Anime Quote: Welcome to the N.H.K

"It's natural for a person to deny he's a failure as a human being. That's why he searches for somebody who is more miserable than himself. That's why so much animosity exists on the Internet. Those who aren't able to find a more miserable person turn to the Internet and call other people losers, even though they've never met just to make themselves superior. Isn't that pathetic? There's a sense of security that comes from speaking badly of someone else. But that isn't true salvation." 

 - Tatsuhiko Takimoto, Welcome to the N.H.K.

Anime Quote: My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU

First Look: Bates Motel

(Scenes from Season 1 Episode 1 - First You Dream, Then You Die)

Year: 2013 | Studio: Universal Television and A&E | Directed by Tucker Gates

If you are a fan of Alfred Hitchcock (just like me) and have seen his film "Psycho" I know, you know, we all know what Norman Bates did and why. His actions are no longer a mystery waiting to be solved. So when I learn about the modern re-imagining of Psycho into a TV series I was more glad with the idea since I like watching stories that traces back into the roots of a character. 

I don't think every stories deserves a prequel, however, Norman Bates is nothing short of interesting in my book, always was and always will be. The Hitchcock movie has given us the idea that his mother is a manipulative and controlling woman who drove him into insanity, but we've never seen her face. In the TV series produced by A&E our Norman is a teenager (played by the now grownup child star Freddie Highmore) living with his neurotic mother Norma (Vera Farmiga). After discovering his father's dead body in the garage the Bates' mother and son decided to move away into a different state where she bought a rundown motel so they could start over. Just like any other teenager we see Norman dealing with issues of fitting in with his new environment, his desire to make friends and his interest with beautiful girls. But with a possessive mother like her - he always ends up wrestling for his freedom to do what he wants, of course to no avail. 

On a hindsight, the first episode perfectly established the strange bond between Norman and his mother, a relationship in the realm of madness that would cost him his own independence, whether physically or mentally. What makes Highmore's performance so convincing is because he's giving us the pathetic Norman we always know - a coward and a weakling in spite of his charming facade. Vera Farmiga's brilliance on the other hand lies on Norma's moodiness and her brief flashes of mania. She would just snap out of the blue and turn into a monster mother. 

Although I would have prefer this adaptation to be set in the 1960s just like in the movie, I still think the studio did a pretty good job creating a back story for a character that started the mass media hype on  psychological thriller and that is something I couldn't take away from this series. The production set of the motel before it became the infamous Bates Motel, the creepy house before it became derelict, the deserted roads, they all look nostalgic from the original piece and yet we're getting something new and different here - something distinct that enables this TV adaptation to forged its own personality. 

xoxo, Chin

Trailer: Inside Llewyn Davis

Based solely on the trailer, "Inside Llewyn Davis" is probably one of the movies that I'm surely looking forward to seeing this year, alongside "The Great Gatsby" (another Carey Mulligan starrer to premiere at the Festival de Cannes this May 2013) and has all the makings of a best picture for my year end's list. Mulligan's acting chops for this film deviates from all of her past performances, here we can see a whole new side of her dropping those humorous lines like a bomb - to which all credits are due to the witty screenplay by the Coen Brothers. Another element of this movie that excited me is the music, nothing short of the folk music scene of the 1960s, and I love that decade with all of my dark and twisted heart. So what could better that? Nothing, in my opinion. Well maybe with the exception that Marcus Mumford (of Mumford & Sons) produced the music with Academy Award winner T-Bone Burnett. At this point in time I am craving for inspiration from the cinema, I've been a prodigal cinephile for a tad too long - I want to watch something that would pull me right back in, something good, something moving. I am crossing my fingers that this film won't disappoint, along with all the other Cannes lineups.

 xoxo, Chin

Sensory Overload: Anime Spring 2013

I was inspired to redo my "sensory overload" segment after visiting one of my favorite anime blog. Take into consideration the difficulty level of squeezing out words from my skull. At the end of the day, little run downs like this is much better for me rather than to write full-length reviews with matching flowery vocabularies. Not for the lack of trying - because I did my best for the past two weeks -  but I just can't get anything done, and I hate not accomplishing anything whenever I go online.

There are a handful of anime's premiered this Spring 2013. However, I've selected just enough titles to watch this season, and all in all there are fifteen of them included on my list. I have refrain from watching harem (which means no Uta no Prince-sama and Date A Live for me) and have averted completely from watching boobie characters and panty shots (I'm not a dude so I don't get titillated with the fan service of Hyakka Ryouran Samurai Bride and Mushibugyo). In my opinion, there are more winners than letdowns based on the pilot episodes alone, but we'll see how they would fare well until the very end. My fingers are crossed for a very good and exciting season, so let's go and have some fun!

