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:

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.

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.

Kill La Kill

I came across this anime in a very abnormal circumstances! I read a news article about a cosplayer who drew the attention of the police at an anime event in Singapore. Apparently an older woman was offended by the cosplayers 'underboob' and an arguement ensued. After digging around a bit I became quite intrigued by the costume. So, when it came to deciding what to write about for this weeks review, the answer came about too easily!

RWBY

I was so conflicted about whether or not to review this series, it's not an anime as such; it's a web series, produced by an American company! However, after consulting CrazySaki, she encouraged me to publish this slightly abnormal post. So basically what I mean is: if you don't like this review, blame Liz!

It's based in a fantasy world with it's own fictional past where humans had to discover a mystical power source ("Dust") to combat the "creatures of Grimm".

House of Flying Daggers

At the 2004 Cannes Film Festival, House of Flying Daggers reportedly received a 20 minute standing ovation. From big time director Zhang Yimou and starring the beautiful and talented Zhang Ziyi it's no wonder it got so much hype. But what is it all about?

Set in China 859 AD we see the decline of the Tang dynasty. Government is losing control as rebel groups spring up across the country. Most prominently, the House of Flying Daggers, an elusive group who steal from the rich and give to the poor. They've devised a scheme to wipe out the generals best men using Mei (Zhang Ziyi). When police officers Jin and Liu hear that the new dancer may be a member of the Flying Daggers which they've been ordered to annihilate! So Jin is sent to investigate and when he discovers that Mei is blind and shows hatred towards government officials he's lead to believe that she is the daughter of the old leader and a prominent figure to the group. They decide to use this information to track down the Flying Daggers and hopefully slay their leader. Jin is sent undercover as 'Wind' to 'rescue' Mei from prison and have her lead him to the House of Flying Daggers. But on their journey Jin is seduced by Mei's beauty and Mei finds herself falling for Jin's valour and courage. There could be a happy ending for these two lovers, however things are not always as they appear to be...

Gatchaman Crowds

I've been so busy lately I almost forgot to write today's post! So if this review sounds rushed, it's because it was! Sorry, hopefully it will still be entertaining to read!

In 1972 anime had their own western-style superhero show: Science Ninja Team Gatchaman. Focused on environmentalism and responsible use of technology the series centered around five superhero ninjas who needed to fight off a terrorist group who wanted to take over the world. Skip to 2013 and the Gatchaman Franchise is producing it's fifth production based Science Ninja Team Gatchaman.
Set in the near future of Japan Legendary heroes known as Gatchaman are responsible for protecting the world from aliens whilst simultaneously keeping their existence a secret. Hajime is chosen to become a Gatchaman with her senpai from school Sugane and several others to form the G-Crew. But Hajime isn't interested in destroying aliens, she's more concerned about 'updating' the world, a concept introduced by the GALAX program. GALAX is a mobile 'game' where people have to complete missions in the real world. It unites people who all want to improve the world and help each other it's an amazing concept which I'm finding a lot more interesting than fighting aliens!

Tiger and Bunny

Based in a futuristic world heroes are given commercial value and a points scheme to make them kind of idols. People with superpowers are known as NEXT's if they choose to be a hero they'll feature on HERO TV and be in with a chance to be crowned King of Heroes but they could choose to use they're powers for evil in which case it's the heroes job to arrest him. The show focuses on the first of it's kind 'hero team' Tiger and Bunny. The team consists of old-timer 'Wild Tiger' and rookie hero Barnaby (nicknamed Bunny). But 'Wild Tiger' - or Kotetsu - is stuck in his old-fashioned ways and can't accept Barnaby's new ideals making it difficult for the two to get a long. Meanwhile Barnaby has finally found a lead on the crime syndicate Ouroboros who killed his parents in front of him when he was just a child. Wild Tiger and Barnaby have to team up successfully if they want to uncover the mysterious Ouroboros and stop the villainous NEXT Lunatic who is blowing every thing up.

Karneval

From the same company who bought us Deadman Wonderland comes a totally different style of anime! Gareki lives a solitary life of stealing and travelling but that soon changes when he meets Nai, the young and eccentric boy who is searching for Karoku. Originally taking Nai along with him to earn some more money Gareki is quickly charmed by Nai's innocence and positive outlook on life and ends up caught up in Nai's search for Karoku. However, the two attract some less than welcome attention and end up under the protection of Circus, the nations ultimate defense. Circus only accepts the most capable fighters and after performing raids, capturing criminals and solving crimes for the government they will put on performances for the public as an apology for scaring them. Although seemingly sweet and harmless, Karneval is so much more than a silly children's anime!

Chuunibyou demo Koi ga Shitai!

