GMG Classical Music Forum

Quote from: GGGGRRREEG on September 07, 2008, 02:23:20 PM
no one is watching any good anime?

Quote from: GGGGRRREEG on September 07, 2008, 02:23:20 PM
no one is watching any good anime?

Quote from: Sarastro on September 07, 2008, 02:46:41 PM
Seven years ago I watched Sailormoon. 8) So embarrassing to say, but it was really sweeeet!! And also Candy, Candy. :-X :-[ :-[ Ah, those romantic-sentimental sweet anime series. And some other, too, but I forgot what they were, something about star wars and saving galaxies and traveling on a spaceship. :D ;D

Quote from: GGGGRRREEG on September 07, 2008, 03:28:03 PM
hehe, Sailor Moon?  ;D
"romantic-sentimental sweet anime series".... that would be what i'm watching now, hehehe...... very very sentimental and sweet, but charming. Ever watch a story about a guy who falls in love with a robot (and teaches her how to talk)...

Quote from: Sarastro on September 07, 2008, 03:34:29 PM
Well, robots are not really sweet. :o Though I watched an anime series about humanoids and how two super agents were trying to destroy them all...and something called "Helsing". And yes, it was about vampires, but I didn't like it too much. Sailormoon is much more sweet, pure, and innocent. 8) 8) 8) 8)

Quote from: Szykniej on September 07, 2008, 03:46:46 PM
Astro Boy was a robot.

Quote from:  wikipedia
Etymology

In the series, the derivation of the name "chobits" is given as coming from their father, Ichiro Mihara, who used the word "chobi" to describe anything he thought was "small and hopelessly adorable". Two chobi become "chobits". The word "chobits" is an anagram of "Chitose Hibiya",[1] and is also the password given to Elda, Freya, Plum, and eventually Chi. The spelling of the title uses a mixture of hiragana (ちょびっ, Chobi[t]?) and katakana (ツ, tsu?). The mixed letters were chosen because a persocom's password requires a mixture of hiragana, katakana, and/or Latin alphanumeric characters for increased security. Similarly, the password Chobittsu (チょびっつ, Chobittsu?) for Plum, set by Hideki in episode 19 of the TV series, mixes katakana (チ, Ch?) and hiragana (ょびっつ, [y]obittsu?), although in Tokyopop's English translation of the manga, the password is "Chobits" (with a capital "C").

The word persocom (パソコン, pasocon?) is a Japanese contraction of personal computer (パーソナルコンピュータ, pāsonaru conpyūta?). In Japan, it is used to refer to personal computers in the same way as the initials PC are in English. In Chobits, it is used with no distinction between modern and humanoid computers. In the final chapter of the manga, Chitose Hibiya explains that persocoms were not named "robots" because Ichiro Mihara did not include Asimov's Three Laws of Robotics in them.

Quote from: GGGGRRREEG on September 07, 2008, 03:45:29 PM
i think "Van Helsing" may be what you're talking about? I think the have both a book and movie to that, too......

Quote from: Sarastro on September 07, 2008, 03:56:34 PM
No, Van Helsing is a movie...and Helsing is an anime series - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hellsing_(TV_series)

Sweeeet, and human 8) And there was a nice song fir the third episode in Japanese :D

Quote from: Sarastro on September 07, 2008, 04:01:27 PM
Wow, I love google. Set ten discriminations.

(http://members.tripod.com/~babstar/Sailormoon_cast.gif)

(http://www.sailormoonavatars.com/moon/moonsync1.jpg)

Quote from: GGGGRRREEG on September 07, 2008, 04:08:03 PM
Only 13 episodes? That's short......

Quote from: GGGGRRREEG on September 07, 2008, 04:10:07 PM
those are so silly...... i think i'm gonna have to go and search that on google myself.....

Quote from: Sarastro on September 07, 2008, 04:13:08 PM
The last were boys. ::)

Quote


Damn, not episode, but season. For the third season. I think there were only 5 seasons, but some 300 episodes.

Quote from: GGGGRRREEG on September 07, 2008, 04:16:38 PM
man, that sounds like a lifetime of sitting down and watching tv......

Quote from: GGGGRRREEG on September 07, 2008, 04:19:46 PM
best group pic:

(http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y240/xacur/myblog/CosplaySailorMoon_D4AB/Sailor_Moon_05.jpg)

Quote from: Lethe on September 07, 2008, 04:22:58 PM
They look like wax models ???

Quote from: Sarastro on September 07, 2008, 04:27:09 PM
Those don't 8)

(http://epii.info/anime/2008%20Katsucon/Sailor%20Moon-%201.jpg)

Quote from: Sarastro on September 07, 2008, 04:29:32 PM
Looks like those anime-fans have annual expo's

(http://epii.info/anime/2006%20AX/Sailor%20Moon%20-%20Group%20Left.jpg)

Quote from: imperfection on September 07, 2008, 03:56:41 PM
Hmm...didn't think a forum with an average age of 40+ would be regularly watching kids cartoons either... :)

Quote from: Sarastro on September 07, 2008, 03:56:34 PM
Sweeeet, and human 8) And there was a nice song fir the third episode in Japanese :D

Quote from: GGGGRRREEG on September 07, 2008, 04:30:19 PM
ewwwww most humans are funny-looking things, aren't they?

Quote from: GGGGRRREEG on September 07, 2008, 04:30:19 PM
ewwwww most humans are funny-looking things, aren't they?

Quote from: Lethe on September 07, 2008, 04:22:58 PM
They look like wax models ???

Quote from: Sarastro on September 07, 2008, 04:39:02 PM
Well, I liked those. :D But for some reason all those fans are too thick-legged, no one from the  sailormoon series has such. :D

(http://www.geocities.com/dbovela/sailormoonsneocrystaltokyoring/sailormoon_logo1.jpg)

And what is that?

(http://epii.info/anime/2006%20AX/Dynasty%20Warriors%20-%2001.jpg)

Quote from: GGGGRRREEG on September 07, 2008, 04:41:30 PM
Hmmmm thick-legged? I don't see it.

Quote from: Sarastro on September 07, 2008, 04:43:13 PM
I do. Just on the right.

(http://epii.info/anime/2006%20AX/Sailor%20Moon%20-%20Group%20Left.jpg)

Quote from: GGGGRRREEG on September 07, 2008, 04:45:11 PM
although it's beyond me how you notice something like a comparison of leg thickness above all....  :o ;D

Quote from: Sarastro on September 07, 2008, 04:49:00 PM
They are actually normal, but our society loves skinny models that die from hunger. Like this.

(http://forum.exler.ru/arc/uploads/116/post-1215594178.jpg)

Quote from: Sarastro on September 07, 2008, 04:52:00 PM
It's hard not to.

(http://imagecache2.allposters.com/images/pic/CUP/G502-130~Sailor-Moon-Posters.jpg)

Quote from: eyeresist on September 07, 2008, 10:59:27 PM
I'm nearly 40 and have watched a lot of anime in the last few years  8). There's a lot of junk (e.g. Speed Grapher, of which I could only stand to watch one episode), but a few shows definitely approach the level of high art. It helps if you understand the Japanese visual style and dramatic conventions, of course, which can be rather more sophisticated than those in Western animations.

Top recommendations:
1. Haibane Renmei
2. Azumanga Daioh
3. Boogiepop Phantom
4. Gunslinger Girl
5. Planetes
6. Fruits Basket
7. Genshiken
8. Niea_7
9. Gundam Seed

Quote from: eyeresist on September 07, 2008, 10:59:27 PM
Chobits is good too, but I didn't like the fudged mystical ending, too often seen in this genre.

Quote from: GGGGRRREEG on September 08, 2008, 11:21:55 AM
Awesome, thanks for the list. I'll have to check those out when I finish with Chobits.

Quote from: GGGGRRREEG on September 08, 2008, 11:21:55 AM
Uh-oh, please don't elaborate any more.......

Quote from: eyeresist on September 08, 2008, 06:22:32 PM

I should stress, however, that it's best to watch anime in the original Japanese with subtitles, as most English dubs are appallingly bad. Luckily for you, Chobits is one of the few acceptable dubs.

Quote from: eyeresist on September 08, 2008, 06:22:32 PM

Okay, I'll try to keep it spoiler-free! There's another fine series called Last Exile, which is like a Miyazaki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hayao_Miyazaki) film extended into an epic series, which has a much more fudged ending. Still worth watching, though.

Quote from: GGGGRRREEG on September 09, 2008, 11:57:34 AM
In fact, (and i know this sounds so ridiculous), but the last time I even remembered about it was while listening to Rautavaara's 8th Symphony...... I had sort of a subconscious connection, somehow. I think it must've been the art style or something.......

Quote from: eyeresist on September 10, 2008, 05:13:45 PM
I was only talking about the title!  :D

Quote from: Corey on September 10, 2008, 06:59:54 PM
I liked Ninja Scroll.   :)

Quote
Beautiful! Loved it!! I was so sad, on the verge of crying when I thought it would end without Chii being Chii and having her memory deleted. And I was ike, WHAT A SHITTY ENDING!! Then it happened :] Ahh, wonderful ending. Wish there was a second season though :]

Quote from: -abe- on October 06, 2008, 09:14:44 PM
Hey Greg--since you are a fan of animation let me ask you something: Have you ever seen the American series "Gargoyles"?

Here is the wiki article:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gargoyles

Disney came out with the show in the mid 1990s to compete with, of all things, Power Rangers--but because Gargoyles was considerably mature and mainly appealed to teenagers and adults, it didn't get ratings as strong as Power Rangers. The show was canceled after 60 or so episodes, but it went out with a bang and had a satisfying conclusion.

The only anime show if I've seen is Cowboy BeBop. I liked it. But I would certainly appreciate more anime if the Japanese/Koreans favored storytelling of Gargoyles caliber.

Check out the first episode of Gargoyles if you have 21 free minutes. What happens in the final five minutes is heartbreaking and sets the tone for the whole series:

part 1:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJ0E3dEoP9E&feature=related

part 2:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dupLpzyEqM&feature=related

part 3:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohqlp1vPd84&feature=related


:)

Quote from: GGGGRRREEG on October 07, 2008, 02:21:33 PM
I don't remember much at all about the show, though I'm sure I must've watched a little bit of it.......
So it was nice to watch that episode.  :)
Animation is very nice (it's Disney, after all), and the storytelling is very smooth.

