Kuro Shitsuji Movie

I heard news about this movie a year ago and since it's release in January I've been keeping an eye out for a subbed version.
Although this movie is a part of the Black Butler franchise, it is not necessary to be acquainted with the story to understand the movie. The movie is basically based in an alternate dimension where the names are different and the main character is a cross-dressing girl. More on that later. The movie is about Shiori Genpou and her butler, Sebastian Michaelis, who serve as the Queen's 'Watchdogs', detectives for the weird and supernatural. So when mummified bodies start to turn up, Shiori immediately starts investigating. But things don't go well when her investigations leads her to a private party where she's caught snooping around. Fortunately she has Sebastian who is more than just a butler, he's 'one hell of a butler': a demon who serves Shiori in exchange for her soul. The pair need to have all their wits about them if they are to survive and solve the mystery.
The plot is really clever. Its full of redherrings but every detail is carefully explained in various flashbacks. Its really rather in depth actually and everything is explained. I quite often find stories like this difficult to keep up with and yet I followed this movie with relative ease. Although that may actually mean that the story is terrible and too straight forward, it makes me happy and that's what matters in the end!
I remember the original anime being very humorous and at times utterly ridiculous. This movie is not like this. It focuses a lot more on the action instead. Not that I can really complain! The action scenes are all beautifully choreographed. Considering Sebastian can technically take out all the enemies in the blink of an eye, I really appreciate the fact that they actually made these spectacular fight scenes. They really make the movie in my opinion. Also, it's quite gory at times, but its classy and well done gore and only actually adds to the story rather than detracting. But I really don't know how to feel about the new names and the fact that the new protagonist is a girl. It does feel like they strayed to far from the original source. Especially since is adds nothing to the story! However, it doesn't really cause any problem either.
One thing I did have a problem is though is that they couldn't devote themselves to one time period. The original Black Butler story was set very clearly in Victorian England. This movie isn't quite so obvious about because although the characters wear Victorian clothing, almost identical to what they wear in the original show! But there's modern cars and an incredibly advanced looking bomb. However it must be said that they really rocked those costumes. They are as beautiful as the original designs. Incredibly detailed and carefully constructed. They're perfect!
However, I am incredibly impressed by the casting! Ayame Goriki has the air of authority and nonchalance that matches Shiori's/Ciel's personality and Hiro Mizushima has a tall build and deep voice befitting of Sebastian! I am particularly pleased with Mizuki Yamamoto who plays Rin, the clumsy maid. In the anime I remember her for her distinctive voice which would squeak like a boy hitting puberty. Something that Mizuki manages to imitate in such a way that its still reminiscent of the original character but with the control necessary to fit the more serious tone of the movie.
In conclusion, I am happy I finally found this! It's the best film I've watched in a while actually! The plot is carefully created and the actors give their all to representing their characters. I am slightly disappointed that some of the best characters did not get realised in the movie but in the end I'd rather have a clever plot than a story bent around showing off as many characters as possible. As long as you're prepared for a less funny Black Butler, you will love this movie! It has a brilliant balance of violence and intelligence that I think any one could appreciate! So why are you still sitting there? Go watch the movie!

Pie:

Sailor Moon Crystal

So all of you should know that I am a massive Sailor Moon fan, or 'Moonie' as we're called, and you should of heard that Sailor Moon recently passed its 20th anniversary! To celebrate this momentous occasion there's been lots of knew merchandise being released, a new musical and even a new dub on of the anime. But more important than that is the news of the new series 'Sailor Moon Crystal'. It was supposed to be aired last year but after set back and set back it didn't start until the 5th July. Its only airing fortnightly so the second episode only aired yesterday (19th July), even so, I'm going to do my best to review this new Sailor Moon anime!

First, let me clear something up. Sailor Moon Crystal is not a re-make of the original series! Its actually a new series based more on the manga because the original anime overtook the manga so ended up having a lots of differences. For those familiar with the Fullmetal Alchemist series, it's very similar to the Brotherhood series compared to the original series. But this puts me in a bit of an awkward position because being honest with you, I've never read the Sailor Moon manga. So don't expect me to compare this anime to its manga counterpart, however I will be able to compare it to the original anime and various other magical girl animes!

