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When I finished "Ghost in the Shell," I felt quite disappointed. This movie is renowned as a cult cyberpunk film, yet it left such a minimal impression on me. My main issue is how little the movie does to establish its elements.

The film's plot primarily revolves around a phantom hacker causing trouble for Section 6. You know who they are, but not why they are doing this. The Major is a stoic girl who gets things done. Togusa is an ordinary guy trying his best. Batou is a big guy who supports the Major, and the Chief is an old man dealing with annoying bureaucracy. ... Section 6 is a group that sometimes engages in under-the-table activities. That's about all I can tell you about these characters.

Before I delve further into my criticisms, let's touch on some positives. The artwork is outstanding, displaying the meticulous effort put into creating a futuristic and dark aesthetic. The voice acting and music are excellent, with the sound design, in particular, standing out when it comes to the portrayal of gunshots and other auditory elements.

The film's plot can be best described as "stuff happens" in a rather impolite manner. Why should I care about what's unfolding on the screen? The film doesn't provide any compelling reasons to do so. It's not that the film is vague about its plot points; it's just that there's not enough substance to engage with. It feels bare and lacking depth.

The film's final significant "choice" is presented as a crucial decision, but I couldn't genuinely grasp why it matters, especially when I don't even have a clear understanding of who the Major is at this point. In conclusion, I wanted to like this movie much more than I actually did, but I couldn't connect with anything I witnessed. Ultimately, I felt as disconnected from the world as the Major did while watching this film, and I don't believe that was the intended effect.

A two part finale to the cut-short series, "Into the Skies of Tomorrow" ends Buddy Complex with a relativity competent job wrapping up any looming plot threads. Though personally I thought that it does so with very little fanfare. The story takes a page out of perhaps Gundam SEED and has the stakes raised with the main bad guy pointing a death ray at the Earth, with the Nectoribium ray even decimating their own forces and Alaska base.

There's a random sequence towards the middle where they decide to have a random newly assigned crew member express admiration for Aoba. This doesn't really go anywhere, ... so I don't know why it was included. Wouldn't Aoba be an unknown since he was never in the PR video? it's kind of confusing.

The villain takes over Zogilia in a coup d'etat, but when he's defeated it ends just as quickly. Alfried Gallant, the so-called ace of Zogilia, is more of an afterthought than a player in this final campaign, still stuck using the Alsiel. Hina's friends view her as a traitor.. but it's not like they even attempted to notice her being brainwashed, so it's kind of understandable.

After the main bad guy is defeated, Aoba and Dio destroy the death ray via time travel, then a singularity opens and Aoba and Hina leave, roll credits. There's really not much else I can say— the problem here is that the reduced number of episodes just makes this finale feel so much less earned. We just don't know enough about these characters, or the world of Buddy Complex, to be drawn into what's going on.
Not even Dio, as the second lead of the show gets a final scene by himself. Even if it was just a 24 or 20 episode run, it would have been just a little better of a finale than what we got here. This is a trend nowadays in the modern anime industry, and I think these 12/13 episode cours are just ruining everything.

I will end this here, but not before saying this two parter doesn't really do much to make you feel excited at the ending of Buddy Complex. It's an ending that works, but it just leaves me with a bitter taste in my mouth at what we could have had.

Though it has been largely forgotten at this point, except by Banpresto, "Buddy Complex" is a fairly formulaic mecha show, yet it manages to entertain me every time. The story involves, as you guessed, a young man being thrust into war due to falling into the cockpit of a mecha, but this time through time travel shenanigans. After piloting the mech, our hero, Watase Aoba, is conscripted into the war between Zogilia and the Confederation.

Despite its brevity, one of the show's strengths is its ability to make the most of its runtime. It doesn't dwell on anything unnecessary to the story it aims to tell. ... The main character and his partner, Dio Weinberg, develop a genuine bond over the course of the series.

This storytelling style is highly effective for a short series like this, and everything comes full circle by the show's end. However, it's also one of its more unfortunate aspects because the show's short duration leaves some plot elements and characters underdeveloped.

The nice characters are, well, nice, but who are they really? We never learn this. We might catch glimpses, but ultimately, we get nothing more. Meeting other soldiers or delving into some drama beyond the time travel plot, like focusing on the commanders or soldiers of the Federation, could have helped establish deeper connections.

Nevertheless, there are other positives. The action scenes involving the mechs are stellar and never become dull, and the music is a joy to listen to. The Japanese voice acting is top-notch, and it's evident that the actors put their A-game into their characters.

It's regrettable that "Buddy Complex" won't see more than this or its two-part finale. Apparently, it was prematurely ended due to poor ratings, but I personally believe that banking on a smartphone game, where additional character backstory was also left, instead of model kits, isn't the best way to sustain a show.

In conclusion, if you're seeking a light yet enjoyable mecha show, give this one a watch. Just don't expect much beyond that. No matter how many years pass, I'll always have a soft spot in my heart for "Buddy Complex."

