Student Review Contest #3

[Sorrow-kun]

This contest's theme:

http://img426.imageshack.us/img426/6826/11455884144329ba8xl.jpg

That's right, it's everyone's favourite moe cliche (well, mine anyway): the tsundere girl.

For those not in the know, a definition of "tsundere", as well as a few examples can be found here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsundere

This contest's task: to review an anime with a tsundere character in a main role or significant side role. What constitutes a "main role or significant side role" is up to reviewer... but remember, if your view on this doesn't align with the voters' views, it could cost you votes. The same goes for the character herself. There's no obligation to discuss the tsundere character in your review... if the character herself is not vital to the contention of the review, then don't bring her up. But, the advice is, let it be reasonably obvious for those who have seen the anime which character(s) is the tsundere character in the particular title you've reviewed. In other words, there are several instances where tsundere-ism is debatable... my advice is to stay away from such titles. With that said, this thread is totally open to such debates. If you, as a voter, come across a review, and you don't think there are any tsundere characters in significant roles in the title in question, bring up your concerns.

To avoid a repeat of last contest's controversy, plagiarism will not be tolerated. Anyone caught plagiarising and ajudged guilty by me will be instantly disqualified, and any votes gathered will be considered null and void. Remember, this includes summaries/synopsese. So, write them yourself.

Deadlines for entries: 14th June 2006 3PM AEST

Rules:

1. One entry per person.
2. Only completed anime can be reviewed.
3. Reviews that are posted after the two week deadline will be disqualified.
4. Entries are final. Once a review is posted no more editing is allowed, regardless of whether it is still before the deadline.
5. The winner chooses the next theme and hosts the next contest.
6. Reviews must include at least a title, review, summary and grade.
7. The review and summary must be written by you.
8. No entering a review that has previously been entered in an Anime Academy Student Review Contest.
9. Fully clarify your theme. Do not be vague or over restrictive.

Guidelines
1. While it is not mandatory, including series details such as title alternatives; genre; company; format; dates; highs and lows; screenshots and a captioned screenshot, are looked upon favourably.
2. The preferred word count is about 300-500 words, as per the Anime Academy main page.
3. Previously written reviews are allowed to be entered as long as they don't break rule #8.

The winner, as well as getting boasting rights, will get a special secret prize announced at a later date.

[ShinoMatrix]

A secret prize? Damn it, now I have to compete again... :XD:

Interesting topic by the way.

[Scoot]

Scoot's nose twitches at the mention of the words special and prize in the same sentence.

[Mana]

But, the advice is, let it be reasonably obvious for those who have seen the anime which character(s) is the tsundere character in the particular title you've reviewed. In other words, there are several instances where tsundere-ism is debatable... my advice is to stay away from such titles. With that said, this thread is totally open to such debates. If you, as a voter, come across a review, and you don't think there are any tsundere characters in significant roles in the title in question, bring up your concerns.
While I applaud the creative use of theme for the contest, I must also give a big hearty "WTF?" I'd never even heard the term "tsundere" before loading this thread, and already I should be avoiding titles that have a debatable connection to something that I'm not even positive what it is?

Especially in a contest where you'd like to attract more potential contestants and voters, I believe that, speaking as an outsider, it would be a good idea to explain a bit more in detail and give some better example of characters. The Wikipedia article, while nice, doesn't really say much (Well, that, and I've never seen any of the anime they mentioned, with the exception of a couple episodes of Trigun, and the LH Spring Special). Perhaps I'm a fluke, but I couldn't help but read the main post and think "I don't know what the **** is going on, so here's a bunny with a pancake on it's head. Oh well, maybe #4."

Also, I do love your image, but it is breaking the frames. Could you make it a bit smaller and rehost it, please? Images that break the frames are supposed to be linked and not image tagged, and I know that's the point of this one, but just make it smaller and it will be fine.

[Kuzu Ryu Sen]

Would characters like Oscar from Rose of Versailles, Otonashi Kyoko from Maison Ikkoku, and Ayukawa Madoka from KOR fall under tsundere?

[Mana]

Would characters like Oscar from Rose of Versailles, Otonashi Kyoko from Maison Ikkoku, and Ayukawa Madoka from KOR fall under tsundere?
Seeing as I only know what was posted on the Wikipdia article, this may be off, but Oscar was never really "unpleasant or violent" and she never became "meek and loving" either. I can see how Kyoko would fit in, though, but I've never seen KOR. It seems like most shounen anime would be a safe bet.

[Kuzu Ryu Sen]

Maybe unpleasant and violent is too harsh a definition, because my interpretation is that of the oneechan type character, a strong personality (tomboyish perhaps) that slowly softens into a caring woman - although you're right, Oscar didn't "soften" or "weaken" per se, she just happened to fall in love with various people. In my opinion, Naru would be an extreme of this rather than the golden example.

However, I don't know if my interpretation fits the actual definition of the word though.

