Review: Sakamichi no Apollon

Author: Kodama Yuki

Studio: MAPPA

Also known as “Kids on a Slope”, this is about a transfer student (again with the transfer student!) who belongs to a rich family that complains about climbing the slope to get to school. He thought his life would suck at a new place until he has an instant crush on the first girl who is nice to him for no apparent reason. When frustrated, he likes to escape to the rooftop (again with the rooftop!) but when the first time he wanted to go there at his new school the door was blocked by a badass looking guy sleeping under a white sheet. Upon waking him up, the badass grabs the transfer student’s hand and calls him an angel.

Then I became confused, is this anime supposed to be straight or gay…?

Later it is revealed that the sexual orientation of this anime doesn’t even matter, because the best part is you’re introduced to the wonders of Jazz music, and Jazz rendition of well-known songs (at least I know Someday My Prince Would Come and also Favourite Things). I’m never really into jazz but I do enjoy the jazzy songs found in video game OSTs and such. So I pretty much can appreciate Jazz music more thanks to this one. That said, Apollon has one of the best OSTs in 2012 anime, composed by Yoko Kanno. On related note, I love the OP; "Sakamichi no Melody" by YUKI.

Since the setting is like, 50 years ago in Japan, and the fact that the demographic is josei, you don’t see any of those typical shits you see in high school anime nowadays. Firstly, NO SHORT SKIRTS. Then you have a record shop. Then you have a couple who actually eloped (I think the development is rather stupid but I guess that’s how the youths of the old days was like?). A confession that didn’t cocktease you until you reach the last episode. Stuff about student activism somewhere. And also a different music genre that emerges to cockblock the two boys’ relationship. And this jazz medley:

Kaoru (the pianist) and Sentarou (the drummer) is the typical combination of 'opposites attract'; the former is the clever, rich guy, and rather weak... the latter is the trouble-making dumb guy who can easily beat up a bunch of third years. What the have in common is both are strong-willed, and both are familiar with music... just that initially their views on music were really different. They may be opposite, but that's the ideal formula for BROMANCE - no doubt about it! Now don't get the wrong idea as these guys do have the girls that they fancy nah they're probably  bisexual. Character development is great, not just individually and between those two but also with other characters as well. One of the things about the ending would give a you a bit of shock, when it's really not supposed to be that shocking.

The story stays true to the manga at least, except a few scenes/chapters have been cut to compress it into 12 episodes. But at least you get to hear the songs come to life.

If you like something different from typical shoujo shit, or typical music-themed anime go ahead and try this one. If you're a girl who enjoys "bromance" then this is for you too :3

Review: Natsume Yuujinchou (anime s1-4)

So I'm gonna compile all four seasons of Natsume Yuujinchou, since each seasons contained like 12-13 episodes. And I don't think there's much to say, although I really like this anime.

Studio: Brain's Base

Author: Yuki Midorikawa

Natsume Takashi is an orphaned boy (oohh look! another orphan!) who grew up being able to see youkais. As a child he often see the spirits roaming about, frightening him or trying to befriend him. As result he often freaks out too suddenly, that most of his classmates and distant relatives thinks he's a crazy kid who craves for attention. Now as a high school kid, he lives with an old couple who has no kids, and is living in some kind of countryside where he decides to improve his interaction with people.

He inherits his grandmother's stuff, and there's one particular item called "Book of Friends" where spirits had signed their name in it to become Natsume Reiko's cronies. Unlike his tough grandma, Natsume seems rather weak but he has one hell of a punch. But most of the time he seems like the heroine lol. Anyway, the consequence is, a lot of youkais are either attacking him or begging him to get their names back. Apparently the contract limits their freedom. Natsume, being a nice grandson in contrast to his grandma, willingly give their names back (And he totally looks beautiful while doing that). Oh let's not forget the youkai called Madara, who really doesn't approve of Natsume releasing the youkais, yet he's pretty much protective of Natsume. Yeah we have a really tsundere neko.

and i love how rounded he is

So the summary sounds kind of shounen-ish. But in fact it's just slice of life. Though there are times when the episodes feels so shounen cos in the end Natsume saves the day (or Natsume is saved etc). I guess the show focused more on how to deal with being a freak, how to act normal when there's something isn't right about you. Other than dealings with humans, even youkai had the chance to express themselves. The youkai characteristics varies; not everyone is good nor bad, and they have their own culture, habits and weaknesses that makes them so unpredictable. It's interesting to know that in Shinto belief, their gods come to existence only when people need them. And they slowly disappear when humans no longer pray at their shrine. I kind of felt sorry for the minor kamisamas.

