Anime review: "The Tatami Galaxy"

"Tatami Galaxy" is one of this spring anime that I planned to watch for months now. There are few more, but most of them were 12 or 13 episode anime, and this one has 11 episodes, so it was first to finish. Therefore, it was first from to list to be watched. This will be a bountiful year, since I saw many good spring and summer anime announced on AnimeNewsNetwork.

Reason I put it on my wish list in first place was because it was announced as "seinen", "school life" and "college" anime. Also, somewhere I found that it has some connection with "Baccano!" (I just can't remember what it was: authors, studio or something like that). So I expected something like "Genshiken" with a touch of humor from "Baccano!". I was wrong, but I'm not sorry for it.

Main protagonist is a third year student whose name we never learn. In first episode talks about how he was naive and idealistic and expected to have a "rose-colored life" on campus, surrounded with friends and "raven-haired maidens". For that reason, he joined the tennis club, but unfortunately learned that he has no talent whatsoever. For that, he will get involved with Ozu, evil-looking prankster, and two of them will become known as "black Cupids", ruining other people's relationships, never admitting they can love also. But in the end, he will realize he is in love with Akashi, his year-younger female fellow student. Unfortunately, he will fail to gather the courage to approach her and end angry at himself and blaming Ozu as root of all his troubles.

This is just the first episode. Next one will be told with same characters and in the same time, but main character will join the movie club instead of tennis. And his efforts will end with similar results. Next time it will be cycling club. And so on... In every episode he will try to reach his dreams of "rose-colored campus life" and always spectacularly fail.

Somewhere around fifth episode, I thought that whole anime will be a constant stream of unconnected episodes with same theme, but different context. And I was wrong again. Every episode IS connected and they all help to create a complete picture, which is necessary to understand the last episode. And the last episode is one really great ending. It's amazing how all pieces fall in their place.

I am intentionally not talking about the characters. Except unnamed student, Ozu and Akashi, there are maybe five more important characters. Talking about them would be considered as spoilers. Every episode reveals a bit more about them. Even though sometimes information seems in conflict, last episode give them full meaning.

Jokes are usually very funny. I was more reminded of "Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei" than of "Baccano!". Only objection I have is that the protagonist sometimes talk too fast and I couldn't read all the subtitles (and I read fast). There are lots of details that you will be reward noticing for (for example, price of fortunetelling).

It is interesting how the main character always blame Ozu for his problems, without realizing that everything was his fault and Ozu just gave him the means to the ends. And Ozu is quite an imaginative prankster. They really made a bulls-eye with his look and voice.

From visual side, it looks very nice. Character design varies from super-deformed to realistic. Backgrounds and objects are done (intentionally) better than the people. Colors are very vivid, which means the most to me - I hate "Tom and Jerry"-like colors. I remember that OP and ED are very good, but I really can't say anything about SFX. Voices were nice, though. Oh yes, there was a nice song in anime, in fourth episode I think.

This is very funny anime, but with great and didactic message in the end. Definitely a good watch for fans of seinen anime and intelligent comedies.

Movie reviews: "The Proposal", "Top Secret", "The Bannen Way", "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse"

In last week I watched four movies. Since I didn't find time to write posts about them (feeling lazy) I decided to put all four of them in one post. Movies (except last, of course) are not really new, but I watched them for first time. So, in the order of watching...

"The Proposal" is 2009 movie, a romantic comedy, starring Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds. I don't like Sandra Bullock and her movies, but a friend told me that this movie was a very fun watch (and he doesn't like romantic comedies and Sandra Bullock), so I decided to give it a go and watch it with my girlfriend. Plus, I like Ryan Reynolds movies.

In the movie, Bullock is a book editor and Reynolds her assistant. She is a heartless and results-only-matter boss, hated by all her stuff, while he is nice and hard-working, trying to make a name for himself in the business. After she finds out that she will be deported (she's a Canadian), she blackmails him into marrying her so that she can stay in the country. To prove that they are true in their intentions, they travel to Alaska, to his parent house, to announce their marriage. Then the fun starts....

Movie is pretty good. It has nice jokes, the kind of that doesn't make you feel stupid watching them and laughing. It also has a serious under-theme, expressed especially toward the end. Both actors are good in their roles and their characters don't feel like caricatures. It's not an impressive movie, but definitely a nice watch, especially for couples, because both can enjoy.

"Top Secret" is a 1984 (so, old as me) parody that I watched accidentally. I just got into friend's house when they were beginning to watch it. For first 10 minutes, I was thinking in myself "Why are we watching this?!?!", but after that, it turned out to be one of the funniest movies I watched in years.

