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In the future that continues unclearly, I’ll still know why I can forgive you. This is a night to listen carefully. I can imitate that reason and change. In order to know your ways, I don’t mind cutting the roots of the future.) Futuristic Imagination by School Food Punishment As you can see, I got a new layout for my blog. Haven't posted for a long time because I was busy with school work, church camp committee stuff, etc. Finished two essays for school and have another one due in about two to three weeks time. Church camp was great too! Hope everyone was able to experience not just the realities of life but God's blessing as well throughout the camp! Now, for some of the anime I'll probably watch in the upcoming anime season... Upcoming Anime Highlights Umineko no Naku Koro ni - Fans of 07th Expansion's "When They Cry" mystery detective series will be able to watch the 2nd anime series this July. Directed by Chiaki Kon (Paprika, Perfect Blue), the "Seagulls" series features a whole new set of characters and a new storyline, set around the mysterious island of Rokkenjima. The "When They Cry" series admittedly can be quite violent but is unique in its storytelling, similar to the "Run Lola Run" time loop style. The Melancholy of Suzumiya Haruhi (2009) - If you don't already know, it has all been a double bluff by KyoAni, sneaking in new episodes into the re-airing of Haruhi S1. Currently in the Endless Eight Arc, a.k.a Groundhog Day. Bakemonogatari - School-life story with Supernatural elements...not exactly very appealing to me but it is animated by SHAFT (Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei, Marai+Holic) so I am willing to give it a try. Canaan - Had no idea what it was about till Omni of randomc posted it in his summer preview. While he clearly likes it, only thing going for me here is the cast (Maaya Sakamoto, Rie Tanaka, Mamiko Noto) and that its based on a visual novel which got a perfect score in Famitsu. Zan Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei - The 3rd full season of Zetsubou Sensei is finally here! I can once again look forward to SHAFT's trademark visual style and humour...now all that's left is a 2nd season of Maria+Holic... Spice and Wolf Season 2 - As you all might know, I watch mainly for its two lead seiyuu, Koshimizu Ami and Fukuyama Jun. While the 1st season was not particularly fantastic, it was funny and I guess somewhat educational enough for me to want to watch a 2nd season. Currently under consideration: Taisho Yakyuu Musume, Sora no Manimani, Tokyo Magnitude 8.0 I've been asked to contribute to several ongoing/upcoming blogs and websites. I've already committed to at least one of them as a regular. Depending on how things go, I might or might not close down this blog. It's more likely that this will become a personal rant blog (if it already isn't?)... Saturday, April 18, 2009 A new season...of anime! Song of the moment: ROCK'A'TRENCH - My SunShine (Mei-chan no Shitsuji ED theme) Aitakute aitakute hoshi no kazu no yoru wo koete Itsumademo itsumademo kimi wa kitto boku no hikari Kimi no soba ni iru Kaze no asa mo koorisouna tsukiyo mo Sousa bukiyouna boku ni dekiru koto Mabataki suru tabi katachi kaeru kumo mitaina kimi dake Zutto mitsumete asu wo kakenuketainda (I want to see you, I want to see you, getting through as many nights as there are stars Always, always, you'll definitely be my light I'll be at your side On windy mornings and on freezing moonlit nights Yes, that's what clumsy me can do for you When you shine, you're like a cloud changing shape And I always want to look only at you, running through tomorrow) My SunShine by ROCK'A'TRENCH Once again, a new anime season is upon us unsuspecting mortals and I find it my duty to once again inform my ridiculously limited audience what I animes I am currently following. New animes which I am watching Sengoku Basara - 1st of this season's Production IG productions (no pun intended) and Hoshi Souichiro (a.k.a Kira Yamato) is one of the leads. Haven't watched it yet but Omni of Random Curiosity thinks its good...so we'll see how it goes. Tears to Tiara - Currently watching this on Animax with english subs. Every monday, 1230AM. Probably the only reason I am watching this is because its shown on Animax and Yuko Goto is the female lead. If its any incentive for me, Ami Koshimizu also has a role in it too...Standard fantasy stuff (based on a eroge, btw...) in the first 2 episodes, hoping it'll improve as it goes on. K-On! - Another of KyoAni's excuses for delaying Haruhi season 2 (Don't leave me, Nagato!!). Watching cause of KyoAni and DKellis. So far so good... Hayate no Gotoku S2 - Hayate's back but JC Staff has taken over SynergySP in the animation department. I got no major issues with the animation quality but the plot and comedy seems a bit weak. Hoping it'll improve...or at least show more Hayate/Hinagiku moments... Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood - BONES is once again animating the Hagaren reboot with Rie Kugimiya and Romi Paku once again reprising their roles as the Elric brothers. Its probably a blessing in disguise that I didn't watch Hagaren's first season in its entirety as it allows me to enjoy the reboot more. Since it supposedly follows the actual canon all the way through, I started reading a bit of the scanlations too...can't wait for Armstrong's sister to appear! Only weird thing so far (in respect to the changes in seiyu) is hearing Lockon from Gundam 00 voicing Roy Mustang...at least he gets more into Roy's character in episode 2 so its not too bad. Senjou no Valkyria - Based on the Valkyria Chronicles game on PS3. Since I can't play the game due to a lack of a PS3 console, I am watching the anime instead. The other drawing point for me is Marina Inoue voicing the female lead. Looks good... Saki - Warning to prospective watchers: Mahjong knowledge is required. I thought they would do Hikaru no Go and slowly introduce the game's concept but they dived straight in. Only reason I am watching is because 2 of my favourite anime ships are inside [Kallen(Ami Koshimizu) / Lelouch(Fukuyama Jun) and Hayate(Ryoko Shiraishi) / Hinagiku(Shizuka Itou)] and I am hoping to pick up a bit more mahjong through this show. Shangri-La - Acquired but haven't watched it yet. Interesting plot though... Eden of the East - My "must watch" anime for this season. I am a sucker for conspiracy theory/mystery/detective shows so the plot appeals to me. And of course, with Production IG in charge of animation, its going to be awesome! I especially like the paper animation during the ED theme. Watched the first 2 episodes so far and I think its going great, let's hope it continues this way... Hatsukoi Limited - From the mangaka of Ichigo 100%. Watching it purely for my RomCom kick. Quite funny so far... Currently under consideration: Guin Saga, Natsu no Arashi, Asura Cryin' Been ~~downloading~~ digitally acquiring a couple of old (meaning more than 3 years ago...lol) anime recently like El Hazard - Alternative World, GiTS season 1 and 2, Bubblegum Crisis 2040 and my current DL, Stellvia of the Universe. Will blog about it as I watch them... Wednesday, March 25, 2009 Target acquired! Song of the moment: Yuna Ito - Trust You (Gundam 00 S2 2nd ED theme) Kimi ga tooku ni itte mo mada Itsumo kono kokoro no man'naka Ano yasashii egao de umetsukusareta mama Dakishimeta kimi no kakera ni Itami kanjite mo mada Tsunagaru kara Shinjiteru yo Mata aeru to I'm waiting for your love I love you, I trust you Kimi no kodoku wo wakete hoshii I love you, I trust you Hikari demo yami demo Futari dakara shinjiaeru no Hanasanaide (Even if you go far away, still You're always right in the middle of my heart While they remain buried away by that kind smile Even if I feel pain In fragments of you that I held, because we'll still connect I trust that we can meet again I'm waiting for your love I love you, I trust you I want you to share your loneliness with me I love you, I trust you Even in light, even in darkness, because we're together We're able to trust each other Please don't leave anymore) Trust You by Yuna Ito As usual, time for my monthly update. Let's start with the latest episode of Gundam 00 S2, episode 24 - BEYOND. Lots of people died in the last couple of episodes, a sure sign of the director tying up any loose ends in the series. While that is acceptable, it somehow gets more and more cliche as it reaches its climax. Ribbons and his clone army in the previous episode was downright ridiculous although if Sieji Mizushima (the director) is trying to appeal to the Star Wars fanbase, it makes total perfect sense. You've got the C3PO/R2D2 equivalent (the Haro), you've got the conflicted/confused hero (Setsuna "I am Gundam!" F Seiei), the princess character (Princess Marina) and