Jeoffrey

This particular segment of Hidamari Sketch composed of two special episodes has been the weakest I've seen so far. The main letdown was mostly the first episode, where neither the museum visit nor the pool outing really grabbed my attention. Almost nothing felt funny, and the girls didn't seem as cute this time around. The museum visit was honestly a bit dull, and the pool scenes felt too generic and cliché for the genre. The episode only picked up for me in the last few minutes during the sleepover, especially with that final gag featuring pictures of sleeping Yuno. On the flip side, the second special turned out much better. It was elevated not just by my favorite teacher Yoshinoya, but also by the landlady and the focus on food, which is always a delightful theme in this series. Plus, I noticed a slight change in the animation style here. The colors seemed a bit brighter, and the outlines sharper than usual. The music also seemed louder than what I'm accustomed to, or perhaps it just didn't quite fit some scenes this time, making it more noticeable. This was also the first time we saw 3D animation in the series, and as is often the case with 3D in anime (especially back in 2011), it didn't quite land well. Frankly, some of the 3D models of artistic works, statues, and sculptures from the museum, even the bubbles in the second episode, were quite jarring. So, where does that leave us? While I adore the girls from the Hidamari dorm, and the second special was just as fun and cute as previous episodes, the first special falls short of deserving anything more than an average, at best slightly above average rating (maybe a 5.5/10 at most)... Once again, I'm teetering between a strong 3 stars and a weak 4 stars, but as a fan of slice-of-life and cute girls doing cute things, I'll probably lean towards the higher rating, even if begrudgingly... 6.5/10

With the new school year in Hidamari, we have two new dorm mates, Nori and Nazuna, joining the crew. These girls are undeniably cute, though I must admit, I was hoping for the new characters to be a bit more striking and entertaining. Still, I found myself warming up to them fairly quickly (they're alright, but there's room for improvement). But the changes don't stop there. This season brings significant adjustments to the storytelling style. I'm not sure if I've just become overly familiar with the series or if this season is genuinely less visually imaginative, but it feels like that distinct shaftisms have taken a backseat. The third season feels more ordinary and commonplace to me. The strongest elements from previous seasons remain, but there are fewer of those signature cuts and deliberate shots and details that made the series stand out. Now, we have a more chronological story, moving through April, May, June, and July with only occasional detours that tie back to the main storyline. For instance, the girls might mention something they did last year in the first half of an episode, and then we see that event in the second half. Is this chronological storytelling better for Hidamari Sketch? It's definitely clearer, but I can't shake the feeling that the series has lost a bit of its magic. Thankfully, the humor is still intact. The jokes range from pleasant and cute to original and complex, and they never fail to get a laugh out of me. This keeps me in the right mood to enjoy the stories of the Hidamari dorm residents and their teachers. Once again, Teacher Yoshinoya steals the show for me — I never tire of her. I also appreciate the dynamic between the energetic and voracious Miyako, along with Hiro and Sae, who sometimes take on a parental role. Watching Yuno's character slowly evolve is also a highlight. In summary, while this season felt a bit weaker to me and it seems like Hidamari Sketch may have lost some of its personality, the humor and charm are still there. Even though the new girls didn't quite elevate it, it's still an above-average slice of life and comedy. 7.5/10

It's not exactly pleasant, nor is it particularly amusing or engaging. However, there are some intriguing ideas presented in an interesting way... Would I willingly sit through it again? Not a chance! Do I regret giving it a watch? No, I don't! 5.5/10

A beautifully crafted fairy tale with endearing characters and thought-provoking themes. While it's quite epic, its storyline remains refreshingly straightforward, punctuated by intriguing twists. Despite its nearly two-hour runtime, the pacing feels just right, though I wouldn't have minded delving deeper into some minor plot points for added richness. I appreciated the film's exploration of themes like "Where does true beauty lie?" and "What defines intelligence?" — themes that are subtly woven throughout the narrative without feeling forced. Both main characters quickly won me over, and while it was obvious that the script played into their hands in certain scenes, it's all part of the whimsical charm of a fairy tale. The animation is visually stunning with vibrant colors and intricate detail. The music complements the storytelling beautifully, enhancing the overall experience. For me, this fairy tale was a delightful experience, perfect for starting a sunny day. It left me with a sense of warmth and an eagerness to revisit its captivating story again someday. 8.8/10

