Student Review Contest #7

[7Raven7]

As much as you would all like to review anime with ravens in them, I decided to mix it up a bit.

This weeks official review contest theme is!


contest begin date: 9/12/06 contest end date: 9/30/06, 11:59 PST
Kanno Yoko


Your mission, should you choose to accept it,
is to review an anime title which has music
contributed by the influential Kanno Yoko.

Some of the anime titles Kanno Yoko contributed to are (but are not limited to) as follows:

Brain Powerd
Cowboy Bebop
Cowboy Bebop: Knocking on Heaven’s Door
Earth Girl Arjuna
Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex
Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex 2nd Gig
Macross Plus
Noiseman Sound Insect
Please Save My Earth
Record of Lodoss War: Chronicles of the Heroic Knight
Sousei no Aquarion
Speed Grapher
Vision of Escaflowne
Vision of Escaflowne: A girl in Gaea
Wolf’s Rain



Rules:
1. There may be only one entry per person.

2. You may only review completed anime titles.

3. The time period of this contest will be from today (9/12) until 11:59 PST Saturday, Sept. 30. Reviews submitted outside this timeframe will be disqualified.

4. No editing! Once the “Submit Reply” button is hit there is no going back to edit it and you are stuck with all the embarrassing mistakes you made (I’ve made my share!) Any edited entry will be disqualified.

5. Reviews must include at least a title, review, summary and grade. Please keep the length in standard AA form and proofread your entries.

6. The review and summary must be written by you. Also, if you do use a quote or idea from someone else remember that plagiarism is NOT ALLOWED. Any ideas, thoughts, or words that are not yours must be properly sited to give credit to the author. (I.E. if you needed to read something before writing a particular sentence in your review, you should probably say who you got it from.) Any review caught plagiarizing will be disqualified.

7. No entering a review that has previously been entered in an Anime Academy Student Review Contest.


Note:
• While it is not necessary to mention Kanno Yoko in the review, she is one of the most influential composers in anime so I can only assume your review would be lacking a very critical element. In other words, I wouldn’t vote for you.

• Extras are always appreciated but not necessary. Those voting should review on the critical elements first, but in a tough decision it may pay off to go the extra mile.

• The winner of the contest by majority vote of your peers will have the honor and prestige of hosting the next contest.



Submission Deadline: 11:59 PST Saturday, September 30
(sorry for the prolonged contest length, I figured we would get more of a turn out if we got the contest back to ending on weekends.)

[Zushio]

Can we say how Kanno Yoko ruined a perfectly good OST? Like in Brain Powerd, cause seriously, she takes that show from awesome to medicore. Only good OST she's had a hand in was Turn-A Gundam, and that's cause she didn't do much.

Oh yeah, did I mention I hate her "music"?

[Akuhei]

Zushio is a poopyhead D:

[7Raven7]

Can we say how Kanno Yoko ruined a perfectly good OST? Like in Brain Powerd, cause seriously, she takes that show from awesome to medicore. Only good OST she's had a hand in was Turn-A Gundam, and that's cause she didn't do much.

Oh yeah, did I mention I hate her "music"?

Your review is up to you, so you can say whatever you want. But if I were to read the animation put out by Bones usually wasn't up to snuff or that Gainex didn't know how to do deep character's I might be inclined to disagree.

A review is about trying to remove yourself from the picture so you can see something with a critical eye. If you were to downgrade Yoko's music, for example, the fact that you personally hate her music screams bias.

And some elements are more grey and subject to opinion. Was FLCL's comedy and story presentation hit or miss? Was Hitomi's character in Escaflowne annoying or necessary? Etc. Other aspects can be reviewed a little more critically and even to the point where someone might not like it but still see its value (Ex. I do not personally enjoy Grave of Fireflies however I can still see this, in a critical sense, as one of the greatest contributions of Studio Ghibli). Those are all your decisions to make. However, if you are going to go against popular opinion, make sure you make your argument well.

[Kaioshin_Sama]

Can we say how Kanno Yoko ruined a perfectly good OST? Like in Brain Powerd, cause seriously, she takes that show from awesome to medicore. Only good OST she's had a hand in was Turn-A Gundam, and that's cause she didn't do much.

