- Last OnlineSep 18, 2024 9:44 AM
- JoinedOct 1, 2022
RSS Feeds
|
![]()
Apr 2, 2023
This had the potential to be an easy 8 or 9, but unfortunately, the story fell prey for quantity over quality, and it ruined what was otherwise a fun and romantic read.
Firstly, I don't mind 'shallow' characters so long as they contribute to the mood of the story, and on the contrary - if a character has a backstory that feels forced or there simply to give them 'substance' I find it annoying. In this story however, characters seemed to be there simply for the sake of it, like Yuka who reminded me of sawako in Peach Girl. The difference is that after
...
the first few chapters Yuka kind of disappeared apart from showing up once at Karin's workplace and not causing trouble for her or anything. Literally just existing.
While you could say it's good that she wasn't causing trouble for the romantic leads I find it troubling that their relationship was never really resolved, as the whole purpose of Yuka in this story was to cause 'minor' trouble for Karin. Perhaps what was even worse is the handling of the couple's main conflict: sex. I was shocked that before sleeping with Karin for the first time, after avoiding her and basically being a prick because he couldn't wait for her to be ready, he kissed someone else and took her back to his place, and NEVER TOLD KARIN. More appallingly, Karin's alleged 'best friend' didn't think to tell her this and everyone agreed it was the right thing to do. I hated that sleeping with him seemed to resolve their conflict as a couple, because I would have much preferred it to happen in the period where Karin was taking the initiative rather than when they'd just had a fight, but you can't always get what you want eh?
Other than that - pacing issues really contributed to my score as by the end I was really struggling to read the last few chapters. I cared enough to want to know the conclusion - predictable as it may have been, but I was making myself turn those pages rather than being desperate to. Albeit, the story was cute and I did like the relationship dynamics, so if you're looking for a cute (most of the time) romance with a somewhat interesting background narrative - go ahead and read it!
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
What did you think of this review?
Nice
 0
Love it
 0
Funny
 0
Confusing
 0
Well-written
 0
Creative
 0Show all
Mar 30, 2023
I base my score not on any critical lense but purely on enjoyment. I don’t usually read Manga - but Peach Girl had me hooked (I inadvertently actually read Peach Girl Next First but somehow that made me enjoy all the foreshadowing in the original series more!!)(I got through both in a day).
The greatest assest of the series is it’s ability to make you CARE about the characters and what happens to them. You feel the agony and love and understand each thinking pattern - even if you don’t agree with it. By the end of the story you’ll definitely feel some
...
type of way…
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
What did you think of this review?
Nice
0
Love it
0
Funny
0
Confusing
0
Well-written
0
Creative
0Show all
![]()
Mar 29, 2023
Usually I don’t read Manga unless an Anime is so good it leaves me wanting more. Even then, I find myself with a problem, because often, once I’ve seen the Manga play out on a screen, reading it on the paper isn’t as exciting. Yet somehow, Blue Lock perfectly creates the environment of the tension and stress of a football match on a black and white page; what’s more, even though singular matches can spread out over chapters and even formulate whole arcs - you don’t feel short-changed. The anxiety, excitement, anticipation and curiosity merge to create a different dimension. When
...
reading Blue Lock you are totally and wholly transported to that world.
Team spirit is great, but ultimately, in any sport if you truly want to be the best the toughest opponent you’ll ever face is yourself. The players are constantly in a battle with their bodies to pull through and evolve in moments of weakness and fatigue, not to mention the mental strain induced by the matches and the Blue Lock environment itself, which psychologically seeks to distort and influence the mindsets of these boys, by making them truly see themselves as the protagonist.
What’s so special about Blue Lock, is that I could potentially see most of the characters in this show becoming the protagonist, and having as much reason, talent and intrigue for the story to centre around them; but in a show full of ‘protagonists’ it’s Isagi Yoichi who is the main character. Perhaps, the biggest triumph of the show, is that Isagi actually gets to be what his role befits. Too often in sports, it’s true that team spirit can genuinely hinder talent, and this happens in other walks of life as well. Isagi isn’t in Blue Lock to make friends, the same way that Actors don’t go to auditions to make them. At the end of the day, there will be winners and losers, and if you doubt your resolve even for a minute to play nice, before you know it both you and your dreams will be left in the dirt.
Isagi could always have been a footballer. A striker in a minor league in Japan perhaps; or a playmaker in a foreign team who spent most of his time on the bench. But he wants to be the best in the world. The best striker. For that he won’t compromise, no mater how alluring other positions may be. This story is about sticking to your guns, exerting your will, and making sure that it overwhelms everyone elses.
But it’s also about believing in yourself when nobody else does.
Because if you don’t
Nobody else will.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
What did you think of this review?
