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Nov 23, 2024
*Disclaimer: This review is a repost of my original one, which was initially taken down by the review moderator. After clearing up some misunderstandings, they apologized and granted me permission to repost it. Thank you for your understanding!*
Violet Evergarden — Masterpiece Coloured: Visually and Emotionally Deep.
*Violet Evergarden* is a well-constructed story that includes war, recuperation, and growth of emotions in the plot. It involves Violet-a former child soldier trying to find her place in the post-war stage when she gets involved with Auto Memory Dolls-writing letters on behalf of people, trying to understand what her dear Major Gilbert meant by "I love you."
Storyline & Concept:
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It's a series that follows how a young girl discovers human emotions through the eyes of Violet, who has been blinded to feelings most of her life. Episodic in nature, each shows an aspect of love, loss, and recovery in this more introspective take of the series, making it really be about human emotions rather than action or grandeur as Violet journeys through different encounters.
Character Development: The development of Violet from being an expressionless soldier to one that learns the meaning of emotions was very well carried out. Subtle and realistic, her growth developed with each episode through the various characters she met, reflections of parts of her inner struggle. Other minor characters like Hodgins and Cattleya contribute to the change.
Visuals & Animation: Kyoto Animation delivers breathtaking visuals, with attention to detail that immerses viewers. The animation’s fluidity, color palette, and lighting make each scene emotionally resonant, enhancing the atmosphere and giving the story visual depth.
Direction & Pacing: Nuanced in approach, Director Taichi Ishidate crafts an emotionally powerful experience. Pacing-wise, this series builds upon the very slow awakenings of Violet herself. It builds atmosphere and introspection instead of making her growth rushed. Each episode brings its tone of sorrow and hope, keeping the viewer within its emotive grip.
Soundtrack & Composition: Evan Call's orchestral score perfectly complements the series, enhancing scenes rather than overwhelming them. The voice acting, especially Yui Ishikawa as Violet, is emotionally deep, developing from robotic tones in the beginning to richly expressive performances across the series.
Conclusion: Violet Evergarden is among those few masterpieces in storytelling, animation, direction, and music, perfectly combined. Including the basic universal themes of trauma, love, and healing, the relatableness of the series as an exploration of how to live and interact with others becomes vivid.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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Nov 23, 2024
*Disclaimer: This review is a repost of my original one, which was initially taken down by the review moderator. After clearing up some misunderstandings, they apologized and granted me permission to repost it. Thank you for your understanding!*
Clannad: After Story - the masterpiece that perfects emotionally enriching storytelling.
Clannad: After Story is acclaimed for its depth of emotion and realistic theme, thus fixing it into the reality of life. This sequel from the school setting of *Clannad* talks about love, loss, family, and struggles of life from a grown-up point of view. It gives insight into Tomoya Okazaki and Nagisa Furukawa-from the tender love of their
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youth in married life to the births in their household.
What sets it apart is the fact that it's not fantasy; Tomoya and Nagisa's struggles are real-life events that hit with full force, as evidenced in the bittersweet way life would have it.
Character Development: The character development of Tomoya from a jaded young man into a responsible adult pays off-a true show of the joys and pains of growing up. Nagisa, the emotional linchpin of the series, really shines bright with her resilience, while the parents and other characters add texture to this world and make it tangible, lived-in.
Visuals & Animation: Most recent series don't need to be flashier, but Kyoto Animation's work herein is powerful with warm colors and an expressively animated character showing every mood in the story. Merging this with symbolic scenes, especially in the Illusionary World, gave even more depth to the narrative.
Direction & Pacing: Tatsuya Ishihara directs every emotional beat in Technicolor sans melodrama. He handled the jump in time very smoothly and made the viewer witness character growth organically. Indeed, the subtle shift of the series from comedy to seriousness reflects that from youth to adulthood.
The on-point soundtrack and atmosphere of this series can also be credited for its beauty, thanks to Jun Maeda's beautiful score, with signature tracks such as "Dango Daikazoku" bringing so much poignancy into the scenes. Light yet powerful music and good voice acting lift every particular scene, especially in the development of Tomoya from a carefree youth to a man batted by life's storms.
Objective Reasons for Scoring High:
1. *Emotional Deepness & Relatability*: It approaches basic themes of serials such as grief, family, and persistence so easily and universally.
2. *Character Development*: I would best describe that realistic development of Tomoya into a nuanced amount.
3. *Direction & Storytelling*: The events that unfold show well-deserved emotional payoffs that feel truthful. 4. *Music & Atmosphere*: This is sound and vision combined, appealing to all the senses.
5. *Realism & Themes*: Presenting the bitterness and sweetness of life, *After Story* represents a hopeful or resolute message toward survival.
