Winter 2008
Aria the Origination
Hal Film MakerIn the 24th century on the planet Aqua, three girls—Akari Mizunashi, Alice Carroll, and Aika S. Granzchesta—continue to work hard toward achieving their goal of becoming Prima Undines: professional tour guide gondoliers. Luckily, the girls have the guidance of the three best Prima Undines in Neo-Venezia—Alicia Florence, Athena Glory, and Akira E. Ferrari—who are known as the "Water Fairies" in honor of their skill. With their help, the young apprentices train hard and work to overcome any situations that they find themselves in.
Aria The Origination follows the hardships and daily lives of these three young girls, who are doing their best to improve as tour gondoliers in Neo-Venezia, a terraformed replica of Venice.
Aria the Origination: A Magical Journey That Drifts on Undines
Synopsis
Our journey begins in the peaceful city of Neo-Venezia on the planet Aqua (formerly Mars). This enchanting place, mirrored after Venice, is an idyllic haven of calm waters, graceful gondolas, and eccentric characters. The story revolves around an endearing young woman named Akari Mizunashi. Akari operates as an Undine, a professional gondolier, for the renowned company, Aria.
Though Aqua thrives in the incredible beauty and serenity, it is the characters that breathe life into this world brimming with tranquil charm. Each one is unique, brings their distinctive color to the palette that is Aria the Origination. As Akari navigates her way through life, occasionally stumbling, she creates unforgettable memories and irreplaceable bonds, slowly realizing the essence of being an Undine and the magic embedded within the ordinary.
Review
As the Anime Critic, I am delighted to provide a detailed review for the anime series, Aria the Origination. Let me assure you, this anime is a magnificent piece of art that transcends the boundaries of typical story-telling, leading you through an experience that, while seemingly simple, is incredibly profound.
Art & Animation
Kudos to the Aria Company for not holding back when it came to the visuals and animation of this series. With stunning backdrops and a vibrantly detailed Neo-Venezia, you’d find yourself lost in this beautifully animated paradise. The character designs were remarkably consistent and visually pleasing. This anime isn’t about high octane action scenes but more about beautifully sketched landscapes and seascapes – all designed to create an atmosphere of tranquility and wonder.
Sound & Music
The Origination’s music is nothing short of an auditory paradise. With its soothing, classical scores perfectly complemented by the wistful opening and ending themes, Aria the Origination uses soundtracks not just as background music but as a tool to enhance the viewers’ immersion and emotional investment.
Characters & Development
The heart and soul of this series are the characters. Akari Mizunashi, the quintessential embodiment of positivity, leads an endearing cast, all of whom have their unique quirks, charms, and growth arcs. They are all thoughtfully introduced and explored, leaving you emotionally connected to them – a factor that significantly enhances the overall appeal of this anime series.
Storyline & Finale
Without giving away too much, the storyline progresses and matures beautifully. What starts as an innocent tale of a novice Undine transforms into a profound exploration of life, growth, change, and the magic of the mundane. The finale, while melancholic, wraps up the story impeccably, leaving you with a bittersweet nostalgia that underlines the primary essence of this anime.
To wrap up, Aria the Origination is a must-watch. It may not be the action-packed, high-stakes anime you’re probably accustomed to, but this ambient slice of life series offers something unique. If you’re looking for an anime that’s calming, heart-warming, and offers a fresh perspective on life and happiness, do not miss this one! Whether to rent, buy or stream it, I would say, make a choice that ensures you do not miss out on this masterpiece. Happy watching!
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Major S4
SynergySPHaving finished high school, Gorou Honda sets his sights on becoming a professional baseball player. His dreams are much more ambitious than becoming a Japanese Baseball League player, so he instead decides to move to the birthplace of his beloved sport, America, in order to play in the Major League.
However, Gorou finds that the Major League players are much faster, stronger, and more driven than he is. Nonetheless, he is eager to catch up with them. In order to do so, Gorou must first conquer the ranks of the Minor League, where numerous skilled players compete in the grueling rise to the Majors.
Gorou learns that he will have to adapt to the stark differences of American culture and push himself to new extremes as his race to join the Major League begins.
ANIME REVIEW: Major S4
Synopsis
“Major S4” continues where season 3 left off. Our passionate protagonist, Goro Honda, is moving steadfastly towards his goal of becoming a professional baseball player. In this riveting continuation of his journey, Goro has graduated from Kaido High School and now faces the big, bright world of professional baseball. With his unwavering spirit and love for the game undiminished, Goro navigates the realities of a stringent regime, tougher competition, and maintaining balance between his personal and professional life.