15. Photo Kano
First of all, this one broke my earlier statement. This is a harem anime with plenty of fan service and boobsie characters. But I got reeled in by the camera, and was fooled by the premise, and once I started a series I feel obliged to stick from start to finish despite my repugnance for the story and the characters. 

14. Arata Kangatari
I was a fan of Fushigi Yuugi and I'm getting the same vibes here considering they were made by the same mangaka. I always love magical things and I can see some moments of brilliance here and there, but this one is downright forgetful and I'll blame that to my age and experience. 

13. Ore no Imouto ga Konnani Kawaii Wake ga Nai.
I love the first season, but come on Kirino and Ayase are the worst part of this show. The yandere and tsundere thing doesn't work for me. And I can't understand Kyousuke's feelings for his sister. Is it just purely sibling relationship or something else? At the moment it's too early to tell if season two would turn out for the better (or worse). But for now I'll stick with this show because of the fantastic Kuroneko - I love her to bits. 

12. Karneval
I love beautiful things, but the little dude gets on my nerves, he can't even help himself. Yogi is adorable though, kudos to Mamoru Miyano. 

11. Hentai Ouji to Warawanai Neko
Kawaii characters have their special spot on my book, especially if they were made by J.C. Staff. I'm all in for the love story, so please do not make me cry like with Tora Dora, Ano Natsu and Sakurasou. 


10. Devil Survivor 2 The Animation
I have no further background about the game but the concept of the series is quite interesting and I think it's a notch higher to Persona 4, so that's a good thing. 

9. To Aru Kagaku no Railgun S
Whoa! I miss the girls, especially my hero Misaka Mikoto. In describing how I love this anime in two words: sparks fly! Misaka and Touma for the win.  

8. Yahari Ore no Seishun Love Come wa Machigatteiru.
The antisocial lead characters reminds me a lot of Houtarou (from Hyouka) and Masuzu (from Oreshura). They are all perfectly flawed, even the supporting cast, you can see the ridiculousness of high school life in their eyes - and just like them I'm not a fan of that stage in my life. 





7. Kakumeiki Valvrave 
The colors of this animation is vividly emblazoned in my mind even when I close my eyes. The lightness of this series is a good thing compared to the excessive seriousness of Code Geass. Our mecha's do not need to be no-nonsense all the time. A little bit of fun goes a long, long way so I'll be keeping my eyes all glued to Valvrave.


6. Aku No Hana
My heart beats for its imperfection, creepiness and nihilism. This is my weekly vitamins. 

5. Dansai Bunri no Crime Edge
The strange premise. The Gothic vibe. The out-of-this-world but comforting love story, I'm all love for it!



4. Hataraku Maou-Sama!
They know how to give us the right blend of humor and it's surprisingly on the spot. Give me a dose of Maou and his plans for world domination by working part-time at MgRonald's and I'm all in. 

3. Shingeki no Kyojin
Incendiare. Epic. Massive. Hail to Wit Studio and Production I.G. for turning a promising manga into a highly stylized anime adaptation. I could see it already being adapted into a live action motion picture by the likes of Steven Spielberg, that's how superb this series is in my opinion. For all the hype it stirred before its premiere it definitely live up to its very high expectations. 

2. Suisei no Gargantia

Urobuchi is back! And he's giving us Water World and Star Wars, and I don't mind. My, my Gargantia has definitely swept me off of my feet. Science fiction is definitely my cup of tea.  

1. RDG: Red Data Girl

This series got everything I love: magic, fantasy, culture, mystery and romance all rolled into one. The first episode grabbed me on the get-go. I love its innocence and its fascinating take on Shinto  - a foreign domain to me but is the catalyst for my being googly eye every week and on repeats. What more can I say, it just have everything I wanted...and more. 