of course, The Force (GN Particles). Apparently, GN particles can do nearly anything, namely letting dead people communicate with the living, disrupting quantum brainwaves and even healing injuries. All of which, the Force can do in someway or other. Look, its so SHINY.... Thus GN particles = the Force, Gundam 00 = Mishmash of Star Wars and other Gundam series. Moving on I'll be talking about my latest acquisitions in my recent trip to Kino / Borders and an R1 DVD I bought from Amazon (or rather piggyback on DKellis's orders...). From Kino / Borders ...and Amazon Total damage after all available discounts is approximately SGD $141. Was it worth it? For some of the items I guess. Batman and the Outsiders / Batman RIP - I am buying Outsiders mainly for Batgirl. Probably because Cassandra Cain is like Moe to me. Storyline is mildly interesting, so its fine for the price. RIP though probably wasn't worth the hardcover price. It was good but not exactly fantastic. Soul Eater Vol. 12 - I've been totally ignoring the anime. Whether that's good or bad I don't know but the manga is going along nicely. Volume 12 ends with Ox getting stabbed by Kim (who's being mind controlled) and Black Star, together with Tsubaki making his usual not-so-subtle reappearance. Volume 13 should be fun... The Twelve Kingdoms Vol. 1: Sea of Shadow - The Americans really like it for some reason so I gave it a try. Halfway through chapter 2 and so far so good. And finally, Anime Legends: Cowboy Bebop Remix Complete Collection - Honestly, I rarely buy anime DVDs, much less R1 anime DVDs. I mean, why buy when you can acquire it through certain digital distribution channels, right? I guess it was kind of a practical decision. Since the crappy Malaysian version of the DVD can't be read on both my PC and DVD player and I haven't watch the final third of the series, it was a reasonable decision for me to buy the R1s. Quality was very good, with 5.1 audio for those who have it(maybe I really should get a 5.1 audio system). At SGD $68, it's probably one of the more long term value for money buys I guess...probably... Monday, February 23, 2009 The big deal about Slumdog (or Why I think Slumdog Millionaire won Best Picture at the Oscars) Song of the moment: A.R. Rahman - Jai Ho (Slumdog Millionaire OST) After watching Slumdog Millionaire at Cathay yesterday and after watching the Oscars, I thought it would be nice to give my two-cents about what I think of the movie and cite perhaps a few reasons why Slumdog Millionaire won Best Picture. Slumdog Millionaire is the story of Jamal Malik, an orphan from the slums of Mumbai who joins the Indian version of Who Wants To Be a Millionaire and ends up being one question away from the top prize of 20 million rupees. The movie chronicles his life's journey and how each of his life's experiences allows him to answer the different questions in the show and once again meet the love of his life. While it was a good movie, it wasn't a great movie. My personal favourite has always been The Shawshank Redemption and no movie I've watched so far has come close to that. Where this show truly excels at is being true to its genre. It's fun, its uplifting and it touches the heart. From the interrogation scene at the start till the Bollywood dance homage at the credits, this film is truly poignant yet exhilarating at the same time. One of my favourite scenes in the movie is when the Jamal, in an attempt to get Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan, jumps into a pile of human excretion to get out of the toilet he was trapped in. It does sound kind of disturbing but I thought it was somewhat reminiscent of a similar scene in Shawshank and represented the kind of underdog determination featured throughout the movie. The film has of course been subject to criticism from certain groups due to its portrayal of the slums and its people. While I admit that I am not an expert in terms of Indian culture and traditions, I think people should look at the movie in a more positive light and let this movie bring attention to the situation in the slums and be a reminder that discrimination exists at all levels of society. So to conclude, this movie is not an emotional roller-coaster ride of a tearjerker. Its one of the best poignant, feel-good, rags-to-riches, triumph against adversity movies you'll ever see.
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Monday, June 29, 2009

