Tuesday, 24 December 2013

White Album 2 Update

Hi guys, I've actually stopped blogging on White Album 2 until it finished airing because it interrupted my thoughts for Golden Time. Since the show has ended I'm going to resume blogging about it. In addition, Christmas is here I've got a lot of catching up to do before school starts again! Thanks for reading all my blogs guys and catch you on my next one! PSTTTT (Golden Time 12 will be blogged soon!) ^_^

Tuesday, 17 December 2013

Golden Time - 11

Golden Time Episode 11 Thoughts & Discussion (Contains Spoilers)

I may have caught a cold before my last final exam but here it goes, episode 11 of golden Time before the next one is released this weekend. I really like to thank FFFansubs for doing this project and doing it in a manner that is professional and on time. Really love the schedule and professionalism they put into their work.










Banri
It seems altogether that Banri has finally tied his raging feelings down and only to be well aware of his situation. He knows for sure what he's feeling inside. His mixed feelings for Linda (partially Ghost Banri's fault) and his love, Kouko, where he doesn't know or rather he can't explain himself clearly on what position hes going to take. Self conflict here is actually in my opinion very destructive and hard on the person. I know for a fact how he's feeling from my own empirical experiences but eventually you'll have to settle down and choose a decision right? Because if you don't, things will become blurry and what I'd imagine a dark gloomy rainy day. Although, at least Banri's able to admit to himself that he has feelings for Linda, he still feels bad (regret probably) and that he's totally an 'awful' (ass in my opinion) that he deals with Kouko because he has these feelings of guilt. - It doesn't make you look too good Banri!


Kouko
As selfish as she may seem she's still genuinely innocent in a sense that being naive to relationships may play a part. Probably explains why she's so stalkerish (refering to the stalkerish conversation with Banri about jobs). Although it also seems to reinforce her nature of being insecured about girls (Oka, and probably Linda).The photograph that Banri's missing may play a vital role in how she'll deal with it and eventually explains why she won't let Banri take a job no matter what. She's got no control over the situation, and lets not forget she is this person who 'plans', obviously someone who likes to be in control. Those types of people who can't control, or dominate, end up hurting themselves because when things don't go their way or when their expectations are too high and it doesn't meet up to it... it only disappoints them. Well in Kouko's case, she's more depressive than a mushroom waiting to be picked on a rotting tree! lol!

Linda
As much as I love Linda, My friend and I were discussing about her. Although she seems not to be past 'Old Banri', and possibility hoping that there is something that might happen to change Banri, she is certainly very selfish. I must agree with my friend that ignoring the fact of Banri's feelings before and still wanting to stay friends and close with him while he has a girlfriend is ultimately, selfish. You can't deny this. Even with her caring nature and all it all feeds towards, "why can't you just meet up with him before and confess?". Although I feel that things may become a little more intense in the next episode partly due to the fact that Banri's now aware of his feelings towards Linda things might take a turn for the worse between Kouko and Banri. Banri's awareness and Linda's closeness doesn't sit too well for me especially in this episode when they turn out to be working the same job and staring at each other like that.

That photo strikes again!
Well, now we're all aware as the audience that the photo is indeed in Kouko's hands and will feed towards her feelings of insecurity of Banri and the girls that surround him. Crucial that this object does play a significant role in further drama to be developed.

Nana Senpai
Again, as much as she is mean to Banri, she is a very nice person. She did get Banri that job although she might also be devious enough to get Mitsuo in on the project. She is very considerate and we find examples of this when Banri is trying to repay her for the taxi fare to the hospital. She also plays as a catalyst in my opinion in blossoming the relationship between Banri and Linda. She acts as a third party whether you like it or not to enhance their relationship and contact.

Mitsuo
Upon their conversation between Banri it seems like it also reveals somethings about Banri that he's able to deal with Kouko, although we should look more into the fact that he's 'guilty' partly to the reason why he can deal with her. Otherwise, I'd say Mitsuo probably still can't deal with her because she's quite outgoing in my eyes. All in all their relationships seem to be in top notch between Mitsuo/Kouko/Banri. Mitsuo obviously is also seen that he still hasnt given up on Oki yet between their conversation at the party. I hope all things go well for him too later in this series!

