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Versailles no Bara or The Rose of Versailles is perhaps the most important shoujo in anime history, and even after 46 years this show still has relevancy and continues to be hailed as a hallmark show. Written by Ryoko Ikeda and the show directed by Osamu Dezaki is still watchable and in fact i dare say just as good as modern shows if not better then most.

STORY
The story of Rose of Versailles blends fiction with history, French revolution which is one of he most important events in the human history with enlightened ideas of liberty, freedom, fraternity etc. But well history is widely ... considered to be "boring". The show takes the "boring" history of France and with imbued melodrama, fiction and court politics we get to see both the lives of the characters of the story, there tragedy and the society of France back then and what set the stage for the revolution. It is to be noted that the historical accuracy of the show is praiseworthy, despite the fictionalization of the historic events to some degree it still is successful to evoke curiosity about French revolution and deep emotional resonance with the characters.

CHARACTERS
Rose of Versailles has a tendency to portray its characters in a really humane manner. No i am serious its just not my biased opinion the characters really felt humane which is a rare sight for anime in general with its tendency to "idealize" the characters or view them in a certain way. The character of Oscar especially stood out to me, her character challenges gender roles. At first i didnt really expect much but as the show progressed it became abundantly clear how well written her character was, and i dare say that its probably one of the best written female characters in anime. Besides Oscar we also follow Queen Marie Antoinette which is a stark contrast to Oscars character. While Oscar appears as a embodiment of idealism who upholds her duty, responsibilities, etc. Marie Antoinette is a person who is fickle, honest and deeply flawed , the story never once portrays her as a evil character of sorts. Her character is extremely whimsical, she does things that makes the viewer infuriated but never once does she feel like a villain. Her character is the biggest tragedy in the show, a person who just lets her emotions win over her rationality and pays the price for it. Others characters like Andre, Rosalie, Alain were nice characters to watch and i was not the biggest fan of the character of Fersen because he for me lacks the depth the characters like Oscar and Marie Antoinette had and also for me didnt really made me root for him like i felt for Andre.

ANIMATION AND SOUND
The animation to me felt surprisingly good, which i didnt expect. It had a nice aesthetic appeal to it which i will be honest was pretty nice i wont exactly say that its the best out there but it didnt feel outdated which i would have expected it to be. I didnt really found the BGM and the OP and ED to stand out at least for me.

MY PERSONAL LIKINGS
I will be honest, Rose of Versailles kind of made me watch more shoujos. Before i had a sort of aversion from that niche of anime because i had a idea that they tend to be too dramatic and slow. Which got further proven due to some bad experience with a few shoujos, but Rose of Versailles not only was a amazing experience but also became a catalyst to watch a bit more shoujos. I have always been curious when it comes to history and so it was a given i would enjoy the setting of the show, but for me what stood out the most is the grounded drama of the show. When it comes to romance i wasnt to fond of it, for me most times love triangles are a headache but i must say Andre and Oscars dynamic was one that really moved me. The pacing is a bit of a issue but that is a given for a show this old but the time given was absolutely worth it.

Rose of Versailles is a must watch, not only for shoujjo lovers, but for anime fans in general. Its an anime that has rightfully earned its spot in history books and every anime fan should at least give it a try.

Thank you for reading and give me a metaphorical pat on the back if you found it informative.

Seirei no Moribito was a really fulfilling experience so i embarked on a journey to look for more fantasy shows similar to it and came across Kemono no souja Erin and both are by Uehashi Nahoko. My expectations wee high, and it delivered masterfully though i do not hold the view like this is the greatest thing ever i must say Erin provided for a really fruitful experience.