Quote from: The Six on October 07, 2008, 07:42:42 PM
Ranma ½ could be the best

Quote from: tanuki on November 28, 2008, 02:12:56 PM
When I was younger I used to watch Cardcaptor Sakura and Pokémon hehe.

Quote from: G$ on November 28, 2008, 06:45:38 PM
Well, today at work, my friend talked me into watching Fooly Cooly, since it's only 6 episodes.

Quote from: DavidW on November 29, 2008, 01:22:29 PM
That's how I feel about the show as well!  It's very strange! :D

QuoteJust started Last Exile...

Quote from: Bahamut on May 06, 2009, 06:07:51 PM
Unique show with it's own sensible style, although I don't remember much of it besides that (i watched a marathon, and that was about it).

QuoteI guess, in short, I'm looking for semi-spiritual (read: contemplative) anime that has a wonderful sense of abandonment and escapism. I love relationships to be developed throughout the series...etc...I want it all, I guess!

Quote from: Joe_Campbell on June 01, 2009, 11:53:39 PM
I looked everywhere for an anime series called FMR (seriously). Did you mean FMA? If so, I heard the movie was just OK, though I didn't know they were remaking the series.

Quote from: Greg on August 07, 2009, 07:29:07 PM
Anyone ever watch Elfen Lied?
I'm on episode 4, and I don't know what to say... it's exactly what I'm looking for.

One thing that got me interested was that it was the only show rated a 10/10 by a reviewer on youtube called "Mr.Anime." (and he's obviously seen tons of anime). He also warns about the violence and nudity. Good move.

The show starts off with a completely naked lady killing tons of policemen in very brutal ways- stabbing them in the eyes with flying pencils, ripping them in half, tearing off their limbs, ripping out their heart, all with blood totally filling the screen.

Quote from: henry on August 07, 2009, 09:41:56 PM
I have not watched Elfen Lied, but I have listened to and liked its theme song, Lilium.  I don't know what genre the song falls into, but it's a beautiful piece.

Quote from: Wurstwasser on August 09, 2009, 07:56:25 PM
Anime (and all other kind of plinky blinky blinky bing bing nervous beep purple hyperactive stuff) is the side of Japan, which anti attracts me.

Quote from: tanuki on August 09, 2009, 08:57:05 PM
Ah, Elfen Lied. I saw a few episodes, gory!

And I just learned the title comes from a Hugo Wolf lied, cool.

Quote from: Greg on August 09, 2009, 08:50:31 PMThe little kid is the protagonist when he's little. The girl with the pink hair is a girl he made friends with, and the other two are his sister and dad.

Quote from: Wurstwasser on August 10, 2009, 06:28:37 AM
I prefer good classical music

Quote from: Greg on August 09, 2009, 08:50:31 PM
Then you'd love Elfen Lied, which is the opposite of that. (I just realized that almost all of the story goes on at night...)

Okay... a two more scenes that are incredible- and incredibly gory.

...

Quote from: Joe_Campbell on August 10, 2009, 05:11:58 PM
I remember those scenes! I kept thinking: why did he lie to her about his cousin?!!!

Quote from: Wurstwasser on August 09, 2009, 07:56:25 PM
Anime (and all other kind of plinky blinky blinky bing bing nervous beep purple hyperactive stuff) is the side of Japan, which anti attracts me.

Quote from: Greg on August 10, 2009, 08:35:30 PM
To avoid making her feel jealous. (Obviously, in this show it's perfectly natural for cousins to be like that...)
She liked him, and didn't have any friends, so if she couldn't have him, I guess she felt like she would be back to nothing.
"I just don't know what I'd do if his cousin were a girl..."

Quote from: Joe_Campbell on August 11, 2009, 02:07:08 PM
Oh...I understood this perfectly. From what I gathered, though, he didn't at the time have a crush on his cousin, and he could have told Nyu his cousin was a girl and assured her it was platonic. Honesty, I say! It minimalizes blood shed!

Quote from: Joe_Campbell on September 30, 2009, 04:54:34 AM
I wish you the best of luck with Gantz. I made my way (barely) through that series a while back, and while the premise is really interesting, everything takes FOREVER to unfold! I swear there could have been half as many episodes, and things would have made just as much (read: not much at all) sense!

Either way, lots of fanservice...if you're into it.  ;)

QuoteFavorite scenes-
When Katou dies.
The guy is the most likeable character in the show, other than hesitating to defend himself and others. He and his little brother have to stay with his aunt? legal guardian? (forgot), who is a horrible lady that abuses them- whenever his little brother asks if he could have breakfast, she beats him because he isn't allowed to ask. That keeps on going on and one day he just loses it and shoves her into a cabinet, and they have to go away. They finally get to live by themselves in a new apartment, and that night, as they are sleeping in sleeping bags, he is transported back to the game of Gantz.
There, while he's being killed by an Buddha statue which is supposed to be an alien, they show his little brother waking up in the middle of the night in their apartment, and noticing Katou is gone. He runs out into rain, desperately trying to find him. Katou is thinking about him "i've gotta get back" and "it must be awful being all alone" and then he dies.

QuoteWhen Kei Kishimoto dies.
It's dumb that she didn't push Katou out of the way, but, ignoring that...
she jumps into Katou's arms to block the Buddha statue's acid that it shoots out from hitting Katou. Then, she finally confesses to him, "I like you" as the acid tears her in half from the waist down. You see them kiss with her only having half of a body.

Quote from: Greg on October 12, 2009, 08:46:49 AM
This morning, I watched the first episodes of:
Neon Genesis Evangelion
and
Now and Then, Here and There

Didn't care for the first, but the second seems intriguing. It's only 13 episodes, so I'll definitely watch the whole series.

Quote from: DavidW on October 12, 2009, 09:02:28 AM
Neon Genesis Evangelion was boring to me, don't get what the hype is about.  The only recent anime for me is a few months back I watched Hellsing Ultimate, I liked the first so was expected to not like ultimate... but totally hooked, it's fantastic!  Only wish they would release faster.

Quote from: Corey on December 01, 2009, 06:27:14 PM
Someone recommended Angel's Egg and Kino's Journey. The art style for both looks pretty. I might actually watch an entire anime!

Quote from: drogulus on December 23, 2009, 08:17:32 PM
      Greg or someone,

      1) If you were to recommend a single instance of anime to convince a doubter that it's worth watching, what would that be?

      2) Could I acquire this on the (arrgghh!) Bay (arrgghh!)?

Quote from: Dave of MN on December 23, 2009, 08:30:31 PM
Is this where we say AKIRA?

Quote from: drogulus on December 23, 2009, 08:17:32 PM
      Greg or someone,

      1) If you were to recommend a single instance of anime to convince a doubter that it's worth watching, what would that be?

      2) Could I acquire this on the (arrgghh!) Bay (arrgghh!)?

Quote from: drogulus on December 23, 2009, 11:14:39 PM

      Google is supposedly my friend, so I'll see what I can find out about it. Oh, "someone", that clip was interesting. I'm at work watching without sound. Maybe I'll check it out again when I get home.

      I don't know....it's not the cultural strangeness that bothers me, because I like samurai and other Japanese films. It really must be the animation. Also, what will my GF say? She likes samurai films (especially when they act "like doggies" as she puts it, when someone bows to a superior), but anime is a bridge too far. I put a Firefox anime girl on my desktop (high class....no tarts....that's right out) and she looked at it with a very dubious expression, as though I had dragged a dead animal into the house.

Quote from: Greg on December 24, 2009, 04:10:30 PM
Yeah, well, maybe she's just retarded.

Quote

I felt like I was going into viewing this series as I would if I had a loaded gun pointed at the back of my head. The high expectations I had for Clannad were shattered and I was left wondering if I had seen the same show as everyone who loved it. I watched this mostly because I was setting out to prove to myself that I was one of the few people who saw nothing special at all in it. I vowed never to watch another show in the slice of life genre again - at least not without extreme precaution. Five episodes in and I still felt the same way except this time I was starting to get angry. So many things in this show were grating on me – the cliché moe girls, the cliché loud girl who is permanently in PMS, the straight man main character, and, most predictably, the unwelcome comic relief. Such simplified characterizations and it would be stupid of me to expect any depth whatsoever from a show that breeds off of cliché after cliché after cliché.

And here I watched a continuation of the story of these characters whose lives I deemed far less interesting than my own.

I loved Clannad ~After Story~.

No amount of effort could bring me to choose to stray from the crowd and say it sucked. Even though it had clichés. Even though it had stereotypes. Even though I was dangerously close to dropping it.

None of that matters now because this anime means much more to me than anything else I've ever seen or read. Despite my tendency to scrutinize, I was able to look past its faults and highlight and focus on its strengths instead. Does that mean I pretended that they never existed? Of course not. But they were such minute annoyances that I realized I would only sound whiny if I let them affect my overall opinion on this show.

I was able to see Clannad in a different light, even if I couldn't change my original opinion of it, as this follow-up finale series brought about twists and turns in the lives of the characters, changing them indefinitely (for better or for worse). These friends go to great lengths to guide one another and it's inspirational. It's the best kind of feel good show because it makes you wish you had this same effect on those around you. It makes you wonder why you don't feel that same twinge in your heart when you spend time with your own friends or family. It makes you wonder why you take life for granted and it makes you realize why reality will rarely be preferable to fiction.

The main protagonist of Clannad is Tomoya, a certified delinquent (although he is the nicest and most rational delinquent you'll probably ever see) who has an indifferent attitude towards school, his relationships, and life in general. That is, until he meets a soon-to-be special someone who turns out to be just what he needed to turn his life around.

Nagisa is the soft spoken girl whose inner strength and unrelenting optimism motivate Tomoya throughout all of his ordeals. As soon as he begins to feel exhaustion creeping up on him all he needs in order to keep going is to be reminded of the simple things which make him truly happy - like listening to Nagisa talk about the progress she made in school or being offhandedly, yet shockingly, praised by a coworker. Things most of us wouldn't give a second thought to mean the world to him. And it's not pathetic or farfetched; it feels so natural and heartwarming.