Oki
This bright young and loud girl plays awfully well in this episode as she serves to also bring out the good side of being a normal person. I mean at this age, especially in Japan, people work. Thus justifying Banri's reason to work for Kouko's sake. Overall I love Oki she gives this anime a sense of whats real in today's day and age.

Cultural Festival Club
I very much enjoy them as they seem to be very cheerful. At least they get to bully Banri for being such a dumbo at times. However, they are still very supportive of him between his girlfriend and his financial situations. Even if they are somewhat jealous that he gets to date someone who is rich and beautiful.

Final thoughts on this episode
The ending of this episode definitely says that things will unwrap between the tension of Linda/Banri/Kouko. She's phoning him while looking at that picture and she who is a person of expression will not deny it even as much as she wants to. She'll definitely go to Banri in the next episode and state whats wrong with her in the past couple episodes to as why she's anxious and depressive and also clingy. Well, overall I just hope things turn out better than ever between Banri and Kouko, as much as I root for Linda. When things like these happen, anything goes. All in all I'd rate this episode a nice 8/10.

Monday, 16 December 2013

Golden Time - 10

Golden Time Episode 10 Thoughts & Opinions (Contains spoilers)
Hi guys, I've been trying to catch up so I can blog ontime for the next episode! So I'm trying to speed through my thoughts on each episode before Episode 12 is released this week! So bare with me guys.










Banri
Whoa it seems like in this episode Banri regains his composure after his encounter with this ghost past. Things start to get interesting as he finally realizes that there is something more than different about him. That there might be a possibility that there is another side(personality) residing within himself. Hopefully he finally understands himself a bit more after finding that he may have some *spark* left for Linda. Especially in this episode with Linda in on the scene when he's caught that fever and taking care of him, things just seems like they are taking a dive to another side of love. Clearly, things might tend to be messy especially with him having some residing feelings for Linda as she seems more like a "real" goal than Kouko, who is someone that he's put on a pedestal and out of his league. I'm expecting that there will be some more self conflict between him choosing Linda or Kouko, since this episode has executed clearly that Banri is aware of his own decisions.

Linda
Wow, am I falling for Linda... This episode just shows the sweet side of things, like when you first take a bite out of an apple. Linda's genuinely just too sweet and a nice person but yet timid. This episode really shines out Linda's compassion and personality as a caregiver. Taking care of someone when they're sick and giving them bread and medication... really makes me cheer on for Linda! Definitely someone I would marry xD. On the side note, I really don't like the fact though that she's playing the bigger "sister" like how she was in high school with Banri to hide her facade of love for him. Truly saddens me that she does this. Why can't things just go nicely between them? :(

That Photo of Banri and Linda
Well it seems like this episode it may have revealed some gruesome truth of what happened to the photograph and as to why Kouko's feeling very depressed, anxious, and so on. She's an in secured girl, and not knowing what Linda's relationship was like with Banri before pushes her out on the ledge. Especially with Banri keeping this a secret from her, after all telling her he has no recollection of his past(Episode 4). Her trust in him must have taken a little dive, or rather her trust in herself has taken a huge dive.

Kouko
Haha, another comedic entrance. She never ceases to amuse once again. Her entry into his house is as it was in the first episode. Those roses and the way she makes her entry shows us a couple things about her. She will never give up on who she loves and she will fight it no matter what. But jokingly aside, she actually makes a nice entrance because of its comedy. It breaks so much of the tension that was in the first half of this episode. Especially with Banri's depressive episode of self conflict between choosing which girl he loves. However, even if Mitsuo and 2d-kun was dragged into her situation of her perception of cheating, at least she doesn't keep her feelings secretive. In this case, she actually tells Banri that she was worried that there was another girl. This is one the feats of Kouko I really like, as long as a girl you love is true to herself, things will eventually work out. In addition I feel that the producers actually executed her pretty well too as she stayed for the duration when Banri was sleeping just to tell him that she wants to go to the beach with him. It really reflects the parallel idea of care giving, compassionate, loveable and all those tingly feelings you get when compared to Linda. - Making you hard to decide who he should be paired up with! Although I do feel like shes keeping the secret between the photograph of Banri x Linda a secret... makes me kind of worry that theres going to be some more drama!! It's really not like Kouko to be so secretive, but I mean, we're dealing with complex relationships here and girls got to have their own secrets sometimes!

