Winter 2014
Gin no Saji 2nd Season
A-1 PicturesNow accustomed to his life at Ooezo Agricultural High School, Yuugo Hachiken explores the deeper aspects of what school life really means. As Hachiken learns more about himself and earns the skills necessary for his everyday tasks, he is even offered the position of the Equestrian Club's vice-president. The new semester brings a variety of agricultural dilemmas and personal conflicts, but, nevertheless, Hachiken perseveres in order to discover his dream and continue working together with his friends.
Gin no Saji (Silver Spoon) – 2nd Season: An Anime With A Golden Heart
If you thought agriculture and farming are worlds apart from adventure and emotion, then Gin no Saji (Silver Spoon) 2nd Season is about to change your perception! This story unfolds on the fertile land of Hokkaido and is about to sow sentiments and empathy deep into your hearts. Whoever thought farming could be an exciting backdrop for a story, Hiromu Arakawa – the creator did and she proved it beautifully.
In this season, we continue the journey with Yugo Hachiken, a city boy who lands himself in an agricultural school to escape from the academic pressure at home. Engulfed in the vast and overlooked world of agriculture, Yugo forges deep connections with animals, fellow students and the harsh realities of farming, while learning the hard-hitting truths about the world of food production. In this second season, Hachiken is more comfortable and understanding of the crops and the livestock, yet he still has a lot to learn from the grit and the unyielding spirit of the farming community. Unbeknownst to him, these experiences become the cornerstone of his journey towards self-discovery.
Characters and Animation
The lovable cast of the series contributes greatly to its charm and appeal. Our hero, Hachiken, is a wonderfully rounded character by now, and his evolution throughout the series makes him relatable and endearing. The side characters are each given their unique backstories and personalities, ensuring that they do not stagnate in the backdrop. Whether it’s Mikage’s sweet and sensitive nature or the gruff yet gentle Komaba, the secondary characters add depth and flavor to the narrative of Hachiken’s experience.
The animation is stellar, vividly portraying the scenic beauty of rural Hokkaido with its lush greenery and clear blue skies. It perfectly captures the essence of the agricultural landscape and the relentless toil that goes into farming, offering viewers a slice of the hard, nurturing, yet beautiful reality of farming life.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Gin no Saji 2nd Season is an anime that ingeniously combines educational content with emotions, personal growth, and a healthy sprinkling of humor. It’s a rich narrative about self-acceptance, resilience, and the profound lessons farming can teach us, making it a refreshing and heartwarming experience. It’s one of those anime that stays with you long after the credits roll. The brilliant storytelling, coupled with a wonderful cast of characters and top-notch animation, makes this anime a must-watch. No stream, rent, or buy decisions to waffle over – it is undoubtedly a treasure worth discovering for every anime lover out there.
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Hoozuki no Reitetsu
Wit StudioHell is a bureaucracy, and business is running smoother than ever thanks to the demonic efficiency of Hoozuki, chief deputy to Lord Enma, the King of Hell. Whether offering counsel to the Momotarou of Japanese folklore or receiving diplomatic missions from the Judeo-Christian Hell, the demon who runs the show from behind the king's imposing shadow is ready to beat down any challenges coming his way into a bloody pulp. Metaphorically, of course…
The poster boy for micromanagement and armed with negotiation skills worthy of Wall Street, Hoozuki no Reitetsu follows the sadistic and level-headed Hoozuki as he spends his days troubleshooting hell. With an abundance of familiar faces from popular Japanese legends and East Asian mythology working middle management positions, this referential and anachronistic dark comedy brings new meaning to the phrase "employer liability." Just how hard could it be to manage employees from hell, anyway?
Synopsis
“Hoozuki no Reitetsu” is a wildly entertaining supernatural comedy anime based on the manga series written by Natsumi Eguchi. The plot revolves around the demon bureaucrat Hoozuki who is an aide to the King of Hell, Enma. Hell is depicted much like any other workplace setting, complete with its own red tape and a multitude of problems, and it perhaps might be much more familiar to us than one would expect. Hoozuki, with his droll sense of humor and unflappable demeanor, seeks to manage this chaotic realm judiciously.
The series presents a complex, fascinating constellation of mythical beings all gathered from diverse backgrounds, bound together in the odd bureaucracy of the underworld. It’s a place where effervescent humor glosses over haunting undertones, shining a fresh light on camaraderie, workplace antics, and unconventional problem-solving stratagems one might need in the realms steeped in shadows.