New layout

Song of the moment: School Food Punishment - Futuristic Imagination (Eden of the East ED theme)

mata yume ni oboreru futashika ni tsuzuiteku mirai
mada kimi o yuruseru imi o shireru

mimi o sumasu tame no yoru
sono riyuu o manete kawareru
kimi no kokyuu o shiru tame ni mirai no ne o kitte mo kamawanai

(I’m indulging in dreams again. In the future that continues unclearly,
I’ll still know why I can forgive you.

This is a night to listen carefully.
I can imitate that reason and change.
In order to know your ways, I don’t mind cutting the roots of the future.)
Futuristic Imagination by School Food Punishment

As you can see, I got a new layout for my blog. Haven't posted for a long time because I was busy with school work, church camp committee stuff, etc. Finished two essays for school and have another one due in about two to three weeks time. Church camp was great too! Hope everyone was able to experience not just the realities of life but God's blessing as well throughout the camp!

Now, for some of the anime I'll probably watch in the upcoming anime season...

Upcoming Anime Highlights

Umineko no Naku Koro ni - Fans of 07th Expansion's "When They Cry" mystery detective series will be able to watch the 2nd anime series this July. Directed by Chiaki Kon (Paprika, Perfect Blue), the "Seagulls" series features a whole new set of characters and a new storyline, set around the mysterious island of Rokkenjima. The "When They Cry" series admittedly can be quite violent but is unique in its storytelling, similar to the "Run Lola Run" time loop style.

The Melancholy of Suzumiya Haruhi (2009) - If you don't already know, it has all been a double bluff by KyoAni, sneaking in new episodes into the re-airing of Haruhi S1. Currently in the Endless Eight Arc, a.k.a Groundhog Day.

Bakemonogatari - School-life story with Supernatural elements...not exactly very appealing to me but it is animated by SHAFT (Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei, Marai+Holic) so I am willing to give it a try.

Canaan - Had no idea what it was about till Omni of randomc posted it in his summer preview. While he clearly likes it, only thing going for me here is the cast (Maaya Sakamoto, Rie Tanaka, Mamiko Noto) and that its based on a visual novel which got a perfect score in Famitsu.

Zan Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei - The 3rd full season of Zetsubou Sensei is finally here! I can once again look forward to SHAFT's trademark visual style and humour...now all that's left is a 2nd season of Maria+Holic...

Spice and Wolf Season 2 - As you all might know, I watch mainly for its two lead seiyuu, Koshimizu Ami and Fukuyama Jun. While the 1st season was not particularly fantastic, it was funny and I guess somewhat educational enough for me to want to watch a 2nd season.

Currently under consideration: Taisho Yakyuu Musume, Sora no Manimani, Tokyo Magnitude 8.0

I've been asked to contribute to several ongoing/upcoming blogs and websites. I've already committed to at least one of them as a regular. Depending on how things go, I might or might not close down this blog. It's more likely that this will become a personal rant blog (if it already isn't?)...

Saturday, April 18, 2009

A new season...of anime!

Song of the moment: ROCK'A'TRENCH - My SunShine (Mei-chan no Shitsuji ED theme)

Aitakute aitakute hoshi no kazu no yoru wo koete
Itsumademo itsumademo kimi wa kitto boku no hikari

Kimi no soba ni iru
Kaze no asa mo koorisouna tsukiyo mo
Sousa bukiyouna boku ni dekiru koto

Mabataki suru tabi katachi kaeru kumo mitaina kimi dake
Zutto mitsumete asu wo kakenuketainda

(I want to see you, I want to see you, getting through as many nights as there are stars
Always, always, you'll definitely be my light

I'll be at your side
On windy mornings and on freezing moonlit nights
Yes, that's what clumsy me can do for you

When you shine, you're like a cloud changing shape
And I always want to look only at you, running through tomorrow)
My SunShine by ROCK'A'TRENCH

Once again, a new anime season is upon us unsuspecting mortals and I find it my duty to once again inform my ridiculously limited audience what I animes I am currently following.

New animes which I am watching

Sengoku Basara - 1st of this season's Production IG productions (no pun intended) and Hoshi Souichiro (a.k.a Kira Yamato) is one of the leads. Haven't watched it yet but Omni of Random Curiosity thinks its good...so we'll see how it goes.

