Mushishi

I'm Ginko, a Mushishi.

Japanese Anime

I first chanced upon Mushishi at the bookstore when I was in my manga rave phase. Glad that's over cause that burned my wallet so bad. Anyhow, the volume did looked promising. An award seal was even there.

And with some good reviews I got from other otakus, I eventually leeched the whole series. As of the moment, I'm just at the second episode and my, what do I say? It's one of those animes you shouldn't miss.

"Steady lang" would be an appropriate description for the Mushishi experience. There are no acrtion-packed sequences, over the top drama, or even fanservice. The country atmosphere also adds to the relaxed mood.

Mushishi is one clean, pristine anime. It has high-end animation, incredible musical score and has themes that dig deep into the problem of human existence and of existence in itself.

One word of note though: it can be misjudged for being plain boring - but for a good reason. But if you're into high-end anime, this is for you.

Verdict: If you graduated with a Humanities degree, this anime is for you. If you appreciate zen, buddhism, or eastern existential philosphy, then maybe, this is for you.

Info

Leeched from: piratebay.org

Fansubs by nizzk

Hachi-One Diver

Dive!

Japanese TV drama

Admittedly, I only followed this drama because of the lead. I was smitten by him acting all goofy and stupid. But hey, jdoramas are also viable media for fangirling right? Unlike Yamapi though, it was the first time I encountered Mizobata Junpei and checking on his wiki entry leads me to conclude that he’s relatively a new artist. He’s already earned a fan right here. Hehehe.

Hachi-One Diver is like an anime plucked from paper with real people acting the 2D characters. The title of the drama (which incidenatally is the a.k.a. of the lead) comes literally means 81 Diver. The name comes from the 81 squares of the Shogi gameboard and “Diver” comes from his game move. He, (figuratively and quite literally) dives in to Shogi and becomes one badass player. Shogi is like the Chess we know, only harder.

The plot is not that deep and well-thought out though it tries hard too. But this doesn’t mean that it wasn’t engaging. Nay, I was practically watching episodes one after the other because I was left hanging every time. If you know the anime Hikaru No Go, it is something similar to that. Interestingly, the elements of a tournament based anime has been successfully transposed into live-action format, complete with the amazing visual effects and exaggerated fits of passion to their game.

This drama is fascinating because it closely follows the genre of other highly successful anime series and the only difference is that there are real people here. Think Cooking Master Boy, think Prince of Tennis, think Slam Dunk, think Bey Blade. But this time, you can fangirl over a real boy. Get the drift?

Being a semi-otaku drama, moe moments were inevitable. Soyo’s Maid Version was intended. Moe moments: peek-a-boo of Mikuru’s cleavage, Sugata being smothered by Mukuru’s breasts, and everything Mikuru. If all countries had a Mikuru there would be no wars.

Of course, there were a lot times when I had to roll my eyes. Some embellishments were already over the top but hey, this is exactly the genre’s style.

I just found out that this is a midnight drama and not all midnight dramas are brilliant. But this one takes the cake, although a semi-sweet cake.

Verdict: If you want a taste of moe, go ahead and watch this. If you liked the animes I mentioned above then by all means watch this. But if you’re already tired of your childhood and hates nonsensical things, stay away from this drama.

Info
Leeched from: d-addicts
fansubs by SBK

The Battery (Movie)

"Takumi's baseball is the sign of loneliness. Such baseball is nothing but pain."

Japanese Movie

battery (n): the pitcher and catcher of a baseball team [m-w.com]

Because of the different dramas I’ve seen, I've grown an affinity to Japanese baseball. So when I learned about this movie, I immediately grabbed a copy (err, okay, leeched). This is also one of those that have been able to cross over to a drama which led me to conclude that maybe, this was indeed good. Other examples of those movie-to-drama titles are Ichi Ritrou Namida, Sekai Chuusin de Ai Wo Sekabu, and Taiyo no Uta (these links are of the dramas). To say, the drama versions were not necessarily better than the movie and vice versa; they have their own faults. And, they were not necessarily “good” for them to be able to reach out to television – it’s just that they were only popular.

Anyway, back to baseball. Yep, baseball’s a frustration and I haven’t lost hope that I’ll be able to play ball at this age. I keep imagining how adrenaline stimulating it could be there, out on the field. Two outs, bases loaded, a chance for a grandslam… Naaahh.

