Summer 2020
Enen no Shouboutai: Ni no Shou
David ProductionAfter his confrontation in the Nether with his younger brother Shou, Shinra Kusakabe's resolve to become a hero that saves lives from the flame terror strengthens. Finding a way to turn the Infernals back into people, unraveling the mystery of the Evangelist and Adolla Burst, and saving his mother and Shou—these are the goals Shinra has in mind. However, he has come to realize that attaining these goals will not be easy, especially with the imminent danger the Evangelist poses.
The Evangelist's plan is clear: to gather the eight pillars—the individuals who possess Adolla Burst—and sacrifice them to recreate the Great Cataclysm from 250 years ago. Having been revealed by the First Pillar that the birth of a new pillar is approaching, Shinra is determined to protect his fellow pillars from the Evangelist. Thus, the fiery battle between the Special Fire Force and the Evangelist ignites. Together with the Special Fire Force, Shinra's fight continues as he uncovers the truth about the Great Cataclysm and the nature of Adolla Bursts, as well as the mysteries behind human combustion.
Review of Enen no Shouboutai: Ni no Shou
The story follows a youth named Shinra Kusakabe, whom we previously saw enlist in the Special Fire Force to fight *’Infernals’*, spontaneous human combustion victims who become living incarnations of fire and destruction. But not all flames are dangerous – some are a force for good. Kusakabe is living proof as he possesses the power to ignite his feet at will and uses this ability to launch him at high speeds. This earned him the nickname ‘Devil’s Footprints.’
In this second season, Fire Force continues its mission to quell the Infernal threat endangering Tokyo. While Shinra and his team face multiple formidable foes, they also have to unravel the mysteries behind human combustion. Adding to their challenges, a stealthy organization is manipulating events behind the scenes for their advantage, clouding the true nature of their growing Infernal problem.
Enen no Shouboutai: Ni no Shou Review
If you thought the first season was good, strap yourself in because this new chapter of Fire Force is a blazing spectacle. Here’s my unbiased take on why this anime is a must-watch.
Enen no Shouboutai: Ni no Shou skillfully builds on the blazing adventures with acute relevance for our main characters. The narrative remains engaging with its well-balanced cocktail of moments that will exhilarate, touch, and entertain you. The story pacing is exceptional, minutely timed to fan your engagement with escalating excitement, akin to a smoldering ember that bursts into a fiery dance.
The character development, particularly of Shinra himself, is undoubtedly the standout aspect of this season. His transformation from an excited recruit to a more mature and understanding character happens seamlessly – akin to watching a delicate flame grow into a controlled yet powerful blaze.
The visuals of this anime are no less than a grand spectacle. Its animation quality is outstanding, delivering the firefights in a beautiful fusion of vibrant color palettes and fluid motions. Equally lit are the amped-up action sequences, proper nail biters that showcase the nuanced styles of infernal fighting. From Shinra’s flaming dance to the new foes he faces, the exhilaration never dips.
The score is incredible too, pumping it up notch by notch with the story’s progression, highlighting the turning points with a palpable intensity. It’s compelling how soundtracks can intensify the impact of scenes, adding that last dash of brilliance.
In conclusion, as your Anime Critic, I recommend you not to miss out on Enen no Shouboutai: Ni no Shou. The blend of intricate storytelling, well fleshed-out characters along with stunning visuals, and heart-thumping action sequences, make this anime a must-buy/stream. Just be warned that once you start it, you might find it impossible to stop!
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Great Pretender
Wit StudioA series of unfortunate events has led Makoto "Edamame" Edamura to adopt the life of crime—pickpocketing and scamming others for a living. However, after swindling a seemingly clueless tourist, Makoto discovers that he was the one tricked and, to make matters worse, that the police are now after him.
While making his escape, he runs into the tourist once again, who turns out to be a fellow con man named Laurent Thierry, and ends up following him to Los Angeles. In an attempt to defend his self-proclaimed title of "Japan's Greatest Swindler," Makoto challenges his rival to determine the better scammer. Accepting the competition, Laurent drops them off outside a huge mansion and claims that their target will be the biggest mafia boss on the West Coast.
Jumping from city to city, Great Pretender follows the endeavors of Makoto alongside the cunning Laurent and his colorful associates in the world of international high-stakes fraud. Soon, Makoto realizes that he got more than what he bargained for as his self-declared skills are continually put to the test.
Synopsis
Great Pretender is an enticing crime-comedy anime surrounding the cunning and elusive world of brilliant crooks. The story revolves around Makoto Edamura, once an honest hard-worker who tumbles down the rabbit hole of deceit after circumstances force him into becoming ‘Japan’s greatest swindler’. Edamura’s quite roguish life takes an interesting turn when he gets entangled with a gentleman thief, Laurent Thierry, and his mystifying criminal syndicate.