[Mana]

Maybe unpleasant and violent is too harsh a definition, because my interpretation is that of the oneechan type character, a strong personality (tomboyish perhaps) that slowly softens into a caring woman - although you're right, Oscar didn't "soften" or "weaken" per se, she just happened to fall in love with various people. In my opinion, Naru would be an extreme of this rather than the golden example.

However, I don't know if my interpretation fits the actual definition of the word though.
Well, I'll take any interpretation I can get my hands on right now. I'm still rather confused, but it does seem to be a very shounen anime archetype, which is sad because most of them are terrible.

And, yeah, Oscar did happen to fall in love, but it really didn't change her character too much, which I was greatful for. She managed to have great character development without having to go through a personality change. I would definately not count her as part of this class, though; it just doesn't seem to fit at all.

[Rove]

The term 'tsundere' is fairly new, it is no suprise that most people won't recognise it at first. It is commonly used in the forums of the site-we-don't-talk-about because plenty of people there tend to use Japanese-origined words.

About tsundere, the term refers mostly to the female characters in shounen romance comedies more than anything else. A female character (usually the girl-next-door/childhood friend, that is always complaining about the male lead, and if by any chance she's about to fall (lets say she trips with a rock, nothing serious) and the lead catches her before she falls, she will blush to no end, get confused, then notice that while falling the lead had to grab her in some way that makes her feel unconfortable and will probably scream that he is a pervert/slap him/hit him with a hammer that comes out of thin air/Naru punch. That is pretty much the tsundere stereotype. They are usually very aggresive with the main lead but that is because they "care about him" and as soon as competition for his attention arrives they get even more aggresive towards the male lead, yet, if they have a "moment alone" she will probably act more meek until some forced comedic scene interrupts the "romantic mood". Eventually they realize their feelings for the male lead (*gasp*) and start to win their heart being even more annoying than before they realised that.

I have no fondness towards the tsundere stereotype, because most of the times it tries too hard to be funny, but it doesn't actually work. There are a few exceptions though, Tenko from Kamisama Kazoku being one.

BTW, I tried searching for other sites that have a better description of the term, but with no luck. The only one in English is the one from Wikipedia, the others are all in Japanese. Like I said, the term is really new.

[Sorrow-kun]

Not that I've seen Maison Ikkoku, but from what I can gather of Kyoko, chances are good that she falls under the "tsundere" umbrella.

Yes, it is a unique theme. My hope was that it'd spark interest, rather than the other way around. Apologies if I've failed.

Unfortunately, I can't really give a better definition of "tsundere" than the one in the Wiki link. What I can do is try to list some examples of tsundere-ko I can think of off the top of my head that aren't already listed in the Wiki link. I encourage others to add to the list as well. With any amount of luck, it could give potential contestants some ideas and inspiration.

Tohno Akiha (Lunar Legend Tsukihime)
Caska (Berserk)
Kamishiro Rin (Maburaho)
Kawasumi Mai and Sawatari Makoto (Kanon)
Yuka (Elfen Lied)
Priss Asagari (Bubblegum Crisis: Tokyo 2040)... I think the Bubble Crisis version of Priss would fall under "debatable"
Tokunaga Kokoro (Aishiteruze Baby)
Miyuki Mayu (Ai Yori Aoshi)... arguably
Ogasawara Sachiko (Marimite)... arguably
Yamada Ayumi (Honey & Clover)... arguably

[Kuzu Ryu Sen]

Hmm, what about:

Faye Valentine (Cowboy Bebop)
Android 18 (Dragonball Z)
San (Princess Mononoke)
Li Meilin (Card Captor Sakura) (borderline)

[7Raven7]

I was thinking about Faye and San also... scary.

Also, aside from specifically shounen anime I was wondering if I could get a personal opinion of pass/fail on the following in addition to some of the titles already mentioned. I know some of these are reaching quite a bit but it might help everyone (or at least me) find the difinition a little better as well as give some more titles people can look at:

Slayers (especially Next): Lina Inverse
El Hazard: Shayla-Shayla
Banner/Crest of Stars: Princess Lafiel
Rurouni Kenshin: Kamiya Kaoru
Neon Genesis Evangelion: Asuka
Vampire Hunter D - Bloodlust: Leila

[Sorrow-kun]

Faye Valentine is questionable, though San and Android 18 are good examples. From the few episodes of the dub I've seen on Cartoon Network, I'd say Li Meilin is a no doubt tsundere-ko.

Asuka's a pretty good example, though I'm not sure about Kamiya Kaoru. I'd say she warmed to Kenshin very quickly. Although, then again, she was very tsun-tsun to him in the first episode, and it did take numerous episodes before she became dure-dure... yeah, I guess Kaoru is tsundere.

[Kuzu Ryu Sen]

I'm not so sure about Lafiel. She wasn't exactly cold to Jinto from the outset. After all, they managed to have a nice conversation by the 3rd episode. While she does gradually warm to Jinto, I don't think she was outright antagonistic from the get go, thus disqualifying her from this category.