In season 4, Goro advances towards treasured ambitions and freshly emerging challenges. New characters come into play, offering intriguing subplots and adding to the excitement that the series is known for. The stage is expanded significantly, offering in-depth exploration of the baseball world and the personal struggles of an emerging athlete. With the magic of baseball, emotional engagement, and dynamic narrative, “Major S4” is a home run waiting to hit!
Review
“Major S4” emerges as a must-watch for fans of the sports genre – a high-spirited, engaging saga that shines in character development and delivers power-packed baseball action! Minoru Kawasaki’s direction absorbs viewers into Goro Honda’s world, making us cheer, weep, and persevere along with him.
The narrative is a perfect balance of Goro’s personal life and his tumultuous progression in the visceral world of baseball. The character arcs are profound and relatable, effectively bridging the gap between animation and the audience’s heartstrings. Characters such as Shimizu, Komori, and Koga receive generous screen time, adding valuable dimensions to the storyline while enhancing Goro’s journey.
Michiaki Watanabe’s music raises the bar in crucial scenes, heightening the baseball matches’ thrill. Every roar of the crowd, the smack of the ball against the bat, meticulously adds to the adrenaline rush, making it a spectacular auditory experience for fans.
The animation from Synergy illustrates both the ballgame and the emotional undercurrents adeptly. The character designs remain consistent and attractive throughout the series. Major S4’s baseball scenes are especially top-notch; the dramatic angles, the sweat, the dirt – everything is depicted with astonishing accuracy, effectively encapsulating the raw spirit of the sport.
Major S4 does not stop at being just a sports anime. It is an intricate study of dreams, aspirations, and the toll they exact. It’s about the euphoria of victory, the despair of loss, and the resilience to rise after each fall.
Verdict
As “The Anime Critic,” I can firmly attest that Major S4 hits a grand slam. A treat for the lovers of sports anime, this season furthers the engrossing journey of Goro Honda and leaves an indelible impact. Whether you opt to stream, rent or buy this series, it is undoubtedly a fantastic addition to your anime collection and will definitely spike your love for the beautiful game of baseball. Play ball, and do not miss “Major S4”!
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Ookami to Koushinryou
ImaginHolo is a powerful wolf deity who is revered in the small town of Pasloe for blessing the annual harvest. Yet as years go by and the villagers become more self-sufficient, Holo has been reduced to a mere folktale. When a traveling merchant named Kraft Lawrence stops at the settlement, Holo offers to become his business partner if he takes her to her northern home of Yoitsu. The savvy trader recognizes Holo's unusual ability to evaluate a person's character and accepts her proposition.
Now in the possession of both sharp bargaining skills and a charismatic negotiator, Lawrence inches closer to his goal of opening his own shop. However, as Lawrence travels the countryside with Holo in search of economic opportunities, he begins to realize that his aspirations are slowly morphing into something unexpected.
Series Overview:
“Ookami to Koushinryou,” or “Spice and Wolf,” is an unconventional fantasy anime series based on a series of novels written by Isuna Hasekura and illustrated by Jū Ayakura. The series, animated by the esteemed Imagin studio and directed by the adept Takeo Takahashi, takes viewers on an epoch journey through a medieval setting.
The story revolves around a savvy peddler named Kraft Lawrence who stumbles upon Holo, a powerful wolf deity from the harvest. Seizing the opportunity, Holo asks Lawrence to take her north to her snowy homeland. From there, the audience is treated to a unique blend of economic strategy, intricate character development, and a delicate balance of supernatural elements.
Anime Review: Spice and Wolf (Ookami to Koushinryou)
Animation and Sound:
The first thing to note about “Spice and Wolf” is the elegant animation and beautiful artistry exhibited in every frame. The medieval setting is brought to life with an eye for detail, whether in bustling marketplaces or vast, open wilderness. Holo, in both her human and wolf form, is designed with an exquisite blend of cuteness and awe-inspiring power. The use of sound, whether the stirring opening theme “Tabi no Tochuu” or ambient noises like the rustling of leaves, further enhances the experience, immersing the viewer completely in this captivating world.