Protagonist is Nick Rivers, played by Val Kilmer (his first leading role, according to IMDB), an arrogant and confident rock-star, traveling to East Germany to perform rock there for the first time. He will get involved in some crazy plot including Nazi's, Russians, French Resistance, captured scientist and so on...

Plot doesn't matter really; jokes are what this film is about. If you like old slapstick comedies and Mel Brooks' films, you will like this movies. Jokes will feel familiar, since they were copied many times in years, but nevertheless... I didn't believe how a boots-wearing cow can be hilarious for several minutes! Best to watch with group of friends in good mood.

And "The Bannen Way" is worst movie I watched since "Shoot 'em up". It is enough to say that one of the writers is also a leading actor. The main character, Neal Bannen is a con-artist, in his thirties (maybe even older), starting to bold, with absolutely none of the qualities that make a good con (he is not really good with words, he's not good looking, not very smart, determined, skillful, lucky or anything). Nevertheless, he manages with every heist he tries...

Somewhere in the beginning of the movie, he enters some office with intention to impersonate somebody else. After two smiles and three words, he manages to get the secretary to let him into locked and secured office and have a "wild passionate sex" with her, in the same time making some transfer of money, we stopped really  watching. Two people (out of five) actually went home. And we that stayed involved in meaningless discussion about it the main female actor Eva Longoria (she's not) and what unbelievable scene will come next. In short, don't watch!

Last, "Eclipse" I watched in the movies, with my girlfriend. She's a fan of series, so I didn't have a choice of not going (joking). Next, the trailer announced a much darker and action-oriented film than first two. Plus, it featured the Volturis, a vampire family that was the first thing that looked like something of a background history...

So, for you who watched first two movies (rest of you try watching first part and see if you will continue), plot is next (in very short): Victoria is back once more; someone is making a vampire-army; Jacob is determined to take Bella from Edward. For me, plot was secondary in this movie. What I liked the most were characterization (especially Jasper) and bits of history that finally try to make something of a coherent world.

Unfortunately, I think that will not be enough for most people. Fans who watched first parts for all the angst and emotional tension will find the action orientation of this movie as off-putting. For non-fans, the movie is far from impressing: bad acting (but better that before), predictable plot and many things to sneer at. I think that people like me will like "Eclipse" most: people who like vampire themes and world-building, grateful for small gems of imagined histories.

Manga review: xxxHolic

I always find it hard to review manga, because all those manga I have read were longer ones. It is much easier to review a single anime season or a single book as a part of series. In longer runs, books/anime/manga introduce new elements to the story, new characters and so on...Then you have to either summarize the plot too much or reveal spoilers.

For example, "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" TV series. It has been quite long ago that I watched it, but if I remember correctly, first season or two consist mostly of single episodes (with no connection to others). It is only in later seasons that we are introduced to longer stories, encompassing multiple episodes or even seasons.

Why am I talking about this? Because "xxxHolic" is similar to "Buffy" (or "Angel" and any number of other action series) in that way. Story follows Watanuki Kimihiro, a high-school boy who is living alone, because his parents are dead. And why he is so special that he deserves a manga? Because he is able to see ayakashi, yokai and other paranormal beings that most people are unaware of. More so, he somehow draws these creatures to himself and is often forced to flee from them. This is about to change when he "accidentally" runs into shop run by mysterious Yuuko. She explains him that she is a witch who grants wishes and that only those with a wish are able to come into her shop. More, she is willing to grant him his wish to release him from curse of drawing ghosts to him. As a pay, he will work part-time in her shop after school, as a cleaner and a cook, until he pays of his debt.

His life won't get much peaceful after that. From one side, he will have his hands full with chores at the shop. On the other side, he will often be forced to help Yuuko with granting the wishes, which are mostly paranormal and mystical in nature. Connection with Yuuko and his abilities will also make him something of a "celebrity" in the spirit-world.

In his adventures, he will often be joined with Doumeki Shizuka from his school. Their relationship is quite complicated (and is often used as a source of comical relief). Watanuki can't stand Doumeki from the time of their first encounter and at the sight of him (encouraged by Doumeki's superior attitude toward him) becomes irritated (in comical way), but for some reason, other people think they are best friends. He will have to accept Doumeki as a part of his life when he finds out that Doumeki, even though can't see spirits, have an ability to exorcise them. One of people who think that Watanuki and Doumenki are great friends is Himawari Kunogi. She goes to the same school as the two of them and is also Watanuki's (not-so) secret love. She will also be drawn in Watanuki's supernatural adventures.

