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Jun 10, 2023
If you want an anime that bores you to death that is death parade
from lackluster characters to dull plots and tedious story-telling it's not a good show
heads up guys
I was drawn in by the fancy style and the white-haired bartender looking suave
but sadly that is all this show got going for itself, a veneer
Also the ending didn't conclude the anime in a logical manner, I painstakingly endured till the end to see what the fuss was all about , but it is lukewarm and dissatisfying
At first the premise is promising giving us a hint about what the story is about, death
...
and the intricacies of souls entering into this realm, but it could have been much more, there simply is no mystery at the core of the story, which doesn't make sense to me
Reviewer’s Rating: 4
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May 26, 2013
To me, X the movie was far more enjoyable than the series, contrary to the belief of many viewers who will criticize on first thought what I just said
But this is true partly due to the f act that the (Shoujo) flair that was so prominent -and in my humble opinion- needlessly abundant in the variety of scenes in the series, was nearly diminished in the movie.
Truth is, I lamented -after seeing the movie- that the series was no so portrayed, but nothing is perfect, had the series been so much as close to the movie, the whole thing would have differed.
To me, it was
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unfathomable why people favored the series, and not the movie adaptation.
That being said,
Story:
The story represented a big part of the series, the tragedy of one's struggle against his destiny, which comprised two counterparts, the choice of raging against destiny, and the choice of accepting destiny as it is, and the conclusion in the end which is left to the viewer's sense of interpretation.
Art:
the art was so much entertaining, and (in my opinion) was much more enjoyable than the series, it felt explosive and unique to that era of artwork, considering the action scenes and the magical abilities and powers illustrated in the beautiful sprites portrayed on the screen.
Sound:
the audio was somewhat weird, not like the series which presented a wider variety of soundtracks in the intro and the scenes in the episodes themselves,
but it was that kind of weird that befits an eerily tragic atmosphere, being a middle-eastern man myself, I found it totally similar to an old Arabic movie which comprised tragedy as its major component.
so magical and strange in impact especially when the content was so much in tune.
Character:
just like the series, the characters were very much interesting, and though there were new characters introduced or missing from the series, the fact remains the same, which is that the plot takes place, and the tragedy circles all the characters in a twisted fashion appropriate to the main theme and main dilemma the series AND the movie approaches.
Enjoyment:
I truly enjoyed the movie, wish I could say the same about the series, which had it been away from the guy x guy heavy references, would have in my opinion a more literal impact on the world of anime show less
Read more at http://myanimelist.net/anime/595/X_OVA#QM7prWHMFOmRitOy.99
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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Nov 27, 2012
YES YES YES YES YES AND YES
FINALLY
SOMEONE HAS LISTENED TO MY PRAYERS
Although this might sound like a fan boy ranting
(IT IS INDEED), it doesn't not deny the fact that this show with all its history from the first anime featuring volume 3 star dust crusaders, is the epitome and the pinnacle of FRIG-GIN AWESOMENESS
If you (like me) have watched the old series and liked it then boy oh boy, you're in for a treat
from sound (AWESOME OPENING THEM AND ENDING THEME WTF !!!)
to art, and characterization and plot, to engaging and heart-wrenching animation, it will fuckin spoil you with dozens of stellar images
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AND THIS is all from the GOD-Like Hirohiko Araki
whose mangas have re-defined and re-shaped the shounen genre EVER, and whose works are the multitude of magnificence and beauty
And with a blend of philosophy and tragedy(my favorite) too, you can never go wrong, never
This show by far rings top in the list of shows in 2012 EASILY
but hey don;t take my word for it, GO SEE IT FOR YOURSELF
For years I have been crying my lungs out for people to appreciate it, yet they called it gay
well..