Storyline:
Ookami to Koushinryou or “Spice and Wolf” isn’t your average fantasy anime. The narrative hinges as much on trade, barter, and economic subterfuge as it does on Holo’s inherent supernatural elements. Lawrence’s peddling endeavors interwoven with Holo’s cunning, provide viewers with one of the most meticulously paced, intricately plotted, and intriguingly refreshing storylines in anime. It’s hard to come by another series that encourages the viewer to think and learn about market economics while remaining compelling and entertaining.
Character Development:
The bond between Lawrence and Holo forms the throbbing heart of this series. It transitions effortlessly from professional to personal, underpinned by genuine respect and affection. Holo’s quirkiness, intelligently juxtaposed with Lawrence’s more grounded, logical approach, creates an endearing chemistry that strikes a chord with viewers. Secondary characters are also well-developed, with their own sets of motivations and quirks.
Final Verdict:
“Spice and Wolf” is an anime series that deftly tackles philosophy, economics, and romance while wrapped up in a phenomenal fantasy package. It’s a smart, mature narrative driven by two of the most engaging characters in the genre. For those who value intelligent storytelling combined with a rich setting and layered character dynamics, this is the series to stream or buy.
In conclusion, whether you’re a seasoned anime watcher or a novice, “Spice and Wolf” will leave its mark and might even teach you a thing or two about market economics. So plug in, sit back, and get ready for an engaging anime experience unlike any other.
Rating: 9/10
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Zoku Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei
ShaftMore crazy antics abound as Nozomu Itoshiki (a.k.a Zetsubou-sensei), who is the worlds most negative person, tries to teach class 2-F about how life is filled with despair and darkness. A harder task than it first may seem, with his students being far from ordinary themselves, including the likes of the most positive girl he has ever met, his very own stalker, a foreign exchange student with split personalities and a perfectionist acting class president, due to the fact the real class president can't be seen by anyone, among others.
(Source: ANN)
Anime Review: Zoku Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei – The Perfect Descent into Despair
In the eccentric world of Zoku Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei, a sequel to ‘Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei’, we’re once again thrown into the beautifully chaotic life of Nozomu Itoshiki, a high school teacher suffocating in despair. The recurring theme of viewing Japanese society from a humorous and exaggerated perspective, ending up in hilarious yet thoughtful conclusions, remains just as strong in this sequel.
Accompanied by variety of students, each with their peculiar idiosyncrasies and unique perspectives on life, Nozomu gets involved in multiple incidents that frequently skirt the absurd borders of life. Often unrealistic yet oddly relatable, each episode continues to stimulate laughter and thought, making every viewer question the societal norms they take for granted.
Story and Characters – An Inferno of Idiosyncrasies
The plot of Zoku Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei is far from typical. Every cell of the show is alive with hyperbole, satire, and sarcasm, making for an intellectual joyride. The narratives are episodic, ranging from touching upon topics like societal pressures, obsession, pop culture, and more. Each episode is a mini-masterpiece on its own, weaving together humour and wit with to capture the societal climate impeccably.
The characters add an additional layer of humour and depth in every episode. Nozomu, the protagonist, remains a source of ceaseless comedic relief with his gloomy perspective. His students, with their distinctive peculiarities, make each episode a spectacle of individual character strengths and weaknesses, pushing the narrative in delightfully chaotic directions.
Art and Music – A Visual and Auditory Delight
Zoku Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei retains the distinct, avant-garde style from its predecessor, upping the ante in terms of surreal visual class. The quirky representation of characters, their expressions and settings are a pure work of art. This anime is unafraid of experimentation, offering a visual spectacle without sacrificing any essence of the narrative or characters.
The music continues to enhance the eccentric beauty of the show. The opening and closing themes are chaotic, lively, and perfectly encapsulate the anime’s atmosphere. It’s a unique blend of cacophony and melody, as if each note is dancing in rhythm with the show’s madness.
Conclusion – A Mad Ride Worth Taking
If you’re a lover of absurdity mixed with social commentary, Zoku Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei is an anime you simply can’t pass up. It’s every bit a delirious, entertaining ride as its predecessor, but with higher stakes, funnier jokes, and deeper insights into the societal vortex.
Stream it, rent it, buy it — you won’t regret your investment into this deliriously beautiful descent into despair. Absurd yet sensible, crazy yet relatable, hilarious yet thought-provoking — Zoku Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei encapsulates the best of anime’s potential in its unique and entertaining package.
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