"End of Evangelion" is an alternate take on the last two episodes of Eva. In this version, after the defeat of Kaworu, we see SEELE bring the hammer down on NERV to enact Instrumentality. Regarding characterization, it primarily focuses on Shinji rather than other characters; however, it does show the importance of others in this film.

Notably, we witness the heroic last stand of Asuka and the struggles of Misato before her demise. There is also, of course, Gendo's reckoning and Ritsuko's lonely end. Ultimately, Shinji becomes the last human standing, and in terms of the story, there isn't much to "get" here.

All the surreal events ... during the ending, as I see it, are simply the way these things operate. They appear to be unlike humanity, so why would they follow human logic? And branching off from that, I'd like to pause and share a brief reflection for a moment. To be honest, I'm genuinely puzzled when I see many people trying to claim that the show is somehow pretentious.

As I've mentioned once or twice in this review or the previous one, "Evangelion" conveys its message straightforwardly. While there may be some aspects to analyze or rewatch to refresh your memory, it remains a work of fiction. Fiction can only be interpreted by the viewer, so completely dismissing critical thinking and reducing it to the author's attempt at being "fake deep" is juvenile.

In any case, it's up to the emotionally devastated Shinji to save the day or, at the very least, bring hope. After a rather cerebral ending, Shinji decides to end Instrumentality. He wants to see his friends again and acknowledges that, as a person, he's likely to make mistakes.

Rather than the simple but empathetic ending of the original show, "End of Evangelion," from my interpretation, offers an ending in which Shinji appears to choose the imperfection and messiness of life itself. It's not so much that he's learned to love himself; rather, it seems he's content to stop running away and see how things play out. And with that, I'm not entirely sure where things go from there.

The sequence we're presented with is certainly more grounded and "complete" yet ambiguous. Personally, I'd like to believe that Shinji's acceptance of the world and his resolution not to run away means he's found some kind of pathos for himself. Yet, at the same time, he admits he's going to fail and come to the same conclusions over and over again.

However, this is more than an acknowledgment of one's limitations. To admit that you'll fail is to understand why you can fail. This, at least, is better than Shinji running away from himself and others.

I believe this might be why we only see Shinji and Asuka at the end. They are the only two people who do not necessarily learn to love themselves, but they reconcile with their own human nature. Perhaps this is what they meant by people being able to restore themselves? Maybe the other humans can return if they come to terms with their own internal conflicts.

In conclusion, I find "End of Evangelion" to be a narratively satisfying ending. Shinji accepts his own humanity, more than necessarily learns to love himself, but chooses not to run away and let things play out. I can't definitively say this is better than the last two episodes of Eva.

It really depends on what you're looking for. The choice is up to you.

"Then where are my dreams?"

"Beyond where reality lies."

"Then where is my reality?"

"Where dreams end."

When I first began watching Neon Genesis Evangelion, I honestly didn't have a clue about what I'd think of it. So when I finally decided to pick up the series on a whim, I was surprised by how relatively straightforward it was. That's not to say it's a bad thing, however.

On the contrary, this show could be described as "reliably straightforward."

The show essentially follows the typical "monster of the week" anime format. It maintains a lighthearted tone, but that changes after the halfway point, transforming into a grim and somber narrative.

None of the characters in the show can truly be called "happy." They wear ... masks of normalcy to save face in front of others. Speaking of this, what has been bothering me is the current misconception about the mecha genre, suggesting that other mecha anime are merely "toy commercials" for the mechs while Evangelion is unique in the genre.

This is patently untrue. The mecha genre has a history of exploring dark themes, and Evangelion is no exception. The show makes it explicit: Shinji (and Asuka) derive their worth from being Eva pilots.

Evangelion isn't a standout in the mecha genre; it *is* mecha. The Eva mechs are integral to the show's identity, holding everything together. This is why I say that Eva is relatively simple but also a well-told story.

The characters who speak to Shinji at the end are correct in saying that he can't let himself be defined solely by his role as a mecha pilot. This ties back to a recurring theme in the show, "running away." All the characters are trying to evade something about themselves as they battle the Angel threat, using various coping mechanisms.

But in the end, they're all doing what humans do: running away from their problems. To be honest, I wasn't entirely sure about Evangelion. Once again, it's a well-told story.

However, its straightforwardness made me feel like I had been deceived somehow, that perhaps the show wasn't as great as it was hyped up to be. What truly won me over were the last two episodes. There's something poetic about using the end of the world as a backdrop to make someone confront their inner demons.

Two entire episodes are dedicated to the characters of Evangelion and their mental and social struggles. These episodes delve deeply into their psyches, forcing them to confront the core of their issues: Ritsuko's facade, Asuka's self-worth, Shinji's projection, and self-loathing.

In the end, Shinji figures it out, and the world metaphorically shatters as the people he cares about applaud him. Things are not as simple or as complicated as he believed them to be. He may despise himself, but he can also learn to love himself.

Certainly, Evangelion received a sequel movie and even a reboot series. However, the message that you can learn to love yourself and not run away from your problems is one of the best pieces of advice you can give to someone.

And so, no matter what happens...

"Thank you, my father. Farewell, my mother. And to all the children, Congratulations!"