Taking this from another angle, what about Shibahime Tsubasa and Izawa Maho? They were certainly cold to Yukino and then gradually warmed up to her. Does tsundere apply only to female --> male type relationships?

[Sorrow-kun]

Generally, since it's usually only females that go through that transition to meek and submissive. If you can find examples of male characters that do so, I suppose that counts, but I think the overwhelming majoriy and most obvious cases are female.

Edit: Now that I think about it, I think both Tokiha Mai and Kuga Natsuki (Mai-HiME) would count.

[Ninja Realist]

Generally, since it's usually only females that go through that transition to meek and submissive. If you can find examples of male characters that do so, I suppose that counts, but I think the overwhelming majoriy and most obvious cases are female.

Li Shaoran from Cardcaptor Sakura could definitely be considered a Tsundere male.

[7Raven7]

Realist, you finally going to take a crack at one of these?

[Ninja Realist]

I'm almost definitely entering this one.

[ShinoMatrix]

Shana from Shakugan no Shana counts, I think... right?

[Sorrow-kun]

Shana is an absolute tsundere archetype. She could almost be a spokesperson for tsunder-ism. She was listed on the wiki link, which is why I didn't mention her earlier.

Useless tidbit of information: she was voted most popular in last year's (I think it was Megani magazine's, though I can't be sure) tsundere popularity contest. http://img83.imageshack.us/img83/1454/11455892976929ne.jpg

[ant]

Off the top of my head those tsundere that weren't mentioned
Akane from Ranma 1/2
Kaori from City Hunter
and I hate to mention it Kagome from Inuyasha. Of all those I would like to write a review of City Hunter, but as of right now I could only write a review of season one. If that is ok with you Sorrow-kun?

[Kuzu Ryu Sen]

Off the top of my head those tsundere that weren't mentioned
Akane from Ranma 1/2
Kaori from City Hunter
and I hate to mention it Kagome from Inuyasha of all those I would like to write a review of City Hunter, but as of right now I could only write a review of season one. If that is ok with you Sorrow-kun?

"2. Only completed anime can be reviewed."

[Sorrow-kun]

Kuzu said it best. I'd love to make exceptions to the rules for you, but well, you know how it is....

[7Raven7]

I thought the Japanese release of Inyu was finally completed?

[Sorrow-kun]

Yah, but you can't review a single season. Admittedly, there are a whole heap of technicalities regarding what constitutes a series and what constitutes a season, but it's best to just go with AA's policy on it.

[Kuzu Ryu Sen]

In this case, it's easy.

There's no Inuyasha R, S, SS, Stars, Z, or GT.

[Rove]

I thought the Japanese release of Inyu was finally completed?
Inuyasha is finished. But he is asking if he can review a series that he has not finished viewing completely. For what I understand, he was asking/commenting if Kagome from Inuyasha fits the tsundere stereotype and asking if he could review a series he has not finished viewing yet, that series would be City Hunter (all seasons). However there are several CH seasons/sequels, so on Ant's defence, could he review one of them if that's the case?

What season of City Hunter do you want to review Ant?

City Hunter - Vintage: 1987-04-06 to 1988-03-28 - 51 eps (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=384)
City Hunter 91' - Vintage: 1991-04-28 to 1991-10-10 - 13 eps (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=547)
City Hunter 2 - Vintage: 1988-04-02 to 1989-07-14 - 63 eps (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=484)
City Hunter 3 - Vintage: 1989-10-15 to 1990-01-21 - 13 eps (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=546)

You could also review one of the six (?) City Hunter movies Ant, if you have seen any. If I'm not mistaken Kaori Makimura is in all of them, so the theme still applies.

[ant]

Since I am watching season one of City Hunter now and I think it would be impossible for me to watch season two and three before the deadline, I would have liked to review season one however rules are rules ;_; I will try to do one of the movies if I can.

[Apolyion]

I'll add a few more that I haven't seen mentioned... but yeah this is a term I wasn't familiar with until I read this post.

Kimi go Nozomu Eien - Akane, arguably Ayu
Girls Bravo - Kirie
Last Exile - Tatiana
Read or Die TV - Anita (as long as it doesn't have to be a romantic feeling - see Anita and Nenene, and especially Anita and Yomiko)

[Sorrow-kun]

Haven't seen Last Exile, but the other three I agree with.

It's less than ten days now, guys. Let's start gettin' those reviews in :D

[Retlor]

Does the Tsundere character have to be the main character for it to be considered Tsundere anime?

If I have this right: Naru Narusegawa would make Love Hina a Tsundere anime, as she is one of the main characters. But would Meryl Stryfe make Trigun a Tsundere anime? She can't really be considered the main character.

[Kuzu Ryu Sen]

Does the Tsundere character have to be the main character for it to be considered Tsundere anime?

If I have this right: Naru Narusegawa would make Love Hina a Tsundere anime, as she is one of the main characters. But would Meryl Stryfe make Trigun a Tsundere anime? She can't really be considered the main character.