Oh yeah, did I mention I hate her "music"?

You're forgetting the songs Ark and Ground Zero again.

[7Raven7]

Only one week left.

If you have a review near completion I would encourage you to throw it in as soon as you can. Reviews seem to pop up more once someone breaks the ice.

That or everyone waits until the last minute... slackers. :)

Edit:
Make that two. Two weeks left, give or take. Man, I need to get more sleep at night. Anyway, stop slacking off. ;)

[Zushio]

Your review is up to you, so you can say whatever you want. But if I were to read the animation put out by Bones usually wasn't up to snuff or that Gainex didn't know how to do deep character's I might be inclined to disagree.

A review is about trying to remove yourself from the picture so you can see something with a critical eye. If you were to downgrade Yoko's music, for example, the fact that you personally hate her music screams bias.

And some elements are more grey and subject to opinion. Was FLCL's comedy and story presentation hit or miss? Was Hitomi's character in Escaflowne annoying or necessary? Etc. Other aspects can be reviewed a little more critically and even to the point where someone might not like it but still see its value (Ex. I do not personally enjoy Grave of Fireflies however I can still see this, in a critical sense, as one of the greatest contributions of Studio Ghibli). Those are all your decisions to make. However, if you are going to go against popular opinion, make sure you make your argument well.


While I will agree with you about the BONES statement (even if the middle arc of Eureka seveN had horrible animation to make the last few fantastic), I will argue you to the death the Gainax doesn't in fact make deep characters. Characters aren't "deep" simply because there is so little information presented about them that are hardly characters at all (looking at you Rei). Most of Gainax's characters are pretty simple to figure out and follow simple archtypes, the only real exceptions to this are in FLCL (which is still a pretty simple story, just told in an unorthodox fashion) and Nadiaa. Why Nadiaa you ask? Well, they are pretty deep under water...

As for the whole Yoko Kanno issue, I'm fully aware that she can do some excellent work, and I even like some of her stuff, even the Brain Powerd opening theme. My point though, is that aside from some of the opening themes she has put together her ambient background music is little more than experimental techno and discordant sounds. You only need look at the Macross Plus music to see that she has some real issues making what would normally be considered good music. I find people fall into the same trap with Yoko Kanno that they do with some other things: a few good songs, everyone else loves her, therefore she must be good. Perhaps saying that I hated her work was a little to harsh, I was in a bit of a foul mood that day, but I will stand by my argument that her music isn't all that great.

Now, I know this isn't a topic about her persay, but you went on about how I'm using bias in my statements, when you are doing exactly the same thing with your statements. As you said, I am going against popular opinion, but the problem with popular opinion is that often it's only someone's opinion because it is popular.

[Milkymagic]

Yeah, I'll see if I can get a review in next week, so who knows...good to call out slackers like myself though since I need the motivation!

I suppose there is definitely a distinct difference between fact and opinion, however this is an organized review contest by an individual with a set of made rules, meaning there is nothing you can ultimately do in the end. But I think an individual should have a right to like and not like something, and it's totally cool with me if you don't like Yoko Kanno or think she's not influential, because in truth she probably wasn't in your eyes.

That's how things are I guess. I think Mamoru Oshii is the best anime director ever, a lot of people try to correct me and say it's actually Hayao Miyazaki, and I just tell them I was stating my opinion. I don't care who's the best, but who's my favorite. With that said, I'm sure another contest will pop up for your participation to be open to, and not all contests have rules that are easily followed, so feel free to play it cool until there's a subject you feel you're able to tackle effectively.

Example: I don't think I could take part in a contest involving the theme "Space Pirates" simply because I haven't seen enough of them.

Note: I also don't mind you bashing Gainax, though I'd be inclined to say I loved Evangelion and Gunbuster, simply because they had lead characters I enjoyed watching in their dramatic storylines. Also, The Wings of Honneamise definitely had its deep moments, with a character that was fairly deep as far as his need for a definition on living. Kare Kano had depth, but that was based off a manga, so I guess that's it for examples I wish to defend. I also had trouble understanding FLCL, that confused me. But that's what I think.

