VThere is a dorm inspection at the Cross Academy and this time, Yuki and Zero would finally act as real prefects as they will be confiscating items not allowed inside the campus, including pictures of the Night Class students taken by the members of the Day Class. Dorm Leader Kaname-senpai made it sure that everything illegal would be disposed of, and the first “victim” at the Moon Dorm was Aidou-senpai whose hobby is to collect odds and ends destroyed by Kaname’s powers (such as broken goblets).

However, the dorm inspections marked the start of the darker side of Vampire Knight. Not all vampires are gorgeous and admirable people. There are vampires who have lost their humanity and who hurt and kill, like the one Yuki encountered ten years ago, the Level E vampires.

When Zero suddenly disappeared, Yuki looked for him around town but instead she encountered Level E vampires. Zero quickly realized that Yuki was in danger and rushed to where she is but one of the Level E vampires after Yuki blocked Zero’s way. The Level E recognized Zero as one of their kind and called him a comrade which made Zero pull the trigger of his Bloody Rose. He was disturbed that a Level E knew that he really was turning into a Level E, the lowest of all vampires.

On the other hand, Yuki was trying to fight-off another Level E, a small boy, when suddenly, the Level E stopped in its tracks and froze in fear. The reason: the appearance of Kaname, a pure blood, the highest and noblest of all the vampires, to save Yuki. Kaname destroyed the Level E with his powers without even getting near the Level E and spared Yuki from that scene by covering her eyes.

This incident was duly reported by Kaname to the Chairman and he was agitated by the Chairman’s idea of keeping Zero with the Day Class. Then, it followed a lot of revelations: (1) that Zero was hurt not by just an ordinary Vampire, but by a pureblood vampire; (2) that the Chairman was a former vampire hunter, Cross Kaien; (3) that when a person was bitten by a pureblood, only one of two things could happen: die or become a vampire; (4) Zero was fighting-off his vampire instincts for the past four years; and (5) Zero could not anymore resist his thirst for blood and bit Yuki in the neck.

Zero bit Yuki in the neck?! OMG! For me, that was the real highlight of this episode, for obvious reasons. Kaname’s show of power is a close second. Well, I must admit that when Kaname-senpai appeared (the scene where he saved Yuki), even I felt fear. His presence was chilling, enough for me to feel shivers down my spine.

I have already watched up to the latest episode of this series and believe me, the story gets better and better. I am forcing myself not hint any spoilers and if I do not end this post, I might not be able to hold down myself any longer. So, please wait for the next installment!

     Someone asked me if Vampire Knight has funny moments, and I said yes.  In fact, in this second episode, there are quite a few, brought about by this one special occasion, Valentine’s Day.

     At Cross Academy, the Day and the Night Classes share the school facilities.   Chaos starts when the Night Class begins to go to enter the gates to the main school building.  However, Valentine’s Day is not just chaotic.  It spells W-A-R.  Yup, the school grounds become a warzone.  Yuki even made a special arrangement and drew a layout for an orderly celebration of Valentine’s.  Yuki took this matter seriously and even made a remark to the Night Class students that the event is not for playing around. Of course Zero detested the idea and even told the Chairman that they are prefects and not the bodyguards of the Night Class students.

     As I said, Yuki took this Valentine’s event rather seriously.  She even tried to make a handmade chocolate for her beloved Kaname-senpai but she failed to do so.  She had to settle for store-bought ones.  Her determination to hand the chocolate to Kaname gradually waned as it became impossible to give him chocolates due to the sheer number of admirers who wanted to do the same.  Zero, although he was irritated and pissed-off, made a way for Yuki’s chocolate to reach Kaname’s hands, and it worked perfectly.   Again, Kaname showed his special interest in Yuki when he gave his chocolates away and kept the one that came from Yuki for himself.

      Well, I am babbling about Valentine’s Day at the Cross Academy but the focal point of the story is actually about Zero, that is why this episode is entitled, “Memories of Blood.”  Here, the secret about Zero’s changing nature from human to a vampire was revealed and the reason why he stayed at Cross Academy.  Apparently, the Chairman took him in after his family was killed by a vampire.  When the Chairman first brought Zero home a couple of years ago, the right side of his neck and shoulder had blood all-over.  The young Zero then remained silent even during the time when Yuki helped him clean and take off the blood from his body and he stayed that way for quite awhile.  In the present time, Zero began to act like he did when Yuki first met him and his sudden change of behavior baffled Yuki.

     As for me, I really enjoyed watching this episode for several reasons:  First, there were a lot of “scary” and “don’t mess with me” looks from Zero, all of which were so funny and cute at the same time.  Second, there was a rare, split-second smile from Kaname.  Third, the Valentine’s Day scenes.  Fourth, Zero’s past was revealed. Fifth, Zero was shown at his cutest and cuddliest when he was younger.  Sixth, the story is slowly showing a darker side.  Well, actually, there are a lot more reasons but I don’t want to bore you all with nonsense details.  However, I promise that this episode is really worth watching and that every anime fanatic should consider adding this anime to their “to watch list” this season.

     Till then!

