Spring 2003
Kaleido Star
GonzoThe Kaleido Stage is known throughout the world for captivating audiences with its amazing acrobatics, innovative routines, and extravagant costumes and sets. It is a place for guests to believe in magic, and Sora Naegino wants nothing more than to be a part of that magic—by becoming an acrobat for the famed circus herself.
To realize her dream, she travels from Japan to California to audition for a place in the group. However, Sora learns that she needs much more than her natural talent to bring joy to the faces in the crowd. She quickly discovers just how difficult it is to be a professional performer where the stakes—and the stunts—are higher and mistakes spell danger! To put on performances worthy of the Kaleido Stage, she will need to endure rigorous training, unconventional assignments, fierce competition, and the antics of a mischievous spirit named Fool.
Can Sora reach new heights, make new friends, conquer her fears, and surpass her limits to become a Kaleido Star?
SYNOPSIS
“Kaleido Star,” directed by Junichi Sato and Yoshimasa Hiraike, is a captivating experience guaranteed to inspire viewers and tug at heartstrings. The narrative is centred around our lead character, Sora Naegino, a young, bubbly 16-year-old with big dreams and a radiant spirit. She crosses oceans to America from Japan on a mission to dazzle in the coveted ‘Kaleido Stage.’ This fabled stage, known for its grandiose circus performances and enchanting spectacles, calls out to Sora’s passion for performance and her desire to captivate audiences across the world.
Once at the Kaleido Stage, Sora soon realizes that the world of professional performance is a lot more challenging than she ever anticipated. She faces envy, rivalry, and underestimation from her peers due to her raw talent and not having professional training. However, it’s on this journey filled with struggles and triumphs where we witness Sora’s spirit, resilience, and passion come alive in a way that profoundly transforms not just her life, but those around her too.
THE REVIEW
With a robust and ardent storyline, “Kaleido Star” champions its viewers through a roller coaster ride of emotions. What makes it outstanding is not only its compelling narrative but also its elements of drama, dream, and determination brilliantly weaved into its episodes.
Graphics-wise, “Kaleido Star” hits its mark with vibrant colour palettes, sharp images rendering an astounding level of detail, and exquisitely designed backgrounds that bring the world of the Kaleido Stage to life. The animation during the performances offers a majestic aesthetic allure that emulates the magic of real-life circus performances, making this series a visual treat.
Audio plays a crucial role in storytelling, and “Kaleido Star” exploits it wonderfully. Whether it’s upbeat tracks to match the energy of Sora’s enthusiasm or dramatic scores for moments of tension and reveal, the background tunes sit perfectly with the scenes, thereby enhancing the overall viewing experience.
Voice acting in “Kaleido Star” adds to its charm thanks to the talented voice actors whose performances intricately intertwine with their characters, thus harnessing the essence of the story. Sora’s positive and spirited persona brought alive through Ryō Hirohashi’s voice, surges with vulnerability and determination that viewers will savor.
What truly sets “Kaleido Star” apart is its gripping and realistic storytelling, underpinned by engaging character development. Each character has individual traits and backgrounds that contribute to this diverse world and add depth and intrigue to the storyline.
To sum it up, “Kaleido Star” is exceptional — a captivating saga of dreams and struggle, underpinned by remarkable animation, engaging soundtracks, and dazzling performances.
For anime first-timers and seasoned fans who love motivational and emotionally charged stories, renting, buying, or streaming “Kaleido Star” will surely be a rewarding experience. Remember, it’s not just a show, but a journey — one that reminds us all about the pure joy of chasing dreams and acknowledging that the process matters as much, if not more, than the end goal itself.
Everyone, embrace yourselves for some mesmerizing under-the-spotlight aura and get ready to say: “The stage is yours, Sora!”
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Kino no Tabi: The Beautiful World
A.C.G.T.Kino, a 15-year-old traveler, forms a bond with Hermes, a talking motorcycle. Together, they wander the lands and venture through various countries and places, despite having no clear idea of what to expect. After all, life is a journey filled with the unknown.
Throughout their journeys, they encounter different kinds of customs, from the morally gray to tragic and fascinating. They also meet many people: some who live to work, some who live to make others happy, and some who live to chase their dreams. Thus, in every country they visit, there is always something to learn from the way people carry out their lives.
It is not up to Kino or Hermes to decide whether these asserted values are wrong or right, as they merely assume the roles of observers within this small world. They do not attempt to change or influence the places they visit, despite how absurd these values would appear. That's because in one way or another, they believe things are fine as they are, and that "the world is not beautiful; therefore, it is."
Introduction:
The world is vast, with countless stories and tales waiting to be uncovered. The same can be said about the expansive universe of Kino no Tabi: The Beautiful World. Kino, accompanied by her talking motorcycle Hermès, embarks upon an adventure across a multitude of countries, each with their own unique culture, people, and perspective. This is not a tale of grand battles or supernatural powers, but rather an exploration of the inherent beauty and curiosity found within the human condition.