NieR anime was a smart marketing move, much like Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, aimed at boosting awareness about the game, increasing sales, and reigniting the interest of former players to revisit the original game. Having played the video game version of NieR upon its release, I can attest to feeling a strong urge to reinstall the game while watching the show. However, the production faced significant issues, leading to prolonged interruptions in certain parts of the first season, akin to what happened with Uncle From Another World. This hiatus somewhat dampened the hype surrounding the anime and resulted in my interest cooling off for a while, so i didn't reinstall the game afterall. Now, let's discuss the actual adaptation, which was quite decent. Players will recognize many iconic moments, discover numerous connections, and appreciate the puppet theater segments at the end of each episode featuring various "alternative endings." The animation throughout the series is well-executed, albeit with occasional 3DCG battles against major enemies. While the 3D modeling isn't terrible, it's clear that A-1 Pictures lacks the experience in this area compared to studios like Orange (known for Trigun Stampede and Beastars) or Ufotable. It reminds me of the early 3DCG attempts by MADHOUSE in the first season of Overlord — watchable but certainly no masterpiece. The transfer of characters and their traits from the video game to the anime was fairly faithful, making them easily recognizable for players while still remaining interesting and likable for newcomers. The biggest appeal lies in the setting and its mysteries, which I believe were effectively conveyed and presented. In summary, NieR:Automata Ver1.1a serves as great advertisement, offering a decent adaptation with some original ideas. It's a relatively high-quality anime that I enjoyed watching, and I'm curious about the announced second season in 2024, particularly to see if the anime will continue to carve out its own path. 7.5/10   Anime Nier was a great marketing move, just like Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, to raise awareness about the game, boost sales, and reignite the interest of former players to play the original game again. I played the video game version of Nier when it was released, and I can confirm that I felt a strong urge to reinstall the game while watching the anime. Unfortunately, the production of the anime had some major issues, which caused a long interruption in certain parts of the first season, similar to what happened with Uncle From Another World, and it somewhat killed some of the hype that was built around the anime. At least for me, it had certain negative consequences, such as my interest cooling off for a while, and in the end, I didn't install the game... Now, let's talk about the actual adaptation - I find it quite successful. Players will recognize many iconic moments, see plenty of connections, and enjoy the puppet theater at the end of each episode with various "alternative endings." The animation of the series is also very well done, at least until it comes to a battle with a major enemy, which is usually modeled in 3DCG. Although it's not terrible 3D, it's evident that the studio A-1 Pictures doesn't have as much experience in this area as, for example, Orange (Trigun Stampede, Beastars...), or many others (like Ufotable). It reminds me of the early attempts with 3DCG by the studio MADHOUSE in the first season of Overlord, when I thought that it's worth watching, but it's not a masterpiece. The transfer of characters and their traits from the video game to the anime was also fairly faithful, so if you played the game, you shouldn't have any problem recognizing them, and if you didn't play the game, you should still find the characters interesting and likable. The biggest attraction here is the setting and its mysteries, which, in my opinion, are successfully conveyed and presented. In short, NieR:Automata Ver1.1a is, for me, a successful advertisement, a decent adaptation that also has some original ideas, a relatively high-quality anime that I enjoyed watching, and I'm curious about the announced second season in 2024, especially to see if the anime will continue to go its own way. 7.5/10

