Death Note

Death Note

    During just another normal day, Yagami Light stumbles upon a black notebook known as the Death Note. This notebook belongs to a shinigami, Ryuk, having the ability to kill anyone who has their name written in it. As the new owner of the Death Note, Light's true desires surface, yearning to cleanse the world of evil by murdering a large number of criminals. When the world begins to notice the existence of this unknown killer, legendary detective L is brought onto the case; starting a war between "Kira" and L. Whoever is able to find out the others identity first will be the one to survive. Based on the manga by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata.

General Info:

Episodes; 37.

Language; Japanese with English subs, English dub. 

(I watched the dub and it was fantastic! Light's voice at first bothered me, but it suited him in a way. As for L's, I would have loved it no matter the person; I thought it was kind of sexy, haha. It was also really well done, though, and really suited him. Just a note - Misa's was perfectly annoying.)

Review:

    .......I honestly do not know what to say. I finished Death Note just now, and I am literally in awe and speechless. Just....wow. Apples hold significance and add to the story, keep that in mind.

    Alright, I have taken a moment to gather my thoughts, but my mind is still blown. I'll say this now that I do not recommend this as the first anime you ever watch, because I guarantee there will be no psychological thriller that will surpass this. Truly genius. 

    Not only was it beautifully animated, the story is unlike any other - making it beyond unique - but the creators really possess a cleverness that only a few people could actually follow. I honestly wish I could be able to guess what Light or L or Near or Mellow were thinking, but I could never guess. I simply sat and watched, waiting to be told in awed numbness.
    My only complaint would be that there is a constant tense sort of feeling, it intensifies at times and makes you more giddy or worried - or whichever, I don't remember specific feelings; I felt them all - but it never quite has a downfall of tension. You sort of get used it, meaning when it does intensify, it doesn't affect you much.
    Nevertheless, it remained interesting and thrilling. I like how time passes (6 years) before the end of the anime/manga, opposed to having this happen all within a year, as some do. Though I found Light didn't physically age much between the beginning and end of the show, others around him did; such as his sister. In a sense that added a nice touch, or perhaps a hidden meaning, or maybe it's my own nonobservance, but he's questionable aging didn't affect the story much, this is just me nit-picking.
    As for the plot it always seemed to keep my on the edge of my seat. Many times I wondered how the hell it was going to work out, peaking at the number of episodes and being confused as to why I was only half way through. It always seemed as if it was driving itself into a dead end, but it was only keeping us out of the loop. I appreciate many things that happened, and I am really, truly in awe of the creators. Honestly, I'm not sure if I should acknowledge them as clever or run like hell in the other direction. I don't think I would do the latter, seeing as I seemed to favour Light.
     I didn't exactly agree with Light's ideals, but for some reason I just wanted him to win. I liked L as well, which was confusing for me; not knowing what side I was on. I think this show would be enjoyed more if you chose I specific side, because you would react more to the actions and outcomes of certain things, whether that be a 'good' or 'bad' reaction to certain things opposed to having a neutral opinion. I'm not sure if I'm making any sense honestly; I hope I am.
    I'll sum this up quickly before I yammer on some more. The best anime I have ever watched, by far. If you have not watched this yet, you must. MUST!!!
   Actually, I would like to mention about how Light seemingly gets more insane throughout the episodes. I think it's supposed to make you lean more towards L's side, but some people cannot be swayed. I did not like Near or Mellow, though, that much I can say. Also, I hated Misa. I understood her roll in the story and everything, but I just naturally dislike people like her. I don't think she was supposed to be a particularly likable character anyways, so not matter. DO WATCH!! If you have opinions on this, please comment!

Must Watch Episodes:
    I liked all the episodes, and I don't think you can skip any - so I say you must watch them all. My favourite episode was - by far - episode 25. If you want to know why, go and watch it. As horrible of me as it is, I was undeniably happy. Also, if I remember correctly the first half of episode 26 is like a recap of what has happened in the previous episodes, but not super detailed so you make it through it just fine. I also really liked the last three episodes, 35,  36, and 37.


Rating:
    I wondering if I even have to say: 5 out of 5 stars by far. If I gave out 6, this would get a 7.
* * * * *

Note:
    I know people wonder if there is romance in this. Yes, in a sense there is, but not the kind you are looking for if you are looking specifically for romance. It's more or less a reason to explain actions, loyalties, and a certain other thing to do with the Shinigami that I won't spoil. Enjoy this anime! Read the manga too, if you fall in love, they sell them in a book store at my local mall, so I definitely plan to get the first couple - if only to support the mangakas.

