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Aug 17, 2021
While many criticisms have already been expressed here for Yashahime, I believe that many have missed the mark entirely on what constitutes a good story and how they feel about it, and their own desire to what they wanted to see. As some viewers have already expressed, this is a story from renowned Rumiko Takahashi, having won the Shogakukan award twice—and recently, The Purple Ribbon Medal of Honor from the Japanese government. To say that her works are underrated or a complete failure simply because one does not agree with the way the story is being portrayed is a disgrace upon some within the Inuyasha
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community, and may not be inherently respectable to call themselves true "Inuyasha fans".
Now, on the flip-side, I'm not going to sugar coat anything here by any stretch. Yashahime is not without its flaws. As any one series is subject to criticisms—even being regarded as some of the best classics in anime history (i.e. "Cowboy Bebop" anyone? Yes, I have heard people criticize it all the same)—Yashahime deserves no special treatment, either.
From the very beginning, we get a sense of nostalgia. And I'd like to say, rightly so! Long-time fans are reunited with some underlying story endings—or hints—from both "Inuyasha" and "Inuyasha: The Final Act", as well as their favorite characters. It's no surprise that nostalgia was going to play a part in making a new series that is inherently -meant- to bring in that factor.
However, what we soon begin to disregard as viewers is that, just as we have aged from the original series (yes, pre-The Final Act/Kanketsu-hen), so too have the characters aged. Throughout all my reading, it seems that we as the viewer, have often forgotten that fact. Characters who have been described as "young" back in the original "Inuyasha" series are now 10+ years older than where they were. It takes some simple Google searching to understand—as well as a general focus on what the story is telling us—that the character(s) in question are no longer pre-teens. They may -appear- young, as they should—because they are just that: young. But they are in no stretch of the imagination a child. Let's look up the facts and debunk this myth already. Don't give into all the buzz of what's -falsely- circulating on the Web. Give yourself, and this show, a fighting chance before you crucify it.
This leads me to the things that the show could have improved upon. I'll be the first to admit, the show has a very slow-paced pickup. The beginning feels very episodic and very run-of-the-mill "demon-extinguishing" day after day. But I honestly don't judge this at face value. Why? Not only are they building character development and relationships with one another, but we get a feel for how the world of the Sengoku-era is at present-day (back in time, of course). Out of all the episodes, I can safely count on one hand how many "filler episodes" might exist without anyone official giving their consent on the matter. While about 3 or 4 episodes seemed "filler" in my mind before episode 13, there was only one (1) episode I may have considered as such from episode 12 to 24. That's roughly a 1/6 ratio. I don't consider that awful. There are plenty of other anime out there that purposely filler with no regard to canon material—("Naruto" or "The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya", anyone?)
All in all, this was a lovely series. If you've only given it half (or less than half) of its span to crucify it, you aren't doing the show, or yourself any justice. It really picks up after or during episode 13, and the final several episodes had me both jaw-dropped and crying—both tears of joy, and sadness.
Don't give in to the naysayers of folks who have given their heavily biased reviews based on feelings of things their perfect fanfiction didn't portray. This is canon. This is Rumiko's work. Be happy with it, and be someone who can voice their own thoughts on it. It's not perfect, but I've come to learn that most anime are not perfect anyway. Watch the whole thing through. Season 2 has already been announced, and I personally can't wait to see what it brings! There is so much -mystery- in this anime, and I think that's where all the good writing has stemmed from. People are confusing a compelling, good mystery, with disinteresting or nonsensical. I assure you, they are very different.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Jan 29, 2019
Honestly, this is my favorite anime series of all time, and although there are way to many things to discuss about this show, I'll briefly explain why.
I believe the series has an abundant amount of originality. Upon its inception, this is really one of the very few (read: first) series out there where they've taken the idea of combining both the modern and feudal times, mixing them together specifically with time travel. I think for this reason, as well as its amazing fantasy storytelling of demons, supernatural powers, and the time period itself, make it really unique and interesting to watch.
I have to admit that
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this series isn't perfect (but then again, what series is?), with its constant "fillers" and dragged-out plots, which usually come in failure. However, despite all that, I don't personally find it all that bothersome. The fillers, to me, usually convey a deep message the creator wants to get across to their audience. Often times they portray a character's emotions towards another character, or create a setting for the next scene to build.
Speaking of characters and build-ups, I believe this show does both of these quite well. In fact, I'd say among character development and making you want to dig your heels in begging for more (what we can call "cliffhangers"), this is really what makes the show shine so effortlessly.