Conclusion: *Clannad: After Story* is an incredibly emotional anime that runs the whole regarding themes and character development: real-life struggles, grown-up themes-one of the most memorable ways ever. This anime would be a classic with its fleshed-out characters, strong storytelling, and wonderful soundtrack-one that would be remembered for many years to come.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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Nov 13, 2024
Introduction
Going in to NieR: Automata Ver1.1a Part 2, I was expecting more of the world and action sequences defining Part 1. What I eventually got was something way deeper and all introspective in a manner that is just overwhelming. It's just about a shocking about-face for an anime to bury spectacle for the cerebral voyage into what existence means, fighting, or finding meaning.
The whole angle of view completely flipped from just 'watching' the story to being amongst turmoil inside the head of the characters in the second half. The episodes just seemed carved out for your mind with so many question marks, very often causing
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thought processes which had rarely been provoked. This shift of gait, tone, and telling changed everything and came as a refreshingly beautiful surprise beyond every expectation.
Characters
In that vein, it centers around the three central protagonists-2B, 9S, and A2-but part two treads deeper into each of their complex emotions and struggles, very differently so for each. What really struck a chord with me, however, was how their interactions with one another, and even each of their inner turmoils, became an analogy besides character building to explore existential themes.
On the surface, 2B is quiet, but that melancholy cloak overflows from an ocean of bottled-up emotions-of one struggle between duty and desire.
On the other hand, 9S has attachment, loss, and learning about his existence more on the line emotionally. A2 actually personifies the raw interpretation of what that would look like in search of meaning within an apathetic world. It is not hard with each of these characters to sympathize and question what motivates them and drives the actions taken by them.
Plot & Theme
That gives Part 2 its thematic depth and echoes into answers about philosophical questions which continue long after the episodes are over.
The anime isn't just about the war between man and machine; it's deep down in the introspection of free will, the existential dread, and the circle of life. And with each episode unraveling, came a tale of so many questions: "What is living if the choices are set?" and "What is the meaning of suffering?"
These are not easy questions, and NieR: Automata Ver1.1a is unwilling to give an easy answer. A story that involves the apparent endless fight in the world catches the essence of human fights, which are somewhat circular in nature since we, just like the androids, are into the repetition as part of trying to make meaning in routines which may well be essentially futile.
Pacing & Tone
The pacing in Part 2 is much slower than one would anticipate, with a reflective atmosphere that lends gravity to each character's journey. At first, this choice threw me off, but it quickly made me realize the pacing of each scene and revelation was lasting. This formula, where moments of action are followed by introspective silences, creates a haunting rhythm, further emphasizing the philosophical tone of the anime.
This tempo allows for a balance where the audience can appreciate, if not the story, then at least the reflective themes of the anime without being rushed. It is as if the anime wishes to make us tarry, think about it, feel the weight of every character's emotional arc.
Visual Animation
The visuals in *NieR: Automata Ver1.1a* tell a story unto themselves, just as much as the characters do. The art style brings this post-apocalyptic world to the fore, with a tinge of desolation that at the same time is both beautiful and sad. From desolate landscapes to exquisite fight choreography, every frame stands like a work of art, reflecting the chaos within the characters.
The desaturated color tone and subtlety in details give the place an air of deliberation-a mood deeply emotional, reflecting the themes of the story too, as a matter of fact. This is much more than just aesthetic appeal; it's about creating an immersive atmosphere where the beautiful coexists with despair.
Music & Scoring
The tone of the music this season takes on a whole new range, embedding emotions in the scenes to bear even weightier philosophical depth. Ethereal and haunting is the score, thick with melancholy tones resounding along lines of existential questions battling within the characters. And how many times the music rises during quiet or introspective moments caught my notice-almost, as it were, the voice through which we're taken along in the themes of the story. The tone that it sets for every scene with the music is so perfect; it's almost like it gives the weight of emotion to the music to take the story and invite the viewer into the ups and downs of the characters. It changes it into an experience much similar to the truth it represents-beautiful but haunting.
Conclusion
Part 2 of *NieR: Automata Ver1.1a* stops at nothing in amalgamating those genuinely rare combinations: considerate storytelling and rich philosophy with depth in feeling. It is not mere adaptation but an art which stuns the viewer into the essence of existence, purpose, and the struggle cycle that everyone has to go through. For me, this anime went much beyond entertainment-it was a deep poignant experience which stirred some of the questions and insights which I never thought of. Such a season: it moves a video game story to such an emotional and intellectual odyssey that fully deserves a 9 out of 10 and shall be remembered long after the credits roll.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Nov 10, 2024
As an anime fan, I have a habit of writing reviews only for anime that were just plain "perfect" or 10/10 for me. Well, things are a bit different this time around. The review here of Mushoku Tensei Season 2 Part 2 tries to look not just at its strengths but also at its weaknesses rather than being an anime that perfectly matches some kind of ideal set of standards.