Psychic Detective Yakumo

Psychic Detective Yakumo

    In order to help a friend possessed by a spirit, Ozawa Haruka knocks on the door of her university's movie research association. There she meets Saitou Yakumo, a rude, unkempt young man with a red left eye, who is said to have spiritual powers. At first Haruka is skeptical, but she comes to believe him when he conveys messages from her older sister, who died when she was a child. Together, they work to shed light on the terrifying events happening at their university. But this is only the prologue of what's to come...

General Info:

Episodes; 13.

Language; Japanese with English subs.

Review:

    I love mystery-like shows, and 'detective' was not just part of the name. Despite the cases seeming relatively random, they were all connected in one way or another; in my opinion that is the work of a clever mind. 

    I found the romance between Yakumo and Haruka gentle and sweet. It wasn't exactly basking in the spotlight, but subtly hinting. I think their non-extreme relationship suited Yakumo's internal conflict with himself, and Haruka's self-unawareness, so it worked really well with them. It left me completely satisfied in that sense to say the least.

    The story had interesting twists and each ending was both conclusive and a cliff-hanger - again takes a clever mind to do - with left me happy with the episode, and eager for the next. 

    I feel as if I can't say much without ruining the story - but I can comment and say that I would also be in love with Yakumo, and I also really loved Nao (Isshin's daughter) I thought she was absolutely adorable.

    Also - speaking of Isshin - whatever episode it was when the crazy man was trying to resurrect his daughter, when Haruka first met Isshin, I thought he was the crazy man in disguise. Ha ha; proves how skeptical I am. It would have made a nice twist though, eh?

   On second thought, perhaps not. I really liked the opening song and video, it set the whole atmosphere for the show, so I really enjoyed this. Fantastic!

Rating:

I would give Psychic Detective Yakumo 4 out of 5 stars. * * * *

Uragiri wa Boku no Namae wo Shitteiru (Uraboku)

    Sakurai Yuki is a mysterious boy with a mysterious ability. He was found in the bushes as a baby and adopted by his current family. Because of this, Yuki strives for independence. The last thing he wants is to be a burden to anybody. Furthermore, when he touches others, he can feel their emotions. Unable to control his ability, he often made insensitive blunders in the past. With death threats and his abilities increasing, what will happen when a man claiming to be his older brother appears?

General Info:

Episodes; 24.

Language; Japanese with English subtitles.

Review:

    This was an extremely serious and dramatic one. Yes, it had action, but these were also drawn out in a dramatic way. I found it sort of slow in the sense nothing terribly interesting happens every episode, but it was smooth like this - making the story easy to follow. It was heavy on the whole magic-y and Duras such and so, but it was quite unique and interesting.

    The ending wasn't quite conclusive enough in my opinion, it's like the makers didn't know how to end it, so just threw out any old cliche and hoped for the best. Cliche, yes, but it was a final-seeming ending. In other words I don't exactly expect a sequel. At the same time, though, at episode 23 I was thinking there was going to be a sequel; do you see what I mean when I say abrupt?

    This is supposedly yaoi - and I guess a minor sense it is - but it more one characters feelings for another. There wasn't any kissing or sex or anything of the sort in here - so I would count it at all as yaoi. Unless you can't stand even the slightest hint homosexuality, this will be fine. And technically it's not homosexuality if you think about it (you'll have to watch it if you want to know what I mean~...)

    I did quite enjoy this one, and despite seeming slow at times, I really enjoyed it!

Must Watch Episodes:

My list this time is;

3

4
7

14

15

18

20

23

Rating:

   I would give Uraboku 4 our of 5 stars. * * * *

Hakuouki

Hakuouki:

   Based on Idea Factory's romance adventure game: Yukimura Chizuru has come to Kyoto looking for her father, a doctor who has gone missing. While there, she witnesses a fight between an Oni and the Shinsengumi. Taking her into custody, the Shinsengumi debates on what to do with Chizuru when they discover that she is the daughter of the doctor they are also looking for. The Shinsengumi then takes Chizuru along on their search after the missing doctor, from adventures to adventures.

General Info:

Episodes; 12.

Language; Japanese with English subs.

Review:

   I found this one not only slightly creepy (I love creepy!), but fantastically action-filled as well. I absolutely love samurai/ninja/sword-fight anything, so this was already shot to the top of my list. As explained by the blurb, it is about a girl who's father went missing, and so after waiting for while, she dresses as a boy and goes out to find him. Within the first five or so minutes of the show you see her basically running for her life and hiding behind some barrels from some guys, only for them to be slaughtered by the Rasetsu (sorry if I spelled this wrong). AND - I know the blurb says 'Oni', but they are not Oni's, they are Rasetsu's. They guy Kazama is a real Oni.

   Either way, there is a little romance between the characters (as expected when one girl is living in a dojo filled with hot guys). You are supposed to favour Hijikata, but how can you with all the others around!? My favourite guys were Saito, Keisuke, and the bad-sexy-guy Kazama. Kazama is my number one, why do I always like the wrong ones?