The World is Still Beautiful

Tofeeish has killed her computer which means you're stuck with me, Crazysaki, writing you a review again.

The World is Still Beautiful or Soredemo Sekai wa Utsukushii is a new release that was completed with 12 episodes last Saturday. Nike Lemercier is the fourth princess of the Rain Dukedom who is taken to wed the Sun King Livius I. The focus of the story is on the relationship between the two as they gradually form affections for each other and the trials they have to overcome from opposition to their marriage.

A special power that the people from the Rain Dukedom have is the ability to 'call the rain'. Nike needs only to sing a song to bring rain to the dry Sun Kingdom which cannot naturally produce rain. At the start Nike restricts herself to only use the rain on special occasions, claiming that it is a sacred procedure, but she seems to disregard this later on. Also with the rain calling she has some control over the wind which helps her to escape from a few situations. These powers make her a strong character as she stands up for herself and needs little 'saving'. I find Nike's personality quite likeable as she freely speaks her own opinion but is careful not to hurt others and wants to help other people as much as possible. This contrasts with Livius who only cares about himself and getting revenge from the hardships of his upbringing. A big point about Livius and a recurring gag throughout is the fact that he is a child. Despite his age he managed to become king and effectively conquer the world in three years. Hung up on revenge and domination he became cold and cruel and with the help of Nike gradually begins to realise the beauty in the world once more.

I like the art style which is full of bright colours and flows really well. With rain and wind being so evident in the plot it only makes sense that the weather is done well too, which I thought they did. At several points throughout the story Nike calls fourth the rain through a song about “the tender rain”. I really like the song because it feels so heartfelt especially as it it used in emotional times. Even when she's not singing you can hear the music which helps to create an emotional atmosphere.

However there is one thing I'm annoyed with; I feel the ending was very rushed and didn't give me the satisfaction I wanted. After going through hardships and dramatic cliffhangers on previous episodes I needed some action, to see the wedding, to see Livius grown up. But to me it felt like the animators suddenly realised they were make a twelve episode long anime half-way through the last episode!

Despite the unfulfilling ending I really enjoyed The World is Still Beautiful. If you love romantic-comedies then I recommend this anime for you.

Soul Eater Not!

Soul Eater is a personal favorite of mine. I've watched it several times over and each time is as entertaining as the first! It's based in a school called the DWMA (Death Weapon and Meister Academy) for human-weapons and meisters to train together to be able to defeat evil souls. It's an action packed comedy full of jokes and awesome fight scenes. The characters are inventive and the art is beautiful. But enough about Soul Eater, I'm here to tell you about Soul Eater Not!, the spin-off show.

The Wind Rises

I've been blessed. The film theatre in my town had four showings of The Wind Rises and I got to see it last night! I'm really glad because there aren't many cinemas showing it in the UK and the film theatre is really cheap too!! This was my first time watching anime on the big screen and it was so exciting, the colours were so much brighter and every thing was so much bigger (especially compared to watching things on my laptop) that I really felt like I was a part of the film! Anyway, The Wind Rises is a Studio Ghibli film and more importantly, it's the last film produced by Hayao Miyazaki. So I was really looking forward to it. Here's what I found out!

First of all, the plot. The Wind Rises is a fictionalized biography, meaning that although the characters and key moments are real, the details about their personal life are made up. To be specific, the movie is about Jiro Hirokishi, an aeroplane designer for Japan during WW2. Jiro is incredibly passionate about aviation and as a young boy dreamed of being a pilot, but he's eyesight is poor so he turns his passion to designing. When he grows up, Jiro goes to Tokyo to study engineering but gets caught in the Great Kanto earthquake which derails his train. He spots the maid of a young girl who injured her leg in the crash and decides to help her out. He leaves with out evening giving the pair his name, but his heroic actions left their mark. So when Jiro bumps into the young lady, Naoko, whilst working for company designing planes for the military the two are happy to see each other and begin spending their free time together. So it's not surprising when Jiro confesses his love for Naoko. But with Jiro devoted to his work and Naoko suffering with Tuberculosis they don't have a cliche obsessive relationship instead they have a relationship that's pure and loyal.