So let's be civil and try to remain within the thread author's rules, since we didn't organize the contest, but I see no problems with your opinions thereof. And for the record, I do like Yoko Kanno, I guess I just didn't want Zushio to feel like he had to like her.

Feel free to delete this post if there's any "double post" issues to be had, thank you.

[Milkymagic]

Title: Macross Plus
Genre: Sci-fi/Action
Studio: Bandai
Length: 4 OAV Episodes
Dates: 8/25/94 - 6/25/95

Summary:
Isamu Dyson is a reckless pilot who is transferred to a test site for piloting newly developed aircraft. However he meets an old aquaintance, Guld Bowman, who seems to hold a grudge with Isamu. As they compete in their projects to which they were assigned, a chance meeting with another important person in their past is on location with them, a woman named Myung Lone who produces music for a virtual idol named Sharon Apple. As their pasts collide, they battle with their hearts, and their careers in a chance to understand what they held for each other some time ago. In the process, the virtual idol Sharon is undergoing some peculiar A.I. changes in the process, making their balance much more unstable.

Review:
The history of Macross is a long one, but the first two incarnations of the series (barring the '84 movie) felt a little similar in execution, marking a need to change the franchise and give it some much needed wings in the coming '90s decade. Enter Macross Plus, a new series that shows what a reborn Macross should look like, hence the "Plus."

Characters Isamu and Guld are your competitive air jockeys that love a good competitive bout, complete with an absolute need to show each other off when the going gets tough. Their inner battle with each other remains constantly present, and all around the guise of a girl who was with them, Myung. Thankfully, they all act like there's ways of recognizing each other beyond all the years apart, which definitely shows their bonds in proper doses. In fact, it's within these characters we get a new glimpse of humanity, the view that wishes only to find a reason for living. What all three wish for remains the subliminal question that marks its introduction during the opening sequence, with all the characters running together after the phrase,"Dedicated to all pioneers..." Add in the opening number, "Voices," and you have the makings of a memorable beginning.

Speaking of the soundtrack, it also marks a bold push forward, away from the more classical j-pop numbers applied in previous installments. The original Macross' "My Boyfriend Is A Pilot," along with Macross II's "Riding In Your Valkyrie," are but bits of the past. Yoko Kanno presents a soundtrack that wishes to challenge the scope of Macross, adding in more electronic textures, and world sensibilities. Tracks like "Idol Talk" show a modern dance texture, while "Pulses" feels like an exotic trance song with added instrumentation, and "I Wanna Be An Angel" is a dreamy orchestrated number that seems to keep pushing itself upward. In the same sensibility, its worth noting there's also fully orchestrated numbers that keep the action exciting, in which they play on many gratifying occasions throughout the series. But the soundtrack isn't the only improvement worth noticing aside from the story, as its the visuals that ring strongest outside the variety of sounds used to portray them. The usage of computer animation blends in with the action coreograhpy, letting you feel like you're getting a view from inside the aircraft during battle, and the speed of the weapons firing only makes one wish they could spot every detail put into the furious destruction onscreen. The presentation works nicely in this series, making a recommendation for a home theater seem like an honest possibility when given the quality of a product such as this.

The only negative element worth mentioning would have to be the ending, which could've used a few more minutes to flesh itself out further, instead of abruptly ending our journey at its given point. However, these gripes are quite minor when the rest of the series works so well in its execution, and I feel Macross Plus put forth a great effort to present a different story in its world. If there's one thing Plus needs credit for, its how different the message seems to be in context to the original two series, giving us the feeling that mankind's wars are never far from over.

Grade: 90%

[7Raven7]

As for the whole Yoko Kanno issue, I'm fully aware that she can do some excellent work, and I even like some of her stuff, even the Brain Powerd opening theme. My point though, is that aside from some of the opening themes she has put together her ambient background music is little more than experimental techno and discordant sounds. You only need look at the Macross Plus music to see that she has some real issues making what would normally be considered good music.

