Iria Reviews

Sailor Moon (1995–2000)

Perhaps it would have been a better experience in Japanese...

[30 October 1999]

Perhaps it would have been a better experience in Japanese...

Yes, I know Sailor Moon is one the most popular anime in the world (which reflects upon the average level of human thought). Many known acquaintances of the opposite gender have told me they like it because of the aesthetically-pleasing female characters. Females like it because there's sap, romance (also note that sap and romance do not mean the same thing to me), and that "Oh-I-can-relate-to-Sailor [insert name of planet]" gushy feel-good emotion.

Sure, sure, it *ahem* explores the complex relationships of human individuality (and since when is life not intricate?), and gee golly, don't we all feel happier thinking that we have scintillated our dendrites in such an enlightening and entertaining manner. Few people realize that all the characters are, in fact, stereotyped. Each Sailor *snort* Scout has some outstanding (note, this does not necessarily mean "fantastic") quality that makes them oh-so individual. For example, Mercury is the genius, Moon's the ditz, Rei's the "bitz," etc., and each one of them personally saves the day in some episode or another. And, of course, there's Tuxedo Mask, of whom is studly in every way (excluding his appellation).

Never mind that the same pre-battle sequence (during which the Scouts get to show off their fully developed bodies...did I say they're junior high school students? Kind of like Disney's Pocahontas and the fact that she was 13 when it all happened) plays in every episode...never mind the loops, exaggerated faces (referring to the frequency of the low-quality, minimal work boggle-eyed faces drawn to delineate anger, shame, and hormonal surges), and every other shortcut in animation is incorporated (according to one critic, the studio has one week to draw one episode, but that's basically the same for all the other Japanese anime studios). After all, what counts is the all-consuming plot, so I've heard (but have not deemed that my opinion from what I've seen). That is said more often so that those defending the anime can utilize a spuriously intelligent excuse, as opposed to admitting the foolish subconscious attraction for superficial beauty. Comments, anyone? Please give me a decent argument. I dread those who are unable to express something with depth, such as "It's the best! I loved it! There's so much plot complexity!" Yeah, like I've never heard THAT one before (they never even bother to give a comprehensive justification, either...or for that matter, even a simple definition would suffice. For example, I could say the plot is complex relative to Bananas in Pajamas). Uh-oh, the mob's coming, thrusting their SM paraphernalia. Ta-ta.

Mulan (1998)

It was okay...

[4/10 · 18 October 1999]

The animation wasn't terribly impressive; at times, it seemed too simplistic, with the quality of shading and attention to detail falling drastically short of say, for example, Beauty and the Beast and The Lion King. In addition, I felt that Disney was trying to stereotype and "play into" the Chinese culture too much by trying to imitate Chinese music in some of the soundtracks (which, I might add, weren't that great either. Only "Reflections" I shall acknowledge as being somewhat enjoyable). Mulan's character design is a stereotype in itself. Since when do Asians really have eyes that tilt at almost a 45 degree angle? I realize it might seem like a little thing to get so excited over, but I'm Asian, so I am sensitive to details like that simply because I have been the target of many jokes of that ilk during my adolescence. I also think that Mulan is the most flat-chested Disney human female I've ever seen. Pocahontas, who, historically, was 13 when Smith "discovered" her, was stacked. Of course, there's no stereotype about flat-chested Asians, right (which is entirely a grossly incorrect generalization). Now all I can say is, "Gee, thanks, Disney." I suppose that some credit should be given, because usually a giant corporation will not take risks by exploring a minority group. Yet in doing so, they have only played upon the American society's expectations of what Asian culture means to them, but doesn't necessarily reflect the truth.

At face value, however, Mulan was entertaining enough. Granted, this film is supposed to be for little kids, so hey, why not give some of the music a Chinesy feel to make it all cute. Why not paint Mulan's face entirely white (even though that extent of make-up is used, NOT for matchmaking, but most commonly for Chinese opera). Let's give the public something familiar, but at the same make it seem exotic and make it appear like we really *heh heh* want to explore Chinese tradition for its inherent value, and not to exploit it for our purposes. Mulan is something I'll watch when I have absolutely nothing better to do. Even then, I don't think I'd watch it more than two times. In the words of a previous reviewer, "Excuse me, I have to go watch some Anime now." Go watch Neon Genesis Evangelion.

Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999)

Are there CGI bloopers?

[4/10 · 17 October 1999]

Since there are so many comments already, I'm sure the ones that I have have already been repeated in other various places, so I'll just point out some visual discrepancies I noticed during the movie.

I will say that the special effects and mecha/landscape/building designs, along with the costumes, were as nice as I had expected them to be. Aesthetically, this is a superior film. However, I am the sort of individual who appreciates plot complexity and depth, so to see a little more character development and less pod-racing probably wouldn't have induced my dozing off during the middle of the film. Even still, I would like to point out some interesting things (note, I have only seen this movie once--in a theatre--so my observations may be flawed!):

1) In the couple of scenes before the beginning of the pod race, Jar Jar is trailing across the sand behind the other characters (I think...it's been a while). It's a wide-angle shot, so he's not really close up or in detail, but the camera's close enough to be able to see Queen Amidala & co. leaving footprints in the sand...but Jar Jar doesn't!

2) That Queen Amidala sure has a nice chrome-colored silver ship. Boy, it reflects everything! The blue sky, the clouds. What a beautiful day to land in Coruscant. Ahh, just staring up into the clear, bright sky that is crowded with other airships, watching the objects weave paths above the city horizon...wow, I wonder what kind of finish Amidala uses on her ship to make it so that only the sky, clear of airborne objects, is reflected.

Like I said, it's been four months since I saw the movie, so I could possibly be inaccurate or utilize inaccurate reasoning (i.e., maybe it was a physics "trick" that enabled Amidala's ship to do what it did). Anyway, the reason why I was so observant on visual effects was because all the other elements of a film failed to maintain my attention. Actually, I don't think anything (besides the visual effects) really even captured my attention in the first place. It seems as if there are those who believe that stunning graphics can compromise plot substance. *yawn* Even trying to come up with other positive points about The Phantom Menace make me sleepy.

Pokémon (1997–2023)

In response to Gal-5's commentary:

[16 October 1999]

Well, I am not a fan of Pokemon, and I agree, along with Sailor Moon (see my comments on that), it is quite "stupid." However, for you to assume that these two shows are a complete representation of the anime genre is grossly erroneous and offensive. Your comment, "Why can't the Japanese keep their stupid Anime to themselves?" borders upon racial bias. Obviously, you have no idea what anime is. Like films, there are all different types. Some are silly, others are horrifying, while the rest can be romantic, philosophic, action, etc. If you are looking for something with actual substance, then go rent Neon Genesis Evangelion (which is not being broadcasted in the States because, ironically enough, it could be said that it contains too much substance in the sense that it is highly philosophical, also being too violent for us *snort* virgin eyes here in America). "Anime" includes ALL Japanese animation. If the Japanese are so "stupid", then you are missing out on a lot, because, of course, with your bigoted ways, you wouldn't have used any of their products (inc. Nintendo, Sony, Sega, Panasonic, Toyota, Honda, etc. etc.). But, I believe that you have and are, so, why don't you grow up and do some research before making such egregious accusations? *gasp* but then, you would have to actually think!

Perfect Blue (1997)

What is Perfect Blue?

[8/10 · 16 October 1999]

What a great film. I'm not being sarcastic, I really mean it. This anime made me panic even though I didn't realize I was so tense. The animation didn't really impress me, but I can't recall any other anime that screwed around with my mind as much as this one did (including Akira and Ghost in the Shell). While that didn't sound exactly like a compliment, I'll just say that the entire film was riveting.

Of course, this is not a "family film." It's a disturbing psychotic masterpiece. I could discuss the philosophical parallels, irony, the intense depth of the film, etc., but what I say doesn't really mean anything for those who haven't seen the film. In addition, opinions of this film will be, I expect, widely varied. Some people will think it was a waste of their time. Others will be confused.

I agree, there are times when I don't think I'd want to see this film. It's not something that'll make you laugh (well...except Mima's extraordinary ability with computers), but rather, make you think just because the way the film is styled forces you to. The film plays with emotions; there were times when I felt disgusted, embarrassed, horrified, and sadness simultaneously.