Review
“Hoozuki no Reitetsu” is a unique and quirky exploration into an anime genre that’s been done to death – the supernatural realm. It deviates from the norm, creating humor where one would expect horror, mundanity where there should be supernatural scariness – and makes Hell oddly entertaining. It’s the distinctiveness of this premise that gives “Hoozuki no Reitetsu” its appeal, making it refreshingly original in its delivery.
The character development plays a significant role in making Hoozuki’s underworld exploration truly entrancing. Of course, we have Hoozuki at the helm with his unique charm. His stoic demeanor, contrasted with momentary flashes of sheer emotion, creates a mix that’s not only hilarious but also quite relatable in an odd way. The supporting cast also does a fantastic job of keeping things lively. Each character, with their distinct personality and query, adds another layer of depth to the already fascinating narrative.
While the comedy is indeed an integral part of the series, “Hoozuki no Reitetsu” is much more than just a comedy anime. A significant portion of its allure comes from its integration of Japanese literature and mythology. This not only broadens the narrative but also adds a layer of intellectual appeal. Both the manga reader and the anime viewer will appreciate the slice-of-life approach to the underworld bureaucracy.
The animation of Studio Wit is stunning as usual. The anime’s palette is vivid and enhances the surrealism of the storyline, utilizing it to its utmost capability. The sound design and voice acting perfectly bridge the gap between the anime’s humorous and serious aspects, adding another layer of enjoyment to the viewing experience.
With its explorative comedy, mythological roots, compelling characters, and charming visual artistry, “Hoozuki no Reitetsu” stands as a testament to creative storytelling. This anime offers plenty of enjoyable moments of laughter and introspection that should delight both seasoned anime veterans and newcomers alike. Whether you choose to rent, buy or stream this gem of a series, it’s definitely worth your time.
In conclusion, “Hoozuki no Reitetsu” is a compelling, humorous, and esoteric journey into an anime representation of Hell that turns conventions head-down, providing plenty of laughs and intriguing mythical lore. An unreserved recommendation to anyone seeking an anime that sits confidently at the intersection of hilarity and mythology. Spoiler alert – it’s not what you’d expect, but very likely, more than what you’d ever hope for.
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Noragami
BonesIn times of need, if you look in the right place, you just may see a strange telephone number scrawled in red. If you call this number, you will hear a young man introduce himself as the Yato God.
Yato is a minor deity and a self-proclaimed "Delivery God," who dreams of having millions of worshippers. Without a single shrine dedicated to his name, however, his goals are far from being realized. He spends his days doing odd jobs for five yen apiece, until his weapon partner becomes fed up with her useless master and deserts him.
Just as things seem to be looking grim for the god, his fortune changes when a middle school girl, Hiyori Iki, supposedly saves Yato from a car accident, taking the hit for him. Remarkably, she survives, but the event has caused her soul to become loose and hence able to leave her body. Hiyori demands that Yato return her to normal, but upon learning that he needs a new partner to do so, reluctantly agrees to help him find one. And with Hiyori's help, Yato's luck may finally be turning around.
Review: Noragami – a Tale of Gods and Lost Souls
Noragami, directed by Kotaro Tamura and written by Deko Akao, is a blend of action and adventure imbued with comedy and supernatural elements that none should miss. A rollercoaster ride of emotions, the anime skillfully explores themes of friendship, identity, and the vast spectrum of human relationships, all wrapped in an attractive package of stunning visuals and a compelling soundtrack.
The story revolves around a lesser-known deity named Yato, who aspires to have millions of devotees. The twist? He has to perform odd jobs at a fee of 5-yen, equivalent to a mere couple of pennies, to make his dream come true. Along his journey, he crosses paths with a seemingly ordinary middle school girl named Hiyori who is thrust into the world of spirits and gods after experiencing a life-changing accident.
Storyline and Character Development
One of Noragami’s biggest strengths lies in its incredible storytelling. It masterfully intertwines humor, action, and heart-tugging moments that keep you hooked throughout. The narrative doesn’t drag nor races, but finds a near-perfect pace to keep the viewers engaged, a testament to Deko Akao’s writing prowess.