We aren't very far from saying the same thing and I completely agree with you on Macross Plus which I think is one of Yoko's worst soundtracks, especially in the light that one of the characters (or robot or whatever) is suppose to be able to perform phenomenal music. Ironic? That concert sucked.

I did want to stress two things however.

1) was to try and get away from personal opinion and more towards a critical look. This does not mean removing your mind and feelings and perceptions completely. In fact the most effective reviews can accurately and even venomously apply a good criticism on an element that the average viewer might not have even noticed. But a review should not try to "make a point" more than it tries to relay information with something that is well thought-out and relates to the audience.

What I'm talking about is the very thin line between respecting something and plain not liking it - or the difference between "For being composed by Kanno Yoko, I found the music in Brain Powerd lackluster and was very disappointed" and "the music sucked, being from Kanno Yoko this was no surprise." While that may be how you feel, I think you communicate more in the first message by saying that you acknowledge that Kanno is recognized (not necessarily by you) for good music and that you didn't think Brain Powerd was a good example of this. You will connect more to your audience, you will remove bias from your argument and you ultimately will improve your review without "selling out" to popular opinion (because you are essentially saying the same thing, remember, your review is not an argument or statement on whether you think Kanno Yoko is good, rather it should be on the merit of the anime and how well you can present a critical view to your audience).

2)
Another thing I wanted to stress was to incorporate the theme into a review. Too often (and I am so guilty of this) we paste a word or phrase into a review to make it fit the theme. In order to incorporate a theme into the contest I have to start with a premise and the premise is that Kanno Yoko is an influential composer. Like or dislike, I think it would be hard to deny her a place in the anime community.

To put it plainly, I needed something to limit reviewers from the entire field of anime and for them to have something in common to talk about. I think there is definitely something unique that sets these titles apart. It definitely seems you have something to say about Kanno Yoko and her music in Brain Powerd so say it! I would only consider your review lacking if you didn't share it. The only other thing is, what ever your opinion may be, good or bad, I would also personally consider how well you present your case.




I suppose there is definitely a distinct difference between fact and opinion, however this is an organized review contest by an individual with a set of made rules, meaning there is nothing you can ultimately do in the end.I think an individual should have a right to like and not like something

Definitely, but consider this. While I may have this contest, all I do is come up with a theme and do goofy things to promote it, there is nothing that makes me or my opinion special. In a sense, I am also the audience. And as you are a reviewer, you are also the audience when it comes to the other reviewers.

Your job is to relate to me, to the other reviewers and to all the other people that grace this thread. So you might say something that an audience member might not agree with and I reiterate that myself, as an audience member, might raise an eyebrow if I see a Bones review with negative marks in animation.

But it is how well the author conveys his point which ultimately determines how well the review relates to me and whether I dismiss it saying "oh, he just hates Bones" or acknowledge "hmm, on this title he has a point."

Or, I never said you had to like Kanno Yokos music in every (or any) of these series that you review. :p

[Milkymagic]

Well Raven, you've made a good point there, so I guess that ends that. Yoko Kanno is just the theme; the end.

But it is hilarious to know there's a couple of people who didn't care for Macross Plus' soundtrack, being I just finished it not too long ago, lol! Don't worry, I did my best to explain myself, so hopefully it shouldn't be too hard to understand where I'm coming from. I only own Macross Plus and Escaflowne, so I was limited for what to review in my selection, though I've also seen bits and pieces and Brain Powerd and the first twenty episodes of Cowboy Bebop.

For the record however, the original Macross is still my favorite, but Macross Plus and the original series have been duking it out for many years to take my top spot in the franchise. Macross II actually wasn't all that bad in my opinion when I think about it, but I have yet to see Macross Zero. Now I've finally posted a review, so hopefully some more folks join in soon, as I'm interested to see other people's opinions on the subject.

[7Raven7]

Not at all and I thought your review was a great example of what we were talking about. It has been a while since I watched Macross Plus and only remember the music being bland but I will have to watch it again soon and listen more closely.

Ok, that was my last tid-bit. On with the reviews!