     Vampire Knight is an on-going manga series by Matsuri Hino(MeruPuri) that is now turned into anime which is currently airing in
Japan.  Thanks to the wonders of fansubbing, non-Japanese speakers can now watch this highly-popular series without any problem of understanding the dialogues.  Each episode is being subbed at super-fast speed and of super-quality for fans all over the world, and we are currently updated up to episode 9.  I am hoping to provide a summary for each episode, as well as my opinions and reactions. 

Episode 1:  Night of the Vampires

The opening scene of the pilot episode of Vampire Knight shows a young girl standing outside on a snowy evening.  A shadowy figure suddenly appeared, asking her if he could suck her blood.  It seemed like the end for the young child, but someone came to save her and killed the shadowy figure who turned out to be a vampire.

From that scary moment, the scene reverts to the present.  The young girl and her savior are now both students at the Cross Academy, a privately-run dorm school where the classes are divided into two:  the Night Class where the girl’s savior, Kaname Kuran, belongs to; and the Day Class where the young girl then, Yuki Cross, and her friend, Zero Kiryu, are prefects.

Unknown to the rest of the Day Class, the Cross Academy harbors a huge secret:  the students of the Night Class are all vampires.  Only Yuki and Zero know of the secret and helps protect that secret by patrolling at night.  That responsibility is a feat in itself considering that the Night Class are composed of bishoujos and bishonens of unparalled beauty and students of the Day Class would always gather to where the students of the Night Class would pass by.  Some would even wander at night to get a glance at their favorite Night Class student.  The most popular of the Night Class student is Dorm President Kaname Kuran, a pure blood vampire of the most noble and highest order, who appears to have a special affection for Yuki Cross.  The rest of the Night Class reveres Kaname and have enrolled in the Cross Academy because of him.  Apparently, the Chairman of the Cross Academy, Yuki’s surrogate father, have this dream of humans living in peace with vampires, two different species who have fought against each other since time immemorial.  While it may seem as an idiotic ideal, young vampires have gathered at the Cross
Academy if only to get close to Kaname and try to live the ideal that Kaname got interested with.  They even had to make a vow that they would not suck blood of humans inside the campus and were amenable to taking blood tablets instead to curb their thirst.

On the other hand, Zero, Yuki’s childhood friend and co-prefect who always seems pissed-off, cold and mean, slowly reveals his changing nature: that of a vampire.  Apparently, Zero’s family was attacked and killed by a vampire and Zero survived the ravage, thus explaining his absolute disgust over vampires.  However, he was bitten himself and the story gave hints that he is turning into a vampire.  He was seen several times to have a blood tablet with him and the smell of blood makes him want to have a sip and even has a desire to bite into the unsuspecting Yuki’s neck.  While Zero may be in denial, Kaname and the Chairman both know that Zero is slowly progressing into becoming a vampire and they both make it known to Zero.

Zero is indeed in a dilemma.  The hatred he feels for the vampires becomes a complete mockery considering that he is already becoming one.  However, he still loathes vampires and even shot at Aidou, a member of the Night Class, deliberately missing his target using his Bloody Rose, a gun that can kill vampires, to punish him for biting into Yuki’s hand and licking a drop of her blood.  That incident, however, did not go unnoticed by Kaname.  Immediately after Zero fired his gun, Kaname appeared to pacify the parties and ordered someone to report the incident to the Chairman.  Although Aidou was suspended for ten days, he feels no remorse and even said that it was worth Yuki’s blood, which of course, was heard by Kaname and he was slapped right there and then.  The harsh treatment Aidou got only means to say that Kaname Kuran takes seriously any matter concerning rules of the academy, especially anything that involves Yuki.

I must say that I am really, really hooked with this series.  I am so in love with Kaname-senpai.  His dark and sultry eyes, his regal bearing, his soft affection for Yuki, his awesome physique, his deep voice…every single thing about him is enough to make anyone want to be close to him.  Well, of course, except for Zero, that is.  Anyway, Zero himself is freaking hot, especially when he draws out his Bloody Rose.  However, I also like the emptiness in his eyes, it shows his vulnerability.  At times, his eyes betray him that he is still the same boy who could not get over his past.  As for Yuki, sometimes I feel sorry for her because Aidou-senpai always teases her but then again, every time Kaname-senpai turns his head to Yuki, I envy her a bit.  Heehee.  I could even feel my heart go ”ba-dump” whenever Kaname-senpai looks at Yuki.

I have always known that vampires are quite sexy ever since Anne Rice’s Interview with a Vampire.  But main draw for this series is actually not the beauty of the characters, though it helps, but the compelling story they tell.

