Gunslinger Girl

[Tyrdium]

I just saw episode 13. I'm not quite sure why, but that ending left me wanting a lot more. It just didn't really seem to have much finality to it... Comments on it? :)

[Phelddagrif]

on episode 13 or the series as a whole?

[Tyrdium]

Either one. Only one group has come out with episode 13, and it's pretty new, so I'd be suprised if many people have seen it.

[Ritalin]

I haven't watched 13, waiting for another group. o.o

Though the series went nowhere up to 12. I was hoping "by 12! YES BY 12 SOMETHING WILL SURELY HAPPEN! I'M SO SURE OF IT ARG!!@(*)!#@@)(*#*" but nothing has happened. ;_;

[EWStan]

I agree. I think it was a great series, but it was too short and felt incomplete.

On a separate note, does anyone know what the deal was with the decorative gray "stuff" above and below the letterbox video? Was that original to the series, or did the fansubbers add it? I just thought it was kind of tacky.

[JEDIgamer]

Originally posted by EWStan
On a separate note, does anyone know what the deal was with the decorative gray "stuff" above and below the letterbox video? Was that original to the series, or did the fansubbers add it? I just thought it was kind of tacky.

That is how it was aired on the tv station Animax in Japan.

Yes, I agree, the series's ending left a lot to be desired, and it was really dissapointing. I thought this series had a lot of potentional in the charecter relationships that existed; so much more could have happened. Of course, ending it like this might mean there is to be a sequel, not sure on anything solid though.

[Kurorakuda]

I would have to say that it was a rather fitting ending. Even from early on, you can tell that they intended to only finish the theme or plot that made up Gunslinger Girl: that to the death, Gitais love their handlers, and are happiest when they are together with their handlers. It's very much how Fruits Basket ended; an unfinished story but they got their main point across. Afcourse, I don't see how Gunslinger Girl's point applies to everyday life, but at least it was fulfilled.

[Blitzwing01]

I think that the main point of the series was to show the emotional connection between all the characters, and I feel they succeeded in that. The action sequences were like icing on the cake. As for the ending, it did leave it wide open...maybe they will put out an OVA or movie or something...but I still found it satisfying nonetheless. And there is always the manga, which I believe continues on a decent bit past the anime.

Oh and re: those borders, if/when the R1 dvds come out, I hope that they will have the episodes in true widescreen, as I also found them somewhat distracting.

[Paul Eye]

Am I the only one who didn't feel distracted by the ornamental borders? I think that it's actually quite a nice detail which adds a little touch of originality to the series - and besides: they're good to put the subs on aswell...leaves the important part of the show uncluttered :)
Originally posted by Blitzwing01
Oh and re: those borders, if/when the R1 dvds come out, I hope that they will have the episodes in true widescreen, as I also found them somewhat distracting.
I doubt that. Probably they'll leave it as full frame in the DVD releases aswell.

[Liegenschonheit]

I didn't feel at all distracted by the ornamental borders either. They were of a nutral colour and didn't detract my attention away from the anime itself.
As for the ending, it was very fitting. The point was that even though they are cold blooded assasins in conflict, and normal little girls at home, they are happy. Regardless of their shortened lifespan and all of the things they know they are up against, they can still feel fulfilled and unafraid.

[Griveton]

Originally posted by Dancin' Camel
I would have to say that it was a rather fitting ending. Even from early on, you can tell that they intended to only finish the theme or plot that made up Gunslinger Girl: that to the death, Gitais love their handlers, and are happiest when they are together with their handlers. It's very much how Fruits Basket ended; an unfinished story but they got their main point across. Afcourse, I don't see how Gunslinger Girl's point applies to everyday life, but at least it was fulfilled.

Indeed.

An ending thatgives finality is not always what's needed. Sure, a series like, say, Cowboy Bebop screams for one, but not so with Gunslinger Girl.

The story in Gunslinger Girl is a long, slow one: Terrorists won't be stopped soon, if at all, and the government will continue experimenting to find a way of stopping it. Gitai will come and go, and the organization might crumble or might not. All that was never the focus of the series: It was nothing but a setting in which to place the characters, and thus it's useless to end it. An ending with a definite conclusion on the Gitai and the organization would have been even less fulfilling, if you ask me.