As I said, story at first consist of unconnected "episodes", where Watanuki helps Yuuko to grant various customer's wishes, mostly in detective-style, trying to find the source of their misfortune. He (and Doumeki, and in minor way Himawari) will learn more about the spirit world, its strange inhabitants and even more stranger rules. In later episodes, the true story will begin to unravel. And this story is really epic in its scope.

Unfortunately, reader will never learn it complete. That is, if he/she doesn't read "Tsubasa Chronicle". This manga (also adapted to anime as "xxxHolic") is connected with this in some smaller part of the story. But it is actually this minor part that is crucial for understanding events in later parts of the series. It turns out that main characters of "Tsubasa" are "important customers" of Yuuko; even more, main male character from "Tsubasa" has a complicated connection to Watanuki.

All in all, although it sounds confusing (and it is, unless you read both manga), this is actually very nice manga. "Cases" they solve (or wishes they grant) are mysterious and often based on human psychology. This is also very funny manga. Most jokes are based on Watanuki's character and his relationship with Doumeki. Also, it has very complex and detailed world, based on Japanese mythology (though I can't be sure how much of that is "real" mythology and have much have authors imagined themselves). Also, almost every chapter features some original Japanese dish, for those who like food reference (I do).

Main characters, especially Watanuki and Doumeki are great. They are much idealized, but they also have their own weaknesses. Yuuko is very intriguing character; she is also mean sometimes, especially toward Watanuki, which is always funny. Himawari is one of the main characterc, but mostly passive, occasionally giving advice to Watanuki's or serving as his object of love. There is also a lot of side characters, most of them from the spirit world.

Design of characters is unique CLAMP's, meaning unnaturally tall and elongated characters. Everybody looks nice, even the occasional bad guys.

As bad side of series, I would single sometimes confusing dialogs: conversations often wander into metaphysical discussions and have many jumps. And also, separating the stories between two series ("xxxHolic" and "Tsubasa") means you have to read both manga. And if you don't like "Tsubasa" (like I don't), you have a choice to be unaware of some important parts of the plot or to force yourself to read something you don't really like.

In short, very nice manga appropriate for both younger and older audience, also for readers of both genders. It has nice story and funny jokes, interesting world and complex characters. Sometimes a bit confusing, but a good choice if you are looking for intelligent, non-action manga.

An anime review: Paradise Kiss

One of short anime I watched during the vacation was "Paradise Kiss". I found it few months ago, by searching josei anime with good ratings on AniDB. I didn't have some special wish for watching it because I was a bit put off by bland-looking picture on its profile. But, because of its rating and shortness, I gave it a chance. In the end, I wasn't disappointed.

Series follows Hayasaka Yukari, a high-school girl soon to graduate, as she encounters and befriends (or better to say, gets befriended by) a group of fashion high-school designers. Yukari is nice and intelligent girl, but feeling a bit lost in her life. For as long as she can remember, she obediently followed her mother's wish to succeed in school. When she meets the group, named ParadiseKiss, she realizes that she doesn't actually know what she wants and decides to find herself.

Her connection with ParadiseKiss starts when they ask her to be their model for annual fashion competition at their school, because of her height and beauty. At first, she doesn't believe herself to be good enough, and think of them as time-wasting truants. But, she changes her opinion of them as she sees the passion and effort they invest in their clothes. All this help her to understand herself better, making her to leave school and try to make a living as a professional model. In only 12 episodes she will encounter various troubles, in professional and emotional view.

ParadiseKiss group consist of four people. Koizumi Jouji, nicknamed George, is a person I would probably hate in real life (joking). He is a genius designer, rich and good looking, independent and cocky; he is the center and main force of the group. As show goes on, I realized that I actual like George and after watching whole series, think of him as a protagonist, even though events are focused on Yukari. He has much depth as a character and he is very aware of himself. It is displayed how he is ready to sacrifice much for his real passion, design. Although he is sometimes cruel and insensitive, her cares for people and helps them to realize themselves, even though at times it looks like he is just a prick.

Miwako and Arashi are the couple of the group. Arashi is pierced and plays a guitar in band; he looks scary, but he is actually very emotive and caring. Miwako is cute and looks younger than she really is, which is amplified by her dressing style, which consists mostly of pink and lace. Isabella (just a nickname) is tall and tacit, but also very passionate. Some people will be surprised with a "revelation" about her somewhere toward the end of series. I say "revelation", but it is actually revealed in first or second episode, you just have to be open-minded to see it. Except these main five characters, there is also a big cast of supportive characters, each with their own life and history and each nicely done.