   Anyways, the fighting scenes in this are absolutely fantastic. If you have a weak stomach against blood and such, then I wouldn't suggest it. It is also a fairly serious and tense anime, considering there is a war going on at this time. It has a lot of confusing twists and unexpected moments. Just a general tip when watching animes - skip the beginning song unless you really love it, or if you do, don't watch the video. It always tends to ruin the story a little bit. 

   I, like I said before, I love fighting/tense/serious animes (I mentioned sword fighting I'm sure) and anyone who is into that stuff will surely love it. And girls who like this stuff, but can't suppress their girly nature, it is mostly action a fighting plus hot guys with a touch of romance on the side. You will like it, and I definitely recommend it.

***Just a side note, sorry for not posting in so long. Also sorry this such a shitty review, I'm a little rusty, no?

Must Watch Episodes:

    I didn't note them, I seem not to, eh? I liked them all, but my favourites were definitely episode 1,  3,  6,  & 9 of what I remember. I like any episode with Kazama in it honestly, and episode 3 because it was a bigger battle one.  

Rating:

    By far 5 our of 5 stars! * * * * *

Full Moon wo Sagashite

Full Moon wo Sagashite:

    Twelve-year-old Kouyama Mitsuki was devastated when she was diagnosed with a malignant tumor of the throat. She had made a promise to the boy she loves that she would one day become a singer, but her illness made singing impossible. To make matters even worse, two angels of death, Takuto and Meroko, appeared to Mitsuki and informed her that she only had one year left to live. This news provides an even greater motivation for Mitsuki to fulfill her dreams, and with a little bit of divine intervention, she begins her quest to become a professional singer so she can be reunited with Eichi before time runs out.

General Info:

Episodes; 52.

Language; Japanese with English subs.

Review:

    I watch Full Moon wo Sagashite quite a while ago, but I remember crying and loving it a lot. It's a very sweet story about a girl trying to make her dream come true. She's aiming to find the one she loves and develops such sweet relationships along the way. I cried so much in the last couple episodes, and at some before then as well, it really is such a sad story at some points.

   I feel so incredibly bad for Mitsuki because she wants desperately to be a singer, but she has throat cancer. Can you imagine if this were real? Being told that you were to die in a year, and you pull a brave face and try to achieve your dream? I really do admire her.

   Of course I love Takuto, I have a picture of him in cat form in my binder - I know, I'm a loser, but since when did I care? - and I like the role he plays. These two are obviously my favourite, but I don't feel they were the most unique characters. I think Mereko and Eichi (like eh-chi, not E-chi) were the most creative. Mereko because she was an ally and an antagonist at the same time, and Eichi because he plays such a big part even without making his appearance - influencing Mereko, Takuto,  and Mitsuki. It's rare that you find a characters with such a powerful influence even though most of the characters have not even met him.

   Mereko did annoy me a little at times, but she completely redeems herself in my heart at the end. Not in any part of this anime was I overly annoyed or bored, but rather I would get mad at the characters, or feel bad for them. When they were happy, I was, when they were upset, I was too. When Mitsuki was hollow-like, I felt so sad and broken myself - just imagining.

   Not often can I find animes that make me feel this, so I really loved this one. So much, it was wonderful. I could easily watch this three times over, I almost did actually. Brilliant, my compliments to the writer of the manga, I adore your creativity and understanding of emotions.

Must Watch Episodes:

    As I said before I watched this anime a long time ago, so of course I wasn't recording my favourite episodes. I would definitely say that the last episode is a must watch. I would warn you not to look up any of the music from this, though, most of the tracks are accompanied by scenes of the last episode, and it really ruins it for you (almost did for me, but I clicked away quickly).

Rating:

    I would utterly and completely give Full Moon wo Sagashite 5 out of 5 stars. * * * * *

Sekai-ichi Hatsukoi

Sekai-ichi Hatsukoi:
***WARNING: This is what is considered yaoi or shounen ai; in other words, man on man love.***

    Even though Ritsu Onodera hates to rely on family connections, he winds up taking a job as an editor at his parents' company, Marukawa Books. To his chagrin, he's assigned to the shoujo manga department in spite of having no interest or experience in it. And on top of that, he has an awful first impression of his high-handed editor in chief, Masamune Takano. What comes after is a story of first love full of tears and laughter.

General Info:

Episodes; 12.

Language; Japanese with English subs.

Review:

    Yes, another yaoi - I know, bad me, but they are just so cute! Whether it's man on man or man on woman (this sounds more dirty to me for some reason) I don't really care, as long as the plot line is sweet. I wouldn't watch woman on woman, though, not my style. 

    Now that that's out of the way, I shall start my opinion-ing. I actually found this one really cute and I enjoyed every episode! In this one there wasn't as much sex, or if there was it sort of just faded out before it got to explicit. I personally appreciated this mainly because I don't really watch them for the sex scenes.