STORY
Going into this one i did have a hunch on what type of story it may be and mostly i was right. Detailed world, deeply emotional storyline, political tussle, supernatural element etc. But Erin also has a predominantly ... calm atmosphere to most of its episodes. It has a slice of inclination where we see the main character Erin do what she loves, that is curiosity to learn and know more, and later on a special fixation on a particular creature. We essentially follow Erin's story from childhood to teens to early adulthood and see her as a person. Just like Moribito special detail has been given to the world of Erin from its cultural aspects, history and political atmosphere all get detailed exploration. Themes of betrayal and morality arise at different points of the story.

CHARACTERS
The main character of Erin is probably the most standout character due to the deep emotional growth we see her go through, her beliefs are tested at every time and how she remains undaunted and stays true to her beliefs and dreams. In fact every complication she faces in the story helps her further augment her ideas. She is quite different from Balsa but she is a really solid female lead. The side character whether its John, Soyon, Ial and more all play a key role in different points of the story.

ANIMATION AND SOUND
The animation is really distinct though i wont necessarily call it the best in was pretty to the eye due to its tendency to get extremely experimental and aesthetic but i will be honest it did get a bit excess for me at certain points. The music is solid and the score is well done which suits different points of the story.

MY PERSONAL LIKINGS
I really liked the political aspect of the show which i also consider it to be the strongest point. Besides that i also liked the calm atmosphere of the show for the majority watching Erin go by her day was fun and not to mention the growth she goes through. I would also like to mention the duo of Nukko and Mokku despite the hit and miss nature of the shows humor i still liked the happy go lucky nature of the two. Emotional moments are a lot in the show and never really feel out of place in the show.

PACING
The pacing is essentially its most glaring flaw much like Seirei no Moribito pacing maybe even slower. Though i did find it to be worth it if i wasnt free which i am always it wouldnt exactly have been a really fun experience to sit through a show as slow as this.

Lastly, i found Kemono no souja Erin to be just as worth it if not more then Moribito, and if you have time to spare watch this especailly if you like fantasy shows its a must.

Seirei no Moribito is a fantasy anime based on Uehashi Nahoko's fantasy novel. Now for bit of context i actually came across this anime from one of the interest stacks and this one caught my eye, and i do not regret picking this show up at the slightest. It was worth every second.

STORY
Now the story is a blend of a lot of genres. Fantasy settling, political drama, super natural aspect and not to mention the action of spears. Moribito in a way does it all. We follow the character of Balsa whose job is to protect Prince Chagum who has the water spirit in him. ... Now in there journey we get to witness the world of moribito and the nuances of it. Careful detail has particularly given to the political and cultural aspects of the world the latter being a really underrated factor for me in good world building. The differences in countries geography as well gets keen focus. Show also has a really emotional undertone at certain points, and the story despite its reliances on so many aspects still has a grounded vibe and almost has a realistic vibe to its storyline.

CHARACTERS
Anyone who has watched the show knows Balsa's character isnt your ordinary female character in usual anime, she is pragmatic in her approached, is capable to do what is to be done, and in general a really interesting character to watch on the screen. But despite that her character still feels humane because of the grounded nature of the show. Chagum's character initially a helpless prince who is put into life threatening situation also slowly grows into his own person. One of the key aspect why the characters seem so normal to watch is the overall grounded nature of the show. And as the story progresses you find yourself emotionally connected to these characters whether side characters or main. Balsa and Chagums character dynamic also plays a further role in making you connected to the story.

ANIMATION AND SOUND
Its hard to believe that its a show from 2007 due to how smooth the animation is, its colourful but has a aesthetic appeal to it, though i am not the biggest fan of the music and scores i do not hate them either also due to my tendency to always skip intros and outros.


MY PERSONAL LIKINGS
There are a few points that i would like to point out which deepened my liking for the show. The focus the cultural aspect of the world gets is something i really found to be interesting, from the peoples lifestyle of the people how they vary due to geographical features and how much influence it also plays politically. How preservation of history and tradition is a necessary deed. I was also the fan of Balsa as you do not get to see characters like these on a routine basis. And moreover the world building is simply sublime

PACING
Pacing is probably the Achilles heel of the show, with so many things being involved the story takes its sweet time to properly take stream. Its slow and its not one those shows that takes flight from the get go.