"This contest's task: to review an anime with a tsundere character in a main role or significant side role. What constitutes a "main role or significant side role" is up to reviewer..."

And really, there is no tsundere genre, just like there's no bad-ass villain genre. These are character archetypes, not anime classifications.

[Retlor]

Oops. Better be reading better next time. Thank you.

[Sorrow-kun]

Less than a week left guys. Let's start getting those reviews in. :D </desperate>

[ShinoMatrix]

Unfortunately, I doubt I will be entering this one... not because of the theme (it's quite a good one actually), but just because of exams.

[Shadowmage]

Title: Bokusatsu Tenshi Dokuro-chan
Genre: Comedy/Magical Girl
Company: Hal Film Maker/ Media Works
Format: 4 episodes
Dates: 3/12/2005

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y257/Shadowmage_Shin/images.jpg
She ain't no Belldandy

Synopsis: Few guys are lucky enough to have a cute girlfriend. Even fewer guys have a cute, female angel living in their room. Being the man who will eventually create the technology for immortality, Sakura gets some unusual company. God, however, decides that this mortal needs to be smitten, so he unleashes hell’s angels on poor Sakura. Sakura’s fate is seemingly sealed until a single angel decides to defect. Can Sakura survive the onslaught of the other angels? He better get far away from Dokuro-chan first.

Grade: 58%

Highs: Original; hilarious first half

Lows: Trashes everything for comedy; in the last two episodes, trashes everything.

Cyanide, arsenic and sulfuric acid are hazardous materials that will kill you. Dokuro-chan, her demure lolicon exterior and her cute battering ran are the ultimate chain gang bangers from hell that will mutilate you, chop you up into little pieces and bring you back to life for more. Forget about orthodoxy or any semblance of coherency; Bokusatsu Tenshi Dokuro-chan thrives in chaos creating laughs all along the way.

If there ever were a taboo spectrum for anime, Dokuro-chan glides past the entire list with minimal effort. Save full out hentai, the show holds nothing sacred. Using everything from toilet humor, parodies and random decapitations, the show does everything possible to be funny. At least for the first two episodes, this formula proves to be gut-rippingly hilarious.

Sadly, the show burns through so much so quickly that it runs out of steam by the beginning of the third full episode. Much like a kamikaze aircraft, the show ascends to the heights of glory before exploding into a gory heap of rubble. The last two episodes offer a sad excuse of a plot trying to reuse antics that have already grown stale.

With a dirt poor plot, mediocre aesthetics and forgettable characters, there is very little reason to watch this series in its entirety. The first two episodes are salvageable simply due to their originality and utter hilarity; the final two episodes deserve the garbage bin. So if you need a good laugh and don't mind losing a few brain cells, Dokuro-chan may just be the show for you.



In the unlikely case that I win and I don’t post the next topic within 24 hours of the end of this contest, I abdicate the next competition to the second place winner.

[Two-twenty]

Unfortunately, I doubt I will be entering this one... not because of the theme (it's quite a good one actually), but just because of exams.
I'll try to get one in, I really will, but it looks doubtful for pretty much the same reason.

[Rove]

I don't have any exams in the near future, but I haven't finished any anime in quite some time, with the exception of Wonderful Days. Now the question is: does Wonderful Days count as anime and does its heroine Jay count as a possible tsundere? She's not quite the 'I hate you! I love you!' type of character, but she is a bit reluctant towards the protagonist at first.

[Sorrow-kun]

Only a couple of days left, everyone, so let's start getting those reviews in. Still plenty of time to sit down and write something if you haven't started... but you'd best make your move soon.

[mitsukake]

INow the question is: does Wonderful Days count as anime and does its heroine Jay count as a possible tsundere? She's not quite the 'I hate you! I love you!' type of character, but she is a bit reluctant towards the protagonist at first.

Yes, it is definitely an anime. I guess being Korean doesn't rips its right to be an anime. I'm not quite sure if Jay fits in the "tsundere" type because Jay is so quiet almost the entire movie. Probably NOT.

[L-sama]

All right...it's my turn to take the plunge! Here's my attempt (and with three days to spare ^_^)

-----------------------

Anime: Princess Mononoke A.K.A. Mononoke Hime
Genre: Action/Drama
Company: Studio Ghibli
Format: 1 Movie
Dates: 7/12/1997

With his tribal village under siege from a cursed animal god, Ashitaka is called upon to defend his people. During his battle, his arm succumbs to the same curse that has already affected the eventually defeated animal god. Exiled from his village, he now roams the land, searching for a cure to his incurable ailment. While on his journey, he crosses paths with San, a princess raised by the wolves of the nearby woods called Mononoke Hime. Can Ashitaka find a cure before he too is taken over by this terrible curse, and will San be there to help him on his quest? -Summary by L-sama


Hell hath no fury like Mononoke Hime scorned…

Score: 91%

Highs: Action never lets up; Visually amazing; Great story
Lows: Romance feels forced; character backgrounds, please!


