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Reviews
Top wo Nerae!: At the End of Eternity... (1989)
This episode tipped this over the edge for me
I really liked the show just as far as... being entertained by an anime I've never seen before. A lot of dope action, mecha, sht even the fan service. But this episode had an emotional weight I didn't expect to have upon finishing it. The final scene is just as important as the opening scene. It's what we're left with as we turn off the tv and reminisce on what we just witnessed. And Anno understands that. "12,000 Years Later"... it's so ridiculous a time jump that it shocks us. We don't know what to expect. We expect the worse. And what we see releases a sort of invisible tension... and releases bittersweet fumes that generate a genuine smile. "Welcome Back". And an orchestral piece playing as we watch end credits scroll over a still of a futuristic earth. I mean god damn. That's art. I'm moved. I've been thinking about this ending more so than the show itself. It's just been itching at my brain and I've been wondering why. I think it's the way the final sequence is orchestrated, it's so so powerful. Loved it.
Kaubôi bibappu: Cowboy Bebop: Jupiter Jazz: Part 2 (1998)
Yes
I finished this series about a month ago and wanted to come back and write a little about what I liked in this two-part episode because it hasn't left my mind since. I'm a huge fan of episodic shows that let you live with its characters through different situations, while simultaneously being able to progress them and the story gradually and subtly... and what we got was a showcase of that. Possibly the perfect cowboy bebop episode, from action to tone to theme... a perfect blend of the elements this show has been steadily introducing. And surprisingly I prefer this two parter to the one that concluded the series. The music, atmosphere, the people behind this show really put extra effort and weight to this bit and it's very evident.
Samurai Jack: Episode I - The Beginning (2001)
It's time I start Samurai Jack
I have memories of this show as a child but the memories are very scattered. I've seen episodes here and there but the story never registered for me in any coherent sense, so I'm really looking forward to diving into it. And WOW. First episode right off the bat is incredible. The first thing that struck me were the visuals. Totally unique looking, especially I'm sure compared to anything that was playing along side it at the time. Very painterly, with simple but poignant design. And the sound. Music is top notch, and they lean very heavily on visual storytelling which does great service to the story being told. Not a lot of dialogue at hand. A lot is conveyed in this one episode alone, which has me totally invested. Also very surprised by the episode length, was honestly expecting a 12 minute runtime but I'm happy to be proven wrong.
I just love the way this series starts. I'm so here for this. Let's go!!!
One Piece: Wan pîsu: Believe in Momo - Luffy's Final Powerful Technique! (2023)
The Start of a Perfect Conclusion
I have a love/hate relationship with Toei's One Piece adaption. Hell, I'm sure the majority of the people who tune in week to week feel the exact same way. But I don't shy away from giving credit when it's so amazingly deserved. This episode was incredible not just in the animation department, but the directing on an emotional level was extraordinary. This is the conclusion and the feels are just secreting through the episode. I just love everyone's reaction to this one. I'll always tune in to Toei's One Piece, especially when they put in the effort. Sadly, sometimes the effort isn't there, but when it is, they always knock it out of the park.
Oh crap. And that opening. Possibly the best opening we've had in years?
Love it.