Synopsis:
Kino is a traveller, having only three days to immerse herself within each new country she visits. This self-imposed rule is her way of ensuring her perspective remains fresh and unbiased, allowing her to observe, understand, and then move on. Alongside her trustworthy companion Hermès, their trek across differing landscapes embodies a poetic journey of philosophical discovery and contemplation.
Detailed Review:
Storyline and Themes:
The beauty of Kino no Tabi lies not in its overarching narrative, but rather in the subtle observations and insights gathered from each episodic tale. The anime does a brilliant job of balancing diverse stories, interweaving them with profound real-life themes and dilemmas such as peace, war, inequality, and the essence of humanity itself.
Although the pieces of the story might appear disjointed at first glance, they eventually come together to create a thought-provoking mosaic that is bound to instigate introspective discussions among viewers, all, while avoiding feeling pretentious or overbearing.
Characters and Dynamics:
Kino and Hermès emerge as the ultimate dynamic duo, their relationship personifying the perfect balance between human sentiment and calculated logic. Kino’s impartiality towards the societies she visits, paired with Hermès’ insightful commentary, provides viewers with a balanced and unbiased perspective. While Kino does not evolve significantly over the course of the series, it is her stagnant personality that serves as a consistent lens through which viewers can interpret the narrative.
Artistry and Sound:
Kino no Tabi incorporates vivid assays of artistic grandeur. The animation and character design may seem minimalistic, but it’s this simplicity that allows the viewer to focus more on the story and message. Additionally, the sound design and background music are masterfully employed to amplify the emotional depth of every scene, intensifying the dramatic flair of the anime.
Final Thoughts and Verdict:
In its totality, Kino no Tabi: The Beautiful World presents itself as a stunning exploration of societal constructs and human nature, designed with a gentle precision that will capture your heart and provoke your thoughts. It transcends beyond pure entertainment, encouraging viewers to ponder over the narrative and themes presented.
Whether you should rent, buy or stream this series, in my opinion, largely boils down to your personal taste. If you appreciate a subtle blend of philosophy and adventure, then this anime should definitely find a place in your collection!
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Last Exile
GonzoIn the world of Prester, flight is the dominant mode of transportation, made possible by Claudia Fluid: a liquidized form of the crystals that are produced on the planet. An organization known solely as "the Guild" has absolute authority over the skies, with a monopoly on the engines that make use of this fluid. Moreover, as ecological disasters destabilize the warring countries of Anatoray and Disith, the Guild also arbitrates in the disputes between the two. Caught in the middle of the conflict are Sky Couriers, piloting small, two-person vanships that fly freely through the sky.
Last Exile follows the adventures of two teenagers who dream of surpassing their parents: Claus Valca, son of a famous vanship pilot, and Lavie Head, Claus' best friend and navigator. Their job as couriers entails passing through an air current called the Grand Stream that separates the hostile nations, which even standard airships struggle to survive. However, when they take on a high-rated delivery to bring an orphan girl named Alvis Hamilton to the battleship Silvana, they get dragged into a much greater conflict that pits them against the might of the Guild.
THE ANIME CRITIC REVIEWS: LAST EXILE
Last Exile. An anime that merges the historical design aesthetics of the 19th century with the futuristic technology of the 21st. An anime where steadfast loyalty, treacherous deceit, daring courage, and burgeoning love intertwine in a mesmerizing dance on the grand stage of the sky. Co-pilots Claus and Lavie, who are also childhood friends, dream of crossing the infamous Grand Stream to reach the mysterious Exile, in their flying courier vanship. Their world, Prester, suffers due to the unending and brutal “Guild Wars”. But one day, they encounter a mysterious girl named Alvis, and their journey takes an unexpected turn.
Soon, they get entwined in a series of events that reveal dark conspiracies, grave secrets, and the devastating consequences of unquenched power. They now bear the daunting task of navigating through political strife while battling the separate, dire threats of both natural calamities and monstrous creations. As they journey further, they realise that they hold the key to reviving the dying world of Prester, and unlocking the doorway to Exile. But, will they be able to face the cost?
ANIMATION & ART STYLE
The animation in Last Exile is absolutely stunning. Gonzo, the studio behind the series, artfully blends traditional 2D animation and CG effects to create a unique, steampunk aesthetic. The detailing and meticulous rendering in each set, the intricacy in the design of the airships, the landscapes, and the mechanical elements provide an immersive environment that adds depth to the storyline.
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT
Claus and Lavie are not your typical anime protagonists. They are complicated characters who are forced to grow and adapt as they are thrust deeper into the political crisis engulfing their world. The supporting cast too, are well defined with their own unique characteristics, and add substance to the overall plot. New characters introduced as the series progresses do not simply fade away but are woven organically into the central narrative.