The movie has nothing really special to boast about: it was another run of the mill films, nothing spectacular or flashy or anything. But it was still something worth to sit the next 120 minutes to. The Battery is a movie that leaves you a smile on your way out of the theater. In short, it is a feel good movie that tackles some really tender human issues like the longing of your mother’s recognition, passion for the game, sports camaraderie, and friendship.

I found it easy to identify with the characters though the lead was a bit too stiff. I also give my applause to Gou-chan because I felt that his acting was amazing. He was able to provide a believable contrast to his partner Takumi. Seiha, Takumi’s little brother, provided most of the kawaii moments much to my liking. Oh how I wanted to pinch those plump cheeks.

The Battery’s foremost strength is in presenting human emotions as truthful as possible through the lens and narrative devices of the film. And it is that that makes it emphatic enough.
For the numerous baseball themed media I’ve seen, I’ve never come across one that focuses on the “battery,” or the pitcher and catcher’s partnership like this one. And for this, the film has contributed to the corpus of baseball themed narratives.

Another interesting point though. I think scholars of sexuality may have a field day in this movie. Takumi and Gou-chan’s (pitcher-catcher) relationship is pregnant with interpretations that is worth probing into. While watching the movie, I felt that there was an intention to highlight their homo-social bonding. So much depends upon this male-male bonding and it was impossible not to notice this. There was even one scene that was BL-worthy: Gou-chan on top of Takumi.

I read that this was based on a novel and it was obvious so. There were a number of subplots that were, in fairness, resolved within the 2-hour time-span. And all these things are bound by one vision – that baseball is amazing: it ruins and fixes a lot of things, things that matter the most.

Verdict: Not so bad, not so good. It’s ok if you miss it but if you’re looking for time to feel good and laid back for 2 hours, this is the film for you. If you’re looking for a sports film about achieving something great like reaching Koushien or winning a championship, this is not the film for you. This is a film about genuine human emotions and experiences.

Info
Leeched from: avistaz.com
fansubs by 8thSin

The Girl Who Leapt Through Time

"Time waits for no one"

Anime Theatrical Movie

I’ve always thought that I was an anime fan but not necessarily those hardcore ones. I’m not completely fluent in their vocabulary but at times I get to stumble on a good show. Later on, I’m hooked. Those really “hardcore ones” follow a certain good directors; then I found out that the hardcore anime actually resides in the anime films. So far, I’ve only seen some films that they’ve been “raving about” and this include Spirited Away and Mononoke Hime.

Anyhoot, since this was in the list of Eiga Sai 2008, it deeply intrigued my otaku brain cells. Actually, I was there, last Sunday at Shang, with one of those hard to get tickets. The only one missing was Yeye, who I contracted to watch the film with me. In short, I completely missed the entire thing. But thanks to technology, and of bittorrents, I was able to grab a copy. And hell, it was one roller coaster ride.

I can’t believe I never heard of this film until today. And to think it was released way back in 2006. Where have I been?

This one of the films that just makes me Whoa! Yes, yes, I know, I’ve been praising one film after the other lately. But do note that out of 10 stuff I watch, one of them only gets to be blogged about. The other 9 need not be bothered with. That, or I’m just lazy.

The Girl Who Leapt Through Time has all the qualities (according to me) of a mainstream cinema plus some other offbeat ones that make it interestingly stand out. It has a linear story, characters you can easily empathize with, one hell of an OST (with musings of the classics), the fundamental romance subplot, stunning cinematography (using animation, mind you), cutting edge animation, unpredictable storyline and storytelling, and a singular climactic scene. This is a film that Aristotle will be happy about.

Verdict: Must See! If you haven’t wandered to Japanese Animation, this is a good start. No-nonsense and emphatic.

Info
Leeched from: bittorrent

Rookies

"I want to play baseball with everyone again"

Japanese TV Drama

Sports drama always had a soft spot for me. They're nice and entertaining with a hint of feel-good atmosphere under the backdrop of youth and teenage angst. I think Rookies is sort of experimental when it combined the proven formulae of a Sensei and Sports Drama.

Rookies begin (surprise?) with a bunch of senior high delinquents with no clear future. Then, here comes a transfer teacher (surprise again?) that would change them forever. Add that into a bowl of discrimination and angst and use Baseball as a medium to straighten these kids out and you get Rookies.