First Look: Suisei no Gargantia

Year: 2013 | Directed by Kazuya Murata | Written by Gen Urobuchi | 

| Studio: Production I.G. |

I am not one to speak eloquently about the technicalities of a mecha anime for I have no heads for it, despite the fact that I am a fan of Evangelion through and through. Regardless of those technobabbles in the first few minutes it doesn't take away the fact that I enjoyed Gargantia's premiere episode in its entirety. Once the setting of the anime moved into planet Earth the story has become more engaging - I was hooked right off the bat. The plot of Suisei no Gargantia is still something of a wonder to me, considering that it is written by Gen Urobuchi who is synonymous for killing his characters; we could only speculate if he would follow his same-old routine or if he could surprise us by pulling a new trick. So far, Suisei no Gargantia is off to a really good start. A cliffhanger was left to be pondered for next week and the relationship of the characters are yet to be established. For now, I'll just go with the flow and enjoy the ride - in Production I.G. we trust.

xoxo, Chin

First Look: Aku no Hana

Year: 2013 | Directed by Hiroshi Nagahama | Written by Aki Itami

Based on the Manga series by Shūzō Oshimi | Studio Zexcs

I have always been pulled in by creepy things, but maybe it's because I've known it earnestly that I'm a freak. There were talks about Aku no Hana  - mostly to negative vibes due to its rather controversial story (on degradation, masochism and utter humiliation of the male character) that implies it would turn your stomach upside down. When the anime was released a few days ago some viewers have said that they would have difficulty watching the later episodes because of their knowledge about the manga. I am not trying to brag here but I just don't feel off about the story. I have seen a lot of live action films that are way weirder than this. Given that the animation is a complete turn around from its manga look I have come to like it not because of the symbolism on its visual style but the realism it gives off with the details. At first, I share the same repugnance with the animation just like with everyone else. They don't look moe and not so very easy on the eyes. But in a way I have learn to appreciate its rotoscoped effects, thanks partly to Richard Linklater's film "Waking Life" and "A Scanner Darkly".  On the upside, though, I think this is a major achievement for Zexcs to have created an anime with Japanese people looking exactly like Japanese people. With a story that is screwed up as Aku no Hana I think it is only befitting for it to be interpreted in a realistic way even if the visual looks unconventional - at least in anime standards - so we could view the characters as real human beings with tangible emotions.

Aside from the occasional spoilers, I am thankful hitherto that I have not read the manga, it certainly saved me from having any expectations or disappointments. I am ecstatic to watch the upcoming episodes for all of its unsettling psychological war fares - because I live for that kind of stuff - as they keep me inspired and makes me feel less lonely in this cruel and harsh world. Out of all the anime's to premiere this spring season Aku no Hana is by far my favorite and the most interesting there is in my opinion. 

xoxo, Chin

First Look: Hataraku Maou-sama!

Year: 2013 | Directed by Naoto Hosoda | Written by Masahiro Yokotani | 

Based on the Light Novel series by Satoshi Wagahara | Studio: White Fox 

The pilot episode for this anime series is probably the funniest one I've ever seen for sometime now. The brief introduction - the war between humans and demons -  reminds me of another Maou show last season that failed to piqued my interest. I was even surprised when they pulled a demon language that sounded like a combination of German and French. But what took me by surprise and put me laughing hysterically while watching Hataraku Maou-sama! came afterwards when Satan (Maou) and his general, Alsiel (Ashiya)  find themselves lost in Japan - in a human form - looking like a bunch of cosplayers. 

The two demons were forced to change their names, register for identification cards, open a bank account, rent an apartment and find a job in order to survive. In a short span we saw Maou and Ashiya in their hilarious domestic mishaps, trying to save money and are having problems with their food supply. The concept is just overwhelmingly funny. But seeing this story in anime makes me somehow convince that this is how Satan would live his life when he takes a refuge into earth. Only anime can make Satan work as an efficient part-timer in MgRonald's, who would even risk his remaining powers to fix the frying machine just so their branch could win the contest for selling the most black pepper fries in their area. 

In my book this light hearted show has a chance of being one of the best this year. There are so many problems in the world but seeing how Hataraku Maou-sama! poke's fun on human situations by using Maou as an example gives you something to smile about even if the going gets tough. 

xoxo, Chin.

First Look: Hannibal (TV Series)

(Scenes from Season 1 Episode 1 - Aperitif)

Year: 2013 | Studio: NBC | Directed by David Slade 

For fans of the Thomas Harris series and the Anthony Hopkins' version of the titled character, stop comparing this to The Silence of the Lambs, and please give this series a try and let yourself be blown away. Of course I was enchanted by the visually bloody preview, but before that let's give some kudos to Bryan Fuller for adapting this for TV. I think what we can expect from NBC's Hannibal (that you won't usually get from the film adapation) is the in depth character study of Hannibal Lecter, a tour de force and larger than life persona who lives for the vanity of his intellect and his unparalleled taste, and Will Graham, the NBI profiler with a damage of his own making.