The thing that impresses me is how Natsume coped with his lonely life and is trying his best to be accepted without telling people of his secret ability. Usually teens who were shunned like that would turn out into a delinquent, but Natsume grew up into a kind and gentle boy - both to humans and youkais. If the Fujiwara hadn't taken him in, he would probably become a rebel. On another note; Natsume should've joined the track team, he's been running around since he was small XD

effin' cute!

Throughout all seasons, we're reminded of how to get along with people in spite of being a 'weirdo'. There's no reason to become a gangster if nobody likes you in the past, and Natsume is a perfect example of that. And he's so considerate of everyone that it annoys me that he's too kind, but his short temper made up for it. Maybe ronery people out there should take a leaf out of his book.

Unfortunately, season 3 bored the hell out of me cos there aren't any name returning scenes. Season 4 was a tease cos I thought it's about time to know what happened to Natsume Reiko. That's the only thing I'm curious. And I'd like to know the outcome of finishing the name-returning ritual as well.

I have nothing much to say about the art. It's just simple and nice, no moe nor overly bishified characters.

except, maybe this guy

Looking forward to season 5 (i hope)!

Review: Usagi Drop (anime)

Author: Yumi Unita
Studio: Production IG

Once upon a time, a 30 year old salaryman’s grandfather died. At his funeral, while meeting relatives, he also meets a little girl. His relatives talked shit about the little girl because she’s a bastard child of the grandfather and his housekeeper. Since nobody gave a fuck about the innocent little shit, the salaryman decided to take her in.

No, this girl ain’t shit. I was just mocking at how other people react to her existence.

And I’m glad this story has nothing to do with lolicon or incest like the rest of the shows out there. The story is more about hardships of parenting, and the salaryman is in a rather awkward position as he is neither a father nor a married man. So while he listens to mothers and fathers talk about how they deal with having children, and the sacrifices they have to make, single and parent-to-be people can learn something….? LOL I dunno!

It’s rather interesting. But I personally think it’s sad there’s a need to sacrifice something good for your kids. It made me more hesitant to become a mother myself. I wouldn’t know if my thoughts will change once I have a child though, but it would be a waste of dreams if I were to drastically throw away something I had worked hard for.

I have nothing much to comment, but the story is sweet and warm. It’s a nice change of pace, since I’m more or less used to hotblooded protagonists who only cared about becoming kings or getting stronger (and I don’t watch moeshits cos they’re often irritating). Usagi Drop reminds you that though you’re no longer have the power of youth, you still have something to do in your life.

Since this is a manga adaptation, well, I’d usually go HEY GUYS THE MANGA IS BETTER JSHDJHSKJFDK but no. I haven’t read the manga, not planning to. But a friend said that he’s rather disgusted by the ending; who Rin chose to spend the rest of her life with. So uh… not gonna go that far. I love the adaptation as it is.

Although I think I'd understand why she'd choose to be with the father figure

Review: Kuragehime (anime)

Again, another slow review

[WARNING: May contain spoilers]

Kuragehime ("Jellyfish Princess" in English) is an adaptation from a josei manga of the same name. The story is about a bunch of otaku girls, which focused more on the jellyfish geek named Tsukimi and how her life changed upon meeting a fashionable crossdressing guy.

the whole "life change" upon meeting someone new is rather typical, but this story is far from cliche as it's not just another stupid shoujo plot. At least, it stays mostly true to the original storyline but since it's only 11 episodes don't expect it to be satisfactory, but I'm pretty satisfied with the ending anyway.

The story the second thing I'm impressed with about this title. The first thing was the characters because... the characters are designed to be as realistic as possible. I mean, hey, in general female otakus aren't THAT attractive. Unless they're cosplayers or some sort. But take a look at OreImo, nearly all the female otakus are good looking. Logic fail (but it's anime so who cares about logic). Kuragehime's female otakus vary in shape and sizes, and their personalities differ so much you can't help but laugh at their quirks!