Review: Yet again, Ghibli puts out another amazing work of anime for us to enjoy. How Ghibli does it I'll probably never know, but Princess Mononoke just adds on to their already impressive résumé.

Right out of the starting gate, Mononoke hits the viewers with lush settings and amazing artwork. It’s actually a little startling as to how realistic the animation looks in this movie. This aids the story to no end, immersing the viewer into scene after beautiful scene. Miyazaki sets the track for the rest of the movie early with some good fighting sequences, showing that there won’t be much comedy to be had here. Luckily, this pacing doesn’t let up at all, and I was very intrigued with what was to come next.

While the storyline was captivating, I really can’t say the same for the characters; particularly San. For a tsundere character, her metamorphosis is hard to swallow, let alone accept, due to the large lack of character background on her. Sure, the viewer gets too see some bits San’s past, but this doesn't shed enough light on her. Outside of the little background bit, San just seems like a hardened warrior with little emotions who suddenly changes after Ashitaka comes into view. Speaking of Ashitaka, next to nothing is known or revealed about him in his prior life before meeting San. This left a few too many questions about both of them after the movie ended.

There's only one other thing that keeps Mononoke from the ranks of the high elite. The way San and Ashitaka first encounter each other seems too convenient, which makes their “budding romance” seem forced initially. Combine this with nearly nothing known, let alone revealed, about the two before their encounters, and you have a romance that feels even more awkward.

If you can get past not knowing much about the main characters, Princess Mononoke is a remarkable piece of work, even if it isn't a great tsundere anime. Ghibli fans will not be disappointed by the high quality art and animation, and everyone else should enjoy the gripping and fantastic story that weaves through the amazing landscape of this world. Studio Ghibli, I tip my hat to you.

Reviewed by: L-sama

[Sorrow-kun]

Time is up, but I'm not satisfied with the number of entries, so, after discussing it with Two-Twenty, I've decided to extend the deadline by a week.

I apologize to, and applaud the two who have already entered. The only way I can compensate you is, if you wish, you may edit your reviews as much as you wish before the new deadline without fear of retribution.

To everyone else: get those reviews in. The more the merrier.

To reiterate: The new deadline is 3pm AEST, Wednesday, 21st June.

[ShinoMatrix]

One week... hmm... perhaps with my Large Scale Digital Design exam happening this Friday, I might have time to write up a quick one because I still have another exam later in the week.

[Two-twenty]

I have the last of my university tests tommorow so you can expect one from me.

[aeroshadow]

Time is up, but I'm not satisfied with the number of entries, so, after discussing it with Two-Twenty, I've decided to extend the deadline by a week.

I apologize to, and applaud the two who have already entered. The only way I can compensate you is, if you wish, you may edit your reviews as much as you wish before the new deadline without fear of retribution.

To everyone else: get those reviews in. The more the merrier.

To reiterate: The new deadline is 3pm AEST, Wednesday, 21st June.What?! In my time zone, I still have four and a half hours, and I was seriously going to finish up my review during that time. Now you've encouraged me to procrastinate even more... X_X

In other words, that Last Exile review I was supposed to finish a couple of months ago will show its face here. ^_^

[Kuzu Ryu Sen]

Just for simplicity, what is 3 PM AEST in North American EST?

[Sorrow-kun]

Like midnight or so, I think.

[Kuzu Ryu Sen]

Let me just give this a kick at the can then. It's a bit wordy I know, but better to over explain than to leave the reader clueless.

Title: Kanon
Genre: Romance/Drama
Company: Toei Animation/Key
Format: 13 Episodes
Dates: 2002/01/30 to 2002/03/27

http://www.animesecrets.org/extra/kanon collage.jpg

Summary:
His parents having been reassigned to a foreign country, Aizawa Yuuichi has been forced to move in with his cousin Minase Nayuki and her mother Akiko. It’s not Yuuichi’s first visit to Nayuki’s snowy town though, as he experienced a similar situation seven years prior. However, Yuuichi cannot recall any specific memories of his time with the Minases seven years ago, a condition that is constantly on Nayuki’s mind. Yuuichi himself is stricken by mysterious dreams involving a crying girl. Now, facing the same places, the same family, the same objects, and even surprise visits by the same people as seven years ago, will Yuuichi’s mind finally awaken from its long dream and remember just exactly what came to pass?

Characters: 8.25
Plot: 8.50
Video: 9.00
Audio: 8.25
Impact: 9.50
Overall: 8.75

Anime Academy System Grade: 87%
Highs: powerful beyond expectations; excellent use of visual effects; excellent vocal songs
Lows: cliché; individual arcs are too independent; formulaic opening

Anime adaptations of visual novels are by nature tricky things. The open-endedness in terms of plot and character development that is a trademark of the genre makes it very difficult for anyone to produce a “complete” adaptation. In the case of Kanon, the game responsible for the relative popularisation of the genre both in Japan and North America, Toei has released what could be best summarised as a “tsundere anime.” That is, a show that appears cold, detached, and irritating at the outset, but gradually shows its true colours until finally sweeping the viewer’s mind and heart away with a stirring and powerful conclusion.