I know this blog is supposed to be for anime reviews and that I have written mostly about animes, except perhaps for Nodame Cantabile (Live Action) but I guess, I should expand my horizon.Lately, I have been watching a lot of Asian drama series, and it did not take long for me to get hooked.  So I spend most of my precious free time downloading asian drama series or watching it online.  Yes, admittedly, instead of writing on this blog, I’m procrastinating yet again.  Who can blame me?  Writing makes my head hurt…LOL!  On the other hand, I get thoroughly entertained watching my favorite Asian dramas, like the Coffee Prince.The Coffee Prince is a Korean series of the romance-comedy genre.  From what I have gathered from the net, it was a highly popular series and had the 2^nd highest-rating in its timeslot during the period it was shown in

Korea.  It was not surprising at all considering that Coffee Prince stars Yoon Eun Hye as Go Eun Chan, who was lead actress in the hit series “Goong.” Go Eun Chan is twenty-five years old, the bread winner of her family, works a couple of odd jobs and is often mistaken for a boy for good reasons. First, she really looks like a boy.  Her hair is cut short, like that of a boy’s.  Her clothes consist of loose shirts, loose or cargo shorts, jeans, and sneakers.  While her skin is as white as snow and as flawless as that of a baby’s, and her face as cute as a doll, people would normally assume she is a boy because she does not possess the grace that girls have.  She eats a lot, bordering on being a glutton and she is physically strong…But perhaps, the biggest reason why she is mistaken for a boy would be the fact that she lacks womanly assets, especially in the chest area. Yup, her breasts are flat. Lol!  Anyways, although Go Eun Chan talks, walks and even sleeps like a boy, her heart is undeniably that of a girl’s.  In fact, early in the series, Go Eun Chan falls in love with an older man (age gap is a couple of years), Choi Han Sung (Lee Sung Gyun), who is a musical director by profession. Although Sung sees Eun Chan as a girl, his former long-time girlfriend, Han Yoo Joo (Chae Jung Ahn), returned to him after breaking-off an affair with a Korean artist based in the

US.  Thus, Eun Chan’s confession of love was not accepted but Han Sung continues to see Eun Chan as a friend.On the other hand, Han Sung’s playboy cousin, Choi Han Kyul (Gong Yoo) returned to Korea from the

US.  Threatened by his parents and grandmother to live his life responsibly, Kyul decided to meet potential marriage partners.  However, considering that he is still in love for the longest time with his cousin, Han Sung’s girlfriend, he devised a plan to thwart his parents and grandmother’s plan.  He sought the help of Eun Chan, whom he thought was a boy, to pose as his gay lover.  The plan hilariously worked and all the potential marriage partners backed-off.  Despite the success of Han Kyul’s plan, his grandmother thought of a counter-attack and threatened to take away his comfortable lifestyle and his suave bachelor’s pad if he could not revive a musty, old, and weird coffee shop run by his grandmother’s friend in a span of three months.Apparently, Eun Chan knows Mr. Hong, the ex-President of the said coffee shop, which was later christened as the “Coffee Prince.” Han Kyul decided to only hire males or princes, for the Coffee Prince, which immediately ruled out Eun Chan.  Thus, she begs Han Kyul to accept her as a worker in the Coffee Prince because she badly needs the money for her family.  Han Kyul accepted her, thinking Eun Chan is a boy, hence, Eun Chan was constrained to hide her identity.  Only Mr. Hong, being a family friend, knows the truth that Eun Chan is a girl.In a strange twist of fate, Han Kyul begins to feel romantic inclinations towards Eun Chan.  Try as he might to repress it, he falls in love with Eun Chan.  Not even counseling helps and he reluctantly and painfully opens up to the idea that he has to accept his “sexuality” and the undeniable feeling that he is in love with “guy,” Eun Chan.  On the other hand, Han Sung suddenly sees Eun Chan in a different light and starts to fall in love with her and in her optimism in life.  Then, Eun Chan’s growing affection to Han Kyul and Han Kyul’s dilemma of falling in love with a “guy” and their strange four-way love entanglement with Han Sung and Yoo Joo start at this point.  The two cousins who once fought for Yoo Joo’s love both falls in love with Eun Chan.I have watched the Coffee Prince a couple of months ago but I recently learned that it will be shown here in my country through a local channel.  It will be shown either today or tomorrow and the series is dubbed in our language.  Thus, I thought it proper to pay homage to the Coffee Prince on its royal premiere here.I love the Coffee Prince and perhaps, the plot which is so reminiscent of a typical shoujo manga, made me fall in love with it. It is sort of like Hana Kimi composed of older characters (20’s and 30’s).  Besides, what is not to like in this series?  There is a reverse harem composed of five hotties (3 princes and two hunky cousins).  Eun Chan is superbly believable as a boy but still as cute as ever.  You would definitely have the feeling that Eun Chan is a real boy and that Han Kyul is tormented by his changing “sexual preference.”  Moreover, all the characters were well-portrayed.  The silent but loyal love of the Waffle Prince, No Sun Ki, the blind, one-sided love of the slow but physically strong Hwang Min Yeop towards Eun Chan’s younger sister, the player and happy-go-lucky attitude of Jin Ha Rim.  There is also the mature issue of infidelity and forgiveness between Han Sung and Yoo Joo.  Personally, the emotions evoked by the characters seemed real and I could not help myself but be enveloped into the same emotions.  I laughed hard and cried hard throughout the 17 episodes.  Worth mentioning are the picturesque places were the scenes were shot.  Han Sung’s house, Han Kyul’s bachelor pad, the Coffee Prince, the trail going to Han Sung’s house…all these places create the perfect backdrop for falling in love.  Of course, perhaps two of the best highlights of the story are Han Kyul’s discovery of Eun Chan’s identity and the love scene of Eun Chan and Han Kyul. The second one literally made my jaw drop…It seemed so real and so mature!  Sizzling hot!  Well, I think I gave away all of the necessary information about the series. I hope people would love the Coffee Prince as much as I did.  In fact, this is one of the best asian drama series of 2007.  So please do not judge me as someone who is easy to please if I give the Coffee Prince a 9.9 or even perhaps a perfect 10. 