Author and creator, Rumiko Takahashi knows how to create that sense of fantasy world with lovable, intriguing characters. Each character in this series was well thought-out. Every character has their own niche personality, their own values, their own traits/crafts/skills that they develop, and over time you get a sense that you as a viewer are GROWING right alongside the characters and the entire story. I believe this is among the main reasons as to why I find the show so close and dear to me.
There's a copious amount of time you bond with your favorites, and you want to see them succeed. Especially for the amount of times our protagonists DO NOT succeed in this series, which are numerous. Perseverance is really among the top themes of this show, which has just about most major genres you can think of: action, fantasy, supernatural, comedy, seldom slice-of-life with one of the main protagonists, Kagome, and of course the thrill of constant adventure awaiting around every corner.
Although the series ends with a numerous amount of major issues unresolved, a second sequel series was created to finally give the original series its proper closure it rightfully deserved. The sequel titled, "InuYasha: The Final Act", consists of 26 additional episodes that NEATLY wrap up conflicted plots, all the while skipping out on "filler" episodes that had most fans and skeptics criticizing the original series for.
Overall, my thoughts are that if you like a series with fantasy, great humor, in-depth character personalities and plot lines, and even a bit of real history, I definitely recommend you watch it. I truly think it will forever be among the best anime out there! Jump into the Bone Eater's well and travel back in time to a feudal fairytale!
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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Jan 29, 2019
This series is a delightful treat that places great emphasis on symbolism, perspective, traditions & rituals, and above all else: the notion to overcome any obstacle and to never regret your decisions.
I'll admit that the animation often became irritating during specific scenes, what with the constant blundering on proper anatomy and overly limp noodle figurines. To say they became obscenely anorexic spaghetti shapes would be the understatement of the century. Though at times, it may have been tolerable.
Overall, the color palette, lighting, and entirety of the show's mood was a treat that rightfully haunted over the less-than-exceptional animation style.
Despite some characters having no real purpose
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(what we like to call "comic relief"), all of them often displayed an over-the-top and bright personality in their own unique ways; though the story is often dark and intellectual. It's a wonderful contrast of the two, which I believe made it all the more enjoyable. I never found the mood to have too much of anything in particular—the balance between making you laugh and intriguing you with philosophies of all kinds was absolutely perfectly executed.
One of the outstanding parts of the series without a doubt is its music! This along with the actual dialogue of the show is where the show really shines effortlessly. The music captivated me into how I should feel at a moment's notice, and set the tone for the mood of not only the characters, but the story itself.
Despite my harsh critique on its poor animation style as many others might agree, I overall loved watching this show. The ending feels a little rushed and cut-off too quickly, with that lingering feeling of wanting more. However, in spite of these transparent issues, this was an absolutely wonderful story filled with so many good qualities to pass up!
For this reason, I give this show an 8/10! Because xxxHolic is here to prove that "nothing in this world is a coincidence..."
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Jan 9, 2019
Cowboy Bebop is really one of the few animes out there that no one should pass up the opportunity to watch. I really fell in love with it, and it's revered as one of the best animes of all time. If you enjoy sci-fi with a mixture of action and comedy, I highly recommend this series. It's truly a timeless classic!
What I really enjoyed about this anime is that it really makes you think long and hard about what's important in life. The theme of how one perceives the world around them is quite the backbone to the story's overall arc and purpose. The characters
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often find themselves wanting purpose, to explore the unknown, and to capture moments through their daily adventures and "bounties."
There's all kinds of different perspectives the series incorporates, which allows the viewer to think of situation in a whole new light. It also develops many dramatic and lethargic scenes to promote realism—that every day or outcome is not always a happy-go-lucky one, and allows the viewer to appreciate the complexities of one's existence. Similarly, Cowboy Bebop also artistically involves "dreams", or mentally-intriguing qualities that often leave you guessing, or allowing the viewer to clarify in their own ways.
The series has very few, if any "filler episodes", and without a doubt has one of the best soundtracks out there. Complimenting the theme of the series, the soundtrack includes mostly bebop and blues with little elements of gothic and baroque, electric blues, synthesized music, and even some references to Arabic folk.
Overall, you should definitely watch this series if you're looking for an epic masterpiece. It's delightful space opera film noir appeal will both delight and intrigue you. It will forever be on the top of my list of animes, and with all of its qualities mentioned above along with futuristic settings, new perspectives on life, and humorous, lovable characters, it's hard not to like "Cowboy Bebop."
See you, Space Cowboy...
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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