Mitsuo & 2d-Kun
Comedic as usual, as part of their entry into their house it was very enjoyable to break the serious tension early and between Kouko x Banri x Linda to make it seem less tense. Very enjoyable and they really shine out as side characters to build up a sense of enjoyment and character development for the rest.

Nana Senpai
She also adds a bit of spice to this episode as shes very tsun tsun if you know what I mean. Under all that "cosplay" and make up is someone I feel that is gentle inside. I mean, if she lives with Linda, roommates have to be very similarly alike in other to live together right? If that wasn't that case they wouldn't have still shared rooms together for their second year in college. *Cough* (my own experiences with bad roommates) -.-''.

Final thoughts on this episode
I have this anxious feeling about Kouko, I know from a fact that this whole anime has developed her as an open extrovert but yet a person who fails to make friends, and may tend to be socially awkward. However, she's at least true to herself and knows clearly what goals she wants (regarding to who she wants). So she's been a person that's able to express herself clearly but this episode draws upon a darker side of her that worries me. That secret of the photograph and her knowledge of it while not mentioning it to Banri about it at all. Clearly, we know that Banri and Linda likes to keep things secretive and look what happen to their past... Things were never resolved and things just hit the bricks for them. I truly hope that this doesn't happen :(. On the other hand, I really loved how Linda played out in this episode as a caregiver. #1 COMPASSIONATE PARTNER GUYS. Gauranteed. All in all, I hope that Banri doesn't takes things next level with his indecisive feelings. I mean it is certain that you regain some recollection of your past, but if you really throw all that away for what you have in the present, kind of eats at me inside a bit.

Definite 9/10 for this episode. Good execution producers,especially with the comedy break in between. Nicely done.

Saturday, 14 December 2013

Golden Time - 9

Golden Time 9 Opinions & Thoughts (Contains spoilers)

I've been studying for exams so I haven't really had the time to complete my blogs on Golden Time. All I have to say about this show is that it keeps on getting better especially with comedy and drama! Definitely my favorite of all time. Anyways lets get started with Golden Time 9.


Kouko
I talked about last episode how something must of happened during Banri's conversation with Linda on the balcony. It seems like through the episode something is bothering her. From previous episodes we do know for sure that Kouko is very in secured and eventually this whole episode seems to be foreshadowing something that might be happening between Kouko/Linda/Banri. In the beginning of episode 9 we already see something is up as Oki states "Oh you don't look so well". Kinda already foreshadows something has happened for what Kouko experienced. Although I must say it was nicely portrayed in this episode about Kouko's insecurity and sadness that dwells inside of her, even if we don't understand what it is. It truly seems like self conflict for a young maiden to feel 'anxious' as we would call it especially when it's one's first relationship. I've got to admit though, I feel she's very adorable but it's only because she's experiencing this at such older age (20-ish I presume because of college years). As I watch the show it just amuses me how her coming of age just grows and her feelings or experiences about love just blossoms. Especially the part where she had to confront her feelings her Banri after the practice. Although it wasn't clear, something clearly wasn't right for her but for someone who's expressive rather than secretive (Linda and Banri) I found it quite heartbreaking that Kouko had to express her doubts like that as a first time :(. We'll have to see what will happen between her and Banri in the next episode!