The beautiful thing about Tomoya and Nagisa's relationship is that they aren't lovey-dovey and they aren't all over one another. I'm not sure if they even kissed once throughout the series (or at least if it was shown). What's expressed here is that what matters is the notion that they will always be there for one another. And that nothing will come between them no matter what happens. Not even Nagisa's dad.

This brings me to the supporting cast of Clannad ~After Story~. In high school, Tomoya was often seen hanging around with his unlikely best friend Sunohara. Sunohara provides a lot of the comic relief in the show. The show has many running gags, one of which is that Sunohara is the butt of jokes and is often at the receiving end of physical abuse. He gets beaten up almost every time he encounters the anger-prone Kyou. It's hard not to sympathize with the guy after a while because he's clearly misunderstood by all of his friends. It's a relief to see that he gets some actual character development and more of his and Tomoya's back story is revealed. Normally it's hard to take comical characters seriously because seeing them placed in or replaced by an intense dramatic situation feels laughably absurd when compared to the exaggerations and outlandishness we've grown accustomed to. But that's not the case here as comedy and drama are blended so well that it's impossible to appreciate the show if it only had one or the other.

I loved when Tomoya would deadpan reactions to the people he surrounds himself with. At first I wondered to myself 'Is this supposed to be funny?' but soon I realized that the thoughts Tomoya voiced were often those of mine as well. And I couldn't help but laugh soon after. It's a shame that these lines and moments fly by so fast that it's easy to forget even the funnier quotes. Although my personal favorite was when he stated something about Nagisa's family being stupid.

Another running gag is that everyone hates Nagisa's mom's bread. It's an incredibly simple joke but it actually gets more amusing as the series progresses. This is one of the few anime I've seen where the parents actually play a vital role in the main characters' lives and they aren't annoying in the least. In fact, they're lovable and endearing. Nagisa's dad is one of my top 3 favorite characters of the show. I found it amusing that his seiyuu also voiced the engrish-speaking Mr. K in Gravitation.

Now, family plays a major role in this series. Tomoya is often distanced from his father and their relationship is very strained. Over the course of the series, Tomoya's seemingly concrete stubbornness is gradually whittled away to nothing and it becomes easier to see why this show moved many people even if it didn't do the same for others. It feels so good to see the characters come to terms with their mistakes and mature into adulthood that all of the pain and misery they went through amidst all of that ends up feeling minuscule.

The art here is of higher than average quality. The colors are very easy on the eyes and pretty to say the least. The most distinguishing features of the characters are their eyes which are difficult for me to describe because, well, they're eyes. If I had to make a comparison I'd say they appear almost gem-like. They're shiny and detailed with very beautiful colors. The characters' appearances clearly represent the purity and beauty of the show itself.

The soundtrack often switches between being either soothing or lighthearted. The fact that it is so easy to forget that there even is background music during some of the more involving scenes is a shame. Especially considering these tracks add so much while still being so subtle and low-key. I loved the show's ending theme. It's lively and enthusiastic and it always seems to promise that happier times are ahead even if I seriously doubt it. At times it seems unfitting due to the significant decline in mood towards the conclusion of the series, but at the same time it's so much easier to appreciate it after being drained of emotion.

The voice acting is good all around although it does depend on the type of character and their significance to the plot. I guess it should be guaranteed that with a substantial increase in conflict and depth there will also be more chances for the seiyuu to really impress. Yuuichi Nakamura is perfectly assigned to the role of Tomoya. It can't be too difficult to fall into the trap of unintentionally overacting in emotional scenes. However, he never does and he gives a stand out performance. Mai Nakahara does a wonderful job voicing Nagisa. Although I wasn't a fan of how childlike her voice was (not that it's entirely the actress's fault) I don't see any reason to disapprove since it does fit her character's personality. Other performances I was impressed by were for the characters of Sunohara (he's loud and over-the-top, but somehow not annoying) and, as I mentioned earlier, Nagisa's dad. A very honorable mention goes to Ushio's seiyuu who produces one of the most adorable voices I've ever heard.

Did this show manipulate my emotions a bit? Yes. Was it cheaply and distastefully done? No. Every scene in this series is integral to the conclusion. Friends drifting apart, accepting and appreciating the company of others, reconstructing broken bonds. On the surface, these are mundane things that can only be expected from what lies ahead in our lives. But what matters is the process of getting there and the decisions we make that will make or break our futures. Clannad ~After Story~ tells us nothing new. It's about the presentation.

And it's truly moving and inspiring.

Quote from: Greg on January 19, 2010, 01:37:34 PM
Next I guess I'll watch one of the ones recommended to me (out of Samurai Champloo, Afro Samurai, S-cry-ed, Ninja Scroll, and Rahxephon, to name a few)...

QuoteStaying in one place too long will gather a potentially dangerous amount of mushi. He also smokes constantly in order to keep mushi away. In terms of personality, Ginko is rather laid back.

Quote
Kino only spends three days and two nights in every town, without exception, on the principle that three days is enough time to learn almost everything important about a place, while leaving time to explore new lands. Kino says in The Land of Visible Pain that this principle is probably a lie, specifically noting "if I stay any longer, I'm afraid I will settle down."

Quote from: eyeresist on February 14, 2010, 04:58:28 PM
I'll just have to wait until the sequel(s) are officially releaed in the West, then :)

Quote from: Greg on February 14, 2010, 05:09:18 PM
As for the DVDs, if dubs are you're thing, have fun!
(as for me, i just have to say that I admire your bravery...)  :D

Quote from: Greg on February 16, 2010, 11:07:49 AM
For now, I'm just planning on continuing Scrapped Princess from where I left off.

Quote from: John on February 27, 2010, 09:58:32 PM
Greg.  All this is nuts.  And so are the big eyed little people in the pictures and your avatar. 

Quote from: John on February 27, 2010, 09:58:32 PM
Am I right in saying that Anime is usually in the mould of an epic, one storyline (mission) after another or one great big mission / storyline that goes on episode after episode? 

Quote from: John on February 27, 2010, 09:58:32 PM
Have you created your own anime character?

Quote from: John on February 27, 2010, 09:58:32 PM
I really do wonder at the Anime writers and where they get their stories from.
Quite amazing stuff, really, so...

:D

Quote from: zamyrabyrd on February 28, 2010, 09:56:54 PM
There was an extraordinary program (that is, by Western standards) about the cult of anime in Japan. This was on NHK International, Japan National Broadcasting, Feb 28.a ride she went on several times herself, Peter Pan, I think. You wait in line for an hour and a half and then go on creaking carts for 2 minutes or so though painted pasteboard. This may be OK for kids but my older son, aged 10, was even bored.
But this anime business, (or is it better termed a racket?)...
If one really wanted to start a new religion, everything would already be there--angels and demons!!!

ZB

Quote from: zamyrabyrd on February 28, 2010, 09:56:54 PM
It was surprising back in 1994 when I brought my kids to Tokyo Disneyland that adults and even elderly people were the sizable joyful majority there, enthusiastically taking pictures of inflated Mickey Mouse and Snow White figures. One woman highly recommended before to me a ride she went on several times herself, Peter Pan, I think. You wait in line for an hour and a half and then go on creaking carts for 2 minutes or so though painted pasteboard. This may be OK for kids but my older son, aged 10, was even bored.

Quote from: zamyrabyrd on February 28, 2010, 09:56:54 PM
At the end of the film they were showing at least one temple dedicated to it and sweating guys heaving the temple with pictures of the cartoon characters though the streets. This would be like a church dedicated to Batman. The Elvis cult comes close to it, but heck, he was a real person!!!

Quote from: zamyrabyrd on February 28, 2010, 09:56:54 PMHe and his Japanese girl companion went to a restaurant where young women with rabbit ears on their head asked "what do you want, MASTER"?

Quote from: zamyrabyrd on February 28, 2010, 09:56:54 PMOK, I'll say what bugs me about this. First of all, they present a token Westerner to show as though this is normal behavior outside the Japanese islands. This is supposed to lend credibility or respectability to indulging one's urges to escape reality into a cartoon world, that is, if NORMAL, adult, mature people have such desires.

Also, something else, I found that the Japanese public is dependent on their own "experts" to translate the outside world to them. They don't have much of a choice to discern independently unless they live abroad for long periods of time and even then they don't necessarily shed their mindset. A society on the whole that is programmed from early education onwards to accept the dictates of authority could not but be the forcefed recipients of whatever the powerful conglomerates of mass communication and marketing want to shove down their throats.

This kind of escape from reality I believe is more sinister, the dream factories replacing nature and religion as the means to cope with reality. Going into a moviehouse for an hour or two might be nice but blurring the lines between reality and fantasy is not.  This behavior used to be thought of as pathological. I said to my son while we were watching the program, if such people are in need, do they pray to their cartoon characters and expect to get a response?

Quote from: zamyrabyrd on February 28, 2010, 09:56:54 PMI wrote a letter to Tokyo Disneyland that was never acknowledged by them, saying they treated us really badly.  In the TV film they had also frightening characters that come out of closets and rooms.

Quote from: zamyrabyrd on February 28, 2010, 09:56:54 PMIf one really wanted to start a new religion, everything would already be there--angels and demons!!!

Quotedo they pray to their cartoon characters and expect to get a response?

QuoteAt the end of the film they were showing at least one temple dedicated to it and sweating guys heaving the temple with pictures of the cartoon characters though the streets. This would be like a church dedicated to Batman

Quote from: eyeresist on March 01, 2010, 03:49:21 PM
So this is basically just one of those "Japanese people are weird" posts?
... Do you really have "more than first hand knowledge about Japanese culture"?

QuoteKenzou Tenma, a brilliant Japanese brain surgeon working in Germany, saves the life of a small boy who has been shot in the head. Little does he know that doing so would destroy his entire career at the hospital and that his fiancé would leave him. When the hospital director and doctors of the hospital staff are suddenly murdered, he gets a second chance but also renders him as the main suspect to the murders. Life goes on for Tenma as he saves people at the hospital, and he goes back to the joy of being a surgeon again.

