Winter 2012
Danshi Koukousei no Nichijou
SunriseRoaming the halls of the all-boys Sanada North High School are three close comrades: the eccentric ringleader with a hyperactive imagination Hidenori, the passionate Yoshitake, and the rational and prudent Tadakuni. Their lives are filled with giant robots, true love, and intense drama… in their colorful imaginations, at least. In reality, they are just an everyday trio of ordinary guys trying to pass the time, but who said everyday life couldn't be interesting? Whether it's an intricate RPG reenactment or an unexpected romantic encounter on the riverbank at sunset, Danshi Koukousei no Nichijou is rife with bizarre yet hilariously relatable situations that are anything but mundane.
Synopsis
Danshi Koukousei no Nichijou, translated in English as “Daily Lives of High School Boys,” is a hilarious slice of life anime series that provides viewers a comedic glimpse into the daily antics of high-school boys. Enrolled at the Sanada North High School, this all-boys school’s students Tadakuni, Hidenori, and Yoshitake provide endless comedic spectacle at their own expense. The series is renowned for its humorous exploration into the trivialities of everyday life through the boys’ perspective, with each moment delivering genuine, unpredictable, and relatable scenarios.
Invented bucket rides, elaborate pranks, and unique interpretations of the way the world works are the typical order of the day for these three. Don’t let the mundane setting fool you – Danshi Koukousei no Nichijou is anything but ordinary. Underlying the comedy, the anime subtly explores the confusion, nostalgia, and camaraderie synonymous with teenage life. Be prepared to laugh, sympathize, and perhaps even shed a tear or two with this fantastic series.
Review
Are you after an anime that guarantees a laugh in every episode? Well, look no further, because Danshi Koukousei no Nichijou is the anime for you! This series is crafted with the utmost care and comedic timing – delivering a plethora of slapstick humor, witty one-liners, and unforgettable gags that tickle your funny bone.
The series offers an excellent blend of humor and character development. Each character is represented perfectly, entirely distinct from one another, yet blending together to form an unrivaled comedic trio. Tadakuni is the more ordinarily eccentric one among the lot, Hidenori is the bookish boy with a penchant for drama, and Yoshitake is the loyal friend always ready for an adventure. Their contrasting personality traits make for a particularly entertaining dynamic.
Another fantastic aspect of Danshi Koukousei no Nichijou is its pacing. Each episode is broken down into a series of short sketches that manage to squeeze in a remarkable breadth of life experiences without making the proceedings feel rushed or forced. The series doesn’t rely on a linear plot but instead capitalizes on these hilarious everyday scenarios that’ll leave you chuckling long after each episode concludes.
That being said, this anime is not all fun and games. It also offers some surprisingly heartfelt moments that bring you closer to the characters. It skillfully explores the often awkward and confusing phase of adolescent life, making you connect and sympathize with the characters on a deeper level. After all, who hasn’t experienced strange teenage musings and anxiety?
To encapsulate, Danshi Koukousei no Nichijou is a stellar anime that manages to deliver constant laughter while also reminding viewers of the nostalgia and complexities of teenage life. Whether you’re looking for an anime to relax and enjoy or something to evoke your high-school memories, give this series a go – it’s a worthy watch! You can stream it, rent it, or buy it – whichever way suits you.
Be the first to leave a review.
Natsume Yuujinchou Shi
Brain's BaseTakashi Natsume, the timid youkai expert and master of the Book of Friends, continues his journey towards self-understanding and acceptance with the help of friends both new and old. His most important ally is still his gluttonous and sake-loving bodyguard, the arrogant but fiercely protective wolf spirit Madara—or Nyanko-sensei, as Madara is called when in his usual disguise of an unassuming, pudgy cat.
Natsume, while briefly separated from Nyanko-sensei, is ambushed and kidnapped by a strange group of masked, monkey-like youkai, who have spirited him away to their forest as they desperately search for the Book of Friends. Realizing that his "servant" has been taken out from right under his nose, Nyanko-sensei enlists the help of Natsume's youkai friends and mounts a rescue operation. However, the forest of the monkey spirits holds many dangerous enemies, including the Matoba Clan, Natsume's old nemesis.
Stretching from the formidable hideout of the Matoba to Natsume's own childhood home, Natsume Yuujinchou Shi is a sweeping but familiar return to a world of danger and friendship, where Natsume will finally confront the demons of his own past.
The Anime Critic Reviews: Natsume Yuujinchou Shi
Story Synopsis
In the enchanting world of “Natsume Yuujinchou Shi”, our protagonist, Takashi Natsume, continues his daily endeavors of balancing the thin line between the world of humans and the world of yokai – supernatural creatures in Japanese folklore. Passed down through generations, Takashi inherited the ‘Book of Friends’, a gift, or arguably a curse, from his grandmother. This seemingly ordinary book not only holds the names of yokai but also reigns over their loyalty and command – a power that presents thrilling yet precarious adventures onto our protagonist’s seemingly tranquil life.
As the story unfolds, we witness Natsume’s growing compassion and understanding towards the yokai world, simultaneously, letting them beautifully alter and shape his perspectives on life and relationships. The narrative skillfully weaves touching encounters with yokai and friendships within the human world, infusing delicate nuances of sentimentality while grappling with the notion of isolation and estrangement – hence, driving the plot towards an arresting direction.