Much like Yuuichi’s first impression of Kawasumi Mai and Sawatari Makoto, the principle players in Kanon's first two plot arcs, one’s first impression of Kanon’s plot is generally negative. After all, the first half of the series is rather stale and detached, dedicating most of its time to introducing characters in a systematic manner. Admittedly, given the nature of the dating sim, it’s difficult to expect much in this department from Toei, but given the creativity exhibited by the staff in the latter half, the lack of any variety at all in the first six episodes is highly disappointing.

On the plus side, Kanon is very pleasant to look at during its tsuntsun phase. While the character designs are plain (and to be honest, there’s not much Toei could have done in that department), the CG effects are excellent, and certainly add an extra layer of atmosphere to the show. The backgrounds are not only very detailed, but clever animation effects cause them to spring to life, giving the setting (and the series) a certain energy and vibrancy. However, artistically, the biggest and most pleasant surprise came from the absolutely beautiful opening and ending songs; gems in a genre populated by generic J-pop.

Outside appearance can only take one so far, and thankfully, Kanon underwent a transformation from cold and sterile to heart-wrenching and passionate during the Sawatari Makoto arc. Suddenly, all the characters seem to acquire rather engaging personalities, and the plot, while still incorporating fantasy elements, became far more palatable. All these elements forge a climax that provides some of the best moments in the genre, and in anime in general. While the final arc is notably weaker in terms of sheer emotional impact, it can definitely still hold its own. Combined with a seamless transition (something not easily accomplished given the conclusiveness of the preceding episodes), Kanon ends not with a wild emotional roller coaster ride, but a gradual dénouement to a down-to-Earth conclusion. As such, the viewer is given ample opportunity to recover from the Sawatari Makoto plotline, yet still able to enjoy the Tsukimiya Ayu arc for the conclusiveness it provides.

Quite fitting for an anime whose fortunes were dependent on its main “tsundere” character, Kanon started off very bland and cookie-cutter and ended as one of the most powerful anime in the romance genre. Many will decry the first half of the show as a leading example of the degeneration of romantic anime, but much like the pretty, tall, and long-haired tomboy next door, if you’re patient and give Kanon the attention it deserves, eventually, your efforts will be repaid fourfold.

[Finnf00]

Kuzu, what the hell are you on? Shouldn't this be on AS? Or is it OFF AS? In any case it's weird.

[Sorrow-kun]

No way. No that Kuzu has entered, I actually wish I wasn't hosting. I'd have loved the chance to go up against one of the big name ASers in open competition.

(Where's Scoot to carry our flag..?)

[Kuzu Ryu Sen]

It should, but I figure that this is the best way to get some actual proofing.

[sohryu]

It should, but I figure that this is the best way to get some actual proofing.
I resent that.

[L-sama]

Time is up, but I'm not satisfied with the number of entries, so, after discussing it with Two-Twenty, I've decided to extend the deadline by a week.

I apologize to, and applaud the two who have already entered. The only way I can compensate you is, if you wish, you may edit your reviews as much as you wish before the new deadline without fear of retribution.

To everyone else: get those reviews in. The more the merrier.

To reiterate: The new deadline is 3pm AEST, Wednesday, 21st June.

I appreciate the offer, sorrow-kun! I don't think I'll do too much, but I'll be taking you up on the compensation now that Kuzu has entered...

[Kuzu Ryu Sen]

I resent that.
The proof is in the past history.

[L-sama]

Just for the records, sorrow-kun, I've done my editing. Best of luck to all in the contest!! :)

[Scoot]

Title: Berserk (Kenpū Denki Berserk)
Genre: Action
Company: OLM
Format: 25 episodes
Dates: October 7, 1997 to March 31, 1998

Synopsis: Fighting is more than a job to Guts: its a way of life. Drawn into an ambitious new mercenary troop by its mysterious and charismatic leader Griffith, he begins to learn that there is more to life than selling his sword to the highest bidder. As a rising member of the Band of the Hawk, Guts must come to terms with his violent past, and decide where his allegiances lie in a dark new world of political intrigue and war.

The Highlights
Characters: Stunningly realistic, imperfectly human.
Blood-o-meter: Broken through over-use.
Story: Grips like a vice.
Artwork: Aged like a fine wine.
Conclusion: If only there was one.


http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y233/scoot123/ber_pic_003.jpghttp://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y233/scoot123/ber_pic_001.jpghttp://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y233/scoot123/ber_pic_002.jpg

You could describe Berserk with three blunt words: Blood. Swords. Demons. And on reading those words you could be forgiven for building a mental image of what to expect. You could not, however, be more wrong even if you tried.

Berserk is violent, bloody and unrelenting, but conversely it is also beautiful, engrossing and deep. Its artwork hasn't so much aged as matured into a unique visual style which fits its dark medieval fantasy theme like a chain-mail gauntlet.