I watched the story of a man who turns into a pig so you don't have to! But hey, you can still give it a shot; it's not particularly offensive, save for a few eye-roll-inducing jokes and the occasional inappropriate comments from the pig. Nothing kinky going on here, though the plot revolves around a girl and a pig journeying through a mysterious fantasy realm — with a hint of romance, mind you. Thankfully, it's not another Inukai-san’s Dog. The most startling aspect here is the world itself and how society treats a certain group of inhabitants. My curiosity about the inner workings of this peculiar world and the secrets of the capital city kept me hooked until the end. Were all my questions answered? Yes, but I can't shake the feeling that the rationale behind it all boils down to a lack of imagination on the part of those in power. I didn't feel a sense of satisfaction or surprise — just a resolution to something I could have deduced on my own without much effort. The final episode, which arrived after a month-long hiatus, is a mixed bag. While it effectively conveys the emotional bond between the heroine and the pig, featuring some poignant musical cues, it's marred by static images and lackluster animation, making it feel rushed and incomplete. And as for the ending itself? Apparently, this is just the first novel; the story continues across seven more published novels, with more in the works. While I'm mildly curious about what lies ahead, it's not due to the gripping narrative but rather to see what more is there to deal with. Reflecting on what I watched, there were bits I enjoyed — the characters, the world-building, the occasional intriguing twist. However, the world often felt hollow, the plot failed to truly surprise me, and the animation was lackluster at best. Did I find enjoyment in it? A tad here and there, but overall, it was a middling experience, sometimes even dipping below average. Hence, a modest 4.7/10.

The second season of Hidamari Sketch is just as fantastic as the first, perhaps even better – or at least, it felt like I enjoyed it just a bit more. It seamlessly fits into the overall narrative puzzle, offering a beautiful addition to the story. The (chronologically) first two episodes of the series are cleverly tucked in here, allowing me to put the entire school year of the main heroines into perspective. It's amusing how the two seasons are uniquely linked, with all the disconnected parts falling nicely into place. While the first season (excluding specials) concludes with Christmas, the second one (again, without specials) wraps up with New Year, directly following that Christmas (and the way the heroines start singing the opening from the first season at the end of the episode is the literal cherry on top). Simply put, having recently seen the first season and vividly remembering it, I thoroughly enjoyed this interconnection, picking up on various details that might have otherwise escaped me. The characters are still delightfully quirky, entertaining, and endearing. The stories remain enjoyable, occasionally warming the heart. Overall, I had a consistently pleasant feeling and I was smiling throughout, making it an ideal bedtime show for me. There seem to be fewer shaftisms this time, but it remains an interesting and visually original spectacle. Moreover, I would say that animation-wise, this season is overall a bit better. In short, an excellent show. 8.3/10

Maboroshi: The Factory of Illusions is not exactly an easy film to watch. For nearly the entire first half, I found myself watching the story without a clear grasp of what was unfolding, struggling to decipher the meaning behind most things. There was an enigmatic supernatural phenomenon at the center of it all, around which everything revolved. However, explanations were sparse, and the narrative delved into other plotlines, incorporating elements of romance and coming-of-age. Still befuddled by the setting, I couldn't fully engage with these plotlines, leaving me wondering about the authors' intentions. It wasn't until halfway through that the pieces started to fall into place, revealing abstract yet intriguing concepts that the film had been hinting at earlier. Is it original? Undoubtedly! Did it resonate with me as a viewer? Not quite, as I had missed some crucial details in the initial confusion. Regrettably, the second half of Maboroshi showcases its strengths, unveiling many interesting and fundamental ideas. Despite the attempt to provide context earlier, these ideas seemed to fall on deaf ears for me, making it challenging to fully appreciate the emotional finale. It felt like too much was happening simultaneously, with an overwhelming amount of plot crammed into the latter half, making it hard for my brain to absorb it all. Is Maboroshi a bad film? I don't think so. Is it poorly executed? Personally, I think so, but maybe it's just me. Did I enjoy it? Honestly, not really. The first half left me confused, and I struggled to keep up with the second half. While I recognized the film's power and quality and understood the main ideas, it didn't quite click for me as a whole. One aspect worth commending is the visual and musical elements; both are striking and impressive. The sound design, too, is solid in my opinion. Despite these high production values, they couldn't elevate my rating higher than a weak and confused above-average score. Perhaps, after some time to reflect and clear my head, I might give it another chance. But for now, 5.5/10.