Years later, an injured thief gets brought to the hospital. After Tenma saves his life, he finds out that the thief is involved with the rising count of serial murders happening in Germany. Suddenly Tenma is involved in it all when the little boy, who is now a young man, turns up and kills the thief in cold blood right in front of Tenma. Now Tenma must clear his name, find out more about the boy he saved in the past, and reevaluate what the value of life is.

Quote from: Greg on March 18, 2010, 06:14:36 PM
http://www.kumby.com/monster-episode-1/

I watched the first episode of Monster, and whoa! Great stuff!  :o
I can tell this is going to be one psychological roller coaster... definitely not "enjoyable" or "entertaining" series, but more like a philosophical one.

The way they portray the characters itself is very realistic, and the situation in that first episode I just saw was very thought-provoking. I really recommend anyone reading this to check it out and tell me what you think- it's only 20 minutes long...

Quote from: Lethe on March 25, 2010, 01:19:17 AM
Monster is pretty much the only anime I have ever liked. It's rarely recommended, but I like the realism of it.

QuoteThe nameless Monster
Once upon a time, there lived a nameless monster.
The monster was dying to have a name so badly.
So the monster decided to set out on a journey to find itself a name.
But the world was such a large place.So the monster split into two and went on to two seperate journeys.One went to the East and the other went to the west.
The monster that went to the east found a village.
There was a blacksmith at the village entrance.
"Mr.Blacksmith, please give me your name" said the monster.
"I can't give you my name" replied the blacksmith."If you give me your name I will jump inside you and make you stronger in return." said the monster.
"Really? I'll give you my name if you can make me stronger.", the blacksmith told the monster.
The monster jumped inside the blacksmith.The monster became Otto the blacksmith.Otto the blacksmith was the strongest man in the village.
But one day he said:"Look at me! Look at me!""The monster inside of me has grown this big!"*Chomp, chomp, munch, munch, gobble, gobble, gulp*
The hungry monster ate Otto from the inside out.The monster then went back to become a monster without a name.
Even though he jumped inside Hans the shoemaker....*Chomp, chomp, munch, munch, gobble, gobble, gulp*
He went back to being a monster without a name again.Even though he jumped inside Thomas the hunter.....*Chomp, chomp, munch, munch, gobble, gobble, gulp*
He still went back to being a monster without a name.The monster then went to a castle to find a wonderful name.Inside the castle, there was a very sick boy.
"I'll make you stronger if you give me your name" said the monsterIn reply, the boy told him "I'll give you my name if you can cure my illness and make me stronger."
So the monster jumped inside the boy.The boy became very healthy.The King was delighted."The prince is well! The prince is well!" said the King.
The monster became fond of the boy's name.He also grew fond of his life inside the castle.That's why he endured even when he became hungry.
Every day, even when his stomach became very empty, he endured.But then he became so hungry....
"Look at me! Look at me!" said the boy."The monster inside of me has grown this big!"The boy then ate his father, servants, and everyone.*Chomp, chomp, munch, munch, gobble, gobble, gulp*
Because everyone was gone....The boy left on a journey. He walked and walked for days.....One day the boy met the monster that went west.
"I have a name" said the boy."It's a wonderful name."
And then the monster that went west said..."I don't need a name.""I'm happy even if I don't have a name."
"Because we're monsters without names." The boy ate the monster that went west.Even though he now had a name....There was no one left to call him by his name.
Johan.It is a wonderful name.

Quote from: Greg on April 07, 2010, 07:12:45 PM
What led you to this anime? I have never heard of it- what a strange name!

Quote from: eyeresist on April 18, 2010, 10:18:07 PM
I think I originally picked up Genshiken because it was cheap. It's an acronym of the Japanese title "Society for the Study of Visual Culture" - the society in question being a university anime/manga/game club. The comedy is character-based and much more sophisticated than most anime comedy. I highly recommend it.

Quote from: eyeresist on April 18, 2010, 10:18:07 PM
I watched When They Cry and was so impressed I immediately began rewatching it (I don't think I've ever done that before). It's not so great on the second watch, I have to admit. The pace is generally pretty slow, especially the scenes where characters deliver long exposition speeches about stuff we already know. I gave up during the last arc. To be honest, I think the horrible violence is the most entertaining part of the show.

Quote from: eyeresist on April 18, 2010, 10:18:07 PM
Regarding the symbolism of Eva, I don't think you should take the stuff spouted by American "experts" as gospel. Apparently the show's creators have admited that most of the symbolism was used just because "it looks cool". The fundamental story is about Shinji's relationship with his father, and feelings of inadequacy. This is the stuff that has survived into the Rebuild movies, whereas the more obscure elements have not. I liked Rebuild 1.0 a lot, BTW, and I hope this time they actually get the ending right!

Quote from: eyeresist on April 18, 2010, 10:18:07 PM
Let us know how LotGH goes. This has been on my peripheral radar for a while...

QuoteItou Kaiji is a bum who steals car emblems and slashes tires on what seems to be a regular basis. This routine changes one day when he is paid a visit by a man in a trench-coat. Once the two get talking, it seems that the visitor (Calling himself Endou) is a debt collector. The reason for his visit is an unpaid loan which Kaiji had previously co-signed for a work-mate (Furuhata Takeshi). The original loan was 300,000 yen and once Takeshi had disappeared, the loan then fell on Kaiji.

Kaiji is then told of a way to clear the interest compounded debt (which stood at 3,850,000 yen), which involved getting on a boat with others in his position. Once on the boat the debtors would then have to gamble with loaned money, which would end with a few winning, and others getting into deeper debt and having to work to pay of their debts. After some coercion Kaiji accepts a position on the boat, in order to clear his dept and make a bit of money as well...

Quote from: Greg on April 27, 2010, 05:16:21 AM
As for K-On, (if i understand your expression right), yeah, might be something like that. It isn't a great show- just mindless entertainment that I happened to really enjoy. I wouldn't recommend it.

QuoteA sarcastic term for the internet. Often used in the context of parody regarding an inexperience, unskilled, or incoherent user.
Hay guys, I'm using teh interweb!!!

Quote from: Greg on April 28, 2010, 06:21:05 AM
Interweb?
I have no idea... looked it up.
I guess...?  ???

Quoteinterblarg

Quote from: Greg on April 28, 2010, 06:21:05 AM
Interweb?
I have no idea... looked it up.

Quote from: eyeresist on April 28, 2010, 06:24:44 PM
I know what it means. Obviously my irony was TOO ironic in this case. :?

Quote from: Greg on June 20, 2010, 08:04:04 AM
Hmm... I guess I didn't mention that I've been watching the second season of K-On! (titled "K-On!!"). A new episode comes out every week, and it's up to 10 so far- though I suspect there will only be a few more.


Just wanted to share my favorite episode of Kino's Journey:
http://www.veoh.com/browse/videos/category/drama/watch/v18277173PjX6QanH

The best word I've heard to describe this show- "cerebral." The concepts are just unbelievably strange, and told in the most detached, unopinionated way possible.

Quote from: drogulus on June 20, 2010, 08:50:16 AM
     Train tracks turning abruptly at a 90 degree angle are very cerebral.  _{(http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/Smileys/classic/smiley.gif)}

Quote from: Greg on July 05, 2010, 05:58:34 PM
Just finished watching the movie Paprika.
Very trippy, well done, and just all around excellent!  :o

Quote from: Joe_Campbell on July 07, 2010, 02:23:41 AM
I can't believe you just/i] saw that! Wasn't it amazing? A great prep for Inception, I say.

Quote from: Corey on August 16, 2010, 04:38:54 PM
*awaits shitstorm*

Quote from: Corey on August 16, 2010, 09:47:37 PM
I meant more about the "Cat named Al-Qaeda biting America", but I guess T3r354 nor Sa_l read this thread, so no worries.

Quote from: Greg on August 17, 2010, 02:21:56 PM
Yeah, probably a good thing. This is a special, magical thread- no need for it to degenerate into a political flamewar.  8)

Speaking of Inception, it's already ranked #3 on the IMDB top 250:
http://www.imdb.com/chart/top

:o

Quote from: Greg on August 17, 2010, 04:18:02 PM
Why? What do you think should be in the top 10?

Quote from: Philoctetes on August 17, 2010, 06:24:45 PM
I could create a list if you wanted, but I had to get number 36 before I even considered a film for my top ten.

Quote from: Greg on August 19, 2010, 05:12:02 AM
I've never seen any of those except The Bourne Ultimatum... can't even remember if I've seen that one or not for sure.  :D (if it's the one where he comes out of the sea with amnesia, I have seen it- and it was pretty good)

Quote from: Greg on August 22, 2010, 06:59:41 PM
I found a site which has anime transcripts in both Japanese and English:
http://www1.atwiki.com/animetranscripts/

Quote from: Greg on September 25, 2010, 09:34:15 AM
This is almost all I've been doing for the last month. The funnest way to learn a language I've ever come across... watching Haruhi Suzumiya endlessly, and the more I watch it, the more I appreciate some of the witty details and how it's a really great show if you look at it a certain way.

Also, I just realized while watching the episode "The Day of Sagittarius" that the opening music sounded familiar. Wait... I look it up and see that it was from Daphnis et Chloe, which I had been getting into recently. Shosty's 7th, Tchaikovsky's 4th AND Daphnis et Chloe (and Mahler's 8th in another episode)... wow, the director just might have great taste in music, maybe?  ;D

Quote from: Guido on September 26, 2010, 01:49:16 AM
I remember someone telling me that often the English dubbed versions have very little in common with the originals.

Quote from: Ciel_Rouge on October 22, 2010, 12:56:10 PM
Hi Greg, totally agree on the dubs sounding bad - to me they can make even a good anime seem dull and dumbed down. It's been a while since I last visited the forum - meanwhile, anime-wise, I still intend to resume watching Nodame Cantabile - it was very strange to hear a Brahms symphony going in with full power all of a sudden in one of the episodes. Strange how many magnificent pieces they used - I suppose watching the series is a good way to get acqainted with the classical :) On a side not - Greg, what do you think about cosplay and cosplayers? I have seen cosplayers doing the Polka character from the Eternal Sonata (the game featuring Chopin as the main character). I wonder whether there was an anime series based on the game, any news about that?

