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Jan 23, 2025
Looking Up at the Half-Moon is an anime that is built upon a poignant and emotional premise, but fails in a variety of ways to live up to the potential of that premise. Even the title is symbolically laden with the concept that it is better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all, yet isn't nearly as visionary and multilayered as that stroke of titular genius might imply. Beginning with the story, it is both the strongest aspect of this anime and where the bulk of my problems with it lie. Following the story of two young patients in a
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hospital and the story of how they fall in love despite the odds is a very unique premise, and the hospital setting provides a fun and interesting twist to your usual romance fare. The adventures that Rika and Yuuichi share are also touching, and it's easy to get emotionally invested in them and their bond. However, while it does manage to get quite emotional, and deals directly with many of the existential questions surrounding life, death, and love, it has some problems that muddy the waters a bit. For starters, it suffers from a distinct overreliance on hiding key dialogue and important events from the viewer in order to artificially manufacture big reveals later on, which feels especially cheap and obnoxious in a show that is as short as this at only 6 episodes. It also suffers from a general lack of understanding in regards to how people think and make decisions, much of these choices feeling contrived and bizarre throughout. My biggest problem with Looking Up at the Half-Moon, however, is how it undermines its strength as a sweet, innocent love story between two star-crossed youth with elements that make it feel desperate to be perceived as 'mature'. The pervy nurse-groping grandpa in the first episode with his porn stash falls flat as a strange and needless addition to the show, and the fact that this hospital breaks every rule and regulation in such a way that would get them shut down in real life makes suspension of disbelief rather difficult, but the worst offence relates to how it defines the boundaries of relationships and fidelity. I'm not going to spoil anything specific here, but again it feels like it blindsides you with something edgy and 'morally grey' just to seem cool and 'grown-up' before returning to the adorable romance at hand, as though nothing happened and we should just forget about it- all the characters certainly do. All in all, they actually did pretty good with the story they were trying to tell in regards to Rika and Yuuichi, but everything that goes on when the two of them aren't onscreen together is simply riddled with flaws, which is a shame. The art is subpar, and notable as a general weakness of the show.
The art direction itself is fine, and the color palate also fosters this dreamlike quality that fits well with the hospital setting, but the technical execution is seriously lacking, with shoddy animation in a variety of areas, especially facial animation. Many of the expressions seem wild and sloppy in a way that is out of place and jarring.
The sound just barely meets the basic standards of quality for the time, even if the OST feels generic, giving off a distinct 'soundtrack in a can' sort of vibe. The songs which bookend the show at its opening and closing sequences are strong, however.
The characters are good, even if they feel like they're on rails a lot of the time, tossed about by the story they're in and the conveniences it demands of them, but as mentioned earlier coherent character motivations and emotional intelligence proves to be an issue throughout. Of them, the main couple, Rika and Yuuichi are my favorite, as their romance forms the very core of the show, and the message communicated through their relationship is a beautiful one- does not a half-moon still light up the night? Overall, Looking Up at the Half-Moon is a fundamentally good story at its very center, but it stumbles over itself a lot, either by trying to be something it's not, or by the simple limitations of raw resources and natural skill. With this in mind, if you're willing to forgive a lot of flaws, there's something worthwhile in there, even if it is distinctly bittersweet.
Reviewer’s Rating: 5
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Jan 22, 2025
Read or Die is an extremely fun, distinctly unique OVA from anime's transitional period into a largely digital medium. It is also a love letter to campy, 007-style spy movies, as well as a celebration of the unbound, freeing nature of anime as a medium of storytelling. It is unapologetically its own, weird, wonderful self, and it is this dimension of it that makes me love this anime quite so much. All of this is borne out and encapsulated in the story, which is where this review will begin. Its premise is striking and strange, focusing on a globe-spanning secret
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network of rare book hunters who also task themselves with saving the world. They have agents with special powers who work for them, and this OVA focuses on their conflict with a terroristic group of famous geniuses from history who have been cloned in order to carry out a nefarious plot against mankind. It is so in-your-face wild, but plays this premise completely straight, taking this state of affairs for granted while the story plays out. One of these agents, the bookish and disheveled Yomiko Readman, has the power to manipulate paper at will, and finds herself in a central role throughout this conflict. In this way, it is completely unpredictable, and keeps you firmly on the edge of your seat from start to finish. It feels both classic and totally original, hitting many of the well-worn spy movie tropes while somehow preserving all of its mystery. However, due to its brevity, things can feel a little rushed, and its fascinating world feels relatively unexplored as a result. Still, even if there's only so much you can really do with 3 episodes, this OVA manages to do quite a bit, and packs in one hell of an adventure along the way.