Banri.
This guy never seems to cease amusing me. Ghost Banri? New Banri? This is the stuff that gets people going on dramas. Especially people like me. It also seems that it's a common theme of self conflict especially between Banri's ghost and his current self. But for this part lets talk about it. Honestly, I'm going to say it right now that this Ghost is kind of annoying me. For a fact, true, Linda's a childhood friend and I've always wanted them to be paired together because it always seemed as it was an unrequited love between them and especially unexpressed one. If Linda and Banri could really just talk it out *I wish* things would have gone so much smoother. If we just look at this episodes flashback, they shared so much together, and if he didn't mess up things would have really gone a lot better between them. It really saddens me actually to know for a fact that those things happened between Linda and her family, but to lose all of it because of Banri's accident and the way the present is going.

That strange freak with Linda's brother's Fiancee
Well I got a hint, or well a feeling that theres something more to him than just a glance like in the anime. I believe that this guy has definately something to do with Banri's accident. Especially when he was watching the whole time how Linda was talking to her brother's Fiancee in the car while he watches he probably had a huge I mean HUGE distaste towards Banri and Linda for messing up his affair with that woman. However, this is just a presumption, might not be true but dwell on it, there's always a possibility cause I've known people in life who would really do anything for love - Whether it's an affair or not. A friend once told me "When there's love there is no rules or boundaries you follow" - which always left a distasteful sour feeling in my tongue.

Linda's Brother
I feel for this guy. He's a macho man but coming from Banri's flashback he's probably one of those type of guys that is big outside but soft inside. He definitely seems like he has a lot of will and kindness to teach. In my opinion its because you have to be good with people to actually deal with other people. In this case, children or adolescents from high school  It is quite hard to deal with them because of uniqueness of adolescent behaviors and etc... In the end, it just makes me sad, and depressed that this guy has to live without the knowledge of his fiancee(I MEAN FIANCEE) having cheated on him multiply times. That's pretty bad, I mean if my partner was going to cheat on me I REALLY hope someone would actually tell me because I probably wouldn't even be able to live with this lie (like Linda in this episode whom has to live with it her whole life).

Linda
Things seem to be okay at the moment even after the weird encounter at the balcony. I mean who can forget that? Sleep talking? LOL? I mean in her eyes that would definitely be weird and she probably is worrying about Banri. Anyways, in this episode she seems pretty normal, no drama, but lets remember what Linda's like. She's a secretive person, and a person with secrets is always known to be a trouble maker(well in this case a drama maker). She definitely mentions her brother... but doesn't even explain it to the "new Banri". Seems fishy here, something probably will happen later in the series about Banri finding out etc etc and more drama to come on its way.

Ghost Banri.
This guy is amazing. His will power must be way over the charts of any person. He even tries to take over the Banri now so he can get closer to Linda. Man is this guy persistent with Linda. Of course, I don't really see it as a problem. I mean this guy really does love Linda especially with all the things he shared with her in the past. Feelings, sadness, loneliness, love - all of these things lost from time and from existence. In my opinion, true despair. Really has my sympathy for him but him trying to mess things up with Banri and Kouko... that still really annoys me!

Final thoughts on this episode.
Well It seems things are still riding up the drama coaster *CHOO CHOO*. I'm glad that this is a 2 cour season. 24 episodes of drama YES! But anyways I'm concluding couple things I've expect to see. That freak that has something to do with Banri. Linda's family problems, and Kouko's problems (Probably something to do with Linda) and Banri's annoying ghost playing a big problem later in the series as I presume either he takes over or he just regains his memories.

Sunday, 24 November 2013

Blog update

Hey guys, I've notice that I've been spending more and more time on the anime synopsis's and I wish to actually blog a lot of them. It seems that I spend most of my time trying to give a specific synopses.  Sorry to whoever actually enjoys them, I'm going to refrain from doing so because it makes my blog posts long, and its also time consuming. I'd rather spend the 2 hours from writing the specifics out to adding probably about 3-4 extra discussions on other animes instead. Rather what I'll do in the future is just analyze specific parts and discuss about them. 

Side note: (Yes I know giving a specific synopsis is something as a nono to most bloggers, but I like to do it to keep it memorable in my mind ^^)

Saturday, 23 November 2013

Golden Time - 8

I don't know why but I gotta admit I like to blog about Golden Time first than White Album. I find that Golden Time sparks my interest far more with its drama intensive execution. Its always constant too but the case of White album I feel like its a huge build up towards a huge climax at the end. I guess its just personal preference lol. Anyways this episode there was A HUGE LOAD of information to take in. Wow, was I surprised with the amount of the things that happened in this episode! 