The synergy of theme and style extends to the action: Battles are as brutal and gruesome as is possible to get without the aid of nuclear weapons. Foes do not so much die under Guts' terrifying sword: they are obliterated, screaming in arcs of gratuitous bloodshed.

Underneath this harsh exterior lies a deliciously twisted storyline, bursting with intelligence and subtle wit which will leave your heart firmly in your mouth until its bloodthirsty conclusion. The battles are by no means mindless - they have purpose, contributing an important thread to the complex weave of the plot.

Painted on this extravagant canvas is possibly the most realistic cast of misfits ever created. Each character is complete with their own dilemmas, alliances, debts and jealousies, crowned with the most gripping love triangle I have yet to witness. Miyamura Yuko plays the part of a rough and dangerous tsundere to perfection, fighting against her blossoming feelings towards our hero, building the sexual tension to breaking point.

And here I make a confession: Berserk broke my heart. I had my suspicions: with the series rolling at a terrifying pace towards its finale, I could see no way of the story reaching a satisfying conclusion - unless the writers displayed some Booker Prize-winning skill. They didn't. Ending with the Grand Canyon of cliff-hangers, it was the feeling of near-betrayal which left me with no choice but to consider this series a woefully incomplete masterpiece.

The Rating: 8
http://www.nihonreview.com/images/rank8.png

Reviewed by: Scoot

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Tasty information morsels:

The Berserk anime is based on one of the most successful adult mangas ever created, selling over 29 million volumes.

The studio, OLM, stands for Oriental Light and Magic - a play on the American special-effects powerhouse, Industrial Light and Magic.

The anime only accurately covers volumes 5-8 of the manga, changing a great deal of the source material to encompass the plot, which was deemed too far-reaching for a successful series.

[Sorrow-kun]

Wow, this is turning into a seriously good contest. I'm glad I extended the deadline by a week, now. With that said, it's still not too late to get those reviews in. :)

[Ninja Realist]

Title: Love Hina
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Company: TV Tokyo
Format: 24 episodes
Dates: 4/19/2000 to 9/27/2000

Summary: Keitaro Urashima is a 19 year old "ronin", a student who has failed to pass their entrance exams. He's trying desperately to get in to Tokyo University in order to satisfy a promise he made as a child. After failing twice, his parents kick him out of the house, and Keitaro is faced with finding a place to live. This quest eventually leads him to Hinatasou, the all-female boarding house run by his Grand Mother, who is incidentally going on vacation. This leaves the Hinatasou to Keitaro, who, in his desperate need, gladly accepts. But he soon learns that running an all female boarding house is a lot more than he bargained for.

Highs: The opening song is catchy, nice visuals.

Lows: Totally unoriginal, completely predictable.

http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/5190/lhina5rx.jpg
Looking towards the future...where Love Hina is just a bad memory.

Grade: 47%

Romantic Comedies breed like rabbits. Every Romantic Comedy is not a unique creative work but is rather an offspring of the Romantic Comedies that came before it(and these too are no more than the spawn of their predecessors). Because of this, the entire genre tends to be extremely tired, dull, and repetitive. But in many cases a Romantic Comedy can still cover some new ground, some recessive trait that had yet to surface, that gives it some semblance of originality. Love Hina is not one of them. Love Hina is the poor bunny who came out of the womb missing an arm, an eye, and a whole lot intellectual capacity. In the natural world, this kind of defective birth would be left for the jackals. But in the anime world, this intellectual miscreation has been lapped up by hordes of endearing fans, many of whom probably suffer from a few birth defects themselves. Love Hina is the worst kind of mediocre crap, and regardless of the praise heaped upon it, should be avoided by anyone who doesn't want to piss away nine hours of their life.

I feel that I should begin with the good points of this show, not because I want to taper the criticism, but because putting them at the end would suggest that there is something that can be pulled out of this train wreck, and such a suggestion would be simply deceitful. But to it's credit, Love Hina has a few relatively good facets. The opening piece is catchy and fun, and is rather well animated. This quality of animation carries over to the rest of the show as well, which has a clear fluid style that is hard to criticize. In fact just about every visual aspect of this show is above average, most notably, the character designs, which are not only unique, but fit each character extremely well.

But sadly, while the appearance of these characters is Love Hina's high point, the writing of these characters is Love Hina's very, very, low point. It's almost as if Ken Akamatsu, when he sat down to write the manga which this show is based on, simply made a bulleted list of Japanese Character Archetypes and picked out the ones he liked. I'm not hyperbolizing when I say that every single character is a cliche. There's Keitaro, the run-of-the-mill loser, Narusegawa the Tsundere, Shinobu the shy teenybopper. Perhaps the worst character is Motoko, who is completely indistinguishable from almost every other martial arts girl in anime history.