MCM EXPO SPECIAL: May. 2014

I'm aware that given my new fortnightly schedule, this post should really be for next week. But by that time all remaining MCM hype will have gone. So, since this isn't even a real review, I figured I'd post it today anyway. Everything goes back to normal.

I suppose I should probably stop calling it expo though because MCM have actually bought the title 'comic con'. It caused a lot of drama in the facebook group (but then, everything causes a lot of drama in that group!) however it hasn't actually changed the convention at all. Although it has certainly grown since last year!!

Chuunibyou Demo Koi Ga Shitai (Movie)

Some of you might be thinking that yesterday was MCM. So why isn't there an MCM special post today? Well, it's because for the first time ever I'm attending MCM on the Sunday so when this post publishes, I'll be happily strolling through the Excel hall. However, fear not! As when I get back I will be sure to tell you all about it! For now, please enjoy this review.

I'm not a fan of reviewing sequels because it's not different to reviewing a second season and it's only interesting to people who have already watched the show. However, you may remember that two years ago (I've really been blogging for a long time) I reviewed the original anime series of Chuunibyou demo Koi da Shitai. But I think it's all right when the the sequel is in a different medium! Seeing how a series is interrupted into a movie is a completely different experience to seeing it as an anime, and I did do this before with the K-On movie! So hopefully you will enjoy this review even if you haven't the anime (which you really should watch!).

Then again, this movie is not strictly speaking a sequel. It's full title is Takanashi Rikka Kai: Chuunibyou demo Koi ga Shitai!, and technically it's a retelling. So I am forced to re-state the plot of Chuunibyou.

Chuunibyou is a term used to describe the awkward face some children go through in 8th grade, in extreme cases it refers to the belief that you are actually magical and go around casting spells to fight off imagined evils. In the case of Rikka Takanashi, Chuunibyou is more than just a phase and she moves to high school still completely believing in her 'Tyrants Eye'. Yuuta Togashi on the other hand, is has left his alter ego of 'Dark Flame Master' and intends to live his life as a regular high schooler. But Rikka finds out about his secret past and won't let him keep it a secret! She forces him to join a her club with their senpai who wants to nap all the time, their seemingly perfect class rep and Rikka's 'servant' who is every bit as eccentric as her master. As Yuuta and Rikka spend more time together they slowly find more of each other's admirable qualities but things do not go smoothly as Rikka's chuunibyou causes problems with her family and the solution is never straight forward.

The Thieves

Another recommendation from my dad here. The Thieves is a 2012 Korean Movie which received a lot of press as the 'Korean Ocean's 11'. With a collection of top actors such as Kim Yoon Seok (The Chaser and Punch), Kim Hye Soo (Sandglass and Over the Rainbow) and Gianna Jun (My Love From Another Star and My Sassy Girl) it's no surprise that the action comedy is currently the second highest grossing movie in Korean film history.
Enough with the facts, onto the review! The plot of The Thieves is about a group of robbers, Popie (Lee Jung Jae), Yenicall (Gianna Jun), Chewingum (Kim Hae Sook) and Zampano (Kim Soo Hyun) from Korea who decide to follow the lead of ex-colleague Macao Park to pull off a major heist in Hong Kong. In Hong Kong the team become acquainted with another group of thieves. The distrust between the two groups causes tension. The stakes are high as the 10 thieves try to steal the 'Tear of Sun' which is worth $20 million dollars but every one has their own agendas and no one can be trusted.

Space Dandy

This series was bought to my attention by my dad and honestly, I'm surprised I didn't hear about this one before! It caused a lot of hype before airing since it comes from the creator of the well-received Cowboy Bepop. Given the international success of Cowboy Bepop, each episode of Space Dandy was aired in America a few hours before the Japanese release. This raises expectations greatly, after all only popular anime is released internationally!
The premise of the series is that the suave looking but entirely incompetent Space Dandy is an alien bounty hunter who hunts down new and rare aliens with his out-dated and often sarcastic robot QT and the lazy, free-loading alien Meow. The plot, however, is non-existent.

Pupa

I've watched lots of anime in my time and it's not hard to categorize the anime and I often know what to expect but one thing I've not yet been able to get my head around are minisode anime. First was Yami Shibai whose short episodes where separate stories in their own right, each delightfully frightening; then I watched Turning Girls where the short episodes made an erratic slice of life show; and most recently was RWBY, which is technically an American web series, with the most plot based minisode series. Now I've found 'Pupa' a series where the episodes are roughly 4 minutes each and there's only 12 of them! It's probably the shortest series I've reviewed.