Overall, i really enjoyed watching Moribito and it was also a much needed break from fantasy anime of modern times that more or less feels like all shows kind of follow the same trajectory with minute changes. I really hope with the dawn of Frieren and Dungeon Meshi we get to see more fantasy shows like Moribito.

Dandadan along with many other big titles came with there season one and took the whole by a storm in 2024. Dandadan season one for me was probably the most fun and wacky show of last year. And riding in this wave of euphoria when season two got announced after that cliff hanger of a ending for season one, i was actually extremely happy.
Why do i like this show?. Its a pretty simple answer because aint no where i am going to find ball hunting as a literal arc of a show. This romance with peculiarity is probably my core reason to like Dandadan. ... I love shows that just dont take themselves seriously, this is what i long for after a long day.
season two has everything that season one had. Visuals on point, science saru is just the perfect studio for such a eccentric show.
References of just about anything, i mean i never really expected a psg reference and that stings a lot after they folded my team inter 5-0 in the finals.
I also like this romantic progression in between Okarun and Ayase, usually i find myself a bit let down by this romantic side stories, but funnily enough a show that isnt serious 90percent of the time has better romance compared to half of what i have seen from other non romance shows that have romance thats pretty wild. Do not ask the source for such crude conclusion.
Dandadan when it gets emotional tugs at the right heartstrings for me at least i felt that way or maybe i am just mentally unstable.
Dandadan does not really try to be deep, so you wont find any poignant themes, nor any thematic story progression. Dandadan's core asset is its eccentricity and if you are a fan of shows like those or just want something fun. Pick Dandadan and i doubt you would be displeased. But if you are displeased i suggest just touch grass and dont turn out like me.

If i ever have to compare a animated show with art, flcl would be the first in my mind.
No, seriously i have not seen a anime that can be so chaotic, abstract and quite frankly stupid and also be meaningful and have layers to its story that you slowly peel like tangerines if you end up liking the energy this show has in abundance.
Of course its not without criticism, like i said it will be stupid , abstract, annoying, its a show that almost makes fun of itself and presents in such enjoyable way that never do you find yourself yearning for joy. This anime ... is almost a travesty of a sci-fi, only if it was a sci-fi because its too stupid for that.
Flcl's biggest quality lies in its themes. Themes you say what are those?.
Its in fact a coming of age story, its themes of sexual awakening, love, loss, and finding yourself in a hunt to justify your reason to breathe. Its all stupidly ingenious.
Haruko's character is one of the most unique female characters i have come across in anime. She is entertaining, but do not mistake her for good , she is just as deceptive. Her motives, desires keeps you wondering her next ludicrous action.
Naota's growth as a character, to finally understand himself and others to some extent and differentiate things is great as well but i wont be joking if i say for me among all characters its Haruko that is standout.
Flcl deals with all its themes in a soulful way, it expresses itself like no other anime and that what sets it apart from all other coming of age stories. Its abstract, and almost nonsensical just how the phase of puberty is. Its chaotic and absurd just how that phase feels deep within with thoughts swirling at a speed of light almost.
Flcl is a art, and not everyone can understand it. Whats one mans trash is others treasure. subjectivity is something that applies every where at least as long as entertainment is concerned. People who like a more linear and structured story with more dignified structure wont like it. To appreciate flcl you need to be stupid, open to a bit of chaos and a parodic show that may have some brilliance underneath it.
Lastly, read this with a grain of salt because again what i like may also be something you despise. And with a show like flcl that may just be the case.