New Year’s Comments @ MyGlitterz.com

New Year’s Comments @ MyGlitterz.com

A Different Take on the Original Version

I am currently watching the fansubbed version of Romeo x Juliet (by Shinsen-sub), and I am at episode number 8.  Honestly, I thought this would be an over-worked version of the much abused, misused and over-used plot by Shakespeare. But as soon as I pushed the start button, I knew that I turned into a believer. The opening theme song alone would make anyone fall in love with the series.  It is actually a Japanese version of Josh Groban’s “You Raise Me Up.”  Hearing the song and watching the opening theme, I immediately knew that Romeo x Juliet would not be a cliche but would be an exciting, fresh and novel take of its original predecessor.  True enough, I just could not help myself but get into that romantic, you-and-me-against-world emotional psyche.  Most of the times I get teary-eyes even if it is just beginning but sometimes I cry all through-out!

Perhaps my favorite scene is Romeo and Juliet’s kissing scence.  It is by far the most romantic, heart-felt, sincere and passionate pre-kissing, kissing and post-kissing scene that I’ve witnessed among all the animes I’ve watched.  The english version of You Raise Me Up provided the perfect mood.  There were no unnecessary words or actions, only the truest were conveyed.  Just when you wished for fireworks during the scene’s climax, as if on-cue, fireworks lit the skies and set the perfect backdrop for Romeo and Juliet’s gentle but fervent kiss.  It lingers on the mind and evokes passions leaving the viewers wanting more…

If you want to take a sneak peek of this series, you can watch some of the episodes at YouTube, or download the Shinsen-sub fansub version for quality translation.  As of date, they have released the 12th episode.   

Teasers:

1.     It is refreshing to see Juliet wielding a sword and Romeo roaming the skies searching for Juliet on a winged horse;

2.     ”What’s in a name that which we call a rose?  By any other name would smell as sweet.”  Only this time it is not a rose;

3.     Shakespeare gets a small, supporting role;

4.     A manga-version of Romeo x Juliet was recently released;

5.     The series would conclude on September 20, 2007 on its 24th episode. 

Rating:

9.5 or even a 10.  It is that good. 

N.B.

I accidentally deleted the original review while I was posting the pictures.  I tried my best to rewrite the whole thing. Sorry!

Nodame Cantabile

I have yet to watch the concluding episodes of the live-action and the rest of the anime series (thanks to those who provided for the fansubbed versions) of Nodame Cantabile. I have just finished watching the live-action version (at least up to episode and the first six (6) episodes of its anime (continuing series) last weekend (March 17-18). I could have written a review the day after but this melancholy feeling would not go away so I am slowly taking my time. I want to write my most candid feelings about Nodame Cantabile, so I believe, no second is wasted even if I do not actually write (something that I learned from watching the live-action). All that I wanted to say is contained inside my heart…Mind you, I am not saying this because I’m living up to my reputation as the queen of procrastination. This is different.

Nodame Cantabile is actually my first taste of a Japanese drama manga adaptation. I was actually hesitant to watch it, or any jdorama for that matter. I have this belief that it would be hard to surpass the authentic feel of an anime series if it is turned into a live-action. I mean, real people acting out the scenes would appear cheesy and awkward. However, watching Nodame Cantabile made me a believer of live-action series. All my negative perception about live-action series were easily obliterated by Nodame Cantabile. It exceeds all of my expectations and I even fell in love with it from the moment the first scene was shown. I will tell you all the reasons why.

The series opens in Prague, where we see the main character, Chiaki Shinichi, as a young boy. Born in a family of famous musicians, Chiaki becomes the student of the world-renowned conductor, Viera-sensei. His musical bliss was cut short when Chiaki’s parents divorced. His mother drags him back to Japan and is forced to part with Viera-sensei. Before he left, he made a promise that he will be back when he grows up and asked Viera-sensei to accept him as his student in conducting when he does.

However, his dreams of returning to Prague and reuniting with his sensei becomes an impossibility for Chiaki. Apparently, he experienced a near-death experience while flying back to Japan which caused his extreme fear of flying. After ten (10) years, unable to return to Prague and fulfill his dreams of conducting, Chiaki remains stuck in Japan.