The strongest aspect of this anime, however, is the art. As I mentioned earlier, this anime is from the transitional period of the medium between hand-drawn and digital production methods, and I believe that plays out here in its unique and at times experimental aesthetic. The world of Read or Die is brought to life in this visually complex, detailed manner, and coupled with that distinctive early 2000s palate of muted colors and warm, unassuming highlights. The animation is also fluid, with a lavish use of frames given to moments of distinct movement, even outside of combat. Furthermore, the fight choreography has a sense of weight, consequence, and overall lethality that many anime tend to fall short of in some capacity. This feeling of impact gives the whole title a kind of weight that is absolutely essential for a good story, especially for an anime that's quite as short as this. Though, perhaps my favorite aspect of the art is the fact that it embodies the aesthetic spirit of early 2000s anime perfectly, and expresses the lengths of that period's overall creative potential. This resonates with me on a personal level, but I feel it still bears mentioning here.
The sound is wonderful, and has that same characteristic flair that the rest of the anime enjoys. The soundtrack is populated by a rich, orchestral score, with significant tracks that stand out on their own as distinctly energetic, jazzy, and original, and it is these pieces which really capture the spirit of the anime as a whole in musical form. The sounds of life play their part as well, with the sounds of crinkling paper and splattering blood playing a significant role, making this world feel three-dimensional and lived-in. The voice work is also a good fit for this anime. For reference, I actually watched the dub for this anime on DVD, and while I have heard more technically skillful English dubs, this one is still a perfect fit, and should be the preferred method for watching this OVA. This is especially true for the main character, Yomiko, as her VA is spot-on from start to finish.
This brings me to the characters, who are surprisingly varied, developed, and distinct, which is an impressive feat considering this anime had about an hour and a half total to achieve that. These characters feel authentic, and are instantly memorable from the very moment of their introduction. Of them, my favorites are easily Yomiko and Makuhari. Yomiko stands out as delightfully strange, as a character that is simultaneously capable, eccentric, optimistic, and unapolagetically herself, just like the OVA is as a whole. In many ways, this anime feels like a wider extrapolation on her oddball personality. Meanwhile, Makuhari, beyond her role as a badass femme fatale, stands out for how her friendship with Yomiko changes and develops over time, in a way changing her as well. Overall, Read or Die is a wonderful early 2000s anime OVA which is for sure more obscure than it should be, but perhaps that's a good thing, adding to this sense of it as its own unique thing, outside of the mainstream, like nearly all anime was in the west during the time of its release. It is an artistically impressive, high-production OVA that is easy for me to recommend to just about anyone. If you're looking for a real gem that's a little off the beaten path, Read or Die is the perfect fit.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Dec 20, 2024
This anime is a masterpiece. In every respect, it is majestic and powerful, saturated with beauty and craftsmanship in every regard. An anime like this one is a precious treasure, one that only comes about very rarely, and one that will stay with you for the rest of your life, representing a high watermark of storytelling that will forevermore serve as an example of just what anime can achieve as a medium when everything comes together just right. As of the time of this writing, Frieren is the 200th anime I've watched, and has earned its place as one of the exceedingly few that I
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have given the prestige of a perfect 10. In short, it is a work of absolute genius, in every sense of the word. It is difficult to begin anywhere with a title such as this, when everything about it is so incredible, but I'll begin here with the story. Frieren handles its masterful storytelling in such a uniquely potent way that it lands among the absolute greats, nearly inimitable in its impact and excellence. It is immediately apparent that, this story, about an eccentric elf who has outlived her adventuring party learning more about the human condition by starting another one, feels like a strong return to form in terms of fantasy. It feels classic and timeless, mastering all the pieces that make the famous fantasy epics of the past work so well. It feels hopeful, and adventurous, and exciting, and above all offers up a refreshing take on the defeat of ultimate, objective evil. How Frieren handles the problem of demons is intelligent and all-encompassing, championing the concept of the good and proclaiming without any reservations that the destruction of evil is always righteous. It eschews the played-out modern trope of 'misunderstood demonkind' and 'grey morality', instead championing heroism, strength, and persistence in the face of deception, lies, and uncertainty. This aspect alone would be more than enough to declare the story this anime's strongest aspect, but there is still so much more to it. Beyond its flawless execution of fantasy's most important