Quote from: Ciel_Rouge on October 27, 2010, 12:51:51 PM
Nope. Please PM it to me or something :)

Quote from: Ciel_Rouge on November 06, 2010, 06:19:08 AM
Hi Greg, yes I got the PM, tnx. By the way - I once stumbled upon some information about an anime that is themed around cooking with a chef as a main character. As I recently got a bit more into cooking as well, it might be interested to watch but I have no idea what the title was.

QuoteIn the anime version, Sekai believes she is pregnant with Makoto's child, but is asked to get an abortion by Makoto; however, she is told to go to the hospital to confirm her pregnancy only to find it to be a misunderstanding. Under the emotional stress induced by Makoto's request, she stabs him in the stomach to death with a kitchen knife. Soon after, Kotonoha discovers Makoto's dead body and calls Sekai to the roof of the school using Makoto's cellphone. After a brief exchange, where Kotonoha shows Sekai the school bag with Makoto's severed head inside, Kotonoha attacks and kills Sekai with the backsaw that she cut off Makoto's head with, then cuts her womb open in search of the fetus. Finding nothing, she concludes that Sekai lied about her pregnancy. The ending scene shows Kotonoha on her family yacht clinging to Makoto's severed head.

QuoteThe final three endings featured in the game are the three bad endings which involve the death of one of the three main characters (either Makoto, Sekai, or Kotonoha) in violent circumstances. In one of these endings, Kotonoha kills Sekai in broad daylight with a saw to the neck; in another, Sekai stabs Makoto for leaving her for Kotonoha; and in the last bad end, Kotonoha kills herself by jumping off Makoto's apartment building after he chooses Sekai

QuoteI want this song to play at my funeral.
THIS SONG DESCRIBES MY ENTIRE LIFE.

Quote from: Sylph on May 13, 2011, 01:39:14 AM
So how do you find out which anime TV series are currently popular in Japan and which ones are in development?

Quote from: eyeresist on May 15, 2011, 05:54:51 PM
Learning Japanese would probably help.

Quote from: haydnfan on May 15, 2011, 06:43:39 PM
Whenever I see anime on the new to netflix watch instantly! list it was always looks like borderline porn... weird stuff out there...

Quote from: eyeresist on May 15, 2011, 07:36:57 PM
Well, some anime contains what is called "fan service", generally meaning panty shots, jiggling boobs, etc. To a certain extent you just have to accept it as part of the medium, as it's presence does not necessarily contraindicate the presence of worthwhile drama, visual art, etc. There are plenty of boobies in neo-Classical art!

QuoteToday finished watching a short (11 episode) anime series, "Fractale." A masterpiece- it's like an explosion of imagination, and it has pretty much everything- comedy, tragedy, adventure, etc. all mixed in together. All of the elements and ideas work together to create something very original. And the ending is very bittersweet. Highly recommended.

Quote from: haydnfan on May 23, 2011, 04:33:18 PM
Oh no!  Cross posting facebook on gmg!!  It really is the end of days! :o ::) :'( >:D

Quote from: eyeresist on May 15, 2011, 05:54:51 PM
Learning Japanese would probably help.

QuoteErin's verdict in this case seems founded on an instant dislike, which then twisted every part of the show into an instance of "bad". The dislike seems founded on the sexual politics of the show, but really, sex exists, sexual relationships exist, and very few of us are comfortable with every existing parameter. In this case, what Erin perceived as nothing better than sexual slavery CAN also be seen as the growth of a loving relationship. There are plenty of real-life relationships in which one partner is mentor to the other, and arguably this is not necessarily unwholesome.

For myself, I find the show charming. The two main characters are both complete innocents (porn collection not withstanding), which is important in making the story palettable and frequently comic. The people around them guide and protect them in their guilelessness, which is also a nice element.

The fanservice elements have to be taken as a ubiquitous but not essential anime element (just as collectors of neo-classical art have to accept that their paintings are full of T & A). The harem fantasies definitely seem kluged onto the show artificially, but are funny in their deliberate disparity from the girls' coy real-life personalities, and of course the remorseless mocking of Hideki's countrified innocence (which is more personality than most harem protagonists are granted). There is nothing nasty in the tone of all this.

The chief problem with the show (apart from the ending) is the notion that Chi could acquire a complete personality in such a short time, or else have a definite personality despite being devoid of memories.
There is also the existential dilemma which Futurama best summed up as "Don't date robots!" - i.e. the legitimacy of emotionally bonding to an artificially created personality.
But these are not insurmountable obstacles - this is, after all, a fantasy.

Quote from: Greg on May 31, 2011, 08:42:52 AM
Yeah, nowadays I pretty much just visit MAL.
Do you have a link to "Erin's" review? It's been a while since I've watched that show, but I remember it was pretty funny.

Quote from: Greg on June 09, 2011, 04:01:26 PM
I'm assuming you watched the live action movies. I don't think I've seen the second one, but the first one was pretty cool.

Quote from: eyeresist on June 09, 2011, 07:53:42 PM
How to lose weight:

Step 1. Become a hero in an anime

Quote from: DavidW on June 20, 2011, 06:44:44 PM
I haven't seen an anime in a year or two, will watch Death Note soon on netflix watch instantly. :)

Quote from: Greg on June 18, 2011, 07:00:50 PM
I would choose something avant-garde, like Serial Experiments Lain.  :D

Quote from: toñito on June 21, 2011, 05:48:26 AM
To watch Lain was like reading The Stranger of Albert Camus. It conveys an incredible sense of loneliness and isolation.

Quote from: Greg on June 21, 2011, 08:20:19 AM
I never thought of that, but you're right!  :)
If you overlook the completely different plots, they both do share a completely detached view of the world that can be uneasy to experience. There is very little human "warmth" in these two, and emotions that should be expressed aren't held back- they just aren't there.

Quote from: snyprrr on June 18, 2011, 01:22:27 PM
Isn't Anime really just Japanese porn?

Anime = cute schoolgirls raped by tentacle monster

Quote from: eyeresist on June 26, 2011, 07:56:35 PM

Death Note
The replacements for L just weren't very interesting. There was more potential in the growth of the cult of Kira, especially in Japan, but sadly they didn't explore it much. I don't agree that the series is improved by stopping earlier - I don't think there are any really satisfactory stop points until the end.

Quote from: Greg on June 27, 2011, 05:42:05 AM
I was all for Kira at first, but then he ended up doing stuff like letting a girl die in a fire just so she wouldn't reveal his identity.  ::)

Quote from: Lethe Dmitriyevich Shostakovich on June 28, 2011, 02:35:19 PM
I stopped reading Death Note (never seen the anime) after L died. I mean, it was the perfect ending after a decent timespan - anything else is just cashing in (although that's pretty much the MO of establishing a big brand-name in manga, it seems).

Quote from: eyeresist on June 30, 2011, 05:56:35 PM
Never seen One Piece, as I tend to avoid those long-running shonen shows.

Quote from: eyeresist on June 26, 2011, 07:56:35 PM

The replacements for L just weren't very interesting.

Quote from: eyeresist on June 30, 2011, 06:39:24 PM
Legend of Galactic Heroes is one I should see one day, as I like a good space opera. I'll have to pick up one of those pirate DVD sets, as there'll never be an official English release.

FMA I just never really took to. Saw the first ep of Brotherhood and found it annoying, worse art and more "comedy" than the first series, though I can't really judge by one episode; it may improve.

Aria is BORING! (only saw the first series) The problem is that there's almost no drama, i.e. struggle or conflict, which even the lightest comedy needs to keep things going. It's just "stuff happening", and the characters are too generic to make up for this.

I've enjoyed the Eva Rebuild movies, 1 more than 2. Final verdict will depend on how things develop from here (not sure if there are one or two films to come).

Code Geass series ended on a big cliffhanger, so I can't really judge until series 2 becomes affordable.

Quote from: Alberich on July 01, 2011, 11:11:09 AM
Oh, come on, now! Mello is probably the best character of all! He's pure emotion and awesomeness!  8)

Although I love L, he (and many other characters) is kind of hypocrite. As long as murderers are sentenced to death, it's okay, but if you personally kill someone who would probably receive capital punishment anyway, then it is just horrible. Although, to be fair, Light could have killed falsely accused persons and very soon he starts to kill anyone who would get in the way and thus becoming worse than many of his victims. And I know that L, Near and Mello were intended to be morally ambiguous because good against evil is not nearly as interesting as gray against grey/black.

Btw, did you know that according to Ohba, Near is actually more ruthless than Mello and he is way more vicious than he looks.

Quote from: Greg on July 01, 2011, 02:14:22 PM
Ugghh... what sucks is that either my memory of what I watch is really bad, or it's just been a while since I've watched it. I've forgotten who Near and Mello are. Is Near 'N'?  :-\ :'(

QuoteColumnist Carlo Santos of Anime News Network wrote that the franchise "in a way, [...] reflects the malaise of a generation: the realization that old, rich, powerful people have screwed up the world and that the young are helpless to do anything about it". According to him, Lelouch's actions exemplify the wish to see problems like "economic collapse, class conflict, political instability, radical extremism" solved by "Zero's vigilante methods" but Santos expresses doubt in such an approach and concludes that "the series is at its best when raising questions rather than offering a final solution".[62]

Quote from: Greg on July 21, 2011, 07:50:16 PM
The second season is, basically, a much more intense and devastating roller coaster ride filled with really clever and unimaginable plot twists (though the show does continue to stretch believability and outlandishness).

Quote from: Greg on October 07, 2011, 07:27:34 PM
My favorite Miyazaki movies are somewhat unlikely to be favorites- Ponyo and Howl's Moving Castle. Although I like his stuff, the problem I have with his movies are that they just feel too light for me (especially something like My Neighbor Totoro- perfect example of this). The musical equivalent of his whole aesthetic is impressionism, easily. Although with both I might listen/watch and enjoy quite a bit, often I leave with a hunger for something with more tension, substance, depth, or something to that effect.

