fluid animation and this can be seen with the soft tennis matches. Each soft tennis pulled out a moment of sakuga but ironically wasn't distracting and blended well due to its simplicity.
Overall a solid show but that ending was very distracting as it could've ended on a high note with a simple message of enjoying what you do but we are given the unessecary drama. SPOILER WARNING HERE.
**I didn't mind the thing with reveal of Toma's mum's divorce as something was hinted at in the previous episode but the Maki thing was a bit confusing but very distracting. This really did a number on its overall rating as I like seasonal anime to have at least a servicable ending.**
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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