MUSIC & SOUND DESIGN
Music in Last Exile deserves a standing ovation. Hitomi Kuroishi and Dolce Triade have done a fantastic job. The distinct style of the opening theme “Cloud Age Symphony” captures the essence of the entire series beautifully. Sound design is no less exceptional; everything—from the hum of the vanship engines to the clamour of the marketplaces—is incredibly realistic.
THE VERDICT
Last Exile is a brilliant masterpiece that blends fantastic animation, a compelling story, remarkable character development, and exceptional sound design. If you have a taste for stretching your imagination and love intricate plots that’ll have you thinking, then this anime is a must-watch. It’s a rewarding viewing experience that provides intellectual stimulation and an emotional roller-coaster in equal measures. It’s a perfect addition to anyone’s anime collection, whether for streaming, renting or buying.
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Texhnolyze
MadhouseIn the dark underground city of Lux, people live in fear and despair under the rule of various criminal factions. Almost secluded from the surface, the gangs' only interaction with the outer world is their mining operation of "raffia," which is the raison d'être of the city.
Available only in Lux, this rare substance is the basis of "texhnolyze" transplants that permit humans to replace parts of their body with cybernetic prostheses. The latter have the particularity not to trigger an immune response in their hosts and the "Class" has the privilege to conduct research on them. This elusive organization, also in charge of the raffia production, delegates its executive authority to a group called Organo led by Keigo Oonishi—a self-righteous man with texhnolyzed legs who is rumored to hear the "voice of the city."
The fragile balance of powers in Lux is disturbed when a mysterious visitor named Kazuho Yoshii begins committing a series of crimes that puts the gangs at each other's throats. In the midst of the chaos, new actors emerge: Ichise, an ex-boxer mutilated by Organo and recently texhnolyzed by Eriko "Doc" Kamata; and Ran, a young florist who can see the future. While Lux steadily plunges into insanity, both Ichise and Ran find themselves involved in the greatest crisis the city has ever faced.
Synopsis
In a dark futuristic city named Lux, filled with desolation and violence, we find your atypical protagonist, Ichise. A prize fighter with a chip on his shoulder who loses an arm and a leg in the ensuing chaos of this harsh world. Lux is a city struggling with the growing divide between the affluent that live in the upper city and the denizens of the underworld. It is against this backdrop that Ichise’s journey of survival unfolds, as he embarks on a brutal quest for answers laced with despair, humanity and the purgatorial struggle of existence.
When an advanced technological organization, Texhnolyze, takes interest in Ichise, replacing his lost limbs with powerful prosthetics, circumstances push him deeper into the city’s murky politics and existential conundrums. Largely dominated by Organo, a gang with connections to Texhnolyze, the city is on the brink of civil war as different factions vie for control. Intertwined with other compelling characters including Ran, a psychic girl from the city’s outskirts, and Onishi, the pragmatic leader of Organo who has a strange connection with the city, the narrative explores themes of fate, evolution, and the raw struggle of human survival.
Review
Texhnolyze is a whirlwind tour through a bleak but engrossing dystopia, and that’s what makes it a riveting watch! Among the sea of animes, Texhnolyze is a significant standout by virtue of its mature storytelling, slow-paced introspective narrative, and dark atmospherics that keep you guessing till the end.
Graphically, the anime exudes a stark, spartan charm. The visuals are a poignant blend of harsh, noisy grain with soft pastels and obtuse, angular character designs that are both alluring and uncomfortable – a visual metaphor for the story itself. Texhnolyze’s soundtrack masterfully escalates its ambience, with ambient music exuding palpable tension ana a quiet dissonance that reinforces the show’s somber mood and gritty realism.
The narrative style of Texhnolyze may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but if you give it a chance, it grows on you. It’s a slow-burn; a piece of methodical and meticulous art, frosting minimalist dialogues over dramatic visuals and ambiance.
Let’s talk characters: Ichise is a complex creation. A victim and instigator of violence, evoking both sympathy and repulsion, he navigates through the narrative and personal dilemma with an almost anti-heroic appeal. Ran’s serene nature is constantly challenged by her ability to see the multiple potentials of the future, creating a character as intriguing as she is tragic.
In the end, the abstract story speaks volumes and the final episodes are haunting yet fulfilling, wrapping up the story ingeniously. This is not a show for the faint of heart, but if you’re up for some intellectual heavy lifting, or are interested in ghastly, engaging dystopias, Texhnolyze is a must-watch. It might be challenging to get into initially, due to its measured pacing and atmospheric dialogue, but sticking with it will reward viewers with a truly unique anime experience.
So should you rent, buy or stream it? Either way works. If you are a fan of concrete storytelling with deliciously intricate plot threads and are ready for a plunge into the profound depth of existential themes, this addition to your anime collection would be totally worth it. Stream it first, get absorbed in the city of Lux and you’ll surely be tempted to own it.
To sum it up, Texhnolyze is an intense, melancholy love letter to mature anime fans, and it delivers its intent with panache! It is a show that will make you think, even long after the credits roll. And in the realm of anime, there’s no higher praise than that.
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