Archive for September, 2007
September 30, 2007 at 9:35 pm · Filed under Live-Action, Must See
Name: Yamada Taro Monogatari
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Year: 2007
Rating: Must See
Based on the manga Yamada Taro Monogatari by Ai Morinaga. The story follows the lives of Taro and his extremely poor family. With the father no where to be found, a weak mother who cannot work but loves to spend and six other siblings, Taro has to work to support his family as well as keep up with his studies and daily life. Despite being penniless Taro is a smart, athletic, kind hearted and with the looks of a prince that wins the heart of any girl he meets. While attending a prestigious high school through a scholarship the surrounding girls are soon given the impression that he is wealthy, furthermore with his killer smile no student can resist his charms especially Ikegami Takako who is seeking a rich groom. Also attending this school is Mimura Takuya who is also attractive but unlike Taro is actually overflowing with money. Played by the two Arashi members Ninomiya Kazunari (Taro) and Sakurai Sho (Mimura), the story contrasts the two characters as each influences another.
September 21, 2007 at 2:12 am · Filed under Enjoyable, Anime
Name: Black Lagoon
Genre: Action, Adventure
Year: 2006
Rating: Enjoyable
Okajima Rokuro (Rock) is a typical Japanese businessman known as salary men. His normal duties include carrying out the orders of his superiors, however he is one day given the task to deliver a valuable disc. Like many valuable objects that exist there are those who try to legitimately obtain it and others who use a not so legal method. The Black Lagoon is a PT boat in which the mercenaries Revy, Duch and Benny use to complete tasks for those who hire them. Rock is captured by the trio but it is not long until he decides to give up his day job to become the fourth member of the Black Lagoon. On their journey they are confronted with many violent fights, however they must first overcome a helicopter firing missiles at them.
September 15, 2007 at 1:29 pm · Filed under Recommended, Anime
Name: Mai-Otome
Genre: Drama, Fantasy
Year: 2005
Rating: Recommended
Arika Yumemiya has no memory of her past, her only clue is a necklace and a desire to become like her mother, an Otome. Gualderobe Academy is a prestigious school where girls are raised to become Otomes, a bodyguard that serves her royal master. A world where nanomachines allow females to become Meister Otomes, (highest ranked otome) great power can be possessed by those known as the protectors of royalty. Hence a battle’s outcome may be turned by one individual. In the kingdom of Windbloom where Akira has gone to search for her mother, she meets Nina Wang a top Coral Otome student and Windbloom’s heir to the throne, Mashiro. The series follows Akira’s search for her past as she develops friendships in the academy. Though her past is blurred she isn’t the only one who has doubts about identity. There is a wide gap between the wealthy and the poor, though Mashiro is said to be the legitimate successor questions soon arise as to who she really is. Although the series isn’t a direct sequel of Mai-HiME many of the original characters appear in Mai-Otome with a different personality and role.
September 11, 2007 at 12:01 am · Filed under Must See, Anime
Name: Genshiken
Genre: Comedy
Year: 2004
Rating: Must See
Based on the manga by Kio Shimoku, Genshiken follows the life of a collage club and its members. This particular club known as Genshiken is a place where its otaku members can gather and appreciate their love for media such as anime, manga, figurines and the culture of cosplaying. Sasahara Kanji is a freshman, though he soon becomes a new addition to Genshiken his interest in anime, manga and gaming allows him to easily fit in. The life of Genshiken may seem unfamiliar to some however its target audience will certainly appreciate what it has to offer. This great example of a slice of life incorporates much of the otaku culture and the stereotypes associated with it. Fulfilling the duty of an otaku in going to the comiket, spending time playing “various” games and sharing their overall interest in otaku life is what this series is about.
September 4, 2007 at 10:26 pm · Filed under Enjoyable, Anime
Name: Kaze no Stigma
Genre: Fantasy
Year: 2007
Rating: Enjoyable
The Kannagi Clan’s members are best known for their ability to control fire. These fire mages are considered the most powerful out of all the clans. Although born into the main branch of the Kannagi Clan, Kazuma is one who is unable to wield the power of fire. As a child he was defeated by Ayano and after great humiliation he was disowned and banished from the house of Kannagi. Although unable to master the art of fire magic Kazuma doesn’t give up. Four years later, though Ayano has inherited Enraiha a sword symbolic of the leader of the Kannagi Clan, Kazuma has returned with a new skill. Although not blessed with the ability to use fire Kazuma has become a skilled wind master. The Wind clan has always served the Kannagi clan by specialising in reconnaissance as they don’t hold the offensive power anymore. However Kazuma is an exception, by making a contract with the spirit of the wind Kazuma is able to fight on the same level as the fire mages. Kazuma is still bitter about his past experiences with the fire clan however he soon finds himself in the position of assisting Ayano in defending against the real enemy of their world.
September 1, 2007 at 11:35 pm · Filed under Must See, Anime
Name: Romeo x Juliet
Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Drama
Year: 2007
Rating: Must See
Neo Verona is a city that was once ruled by the Capulet family. However on one stormy night the Montagues overthrew the Capulets with their brute force. The Capulet family was slaughtered and the only surviving member was Lord Capulet’s daughter, Juliet. For fourteen years Juliet has escaped capture by disguising herself as a boy known as Odin. As a skilled swordsman and a person who desires whats just she masquerades herself as a vigilante known as the Red Whirlwind (Akai Kaze). Although she is satisfied with helping those in need in the dystopia ruled by Lord Montague as the last hope for the Capulet family she has a much heavier burden to bear. Although she has no memory of her past the truth is soon revealed to her along with the responsibility of reclaiming Neo Verona and freeing the people from suffering. Romeo on the other hand is the son of Lord Capulet, he has enjoyed the extravagant life of a noble however unlike those who surround him he has a strong sense of justice just like Juliet. Once the two cross paths they both instantly fall in love and hence comes the tale of history’s most famed star crossed lovers.