Sidenote: Please do note, you don't have to read any of the Synopsis in any of the blogs I've posted - these are for myself to serve as a memory of how enjoyable the anime was for me - and time I spent to etch everything into my head ^^. My discussion starts at 'thoughts at the bottom'

Golden Time 8 Synopsis & Thoughts (may contain spoilers)
The anime starts off with a flashback into one of Banri's highschool days about Linda. Banri's waiting for Linda in front of school after club activities. Hes wondering why shes late. He goes to the club house to find her. At the club house girls are teasing Linda about the closeness of Linda and Banri. Linda clearly denies all allegations that she has nothing lovey-dovey whiling saying she does not like Banri. To her surprise while leaving, Banri ends up listening to the whole conversation. Banri runs away when she meets her face to face and she tries to stop him. Next day at school she tries to confront Banri to talk about it but he runs away again. She tries multiply times and fails as Banri keeps avoiding her. One day it rains, Linda is soaked waiting for Banri at the entrance of the school. She starts to cry and apologizes to Banri, saying "Its actually the opposite, I'm stupid please forgive me". Banri finally comes out of his shell and says "he doesn't like her either and its fine". Banri's old self says that maybe things would have been different if their feelings were "opposite of what they really felt". In the end, they're seen walking home together.

Next scene, back to the present of where we left off in episode 7. Kouko is on the phone with Banri talking about Mitsuo's problem. She convinces Banri to go see him because if she goes into another guy's house alone as its considered 'cheating'. On the other side, Banri's hesitating because shes alone with Linda behind "closed doors". LOL. Linda leaves his house while his old self is reminiscing that he still "loves Linda" while this Banri does not. The "new" Banri puts away the photo of him and Linda's pictures on the shelf he gets ready to go out to find Mitsuo.


Banri's walking to find Mitsuo's house using his GPS. When he arrives he sees Mitsuo is having problems with an a girl. Mitsuo doesn't want to let the girl into his place but she insists she wants to cook and stay over. Suddenly Banri comes up putting on an act of a relationship with Mitsuo using exmaples like "my boyfriend" and "I love you" LOL. Imitating a lot of references that Kouko uses they were able to scare off who appears to be "Reina-senpai" from the filming club. Mitsuo continues to complain that Reina-senpai is trying to throw herself onto him. While as they enters his messy place, Banri asks about his problems with Chinami. He explains in his flashback at college where he met up with Chinami and told her that she shouldn't talk to him again because everyone knew about his rejection at the film party. At the same time Kouko's there and sees what happens and Mitsuo ends up running away because hes embarrassed that everyone's talking about him and his rejection. Back in his room, Banri comforts Mitsuo as he takes out Kouko's mirror and says hes "handsome, and confident" and that he wants to cheer him up as how Linda-Senpai did. He calls 2d-kun and says that he wants to throw a party.

At an amusement park entrance, Kouko and 2d-kun meet up with Mitsuo and Banri. Kouko teases Banri saying hes late but shes happy to see him. While 2d-kun jokingly imitates Kouko. Kouko ends up arguing with Mitsuo but is interrupted by a phone call from Chinami. Kouko grabs the phone and tells Chinami to come although she doesn't like her. Kouko tells Mitsuo if hes going to leave or stay.

Kouko and Banri are waiting at a train station for Chinami to join with the rest of the group. Kouko's complaining how it would of been best if it was just the two of them. Chinami arrives and Kouko seems pissed off. Chinami begins to say how she's surprised that she's been asked out as Mitsuo was there. She brought "noodles" showing how "flustered" she is. Kouko suddenly blows up and says how she doesn't want her to come, etc etc. However, Kouko starts to argue about how she better not hurt Mitsuo again. Chinami argues back saying why how she should just worry about she already has - Banri and whats between her and Mitsuo is her own business. She then drops her bag after asking for her noodles back. She takes out her camera hoping its not broken. She says that "she knows how it feels to be rejected as Mitsuo said she never wants to talk to her again. She then breaks up the bad situation and tension between her and Kouko by playing it 'stupid' with noodles stuck on her head while Banri is filming.