and timeless themes, it adds unique and engaging aspects that deal with the most profound aspects of the human experience. There were many moments where it moved me to tears. This story takes on so much, and yet deals with all of it with such impressive skill. Be it Frieren's reckoning with her near-immortality in the context of the human relationships which mean so much to her, or Fern's grappling with belonging and what it means to be a mage and practice the craft she loves so much, or Stark's challenges with cowardice and fear when he has so much potential and how his friends bring out the best parts of him as a person and as a warrior, this anime is emotionally intelligent on a level that I have only rarely seen before. This anime understands what it means to be a person, what it means to grow. Even beyond its epic narrative, even beyond its sense of adventure, this story captures so much of the human experience, so much of the soul of man. Even the little things, like helping villagers clean a statue, or telling a story to your friends around the bonfire, or even taking in the sights and sounds of a new place, this anime gets it, and even if this were the only great part about this anime, it would still deserve every ounce of praise that it is getting now. But, indeed, there is so, so much more to say about Frieren.
The art is every bit as impressive as the story, and stands out from its peers with a degree of aesthetic mastery that is rarely seen in a given season. It is colorful, and interesting, and vibrant, and detailed, but beyond all of this, it has vision for the world it portrays. The world of Frieren feels alive and full of history. The architectural styles, which change between regions as they head north, are so carefully imagined, depicted down to the slightest cultural detail, that it's clear this anime was given nothing short of complete and total love during the entire length of its production. On the other hand, the fight scenes are so richly executed that every hit, every blow, feels like it has weight, like it punches through to the screen so that you can feel it in your chest. This is not even to mention that Frieren has one of the richest and most indulgent color palates I've ever seen, and even some of the smoothest and most impressive animation in general. Beyond the fantastic art style, the animation itself is smooth and seamless, animating the finest details like hair physics, eye movements, and light filtering through leaves with a dedication and mastery that will give you chills.
The sound, like everything else in this anime, gets similar praise from me. The soundtrack is soaring and orchestral, with so many layers of emotion and majesty that are rare, not just in anime, but in general. It is suited to every possible moment, from the most jubilant highs, to the most melancholy lows, and even the quiet moments of peace, where nothing in particular is happening. No matter what, this soundtrack wreathes the entire anime in excellence, and is overall one of the best scores in anime. The sounds of life, too, are detailed down to the minutia, from the rustling leaves, to the squelching of mud, and even all the moving parts involved in the grand cacophony of a pitched magical battle. The sound is an honored companion to the art and story, especially when the voice work is considered, which is characteristic, unique, and emotional from start to finish. It even earns its place as one of the few anime for which I prefer the dub, given just how impressively well-cast everybody is in this regard.
The characters, too, are incredible. They feel like they're the ones driving this story, as it is their adventure, and that feels right. I was consistently impressed by this show's characterization, as though I immediately fell in love with our main cast, I was skeptical about every new person added in, especially in the second half, but I was blown away by how this anime manages to make every character, no matter how recent or how secondary, feel complex and interesting, to the point where I found myself invested in them and their stories as well. This is a genuinely impressive feat, and one that should be celebrated by all and emulated by other anime looking to do the same. Of the cast, my favorites are the main adventuring party of Frieren, Fern, and Stark. Their relationship just feels so genuine and familial, and they way they build each other up is both inspiring and moving. Overall, Frieren is an actual masterpiece, a work of art that is on par with the absolute greats of history. I absolutely recommend it, and, going further, will say here that it is a necessary watch for anyone who calls themselves a serious enthusiast of anime. It will become a part of you, and stay with you for the rest of your life. Frieren really is that amazing.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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Dec 17, 2024
Honobono Log is a beautiful, fleeting little tale, featuring a collection of brief snapshots into the everyday lives of people and the ones they love. It is a quiet, unique contemplation on that emotion, which expresses itself well in the OP song, "Every time I look over at you, I realize that I'm happy." As such, the story is the strongest part of this anime, as despite being nothing more than a pile of vignettes, it manages to be beautiful and impactful all the same, capturing so many emotions in the silent moments between words and the small things that people do for each other.