The young boy Chiaki then is now the revered Chiaki-sama, the best piano student in Momogaoka Music University. Cool, indifferent, with a fierce, defiant and an almost regal, but haughty, bearing. Charismatic, musically gifted and not to mention, endowed with classic good looks. Throngs of admirers, women and men alike, gather wherever Chiaki-sama can be found. His talent is unrivaled and he is even handpicked by one of the greatest piano maestros in Japan, Eto-sensei, or more commonly known as Harisen-sensei, as his student. Although even if Chiaki-sama is the best in Momogaoka University, he cannot leave Japan due to his phobia of flying. He also has a phobia of water since he was almost drowned when he was still a kid, so he cannot even board a ship. Worse, the feeling of insecurity is slowly seeping into Chiaki-sama’s heart after he has learned that a stout conducting student has been chosen for an overseas study in Europe to meet with Viera-sensei.

While Chiaki-sama’s world seems to fall apart, he gets into a heated debacle with Harisen-sensei and consequently, got kicked-off his class. His unlucky streak continues like a the black plague. Saiko, the Madonna of classical voice, dumps him again for good and calls hims a loser. As if the universe conspired against him, he wakes up the next morning hearing a piano played melodiously, albeit in a very messy, and incidentally, in a very weird room. Baffled, he sees the other main character of the story, Noda Megumi, fondly called as Nodame, smiling at him. From then on, his misery and charity work starts.

Apparently, Chiaki-sama collapsed outside the door of Nodame, his next-neighbor. Nodame recognized him and brought him inside her apartment. Thereafter, Nodame has a sudden and unexpected romantic inclination towards Chiaki-sama and clings onto Chiaki-sama as if she’s a parasite. Chiaki-sama, on the other hand, starts to have a weird relationship with Nodame. He cleans Nodame’s apartment (only because he cannot stand the stench that reaches into his own flat), he cooks for her, teaches her piano, and even to the extent that he grooms her. Yes, Chiaki-sama once forced Nodame to wash her stinking hair. It seems that Chiaki-sama has “maternal instincts” and looks after Nodame because Nodame cannot take care of herself properly. Likewise, Chiaki-sama is so stuck-up that he thinks Nodame’s life would be worse without his help.

While Nodame feels Chiaki-sama as his slave, and she as the princess, she quickly falls in love. However, Chiaki-sama has no feelings of romantic love for her, and he actually feels that he is like a pet groomer taking care of a dog, the dog being Nodame. For what it is worth, Chiaki-sama remains rude, and even physically attacks Nodame constantly (not sexual harassment but three stooges-like attacks).

After Chiaki-sama met Nodame, his life makes a drastic change. He becomes Nodame’s classmate in the underachiever piano class, he attracts and eventually takes care of more weirdos like Nodame (probably because of her influence) namely, Ryutaro Mine, the rock-violinist and Masumi Okuyama, the retro-look campus queen of percussions who is deeply, madly in love with Chiaki-sama despite the fact that he is gay (he is referred to as a man with a mustache). Chiaki-sama even begins to fulfill his dreams when the world-renowned conductor, Stresseman-sensei comes to Momogaoka University and creates an orchestra, the S-Oke, composed of weirdos and known underachievers, such as Mine and Masumi, with the undisputed queen of weirdos, Nodame as a mascot girl.

In a twist of fate, Chiaki-sama becomes the conductor of S-Oke and they will be competing against the resident orchestra of the University, the A-Oke. In essence, Chiaki-sama is becoming closer and closer to his dreams of being a conductor.

I would like to stress that this story is a comedy, and a very hilarious one at that. In fact, it literally made me roll-over laughing. The timing, the facial expressions by the actors, their movements are all exceptionally well-executed. There could have been no better actors fit for the roles of Nodame other than Tamaki Hiroshi (Chiaki) and Ueno Juri (Nodame). Even the puffy and pouty look that Nodame has as portrayed in the manga was captured by Ueno Juri perfectly. The cynical and haughty expressions of Chiaki were dead-on. Even the slightest details were absolutely depicted, living true to its manga predecessor.

Most people would probably concentrate on the story’s comedic content, but not me. I have to say that the story has a deeper meaning, at least, that is what I think.

Perhaps, I am the only one who shed a tear watching the live-action (at least up to episode 8). There is no reason for me to deny it. The moment when Stresemann told Nodame that she cannot play the piano in the S-Oke because there is no piano in an orchestra just crushed my heart. Masumi’s woes that he cannot play the timpani solo because professionally, a timpanist is always a part of an orchestra. Unlike Nodame and Mine who can make it is as solo musicians. However, it was Nodame’s frustration of not being able to keep up with her beloved Chiaki-sempai hit the softest part of my heart.

As Chiaki-sama’s talent becomes known to the world of classical music, Nodame feels that she gets farther and farther away from him. She was told that by the way she plays the piano now, she cannot be alongside with Chiaki-sama. Understanding its meaning, Nodame falls into seclusion to practice her piano skills. She desperately wants to become the best, just like Chiaki. She wants to play the way the world wants her to play even if it may not be the way she wants it to be played.

I told the story of Nodame to a friend, and after hearing all my thoughts, he asked me if it was a drama. I told him that its actually a comedy. He was aghast and could not help himself but laugh at me. He told me that perhaps, I am the only one who could make a comedy sound and feel like a serious and tear-jerking drama. Perhaps, that is the absolute truth, but for me, to be able to convey the deeper meaning of the simplest or the funniest things, is pure, genuine talent. I highly commend the writer/creator of Nodame Cantabile for a job exceptionally done. Hence, it is but proper to tribute this live-action series a 9.8.