Quote from: Coco on October 08, 2011, 09:53:55 AM
I think you'll love Nausicaa then, because I have the same exact problem with Miyazaki's other movies. The story is quite dark (takes place in the distant future on a ruined Earth) and there are lots of great battle scenes. The technology is really cool — a mix of futuristic and medieval weaponry (or "steampunk" I guess).

Quote from: Greg on October 11, 2011, 06:48:42 PM
(http://cdn.myanimelist.net/images/anime/6/2878.jpg)
Porco Rosso
8/10

Okay, I now know what my favorite Miyazaki movie is.  :o
I had a feeling I would like this... maybe it's because it's about a WWI fighter pilot who is a pig?
Anyways, this movie is basically cool, fun, and goofy all at the same time.


...just gotta watch Castle in the Sky and I've seen all of the Miyazaki/Ghibli movies.

Quote from: Greg on October 12, 2011, 06:48:29 AM
Oh yeah, that one is definitely on my list of shows to look forward to. Satoshi Kon tends to have surrealist-type stuff, and I am definitely a fan of surrealism.  :D

Have you seen Paprika? Joe Campbell recommended it to me a long time ago, and I thought the movie was very impressive- it's like Inception, except it came out in 2006 instead of 2010. And if you ask me, I thought it was a slightly better movie, too.

Quote from: Coco on October 12, 2011, 07:31:03 AM
Yeah, it was pretty great. It's funny you mention Inception's similarity because my friend said the same thing. I'd like to see Kon's other full-lengths also. I think you'd really dig Paranoia Agent.

Quote from: Coco on October 13, 2011, 07:32:57 PM
I think you'll have watched all of them by that point!

Quote from: Greg on October 15, 2011, 07:43:49 PM
I had to rewatch episode 8:

http://www.veoh.com/watch/v335900CTbBkCtj

Still absolutely mind-blowing. I have a friend that might end up watching this one, though probably after he finishes Dokuro-chan first.
 
One thing I understand that I didn't pick up on the first time was the reason the young man and the little girl were trying to kill themselves- they both seem to be revealed (or implied) during the scene outside after they roll down the hill when the nooses snap from the tree. What I would like to know is the old man's reason- never caught that. I'm also still not sure if there is a connection between this episode and others besides the mention of FOX- another member of their web forum that I read from the comments section of this link I posted was supposed to be the copycat lil' slugger? (not sure about that- confused...)

They don't translate the Japanese text when they display the forum posts, but from what I could read of it, it isn't substantially important.

Quote from: Greg on October 17, 2011, 07:16:44 AM
Anyways, enjoy!  :)
(and tell me what you thought about the ending- everything is explained in the last episode, although there will still be many details you'll have to figure out for yourself).

Quote from: Coco on October 23, 2011, 05:32:53 AM
When Tsukiko revisits her past and comes to terms with her lie and Maromi's death — I'll admit I teared up. Okay, I'm tearing up now just thinking about it. ;_;

Quote from: Coco on October 23, 2011, 05:32:53 AM
Anyway, definitely the best anime series I've ever seen.

Quote from: Coco on October 23, 2011, 05:32:53 AM
About to start Serial Experiments: Lain, just waiting for it to get here from Netflix. :)

Quote from: Coco on October 28, 2011, 06:26:12 AM
Watched the first four episodes of Serial Experiments: Lain — some aspects bothered me at first, like the annoying theme music, the dated ideas about the internet and the way everyone talks like a robot, but as I got further in I became more curious as to what is even going on. I like the way the show uses sound and the washed-out, hazy look of everything.

QuoteWorld Apartment Horror (1991)
Memories (Magnetic Rose) (1995)
Millennium Actress (2001)
Tokyo Godfathers (2003)
Paranoia Agent (2004)
Paprika (2006)
Dreaming Machine (TBA)

Quote from: Coco on November 02, 2011, 07:41:18 AM
He also directed Perfect Blue (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perfect_Blue), which is supposed to be really good as well.

Quote from: TheGSMoeller on November 03, 2011, 12:45:58 PM
I've seen Perfect Blue (1997), Millennium Actress (2001) and Paprika (2006) from Satoshi Kon and found all three to be fantastic. I've been impressed with how Kon has successfully touched on several different genres with his Anime-films.

Quote from: TheGSMoeller on November 03, 2011, 12:45:58 PM
Curious what anyone's thoughts are on The Sky Crawlers by Mamoru Oshii.

Quote from: Greg on November 03, 2011, 06:46:20 PM
If you liked Paprika, you definitely have to try Paranoia Agent.

Never heard of that one.

http://myanimelist.net/anime/3089/The_Sky_Crawlers

However, after reading about it, I'm intrigued.  8)

Quote from: TheGSMoeller on November 03, 2011, 06:53:23 PM
I really liked Sky Crawlers, a nice minimalist approach to its plot. I've really enjoyed what Mamoru Oshii films I've seen.

And it looks like there are different volumes to Paranoia Agent, is that right? Was it a series?

Quote from: Greg on November 03, 2011, 07:10:15 PM
Ah, I see he directed Ghost in the Shell, as well. I don't know any of his other stuff, though.

Paranoia Agent:
http://myanimelist.net/anime/323/Paranoia_Agent

13 episodes: ~4 1/2 hours
You can find it online, either dubbed or subbed, as well. If I had to sum it up quickly: the show has a rare distinction as being able to blow your mind with its trippiness while simultaneously hooking you in and not letting go.  :D  8)

Quote from: TheGSMoeller on November 03, 2011, 07:37:09 PM
And great name, by the way.  ;D

Quote from: Greg on November 02, 2011, 06:55:10 AM
Memories I've read about and can't get a grasp of what it might be like, and Tokyo Godfathers sounds like it's in the same vein of Millennium Actress. Dreaming Machine seems interesting, and will be a posthumous release- hopefully within a year or two.

Quote from: TheGSMoeller on November 12, 2011, 07:10:44 PM
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51AYA39QA4L._AA400_.jpg)


I'm really behind in recent Anime, but I remember some of the ones from the past I really enjoyed. Lain was a series I was mesmerized by, such a mysterious but innocent tale.

QuoteAronofsky says that Satoshi Kon's Perfect Blue was not an influence? Yeah, right...   ::)
(supposedly, even Requiem for a Dream was influenced by Perfect Blue).

Anyways, pretty good movie- I tend to really like scenarios where the main character starts having delusions of a person that characterizes a second personality (such as in Fight Club).

Quote from: DavidW on January 19, 2012, 08:16:52 PM
I've seen Paprika, it's pretty mind bending!  Since Paranoia Agent is only 4 dvds I'll put it on the queue. :)

Quote from: Greg on January 29, 2012, 06:30:02 AM
Hm... I'll be interested in what you think of Claymore. I liked it at first, but as it went on, I got increasingly bored of it, and quit with about 5 or 6 episodes to go (the only time I've done that with a show, other than Durarara). But don't let that stop you- hopefully you end up liking it more than I did.

Quote from: eyeresist on January 29, 2012, 05:52:21 PM
Clannad season 1 - Dragged a bit during the Kotomi arc, but overall very good. Touching, and with some likable characters, including the main male who for once in a harem show is not a passive cipher. Certainly the best anime adaptation of a Key game yet, and Clannad After Story is on my to-buy list.

Quote from: Greg on February 19, 2012, 05:27:53 PM(http://cdn.myanimelist.net/images/anime/11/25771.jpg)
Bakemonogatari
("Ghost Stories")
15 episodes

Quote from: eyeresist on February 19, 2012, 06:13:07 PM
Any explanation for the scissors and setsquares and staplers etc?

QuoteSynopsis
Sentan Island is a small island surrounded by the Yuden Sea. It exists in a state of dreamlike tranquility, cut off from the war between the Northern Government and the Southern Continent Free Zone. Our hero, Akiyuki Takehara, lives on Sentain Island along with his mother Fusa. He is currently separated from his father, the town doctor Ryuzo, but the bond between father and son remains. One day, after taking Ryuzo the lunch that Fusa has made for him as usual, Akiyuki arrives at school, where he is caught up in an explosion along with his friends, Haru and Furuichi. The explosion produces a mysterious light, which enters Akiyuki's arm, causing him excruciating pain. He's given no time to understand it, however, as the white-haired girl who rode on the bus with him guides him to a power unlike anything he's ever known.

Quote from: Greg on March 30, 2012, 05:26:08 AM
I read that the characters end up changing towards the end of the show.

And the plot sounds cool:Hmmm....

I bet the seller let you get the refund without having to return it so they could keep high seller ratings.  :D

Quote from: Coco on April 03, 2012, 02:46:56 PM
Last anime I watched was Princess Mononoke — definitely in my top 3 Miyazaki films (along with Nausicää and Castle in the Sky). Loved the characters and the beautiful painterliness of it all. It's also probably his most morally-ambiguous and violent film — which is, of course, a big part of the reason I like it. :D

On another anime-related note, I'm listening to Susumu Hirasawa's soundtrack for Millennium Actress — sweeping synthscapes with ethereal, floating scraps of distorted vocals.

Quote from: DavidW on April 03, 2012, 06:46:30 PM
I've seen Princess Monoke several times, it's just great. :)  I have to admit that I still have not heard the English voice acting, and I hear they got some big names to do it.  I've always preferred original language+subtitles.

Quote from: DavidW on April 03, 2012, 06:46:30 PMI've seen Princess Monoke several times, it's just great. :)  I have to admit that I still have not heard the English voice acting, and I hear they got some big names to do it.  I've always preferred original language+subtitles.

Quote from: Coco on April 05, 2012, 08:56:55 PM
I love this show already! It has a stillness and a childlike feeling that I enjoy, though it's also neither boring nor banal. Heartwarming, thought-provoking and completely charming.

Quote from: Coco on April 05, 2012, 08:56:55 PM
I hated Ponyo when I saw it in theaters. :( That could very well have been due to the American voice actors though.