The anime series carries us delving into the world of high-stakes con games, where trickery rules. Each arc is a new heist, by our criminals of virtue, against the corrupt and exploitative elites, set across various international backdrops, moving from Los Angeles to Singapore, London to Tokyo. Filled with twists and turns, Great Pretender balances wit, humor, and drama while presenting a fresh take on the ‘criminals playing heroes’ genre.
Anime Review
Diving headfirst into the review, Great Pretender is a whirlwind adventure where one captivating heist seamlessly blends into the next. Every character is painted with multiple strokes, giving them depth and making them appear real and vulnerable. Be it Edamura’s struggle to find redemption or Laurent’s incessant charisma, there’s always more than what meets the eye, keeping viewers on the edge and completely engaged.
Befitting its title, the anime excels in the art of deception, making us ponder at every moment, “Who’s fooling whom?” Great Pretender celebrates the unpredictable, regularly turning the plot inside out with calculated cleverness. Each episode is crafted so carefully with intricate details, leaving even the most discerning viewers guessing about the true nature of things till the very last second.
Animation and Sound
Next up—animation. Wit Studio, known for titan titles like Attack on Titan, is behind Great Pretender‘s stunning visuals. With a vivid color palette often reminiscent of a vibrant pop-art painting, each shot is a feast for the eyes. Rounded off by 2D animation that is as smooth as it is pleasing, the international locales are depicted with great detail, making them come alive on screen.
Smooth animation aside, a unique aspect of Great Pretender is its audial experience. The personality-rich jazz music, sprinkled throughout the series, lends it a sophisticated aura, setting the mood correctly for the big scams and sizzling drama. Vocal performances are excellent, each tailored so well to their character’s persona that it becomes hard to dissociate the voice from the character.
Verdict
Great Pretender is a sparkling gem in the treasure trove of anime, packed with charismatic characters, engaging storylines, and heart-pumping suspense. Its artistry is definitely one for the books! For anime lovers seeking a fun-filled gloriously unpredictable series, this anime is a must-stream!
It’s less about swindling, more about being human. It’s about redemption, love, and more importantly, it’s deceivingly heartfelt. By the end of the series, you are left feeling tricked, but in a good way, making you come back for more. It’s an exhilarating ride that should not be missed! So, without giving away any spoilers, grab your popcorn and buckle up for this con-comedy rollercoaster that is the Great Pretender.
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Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu 2nd Season
White FoxA reunion that was supposed to spell the arrival of peaceful times is quickly shattered when Subaru Natsuki and Emilia return to Irlam village. Witnessing the devastation left behind by the calamities known as Sin Archbishops, Subaru sinks into the depths of despair as his ability to redo proves futile.
As the group makes their way to the Sanctuary in search of answers, Subaru has an unexpected encounter with the Witch of Greed—Echidna. Subjected to her untamed rhythm, he is forced to dive into the spirals of the past and future. At the same time, several mysterious threats set their sights on the Sanctuary, heralding a horrific fate for the hapless people trapped within.
Everlasting contracts, past sins, and unrequited love will clash and submerge into a river of blood in the second season of Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu. Pushed to the brink of hopelessness, how long will Subaru's resolve to save his loved ones last?
Re:Zero Kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu 2nd Season: A Journey Through Hope and Despair
Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu’s (Re:Life in a Different World from Zero) second season takes us back to the world of magic and mayhem, where the story revolves around Subaru Natsuki. Ordinary high school student Subaru has been whisked away to a fantasy world filled with witches, royal politics, demi-humans, and beast people. But unlike most protagonists in other Isekai shows, Subaru is not gifted with indispensable combat abilities or immense magical power, but a curse that is as tortuous as much as it is a boon — ‘Return by Death.’ With this, Subaru must endure the austere reality of dying and respawning until he manages to save everyone and avert disaster.
In the second season, Subaru’s journey to save his loved ones from future disasters gets even more complex and perilous. The season kicks off with Subaru in the royal capital alongside his friends. Owing to the events of the previous season, he must navigate convoluted politics, sinister plots, and his own feelings for Emilia, the half-elf who he is desperate to protect. New friendships, new enemies, and old pasts collide as Subaru must endure the most trying tribulations yet. With Subaru’s despair reaching new depths, this season displays ‘Return by Death’ at its darkest.
Impactful Storytelling and Evocative Character Development
The second season of Re:Zero shines with its elaborate storytelling, masterfully intertwined subplot development, and profound character development. Subaru’s evolution from a naive and stubborn character to a mature and determined hero is wonderfully portrayed. Viewers are given meaningful backstories and exposed to Subaru’s raw and emotional journey of overcoming despair, lending depth to our protagonist’s character.
