Spring 1997
Kindaichi Shounen no Jikenbo
Toei AnimationHajime Kindaichi's unorganized appearance and lax nature may give the impression of an average high school student, but a book should never be judged by its cover. Hajime is the grandson of the man who was once Japan's greatest detective, and he is also a remarkable sleuth himself.
With the help of his best friend, Miyuki Nanase, and the peculiar inspector Isamu Kenmochi, Hajime travels to remote islands, ominous towns, abysmal seas, and other hostile environments. His life's mission is to uncover the truth behind some of the most cunning, grueling, and disturbing mysteries the world has ever faced.
“Kindaichi Shounen no Jikenbo” Anime Review by The Anime Critic
As always, your number one anime reviewer, the Anime Critic is here to breakdown the fascinating series known as “Kindaichi Shounen no Jikenbo” or “The Files of Young Kindaichi”. This is a hidden gem in the ocean of anime, often overshadowed by its heavily popular counterparts such as Naruto or One Piece, but let me assure you, this series is worth exploring! Let’s delve into the world of enigma, suspense, and murder, where a young high school student combats the complex webs of crime using raw talent and quick wit.
The story revolves around Hajime Kindaichi, who appears to be just another average high-school student, conversely, he is the grandson of a famed detective. Dressed in his high school uniform, with an emblem of a demon’s head on the back – he doesn’t exactly fit the image of a traditional detective. When trapped in perplexing, lethal situations along with his friends, the young protagonist resembles more of a survivor than a shrewd detective; until he produces an “S” pendant, a sign that he’s in full-on detective mode. Unleashing his uncanny abilities, he successfully manages to decipher the clues and catch the culprits, providing the viewers with a satisfying conclusion.
Anime Review: Narrative
The beauty of “Kindaichi Shounen no Jikenbo” lies within these intricate, mind-boggling crime scenarios, and the journey of unraveling those mysteries by Kindaichi. With intense plot twists and deep psychological elements, this anime does a great job at keeping you on the edge of your seat. Each episode develops its suspense from the very beginning and holds it right till the end; the final revelation of the culprits and their motives are often both surprising and compelling.
Animation & Art
The animation style is a time capsule back to the 90s era of anime. The character designs, surroundings, and visuals will fill you with a sense of nostalgia; all the while never compromising to elucidate the grim and eerie ambiance of the story. The choice of color palette, combined with appropriate shading, enhances the dark and suspenseful tone of the series.
Music & Sound
The OST of “Kindaichi Shounen no Jikenbo” beautifully compliments its suspenseful themes. The musical cues add to the overall suspense and mystery of the situations, making the viewer even more engrossed. The voice acting is top-notch and adds profound depth to the character developments!
Final Thoughts
If you’re a fan of mystery, thrill, and psychological elements, this is the anime for you. Don’t be fooled by its dated appearance, as the storyline, characters and music are timeless. Whether you’re renting, buying or streaming, “Kindaichi Shounen no Jikenbo” is a worthy investment for an intense intellectual stimulation. Additionally, it is a long series, making it the perfect stay-at-home binge watch. Get ready to dive into a thrilling journey of mysteries waiting to be uncovered!
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Shoujo Kakumei Utena
J.C.StaffYears ago, a tragic incident befell a young princess when both her parents died. Devastated, it seemed nothing would calm this poor soul. However, a prince traveling through the area came to see the princess, hoping to cheer her up. After wiping her sorrowful tears, the prince gave her a ring carrying a rose emblem and told her as long as she holds onto the ring, they are destined to meet again. The event leaves a deep impression on the girl, Utena Tenjou, leading her to become a prince herself.
Years later, Utena attends Ootori Academy, recognized by the same rose emblem as her precious ring's. There, attracted by the scent of roses, she witnesses Anthy Himemiya tending the flowers, accompanied by the Student Council President Touga Kiryuu and Vice President Kyouichi Saionji, who seem to be arguing over Anthy. While Utena thinks nothing of the occurrence, the Student Council gathers to discuss an important matter.
Subsequently, a misunderstanding leads to Utena being dragged into the world of Duelists—those with rings similar to her own. The Duelists fight for the ownership of the Rose Bride, Anthy Himemiya, who is said to possess great power. Wanting to prove her capabilities as a prince, and enraged that Anthy is being wronged and objectified, Utena resolves to fight against the Duelists to save her from the cruel fate.
Hello, anime enthusiasts all over the globe! The Anime Critic is back to talk about the game-changer of a series, Shoujo Kakumei Utena (Revolutionary Girl Utena). Everyone, buckle up your seat belts and get ready for the world of roses, sword fights, and a deep dive into the subconscious mind.
Utena Tenjou, a tomboyish teenage girl who, after a sad childhood incident, decides to become a prince of her own right, blurring perceptions of gender roles at a young age. Her life takes a significant turnaround when she transfers to the Ohtori Academy, where she accidentally becomes engaged to Anthy Himemiya, the “Rose Bride,” who is sought after by students to possess her “the Power to Revolutionize the World.” What appears as a tale of a young woman challenging societal norms with her undeterred spirit unravels into an intricate labyrinth of psychological and societal exploration.
Let’s dive into the captivating universe of Shoujo Kakumei Utena, a must-watch for any anime fan looking for a more profound experience.