I'd like to see more non-Miyazaki Studio Ghibli stuff like Pom Poko and Tales from Earthsea — even though they probably aren't as good as H.M.'s stuff.

Just watched the first five eps of this:

(http://comicattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/kinosjourneydvd.jpg)

I love this show already! It has a stillness and a childlike feeling that I enjoy, though it's also neither boring nor banal. Heartwarming, thought-provoking and completely charming.

Quote from: Mirror Image on April 06, 2012, 08:25:05 AM
So this is where all the real nerds meet...

Thankfully, I'm just a music nerd. :)

Quote from: Coco on April 06, 2012, 10:51:10 AM
Appreciation of any art is nerdy when you think about it. That said, I absolutely cop to being a total nerd.  :P

Quote from: Mirror Image on April 06, 2012, 11:01:37 AM
:D

I took an online quiz about dorkiness or something like that and I think I scored an 85% which is still a high percentage. But we're all nerds in some regard.

Quote from: Greg on April 06, 2012, 03:29:31 PM
It's better than the alternative...

Quote from: Coco on April 05, 2012, 08:56:55 PMI'd like to see more non-Miyazaki Studio Ghibli stuff like Pom Poko and Tales from Earthsea — even though they probably aren't as good as H.M.'s stuff.

[Kino's journey]

I love this show already! It has a stillness and a childlike feeling that I enjoy, though it's also neither boring nor banal. Heartwarming, thought-provoking and completely charming.

Quote from: eyeresist on April 06, 2012, 09:21:54 PM
It seems concerned overall with didactic point-making.

Quote from: eyeresist on May 06, 2012, 07:15:19 PM
Currently rewatching Noien : To your other self

Quote from: Greg on May 17, 2012, 07:02:22 PMThat is some stupid hair!   :D
I actually don't mind that art style (stuff like Yuyu Hakusho, Great Teacher Onizuka, etc.), but I do prefer that modern, glossy, look you're referring to (Clannad, etc.)- my favorite art style in any type of animation.

Hope it's worth the money, at least.  ;D

Quote from: eyeresist on May 17, 2012, 07:29:51 PM
BTW, Berserk was one of my formative-period animes, and I picked up a cheap slimpack of it recently, so I'll be reassessing that at some point this year. I agree(d) with the consensus on this one - it's a great, surprisingly sophisticated shonen anime, but with one of the most WTF endings of all time (just in terms of "They're ending it HERE?").

Quote from: Greg on May 19, 2012, 03:34:27 PMWhereas the first part of Steins;Gate is the slice-of-life anime, the second half is the intricate psychological drama that really shows the negative aspects of time travel. I'll try not to spoil it, but one detail that fascinated me for anyone if they watch this: pay attention to Okabe's expression when he gets back from leaping through world lines, and just try to imagine what that would be like. How would your perception of reality change in that scenario?

The special episode: they go to America. Every time Okabe says something strange, he gets arrested. This and the scene where Okabe meets some black guy on the street in Japan and says, "What's uuuuppp? I emu ah maddo scientisto! So cuuuuulllu! Sunuvabitch!" (and throws deuces) proves the writer really knows their American stereotypes.  ;D

Quote from: eyeresist on May 27, 2012, 05:52:24 PM
That's not phallic at all, no sir.

Quote from: eyeresist on July 15, 2012, 08:02:14 PM
Angel Beats (first half) - better than I expected.

Quote from: Greg on July 18, 2012, 04:33:53 PMOne of my favorite parts is when they try to create a distraction in the classroom, but Yurippe "put a jetpack underneath your seat just in case you messed up." They go to whatever lengths they can and always end up crashing into the ceiling.

Quote from: Greg on July 18, 2012, 04:33:53 PM
"put a jetpack underneath your seat just in case you messed up."

Quote from: Greg on July 21, 2012, 06:13:28 AMHigh School of the Dead, eh?...
The overuse of fan service + the fact that that was the one of the last anime Mr.Anime reviewed before plotting to shoot up his old high school kind of gives me an aversion to it.  :-X

Quote from: eyeresist on July 29, 2012, 11:12:04 PM
Greg, if you're looking for more stuff like Lain, here are some titles:

Boogiepop Phantom
Paranoia Agent
Ghost Hound
Texhnolyze
Welcome to the NHK

Quote from: Greg on July 30, 2012, 06:55:53 PMI've heard Boogipop Phantom and Texhnolyze suggested before. Paranoia Agent and Welcome to the NHK are, of course, among my top favorites. Ghost Hound I've never heard of before.

Quote2: why does this girl insist on protecting him at all costs? This question will need to be explained later, because it doesn't make much sense.

Quote from: Greg on August 06, 2012, 12:00:03 PMOn episode 19/26. Should finish tomorrow.
Ep.18 answers the questions I had about the girl since the first episode... very good show with a couple of flaws if you want to be critical. I'm hooked and really enjoying it.

Quote from: eyeresist on August 06, 2012, 05:48:19 PM
I've no idea what you're watching.

QuoteOther 1990s anime series which gained international success were Dragon Ball Z, Sailor Moon, and Digimon; the success of these shows marked the beginning of the martial arts superhero, the magical girl genre, and the action adventure genre respectively

Quote from: Greg on August 07, 2012, 08:13:16 PM
Should've known... all of this dark subject matter was inspired by Evangelion.  :D

Quote from: Greg on August 08, 2012, 08:11:08 PMNow that I know that Evangelion is the original source from where shows like Elfen Lied, Higurashi, Gantz, Mirai Nikki, etc. got their violence-filled traumatic angst,

Quote from: eyeresist on August 08, 2012, 09:55:13 PM
Not sure how true this actually is. The movie Akira has heaps of crazy violence, trauma and angst (and of course Grave of the Fireflies came out the year before that). I suspect various obscure 80s OVAs preceded EVA (and this is overlooking whatever was going on in manga at the time). Legend of the Overfiend is another title, though I haven't seen it. The importance of Anno is more that he led to darker elements becoming more mainstream.

Quote from: Greg on August 07, 2012, 07:46:10 PM
(part 2)

The plot:
{
    Yukki Amano, the protagonist, is a whiny (honestly, irritatingly whiny) middle school kid who keeps to himself. One day, a deity named        Deus selects 12 participants from his hometown (Sakurami) to battle to the death, and the remaining winner inherits the throne of Deus and becomes God (hopefully before Deus' bodies crumbles). These 12 participants are named (from "First," which is Yukki, to "Twelfth"). I read on wikipedia that this was modeled after the 12 Olympians.

Quote from: Greg on August 25, 2012, 11:16:28 AM
snyprrr discovering the bizarre side of the internet...

just don't get lost in it.  :-\

Quote from: Greg on August 08, 2012, 08:11:08 PM
This is a fascinating read:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_anime


Now that I know that Evangelion is the original source from where shows like Elfen Lied, Higurashi, Gantz, Mirai Nikki, etc. got their violence-filled traumatic angst, I couldn't help but wonder where some other strands/genres of anime started from.

Quote from: Greg on August 07, 2012, 07:46:10 PM
My thoughts:
...
   This is the type of show that, when I finish, it just does something strange to me. Having immersed myself in this show for these three days, it's hard to look at the world and feels it's even important at all. It's like a buzz from some kind of drug or something. This show, despite its flaws, feels like it's trying to do something or convey something more profound than anything that's ever been done in anything. I see similar things in modern anime, and even a few video games, and wonder where the Japanese are getting all of this from. A lot of these stories share similar characteristics and seem to have started around the early 90s and continue today. This would be something really interesting to study. I've read some old Japanese stories and have watched some of Kurosawa's movies, for example, stuff I really love, but all that stuff is traditional Japanese stuff. This modern Japanese stuff takes on a characteristic that is unlike anything I know of... these people had to have been inspired by something, perhaps old German literature I don't know about?
 
I may write even more... so many thoughts that cannot possibly be remembered in one sitting.

Quote from: Gordon Shumway on August 25, 2012, 12:07:06 PM
I think this is probably a way too literal to understand these things. Even accepting that Evangelion was the first creation in detecting this new form to see the reality (a digression: I don't know if you have noticed the word "Evangelion" comes from the Greek and means "announcement", I mention this because in Spanish the Gospels are called "Los Evangelios", so this is very evident), I think there is something new (very dark and confused) in the Japanese spirit arising through anime. I mean something real and not merely an artistic tradition designed to sell videos or magazines. Evangelion was probably one of the first announcements of this reality, but just that. So, I totally agree with your previous post when you said:

Quote from: Gordon Shumway on August 25, 2012, 12:07:06 PM
Surely, I need to watch this thing.

Quote from: Gordon Shumway on August 25, 2012, 12:07:06 PM
Thanks for your interesting posts, Greg!  :)

Quote from: Greg on August 25, 2012, 07:44:58 PM
Not sure if you are referring to Evangelion or Mirai Nikki, but they are both crazy shows... crazy enough that I can understand if people hate them, though I do love them.

Quote from: Greg on September 02, 2012, 08:18:53 PMI hear Black Butler is great! I'd be interested in what you think about that one.  8)

Quote from: eyeresist on September 02, 2012, 09:12:18 PM
Re movies I'm interesting in watching in Japanese, here is the short list: Scott Pilgrim vs The World, Aliens, Resident Evil, Sucker Punch, Interview With The Vampire, The Matrix, (Blade: House Of Chthon, possibly). As you can see, they're all basically live-action animes, so I think the cultural translation would work.

Quote from: Greg on September 03, 2012, 08:37:07 AMFor learning purposes or just for fun?

Quote from: eyeresist on September 03, 2012, 06:19:02 PM
Western movies are actually pretty cheap in Japan (compared to anime prices, at least).

Quote from: Corey on November 26, 2012, 04:47:28 AM
Starting Serial Experiments: Lain again. It's streaming on Hulu.

Quote from: CaughtintheGaze on November 26, 2012, 10:17:01 AM
So gorgeous:

Quote from: Greg on November 26, 2012, 10:27:20 AM
Yep. I watched that first episode sometime last year, I think... they had marathons on G3TV years ago, which I watched random episodes of, but I never watched the series from start to finish. Have you?