Now I tell you, this show is everything the new meta of anime isn't
It has profound drama not Melodrama
It has deep characters (both villain and hero), not some beat em up for justice crap
Even the villain has a good philosophical backgrounds, the conflicts they go through, the life they live, it re-defines the concept of EVIL, just as the Author intended it to be
ABOUT TIME, that someone took the risk to produce a work not-biased by childish fantasy of heroism, and about time that we see a shounen anime featuring cataclysmic showdown between two opposite polar forces with casualties ON BOTH SIDES for fuck's sake XD
Enough of the (Bleach-Naruto-one piece) crap that they feed us in secure portions, I SAY ENOUGH
GO WATCH THIS SHIT AND BE CLEANSED NOW XD
N.B
Don;t be surprised to find yourself singing the tune of the OP or the ending theme to yourself over and over, it is THAT catchy , so beautiful
and Don;t be surprised if you find yourself compelled to read the manga, cause so far they're doing only 2 volumes of the whole 8 volumes in this season, but I cannot wait for the rest of them, and volume 2 in this season is gonna kick so much ass it is not gonna be funny
I've read all the manga finished parts up to volume 7 and I can promise you this, be ready for an adventure, the likes of bleach, Naruto, or one-piece will never and not in a million light years be able to produce
ENJOY
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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Apr 27, 2012
Unlike FLCL, X;amd takes you to the far beyond in story-telling, but just cannot deliver you back from the senseless fillings, that this journey entailed
The major flaw of this anime, is its inability to explain itself in its rather unusual setting, that gives a reason to question the viability of founding this setting in the first place
With outstanding environmental display, you're thrown at nations at war, this warring however enthralling, is not explained, nor is everything else based on the background story for that matter (the northern tribes, the experiments, the xamds!!), and although you get a major HINT -and notice I said hint, not
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an explanation- in the later episodes, you're still going to leave this show with too many question marks unanswered
North vs South, captivating story-telling, awesome screenplay action, brilliant artwork, engaging characters, you name it, you have it all here ..
but all this is the one good side of Xamd
You get to love the anime, its environment, its art, its reality-striking splice of life drama, its unusual setting ... but right about here it stops
I will not go on and on about the characters, and who they are, and how they are interpreted, because no matter how you look at it, these subjects are as it is implied - subjective, and solely based on human interactions, what I will rant about is how frustrating I was when it got to the end
If you're one of those analytic freaks out there where everything to you (or at least a good sum of it) needs to make sense or it all falls down, then unfortunately this show is not for you
and unlike FLCL, there are no outer sources through which one can draw more background or sense to the deep dark secrets that led to the foundation of the setting of Xamd, or help in deciphering its core, ( no Manga, only one untranslated ), there are simply too many questions left unanswered, so
without going on and on about what they are, I will stop, so I won't spoil it for anyone
so the conclusion is this, if you're into a good show with GOOD drama, GOOD character-interactions and development, simulating-reality splice of life thrown in for a good measure, and won't mind the unforgiving plot twists and obscured sub-plots that leads to one of the most paradoxical endings in anime history, then by all means give it a shot, I did and I enjoyed it, although not fully because I myself fall under the other category which favors analytic approach to whatever story made for a good enough show
Recommended
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Apr 27, 2012
It's like watching a boy going from his home (point A) to the groceries (point B) then back home (point A), you know it to be true, you've seen it, but the bits and pieces that interconnects this young man to his destinations are obscured and shrouded in mystery
I will make an assumption here, stating that the viewer needs to rest assured that many things will be stated and explained in the manga, and since I don't wanna be a major spoiler, then this is where I stop
As previously stated, the story takes you from part to part without explaining what the hell
...
is going on, cleverly though ..