Story and Characters:
Directed by Kunihiko Ikuhara, this anime presents a compelling narrative unlike any other. Utena’s journey to become a Prince herself and her relationship with Anthy, a mysterious figure around whom the entire story revolves, is an unforgettable treat. From the evegreen themes such as love, ambition, betrayal, to name a few, the show indeed leaves an indelible mark on its viewers, even years after viewing. It beautifully juggles between different tones, from dark and ominous, to lighthearted, and even absurd, without ever losing its focus.
The characters are complex, deep, and evolve significantly throughout the series. Every interaction, every fight Utena has with the members of the Student Council further helps in character development and storyline enhancement. And no talking about Utena would be complete without discussing its unique representation of gender roles, a masterstroke from Ikuhara that has left fans discussing and analysing over the years.
Art Style and Music:
In terms of visuals, Shoujo Kakumei Utena has stunning aesthetics. The unique art style, mystical setting, and dreamlike visuals will transport you into a fantastical world. One can’t simply overlook the repeated motifs (roses, butterflies, stairs), adding further layers to this visual spectacle.
The music of Utena deserves a special mention too! J. A. Seazer’s composition perfectly complements its deep themes, and the anime’s opening theme “Rondo – Revolution” is an absolute eargasm!
Final Verdict:
Shoujo Kakumei Utena is a thought-provoking anime that is perfect for someone in the mood for a series that’s dense with symbolism and deep thematic metaphors. As a reviewer, I would highly recommend watching this series, be it renting, buying, or streaming. It’s a classic in every sense of the word, and missing out on this gem would be a crime for any anime enthusiast. So, dive into Utena’s mesmerising journey and enjoy the revolution.
Remember, Never lose that strength or nobility, even when you grow up. Until next time, keep exploring the world of Anime. This is the Anime Critic, signing off!
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Slayers Try
E&G FilmsFor nearly a millennium, demons have imposed a magical barrier that has impeded the people trapped within it from reaching the outside world. Now that it is broken, several kingdoms seek to explore the lands that were once beyond their grasp. To this end, they establish a peace delegation to make contact with the inhabitants of the new world.
Meanwhile, the young sorceress Lina Inverse receives a message from a mysterious woman named Filia ul Copt. When they meet, Filia expresses interest in hiring Lina and her friends, having heard of their great deeds, for a certain task that will take them to the outside realm. Despite that, Filia feels the need to put their strength to the test and pits them against a dragon in the middle of the city! After proving themselves, the sorceress and her fellow adventurers set off for the unexplored lands, where many adventures and a worrying prophecy await them.
Animated Adventures Revamped: A Review on ‘Slayers Try’
Synopsis
‘Slayers Try’ is the delightful third sequence in the epic fantasy anime adventure ‘The Slayers’. Our steadfast fellowship consisting of the fearsome sorceress Lina Inverse, the cantankerous demihuman Gourry Gabriev, the determined Amelia Wil Tesla, and the solemn sorcerer Zelgadis Greywords are back and they’ve got more tricks up their sleeves. This anime is set in a peaceful period with the destruction of the ultra-powerful demon, Hellmaster Phibrizo but, peace doesn’t always guarantee safety.
The story kicks off when they encounter a mysterious and melodious herald by the name of Filia Ul Copt, a priestess who’s more than she appears. This triggers another grand journey filled with magical mystique, menacing monsters and of course, comedic chaos. We see our protagonists plunge into new lands, previously locked by the barrier erected by the Clare Bible. Here, they must confront formidable challenges, uncovering deep secrets of the world and fend off the looming threats that aspire to bring devastation.
Detailed Review
Those familiar with ‘The Slayers’ series will undoubtedly share in my enthusiasm and adoration for ‘Slayers Try’. Its unique blend of gut-busting humor, fierce battles and intricate storytelling create an incredibly compelling anime experience. This season does justice to the show’s reputation by exploring fresh frontiers, introducing intriguing characters and delivering an imposing adversary that raise stakes to unprecedented heights.
Interestingly, Liz/Zeppelin’s ever-captivating score couples with the impressive vocal performances, leaving us strapped in for an emotional roller-coaster ride. The opening theme ‘Breeze’ and the closing ‘Just Be Conscious’ provide a balanced blend of energetic and calm vibes, gracefully setting the pace for each episode.
The progression in character development is also worth mentioning. We see deeper aspects of our favorite characters, especially Lina. Her maturity and leadership shine through the dire situations she encounters, but she still manages to keep her fiery humor intact, making her even more loveable. The addition of Filia Ul Copt, the dragon priestess with a secret is a pleasant surprise, adding an extra layer of depth to the storyline.
‘Slayers Try’ strikes a good balance between humor, tension, and drama, skilfully intertwining gags with serious plot moments without overshadowing one another. The fight scenes remain thrilling, the narrative takes unpredictable twists and turns and the quality of the animation is sustained, infusing freshness to the brilliant art style.
While the pacing could be uneven at times with a few episodes dragging slightly, it doesn’t detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of the show.
To wrap up, whether you are already a fan of ‘The Slayers’ or you are new to the franchise, I strongly believe ‘Slayers Try’ is a delightful viewing experience. Undoubtedly, it should be part of your collection if you savour an amalgam of humor, adventure and magic in equal measures. It’s well worth your time whether to rent, buy or stream. I hope this comprehensive and spoiler-free delve into ‘Slayers Try’ has fuelled your curiosity and prompted the anime lover within you to give this enchanting series a go!
Verdict: A resounding YES to ‘Slayers Try’
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