"Chunibyo patients" or people who suffer from "8th grader syndrome": a phenomenon which causes many 8th graders to suffer an utterly embarrassing year of school. After spending a year pretending to be "Dark Flame Master" Yuuta goes out of his way to choose a high school were no one knows him just to escape from his embarrassing memories. But memories of his past still haunt him when he meets Rikka - his cute neighbour and classmate - who is still suffering from 8th grader syndrome. She takes on the pseudo of 'Wicked Eye'. After she discovers Yuuta's past she forces him to join her club along with a senior who loves to nap; the class rep who has her own embarrassing secrets and Rikka's equally eccentric 'Servant' from the year below.  As more of Rikka's life is revealed Yuuta begins to find her demands less and less of a chore and slowly their friendship grows beyond the 'contract' that Rikka inflicted upon him.

There is a certain amount of this which really reminds me of another anime. Eccentric girl drags a mostly normal guy around and makes a club. That's right, there's definitely some Haruhi in this anime. They even have a moe senior!! So if you don't like Haruhi just turn away now.

Psycho-Pass

In a not-so distant future, every body is kept under strict surveillance. Even their mental stability is measured by a 'Psycho-Pass' making it possible to detect criminals sometimes before they commit a crime! The series focuses on Akane a young over-achiever who joined the police force as an Inspector. An Inspector's job is too hunt criminals with a team of Enforcers whose mental state has been deemed too unstable for society. They use automated guns which read a person's mental state or "Crime Coefficiency" and will only fire on people who are unstable. It's a fish-out-of-water type tale where Akane is constantly shocked by the way things work in her department. Fortunately Enforcer Kogami is always around to explain things to her but she can't grasp the concept of killing criminals or keeping her distance from the Enforcers even after she finds out that Kogami used to be an Inspector. In one particularly cruel case Akane and Kogami must find the criminal responsible for dissecting young girls' bodies and turning them into disturbing pieces of 'art' and putting them on display.

Sword Art Online

When Nerve gear release their first fully-immersive MMORPG masses flock to buy the revolutionary game that engages all the players senses and is controlled by thought. However, after logging on the players soon discover that there is no way to log out, they are informed that if they wish to leave the game they must clear all 100lvls of the game. But they must do so without dying as death in the game equals death in real life  as the Nerve headset microwave their brains. The story follows Kirito a swordsmaster who had played in the beta and was actually the best beta player out there. After witnessing several people's death within the game Kirito is determined to complete the game and rescue every one from the game. Although at first shunned for the apparent advantage he had over normal players he eventually befriends Asuna, an equally powerful swordsmaster! Together they fight on the front lines to try complete the game but during there time fighting a love line starts to form!

Tsubasa Chronicles

I've wanted to watch this anime for ages!! Not only is it by the legendary CLAMP but it also uses the same characters from Cardcaptor Sakura. That might sound a bit lazy of them since this is in no way sequel, but I love the Cardcaptor Sakura characters and I was so sad when the anime ended that I'm really happy to be able to see them live a new life in this anime. However this anime would strike a chord with any CLAMP fan as I am informed that it is the combination of all of CLAMP's series.

The plot follows Syaoran who was following his father's dream of being an archaeologist  But when Sakura, princess of his kingdom and childhood friend loses her soul Syaoran gives up his ordinary life to find her memories that have been scattered across many world's in the form of feathers. However in order to travel across the worlds Syaoran has to give his most important thing: his relationship with Sakura. As such, no number of Sakura's feathers will make her remember him. You wouldn't believe how sad it was when she woke up and just had no idea who Syaoran was!! 

The series starts extremely lighthearted and comedic but quickly focuses more on the action and fight scenes.  But I think over all the balance is right. Albeit I think they spend too long in one world. It'd definitely be more exciting if they switched it up more often.

Ride Back

Based in a future world ride back is a unique kind of mecha where the robots are actually motorcycles. Our heroine, Rin Ogata was well on her way to becoming a top ballerina however after sustaining an injury and losing her mother she decides to quit when upon entering College. However she soon finds a new passion for said motorcycle/mechas (called Ridebacks) and her excellent balance and reflexes makes it easy for her to  ride with much skill. This all rather sweet, Rin finding a new dream to pursue almost a 'finding yourself' tale but her skills do get her into trouble with the new government  When Rin's best friend (Shoko) get's taken hostage in a terroist attack Rin knows she has to save her. But breaking through the government's barrier causes all sorts of knock on effects.
This is fine as well, a bit of government and politics making you question society and all that. I think it's even handled with enough maturity to be entertaining but still quite intellectual. But I'll tell you what's not okay in this very layered plot: Rin and her special rideback. The rideback that chooses it's rider and all that silly business that makes me dislike this genre. Machines should stay as machines, they shouldn't be given free-will or personalities it just takes the story to a whole new level of unbelievable.