[Kaioshin_Sama]

Not at all and I thought your review was a great example of what we were talking about. It has been a while since I watched Macross Plus and only remember the music being bland but I will have to watch it again soon and listen more closely.

Ok, that was my last tid-bit. On with the reviews!

Well I took away at least one song from that series, which is the Dog Fight theme. I think that this is probably the best battle BGM Yoko Kanno's ever pulled off, even beating the Advent Triology from Turn A Gundam. For me her music is divided into distinct hit and miss categories. If I like the song, boy do I like it (Dog Fight, Black History From Turn A Gundam), but if I hate it I cannot stand it at all (Bad Dog From Macross Plus which sounds like a retarded guy warming up for a concert, and unfortunately I can think of no nicer way to put that, Tribal Chants From Turn A Gundam).

[7Raven7]

One week left (for real this time). You going to let Milky have all the glory?!

[L-sama]

Worry not, raven. For I have a review in the making that will be entered in before the deadline 2 days from now. College has been making life hell for me, so I've had little time to work on my review. However, it IS in progress and nearing completion

[L-sama]

Anime: Record of Lodoss War: Chronicles of the Heroic Knight AKA Lodoss Tou Senki: Eiyuu Kishi Den
Genre: Action
Company: Bandai Visual
Format: 27 Episodes
Dates: 4/1/1998 to 9/30/1998

The continent of Lodoss is once again under siege. Half a decade after Emperor Marmo’s death, his successor, Ashram, is on a mission to obtain the scepter of domination to pick up where his leader left off and to get one last shot at the legendary Parn the Free Knight. Parn, and his companion High Elf Deedlit, however, have yet another problem on their hands that they must deal with. Elsewhere, another group of adventurers, led by the heroic knight Spike, is on another journey to prevent the resurrection of a force that could destroy all of Lodoss. -Summary by L-sama


http://www.kashue.com/lodoss/image/lodtv/053bk.jpg
Looks like neither of them had their decaf


Score: 83%

Highs: Supersedes it predecessor; Excellent Music
Lows: Too many characters; Animation was a letdown; The last 5 minutes of each episode


Review: Having watched the original Record of Lodoss War, I went into this title with a little bit of apprehension. Sequels have a notorious reputation for being sub par in comparison to their predecessors. Luckily, Chronicles of the Heroic Knight breaks that stereotype in a fairly big and entertaining way.


For some reason, I could not get into the original Lodoss, try as I may. However, Chronicles had me hooked from episode one, despite the fact that the first batch of episodes are basically a rehashed version of the OVA storyline. Fair warnings though; don’t get used to seeing Parn and Deedlit in every episode. After the introduction, it’s as if the original Lodoss story never happened. A new cast, and a large one at that, is introduced with new enemies and new motives. While it was great to see that the producers took the time to make sure that no one was just another nameless warrior, keeping track of a cast this size proved to be a daunting task. The story to go along with this new group was equally complex, but very intriguing and captivating. That is, until the end of the episode, when super-deformed versions of the characters make a parody of the story just displayed. It was funny at first, but then became just plain annoying and took away from the real storyline.

Probably the brightest star of this series is, arguably, the music. Yoko Kanno, already famous for her work in such titles as Ghost in the Shell: Stand alone Complex and Vision of Escaflowne, whips up a fantastic orchestral score to fit every scene on the screen, making this series pleasing on the ears. The opening and ending themes, Kiseki no Umi and Hikari no Suashi, are a joy to listen to every time it plays and is definitely one of my favorite anime themes. The animation sequences to go along with them were stunning. It’s a bit of a shame that the series couldn’t have the same luster in its animation. By no means am I saying that the animation is bad. I was just a little disappointed at the dip from the opening and ending sequences to the series.

If you liked the original Lodoss, then by all mean, pick up Chronicles of the Heroic Knight. It’s just about everything that the OVA was and better. Just skip the last five minutes of each episode and enjoy the ending theme instead.

[7Raven7]

Looks like the contest is drawing to a close...
it is between you two unless someone wants to post by this time tomorrow.

[7Raven7]

That's it folks, votes will go up and next week this time we will have a new champion.