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It's the kind of thing people might usually forget, but when presented in such a tender and contemplative fashion, it speaks directly to the heart. Like catching snowflakes on your tongue, each story is beautiful and unique in its own way, but it doesn't stick around for long. As for the rest of the anime, we are left with precious little to say about it.
The art is pretty but fairly static, which nonetheless compliments the anime and its themes, even if the near-total lack of backgrounds can feel a little strange at times.
The sound meets all basic standards of quality, with a touching OP that's a perfect fit for this show, and voice work that is quiet and tender throughout, reflecting the nature of the anime itself.
As for characters, they're so fleeting that it doesn't make sense to choose favorites, so instead I'll choose a favorite vignette, that being the one featured in episode 9. That episode and the dynamic of the couple in it is positively adorable, and quite heartwarming. It is the perfect package to convey, in a single episode, what this show is all about. All in all, Honobono Log is delightful, and a wonderful way to spend 20 minutes, even if it is just an ad for the art book its based on.
Reviewer’s Rating: 6
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Dec 17, 2024
Fushigi na Somera-chan is short, fast-paced, and very strange, which in its own way counts in its favor. Despite its unorthodox format, or perhaps because of it, this anime manages to get quite a few laughs, both at the well-timed absurd comedy, and at the jabs it takes at various other genres as well. Beginning with the story, it'd be a stretch to say this anime has one, even if by merits of its comedy this is the anime's strongest aspect. It follows a magical girl, her sister, her friend, and a girl they hired in the second episode, and follows their misadventures. These situations
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are more than just random humor, even if it has the essence of that style, which is refreshing to see for an incredibly short comedy title like this one, which can be completed in under 35 minutes. Typically, when an anime is this short, it just ends up being nonsense, but here it actually sticks the landing with its scenarios and dialogue. Be it aliens which try to repay property damage with insect dung, or a "GMO" version of one of them that terrorizes a village in the forest, or even the semi live-action credits sequences that sing a little traditional tune while drawing a picture, it all manages to be pretty consistently funny.
The art is quite strong, exceeding any expectations this genre has for its titles, complete with a fun and dynamic art style that lends itself well to physical comedy, and an animation quality that matches the energy of the anime as a whole.
The sound is also good, meeting all basic standards of quality, with a good OP and strong, fast-paced voicework that doesn't trip over itself, despite how fast it goes.
The characters are perfect fits for this type of anime, and stand out as real drivers of the comedy at hand, their interplay elevating the absurd atmosphere throughout the show. Of them, Shizuku and Somera are my favorites. On the one hand, Shizuku has some of the best comedic timing in the whole anime, mischievous, deadpan, and wry the whole time, she is a major source of this show's comedic value. On the other hand, Somera, being the protagonist of the anime, proves to be a source of such chaos that without her this anime wouldn't have the proper steam to keep it going. Be it turning a dog into a bizarre food-themed beast, or releasing a "GMO" version of her friend into the wilderness where it attacks innocent bystanders, she is the nexus for much of this show's random conflicts. Overall, Fushigi na Somera-chan is a fun, fleeting little title filled to the brim with energy and enthusiasm, and I'd recommend it on the grounds that it is indeed quite funny, and at under 40 minutes, even if you don't like it you'd have hardly wasted any time at all.