After this, I might spoil stuff, so...
The series time span was a series of vignettes of what the life of a Gitai is: From their birth to their death. It's not about Henrietta only, nor about Triela, Claes, or anyone else individually. By using them all, the series gave a biography of a Gitai: From Henrietta's birth to Angelica's death, crossing through their feelings, their training, their suffering, and their purpose in life. If you watch it from this perspective, the ending - and the whole series - makes perfect sense, both in lenght and in development.

Of course, they didn't stop the terrorists: They never will. The organization didn't end: It will probably crumble after a long time, or lose funding and get closed. We never saw the conclusion to each character's story: They will all die soon, either in combat or naturally, and will be replaced by newer girls. Some trainers will continue, some will not be able to. Although I would have found it very interesting to know what would Jose do after Henrietta died, it would only make the series lose focus and continue needlessly. I would be happy if an OVA dealing with this were released. Inside the series, it would be a detriment.

[Linuts]

Just watched the last ep and I agree it is probably the best ending for the show. (Probably one of the best ending I've seen considering the show's theme.) The manga continues the story though FYI. Oh and in the manga, I heard that...



Though it was implied in the anime that Angelica died, that's not the case in the manga. o_O

[umeboshi]

Prior to watching episode 13, I had become pretty disappointed in GSG, mainly because I was projecting forward and trying to reconcile where the story had been with where I thought it wanted to go in the slim time remaining. The whole girls-with-guns motif led me to expect another formulaic narrative while the anime had other intentions.

The final episode, more than in other anime, refocussed my view of the entire series and led me to appreciate it much more. I'm pleased that GSG doesn't try to shoehorn a conventional action story arc alongside the tale of the gitai, that it lets you draw your own conclusions about what precisely its message is. I just wish I had realized these intentions earlier.

[d23]

I haven't watched 13 yet so I'm gonna not have to peek >_<

GSG... I knew the ending was going to be bad after watching episode 10 and feeling frustrated that nothing had came out of it, and nothing new was probably going to develop. 11 was a surprise because something actually happened. Kept my hopes up for awhile. Then 12 came and I knew that was it.

[Griveton]

Originally posted by umeboshi

The final episode, more than in other anime, refocussed my view of the entire series and led me to appreciate it much more. I'm pleased that GSG doesn't try to shoehorn a conventional action story arc alongside the tale of the gitai, that it lets you draw your own conclusions about what precisely its message is. I just wish I had realized these intentions earlier.

Exactly. The thing is, most of us are usually expecting a standard good guys vs. bad guys plot where the good guys fight to stop the evil plan, and how they overcome resistance by enemies and allies. Gunslinger Girl does not contain such a story. Like you, I wish I had thought about this without needing to see the conclusion - so many important things might have been lost to me because I was focusing on the wrong parts of the development.

Originally posted by d23
I haven't watched 13 yet so I'm gonna not have to peek >_<

GSG... I knew the ending was going to be bad after watching episode 10 and feeling frustrated that nothing had came out of it, and nothing new was probably going to develop. 11 was a surprise because something actually happened. Kept my hopes up for awhile. Then 12 came and I knew that was it.

On the contrary, the ending is quite good, taking into account the staff cornered itself into it. Don't expect a simple, final conclusion to the plot: The story would continue forever if you did. Gunslinger Girl's approach to the subject of it's narrative is completel different to what you seem to expect.

[Rybread]

This looks and sounds really cool so I think I'll have to check it out.

[Orax]

Rybread, it is really worth taking a look. My first reaction that it was gonna be some lame action series with equally bland girls who happen to be armed with guns and such. Taking my time to actually sit through a couple episodes I began to love it and watching past the middle episodes only strengthened this feeling.

As for the borders, I didn't mind them at all. It was a nice touch and I thought it contributed to the atmosphere that GSG was creating.

[Mouse]

Well, I have yet to see #13 (waiting for a differ group), but I really have enjoyed GsG. I did have a few issues with the series, mainly the slow nature of the story (especially that winter break gap), but that is easily forgivable since the plot's main focus was in character relationships rather than a save-the-world or an end terrorism type theme. Once I accepted this, the story seemed that much better (much like what umeboshi & Griveton felt). I'm glad I stuck with the series until the end (not a major commitment, but a commitment nonetheless) and am anticipating viewing the final episode.