2NE1 - Crush from Kpop Mart

So today's review is going to be a bit different to usual because it's going to be more of a review of my purchase!! I recently bought my first Kpop CD (previous CD's have been bought for me) so I figured I'd review it as an actual purchase rather than just reviewing the music. If you like this style of review, let me know in the comments and I'll make more! However, if I suddenly see my follower count drop, I'll know to never do it again!!

No Breathing

Terribly sorry about my last review, for some reason it didn't post when it was supposed to... But to make things up to you, I've found some more sport related media. A Korean movie about swimming.

Won Il was set to be a champion swimmer but he quit and lost his passion for swimming. However after being expelled from school he is forced to join a sports college where he meets Woo Sang a serious swimmer who's headed for the Olympics. The two had met before as children at a competition, now the two form a strange friendship based on rivalry.

Diamond no Ace

After my review of Yowamushi Pedal I attracted the attention of an anon with a penchant for sports anime. I was then pointed in the direction of 'Diamond no Ace'. It's been a while since then, but I finally got  review for you, I hope you enjoy it anon!
Diamond no Ace is an anime about baseball. That immediately causes problems for me because not only do I not like baseball, but I can't understand the rules! I persevered through it nonetheless! Anyway, it's not just about baseball, it's about Eijun who fell in love with baseball in middle school and made all his classmates play with him then, in his final middle school game a teacher from Seido high school school see him pitching and offers him a scholarship!

Nisekoi

It's been a long time but with a recommendation from my lolita I've got a new rom-com anime to share. My favorite! Ichijo was born as the heir to a yakuza family when another yakuza gang moves into the same town it's his responsibility to stop the fighting. His fathers idea is to pretend that Ichijo is dating the daughter of the other family, Kirisaki. However, Ichijo isn't interested in Kirisaki's rude and violent manner, he prefers the company of Onodera his classmate and current love interest. Also, Ichijo is looking for the girl he met 10 years ago who holds the key to unlock his pendant, it could be Onodera but while he's being forced to play boyfriend to Kirisaki he has no hope of being together with Onodera.

The Garden of Words

I think that I've found a hidden gem in the world of animated movies. The Garden of Words was released in May last year but I never heard about until now. It's a real piece of art and I'd be so happy if even one person watched it after my review.
It revolves Takao, a 15 year old boy who wants to make shoes when he grows up. One day he decides to skip school and sit in a Japanese Garden to do some sketching. There he meets a mysterious young woman, Yukino and the two sit under the shelter together until the rain ceases.

My Love From Another Star

With a title featuring the word 'Love' I believed this was a romance story and just like a majority of romance dramas, there's a love triangle! But you shouldn't judge too quickly, this is no conventional romance. In fact, it's no conventional anything! It's a pastiche of every genre you could think of: romance, drama, detective, sci-fi, thriller, comedy and it's even a bit historical!
To set the ball rolling on this mix-match of themes, this drama is about an alien. That's right, an alien who crashed on earth and quite conveniently looks like a very attractive young man. Also, he has magic powers.

Gaist Crusher

It might interest you to know that this is my 126th post!! That means that this blog has been running consistently for a year and a half. As we enter a new year I promise I won't abandon this blog but I'm getting busier with school work and all my hobbies so I am going to have to decrease the frequency. As of this post, my reviews will be fortnightly. I hope you will continue to visit though!

A good way to tell if the anime you're watching is aimed at children is by listening to the openng sequence; if the theme song features the name of the anime it's more than likely a kids show. As such, the infuriatingly catchy 'gagan gan Gaist Crusher' is a warning to all adults that this is not for them. But I did not listen and now I must try to fairly review this children's anime.

A Gaist Crusher is someone employed by the GCG  to take down the monsters know as 'Gaist' who are born from 'Gaimetal' a mystical energy-filled ore. To combat these monsters GCG have developed 'Gaist Gear' technology using the Gaimetal to supply talented individuals with the power and strength to fight and 'crush' the Gaist.