At the amusement park they go through rides like the roller coaster and haunted house. They end up going go-karting and riding the merry go around. At the merry go around Banri wonders if Mitsuo and Chinami made up while Kouko says that she should only look at her and holds his face. 

At Banri's place they begin their party. They all make a pact "if they go out to drink or party the whole group should go". They all end up agreeing with a team stand handshake.
At night its 3:07 AM and Banri wakes up while everyone is sleeping. He suddenly texts Linda too see if she is awake. They end up meeting up at the balcony. DRAMA GETS ON! Banri asks if she was awake the whole time, replied as a yes from the noise. She explains that its funny how she was just thinking about him in the past. She goes on to explain that during trips in high school he would often go to the girls tents and look for her because he couldn't sleep. He laughs it off saying its probably something perverted and that he probably used to loved her as his old self and wanted to watch her sleep(Pretty disturbing lol?). Linda goes on saying how things could be toxic like their encounter if they left emotions waiting and built up. Banri continues as he wants to ask what the confession would have been. Linda answers "no" with her head down saying that she couldn't see him as a romantic partner. Banri then says something weird, "wouldn't you want to go back to then?" and then yells out "I WANT TO GO BACK!". He notices he said something weird the with confusion he asks what he said. Linda goes on saying he fell asleep and that its late that he should go to sleep. The  "ghost" Banri comes out and says that he still loves Linda and if he sticks to Banri he'll "disappear". 



Thoughts
Wow is this week's episode is amazing or what. For me, this weeks episode was totally more exciting than last weeks! A few things I want to mention before I start on discussing what happened in this weeks episode. I really love how they executed it. To split up between Banri x Lindas part in the beginning and then the end with a dissatisfied taste in the tongue about them! So far the main stories still in the middle of the anime but certainly the side drama of Banri and Linda has really gotten me worked up! I really thought it was the end of their drama last episode but it just keeps coming back lol! I really want to thank people on the forums at Myanimelist as I read their forum posts they led to analyze more about each character's personality and feelings.

1) The first thing I want to talk about is Banri and Linda. Again and again people are still raising the question whether the confession about Linda or Banri was a complete rejection or a 'yes'. I want to clarify this that in my past blogs I've always been leaning towards the confession about Linda saying yes. Absolutely this week's episode has certainly proved my point about them and now I am certain with a high possibility that the confession was a 'Yes'. Heres the reasons, this weeks episode opened up again to Banri's past, about their relationship in school. Yes there seems to be a misunderstanding between them when Banri overheard what Linda said about not liking him in front of all the girls in the club house. People also raised a lot of dislike for Banri because he ran away and kept avoiding Linda. Yes, its okay to dislike Banri for what he's done but every person is flawed. For Banri and Linda they've become somewhat non lovers - close to lovers but yet best friends. So to speak, his treatment towards this status can be justified because they both always hung out together from what I've got from the anime. Because of this, its highly unlikely that they had relationships with other people, love- wise. Hence, they have no experience in dealing with situations where they are faced with when someone confesses or loves each other. Yes, certainly Banri dealt with it badly, avoiding his best/lover/not yet lover friend but in my perspective this is what happens in youth, and in high school when you don't have experience. If I was confronted in a situation where its messy, the girl might like me but says that in front of everyone I'd definitely run if I was just a teenager. Hence, what's not to like about Banri, people are flawed and this is what makes characters in anime so favorable and interesting. However, I want to justify why that confession was a yes. In the end of the flashback, they both agreed they don't like each other but clearly Linda says "Its actually the opposite", certainly Banri loves this girl back then because of his graduation confession. Lastly, at the end of the episode Linda explains to Banri what the confession was. She said no right? However, this is animated so nicely in the anime I have to give a lot of props to. In the anime when she says "no"; look at her face. She's looking down and it seems like she's forcing herself to say no. When someone who can't look another person in the "eyes" you can't see the truth. This also proves that she's lying about her feelings and it's probably because she doesn't want things to get messy for Kouko and him. Clearly these three evidence provides us with enough to say that they actually had a thing going on and the confession is a 'yes'.

