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Feb 18, 2010
"Brilliant" is what I first thought when watching this series, "how artfully, and thoughtfully they have captured these stories on screen". Even though I had not read any of the stories these adaptations were based on , there was no doubt to me that they were masterful interpretations, whether they were honest to the original or not. I was overjoyed by this sterling example of what, let us say "higher" animation ought to be. Well, at least one type of "high" animation. Everything about these adaptations is wonderful. Animation, dialogue, scenery, pacing, comedy, general awkwardness; it all culminates in a truly remarkable atmosphere.
I have
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since read three of the stories that were adapted: No Longer Human, In the Woods (or whatever you wanna call it), and Spider's Thread. They are all great works, especially No Longer Human in my opinion. I would even argue that Spider's Thread is much more breathtaking in the animated adaptation. Oh good lord, if you would like to watch animation at its best, please spend the time to watch this series.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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Aug 24, 2008
Yes, I have only just watched the first episode, I know that normally I would have no right in the least to write a review, but this is a special case. It is special because Blade of the Immortal is by far my favorite manga (sorry Berserk), period. When I first turned a friend onto the manga, he said to me, "Wow, thy could never make this into an anmie." He was right. From the wonderful sketched art (that has not been recreated in the anime) to the believable relationships amid complete madness (which I can already see are going to be screwed by the
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show) this manga truly stands apart. Now, I have to say for any other show, I would say it's very good. Very good art, cool fighting, badass characters, etc. However, these do not stand up in the least to the manga. In fact, I take it as an insult. The wonderful original story that acquaints us with our colorful cast of characters and intermingled relationships is thrown in favor of a super sped up plot to make it all fit in a series. Not acceptable. Second, the music absolutely sucks. An adaptation of such breath taking manga deserves music that chills and thrills and knows how to rock (I'm looking at you Kuroi Sabato). Instead, I'm handed some second rate synthesized crap that belongs in a much lesser plot. Another thing, where's the ultra violence?! The manga is filled with absolutely astonishing, beautiful, and creative violence. Stuff that really makes one cringe. In a good way. Instead the best parts are cut out to make it tv safe. And what's the deal with Manji's attitude? He's not nearly gruff enough. Who chose his voice actor, Who?! I'm telling you, he needs a raspy voice like the great Nakata Jouji. If they had used him I might be able to overlook the other stuff. Well, maybe I will change my mind as I watch on; but I doubt it. Read the manga, please, it's genius, by comparison this is a serious degradation of a work of art.
-Moritsune
Reviewer’s Rating: 5
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Jul 12, 2008
Let me start by saying that the first episode is by far the best. In fact, I would have given this a much higher rating if the show consisted of just the first episode. It is a truly great episode filled with epic battle, desperation, and crazy folklore. Unfortunately, the show takes a real dive afterwards and as it goes on it seems more and more like the writer and staff lost interest and even forgot what they had originally planned. Sure, there's some more awesome fight scenes, but most of the show is characters that haven't been properly introduced with either unexplained or so
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uninteresting motivations that you've forgotten what they were, aimlessly walking around and eventually bumping into people with whom they get in fights who are guess what? also Hakkenden! No way! You mean you've got a glowing birth mark too? but we were just fighting. Oh well, no point in explaining or even differentiating between the characters, hopefully this show will end soon. Or at least that's how I imagined the creators were thinking. Still, it's not without merit, some episodes are directed by different people and the art style changes too, which is cool because sometimes it looks really good. Also, as I mentioned, there is some good action and some truly sadistic happenings. This could have been a great show as I had been anticipating but I ended up having to struggle through to the end. They really kept meeting allies up until the last episode, it's like they didn't even plan it out. Very confusing. Still, if you're starved for Chambara as I am I guess it's worth a shot. If you can find it.
Reviewer’s Rating: 5
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Jul 12, 2008
Now, I'm sure there are more than enough reviews for Hellsing, but I thought I would try to share my insight anyway. The first time I watched this series, I wasn't particularly impressed (where was the plot? I thought). Sure the action was awesome and Alucard was cool as could be, but other than that I found it very drab. The second time I watched it was completely different. I was enthralled by the characters and even though I pretty much knew what was going to happen, I couldn't wait. It actually made me feel comfortable to watch it.
The best things about this series
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are the things the manga lacks. Granted the manga is great fun, but I had the two OST's on repeat while I read it. This brings me to my point, the anime is so enjoyable not just because of the run of the mill plot, but because of the atmosphere, voice acting, and most of all, the music. The relationships between the characters are great upon a closer examination. Simple with strict rules, yet far more complicated. This anime actually led me to my own revelations about the importance of the master-servant relationship in the Judeo-Christian tradition. How 'bout that. I digress; the voice acting is so much fun you have to hear it for yourself. Integera, Walter, those brothers, all great, but the real gem here is Alucard voiced by Nakata Jouji. Most of the show rides on Alucard's coattails and Nakata Jouji brings him to life perfectly. I actually have looked for other shows solely based on his involvement. Again I'm wasting your time. Now, the music I cannot speak highly enough. It is perfect. It was written and performed by Ishii Yasushi (a genius in my book) and fits the mood perfectly. Hell, it makes the mood. This man cannot get enough credit for making the show what it is. Just scenes of characters bumbling around are made eerie and enthralling with this man's music. I've probably said more than enough. Yes, I suggest this series for the lovable characters exceptional moodiness.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Jul 12, 2008
When I first found out that Yuasa Masaaki was directing an anime, no less one with swords, I thought "Holy crap, my prayers have been answered!" Well, I was partially right. Kemonozume is in the same style as Mind Game and Cat Soup with the very same twisted sequence of events one was to expect. I personally love this bold new animation style, like a sketch colored with water colors that doesn't adhere to any sort of spacial rules (limbs bending way out of shape to emphasize movement). Anyway, I have to say that the love story is frighteningly realistic and very touching,
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something rarely found. This isn't to say that the action isn't incredible and wonderfully stylistic, hell the whole series is. My complaint with this series is that it slows down immensely in later episodes, but I suppose the production team thought it best. There's a great amount of scheming and terrifying plot twists, something always appreciated. I highly recommend this series, just be forewarned that it is in a very serious tone with little relief (except of course for the ultimate badass monkey master). I'll leave it at that.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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