Blog Archives

Yukikaze (2003)

(from , dir: )
Posted on January 25, 2006 by Deni

There’s something to a Studio Gonzo production that is almost auteur, if that can be said about an animation studio. There’s a finish to their work, a polish to the integration of CG into the more traditional cell animation that somehow has their fingerprints all over it. Yukikaze is no exception.

Based on a novel, Sentou Yousei Yukikaze (Good Luck Yukikaze) by science fiction author Chohei Kambayashi, the anime is a thrilling mix of personal drama, mystery, and jet fighter … (read more)

Comments Off on Yukikaze (2003)

Azumanga Daioh (2002)

(from , dir: )
Posted on January 25, 2006 by Ching Yee

Azumanga Daioh is like a cute puppy… infected with rabies.
Rather than changing this situation, the producers of Azumanga Daioh decided it was going to have more fun foaming at the mouth and gnashing its teeth. And that’s a good thing, folks.
When you have to produce a straightforward anime series about the school lives of 16 year old girls, you know the concept isn’t going to keep anime folks awake at night in anticipation ..well, maybe for some.

The … (read more)

Comments Off on Azumanga Daioh (2002)

Scrapped Princess (2004)

(from , dir: )
Posted on January 25, 2006 by Andy

Scrapped Princess has all the hallmarks of a fairly standard fantasy adventure with a drizzle of comedy. There’s the perky blonde princess with the prerequisite obliviousness to danger, the somewhat dour older brother and the gormless knight-wannabee hanger on.

What sets Scrapped Princess way above the usual action comedy fare is its silences, a theme established early in episode 1. When the siblings are attacked by bandits, there is an extended cut of Pacifica watching from the safety of the … (read more)

Comments Off on Scrapped Princess (2004)

Initial D (2000)

(from , dir: )
Posted on January 25, 2006 by Ian

Gentlemen, draw your swords… I mean start your engines.

While watching this, in many places, I got the impression that I was watching a Samurai film. Yes, cars have replaced the Katana, but the themes are still there. The honour and pride the combatants have in their skills and cars. The training of skills, the quest to become better than you were before. Revenge for past losses. And beating the tar out of your opponents.

A way of looking at … (read more)

Comments Off on Initial D (2000)

Final Fantasy Unlimited (2002)

(from , dir: )
Posted on January 25, 2006 by Andy

Final Fantasy Unlimited is based on the Squaresoft’s epic roleplaying series currently now on Playstation 2. The series is up to its twelfth iteration which makes something of a mockery of the finality of its titling. I’ve done my fair share of playing games in the series with Final Fantasy VI, VII, and X under my expanding belt. As each of these games take well over forty hours to complete, doing the maths either makes me crazy or something … (read more)

Comments Off on Final Fantasy Unlimited (2002)

Getbackers (2002)

(from , dir: )
Posted on January 25, 2006 by Deni

Getbackers is the coolest boys’ anime for girls you’re ever likely to see.

What? What do you mean how can it be a boy’s anime if it’s for girls? Alright, alright. I mean,

Getbackers is the coolest girls’ anime for boys you’re ever likely to see.

No? Confused? Then let me explain a little by putting the phenomena of deliberate subtext into brief, vague historical context.

A while ago anime producers realised something that probably came as a bit of … (read more)

Comments Off on Getbackers (2002)

Ninja Scroll – the Series (2003)

(from , dir: )
Posted on January 25, 2006 by Andy

Let’s have a quick anime history lesson. Ninja Scroll was one of the original big four anime that were at the vanguard that stormed Australian beaches at the end of the eighties. Ninja Scroll, along with Akira, Wicked City and Legend of the Overfiend, pretty much trailblazed the path for the entry of contemporary anime into the Western mainstream. Unlike its forebears, Astro Boy, Kimba, G-Force or Robotech, this gang of four was a highly organised … (read more)

Comments Off on Ninja Scroll – the Series (2003)

Argentosoma (2003)

(from , dir: )
Posted on January 25, 2006 by Deni

Borrowing from classical literature is nothing new in anime, and neither are themes of the armoured body, as evidenced by the numerous mecha titles available. Volume 1 of Argentosoma is unapologetic about its origins in that respect. Sure, if you’re looking for it, you’re going to find bits of Neon Genesis Evangelion or Robotech in there (“Hey those ships remind me of the Invid series” says my brother with a mixture of wistful approval and dismay), but the old take … (read more)

Comments Off on Argentosoma (2003)