That would be a review where I go over most of the ups and downs in the story, visuals, character development, and sound—basically, all the most important fields. This is something new I do, and hopefully,
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it will give you an unbiased, well-rounded opinion about this particular series.
1. Plot and Themes The storyline of Mushoku Tensei is built upon the deep character development, Self-discovery, and relationships of Rudeus. The second part of Season 2 adds a layer of maturity, bringing up themes that are far from black and white, bringing in real-world gray areas. A few of the themes might be pretty unpleasant or even uncomfortable for some viewers, as the story will often put Rudeus in situations to confront his past while dealing with moral choices that might be considered questionable. For example, his relationships with female characters, and the inward struggle he suffers from in trying to keep his desires under control, may all create moments that are not palatable to some audience members.
But that is also part of what makes it interesting: unlike many other series, Mushoku Tensei isn't afraid to let its characters trip and make choices that aren't always strictly morally upright—showing a truer approach to human flaws and redemption.
Rudeus is always trying to better himself, but he's never depicted as being morally "pure." These occasionally jarring choices are there to remind one that personal growth isn't linear and part of the struggle in life is with moral ambiguity.
2. Character Development and the Moral Compass:
This is Rudeus' path to redemption as he tries to reconcile his dark past with present attempts at forming meaningful relationships. His moral compass is complex, sometimes wavering, sometimes firm, but always a work in progress. Interlocking with characters like Sylphie, Norn, and Aisha brings such depth—each bringing out different facets of him. While Sylphie pushes him to grow emotionally, his sisters make him understand the responsibility that comes along with family and protection.
What works here is that the show doesn't glamorize or justify Rudeus' morally gray actions; rather, it shows them as part of his deeply flawed character, making his journey all the more realistic and sometimes not easy to watch. For example, while his connect with Norn and Aisha do bring warmth, some feel rather rushed or even unfinished, not delving into their relationship as much as they could.
3. Graphics and Animation
Studio Bind has done expressive animation, especially in emotional scenes, where it catches the subtleties of character expressions that add to immersing oneself in Rudeus' journey. However, there are times when the animation feels less polished compared to Season 1, especially during action scenes. This might suggest that resources were directed differently, possibly at the cost of overall visual consistency.
4. Soundtrack and Voice Acting
Music goes very well with the series on an emotional level, especially in the opening and ending themes. The voice actors really bring the characters to life with strong emotional expression. However, it feels that the score of this season is somewhat less impactful than Season 1's and isn't always quite as effective at giving key scenes their appropriate dramatic effect.
5. Overall Impression The second part of Mushoku Tensei Season 2 gets deep into character-driven storytelling in the gray areas between morality and immorality. It's likely to be an experience that really resonates with fans of morally ambiguous characters who definitely grow over time, though it feels slower than the first part of the season and definitely doesn't have as much action as the original. All in all, it's an engrossing journey into redemption, growth, and moral introspection, though one that's not afraid to make the viewer uncomfortable. An 8/10, strong recommendation for those who enjoy thoughtful character-driven narratives unafraid to buck conventions.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Oct 19, 2024
"Frieren: Beyond Journey's End"
Storyline & Concept: "Frieren: Beyond Journey's End" refreshes the fantasy genre at its best, focusing not on the great adventure itself, but rather on what happens afterward. Instead of a hero's journey plot, it deals with what takes place after the "happy ending," something totally new in a genre of action and high-staked conflict. The idea of immortality, time, and regret is actually intellectually and emotionally luring.
The core theme of how an immortal perceives time and relationships, different from mortals, is treated with extreme depth. Frieren learns bit by bit the value of life in humans and their memories-a thing with which
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everyone in this world identifies. This reflective journey into themes such as grief, memory, and legacies increases on a much grander scale than typical fantasy fare and is, other than for mere entertainment, rated upon reflection on what it is to live and connect with people.
Character Development: One of the strong points of Frieren would be the deeply layered and methodical character development. Obviously, Frieren herself is quite an emotionally deep character at the center of it all. Her emotions have been numbed with her immortality, and the series pulls that apart so wonderfully-the things she realizes over time that she has lost. Really well-paced and realistic; nothing of her change feels rushed or unnatural.
Other supporting characters, past and present, give an emotional balance and serve as a mirror to the growth of Frieren. The heart-touching flashbacks with old companions, especially Himmel, are really revealing about the initially emotionless Frieren. Characters like Fern, whom Frieren mentors, add a new dimension to her character by helping her to face up to the responsibility of passing on knowledge and memories, things she once handled so lightly.
Every single one of them has great depth, and none feel any more similar to a humble archetype. They're fully fleshed-out people whom their relationships with Frieren drive home the core themes of the show well in that character development for him comes from other people as much as introspection does.