Review
Dive headfirst into the world of “Natsume Yuujinchou Shi”, where you’ll encounter thrill, solace, and heartwarming moments. Each episode acts as a shattered mirror, reflecting different aspects of the human condition and emotions through uncanny yet lovable yokai characters.
The animation and soundtrack blend seamlessly with the narrative, the tranquil pastel backdrops combined with the traditional-styled music amplify the overall theme of Japanese folklore brilliance. Every storyline, every character, every piece of music feels methodically chosen, subtly guiding the audience through an array of feelings that is bound to leave them enchanted.
In terms of character development, Natsume Yuujinchou Shi outshines. Natsume, who suffered from the bitterness of isolation due to his unique ability to interact with yokai, gradually opens up, embraces friendships from both worlds, and matures in his understanding of existence and coexistence. Accompanied by Madara, a powerful yokai serving as a parental figure and friend, their dynamics present interesting vignettes throughout the series, amplifying the plot’s depth.
Following all four seasons of this captivating series, Natsume Yuujinchou Shi, despite being episodic independently, brilliantly binds its characters’ emotions and growth with the viewers’. It masterfully breathes life into various emotional rollercoasters that subtly conveys life lessons on friendships, empathy, and acceptance. This series not only entertains but challenges the viewer to question their perspective on bonds, loneliness, and the surreal yet beautiful existence of the world beyond ours.
To wrap it up, if you’ve ever relished the harmonious blend of supernatural and slice-of-life genres – Natsume Yuujinchou Shi is a piece of art that you should unquestionably buy, rent, or stream! Guaranteed, with its astounding narrative, engaging characters, and tranquil visual appeal, this series will leave you invested, thought-provoking, and wanting more.
Overall Rating: 9/10
Be the first to leave a review.
Nisemonogatari
ShaftSurviving a vampire attack, meeting several girls plagued by supernatural entities, and just trying to get through life are some of the things high school student Koyomi Araragi has had to deal with lately. On top of all this, he wakes up one morning to find himself kidnapped and tied up by his girlfriend Hitagi Senjougahara. Having run afoul of Deishuu Kaiki, a swindler who conned Senjougahara's family, she has taken it upon herself to imprison Araragi to keep him safe from the con man. But when Araragi gets a frantic message from his sister Karen, he learns that the fraud has set his sights on her.
Along with Karen's troubles, his other sister, Tsukihi, is having issues of her own. And when two mysterious women who seem to know more than they should about Araragi and his special group of friends step into their lives, not even he could anticipate their true goals, nor the catastrophic truths soon to be revealed.
Nisemonogatari: A Mesmerizing Meld of Humor, Wordplay, and Supernatural Shenanigans
From the imaginative lens of Nisio Isin and the robust artistry of Studio SHAFT comes Nisemonogatari, the sequel to the critically acclaimed supernatural thriller Bakemonogatari. Following the story of the mildly vampire-infected high school student, Koyomi Araragi, Nisemonogatari takes us deeper into the Monogatari chronology with an even more intense and captivating narrative.
The cornerstone of Nisemonogatari’s plot revolves around Araragi’s sisters – the Fire Sisters, Karen and Tsukihi. As Araragi navigates through the complexities of his daily life interspersed with the supernatural, he finds himself entangled in an unexpected trouble precipitated by his own siblings. With vigorous humor, indulging conversations, and a skillful blend of the extraordinary into the ordinary, Nisemonogatari presents a unique anime experience worth delving into.
Story and Characters: The Metaphysical Charm
What sets Nisemonogatari apart from most anime series is its brilliant approach to storytelling and character development. The dialogue-focused narrative provides a rich personal understanding of the characters while serving up engaging riddles and humorous situations. Most impressively, this series elevates ‘slice of life’ mundanity with a supernatural twist, making the ordinaries unravel surreal secrets.
Araragi, with his playfully cynical attitude, excuses the line of rationale to face mysteries unfathomable. His interactions with Karen and Tsukihi, each holding their excitable sense of justice, perform brilliantly in telling a captivating sibling tale.
Art and Animation: Studio SHAFT’s Artistic Innovation at its Finest
Staying true to Studio SHAFT’s reputation, Nisemonogatari showcases incredible visual artwork. With architectural marvels, carefully designed environments, and exceptional lighting, the scenes are pulsating with liveliness. The character animations are detailed, capturing even the smallest nuances to express their complex personas.
Sound and Music: A Crescendo of Elegance
Nisemonogatari’s soundtrack is an exquisite blend of ambiance, suspense, and captivating melody. The opening songs, ‘Futakotome’ and ‘Marshmallow Justice’, are catchy, and the ending theme, ‘Bird of Death’, is a hauntingly beautiful piece.
Final Verdict: An Absolute Must-Watch
An exceptional masterpiece in itself, Nisemonogatari secures its position among top tier anime with an enchanting storyline, evocative characters, stunning visuals, and memorable melodies. The perfect progression from Bakemonogatari enriches the audience’s connection with the characters and sends anyone who dares to venture, down the rabbit hole of Isin’s peculiar world of apparitions, symbols, and riddles.
If you are into supernatural narratives intertwined with relatable sentiments, wit, and amazing dialogues, Nisemonogatari will be a treat to your anime-loving soul. Whether you decide to rent, buy, or stream – make sure to add this gem to your viewing list.
Be the first to leave a review.