When it comes to character development, Noragami offers some of the most nuanced anime characters to date. Yato the stray god is an intriguing protagonist, whose humorous demeanour masks a darker past. His porter, Yukine, adds ample complexity to the plot, while Hiyori offers a unique, semi-human viewpoint into the otherworldly elements of the anime. Without giving too much away, let’s just say, the growth and transformations of these characters are both beguiling and believable.
Art and Soundtrack
If there’s one thing that complements the compelling narrative of Noragami, it’s the art and animation. Each scene is beautifully drawn and well animated – from intense battle sequences to tender moments between characters, the level of detail is simply mesmerizing. The use of color and light adds depth and life to the scenes, making each frame a remarkable piece of art.
The soundtracks, both opening and ending songs, elevate the anime to an entirely different level. They fit the mood perfectly, injecting you with adrenaline during action-packed scenes and lovingly cradling your senses during the more somber episodes.
Final Verdict
In conclusion, Noragami is an incredibly engaging anime that has something for everyone. It combines the elements of comedy, action, and drama so skillfully that you can’t help but be captivated from the very first episode. The complex characters, gripping narrative, stunning visuals, and soulful music make for a rewarding viewing experience.
If you’ve been contemplating whether to rent, buy, or stream Noragami, hesitate no more. It’s definitely worth investing your time and money in. Whether you’re a casual viewer or a longtime anime aficionado, Noragami has the potential to make it into your top favorites for its engaging story and unforgettable characters. So go ahead, step into the unseen world of gods and lost souls, and embark on a breathtaking journey with Yato and company!
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Space☆Dandy
BonesDandy is a groovy, pompadour-wearing man who explores the stars in search of strange aliens for money, desiring to visit his favorite place: BooBies, the best diner in all the cosmos. Traversing the galaxies in his trusty ship, the Aloha Oe, Dandy is accompanied by his two equally unique friends: QT, the vacuum cleaner robot, and Meow, an alien with a cat-like appearance.
Although exciting, Dandy's job is never simple, and each new day promises a completely different, thrilling adventure. Together, Dandy and his crew get dragged into perilous journeys, misadventures in romance, and out of this world scenarios—all whilst steering clear of the evil scientist, Dr. Gel of the Gogol Empire.
Adventures Across Space & Time: A Review of “Space☆Dandy”
In the eccentric and colorful world of “Space☆Dandy,” we follow the whimsical adventures of Dandy, an alien bounty hunter with a love for the finer things in life, particularly a good party and lovely ladies. The universe in this world teems with diverse, inter-galactic species, with Dandy and his lovable companions, QT (a near-obsolete vacuum cleaner robot) and Meow (an alien from a race of Betelgeusians) trying to capture and register these species for rewards. Their various pursuits for new, exotic species often lead the trio into strange and hilarious incidents, filled with daring escapades unlike anything else.
But this unique day-to-day pursuit of fun, freedom, and fortune isn’t all there is to “Space☆Dandy.” While the universe is a vast playground for our heroes, the shadow of the Gogol Empire lurks just out of sight, sometimes becoming a hinderance to their adventures. Dandy’s carefree nature might put him at odds with this galactic force, with surprising and comedic results.
The Dandy Way to Experience Anime
“Space☆Dandy” possesses a certain charm that is difficult to resist. Its brand of humor, combined with its creative & visually stunning world, offers a tantalizing experience to the viewer. It’s not every day you get to follow a stylish, disco-loving bounty hunter across galaxies!
Art and Animation
The art and animation of “Space☆Dandy” is a veritable feast for the eyes. The vibrant colors, beautifully-drawn alien creatures, and detailed backgrounds create a world that’s as mystifying as it is mesmerizing.
Characterization
Despite his laid-back attitude, Dandy is the heart and soul of this show, cementing his place as one of the most memorable characters in anime history. His companions add their own flavor to the mix, becoming more than just secondary characters. They are loveable, unique, and delightfully funny.
Should You Watch It?
“Space☆Dandy” is perfect for viewers looking for an eye-catching, heartwarming, and hilarious anime. Its narrative style keeps you invested in Dandy’s adventures while offering something new and unexpected in each episode. Whether you decide to rent, buy, or stream it, this is one series worth experiencing. So grab some popcorn and get ready for a cosmic ride with Dandy and his crew because, baby, this is going to be one dandy show!
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