Often times i wonder what makes a "good" show. Does it have to be a hype machine?, thematically rich?, heart warming,? unique in its representation?. Then you realize its all about connection and perception, i will never find a right answer that applies to all in general but what i can say anything can be enjoyable when watched in a favourable mental set.
Saying all that nonsense was important for me to lay down the dilemma that "solo leveling" faces. It has the mainstream appeal but got no meaning above it.
Solo leveling passes the exam of mainstream appeal with flying colours. A overpowered mc who seemingly ... was breast fed by Charles Darwin, over emphasis on the importance of muscle power, and flashy animation, moments filled with hype that makes you filled with adrenaline as well. But does it go above that? NO. Simply because its a show made just for the masses. It acts both as a flaw and a benefit as well.
Lets talk about the flaws, when you watch the show you only watch one character that is sung jin woo because the rest are cardboard cutouts with muscles and big boobs and pretty faces. There is nothing else other then to them, they are said to be strong the moment later they get clapped just for their messiah SUNG JIN WOO to save them and then the dialogues to make the mc seem more over powered, strong, and heroic while they are just pathetically watching. I dont mind weak characters what i mind is cardboards like at the very least some development, something that didnt make them totally forgetful but no. It pisses me especially of when you see that the characters dont get the bare minimum writing its almost like writer did not care which he probably didnt. I didnt expect like phenomenal character development but this show doesnt even try to do the bare minimum. When it comes to the main character the only one it seemed the writer paid attention to some degree also doesnyt feel like a character you can root for or connect to. DEMON SLAYER a show which probably seems like the show which is really valid to compare SOLO LEVELING to also understands the necessity of trying to make a mc with whom you can form a connection with, so when the characters journey comes to an end or he achieves what he was seeking gives the audience catharsis and makes them feel good about the watch and also makes it was more memorable. SUNG JIN WOO is not a card board but sure is a lizard that somehow understood Darwins theory of evolution.
Story is really standard which i really dont have a issue with. My disappointment lies in it not trying anything. It does not try to do even the things that are really minimum but can effect for the betterment of the experience.
Another negative has to be the standardised story its really fascinating to see a good percentage of people talk about how animes arent as bold and unique yet even after a good percentage sharing that sentiment shows like solo leveling continue to outperform more new, bold, unique shows. Like the audience hypocrisy is truthfully mind bending when you see so many people criticise "generic" shows yet solo leveling is probably there best show of the season. For me personally story being generic or really standard isnt a big issue because quite frankly solo leveling does well in creating hype, in creating a atmosphere which gets amplified thanks to the music which is spot on.

Now there is always two spectrum of the argument what i shared is a mix of things i found to be lacking and the general sentiment but is a show bad? or unenjoyable considering how well received it is?. The is that solo leveling is a show that is does a few things and gets them right in a rather supreme manner, i mean that honestly without a ounce of sarcasm. The way somehow this show is able to hype up things is something that deserves praise, it employed the correct music, correct voice actor, and created the correct atmosphere to elevate the action sequence in such a manner that something that would have otherwise seemed stale seems fulfilled. Above that i feel that this show it does not promise anything that i stated as flaws, all it promises is a experience for people who are ready put the flaws in a side table and just watch ad enjoy. I also thing it was pretty fucking clear of what type of direction solo leveling was taking from season one and even though i knew most of the drill i still stuck around as i wasnt watching action shows as regularly as before, and even with all my hopes that this show should have done this , done that i found myself to be satisfied with what i saw.
It has great animation of course, music is spot on which you expect considering the cast, then comes world building which is probably its biggest asset which i hope it adds layers to, the world of hunters how they impact politics, and more layers to its dungeon system more nuances can probably propel the show as a whole even more.

The best way to describe solo leveling is that its a smart but lazy guy, it does the most normal things but does it better then most others but still you cant take laziness away and remains just good never beyond it never below it.