Visual Mastery and Audio Excellence
As expected from White Fox Studios, the animation quality is top-notch. From the detailed character designs to the beautifully crafted world involving towering castles and lush forests, every frame is a visual treat. The soundtrack enhances the overall atmosphere, with emotive piano tracks accompanying Subaru’s trials, transforming the scenes into not just a visual but an auditory spectacle.
Conclusion
Ultimately, Re:Zero Kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu 2nd Season is a perfect blend of psychological and fantasy elements backed by extraordinary story progression, character development, and animation. This anime takes you on a roller-coaster ride of emotions as you share in Subaru’s sorrow, joy, hope, and despair. Whether it is to rent, buy, or stream, it unquestionably ranks high on the must-watch list for any ardent anime fan. The second season proves that Re:Zero is not just another Isekai but a winner in its own unique way.
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Yahari Ore no Seishun Love Comedy wa Machigatteiru. Kan
feel.Resolved to become a more independent person, Yukino Yukinoshita decides to smoothen things out with her parents, and the first step toward achieving that goal is to prove herself.
As graduation draws closer for the third-year students, Iroha Isshiki—the president of the student council—requests a graduation prom in collaboration with the Volunteer Service Club. Yukino accepts this request of her own volition, hoping to use it as a chance to demonstrate her self-reliance, but what lies ahead of her may prove to be a hard hurdle to cross.
Yahari Ore no Seishun Love Comedy wa Machigatteiru. Kan revolves around the graduation prom as emotions are poured into the preparations for the event. At the same time, a chance for the Volunteer Service Club members to better understand each other presents itself. And thus, Hachiman Hikigaya's hectic and bittersweet high school life begins to draw to a close.
“Yahari Ore no Seishun Love Comedy wa Machigatteiru. Kan” – Breaking the Mould of Traditional Rom-Coms
Synopsis
“Yahari Ore no Seishun Love Comedy wa Machigatteiru. Kan” (translated to “My Teen Romantic Comedy is Wrong, As I Expected: End”, and often abbreviated as Oregairu) is a riveting mix of heartwarming, high-school relationships and raw, realistic psychology of youth. The protagonist, Hachiman Hikigaya, is an apathetic high school student with narcissistic tendencies who is forced to join the Public Service Club by his guidance counselor.
The club comprises Yukino Yukinoshita, the icy and perfect class representative with her own deep-rooted problems, and Yui Yuigahama, a sweet, cheerful girl struggling with her own insecurities. Together, they assist others in overcoming school life problems, and in the process, unearth painful truths about their own emotions, creating a tense atmosphere around their previously carefree lives.
Review
Oregairu has always shone in its depiction of teenage psychological drama and this season is no different, in fact, it just got better. It’s one of those rare series that effortlessly encapsulates the complexities, contradictions, and fleeting nature of the school-life experience making it relatable for many who have navigated through this rite of passage.
Oregairu’s cast is one of its major strengths. Rather than treating them as simple caricatures defined by a single trait or two, as is typical in the genre, characters are established with depth and humanity laced with a cocktail of different emotions. Hachiman, Yukino, and Yui, are three of the most avowed and well-developed characters in the rom-com genre.
The balance between comedy and drama in Oregairu is aptly maintained. The permutations and combinations of different feelings, the bitter-sweetness of youth, and the realities of growing up are all placed delicately on this fine balance. The satire is intellectual, rather than slapstick, and adds another layer of complexity to unpack.
As always, as crucial to the narrative of Oregairu, its character growth is phenomenally handled. This season, in particular, allows all of our central characters to grow and ‘find themselves’. They accept their flaws and turn them into their strength. The introspection shown by each character sets this anime apart.
On the visual front, Feel Studio does an excellent job in maintaining the consistent animation quality. Their attention to character expressions and body language contributes to the story in a meaningful way. The soundtrack also complements the storytelling, often rousing different emotions at the perfect moments.
Verdict
If you’re someone who’s no stranger to anime rom-coms but wants something that breaks the stereotype, then “Yahari Ore no Seishun Love Comedy wa Machigatteiru. Kan” is a must-watch. While it does handle some heavy themes, it does so with grace, lending an air of authenticity to the narrative.
With that in mind, is it worth buying, renting, or streaming? Given the complexity of the storyline and its rewatch value, buying a Blu-ray or DVD is the optimal choice for many fans. However, if you are new to the series and unsure if it caters to your taste, streaming it is the most viable option. It’s available on various platforms like Crunchyroll and Funimation—we definitely recommend giving it a shot!
And so, whether you’re sinking into the sofa for a binge-watch or patiently waiting week by week for the episodes to drop, grab your popcorn, folks! Prepare to be captivated by this beautiful high school story that breaks the mould of traditional romantic comedies.
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