I know there are so many police procedural series out there, which I don't watch by the way. But you have to take into account that this show is loosely based on the novel, so we would be seeing stories, subplots and other elements that were not included in the movie interpretations. Hannibal Lecter has always been one of my favorite fictional character, and now we have the chance to know him well before he was put behind bars. He is so good in playing cleverly mind games with his patients and because of his smart's he can get what he wants from them. 

I refuse to give in to the criticisms I've read about Mads Mikkelsen's thick accent. Hannibal was born and lived most of his life in Europe, it is inevitable for him to sound that way. Mikkelsen dove into the character in a way how a Hannibal Lecter would act and think like for the 21st century. Then there is Hugh Dancy who showed such flexible mind muscles for his role as Will Graham. I'm used to watching him in supporting roles, playing the nice guy so this is an actual change of paced for him. We know that he is not the killer, but Graham's antihero qualities, his fight with his inner demons stretches out Dancy's talent as an actor, something that we rarely get a glimpsed of from his earlier repertoire's. 

Everything is so gory it makes me wish that series like this could get its playtime every week on the big screen. I also like the fact that it has a gorgeous cinematography that made it look very much like a movie. Fuller and his episode 1 director David Slade took advantage of the technology and used it evidently well to make a very tasteful show that is a notch higher from every serial crime series out there. As I've said, it has more of an appeal of a movie than a TV series - and I am enjoying every minute of it. 

xoxo, Chin

First Look: Dansai Bunri no Crime Edge

Year: 2013 | Directed by Yūji Yamaguchi | Written by (Manga & Anime) Tatsuhiko Hikagi |

| Studio: Studio Gokumi |

According to the quote by the great Dr. Seuss, “We’re all a little weird. And life is a little weird. And when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall in mutual weirdness and call it love.”

That's exactly how I feel about the chemistry between the two lead protagonist of Dansai Bunri no Crime Edge - Kiri Haimura and Iwai Mushanokōji. Both of them have their own weirdness. Kiri, looks normal on the surface but he is obsessed with cutting people's hair. Iwai, on the other hand, cannot cut her hair because of a cursed. You can see the frustration on their ends, but it is downright obvious that their weirdness is the common ground that bonds them together.

I was first hesistant to include this anime on my to-watch list, however, there are titles that usually flies off my radar that turns out rather pleasing. So before I could drop it completely I've decided to give it a go - and I am glad for doing so. I was surprised that the mystery aspect of the anime was able to create enough tension letting us wonder if we are watching a story about fantasy or murder. I could see both elements working smoothly because everything I've seen so far in one word is "weird" and yet there is a touch of cuteness that assures us it won't be threading into something  uncomfortable in the future. I've always liked love stories about weird people, their pure innocence and caring is very warming to watch and their extraordinary character's always jumps out of the screen.

The first episode is indeed promising and I really liked it. I hope they can keep this up as the series progresses because I would be watching from now on.

xoxo, Chin

Still Walking

Year: 2008 | Directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda | Roundup Rating: A

Whenever I write a film review I cannot prevent myself from falling prey into my usual subjective mode. The moment I write about a movie and examined and dissect its parts, the more I talk about myself and how the picture speaks in volumes about a slice of my own life. It took some restraint on my part or probably some bouts of writer's block for me not to give in to the same old exercise, but I can only write about what I know - and it all comes down to me, myself and the movies I love. So let the chips fall where they may. 

Although Japan and South Korea are both located in East Asia do not be mistaken to get the same dramatic treatment when you watch a Japanese dramatic film. South Korean dramas are all about tedious monologues and crying fits, they pretty much wear their emotions on their sleeves. The Japanese cinema on the other hand shares more similarity to Scandinavia, they have perfected the art of truthful but realistic minimalism. 

Still Walking by Japanese filmmaker Hirokazu Koreeda is a day-in-a-life drama that encapsulates the weariness and the troubled relationship of a family stricken by a tragedy that took place fifteen-years ago. In my observation the best way to wrecked a marriage or to put unspoken distance between a family is by the death of a couple's child. Some of the movies I have seen in the past like The Accidental Tourist, Ordinary People and Rabbit Hole dealt with the same ordeal, with the earlier titles having broken marriages after their child's death. Those couples who chose to stay together for the sake of "marital obligation" becomes a stranger and embittered to each other just like the mother and the father in this movie. I feel bad how a loving relationship can be torn apart by death, even if the act is brought purely by an accident. 