At first show reminded me much of "Nana". Just that instead of music it deals with clothes. If show wasn't finished, I would like it much less that now. And it has a definite end! If it lasted 24 or more episodes, I would judge it just a mediocre. Compared to "Nana" or "Lovely Complex" or even "Hachimitsu to Clover", it is much less intense. Main character have their own problems, which each of one can understand, but in long run are not very interesting to watch. But, as series has only 12 episodes, it works very well. You don't get irritated by character stupid choices or unending stream of bad luck. This way, they all get presented well, but they don't have time to become boring.

Ending was the greatest part of anime for me. As I said, it is definitive. It invokes feelings but you are not disappointed that is ended. Even though it's not a typical happy end, it makes you happy for the characters.

I saw on AniDB and Wikipedia, that this is a semi-sequel of one other similar show: "Gokinjo Monigatari". But I don't plan to watch it, since it's long and old (1995/1996).

From technical side, all good. Animation is OK; nothing spectacular, but nothing poor either. It does its job. Music is much better; OP and ED are great. Can't say anything about SFX during the episodes, but voices were good.

For conclusion: "Paradise Kiss" is not one of the greatest anime I watched, but one of the best josei. Only 12 episodes, it's a great choice for those who like romance anime, and a must for those who watch josei.

An anime review: XXXHOLIC: Rou

source: AniDB.net

I am not really a fan of CLAMP and their works, but I liked "Code Geass" anime and "XXXHOLIC" franchise. "Tsubasa Chronicles" I think it's OK, but I don't think much of it. So, if you didn't watch previous "XXXHolic" anime, watch the first one and continue with rest if you like it. If you watched it, then continue to the review of latest anime installment, "XXXHOLIC: Rou"...

A book review: The Painted Man

As I mentioned it in my recent post(s), this week I am on vacation, so I though I would be able to enjoy my books in the "old way". Meaning, reading whole day. Unfortunately, I was constricted by the fact that I had only one book at home. I didn't want to do a reread, mostly because one week is not enough for that, and also, I'm saving rereading of "The Wheel of Time" for fall and "Malazan Book of the Fallen" for winter. That reminded me, Tor.com announced a reread of "MBoF" few months ago, like they have it for "WoT", but it's very, very late.

But, let's get back to the book in the topic. It was "The Painted Man" (or, in some countries, "The Warded Man"), a first novel by Peter V. Brett. I am usually skeptic about first novels, but the second book, "The Desert Spear", was published recently. Reviews say that, even though it's not as good as first, is still very good. Also, I mentioned it before, I'm in a phase when I want classical high fantasy, and reviews agree with this. One more reason for buying it was that this will be a trilogy and the last book is announced for next year, so I would not have to wait long if I liked it.

I bought a paperback edition, which fooled me a bit. Judging from the size, I expected 1000 or near-so pages, but it has only 550 pages. Another my expectation about this book that proved to be false was that it is based on Tibetan mythology. Reason for this misconception was that some review on Amazon that I have read few months ago mentioned "Tibbet's Brook", which is the name of birth-village of the main character. This half-remembered name and mention of demons convinced me that the world is based on Buddhism, but I was wrong.

Now, to the book. It features the world where humanity of losing three-hundred-years long war against demons. There exist only seven cities and multitude of small villages, although the world was covered with civilization once. People struggle for survival during the day and keep themselves locked in their houses during the night. Because, night is time for demons. There are six well-defined species of demons, and their sole passion is killing and eating humans (although, they will attack animals if they have chance). Only protection humanity has are protective wards. People draw, chisel or imprint these wards in circles about their houses (and even towns) to protect themselves from the night. But, even the slightest mistake can mean the death of whole household, or even whole village. People accept this situation as their reality, which is encouraged by the Church, and live in constant terror of the night. Only people who dare travel longer distances are Messengers, who are paid very well for their effort. And only in the southern city of Krasia (based on Islam), people still try to fight demons instead covering in terror.

There are three main characters in the book. Most prominent one is Arlen. At the beginning of the book, he is eleven years old boy living in before-mentioned village of Tibbet's Brook, small hamlet of few hundreds souls. He will live trough a personal trauma and have a close encounter with demons. But, instead making him fearful of them, it will only serve to ingrain him with strong yearning for freedom. He will have a chance for it when he finds himself in the City of Miln, as an adopted son of a Messenger.

Leesha is some thirteen year old girl at the beginning. She lives in Cutter's Hollow and her only wish is to finally become a woman and marry her betrothed. But a series of coincidences will show her the dark side of human nature and strip her of her naivety. On the other hand, it will broaden her views. Apprenticeship under Bruna, an ancient Herbalist, although not wished for in the beginning, will give her a chance of a life she never dreamed of and bring her to the fortified City of Angiers.