I like sports dramas because they give you the thrill of a real competition with the hint of some high school drama. And this is Baseball, baby!

Add Ichihara Hayato’s heavenly and Koide Keisuke’s adorable visage, and now you’ve got whipped cream on top. I haven’t encountered a Japanese Dorama that kept me this captivated for a long time.

The drama would have been this close to perfection if not for the overdone stereotypical portrayal of a “delinquent.” Read: crazy hairstyles and bogus sporting of the school uniform. Don’t we always get this? For me, I’ve started overlooking this and focused on the compelling story. It is that compelling - and empathizing. It's so nice to see kids mature slowly but surely.

And when the OST plays on the background, my hair just stands on end. A Kiseki (Miracle) indeed.

Verdict: If you’re not as forgiving as me when it comes to lame high-school portrayals and construction, don’t venture here. But if you like sports dramas like me, this is definitely a worthy find.

Info
Leeched from: d-addicts.com

Code Blue

"I will do it. I will become a famous doctor."

Japanese TV Drama

It wouldn't the first Japanese hospital drama. One word: Yamapi! Who would a JE fangirl (in this case a fanboy) wouldn't watch a Pi drama? Who wouldn't? Tell me!

Anyhoot, I've only seen the first episode and made me f*cking breathless. I'm not talking about Pi here so please let us put him aside for a while though it's hard.

It already made me think in so many levels. A fifteen year old getting an arm amputation? Hello?! The first episode is so jam-packed it placed the four major characters in so much drama I lost my breath.

And hell was the budget. This is everything a medical drama with qualities you can recognize from shows such as Grey's Anatomy, House MD or ER. But with this one, they Fly! This is a drama about doctors who fly to where they are needed (called the Dr. Heli faction). There were so many flying helicopter shots which could have cost the same we produce an entire teleserye. Pinagkagastosan grabe.

Verdict: Watch it! Even though you're not a Pi fangirl. There are just very few dramas coming out that have been well thought out and this is one of them. It will move your emotions guaranteed.

Info: d-addicts wiki
Leeched from: d-addicts.com

Do you need more reasons to watch this? Scroll further down.

Babbles of a Leecher: Nah, just senseless babbling...

Warning:
Nothing but otaku ramblings ahead! Proceed at your own risk.

July marks the end of the Jdorama Spring season and the start of the Summer 2008 season and theere is nothing but anticipation for me.

After some really lousy Spring, I'm badly looking forward to a better season. In the past season, we ended up dropping dramas which fell short of satisfactory or even mildly entertaining.

• Zettai Kareshi was one big disappointment; I was hoping for some high school romance but what we got was some bad manga rip off.
• Ashita no Kita Yoshio sounded interesting on paper but was just damn boring on the monitor.
• Gokusen 3 was something my sister enjoyed but I found it too predictable. It's the third anyway and Gokusen was made to be like that, I guess.
• Last Friends seemed promising because it tried to tackle Lesbian issues but its failure to actually be entertaining or at least provocatively discursive made me forget about it entirely. Just yesterday, I fell asleep while watching it - literally.
• Rookies is the only thing that's becoming interesting but it is not even somehting I'd recommend to anyone. The presentation is just too sterotypical.

For the Summer season, I'm looking forward for these shows:

Code Blue

We're watching this because, finally, a Yamashita Tomohisa drama. I think it's about some medical flight drama. Cast is also amazing 'cause Toda Erika's here!

Maou

I think this means "Devil." Anyway, after reading the synopsis, I'm hoping that this would be another Liar Game that's deep and thought-provoking. But considering Ikuta Toma is cast, I guess this would be impossible.

33pun Tantei (33 Minute Detective)

Synopsis: Each episode's mystery is solved within that short time span, but unlike typical detective shows, this comedy features a slow-witted sleuth named Rokuro Kurama (Domoto). While viewers will be able to identify the criminal right away, Domoto's character constantly comes up with incorrect theories, leading him to always accuse the wrong person. The show's name come from its time slot (Saturday nights at 11:10pm), which runs a total of 33 minutes after commercial time is subtracted.

Interesting right?

The only problem now is where to get Gigs of storage as my 250G + 80G hardrives are now full as they can be.