Reviewer’s Rating: 6
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Dec 17, 2024
Pugyuru is, in a word, weird. Indeed, beyond just being a frantic little comedy anime that you can watch in under 40 minutes, it is a window into what a total outsider might think all anime is like, which was especially the case in 2004. Long before anime was so well-known in the West, back when it was considered strange and underground, and back when the general public dismissed it offhand as a medium, ignorant of the potential and artistic mastery that lay within. They thought bright colors, loud sounds, and bizarre, often sexual humor were all that anime boiled down to, if they were
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even aware of it at all. Well, Pugyuru is exactly that kind of anime that was responsible for such a reputation. It is scattered, unfocused, and could best be described as a feverish frenzy that doesn't waste a moment blazing through its vanishingly brief runtime. Then, even so, Pugyuru still executes this comedy well. All in all, it is quite funny, and for those who are used to it, all of its oddities only add to it. Beginning with the story, there really isn't any to speak of outside of the basic setup- a girl, whose name we never get to hear, is given a "maid" by her wealthy absent parents, but this maid, Cheko, from the so-called "maid country", doesn't seem to be exactly human. She is incredibly short, produces cooked rice from a compartment in her head, and has an upside down skeleton that changes shapes randomly whenever it is measured. She also attracts other bizarre entities, like a snow-woman made of shaved ice, and a giant talking squid that masquerades as a maid, wearing human masks to blend in. The comedy comes from the inherent absurdity of the situations they find themselves in, such as two yakuza guys obsessing over maid autographs, or a high school delinquent girl losing her cool about Cheko's cuteness, or Cheko running out of batteries despite otherwise appearing quite biological. This absurdity is the main draw, and as such, the "story", if it can be called that, is the strongest part of the show.
The art is nothing special, with a pretty standard art direction, and a generally subpar production quality, though given the nature of this anime it's not like its taking away from anything, and doesn't really diminish the experience overall.
The sound is pretty solid, with a very catchy OP and crisp, fast-paced voice work that matches the energy of the humor.
The characters are quite distinct, much like the show itself, and drive the anime forward via their unpredictable hijinks. Of them, the unnamed protagonist (sometimes called Magumagu outside the anime) and the tough-as-nails weirdo Kanato are my favorites. This is simply because they were the funniest to me- Magumagu serves as a humorous contrast to the insanity which surrounds her, and Kanato is a fun reimagining of the delinquent tough girl, taking the absurdities of her trope to the extreme, like her unnatural relationship to nail-bats. Overall, if you like the weird side that anime has to offer, especially as it was in the 2000s, then Pugyuru will prove to be a pretty good time for you, and even if you end up with a negative view of your experience, it's less than 40 minutes, which is such a low cost that you won't really be wasting your time either way.
Reviewer’s Rating: 6
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Dec 14, 2024
Yoru no Kuni is a genuinely beautiful little experience, able to move the soul at 8 minutes per episode better than a great deal of much longer titles can manage in the first place. It knows what it wants to say to you, and wastes no time saying it, so let me get right into it, beginning with the story. Yoru no Kuni is comprised of three loosely connected vignettes which take place during different times in the night and also cover different stages of different peoples lives. In these self-contained adventures into the Night World, a magical being known as Yoru guides them, and
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through his kind and patient insight helps each individual navigate the emotional turmoil they're struggling with in one way or another. Each story is moving in its own way, and are as powerful as they are brief. Much like a dream, it drifts into your life, and then away again, as quickly as it came. It's a lovely tale, and one which has the potential to provide another perspective for whatever you might be dealing with when you watch it, which merits a good score all its own. However, the emotional intelligence and staying power of the story and its timeless message would be for naught if it weren't supported by a visionary art direction.
The art is this anime's strongest point, alive with color and detail and an otherworldly sense of peace and spirituality. It feels as though it sets the scene for personal transformation, simultaneously managing to be both serene and comforting as well as strange and awe-inspiring. The art, through all its purples and blues, has this storybook quality to it, which further elevates its status as a work of art, as it cultivates such an atmosphere with effortless grace and poise.
The sound is also quite good, oscillating between a wandering and indistinct soundscape to a hopeful and rousing musical moment. In addition, the overall voice work is excellent, nailing the child voice work in particular, which is notorious for being such a difficult thing to get right, and really goes to show how much the people behind the anime cared.