I love writing. Really, I do. But I almost always do not have enough time to do some writing, not even doing a rough draft or the menial task of outlining or jotting down my thoughts. You see, until recently, I used to be a post-graduate student, and for five years, I was working full-time in order to support my studies. Now that I have already graduated and have been freed from the bondage of academic drudgery, I am trying to enjoy every single second of my spare time. Well, at least the time when I am not tied-down to my work.

Opps…I just realized I said something which utterly contradicts my prior statement that I almost always do not have time to do some writing.. Did I just get myself in a bind? Oh well, I might as well own up to the truth…I love writing, I swear. On the contrary, I am at the same time, the queen of procrastination. I love to write but I hate the actual act of writing. In essence, I love the mental process entailed in writing but I hate the mechanical act of writing. The reason: I am the queen of procrastination.

Perhaps you might say that I love being lazy more than I love writing. Honestly, it is one very logical way of looking at it so I would not argue with you on that aspect. However, from my point of view, this is how I perceive it to be: If there is something that would cause me to write out of my own volition without being duty-bound to do so, that something must be really, really good, if not totally or outrageously amazing.

To clarify my point, I deem it best to give you an example. I created this blog because I love writing. Since I am most interested with animes and recently manga, I feel compelled to write reviews for those anime series that I have already watched. Makes sense, right? However, as I have stated several times already, I am the queen of procrastination. Hence, it takes a long, long time for me to make a review, or to put it more straightforward, it takes me a long, long time before I actually start to write one. Honestly, writing reviews do not take much of my time. It is just that I am the queen of procrastination. Heehee. This is precisely the reason why I have only managed to make three reviews for the past month.

Nevertheless, it is entirely different if something piques my curiosity and interest, so much so that I would feel an incredible and imminent force within the deepest recesses of my mind, heart and soul to write. If that is the case, it would be a feat in itself. This would prove to show how much I find that something to write about magnificently wonderful and highly engrossing or ultimately annoying or drastically depressing.

I am about to fill up a page with my nonsensical rationalization but I have yet to get my point across. Nevertheless, I get the feeling that you might already know what the hell I am writing about, otherwise, my not-so-great efforts would go to waste, assuming that it is not trash in itself. Yes, you might be thinking that I might have found something immensely engaging to warrant my erratic and incoherent sophistry. Indeed, I have encountered something that would make my blood pump enough to drown my self-proclaimed image as the queen of procrastination…

DEATH NOTE ANIME

I have seen at least 100 anime series in the span of seven (7) months but there are but a few that I actually find to be exceedingly astonishing, sensibly hilarious or emotionally or spiritually appealing. Just recently, I came across an open-series anime which literally and completely left me in awe…the highly anticipated and widely-watched Death Note series.

I do not have any preconceived ideas about Death Note. In fact, I did not know anything about it prior to watching it. That alone makes my admiration for this series absolutely candid.

Death Note is more than thought-provoking. It impels its viewers to be immersed in its detailed and elaborate story. Not only is it well-written, well-directed and well-drawn but it also probes into the concise emotional and intellectual understanding of the human mind. It breaks down one’s paradigm of rational justice and challenges the human psyche vis-à-vis one’s moral resolve.

The plot is absolutely intricate but the superb story-telling does not leave its viewers entangled in the most significant parts. From the beginning, it has made clear-cut questions that rouse serious deliberation: What is justice? Who has the right to wield justice? Is justice always just? The profundity of these issues beseeching the main characters of the story leaves the undeniable impression that Death Note is not an ordinary series. In fact, the psychological war between the main characters, Yagami Light and L, is more than enough to satisfy one’s intellectual cravings that could easily lead into an orgasmic, cerebral ecstasy.

The story revolves around a Death Note owned by a Shinigami, or Death God, named Ryuk. Apparently, the Death Note is used by Shinigamis to end the life of humans, more like a tool for their trade. Bored and annoyed by the seemingly mundane existence of the Death Gods, Ryuk deliberately drops his Death Note to the human world which ends up in the hands of high school senior, Light. Quite interestingly, Light shares the same boredom and annoyance that Ryuk has. The only difference is that Light feels these negative emotions toward humans.

The jaded Ryuk orchestrated the Death Note to belong to a human for the sole purpose of entertaining himself. Aware of the consequences of a human owning the Death Note, Ryuk even wrote instructions on how to use it, in English, the universal language, to amplify chances of it being understood by its possessor. The instructions, however, tells a more sordid story as it ultimately concerns on how to use the Death Note in taking the lives of humans.

To take lives using the Death Note, Light must know the name and the face of his target and write it in the Death Note. This is entirely different for Shinigamis because they possess the “eye” which tells them not only the name of a person but also of his or her lifespan.

