Oct 1, 2016
I don't know which is more prominent at this point, lasagna or canned pineapples but I definitely know one thing - 91 Days /is/ worth the watch.
To say that 91 Days is like any other series that attempts to exploit the theme of "vengeance" is a slight understatement. Truly, the series works on Angelo's plans of "an eye for an eye". But it doesn't simply exploit how vengeance works in the mafia world, or how vengeance can drive you to be a cold-hearted bastard and ruin people's lives. Rather, it presents the question if revenge is really worth fighting for and that at the end
...
of the day, will you truly find the happiness you believe you lost because of those who took it away from you? Would it not be better to live in the present and appreciate what is around you? It isn't that philosophical so fret not, it won't be a boring ride. The story achieves that by incorporating the theme of revenge into the main story where mafia groups attempt to overpower each other.
It is clear to say that 91 Days has solid, consistent writing with the appropriate tone. They don't shove bullshit into your face (yes it will lose some of its pacing along the way) because by the time you finish the whole series, you will understand how they are inter-related and work to exemplify the significant of relationship formed between the main characters, Angelo and Nero. Even canned pineapples are significant.
And if you can actually predict each episode, really, I couldn't. 91 Days basically gives you the expectation of what may happen in the upcoming episode but always works to overrule every single expectation you have.
Even so, 91 Days fails at the quality of its art. The animation lacks fluidity. It doesn't give viewers scenic views but instead a backdrop of lackluster colours, and lifeless buildings and objects. Then again, this does help to provide a serious, mature tone to the setting. If you have already watched the series, you may find that certain scenes have more vibrant colours in order to lighten the atmosphere and bring out the light interactions between the characters. Well, at least you make up for those sad backgrounds.
The characters are rather unmemorable. Especially when they look almost the same with the same hair colour. Those who particularly struck out (hair colour, hair styles) were of more importance (well, that's honestly nothing new). It fascinates me that there was no access into any of these characters minds, in a way dehumanizing them. Not that its a new thing but it really works when the camera techniques are nuance in its attempts of capturing the character's emotions, Avilio in particular who is the hardest character to actually read. The usage of certain close-ups, or even wide shots of Avilio made me wonder what Avilio is thinking at that moment, what is he planning, or is he genuine? Because of this, I struggle with my own opinions of certain characters because they would be subtly antagonized throughout the story. Without a reason behind their actions, unless stated, I was momentarily lost between who was right and wrong.
All in all, 91 Days is that one series you don't want to miss. If you've dropped it because you were put off by the slow pacing during Episode 4 and 5 or the art, give it another try until Episode 6 and see if you still enjoy it. It's not going to be everyone's cup of tea though. I mean, you won't enjoy lasagna that much after watching that one particular episode.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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