Tears to Tiara - Currently watching this on Animax with english subs. Every monday, 1230AM. Probably the only reason I am watching this is because its shown on Animax and Yuko Goto is the female lead. If its any incentive for me, Ami Koshimizu also has a role in it too...Standard fantasy stuff (based on a eroge, btw...) in the first 2 episodes, hoping it'll improve as it goes on.

K-On! - Another of KyoAni's excuses for delaying Haruhi season 2 (Don't leave me, Nagato!!). Watching cause of KyoAni and DKellis. So far so good...

Hayate no Gotoku S2 - Hayate's back but JC Staff has taken over SynergySP in the animation department. I got no major issues with the animation quality but the plot and comedy seems a bit weak. Hoping it'll improve...or at least show more Hayate/Hinagiku moments...

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood - BONES is once again animating the Hagaren reboot with Rie Kugimiya and Romi Paku once again reprising their roles as the Elric brothers. Its probably a blessing in disguise that I didn't watch Hagaren's first season in its entirety as it allows me to enjoy the reboot more. Since it supposedly follows the actual canon all the way through, I started reading a bit of the scanlations too...can't wait for Armstrong's sister to appear! Only weird thing so far (in respect to the changes in seiyu) is hearing Lockon from Gundam 00 voicing Roy Mustang...at least he gets more into Roy's character in episode 2 so its not too bad.

Senjou no Valkyria - Based on the Valkyria Chronicles game on PS3. Since I can't play the game due to a lack of a PS3 console, I am watching the anime instead. The other drawing point for me is Marina Inoue voicing the female lead. Looks good...

Saki - Warning to prospective watchers: Mahjong knowledge is required. I thought they would do Hikaru no Go and slowly introduce the game's concept but they dived straight in. Only reason I am watching is because 2 of my favourite anime ships are inside [Kallen(Ami Koshimizu) / Lelouch(Fukuyama Jun) and Hayate(Ryoko Shiraishi) / Hinagiku(Shizuka Itou)] and I am hoping to pick up a bit more mahjong through this show.

Shangri-La - Acquired but haven't watched it yet. Interesting plot though...

Eden of the East - My "must watch" anime for this season. I am a sucker for conspiracy theory/mystery/detective shows so the plot appeals to me. And of course, with Production IG in charge of animation, its going to be awesome! I especially like the paper animation during the ED theme. Watched the first 2 episodes so far and I think its going great, let's hope it continues this way...

Hatsukoi Limited - From the mangaka of Ichigo 100%. Watching it purely for my RomCom kick. Quite funny so far...

Currently under consideration: Guin Saga, Natsu no Arashi, Asura Cryin'

Been ~~downloading~~ digitally acquiring a couple of old (meaning more than 3 years ago...lol) anime recently like El Hazard - Alternative World, GiTS season 1 and 2, Bubblegum Crisis 2040 and my current DL, Stellvia of the Universe. Will blog about it as I watch them...

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Target acquired!

Song of the moment: Yuna Ito - Trust You (Gundam 00 S2 2nd ED theme)

Kimi ga tooku ni itte mo mada
Itsumo kono kokoro no man'naka
Ano yasashii egao de umetsukusareta mama
Dakishimeta kimi no kakera ni
Itami kanjite mo mada
Tsunagaru kara
Shinjiteru yo
Mata aeru to
I'm waiting for your love

I love you, I trust you
Kimi no kodoku wo wakete hoshii
I love you, I trust you
Hikari demo yami demo
Futari dakara shinjiaeru no
Hanasanaide

(Even if you go far away, still
You're always right in the middle of my heart
While they remain buried away by that kind smile
Even if I feel pain
In fragments of you that I held, because we'll still connect
I trust that we can meet again
I'm waiting for your love

I love you, I trust you
I want you to share your loneliness with me
I love you, I trust you
Even in light, even in darkness, because we're together
We're able to trust each other
Please don't leave anymore)
Trust You by Yuna Ito

As usual, time for my monthly update. Let's start with the latest episode of Gundam 00 S2, episode 24 - BEYOND. Lots of people died in the last couple of episodes, a sure sign of the director tying up any loose ends in the series. While that is acceptable, it somehow gets more and more cliche as it reaches its climax. Ribbons and his clone army in the previous episode was downright ridiculous although if Sieji Mizushima (the director) is trying to appeal to the Star Wars fanbase, it makes total perfect sense. You've got the C3PO/R2D2 equivalent (the Haro), you've got the conflicted/confused hero (Setsuna "I am Gundam!" F Seiei), the princess character (Princess Marina) and of course, The Force (GN Particles). Apparently, GN particles can do nearly anything, namely letting dead people communicate with the living, disrupting quantum brainwaves and even healing injuries. All of which, the Force can do in someway or other.