At first, Ryuk thought that the mere fact of coming into the possession of the Death Note and its actual use, even if for only once, is enough to drive a human to madness, worse, to self-destruction. Light, however, proved him wrong. One of Japan’s most brilliant students, highly popular and gifted with a beautiful appearance, Light has known from the start how he intends to use the Death Note: to purge the world of evil by rendering justice, that is, killing all criminals. He wants to create a new world without evil and rise as a God to rule mankind. One by one, Light started to eliminate the worst criminals in the world. Impelled by his own sense of justice, he begins to use the Death Note to seek retribution for those who suffered in the hands of the vicious criminals. Now, Light assumes a different identity and becomes known to the world as Kira (Killer).

Light’s ways of retributive justice would be mired by one person, the world’s greatest detective known as L. L has begun his hunt for Kira and with his unsurpassed deductive abilities, he was able to pinpoint with accurate precision, not only the nationality of Kira, but also the place where he can be found.

Consequently, as if to enthrall the viewers, the story reveals that Light is the son of the Chief Inspector of the Japanese Police who is directly involved in the Kira investigation which is headed by L himself. As the story progresses, L inches closer and closer to finding Kira and in a series of events, he up with a hunch that Kira might be Light. The probability, however, is very slight. To test his theory, L decides to reveal himself to Light by taking the University examinations together with Light and befriending him. It even comes to the point that L invites Light into the investigation team so he could easily monitor Light’s movements. Of course, Light takes up the chance for the same reason, that is, so he could observe L’s every move.

In a stunning and dramatic way, the story depicts L as the anti-thesis of Kira, at least physically. L is sloppy and weird while Light is composed and handsome. But undeniably, their intelligence and personalities are the same: they both achieved perfect scores in the University examinations, they are both enigmatic and charismatic, and they both hate to lose.

Light has always known that L suspects him. But, as a true genius, he has remained calm even during the times when L wants to catch him off-guard. As the pressure builds up, Light desires to kill L using his Death Note. However, he cannot execute his plans because he does not know the true name of L.

Now, as the plot intensifies the question remains: Who chases who? Given their shrewd but brilliant reasoning, Light and L engage in a mind battle. The first one to crack, the first one to yield to their emotions, the first one to commit even the slightest mistake would lose. Just one slip of the tongue or a single action would cost their lives.

What I have written in nothing in comparison to the painstaking details of the story. Death Note is still being shown (open series) in Japan but the wonders of technology make it possible for non-Japanese anime lovers to enjoy the series. I believe that the 22^nd episode (or 23rd) has just been shown in Japan but the fansubbed version is already available for its fans to enjoy. I strongly recommend this series but be wary because it will definitely leave you wanting more…

For now, I’d rate Death Note with a 9.8 and I’m expecting that it would go up after I have watched the whole series. Several episodes to go (that would mean several weeks) but I just could not held but shiver with anticipation. Really, the suspense is killing me, but to amplify your curiosity to a higher level, I shall leave with this question: “Did you know that Shinigamis only eat apples?”

The story is set in the fictional monarchy of Kuchen, around the late 30’s or 40’s era. The world-renowned Rosenstolz Academy in Kuchen caters to the children of the nobles and other exceptionally gifted students from upper-class families. The members of the prestigious Strahl (the chosen ones to serve the King and the country of Kuchen) all came from Rosenstolz Academy. During this time, Rosenstolz would see the rise of the new wave of Kuchen’s future, the Strahl class composed of Orpherus, Ludwig, Eduard, Naoji and Camus, all competing as Strahl candidates. They are the best of the best, the brightest among the brightest. The course they would undertake to reach the pinnacle of success, however, is not an easy one, and Orpherus, Ludwig, Eduard, Camus and Naoji would have to face constant danger, tribulation and predicament.

What I most love in this series is the seriousness of the theme and its appeal to the intellect. Ludwig’s totalitarian behavior, Orpherus’ democratic approach, Eduard’s cool indifference, Naoji’s submissive devotion and Camus’ loving heart. Traditional and modernist views of society are well-depicted: the struggle between the rich aristocrats and the lower classes of society, and women’s liberation, among others. Nonetheless, behind the serious façade, I must say that since all the Starhl candidates are well-mannered and good-looking men, I just cannot shake this feeling that they would show romantic inclinations towards one another. For example, the undeniable chemistry between Naoji and Ludwig and the quiet admiration between Camus and Elmunt (especially the scene where Camus tries to save Elmunt’s younger brother). I just mean to say that the so-called “moe factor” is alive and present.

The aristocratic and solemn atmosphere portrayed in the anime must be the reason why some people find this anime a bit boring. For me, it is not boring nor dull at all, rather, I find the verbal warfare among the characters fascinating. The beauty of this anime lies in its prose which is enough to stimulate my mind and my senses, and for that alone, this anime merits an 8.5.

I love watching anime. To tell you the truth, I spend my nights watching series after series, title after title…Yeah, you might find me leading a very boring life but I’m still thankful that I’m at least entertained. I’ll be 28 this year but I have not outgrown my love for cartoons and animes…Yup, I am eccentric, at least, I think I am.