    Also, I just have to wonder about the logic in this - they are working as editors for a shojo manga - okay, I understand. But really, all of them are gay? Plus people from other departments?? This is what I'm looking to get into (literature), should I expect to be surrounded by homosexual co-workers?? Or perhaps the majority of Japan is gay...? I know I'm being picky, but I can't help it, I have issues with a reality-ish thing being completely unlike reality.  Sorry, but it had to be said.

    Now characters development. Of course, seeing as this one was created by the same people as Junjou Romantica, you have three couples you center around. In fact they give you a touch of relation from Sekai-ichi Hatsukoi to Junjou Romantica, which I sort of giggled and smiled at. If there wasn't a second season for this series I think I would be pretty pissed. Yes, the last episode had some major development and kawaii-ness, but it felt very inconclusive, but this is in a sense hinting at the second season.

     The side couples develop very fast because they only get a couple episodes each, but I like how it's about the other editors. It sort of made them more relate-able when you from Onodera's view point. I especially liked Hatori, Chiaki , and Yuu's relationship because I really liked the Chiaki's personality.

      One thing that annoys me about the animation style is that I could not tell the difference between most of the characters. I knew Onodera because of the green eyes, but I kept getting Ciaki and Kisa confused, and = Hatori, Yokozawa, Takano, and Isaka confused! So a lot of the time I was wondering from whose perspective I was viewing it from, and especially with Onodera whether he was talking to Yokozawa or Isaka...

Must Watch Episodes:

    Agian, I forgot the write down episodes (shame shame), but I remember liked episode 5.

Rating:

    I would give Sekai-ichi Hatsukoi 4.5 stars out of 5. * * * * ½ *

Other:

    At this time the second season is only at episode 5, and assuming it will go to 12, I will wait for it to be completed before I review it. If you want to watch the second season, though, click here.

     

Edit:

    I had totally mixed up the name in this, so I fixed them up. Those who were confused shouldn't be confused anymore - gomen gomen!

Junjou Romantica (2)

Junjou Romantica (2): (The two meaning the second as well)
***WARNING: This is what is called yaoi or shounen ai - in other words, man on man love.***

Junjou Romantica

Junjou Romantica 2

    Misaki is suddenly having some unexpected and odd problems. What started as a need for some college entrance exam tutoring has somehow led him to being romanced by a suave older man who also happens to be his big brother’s best friend. Confused by all of his brand new emotions, Misaki struggles to deal with his suddenly very odd life. And if that wasn't enough, his suitor, Usami, has plenty of issues of his own. A man-child who decorates his room in giant teddy bears and toys, Usami is a famous novelist who also writes steamy boys’ love novels on the side. When Misaki cracks open one of these books and reads sentences like "Misaki licks every inch of Usami's hot body" ...well, let’s just say that all hell breaks loose.

General Info:
Episodes;
First Season - 12.
Second Season - 12.
Language; Japanese with English subs. (Both)

Review:
    Yes! I know! I reviewed two separate seasons together, shame shame. I apologize, but I completely forgot about this (bad) and ended up finished both of them before I realized I was supposed to review them... So of course now I don't know what happened in the first season compared to the second, just one jumbled lovely mess.
    As for the anime, well, well indeed. I am not some pervert or anything, yaoi is good for a girl every once in a while. There are definitely sex scenes - every episode basically, but they aren't very long and they don't just show you them having sex for the sake of showing you them having sex, they only show you bits while they are talking and that actually contributes to the story - but they are only for a couple minutes or so, and opposed to them being there for 'ooo! sex!' they actually do develop the story.
    As for the actual story, I actually quite liked it. Because they were only 12 episodes per season and THREE couples, it doesn't take long until the couples are in a relationship - I mean they have to move it along, right? Even so, all the couples have their problems, but it focuses mainly on Usagi (Usami) and Misaki and their relationship. And of course being the stereotypical person I favoured them over the others.
     I suppose the other two couples were for fillers, but I found it slightly annoying at times, because I didn't really care about Hiro and Nowaki, I cared about Misaki and Usagi!! I did like how they were all connected slightly, but not in a major way. Hiro used to be in love with Usagi, and Hiro works with Miyagi who's with Shinobou, so the college is sort of their connection.
     Either way, I enjoyed this series a lot, and thought it was quite cute and funny!

Must Watch Episodes:
    Again, gomen, I completely forgot about having to review this, so I actually didn't write down any of my favourite episodes, but I would say any that centered on Misaki and Usagi (which was most of them save a few).

Rating:
    I would give both Junjou Romantica and Junjou Romantica 2 (space, no connecting the two and four) 4.5 stars out of 5. * * * * ½ *