And Rojer, who is only three years old kid at start, is character with least coverage in the book. After losing his parents in attack of demons, he will find himself in care of successful, but selfish, Jongleur Arrick. He will also find out that this is not an easy life, especially when you run out of luck.

Story is told in three phases, with few years skip between. First part describes Arlen's and Leesha's life as kids, second some of their training, and third is about the main plot-line of the book. And I believe that this second part is the weakest part of the book. Or to explain it better, it's best, but too short. I think I am not the only one who likes to read about apprenticeships and trainings of heroes-to-be (just look at success of "The Name of the Wind") and this part is mostly skipped here. Though, there is a nice part of book describing Arlen's training to become a Warder and his teen years, but I most certainly wouldn't mind additional hundred of two pages more about it.

Development of main characters in character and skill is probably the strongest part of the book, next to the unique world. Leesha and other Herbalists reminded me to village Wisdoms from "The Wheel of Time" world. Arlen is very likable character, with emotional scars that I think anybody can empathize with. Leesha also, you just must admire her strength, but also feel sorry for her sacrifices. Rojer is somewhat less likable, but also very believable character. He is sometimes selfish and coward, but manages to express and even realize his good intentions occasionally.

There is lot of mentions of sex in the book. Nothing too explicit, but the book deals with some disturbing themes like raping and incest. On the other hand, I can't say this is very violent book, even though a good portion of it describes fighting against demons. It just that violence it mild, if I have to put it in one word.

To summarize, I liked "The Painted Man" very much. It is not a best book that I have ever read, but it has a nicely imagined world with good potential and some strong characters. Story was intense and made leaving this book for the night hard. Nice book for the time between your favorite series, especially if you like lots of action and fighting in your books.

An anime review: Mononoke

I had "Mononoke" in my wishlist for some time, but I skipped it each time because of unattractive picture on its AniDB profile. Since this week I am on vacation and I haven't downloaded anything else, I decided to use it as a quick-watch, since it got only 12 episodes. From AniDB I knew it is some kind of mystery-horror anime about some guy travelling around and fighting evil ghosts.

I will start my review from unusual side for me: the animation. This is not a classical Japanese animation; it reminded me of European cartoons from when I was a kid (in the eighties). I have recollection of some cartoon, featuring a detective, that had this same type of animation, and its name is on top of my tongue, but I just can't remember it. Anyway, it had static background (but wavy, like road in a hot summer day), but characters are not singled by brighter colors (like in e.g. "Tom and Jerry"). Movement is slow when there is a movement; mostly are characters shown in one position, then after a change of angle or scene, they are in different position. In some way, it reminded me also on "Gankutsuou", but mostly, because of colors and textures. Also, design of characters is not Japanese, and people in background are represented my mannequins. Characters look like Japanase people drawn in European cartoons. It is unusual, but it looks very nice. At first look, they look a bit crude, but later you see that there are lots of details and effort invested. I think that I noticed some use of CGI (scales).

My initial expectation about story was true. It follows unnamed Medicine Seller, traveling around. His actual call (or maybe passion) is really killing Mononokes (Mononoke is a type of ghost; it is all well explained in anime). We don't know anything about his background and chapters (five of them) are mostly unconnected (there is one repeating character in two chapters). He kills ghosts with his Sword, but to release it, he needs to know Form, Truth and Regret of the Mononoke. So, episodes consist mostly of interviews with related parties and connecting it to the whole story. Ghosts are based on Japanese mythology; I recognized few of them, even the names. In a way, it is same as "Mushishi", just with ghosts instead mushrooms, and with more (much more!) action.

Stories are very interesting and tense; I way usually surprised after the solution. There is lots of blood and violence in this anime. Themes are mostly human weakness and sins: jealousy, corruption, greed, even incest. It was disturbing sometimes, but on the other hand, you can read about similar cases everyday in newspapers.

Except opening and ending (which I didn't like), I didn't notice any song or melodies in background; there are mostly just noises and sounds. This helps in creating the mood very well. Voices of character are unique as their design.

Interesting thing, I can't say when this anime takes place. Few chapters are definitely in medieval Japan, but last chapter (that chronologically happens first) takes place in a train and features a woman reporter, typing machine and a telephone! Also, I would like to know more about the main character, the Medicine Seller. He looks and act very cool, especially his alter-ego (at least that is how I perceived person wielding the Sword). There is one anime connected with this one, "Ayakashi", so I'll definitely watch it.

In short, a very nice anime to watch when you have some free time. It doesn't have any overall plot you have to remember, but it works well with keeping the viewer amused. Definitely worth watching; not suited for kids, though.