Quote from: snyprrr on November 26, 2012, 12:59:31 PM
How do you hook up with an anime girl? She's a potential psycho, but, I'm game. btw- I don't think I can 'fake' it: I'm going to need a much more aggressive approach. :( I can't imagine being able to deal with anime talk,... how can I get the subject to kinky sex?? 8)

Quote from: Greg on November 26, 2012, 07:31:23 PM
First you have to identify the archetype.

"Potential Psycho" is the Yandere type. They initially start very loving, but their love is so intense that they may end up killing anyone even remotely interested in you. Kind of like the overly attached girlfriend meme.

Tsundere is almost the opposite. Initially, they are cruel to you, but eventually show their loving side.

Moe is another one. Cute, innocent, young type.

What is fascinating is- I saw this on a youtube video- maid cafes which employ young women to behave in these archetypes. One of them was a Tsundere. A guy orders a bag of chips at the counter and the maid/waitress throws them at him. When he eventually leaves, the maid/waitress begs him to stay.

As for the kinky sex part, you'd be better off searching for hentai characters. Anime girls are more into the platonic friendship thing.



Anyways, this one is mine:
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TIlqcNHpixs/T5tlq5mJyDI/AAAAAAAACQA/dcxpLWAWfN4/s1600/Episode._1_Revival_of_the_Classics_Club_and_It%2527s_Traditions_Eru_Chitanda.jpg)
Pretty, nice, and rich. Go find your own anime girlfriend.  :P

Quote from: snyprrr on November 27, 2012, 08:05:48 AM
Wait... I... mean,... a real... girl. ???

The girl I'm talking about seems to fit the first profile. You would surely be EXPECTING :o psycho behavior here... she'd probably she could beat me up,... yea, I'm not really looking for a challenge here, haha!! ;)

You seem to know TOO MUCH about this Topic!! :P

Quote from: Greg on November 27, 2012, 08:48:46 AM
Real girls? How would I know?  ???

Quote from: snyprrr on November 27, 2012, 10:54:29 AM
Oy! We're both a mess, haha!! ::) ;D :-*

Maybe we could double date a siamese-twin-piano-duo team? 8) Just sayin :P ;D...

QuoteThree homeless companions -- a runaway girl, a transvestite, and an alcoholic -- find an abandoned newborn on Christmas Eve while foraging through trash. Using clues found next to the baby, they fan out through Tokyo to find the parents, along the way confronting reminders of their own lives they have nearly abandoned.

QuoteThe radically different and experimental style of the final two episodes confused or alienated many fans and spawned debate and analysis, both scholarly and informal, and accusations of meaninglessness; even mainstream publications like the Mainichi Times would remark that "When Episode 25 first aired the following week, nearly all viewers felt betrayed... [....]
In response to the backlash by fans against the nature of the series finale, Anno made several controversial comments in the months following the series conclusion, and preceding the release of The End of Evangelion. Anno commented in various interviews after the conclusion of the series that "anime fans need to have more self-respect" and to "come back to reality"; in a Newtype interview on 10 May, after the announcement on 26 April of a new movie and re-edited versions of the TV series, he also stated that "computer networking is graffiti on toilet walls."  These statements were even more controversial.

Quote from: Greg on December 24, 2012, 08:50:04 PM
(http://cdn.myanimelist.net/images/anime/11/8712.jpg)
Ghost in the Shell
Movie

This is the original movie from 1995. Probably having a headache during the first half of watching the movie really hurt my enjoyment and understanding of it...
I kind of just watched it and wasn't really compelled to form any opinion of it. There wasn't really anything in the movie I liked or disliked. So... umm... idk.

Quote from: Octave on March 22, 2013, 11:05:11 PM
I've started NEON GENESIS EVANGELION, and a few hours in, I'm not sure I'm going to like it near as much as FIREFLIES. 

Quote from: Octave on March 22, 2013, 11:32:01 PM
And maybe I should just skip to NGE's "stargate" sequence

Quote from: TheGSMoeller on March 23, 2013, 03:17:39 AM
Have you seen the sequel, Innocence? It's very good, but then again I'm bias towards the entire GITS universe and loved the first film and enjoy the series. But, Innocence gets a little more involved than the original, more of the entire "Ghost" concept is explored and includes some great action sequences and beautiful images.

Quote from: Henk on May 08, 2013, 02:15:52 PM
It was none of the one you mentioned. You said it was a masterpiece, I think you gave it 10 points. Something with Paradise in the title, you recommended it on Facebook to me, but I can't find it back.

Quote from: Henk on May 08, 2013, 02:15:52 PM
BTW I have gotten all albums by BTBM from Colors on. I like that stuff a lot. Also just downloaded Satriani's record Unstoppable Momentum, sounds great, I like him better than Vai

Quote from: Greg on April 06, 2010, 09:02:45 AM
I've been wanting to redo my top 10 list... now, here it is, currently- Greg's official top 10 anime:  :D
(the names take the series as a whole, meaning all seasons and sequels)

1. Higurashi No Naku Koro Ni
2. Elfen Lied
3. Clannad
4. Monster
5. Gantz
6. Death Note
7. Welcome to the NHK
8. Full Metal Panic
9. Now and Then, Here and There
10. The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya

and if it went to 12...
(11). Cowboy Bebop
(12). Baccano!

QuoteSeveral hundred years ago, humans were nearly exterminated by titans. Titans are typically several stories tall, seem to have no intelligence, devour human beings and, worst of all, seem to do it for the pleasure rather than as a food source. A small percentage of humanity survived by walling themselves in a city protected by extremely high walls, even taller than the biggest of titans.

Flash forward to the present and the city has not seen a titan in over 100 years. Teenage boy Eren and his foster sister Mikasa witness something horrific as the city walls are destroyed by a colossal titan that appears out of thin air. As the smaller titans flood the city, the two kids watch in horror as their mother is eaten alive. Eren vows that he will murder every single titan and take revenge for all of mankind.

Quote from: DavidW on August 07, 2013, 10:41:05 AM
I'm watching Neon Genesis Evangelion.  I had tried it before, but quit after a few episodes.  This time I gave myself a few more episodes and then I got hooked.

Quote from: Greg on August 07, 2013, 11:50:20 AM
Ha, I'll be interested in what you think about the infamous final episodes.  ;D

Quote from: DavidW on August 16, 2013, 06:25:24 PM
And did the budget go down the toilet?

QuoteThe 1st Series uses many of Mahler's symphonies. The music editor probably likes Mahler very much. Perhaps too much?

Quote from: TheGSMoeller on December 14, 2013, 03:51:47 PM
Watched the first episode of Attack on Titan available on CrunchyRoll. I need to know, is the rest of the show as good as the opening episode? I was really impressed with what I saw. Very emotional.


(http://stwww.geekexchange.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/attack-on-titan.jpg)

Quote from: Greg on December 14, 2013, 04:08:39 PM
I would say about 3/4 of it is as good as the first episode, some of it better. Never a dull moment, regardless.

I think the most powerful psychological aspect of this show is that sense of vulnerability and helplessness that the people faced. I hope you watch the rest of it, riveting stuff.

Quote from: Greg on March 04, 2014, 09:56:28 AM
Here's my list:

http://myanimelist.net/animelist/ibanezmonster

121 so far.

Quote from: Alberich on April 03, 2014, 08:02:40 AM
After doing a quick search I didn't find actual topic for manga so can you discuss it here? Because last One Piece chapter just blew my mind!

Quote from: Greg on April 03, 2014, 08:23:40 PM
Sure.

One Piece is one of those series that are just too long to get into for me... I had abandoned Naruto: Shippuden for that very reason years ago.

QuoteWell the psychological themes are very similiar. Also, the final enemies in Digimon Tamers, the D-Reapers are VERY-VERY similiar to Angels in Evangelion. The last D-Reaper even has a mask like Lilith did and it's face evolved to a human's one just like Lilith's .. While Digimon Tamers isn't that sad, psychological and fucked up and is targeted more at kids than Evangelion then it's still clearly influenced by it. Also, in both series there is a company that is related to the D-Reapers/Angels. And some of the digimons in this series are based off the Evangelion mechas. (one of them even had that big wire thing coming out of it's back)

Quote from: Greg on June 01, 2014, 07:17:54 AM
(http://cdn.myanimelist.net/images/anime/8/42217.jpg)
To Love-Ru Darkness
12 episodes + 4 OVAs

The last season of the series so far, and hopefully it will be expanded upon.
This season takes the show into some slightly more dramatic moments but never loses the silly jokes and crazy antics from the original season (and some of the most abundant ecchi/fan service in any show of the genre). Momo develops her harem plan for Yuuki Rito by trying to add more girls, but nothing is really concluded.

The girls are enough reason to watch the show itself, but the jokes never get old for me, which is why it was still so entertaining. Imagine the awkwardness of switching bodies with the opposite gender who happens to be your crush or being stuck holding hands with someone for an entire day and all of the awkward situations that would accompany that. And yes, it's natural for everyone to wonder why Yuuki Rito doesn't jump on that plan of becoming King of the Universe and having over 10 concubines instantly- answer: it's to keep the plot/entire show going. And did I mention how much I liked the girls in this show? Well, A LOT.  8)


now watching: Watamote  >:D

Quote from: Greg on August 09, 2014, 07:35:14 PM
What did you think about the first two seasons (and did you watch Savers and Xros Wars?)? I couldn't really choose a favorite between Adventure 1 and 2, though 2 is quite highly criticized for various reasons. What I liked was the exploration of both worlds, the constant plot twists, and some of the rather tragic characters. Ken, for one, enslaved and murdered countless Digimon who he thought weren't real and were just there for him to take out his personal problems on. Releasing this he goes through a process of redemption, hoping to be forgiven by everyone. And there is that character who dreamed ever since he was a kid to go to the Digital World- in the end, he falls to the ground and his body is halfway inside the edge of the Digital World, proclaims that he finally made it, and dies. I'd say that overall, Adventure 1 just took me away to a different universe that I could get lost in while Adventure 2 was just fun as hell to watch.

Oh yeah, and if I had to proclaim my favorite Digimon villain, I'd say Piedmon!  >:D ;D