2) I wanted to talk about is their personality/feelings. It seems that this episode has developed more of Banri and Linda's personalities. Their unrequited love and lies/hidden feelings all tell us about why they act so indecisively in stressful situations such as confessions. It really tells us that's how they dealt with it although they know that each of their feelings were mutual(love-love). Now, we still see it in the college years how indecisiveness plays a factor and like they were before(i.e Banri running away, Linda having a hard time explaining and apologizing still happens). Personalities don't change much and this is what makes these two characters so favorable and likable in my opinion. Speaking about feelings, it seems that Linda's definitely still in-love with Banri but probably she's willing to let it go for his sake (unrequited love) because of Kouko. What I really want to address is the insane last minute thing about Banri! Holy COW his other split personality just comes out when he is asleep?! When he said he really wanted to "go back to the past". His ghost taking over his body...? That's some next level drama going on.

3) I also wanted to address Kouko and I also had some suspicion about her whether she still likes Mitsuo. Indeed, a lot of fans also raised some questions whether shes really 'bad' or has that 'bad intentions' with her(i.e still planning to still get closer to Mitsuo). The reason I had some suspicion about her was because she was still caught up about Mitsuo at the train station. When Chinami came she clearly argued with her, telling her not to hurt Mitsuo ever again. Then Chinami tells her why would she care? She's got Banri and she should cherish what she has. This part is what makes people suspicious of her. It would have probably made me suspicious too because its true, why would she still care about Mitsuo if she has Banri? However, thats not the point here. Remember when Kouko confessed to Banri at the police station. She says she doesn't have the confidence, doesn't have friends etc etc. That's mainly the reason why she doesn't like Chinami and said that about Mitsuo. She really wanted to beat Chinami as a 'rival' not that she has still has feelings for Mitsuo. Furthermore, she states as she stuffs Chinami's face with noodles "I'm only allowed to cry infront of Banri" really says this because she believes that if Chinami cries, certainly Banri's sympathy will be towards her and making her feel like she's lost. This scene really describes Kouko... Especially her personality... In-secured  spoiled, jealous, envious, and very dependent on her partner. It isn't necessary a bad thing but those types of attributes/personality usually get hurt the most in a relationship..! Lastly, we kinda know that Chinami's got a thing for Mitsuo and it's a clear misunderstanding about the rejections since one of them doesn't feel like its a formal one.

In conclusion, I also wanted to address next week's episode. HOLY COW. When I re-watched the episode, holy I saw some of next week's episode and it does look intense... I mean it looks like things are already going downhill for Kouko and Banri... and I have a feeling its about that balcony talk with Linda x Banri. I bet you she overheard it since he did scream! But that's just an assumption so I could possibly be wrong! However, this week's episode did really exceed my expectations. Because of it's drama, plot, and execution (Banri x Linda at the beginning and end, main plot in the middle) really fit how it should have played out (the drama). I'd give this week's episode a 10/10. It was extremely over the top, interest peaking for me. I hope you guys enjoy this and if you have any questions post a comment! 

Monday, 18 November 2013

Sword Art Online Closing Captions and Thoughts

I've been meaning/wanting to do a Sword Art Online review since it was my favorite and was considered one of the most popular and anticipated anime in 2012. I considered it one of the more enjoyable animes in 2012. I am very much into fantasy as to Romance/comedy/slice of life animes. So don't worry guys I will cover other animes other than romance ones.

Side note: This post will not be a synopsis like other blogs, rather it'll be a closing caption about the whole anime and what I thought about it. Although I will give a general synopsis like I did for True Tears in the beginning. Also, I haven't read any of the manga or the light novels so this a from a perspective where I haven't experienced original works.