Look, its so SHINY....

Thus GN particles = the Force, Gundam 00 = Mishmash of Star Wars and other Gundam series.

Moving on I'll be talking about my latest acquisitions in my recent trip to Kino / Borders and an R1 DVD I bought from Amazon (or rather piggyback on DKellis's orders...).

From Kino / Borders ...and Amazon

Total damage after all available discounts is approximately SGD $141.
Was it worth it? For some of the items I guess.

Batman and the Outsiders / Batman RIP - I am buying Outsiders mainly for Batgirl. Probably because Cassandra Cain is like Moe to me. Storyline is mildly interesting, so its fine for the price. RIP though probably wasn't worth the hardcover price. It was good but not exactly fantastic.

Soul Eater Vol. 12 - I've been totally ignoring the anime. Whether that's good or bad I don't know but the manga is going along nicely. Volume 12 ends with Ox getting stabbed by Kim (who's being mind controlled) and Black Star, together with Tsubaki making his usual not-so-subtle reappearance. Volume 13 should be fun...

The Twelve Kingdoms Vol. 1: Sea of Shadow - The Americans really like it for some reason so I gave it a try. Halfway through chapter 2 and so far so good.

And finally, Anime Legends: Cowboy Bebop Remix Complete Collection - Honestly, I rarely buy anime DVDs, much less R1 anime DVDs. I mean, why buy when you can acquire it through certain digital distribution channels, right? I guess it was kind of a practical decision. Since the crappy Malaysian version of the DVD can't be read on both my PC and DVD player and I haven't watch the final third of the series, it was a reasonable decision for me to buy the R1s. Quality was very good, with 5.1 audio for those who have it(maybe I really should get a 5.1 audio system). At SGD $68, it's probably one of the more long term value for money buys I guess...probably...

Monday, February 23, 2009

The big deal about Slumdog (or Why I think Slumdog Millionaire won Best Picture at the Oscars)

Song of the moment: A.R. Rahman - Jai Ho (Slumdog Millionaire OST)

After watching Slumdog Millionaire at Cathay yesterday and after watching the Oscars, I thought it would be nice to give my two-cents about what I think of the movie and cite perhaps a few reasons why Slumdog Millionaire won Best Picture.

Slumdog Millionaire is the story of Jamal Malik, an orphan from the slums of Mumbai who joins the Indian version of Who Wants To Be a Millionaire and ends up being one question away from the top prize of 20 million rupees. The movie chronicles his life's journey and how each of his life's experiences allows him to answer the different questions in the show and once again meet the love of his life.
While it was a good movie, it wasn't a great movie. My personal favourite has always been The Shawshank Redemption and no movie I've watched so far has come close to that. Where this show truly excels at is being true to its genre. It's fun, its uplifting and it touches the heart. From the interrogation scene at the start till the Bollywood dance homage at the credits, this film is truly poignant yet exhilarating at the same time. One of my favourite scenes in the movie is when the Jamal, in an attempt to get Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan, jumps into a pile of human excretion to get out of the toilet he was trapped in. It does sound kind of disturbing but I thought it was somewhat reminiscent of a similar scene in Shawshank and represented the kind of underdog determination featured throughout the movie. The film has of course been subject to criticism from certain groups due to its portrayal of the slums and its people. While I admit that I am not an expert in terms of Indian culture and traditions, I think people should look at the movie in a more positive light and let this movie bring attention to the situation in the slums and be a reminder that discrimination exists at all levels of society. So to conclude, this movie is not an emotional roller-coaster ride of a tearjerker. Its one of the best poignant, feel-good, rags-to-riches, triumph against adversity movies you'll ever see.

Designed and coded by CWYX.