Hellsing

So this'll be the last post before Christmas!! So in advance, Merr Christmas!! I hope you all enjoy your holidays!! :)

The Hellsing Organisation. Supported by the British Government and run by the Hellsing family, this organization's mission is to put a stop to non-human activity. I always have a natural affinity to anime based in England, I'm not entirely sure why because other than a government and queen, there is no reference to the fact that they're in England! So anyway, this Hellsing Organisation is essentially a vampire extermination group and as a new breed of vampire begins to reign havoc Hellsing has to fight hard. These vampires are a bit weird as they have like microchips in their necks, so they're like cyborg vampires or something! The anime follows two particular members of Hellsing: Alucard and Victoria. Alucard is the strongest vampire in existence, he's like crazy strong. I know he's a vampire but there is a reason he's working for Hellsing, I just don't know it yet.... Then there's Hellsing's vampire no.2, Victoria. She was a Police Girl until Vampires attacked her unit and Alucard changed her rather than killing her. She's really cool, she uses really big guns and has super cute fangs! wait, I'm not talking about the plot any more, am I? Well, I suppose I don't really know the plot, it was more like, bang bang kill the vampire. Hmm, well it is entertaining! But I do want to see more plot.
It's a 2001 anime and it really shows it's age. The animation is a bit stiff and the colours are so drained. What is this not-HD? But the art style is nice! I already mentioned Victoria's cute fangs, but there is also alucard's face shaper and all the exciting settings which are the result of a good art style despite it's age.

Shakugan no Shana

I'm really happy to see you guys using my suggestions button!! I spent a long time making that so I'm glad it's getting some use. Keep them coming guys!

Has any one read my 11 eyes review? Because Shakugan no Shana has a really similar idea. Any one who has seen both would probably agree with me there. Shakugan no Shana is also about the idea of parallel worlds, but the monsters escape into our world. It's kind of hard to explain, but basically the idea is that these monsters come to our world but humans just can't perceive it. These monsters are called Guze no Tomogara and they feed off of the 'power of existence'. Fighting the Tomogara are the flames haze. The result of a human making a contract with a god to keep the two worlds in balance. Obviously the flame haze can't protect every one- people are still eaten- but the sudden disappearance of a person could disrupt the world balance so people are replaced with 'torches', replicas of the humans with a much shorter lifespan. They are slowly forgotten until they just disappear, which is a rather horrible thought really. So you can imagine how freaky it must of been when Yuji Sakai was told that he, in fact, was a torch. But unlike any other torch Yuji can see the battles against the Tomogara, he can remember those who are forgotten and he can tell who's a torch. Because he's a Mistes, a special kind of torch who contains a power with in him. A bit like a lucky dip, there's no way to tell what kind of power he has, it's all a bit weird.

Chocolate

Todays review was recommended by Normal, and no, it's not a food review. Also known as 'Zen, Warrior Within', Chocolate is a Thai film. First Thai review guys! I'm spreading toffeeish over the world!!

Anyway, on with the review. Chocolate is a Martial Arts movie and I must confess, it's not a genre that I particularly like because usually they are just filled with seemingly pointless fight scenes. But I found Chocolate to be a very emotional story! Zin was in a relationship with Yakuza boss no.8, until she fell in love with Masashi, rival Yakuza member. When she leaves no.8 for Masashi he shoots his own foot as a warning of what will happen if she sees Masashi again. Soon after Zin falls pregnant and convinces Masashi to return to Japan to make things safer for the child. She names her daughter Zen and finds out that she is very autistic. As Zen grows older she gets lightening quick reflexes and an obsession with martial arts. Alas, the sad bit is when Zin gets Cancer, but is to poor to afford the treatment. Mom (Zin's kind of adopted son person) finds a notebook from when Zin was in the Yakuza of all the people who owe her money. Unknowing of it's origins Mom and Zen go off to collect the money in hopes to cure Zin. Naturally, when no.8 finds out about this he isn't too happy and so we reach the climax. Zen has to use all her ninja-like skills to fight of no.8's gang and protect her mother, Masashi arrives from Japan in time to join in as well. Naturally, I can't tell you how it ended.... BUT IT WAS SO AWESOME!!

Asura's Wrath

This is only my second time reviewing a video game. So look kindly upon it! Especially as this game is so weird and has so much in it!!

Combining religious figures, science-fiction and all different kinds of game play Asura's Wrath is difficult to explain. With half of the game being made of interactive cut scenes and being set in with episode structures I would almost call this an 'interactive anime' rather than a video game. The story is based in a strange past world where space travel is much more advanced, the earth-like planet Gaea has been over-populated and polluted and is now attacking the humans (yes, the earth started to attack the humans) in the form of relentless numbers of Gohmas, impure beasts. The only beings strong enough to  destroy the Gohma are the demigods, mainly the eight Guardian Generals. One of the eight Generals, Asura, is framed to have killed the emperor. His wife is killed, his daughter (the priestess) is captured for her power and Asura is sent to Naraka, a barren realm for the afterlife. With some coaxing from the 'Golden Spider', Asura climbs back to the realm of mortals with vengeance in mind.