RANMA 1/2 remake 2024 had a decent amount of buzz after its release. Its thye remake of the 1989 and manga made by one of the most legendary mangakas, Rumiko Takahashi. Few of her famous work also consist of inuyasha, urusei yatsura.
Personally i havent come across any of her work until now, so i have never seen the original series to compare both. So i can only judge ranma based on the remakes quality.
The shows art style and animation of it are splendid to say the least. The 80s retro style mixed in with the modern flashy colour set. Mappa did a good job ... in the animation department and by keeping the retro style.
Music is decent its not fantastic nor bad. I sort of liked the outro and non of the bgm stood out to me.
The story uses the concept of sex shift, like when your body changes into a boy to girl like that. And revolves around ranma and akanes life of being engaged but because their families forced them into. Its a lot like nisekoi and few others which revolve around fake or forced relationships.
So what is that ranm excels at?. Its comedy is decent the show can get a few laughs out of you, besides that the action and quirky side characters who are there to either take the main cast closer or to just make as laugh. The romantic development so far is satisfactory and the show does a good job at getting you engaged. The story so far has nothing that can be considered mind bending or philosophical, and is perfect for a show one can watch when looking for a rom com with action and a satisfactory development.

rating=8.2/10

One of the most anticipated and hyped anime of the year was dandadan. And in my personal opinion and by popular reaction on the show it lived up to that. Usually the hyped battle shounans or shows mostly are a hit or miss for me. This season we saw a few hyped shows like solo leveling, kaiju no.8 but both despite being decent shows had drawbacks one wasn't unique enough and one wasn't original enough.
Dandadan excels exactly at those 2 points. This comedic, goofy show made a good case for the best show of the fall season.
What does dandadan excels at?
CHARACTERS
Despite being comically ... writen and made for satirical approach to a show the show makes a good potrayal of both comedy and struggle. Due to it's light hearted tone the serious stuff on the show is really less so don't expect complex character development or complex personas.
The show revolves mostly around the character of Ayase and Okarun. Both being two sides of the spectrum yet having real chemistry in the show, other then that the side casts though comedic has good inter personal relationships. And like I said it lacks to much serious things the show does tend to throw some depressive back stories and themes.
STORY
it's a story written for enjoyment and enjoyment only. And you can see it in the anime, the find for a willy to the search for two balls added a milf granny teaching stuff yeah it's quite the watch. Its mostly a comedic watch with hint of seriousness here and there and added in the experimental art style
MUSIC
the music in short suits the shows upbeat tone, and for the emotional part the background music does a really good job.
ART AND ANIMATION
I am a Sucker for good art especially experimental ones. Because I can't draw but I like good drawings. So dandadans experimental art really appealed to me and I think it will to many others. I feel like science saru really out done themselves with this one because in simple words the animation is fantastic.
CRITICISM
Despite my positive opinion on the show, it has some drawbacks. Its not for people who like serious shows or want something deep. Watch it for enjoyment and enjoyment only. The art can throw some people off as art can be objective. It isn't a philosophical watch, nor has a profound story. But dandadan is wild and it's wildness is it's identity.
Rating 7.8/10

Angel beats
a story that delves deep into the concept of regret, afterlife life, redemption and the value of life and relationships
the story takes place in a world made to fulfill the regret full life of young souls and gain a satisfactory ending at least after dead.
whether it be visuals or story the show excels at all departments and portrays their story in perfection.
animation= 9
beautiful and effective for the anime it fits well with the show. And for a show of 2010 with such visuals is respectable
comedy=9
for a show with a depressing plot like this comedy is really good. of course what made me laugh ... may not make someone else laugh but one shall be ready for some smiles and goofy stuff
story=9
the plot is interesting enough and the way story flows its really great. of course depressing stories are not for all but if one tries this show i can tell there are more chances of being satisfied from your watch then be disappointed
music and bgm=9
they are hella good and sit well with the show
Characters= 9
there arent any ground breaking characters. but what sets them apart is the struggles and despites those never giving up hope for a better tomorrow all characters whose story we have been told are well thought and despite those sad regretful life all characters have a zeal for a better tomorrow they keep pushing alone or together.
its one of my favourite show and i would like more people to enjoy this show.