Anyway, I have watched close to a hundred titles already, prompting me to make sort of a review blog so I could share my insights about the animes I have watched. I will try to make a review at least twice a week, starting with the anime series I am currently watching or those which I have recently gone through. So, there…

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SAMURAI CHAMPLOO

Funky music, break-dance fight moves, pop art, graffiti, hip-hop ‘hood attitude, ghetto look, human beat/boom box and party mood. Who would have thought that these would be present in a samurai, shogunate-era anime series?

Samurai Champloo tells the story of Fuu, a 15-year old girl in search of a samurai who smells like sunflowers, Mugen, a scraggy-looking wanderer whose fighting skills are definitely 21^st century breakdance and hiphop moves, and Jin, an eye-glass wearing silent-type samurai known to have killed his master. The story starts when these three met at the local tea house where Fuu works during a clash-in with the gang of the governor’s son. One thing led to another, that is, defeating the antagonists, but Fuu and Jin, sensing that the other is an opponent worth killing, started fighting which led to the eventual destruction of the tea house. Fortunately, the two hot-headed fighters survived but they were captured by the authorities and were sentenced to be executed at sunset. Fuu tries to save the two. Well, actually, even without Fuu’s help, they could have escaped by themselves, and as payment for her good deed, she asked that the two accompany her on her journey to find the samurai who smells like sunflowers. The two, however, were keener in continuing their fight but Fuu forced her will and through a game of heads and tails in which she won (according to her), she was able to convince Mugen and Jin to travel with her on her search the sunflower-samurai. Thus, their adventures and misadventures begin.

I find this series exceptionally good. The story is highly entertaining and the gen-x approach actually works. There are a lot of hilarious moments during the trio’s travels that made me laugh out loud. For example, the time when Mugen and Jin entered the red light district and were given a number of girls apparently worth their money. Turns out that the geishas were a fat middle-aged lady and a cross dresser, among others, During the same episode, Fuu, who eats like there would be no tomorrow, was asked by one of the goons if she saw a fat girl her age. Unknown to them, Fuu is the one they’re looking for.

The fight moves are a little weird for the shogunate era, so it is no wonder that people get dumbfounded when Mugen does his stuff. The ‘hood attitude of the characters and their musical inclination definitely gives this series an edge, its gangsta’ groove makes it delightfully funny and entertaining. The characters are a revelation themselves. Fuu is a strong-headed young lady who survives living on the road with Mugen and Jin. While she may appear frail, she’s a quick thinker (although fickle-minded) not afraid to get into fights (especially food challenges) and she shamelessly thinks that she’s popular among the boys (a believer that breast size should not matter). In several instances, she was caught saying that she does not know why Mugen and Jin would want other women when they have her. Heehee. The look on Mugen’s face when she said it was precious. Anyway, she’s definitely in love with Jin but time and again, she failed to get his attention. However, during the last parts of the series, I was of the impression that Jin likes Fuu, albeit a little. I was actually cheering Fuu to snatch the unwilling heart of Jin and I felt the pain in Fuu’s heart when Jin acceded to go with a blind musician (this is where Fuu cried like an insolent child).

Mugen is a bad-ass warrior. He picks on his nose, his hair is always unkept, he wears hip-hop short pants and his wooden sandals have steel platings. He comes across as uncultured and uneducated…He cannot read at all but in the latter part of the series, a teacher taught him to read. No longer afraid of words, he bravely painted a figure-eight (8) graffiti at the top-most tower of a castle, signifying his name Mugen (at least, he claims it means infinity). His fighting techniques are completely centuries ahead. Break-dance moves and matrix-inspired defensive style make him one-of-a-kind in the Tokugawa period. In fact, his blood boils with excitement every time he encounters a worthy opponent. For instance, he has a particular desire to fight and defeat Jin and whenever they have an opportunity, they would waste no time to engage in battle. Before they could actually get into the groove of fighting, Fuu would always put an end to their fight. Mugen loves women as much as he loves to fight, and would do anything just to score with a woman. However, he does not seem to like Fuu in a romantic way, since he wants women with big breasts.

Jin, on the contrary, seems and looks like a proper gentleman, and a weakling at that. Probably because of his eyeglasses. Despite his looks, he is known in the samurai world to have defeated a legendary killer, his master, who slayed a thousand samurais. His reputation, however, is tainted with the rumors that he betrayed his master. After his master’s death, he journeyed across Japan while perfectly surviving plots to kill him by his classmates who hold grudge against him in their attempt to avenge their master’s death. After all, he was their dojo’s top-student-incomparable and undefeated. He has fallen in love with a married woman who sold herself to a brothel to help pay the debt of her husband. Jin, ever the gentleman visited the woman at the brothel, not to sleep with her but to merely to be with her. The silent-type seems unperturbed by Fuu’s obvious affection towards him, but like Mugen, he decided to stay with Fuu until she finally meets with the sunflower-samurai.

Over-all, Samurai Champloo is worth watching. I did not get bored at all and I managed to watch all 26 episodes in one sitting. It may given me dark circles under my eyes but the joy and laughter (and occasional tears) it brought me are more than enough for me to forget that I suffered extreme sleep deprivation. If I were to rate this series from 1 to 10, I’d definitely give this a 9.