Direction: Director Keiichirō Saitō deserves enormous credit for the sensitive and measured way he approaches this adaptation. He eschews the usual bombast of fantasy anime by having the story retain subtle emotional beats, intimate moments, and inner worlds. The pace is considered slow but altogether deliberate, echoing Frieren's subjective experience of time. Saitō attends to the narrative in such expert ways that the viewer is never overwhelmed with exposition or action where one might simply be allowed to join their meditation with that of the protagonist.
The result is that his direction makes this world of Frieren so lived in and genuine, while every frame gives service to the overall emotional arc of the story. In his hands, melodrama is eschewed for an ever-delicate counterpoint between melancholy and quiet optimism.
Visuals & Animation: Objectively speaking, the animation is really high quality, with Madhouse Studios paying almost unparalleled attention to detail. This is an extremely beautiful world visually. The backgrounds are well-drawn to be somewhat somber, giving a feel of desolation and expanse which captures the overall story pretty well. Landscapes add to the tone of emotion within this world, alive and ever-changing, while Frieren herself does not change. In an action scene, though rare, the fluidity of animation is great, really proving that the series can deliver dynamic sequences if called upon. More importantly, those subtler moments-the rustling of wind through trees, the quiet reflection of a character, and the time-of-year changes-are so well-animated that they leave their mark.
It's in these tiny details that the world of Frieren acquires its peculiar atmospheric beauty, giving way to a reflective induction into the ineluctable gradual passage of time.
Pacing & Tone: The slow pacing is intentional and works for the themes of the narrative. At no point does Frieren rush through any plot point, which indeed takes the feel of the protagonist's perception of time-a very slow process-as an immortal. The pace might be described as leisurely, but it captures the feel of the story, one that's about reflection and growth. The pacing allows viewers to absorb not just the plot, but the emotions and philosophical questions posed by the characters. Besides, the tone is melancholic but at the same time hopeful. Frieren's journey is tinged with silent sorrow; it is only afterward that she realizes just how deep the emotion inside her previous companions was. In building new relationships and learning to cherish the transient beauties of life, the story is full of warmth. The delicate balance in this series, between sorrow and joy, gives it emotional complexity to be anything but a simple fantasy; instead, it's a profound meditation on the human condition.
Music & Composition: The music by Composer Evan Call elevates Frieren to a whole different dimension of emotional storytelling.
The full soundtrack captures that almost reflective, melancholic beat of the series, with soft orchestral pieces, fragile strings, and piano melodies underlining the emotional underpinning of each scene. Call's compositions are never overwhelming; rather, they guide the audience with sophistication through the storytelling, amplifying the feelings of nostalgia, loss, and quiet hope that permeate the narration.
It seems that every moment of music corresponds to something in the scene, subtly evoking the passage of time, the weight of memories.
Atsumi Tanezaki’s voice acting as Frieren is particularly noteworthy. Her portrayal perfectly captures the emotional restraint and detachment of Frieren while subtly hinting at the character’s gradual growth. The nuances in her performance—such as the slight shifts in tone when Frieren reflects on her past—are crucial in bringing the character to life. The rest of the cast also delivers strong performances, helping to elevate the emotional stakes of the series.
A number of objectively salient elements contribute to this perfection:
1. Innovation in Storytelling: Frieren does, however, veer away from overused tropes in the fantasy genre and delivers an introspective tale told in a mature, emotionally deep way. It also focuses on life after the adventure-something so new and refreshing, really showing how the genre is able to hold a quiet yet meaningful narrative.
2. Great Character Development: All the characters feel really realistic, dynamic, and crucial to the greater narrative. In Frieren, emotional development is done with extreme care; literally, no moment ever feels forced. It's one of those few examples where character development becomes the driving force of the plot.
3. Quality Production: Madhouse's animation was flawless, either technically performative or performative in nature; the art was living, breathing a world that visually threw viewers deep into Frieren's journey.
4. Thematic Depth: Immortality, memory, and emotional growth are involved with themes that are universally relatable. Deep philosophical questions regarding the value of life and time have been addressed in the show, making its appeal much larger than that of mere fantasy fans.
5. Seamless Direction & Scoring: All that was needed from director Keiichirō Saitō was some calculated pacing and emotional subtlety, together with the magnificent score by Evan Call, to really cinch it all together. Together, they make Frieren a masterclass in both narrative and emotional storytelling.
Conclusion: Frieren: Beyond Journey's End is that really rare kind of masterpiece which splendidly outclasses its genre. It's not an anime only for fantasy fans but one deep in meditation about life, time, and humanity. From great animation to deep storytelling, great direction, and great scoring, this combines into an unforgettable view that is really great. The depth of emotion, the philosophy involved, the beauty visually-it was the perfect anime and one that will take very long to get over even after the last episode.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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