Synopsis:
In 2022, a new development of surfing the net was created called "nerve gear" It allows the user who uses it to be put into a sleep mode while their minds surf into an alternate reality. Sword Art Online created by Kayaba Akihiko, is one of many MMORPGS that is released. It becomes one of the most anticipated virtual reality game that consists of massive amounts of players to begin a quest to beat the 100 floors of the tower. The main character Kirito (Kirigaya Kazuto) logs in his first time after playing the beta version of  Sword Art Online. Soon, the community is devastated as no one is able to log out... Dying in the game also meant death in real life... What will happen to Kirito as he journey's through the levels of the game?

Closing Caption & Thoughts (May contain spoilers)

This anime started out really great. When I first watched Hack//sign I really loved the concept of virtual reality games that players couldn't log out. It was then the "journeys of fantasy games" made me so enticed at anime genres like this.

Characters:
They were very nicely developed throughout the game. Kirito had a nice growth of development learning to deal with pain, loss, love, isolation, and kindness. His development throughout the whole anime was very nicely executed, nothing too flawed about his character. I'd say it didn't really make anyone hate him.
Asuna, she didn't appear as much as I anticipated because I originally thought that she was going to be the girl who quests with Kirito, rather than someone Kirito has to save. (but then that would have had been a boring plot if all they did was quest together lol). Although, I really do love how they paced her relationship growth with Kirito as it was nicely done in the Sword Art Online Arc, the viewers such as myself was really able to put ourselves, subjectively into the anime and feel those two connecting really well (those kiss scenes with Asuna x Kirito aww *Tears*). On the side note, supporting characters seem to have lacked in this anime. I mean quite a lot actually. People like Klein, Andrew Mills, etc. People like them should have been a bit more written about rather than just showing up and saying a couple lines and then never appearing until couple episodes later. I think its possible to say that its because of how they paced it. Having 1 cour per an arc isn't sufficient enough to draw out the whole story in my opinion, having 2 cours to talk about the SAO arc and 1 cour to talk about the Elfheim Arc would have been ideal.

Plot:
The plot in this anime genre wasn't so bad as many would say actually. Yes, its an adaptation so you'd probably expect some flaws here and there. Things like plot holes are expected since it is never the original art, but it isn't to the point where the story line is so bad and illogical. However, I feel like the pacing may have been a little fast even if I haven't read the light novel. Things like how he levels up, fight monsters should have been explained instead of some hack and slash moments. Overall the flow of the anime was pretty well, except the pacing, it should have spent bit more time in explaining the details of the world.

Animation/Graphics:
The animation was not too bad. In my opinion the art work was actually fantastic. Although it isn't something above expectation. It is worthy of saying its on expectation. If I were to rewatch this 5 years from now, I'd probably be able watch it. The production does seem to have put quite a bit of work into the environment of the SAO world. For example, the floor that was full of flowers, that was a beautiful site, and also when the world crumbles at episode 14, it was also very beautifully animated.

Sounds/Music:
The background music, sounds all fit into the animation. Especially when executing parts where there needs to be background music. Moments that need to express sadness/happiness such as Kirito almost dying on floor 74 by soloing the floor boss, or in the earlier episodes where the group of 4 died when Kirito entered a inescapable treasure room. Overall I'd say that the sounds/music were on par with expectation but not something above expectation because the genre doesn't target music/sounds but simply fit with the animation.

Overall thoughts:
Overall, I think that this anime MAY have been a little over-hyped in 2012, I absolutely can't say its the best animation overall, but I can say it is one of the best in 2012, probably topping the top 5 of that year. It maybe over hyped but it's still loved! I still enjoyed the characters and the whole genre of fantasy, survival, love, and romance of this anime. Whenever, and wherever I can get my hands on fantasy type anime I usually go through them like mad and crazy, and to my experience SAO is actually one of the betters ones. I could give a few that lacked in a lot of plot/flaws/character development. In the end I would definitely rate this anime a high 7 to 8, mostly likely an 8 out of 10 because I enjoy genres like fantasy/romance.