And here I thought "fujoshi" was only for extreme yaoi fans, but if you're crazy about just about anything, you can be considered "fujoshi" (for girls). Jellyfish, trains, Romance of the Three Kingdoms, japanese dolls and elderly men are acceptable too! oh yeah, there's a hikkikomori BL mangaka living in their quarters too (she's like the ORACLE for the girls)

And not to mention, Kuranosuke, the crossdresser, who's not really confused with his gender but likes fashionable things. All thanks to his mom, which he was separated with since he was young. With this hobby, he hopes to be free of being his family responsibilites. Another character that deserves my love is his 30 year old half-brother, who has no experience with women until he sees make-over version of Tsukimi and later got bribed by a manipulative vixen. Now there's also the annoying love traingle involving the lead female haih...

[the lovely kuranosuke]

it was interesting to see how Kuranosuke manage to make the NEET girls work without their consent (go check out the manga for more details). And what I love about Kuragehime is how they mix the life of these virgin otaku girls, fashion industry people and... politicians. YEAH the politicians are LULZ in this anime/manga XD

ok here comes the worst part. Talking about the animation... for me is okay I guess. No complaints here. The character design is similar to the manga. I don't remember the OST, but the OP is amusing; both the song and sequence. And I think I like the ED song better. I'm not sure what to say about the voice acting, but sometimes it sounds like the volume is turned down even when my computer volume is full. not sure who's fault though.

and I believe I found our IRL Kuranosuke...

[Malaysian fashion designer amir luqman ftw]

Review: Nodame Cantabile Paris (anime)

[WARNING: May contain spoilers!]

Author: Tomoko Ninomiya
Studio: J.C. Staff
Demographic: Josei

In my opinion, this second season is much better than the previous one, and the Paris arc of the drama adaptation. I guess it's the plot, how Nodame and Chiaki develop individually and as a pair. And there are more instrument playing animations than a mere static shot.

Summary: Finally, Shinichi Chiaki has the courage to fly to France. This was all due to Noda Megumi (Nodame), and she ended up tagging along to go to a music Academy (Conservatory) there. The old characters lack appearence (but Kuroki Yasunori makes a come back!), but new characters are really funny too. So while Nodame is struggling to adapt with the French environment and new school, Chiaki working hard in the conductor's competition.

New characters are:
Frank Latoine - a French piano student at the Conservatory, a tenant at the apartment complex Nodame and Chiaki stayed. He's an otaku, a fan of Puri Gorota just like Nodame. He's favourite series is 'Shakugan no Shana'!

Tatiana Vishneva - also known as 'Tanya'. A piano student at the same Conservatory as well, staying at the same apartment. But she lacks practice because she worries more about vacation, thick make-up, mismatched clothes and love life.

Jean Donnadieu - A conductor, and by 'coincidence' he has a b1tchy Japanese girlfriend whom he regards as 'Goddess of Victory'. He's considered the opposite of Chiaki (white roses bs black feathers lol) and also his rival. But even Chiaki is intimidated by Jean's positive energy!

Son Rui - A pianist who had been famous since childhood, and plays in a piano concerto Chiaki conducts (to replace Stresseman - yea he is back). Apparently she has a strict parent, so she takes advantage of the freedom she got. She likes to shop a lot and use Chiaki as her slave.

[it's not what you think!!]

Well, I thought in the end Nodame would finally get to play with Chiaki in an orchestra. Almost, but then Son Rui got in the way. I predict Nodame's dream will come true in the final movie. But that's OK. What I am happy to see is how sweet Nodame and Chiaki became a couple. There wasn't a need for uber romantic stuff, and Chiaki isn't the type who gives a damn about becoming a Romeo either. They slowly realized that they needed each other. Such an odd couple they are~

JOSEI ROMANCE WINS!

I don't really know what else to say cos the second season seem to have a 'cliffhanger'. I rate it 3.9/5 roughly.

Oh yea... I think I like Mozart now. Twinkle twinkle little star!

[Mozart cosplay]

p/s: I don't like the OP. btw I rly liek the first season's ED, Konna Chikaku De... by Crystal Kay.