Nice
0
Love it
0
Funny
0
Confusing
0
Well-written
0
Creative
0Show all
![]()
Feb 22, 2023
What does 'I love you' really mean? It's a question that the show takes 13 episodes to explore, and even then - I doubt any one viewer finished the series with the same answer. 'Love' is such an abstract concept; that if you ever have to sit down and explain it to someone, you find yourself struggling to find the words. It's easy enough to say that we love our pets, our friends, our parents and our lovers but when we have to pinpoint exactly what we mean by it, 'love' becomes something complex.
Visually, the show is very good throughout - with
...
the animation having it's share of outstanding moments. It's true that it can feel episodic at times, but I would argue that the episodic nature of the show is part of it's brilliance. To understand love, Violet must see love in all it's different forms; siblings, friends, parents and children alike - because 'love' is so versatile that to personally define it you must have a wealth of experience. Also, unlike other shows which have this structure; the episodes are not isolated and must be watched together to be understood. We see Violet grow and develop as she learns more about the human condition and the true heart, and I think each self-contained story does a brilliant job of presenting, expanding, exploring and resolving itself.
What I will say in favour of why this show was a slight disappointment (mind you, having never read the novel), is that the War background felt somewhat misplaced. It explained Violet's nature, certainly, but it also led to a lot of confusion and overall distraction from the plot. There were so many unanswered questions regarding Violet's past and how she had been weaponised which left more confusion than anything else. Then again, I do think the war was a brilliant mode to present sacrifice; both the most selfish and selfless form of love.
On the music front; I found the whole score unique and moving - though I do feel there was room for the orchestration to build even more during the climax of the show (maybe I just didn't have my volume loud enough!). Overall, it never felt obtrusive and complimented the story perfectly. I believed Leiden was a real place on account of these details.
The language, too, contributed to the world building. I appreciated that they came up with a unique language for the show, and although Leiden itself was reminiscent of 19th century Paris or Gilded Age America, I found the setting to be special in it's own way, which helped to create the individuality of Violet's world.
I think as a complete watch, it's very rewarding, and there is not much that I would change about it other than the obvious. I definitely recommend it, and to be honest, I'd even go so far as to say it's a 'MUST WATCH' (which is high praise coming from me!!)
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
What did you think of this review?
Nice
0
Love it
0
Funny
0
Confusing
0
Well-written
0
Creative
0Show all
![]()
Oct 30, 2022
Sometimes I can get over the pervy nature of certain anime if the plot is good; like, does the way that women are drawn in One Piece annoy me? Of course it does! Yet, the story itself makes up for it, and the women are written with actual substance; in Seven Deadly Sins I honestly felt disgusted and I cannot believe people are rating it so highly. The story was not that interesting and neither were the characters and MELIODAS.
I struggle to understand why everyone is just looking over his lewdness; his behaviour is misogynistic, and the 'dumb blonde ditz' attitude of the girl
...
doesn't help much either.
As for the rest of the show; it's not interesting enough to actually engage people properly but even if it was the ridiculous lewdness and over sexualisation of women would still be an issue and it makes the few alright moments of this show, awful.
The music was ok I guess.
Reviewer’s Rating: 3
What did you think of this review?
Nice
0
Love it
0
Funny
0
Confusing
0
Well-written
0
Creative
0Show all
![]()
Oct 2, 2022
Guys, this is something special.
The main problem with Shounen is that they're too long, too stereotypical, too packed with fillers - and nowhere near focused enough on the interesting parts of their plot.
BUT JUJUTSU KAISEN.
Imagine my surprise when a 24 episode season felt like it flashed by and yet gave me so much to think about and love. The characters are developed (yes, even the female lead, shocking I know!) the concept, much like demon slayer, doesn't take too much thought - the sorcerers kill the curses because the curses pose a threat to human life, and only a jujutsu
...
sorcerer is able to do this job. But perhaps, most importantly, the best thing about this show is the protagonist.
Now, I am by no means saying that Itadori Yuuji is the best character - that's not my personal opinion at least... what I am saying is that JJK manages to take all the preconceptions and stereotypes of what a shounen protagonist should be, exploit them, and flip them on their head. Yuuji is special - but not annoyingly so. He's not a child of legend, and he's not destined to do anything; his choices directly lead to the path he takes - stemming from his grandfather's final wish. He has guts, motivation and humour, and I'll be damned if the show doesn't make you root for him.
Megumi too, the deuteragonist (or second protagonist depending on what interpretation of the show you're looking at) is immensely interesting. He's definitely not a sidekick but he's not necessarily a rival either - he compliments Yuuji's determination perfectly with his own self-doubt, he doesn't ever come to resent Yuuji but that doesn't mean he's never jealous of him, not to mention the responsibility he feels for thrusting Yuuji into this world. They help each other grow as people and as sorcerers, but they are not dependent on each other. It's a perfect balance of yin and yang.