The parents felt that they were cheated by life and robbed off from raising a good and promising son. In their own way when he passed away they also died. They've become devoid of any human emotions, to the point that they've denied their remaining children the love and affection they also deserved - just because they gave it to someone who is no longer around. I feel sad for them because after all, children are supposed to outlive their parents, not the other way around. But there is nothing more difficult than to live with people who makes you feel guilty about being alive. It is a real struggle for the younger son Ryota to be reminded daily - although indirectly - that he should have died instead of the son they have lost years ago. The act of grieving over a loved one - especially on a family member whose death seemed untimely - is a silent battle that never ends. But it is a reality that family's buried their heartaches and refused to acknowledge or to talk about it seriously. The only way for them to soothe their pain is by placing the guilt on someone else. 

The plot of the film may look like a confrontational drama; if done in places like Hollywood or in the Philippines their conflicts could only be resolved in heightened verbal exhanges and character's can be absolved only by tears and fiery outbursts. But this is Japan. This is the home of Ozu's "Tokyo Story" and Kiyoshi Kurosawa's "Tokyo Sonata". Although this is the same country famous for producing original surreal stories on anime and manga, when it comes to their cinema they always go back to basics by keeping the story real and by making their character's more human minus the soap opera. 

Family's are complex. They are a combination of people brought forcibly together by marriage and blood relations. They are not usually on the same wavelength but that is something they want the world to believe in. I could compare it to a broken vase. You can attach the pieces with a glue, paint the outside so it would look unbroken, but on the inside they know that once it's broken you can never put it together again.

Anime 2013: First Quarter Season Roundup

The anime winter season has finally come to a close. I am glad to have taken the ride by spending several sleepless nights waiting for new episodes to be released online for downloading. To be more organized I have decided to put up a roundup for each season in order to identify what I like and what not for my year-end list. For this roundup - just like what I do yearly for my acting handpicks - I'll be giving some distinctions compiled under some not-so-ordinary categories - compared from other blog pages - since everything here serves solely for my own pleasure.

BEST ANIMATION - WINTER 2013

If not for the animation blunders in their several second-cour episodes Psycho-Pass might have won this honor for Winter season, but it would leave a bad taste. So I have to go with Zetsuen no Tempest for their gorgeous character designs and fantastical scenery and magical world. 

BEST MC (MALE CHARACTER) - WINTER 2013

Despite the episode 21 meltdown for a Frau fan I would not take away this title from Kai, considering that for the longest time it is hard to find any male characters who are not pushed and shoved and belittled by his female counterpart. If the world is encouraged to create inspiring role models for my fellow young women  out there I think it is high time for the industry to produce male characters that could inject some positivity and invigorate their interest to become better human beings. Kai is the man. He likes his video games, without being too Otaku about it. He can hang out with a girl, even in the comforts of her room with her underwear's all over the place and not be perverted about the sight of those little thingies. He would risk his life for the people that he cared about, he would eat those icky flavored buns to aid his friend and the girl he likes. He can confess his feelings confidently without the cheesiness of a romcom drama. And most of all, he has a concrete life direction - to become an astronaut - which he fulfilled in the last episode.

Honorable Mentions: Izayoi Sakamaki (Mondaiji), Mahiro Fuwa (Zetsuen no Tempest), Yoshihisa Manabe (Kotoura san)


"BEST GIRL" - WINTER 2013

Honestly, picking up the best girl is the most difficult job. And although Kona is a character that I can relate myself more in terms of her love for yaoi and her awkwardness it is a real struggle for me to choose one for the top spot. I have to give the "best girl" distinction though to the lovable Kanna Makino from Tamako Market. Unlike her friends Kanna knows what she wants to do in her life - that is to become a carpenter. She is all moe from head to toe without being an airhead and her voice is so adorable that it fits perfectly well with her character animation. She rarely gets the focus of the story but most of my favorite scenes have always consisted of those memorable moments around her, her interesting one liners and her goal to make Dera-chan lose weight. She is the reason why I will miss watching Tamako Market every week.

Honorable Mentions: Kona Furugoori aka Frau Kojiro (Robotics;Notes), Misaki Kamiigusa (Sakurasou no Pet na Kanojo), Mashiro Shiina (Sakurasou no Pet na Kanojo)


BEST SUPPORTING CHARACTER - WINTER 2013

Kaya is the definition to the old saying "behind every successful man is a strong woman." She is the wind beneath the wings of our favorite mangaka duo. Their silent hero and their number one fan. 