Such a cliched and predictable cast would be enough to kill almost any anime, but Love Hina doesn't stop there. Besides having, arguably, the most banal cast in recent Anime History, Love Hina also has one of the most easily foreseeable plots I have ever had the displeasure of viewing. The entire plot revolves around a love-heptagon whose outcome is obvious after the first two episodes. For the rest of the series this romance goes back and forth because, while the outcome of this show is obvious to the viewers, the creators still somehow believe they can squeeze some suspense out of this shows, dry, lifeless corpse.

The final nail in the coffin is the humor which rings true with every other element of this show in that it's utterly prosaic. Love Hina has one joke that is bashed into the audience's head over and over again. Keitaro sees one of the female cast members in a compromising state. Said female physically assaults Keitaro in a manner that varies from situation to situation. But this variety is not enough to save a joke that is repeated no fewer than five times an episode.

Maybe the times have changed since this anime was released, or maybe the original crop of viewers saw something in Love Hina that I couldn't, but Love Hina simply does not live up to any of it's hype. It's a painfully dull, exercise in mental masochism that is about as appealing as an allergy skin test . Maybe if you're deaf and blind you might enjoy this show. As for the rest of you, avoid this show like the plague.

[Sorrow-kun]

Less than 24 hours to get those reviews in.

[aeroshadow]

Title: Last Exile
Genre: Action/Drama
Company: Gonzo
Format: 26 episodes
Dates: 4/7/2003 to 9/29/2003

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y63/aeroshadow/LASTE.jpg

Summary: In the vast skies of Prester, childhood friends Claus and Lavie have always lived a quiet life, working as couriers of the skies, piloting the vanship their parents left behind. However, their lives' serenity comes to a halt and the adventure begins at a crash site of another vanship, where a heavily wounded man begs the two to deliver a young girl to the Sylvana, a dark, notorious airship. Upon their arrival, Claus and Lavie find themselves involved in a war of epic proportions...

Review:

At birth, Last Exile shined of potential. No -- it didn't shine; it utterly irradiated potential at an extreme level of intensity. In a state of hypnosis, I stared in awe at its marvelous features, unbridled energy, and unmarked innocence. I honestly believed that with just a little bit of care, Last Exile would grow to be a true masterpiece.

That was, until I had the "pleasure" of meeting the parents. After an unpleasant conversation, I watched as they scanned their child with faces that bled with coldness and arrogance. "We can work with this," the father said monotonously. From then on, I watched silently in horror as the child grew with its spirit, emotion, and intellect supressed. It didn't take me long to realize that Last Exile's parents only worried about its presentability.

Everything began wonderfully. Last Exile presented a wonderful, unique cast. Every character fleshed themselves out gradually and quietly through their conversations and reactions to various events in the storyline. I believe they could've developed this way too, but Last Exile seemed to signal that development would happen further down the road. I shrugged. The plot remained strong and coherent for a fair amount of time, offering an exciting premise taking place in a vast, beautiful setting that was fabricated nearly perfectly, combining technology both old and new, and adding enough elements from the real world to keep it believable. The scattered action scenes, whether Claus and Lavie were flying their vanship at outrageous angles or desperately attempting to escape from a star-shaped aircraft, were exciting, involving, and comfortable. Last Exile also enjoyed to flaunt its undeniable beauty, that is, if its parents did not force it to. The high-quality artwork melded with CGI to construct scenes easy on the eyes, and the music and voice acting were nothing less than exceptional.

However, as Last Exile progressed, the consequences of its detrimental parenting began to reveal themselves, where everything other than its production values began to fall apart. About halfway through the series, the once clear cut storyline gradually disassembled into a leaking pile of garbage, losing every sense of coherency. It's as if the parents harshly declared, "Last Exile, your story needs to be deeper." Thus, under pressure, the teenager threw the fine plot it previously worked with out the window, and instead presented a series of unintelligible, disconnected events that weren't taking the storyline anywhere. Not only that, but in many of these scenes, the characters acted in ways contradictory to the way they were presumed to be in the first half. Actually, these character lapses could also be attributed to Last Exile's parents. It's as if they harshly declared, "Every masterpiece has character development. You had better implement some immediately!" Last Exile strayed from its original plan of developing its characters slowly, and in fear, presented "character development" as blatantly as possible. Characters were given random backstories that contributed little, such as in the case of Tatiana, a girl who turned out to be nothing more than a stereotypical tsundere. Personalities were rewritten awkwardly without any real transitions. Soon, even the action scenes began to dull and the setting became so massive I felt nauseous. It was a mess, and certainly not an interesting one to watch.

I'll admit that towards the end, Last Exile's parents seemed to have undergone a revelation. As if they had discovered love for the first time, the last few episodes offered the show's unbridled, original energy, providing an interesting climax of sorts, but it was too little, too late. When it was time for the series to end, Last Exile tried its best, but at that point, it remained impossible to truly wrap up the mess that was previously conceived.

In the end, Last Exile turned out to be nothing more than average.

+: High production values, the first half
-: Forced character development, a weakening of the storyline in the second half

The final verdict: 72%

[Sorrow-kun]

Submission deadline is up. I'll make the voting thread when I get home.