Under normal circumstances, Hidamari Sketch would be a pleasant and slightly above-average slice-of-life story about a group of girls attending an art school and living in a dormitory. The girls are likable, and the teacher is absolutely adorable, but the overall premise isn't groundbreaking. What sets Hidamari Sketch apart and makes it unforgettable is its visual execution. Hailing from the Shaft studio, a name synonymous with distinctive animation in the anime community, Hidamari Sketch embodies the essence of "shaftism." Packed with typical Shaft expressive techniques and animation style, the series boasts a truly unique and irreplaceable atmosphere, exuding a strong personality that lingers in your mind. Not everyone may appreciate it, though. The way the series plays with details, backgrounds, and colors – sometimes looking incredibly cheap and other times beautifully and elaborately done – or how the authors incorporate real objects into animated shots can leave some viewers perplexed. The unconventional editing might make people stare, or shake their heads, but the undeniable creativity and originality are hard to overlook. Moreover, many of these artistic choices make sense; as a seasoned anime viewer, I usually understand why a particular detail is there and why there is hardly any background in a specific scene. Perhaps it's because I've seen a lot of anime, including quite a bit from Shaft, so my brain is used to it, and more importantly, enjoys it. I appreciate the storytelling style as well; the episodic jumps between different school days without much continuity strike me as a great idea. In short, thanks to these aspects, what would have been a slightly above-average and likable slice-of-life transforms into something great, crazy, and interesting. I thoroughly enjoyed it, recognizing that this series isn't for everyone, and I would gladly dive into the next season. 8/10.

Mushrooms! It is as if the Godlike Quentin Tarantino finally went crazy, dropped a shit ton of magic mushrooms, and started making anime series... I am not going to lie, at first, I was not that into it, the characters did not really grab me, and all the excessive gore combined with the absolutely insane comedy and ridiculous situations where the mood and atmosphere change every few seconds seemed very bizarre. Sure, the narrative involves a brilliantly conceived mystery, and to be honest, even now at the end of the first season I cannot figure out exactly what/who Caiman actually is. The world it is set in has its own charm, with Hole being a real hole and the Sorcerer's World a total freak show, which again must have been invented by someone who probably took way too many magic mushrooms. Unfortunately, I was not too keen on the inclusion of the 3D animation and had to get used to it being so jarring at times. However, as the episodes went on, Dorohedoro started to get under my skin more and more, and ultimately I now consider it one of the best anime series of the anime season Winter 2020, with huge potential for a second season. Is it the incredible imagination that someone infused the show with that makes everything so insanely (un)natural? Or could it be that everything is so really well thought out and yet so crazy that there is no chance of knowing what is going to happen next? It is helped a lot by the character design, a lot of screen time and attention is given to each of the characters, so we can really get to know most of them, and start to really like them. Moreover, I can say that this works for the characters around Caiman, and also En and his "family". The backstory of each character, how everything is connected, and how they act in certain situations, just makes them more likable from episode to episode, even though you know that none of the characters are actually good guys - the same feeling I got from Pulp Fiction, for example. In the end, I have to say that no one has managed to make me laugh as much as Ebisu did this season, although I was not very impressed with her at first! The narrative meanders beautifully and has its twists, is wonderfully complicated and involving although, it still finds time for plenty of preposterous interludes, or sometimes some completely ordinary situations like from everyday life, which give it even more complexity. As far as the action scenes are concerned, the fights are awesome, the movement is pleasantly fluid, and the fact that magic can heal any wounds means they can be incredibly brutal and gory. To top it all off, the soundtrack is really excellent! Dorohedoro was a huge surprise for me in anime season Winter 2020, and I am now looking forward to the next season and want to know the answers and how it all turns out because I just cannot figure it out on my own without getting high on magic mushrooms myself. 8.2/10.