The characters are all fleeting save for Yoru, who himself is more of a mysterious, and sometimes passive, guide. Still, they all fit perfectly within their little vignettes. Overall, Yoru no Kuni is a heartwarming, moving experience, and my only real count against it lies in the fact that it is not longer, and the associated narrative pitfalls that are typically associated with such brevity. This is an easy title for me to recommend, because despite how quickly it comes and goes, this anime is not easily forgotten, like a dream whose memory survives past the dawn. It is a breathtaking little anime indeed.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Dec 14, 2024
Princess Army: Wedding Combat is a largely typical shoujo OVA, complete with a bright, sparkly aesthetic and a reverse harem of dudes falling over themselves for Nonoka, the main protagonist. However, there are a few things that complicate this categorization. Namely, aside from the unique judo martial arts theme, there is a fair bit of fanservice with Nonoka as the subject, which is out of the ordinary for a title like this one, where presumably she is meant to be a self-insert for the largely female intended audience. In any case, it's an odd little thing, and has some interesting qualities that make it stand
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out from the crowd more generally. Beginning with the story, as mentioned earlier, it's a bog standard reverse harem shoujo setup, with one especially pushy suitor pressuring her into marriage while the other love interests challenge his claim through the sport of judo. It's broadly funny, if pretty silly throughout, though it does have a couple of moments that feel out of place with the rest of the show. Its conflict is also fairly contrived and makes it difficult to actually get invested in the events at hand. Beyond these aspects, there's not much else to say about the story other than it is quite short and manageably self-contained, making it a great random time-killer or quick addition to round out your anime list.
The art is this anime's strong point by a mile, with a bright, colorful palate, and character designs that are instantly striking and, therefore, memorable. It's certainly not afraid to be itself in this regard, awash with sparkles and big eyes and dudes with weirdly long fingers, which is a recurring theme for certain shoujo titles. It radiates the optimism and innocence of the 90s, with even the heaviest conflicts feeling as though they're being toned down by the neon world of pinks and blues which Nonoka and the people in her life inhabit.
The sound is similarly upbeat, with a certain dramatic streak, though overall it just meets the basic standard of quality for the time in which it was made.
The characters are fine, again meeting the basic standards of quality for the time. In general they feel as though they're pushed along by the plot to where they need to be at any given time, and given how short this OVA is there's really no time to develop them or their characters. Overall, Princess Army: Wedding Combat is a stereotypical shoujo anime from the late 90s, complete with a silly conflict, flashy art style, and a generous dose of interpersonal drama. For me personally, it's a pretty middle-of-the-road OVA, with aspects that carry it and others that fall behind, but for the right audience I think it has the potential to be an obscure gem for the shoujo fanatic.
Reviewer’s Rating: 6
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Dec 14, 2024
Before I begin this review, it's worth noting that I am the first to review this title on MAL, and even the first to give it a score at all. It is my belief that every anime deserves at least one proper review, deserves to have its content engaged and reckoned with. No matter how obscure it is, and no matter how long ago it was made, an anime still represents the creative passion of its creators, the hopes and dreams of the team that made it, and as such, I will give this one a fair and honest accounting here. Otokogi is a fairly
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typical yakuza crime drama, languishing in the very furthest reaches of near-total obscurity for the last 35 years at the time of this writing. Watching and subsequently reviewing this title therefore has a kind of liminal quality to it, like being in an empty school or exploring the ruins of some once-busy locale. As for the anime itself, while its general production quality is somewhat lacking, and the confused, over-wrought story gets ahead of itself a lot of the time, I've definitely seen worse titles out there.
Beginning with the story, it's a complicated tale with many moving parts and a whole army of characters to keep track of, while simultaneously being a thoroughly average story about a high school thug-turned-yakuza tough guy that beats up his rivals in violent and over-the-top ways. This genre was definitely overrepresented in the 80s, so seeing an example in the early 90s makes sense. It's clear they're going for an almost Shakespearean quality with the tangled web of motivations and characters, but they generally lacked the execution to really make it work, and as such it ends up falling flat. Keeping track of whose mistress is whose, which clan is seeking revenge against which clan, and how an electric company CEO with a missing daughter slots into this complicated criminal underworld power struggle, makes for a messy viewing experience that, at the end of the day, is barely worth keeping track of at all, That's because the protagonist, Kyosuke, knows just what to say, who to fight, and who to shoot to save the day. He discovers this Gordian Knot of a story and just slashes right through it. Perhaps that was the point all along, but it makes you wonder why they went through all the effort to to make the story so complicated in the first place. As for everything else, there's little to say by comparison.