so cleverly this was crafted, that in the beginning you don't see it coming, then it hits you as it nears, and to say it real honest, I was kinda knowing when I hit episode 4, that this anime was the sort that leaves you jaw-dropped, and frustratingly confused in the bitter end
REST assured again, that unlike Neon Genesis Evangelion or X'amd the lost memories, this show doesn't leave you with no reprieve, in fact it does have its story background completely drawn in Manga, and pretty explainable even if you're planning to watch it as an anime only, although a tougher choice this will be, and requires frequent re-watching and deep event-analysis
Once you connect the lines together, it explodes in your face, it becomes one of the greatest story plots ever invented (how does anyone come up with that sophisticated level of event-folding in a story-line plot is beyond me)
you get to see who is who, who's the villain, and who's the good guy, but even after that, it leaves so much for your own taste and wonder to figure it out, and THAT is the beauty of FLCL
Sci-Fi at its finest, mixed with Drama, and humanistic conflict, emotions of a young boy striving so hard to grow up, and the bizarre events that unfurl before his eyes
Visually stunning, and breath-breathtakingly beautiful drawing, styled with super speed in-fight interactions, this anime holds no place for slightly below superb aspects
Sound ?? Oh please .... one song and you're HOOKED
Highly recommended
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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Apr 17, 2012
The Drama of space.
First off, I tried this based on a review that was comparing it with Neon Genesis Evangelion, or rather be-dwarfing NGE instead when compared with Top wo Nerae
well, I won't judge harshly and I won't take sides, but if you're in for some major heart-wrenching scenes from the world of Anno, Hideaki, then you're in for a treat.
Story:
Coming from the same famed director of NGE, this series comprises heavy emphasis on human relationships in a sci-fi outer space setting, when the world of man is facing total annihilation at the hand of super-insect alien race, man has to invent ways and tools
...
of survival that has never been imagined before, it falls down to a certain youth whose unrelenting will and ever-shining love to those around her becomes her ultimate tool in saving mankind
the idea here is, unlike NGE this series doesn't put much darkness or psychological background to the plot, rather it is the prime will of man to survive and the interconnections of the people in the story thrown in a dramatic splice of life setting that makes this show a wonderful experience
and by saying Drama I don't mean the whiny kind, it is real Drama with real impact, which leaves you sad, happy and eager to continue watching, some would argue that it is only 6 episodes so what is the big deal, well at least they are good 6 episodes bound together with consistent plot that doesn't break down or feel awkward DESPITE the short episode count
Character:
we have Takaya our main character a girl thrown in an ocean of responsibility and dire situations where she'll have to get back on her feet and prove her worth despite how she feels about her self incompetence, a theme like this is kind of reminiscent of Tengen Toppa, where sheer determination of human will can have a huge effect on the fate of man
the other cast of people are not just supporting characters they serve to deepen the plot and to further expand the dramatic play until the final episode hits home for example, you have the coach who is a combination of marvelous voice acting and a mysterious background which bit by bit breaks down to reveal his true nature, you have Amano who is Takay's idol and the one she cares for the most, she helps Takay to grow from a wet cry-baby into a full-fledged warrior with horrendous responsibilities , symbolizing self-confidence and GUTS
Art:
Considering the date at which this series has been released, the artwork is really something, in fact it could out rate some of the newly released titles !!
you won't feel bored with old lines and sketches, it is carefully drawn plus you get to notice the NGE feel which is rather nostalgic :)
Sound:
I loved the opening track, again with themes encouraging one to go on no matter the obstacles and to always believe in one's self, this is in my honest humble opinion is the strongest aspect of this show, that and the heavy Drama the accompanies it of course
All in all I enjoyed it so much that I get to understand where NGE drew its roots, not entirely similar but somewhat connected, a tale of mankind versus the unknown, and a sentiment to how powerful man is when man is only as powerful as he believes he is
Enjoy
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Apr 16, 2012
For starters I watched Book of Bantorra with nothing on my mind, I wanted to take a time off of Anime with deep sophisticated insights and hidden meanings, but here I was hit again with a mind expanding experience that is the Book of Bantorra.
Story:
the story takes place in a world where an institute called the Bantorra library gathers books of deceased humans, the books are a vivid imagery of people's lives, that is to say if you would look into a book of a deceased person you would be able to view his entire life in a dreamy like experience, as in reading a
...
book, hence the name.