This is the final compilation film in the original Mobile Suit Gundam saga. "Encounters in Space" is both powerful and moving, offering an epic finale filled with victory and tragedy.

Several plot points from the previous films find closure here. The war between Zeon and the Federation reaches its climax, and the rivalry between Amuro and Char—at least for now. Without revealing too much detail, I believe this movie adeptly handles its characters and resolves lingering plot threads.

One notable theme in this last movie is the concept of Newtypes, pivotal to the conflict between the warring factions. It delves into the philosophy of Newtypes, their treatment, ... purpose, and the fear associated with them. Newtypes play a crucial role in later Gundam entries, and their mythical qualities are emphasized here.

The political turmoil within the Zeon royal family intrigued me. They're a dysfunctional group, lacking love and respect for each other, each pursuing their own goals. Speaking of dysfunction, this movie has an astonishing number of major character deaths, illustrating the toll and consequences of a major war like this.

While I can't claim that any movie in this trilogy is perfect, they consistently achieve their respective goals. You never feel like you're missing out on the full experience of this series, despite some content being cut. I'll close out with this line:

"Please understand. I can be with you anytime."

I hope that someday, I can visit that place as well.

As the second film in the Mobile Suit Gundam film trilogy, "Soldiers of Sorrow" has the task of continuing from where the first film left off. I believe it fulfills this task quite well, although not without its typical compromises. First of all, let's talk about length.

Similar to the previous film, the second installment is approximately 2 hours long. While that's quite lengthy for a movie, it's always worth noting that certain elements have been condensed to emphasize the film's core themes. This is by no means a real concern, as it provides a clear understanding of each character.

There's a substantial amount to unpack in ... this movie. The amount of information presented may be a bit overwhelming, but given the heightened stakes in this movie, it's understandable.

The bulk of the film centers around the main characters and the White Base in a significant military operation, among other battles. Additionally, the concept of Newtypes is explored, with many characters commenting on it, although they remain uncertain about what a Newtype is supposed to be. The film also delves into the morality of both Zeon and the Federation, depicting soldiers and officials engaging in actions that could be seen as both noble and questionable.

The title "Soldiers of Sorrow" is very fitting for this chapter, as there are several deaths in this film and a rather serious sequence of events throughout. The main character, Amuro, continues to have his will to go on tested, although he is not without his faults himself. We also witness the character development and the building of relationships between other characters such as Char, Sayla, Kai, and Frau.

Much like its predecessor, I would say this film effectively conveys its intended vision to the audience. It's a tightly woven story that, while condensed, certainly meets the expectations set by the previous one.

A solid film that develops the narrative of the original Gundam universe. It's a relatively well-paced drama, although you can clearly see where extra scenes may have once existed in the original show. This makes sense, of course, as it is a compilation movie, and two hours is already quite long for a film. However, it's certainly not a deal-breaker in any case, as the film is competently directed despite its age, which adds to its charm.

The film's length provides more than enough time to flesh out its cast, who are well-crafted and believable within the setting they are introduced to. Amuro, the main character, ... is a withdrawn techie who must adjust to the harsh realities of warfare while dealing with stressful situations and receiving little sympathy from those around him. Bright, the Captain, is a Federation rookie who must adapt to the leadership role thrust upon him when the old Captain is injured and unable to continue.

Gundam is indeed a very old anime, as mentioned earlier, but it has a sense of style. The Universal Century creates a serious atmosphere in a world where the Earth Government has weakened in a galaxy burdened by numerous problems, especially those that have persisted since the last era. The politics and philosophies of the people are varied and presented through little tidbits scattered throughout.

In conclusion, Gundam I serves as a good starting point to explore the franchise, even at the expense of extra content. The smaller package offers a more concise and focused experience.

Trigun is a classic anime series that the anime community is well familiar with, including myself. I watched it long ago as a young man, but chose to rewatch it as an adult.

So how does it hold up? well, I'd say it's OK. There's some great moments in this series, lots of great comedy, some good writing and character development. However it is weak in some areas.

Animation does not hold up in some episodes, a few episodes are frankly irrelevant filler, and the same great character writing does not follow every character in the show. Some episodic storylines do not even wrap up in an ... especially complete or coherent manner. Many even feel as though they are grasping at straws.

But there is a good show here, and despite the flaws I think Trigun still deserves the title of a classic. I give this show a light recommendation.

Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods is a simple but effective movie that sets up the future of the franchise. Using the backdrop of Bulma's birthday as a setting, a whimsical destroyer God comes to Earth, seeking the Super Saiyan God of legend.

The story isn't winning points for inspiration, but the comedy and lore are enough to leave you entertained. By the way, I watched this movie in the uncut Japanese dub with subtitles for the most accurate translation. The performance by the voice actors was top notch.

There's some great animation when the fighting kicks off, and this adds to the appeal of the movie, ... as the entirety of Dragon Ball is just one big action scene anyway. The sound effects are striking and impactful, immersing you in the battle.

I recommend this movie for people that have an hour and forty five minutes to kill, you won't be disappointed.