The art has this gritty yet colorful aesthetic that fits its theme quite well, while the overall animation quality is rather low. Indeed, the production quality on display here is more reminiscent of the 80s, or perhaps even the 70s, rather than the 90s. It feels sloppy and definitively behind its own time in this regard, with stuttery animation and a general lack of variety among character designs, which adds to the overall confusion the story offers up to the viewer.
The sound is subpar, offering grainy, melodramatic voice work and distinctly artificial sounds of life, and while the music is pretty good, it is hardly present, leaving the show with this bizarre and awkward silence for the vast majority of its runtime.
The characters are fine, fulfilling their roles within the story, even if their actions and motivations make little sense. In a story like this one they'd typically be completely controlled by the story, ordered from place-to-place as the plot demands, but since their actions don't really follow logical paths, it seems like they're completely unmoored from the story, doing as they please in a way that adds to the scattered feeling this anime gives off. Overall, Otokogi is just kind of boring at the end of the day. It's not the worst thing I've seen, but it tries to be this hype action anime and this complex Godfather-esque crime drama at the same time, and as such fails to really live up to either goal. However, if you're particularly into this specific genre and want to say you've watched something almost nobody has seen, then Otokogi could be right up your alley. I'm convinced that this anime is a good fit for the right audience, however small, that could take it up as some kind of obscure cult classic. The crazy fight scenes and corny dialogue are more than enough to make that reality. Still, I'm not a part of that audience, and as such found it to be a distinctly underwhelming experience.
Reviewer’s Rating: 5
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Dec 9, 2024
Ah, Puni Puni Poemii, the disjointed, meta-referential mess that's banned in New Zealand and exists as a fictional anime within the world of another anime while directly referencing that anime. In short, this is a bizarre title, and while I recognize its ambitious attempt at scorched earth, nothing-is-sacred genre satire, I feel like it gets lost in the weeds of its own hyperactivity and self-indulgence, robbing it of its cultural relevance as anything other than an oddity. Beginning with the story, well, there's not much to speak of. It is everything and nothing all at once, reduced to a stream of consciousness which flows from
...
the director himself, who features as a character in the anime, and encompasses his thoughts and feelings on the medium in which he works. The premise is that it's a total parody of your typical magical girl anime, with a nonexistent plot thinly connecting the scattered, schizoidal events that make up this title. I will say that it does deliver a pretty all-encompassing satirical analysis of the magical girl genre, nailing every trope and reducing it down to its component parts in such a way that makes them impossible to ignore, but its wreathed by so much utter nonsense that it feels like it drowns out that aspect almost completely.
The art is typical for the era, meeting all basic standards of quality, but it is notable for its depiction of the bizarre in unique and creative ways, as well as imitating other styles in the interest of pulling outside tropes into the wider satire as well.
The sound is an odd beast, as while it technically meets all the basic standards of quality for the time, the voice work is intentionally so rapid and incomprehensible that if you're watching it subbed, like I did, frequent use of the pause button is absolutely necessary if you care to understand everything that's being said.
The characters float freely and unmoored by their connection either to reality or each other, tossed around by the tumultuous story like shrimp in a roiling sea. It's not really about any of them, so it doesn't make sense to choose favorites, as they're all quite strange. Between the hyperactive and titular Poemii, the obsessive Futaba, and the lecherous alien K, you'd be hard pressed to find a cast quite like this one in other titles. Overall, Puni Puni Poemii is a real trip of an anime that zooms by at a mile a minute, completely unapologetic for its speed, disjointedness, or overall perversion. In short, it is a good way to visualize what your grandpa who's never watched anime thinks all of those Japanese cartoons. Puni Puni Poemii has some value as a powerful and cutting-edge parody of the magical girl genre, and indeed the tropes of anime as an entire medium, which is doubly impressive for doing so very early, in 2001, before such deconstruction was common. Though, it must be said that it gets lost in its own absurdity, and that alone can make it hard to watch at times. At the end of the day it's up to you just how much trouble you'd be willing to go through to experience a robust commentary on anime itself.
Reviewer’s Rating: 5
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