BEST VILLAIN - WINTER 2013

This title goes to him and him alone...bar none. Whenever he opens his mouth he catches our attention. There is nothing ridiculous about his opinions to the point that we would suddenly find ourselves believing and rooting for him. Only someone intelligent and charismatic - such as a sociopath - can manipulate someone from doing a heinous crime and be able to get away with it for far too long.


RECURRING CHARACTER - WINTER 2013

Although Arata from Chihayafuru had crossed my mind, Aika from ZnT is the clear winner of this title. Before the  series had begun she is already dead, but her never-there presence has run the entire gamut of the show keeping us bedazzled about her mysterious death. Her appearances only runs through flashbacks and yet her being is so strong it managed to affect everyone, even those people who had never met her in the flesh.

BEST OPENING SONG/SEQUENCE - WINTER 2013

Out of Control by Nothing's Carved In Stone (From Psycho-Pass)

BEST ENDING SONG - WINTER 2013

All Alone With You by Egoist (From Psycho-Pass)

BEST ENDING SEQUENCE - WINTER 2013

Neguse from Tamako Market

BEST SOUNDTRACK - WINTER 2013

Zetsuen no Tempest by Michiru Oshima

MOST UNDER-APPRECIATED - WINTER 2013

The weekly late subs is a testament as to how overlooked this amazing series was. I've been a devoted fan of Bakuman since its first season but I must say that their last installment carries out all the punches that makes this show so great and a thing of joy to watch - like life unfolding before your eyes. We know that Bakuman is about the drama of hardwork, chasing one's dreams, and the undying passion to keep things rolling even when situations are a little bit tougher, but it is the real friendship of the characters and their own personal stories that makes me a faithful follower after its entire 75 episode run until now. Oh my, parting is such a sweet sorrow. I will miss you Bakuman, thank you for the memories.

Honorable Mentions: Mondaiji, Hakkenden


EXCEEDED EXPECTATIONS - WINTER 2013

DISAPPOINTMENT - WINTER 2013
Oreshura (tied with) Amnesia

Don't get me wrong I have enjoyed Oreshura for quite sometime. I was hesitant to watch a harem anime since I never like watching girls chasing over one guy - that's a travesty in my opinion. I was cruising along with ease until the last two or three episodes. The reason I was hooked in the first place was because of Masuzu, who is a breathe of fresh air from all of those generic tsundere's and onanajimi's that vexes me. She is bat shit crazy, but completely interesting. What ruined it for me was Eita's inability to choose. He hugged Hime, stamped Ai's marriage certificate (that makes her legally the winner), made that love spectacle and declaration with Masuzu, and yet shared a kiss with that lollicon Chiwa (my least favorite character). So yes, it ended as a true harem anime. And for a girl who has a so-so opinion on that genre I'm just back to where I started - annoyed with Oreshura.

So many routes. So many cute guys to choose from. I have read the visual novel's synopsis on the web and I was disappointed with how they failed to give us a strong Ukyo route, after all that is the backbone of this story. The heroine is so weak and bland I wish someone could just inject her some adrenaline. On a positive note, I enjoyed Kent and Touma's route but that's the long and short version of it. Other than that they should have given us a concise background of Orion and Neil or at least a finite - anime original ending that won't leave us hanging on the door.


BEST ANIME - WINTER 2013

There are so many titles, but there is only one that really stood out. Shin Sekai Yori's twist and turns and cliffhangers kept me on the edge of my seat each week. It is not your typical anime that plays around on mundane, which should be given credit to its original source, the hefty Japanese novel by Yuusuke Hishi. The show does not attempt to identify what is good and what is evil, rather it challenges us to recognized that villains and heroes depends entirely on what side does a person belongs to. A series that is especially imaginative and as deliciously good as this one would always leave us a feeling of discomfort for its nightmarish visuals and its choice of sensitive subject. But nevertheless, we were given a chance to watch something so unique that's not only satisfying but exceeded expectations for a two cour series in spite of its animation shortcomings under a very low (and possibly tight) budget.

Hannibal (NBC) - Preview

TV series prequel to Red Dragon. I hope this one gets aired in Jack City. In a not so distant past, I've wanted to work for the Forensics. I'll take both Will Graham & Hannibal Lecter's job if given a chance. But that was eons ago.

xoxo, Chin