But only to say so is to diminish the wonder that is the story of this show, episode following episode certain key elements are being revealed, and certain subplots are being added to the major picture that is going to explode in the climax, though not so complex as NGE or serial experiments lain (whom both I have seen lately) Book of Bantorra does have its share of bewildering moments and jaw-gaping wonder, Bantorra speaks of themes like action mixed with heavy drama and mystery with a little splice of life.
Art:
I thought that the art was modest at certain parts, but with patience comes virtue, the fights get much better when they are meant to be better, the CGI is implemented gracefully and without overdose nor is monotonously boring.
Sound:
I loved the opening themes of both seasons, especially season 2 where it gets more edgy and compatible with the ongoing suspense, the tracks implemented in the series itself are not bad also, all help to direct you to the perfectly drawn ending.
Character:
In a fresh change of scenery the heroes or protagonists of the show are not highschool kids :)
In fact they are adults with the mystery of their past and their sins clustering about them, perhaps this is the strongest aspect of this show (and the one that hit home) the fact that many anime shows star kids from high school environment or kids in general has become rather irritating
what shapes the plot is the characters, and here it is obviously illustrated with mastery that not all good people are good, and that innocence can sometimes be fatal, with such ideas sprayed along the course of events we get to know our heroes even more, and we get to link with them, I cannot put it to words, but it felt like watching a realistic group of people go about their hush-hush business in a way so similar to sects or organizations of power today
that being said, it is also notable that all the characters take solid part in the shaping of the story, both the pivotal and the supporting, it is so well-maintained that at times the main character (hamuyets meseta) is seldom portrayed as Main !!
her presence is welcome, but not essential, she is a major cornerstone to the plot but her actions are that of a villainous monster despite her cute pretentious attire
on the otherside we see characters like Mattalast enveloped in mystery and contradiction, Enlike, the existential and non-existent personality, all presented with a respected effort, and all essential to the big picture
Overall Book of Bantorra is really about what it is being human, villain or hero, and once you get to understand the small hidden intricacies in this marvelous universe, you get to fully appreciate this Anime
Highly recommended
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Apr 15, 2012
If there was an anime spectacular in artwork that everything else next to it seems like crooked sketches, it is REDLINE
story:
The story isn't your typical complicated plot or a major brain-storm, yet with its simplistic Drama and its regenerated ideas of love, trust and the inseparable bonds of friendship this anime takes flight .. literally
Art:
what can I say, nothing even touches it, the artwork will force you into a jaw-opening, eyes-gouging experience from beginning till end, though in the end it gets rather extreme :D, in my opinion this is one (if not the only) of the major reasons this movie has its stature
...
today, toppest-notch display of artistic beauty and spectacular graphical outlay AT ITS FINEST
Sound:
added much to the artwork and the story, though not too shabby, the music and the accompanying sfx made way to this masterpiece
all in all this is one hell of a movie, if anime movies should ever be made, let this one be their godfather, and their spiritual drive
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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Apr 13, 2012
It is outstanding because it is outstanding
perhaps the real joy of this six-stories long anime series is behind the fact that it is actual literal work, written by famous Japanese writers whose social suffering and personal experience shines through each and every one of the six stories included.
Story:
1.No Longer human:
the story centers around a troubled young artist in search for self-reclaim and confidence, while taken through the series, we are witnesses to the brutality of society when inflicted upon an unsuspecting young mind born with no real ties to the material world, this story hits you deep with drama unrelenting, and some heart-wrenching scenes, I
...
can only imagine it being the best of the six, since the novel itself is considered the most common and most famous in Japan
2.Under the cherry blossoms in full bloom:
quite the bizarre telling of a mountain bandit living in seclusion, then the introduction of a young bewitching woman, whose mental sanity and stability is in question, while all seems straight forward in this story, the end and the reference to the cherry blossoms from beginning to end leaves you jaw-gaping and wondering even more as to the meaning hidden in the director's mind.