Dilbert (the TV Series)

"I'm afraid your son has ‘The Knack’... a rare condition characterized by an extreme intuition about all things mechanical and electrical, and other social ineptitude."

Animated TV Series

This is the only reason why I ever stayed on the BBC channel for more than 2 mins. I think this was aired through the cable when I was still in college and I suddenly had the urge to look for the animated series again because of the drastic change in the dilbert-dot-com format which caused some flame from the avid fans.

Since (wait. lemme see) February of 2006, I have been a subscriber of Daily Dilbert through email. This means that I've never missed a single weekday Dilbert strip since 2006. Weird eh? I'm an otaku right?

Anyway, Scott Adam's humor is just my brand of humor: intelligent, quirky, sarcastic and most of the times satirical. Not everyone appreciates this; my sister just doesn't get it. She walked out on one of my marathons.

The TV series is the same Dilbert but only better. He breathes and talks on full 2D animation and to top that, the engagement lasts for 30 minutes. A far cry from the quickie of the newspread strip.

It's just sad that it only went for two seasons.

Verdict: If you think you're IQ is at least over a 100 and has some decent sense of humor, this is definitely for you. You'll have a ball gawking at people while they miss at those intelligent punchlines.

Info
Leeched from: torrent, (google "Dilbert torrent")

Kamen Rider The Next

"If you hear Chiharu's song, 'Platinum Smile,' you die."

Movie

I'm not sure if I mentioned it before but I'm actually a huge fan of the Kamen Rider franchise. This is not really surprising since I was part of the generation that grew up on Kamen Rider Black show on Sundays on IBC 13. Anyway, this post is not about my fandom but about this great movie.

What sets apart Kamen Rider The Next from other tokusatsu movies is that they've become experimental this time: they added a horror dimension. Think of "The Ring" meets "Bioman." Amazing right? And what's so amazing was that they pulled it off. And with other subthemes on the side like friendship, respect, etc.

The look and feel of this KR movie is very different from the other ones that are released on a yearly basis as a spinoff of the current KR TV series (like Kamen Raidā Den'ō Ore, Tanjō! for Den-O or Kamen Rider Kabuto: God Speed Love for KR Kabuto). This was definitely aiming for a different market other than kids and kid-likes.

In the previous movie (The First), they kept the 80's feel in the production which was obviously fanservice to really really die hard (not me) Kamen Rider fans which they've been deprived of since the dawn of the next generation riders (Agito,Kuuga, Ryuki, etc.). That in itself, at the same time making it so contemporary, without falling into the pit of fantasy is just amazing. It was bordering on sci-fi actually.

And I loved "The Next" punchline.

I would have to say that The Next deserves attention because of it's peculiar combination of recipes: horror + tokusatsu. This is again onr of the movies I couldn't help but clap by the time the credits roll.

And what's more amazing is how they threaded the thre frist Kamen Riders, and make a pseudo-remake of the three series. (Kamen Rider 1, 2, V3). Fanservice, I'm sure.

But then again, as I said, Kamen Rider is my fandom.

Verdict: Watch it even though you're not a Kamen Rider fan. Definitely made a mark in cinema for being experimental in form and structure yet successful.

Info
Leeched from: #tv-nihon, torrent

Taiyo no Uta (Movie)

"Tomorrow never knows. It's a happy line."

Movie

Taiyo no Uta (A Song to the Sun) is one of those movies about the most often pairing of love and an incurable disease. But what's more interesting in that this is one of those movies whose OST is strongly tied-up with its entirety (for example Nana, The Love of Siam). Besides, Kaora Amane is a (hopeful) singer.

As music is central to the plot, expect lots of music inserts, which is actually not so bad. For the lack of really energetic atmosphere in the movie, these mini-concerts are its high-points.

This is recommendable, but not so highly because like most movies of this genre (teen romance), it's slightly predictable. I guess age also adds a big factor to its enjoyment; I'm 23 already. But still, it is remarkable to note that I'm hooked to the OST beyond salvation.

YUI is just so adorable, who is also the reason why I watched this movie in the first place. Her music is awesome.



Verdict: Good if you have time to spare; won't completely waste your time.

Info
Info on YUI
Leeched from: Veoh
Subtitles from: kloofy.net