And about the border, well it wasn't really an issue... :Poke:

[Trippin]

From the review and how you all are talking, I think I'm gonna try and pick it up, too. Does anyone happen to know if (or when) it will be licensed?

[Liegenschonheit]

Its not licensed, it just finished airing in Japan. No current information about possible licensing as of yet.

[Niner]

oyea (www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2007-08-21/gunslinger-girl's-second-season-officially-announced)

Sorry for the mega-super-ultra bump, but GSG Season 2 is confirmed. :3

[Tyrdium]

:O

Ultimate winz. Ultimate.

[Major Tom]

Well, how 'bout that? Here I am wondering if vol.4 of the manga is ever going to be released, and out comes a new anime. Going on the strengths of the first season, I will say right here and now I'm in.

[Taleweaver]

Oh dear.

Oh DEAR.

As someone who really liked the original GSG non-ending, I wonder if a second season would be for better or for worse. Of course, seeing more of the heart-wrenching story of the "fratellos" could be great, but won't it take away the impact the unfinishedness of the first season has left?

I'll have a look... and probably a lecture after it.

[Niner]

Well, how 'bout that? Here I am wondering if vol.4 of the manga is ever going to be released, and out comes a new anime. Going on the strengths of the first season, I will say right here and now I'm in.
I know, right?! I'm collecting them and waiting for the next one to come out, then I read on ANN that it's gonna focus on a different arc of the manga, which apparently is going on 7 or 8 volumes. Gah! C'mon ADV, get with the NA release plzzzzzzzz.

[Tyrdium]

Errr... Volume 4 is out (http://www.rightstuf.com/cgi-bin/catalogmgr/browse/item/74655/4/0/0). Volume 5 comes out September 30th, apparently.

[ZZalapski]

As someone who really liked the original GSG non-ending, I wonder if a second season would be for better or for worse. Of course, seeing more of the heart-wrenching story of the "fratellos" could be great, but won't it take away the impact the unfinishedness of the first season has left?

I also thought the original ending was pretty good; however, the potential of further delving into the other fratellos outweigh the possibility that the season 1 ending will be ruined. Personally, I hope they devote some time to focus on the handlers; I always wondered why Jean was such a cold mofo. It's definitely not like extending, say, Cardcaptor Sakura, where there is nothing left to say.

In any event, I'll save my exuberance for when production gets underway. Big difference between announcing you're going to do something and actually doing it.

[Niner]

I always wondered why Jean was such a cold mofo.

I know, he's such an unfeeling hardass. Rico's my favorite kid out of all of them because she's got it so rough, yet she still manages to smile and endure everything he puts her through. Jean is just lucky that she isn't like Elsa, otherwise he'd have an extra hole in his head.

Plus Rico uses the awsum Dragunov SVD. :3

[Ghostmaster]

I have to finish the series myself. O am only on like episode 7 or whatnot, but each episode is it's own story, so it doesn't really have a consistant plot to begin with, so I wouldn't really expect a big wrap up ending.

[hayama22]

The series wraps itself up in an unclimatic way that suites the series. It's funny how even though the show was violent, I mostly remember it as being soft and gentle. Goes to show you how time can make you block things from memory.

You guys are discussing the characters? Geez, I can barely remember their names. I'm excited for this sequel, though. Has it been revealed whether the story will be about the same group of girls or an entirely new cast?

[loner]

The series wraps itself up in an unclimatic way that suites the series. It's funny how even though the show was violent, I mostly remember it as being soft and gentle. Goes to show you how time can make you block things from memory.

You guys are discussing the characters? Geez, I can barely remember their names. I'm excited for this sequel, though. Has it been revealed whether the story will be about the same group of girls or an entirely new cast?

It'll pick up where it has left off in the manga, so it'll be the same cast, with some new characters introduced.

I'm expecting good things.

[Major Tom]

Errr... Volume 4 is out (http://www.rightstuf.com/cgi-bin/catalogmgr/browse/item/74655/4/0/0). Volume 5 comes out September 30th, apparently.
Oh goody. I should be seeing it in shops sometime in January, then.