3. Kokoro:
Perhaps one of the most heart-wrenching stories ever told, the themes included vary from romance (which is the main) to isolation, and psychological references thrown on the bonds of friendship, trust and betrayal
all interplay gracefully, leaving you wanting more, the story takes place in 2 directions, all the more merited as it is second to none in terms of real life drama injected with self-sacrifice and Love.
4.Run Melos Run ! :
Is a perfect example of straight forwardness, heavily influencing friendship as a whole concept, while one friend waits for the other to join him on his life course, betrayal is laid bare, but what is the real reason behind the heartache, some would say it is slightly affiliated with shojou but I found it exemplary and heavily-sympathetic and so much enjoyable, after all friendship is a variant just like anything else subjective to human feeling and behavior.
5.The Spider's Thread:
Although intended by the author to fascinate children, the anime show is taken beyond that with the main theme implemented but brought with maturity to adult viewers, A villainous villain is introduced, a mass murderer, the incarnation of pure evil, yet with a slice of humanity, when the decision arises for him to take the road to salvation or leave it, we come to terms with why the series shines best, heavily influenced by themes similar to Dante's inferno, this is thought-provoking literature indeed.
6.Hell screen:
Focusing on darker themes, the injustices wrought by men in power over poor peaceful societies, though somewhat linked to The spider's thread, Hell screen is rather different in character portrayal, as a famous and capable artist is asked to take place in the forming of his masterpiece by the emperor's command, the artist and his daughter witnessing atrocities in their beautiful city, begin to take a twisted and unsuspected approach against tyranny in all its forms, heavy on themes from heaven and hell, this show does not disappoint.
All in all, I enjoyed the series, the art with which it was presented, superb quality and utmost dedication, brings the viewer to a satisfied closure, and since it has been quite sometime before I enjoyed a real Drama/fantasy setting, this series was greatly appreciated.
Highly recommended
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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Apr 13, 2012
As all have said before, Lain is not for the enjoyment freaks only,
Lain stretches beyond that point and is at its best when plot and insight intersect,
to me after first watch lain was still a mystery and I won't be lying if I said that I got frustrated with it
Some would argue that the plot leaves holes un-attended, but who is to say that the plot was not intended to be this way
The show literally shows what it is to be thinking, and masterfully amplifies the feature of open-end anime themes
Story:
The story revolves around Lain being a high school student, introduced into the
...
world of computers and wired technology, yet all is not as it seems, while the progression goes without flaw, the story is not going in the same direction, philosophical views, and existential theories are thrown in the universe of lain with affinity befitting a master director, don't be surprised if you found yourself wondering about those things as well, lain forces you to think and sometimes against your will, I for one could not find peace until I read many papers concerning the scientific theories and bio-technological dilemmas lain has introduced, and yet truth in the end is all subjective to the viewer's viewpoint of the show as a science fiction, philosophical, and psychological stimulus.
Art:
The psychological element shows strong correlation with the artwork implemented in lain's world, it just would not seem possible without the element of artistry that the psychological atmosphere would have risen to the top of this anime genre, it adds moments of doubt, surprise, gore, self-uncertainty, and above all mystery.
Sound:
The auditory action that Lain was going with, made it quite easy to feel what the man behind the show intended the viewers to feel, not just what he meant them to listen to, from absolute magnificence of intro music, to in-scene tension-build up and many many more.
Character:
Lain itself is a mystery, but not only that, the whole cast is something too, you will strive to figure out who is what, and why are things taking place the way they are, who's lain's family, what is the nature of the stalkers, and the countless ghosts that appear, each with symbolism attached to, and each with a hidden meaning, that is the beauty of lain in its character interplay, needless to say it is not all within the viewer's reach, certainly was not for me, do not be frustrated though, this is a trap many fall in after watching Lain.
Enjoyment:
I thoroughly enjoyed Lain, not because of its eerie setting, but because of the idea of having science fiction implemented in society with a mix of human psychology, all that in one could never have given rise to a series with a huge magnitude for success like Serial Experiments Lain .
I highly Recommend Lain for any science fiction geek, or any viewer looking for a thought-provoking, mind-breaking experience.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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