Another decision I praise is Gojo being the power ceiling. Although he would insist otherwise - noone will be able to outdo Gojo in the Jujutsu world, and that's a good thing. We see the extent of cursed energy through Gojo's abilities and the magic and techniques are proportional to what we know is possible. We are satisfied with the outcomes of battles because the world follows it's own rules and we understand the magic system enough for the payoff of new skills and techniques learnt by the students to make logical sense (so we feel like we're learning too!)
All in all, this is a triump of modern Shounen Anime and Anime in general that deserves all the hype. What are you waiting for?
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
What did you think of this review?
Nice
0
Love it
0
Funny
0
Confusing
0
Well-written
0
Creative
0Show all
![]()
Oct 2, 2022
9/10
Okay so I get that reverse harem shojou's aren't everyone's thing but if you like them then you will LOVE this. Hanasakeru Seishounen is what it promises to be - but it gives more on top of that. The story, albeit fantastical at times is actually very interesting - and will make complete sense in the second season. Thought has gone into to all of these characters, in particular, the backstory of the female lead, her parents and even her grandparents is wonderfully explored.
The art style is fitting although I would love to see it redone today in a more
...
2019 fruits basket style, especially for the eyes of the characters. There is a lot of character development too, from what I remember, particularly the protagonist actually comes of age in her coming of age story - which a surprisingly rare feat for an anime.
You really will not be disappointed in this show, and on that note, go watch it!
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
What did you think of this review?
Nice
0
Love it
0
Funny
0
Confusing
0
Well-written
0
Creative
0Show all
![]()
Oct 2, 2022
Separate and apart from the show I need to use this to talk about that grape head for a minute. Anime hyper-sexualises women and this isn't something new. The nose-bleeds and pervy behaviour and unrealistic body proportions of women (especially those who act oblivious about their figures and attractiveness in a ditzy way) is nothing new, and in some cases, like one-piece for example, it can actually be funny (albeit overdone in places); but I can only describe mineta as a full on creep. The way he talked about the girls was and is disgusting and making them dress in those cheer
...
outfits to ogle at them?? So many of the things he did are unforgivable and it made watching the show really uncomfortable for me - not to mention the problems the show already had with some of the female costumes; let's be honest, what kind of teacher goes around dressed with half her boobs out? Here is an example where the perverted jokes are just weird and uncomfy - they don't land and they're not funny at all.
Ok, now onto the show. Despite some pacing problems in season 2 it was a generally fun time and the games were such a nice addition. I especially loved bakugo's anger in the fight when he couldn't get todoroki to go all out, and of course, todoroki's turmoil with the different sides of him and his loyalties (very cleverly shown in literal form with the fire and ice). Having said that, Midoria as a protagonist can sometimes be lacking - and it makes you wonder if the show wouldn't be better off if All Might really had chosen Bakugo as the next quirk holder of one for all; hell, even the navel laser dude might have given us some more interesting moments.
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
What did you think of this review?
Nice
0
Love it
0
Funny
0
Confusing
0
Well-written
0
Creative
0Show all
![]()
Oct 2, 2022
Oh Bleach.....
In my opinion, this show is the definition of wasted potential. The Soul Society arc is one of the most clever and most fun experiences in Shounen Anime - but the downfall comes with... well, everything after.
You see, Bleach lacks an interesting plot post soul society, most of the characters outside of ichigo and rukia are hollow (no pun intended) and where the show should expand on backstories to allow us to understand the characters we already have - it adds in more, and more, and more, and more, forgettable, non-expansible characters to try and make up for the massive plot
...
holes, slumps and pacing. Why was Kenpachi not explored more before we were thrust into the espadas? How did all of the captains really feel about Aizen's betrayal and how was AIZEN IN GENRAL ABLE TO BECOME SOME SORT OF GOD?
There are so many unanswered questions and although most of the answers come down the the writer and the manga, the points still stand. Bleach really could have been incredible - and the thousand year blood war will probably only reinforce that fact - but the key word here is 'could'. In a show where the whole full bringer arc felt like filler and we were all confused and bored out of our minds for most of the hollow saga, it's already irredeemably tainted and nothing can save it. Bleach COULD have been incredible, instead what we're left with balances out to be somewhat above average.
.
Reviewer’s Rating: 6
What did you think of this review?
Nice
0
Love it
0
Funny
0
Confusing
0
Well-written
0
Creative
0Show all
Oct 2, 2022
Again, I skipped the filler in this show. Say what you want about the rating and the payoffs and the pitfalls but let me tell you guys this show made me cry (you all know what specific character death I'm talking about here) laugh, rage and everything in-between. You come to care for character's you never thought you would more than you ever thought you would. You're invested in their lives and in the plot and despite all it's flaws I can't help but say the hate is not deserved. Shippuden is really great, even better than the original imo, and
...
you can come to your own conclusion upon finishing it (believe me I have qualms myself) but please do give it a try.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
What did you think of this review?
Nice
0
Love it
0
Funny
0
Confusing
0
Well-written
0
Creative
0Show all
|