But the film will never be a waste of my time, because I truly appreciate the cumulative efforts of those involved in the creation of "Perfect Blue" to create a film of such mental assault that I sat stunned, in my seat, when it was all over. No other film I have seen has done as much.

I was left so numbed that I didn't even realize that the title still doesn't mean anything to me until just now.

So, what is "Perfect Blue"?

Sailor Moon (1992–1997)

In response to Ms. Emma Lee Nadeau's commentary:

[16 October 1999]

Well, it seems that some SM fans have a tendency to assume a good number of things. I'll just make some clarifications:

1) In my previous commentary, I never "put down" Sailor Moon. "Putting down" implies that I stated something false, with malicious intent, in order to denounce the specified subject. What I stated was the truth; "Sailor Moon" has a lot of animated loops, repeated sequences, and super-deformed images. Sailor Moon is ditzy (of course, this is dependent upon personal opinion, as in the manner to how I also said Sailor Mercury is a genius). I never said something such as, "This show sucks, etc. etc." I presented my argument with facts supported from the content of the show itself.

2) My comments are directed toward the anime, not the manga (from which the anime was derived). In the manga, the characters are depicted differently, and there are many emotional nuances I sincerely appreciate. In addition, I saw the dubbed anime. In my experience, dubbed anime cannot compare with subbed anime, simply because Japanese voice actors actually go through years of extensive training. Voice actors in Japan are regarded differently than in the States--Japanese voice actors are highly heralded and known. No sincere otaku does not know who Megumi Hayashibara is, for example.

3) "Sailor Moon is a great show with Romance, Comedy, Action, suspense, and Drama [btw, the syntax is incorrect] all rolled into one... how many CARTOON shows can boast about that?" --It seems to me that the commenter is comparing Japanese animation (anime) to American animation ("cartoon"). It is true that shows such as Tiny Toons, DuckTales, and whatnot (I don't really watch American cartoons now, so I am aware that those programs are really old) are inferior in plot complexity to Sailor Moon, in the same way that (as stated previously) Bananas in Pajamas is also. Thus, it would be logical to conclude that the commenter has not seen much (if any) anime that is not released over American broadcasting stations (after the anime has gone through extensive censoring--which is also another possible reason as to why Sailor Moon didn't appeal to me, because many elements of anime are lost when they must be mangled in such a manner). Therefore, she wouldn't know about Shin Seiki Evangelion, Gunnm, Key: The Metal Idol, Lain: series experiments, etc, all of which meet her stated criteria and additonally, encourage the viewer to think both emotionally and philosophically (but, then again, not everyone enjoys thinking).

4) "It has wonderful drawing and [a] truly great sense of Loving and respecting yourself and the world around you." Yes, I agree, to an extent. Those 13 year old girls have perfectly developed bodies (never mind that it is biologically wrong. If their cells are developing at such a rate, I shudder to imagine what they must look like when they're 25!). The repeated animation sequences, *chuckle* are "wonderful" because they are repeated all the time! It's true, the girls' transformations are animated beautifully, because the animators created it with the intent to be used over and over again. However, I tend to judge things as a whole, composite form, and not get excited over little bits and sections. But that's just me. As for "Loving and respecting yourself and the world around you", this relates to my argument in the my previous commentary about the "'Oh-I-can-relate-to-Sailor [insert name of planet]'" gushy feel-good emotion."

5) "Naoko Takeuchi (Sailor Moon's creator) was really on to something... something wonderful." Sounds as cheesy and cliche as the dubbed anime. Like I said, reflects level of thought.

6) "Sailor Moon is a show that can be enjoyed by all ages- from 10 to 16 (my age) to 27 to 60 I know people of all the ages that are devoted moonies..." Good for you. It is irrelevant to your thesis, and doesn't really support your argument (so, people--the range is limited to those that you know--like it, and that's why it's "good").

7) "to put down Sailor Moon, one must be inhaling a little too much paint thinner ifya know what I mean:)" That's nice. An unsupported, falsified accusation not even directed towards the subject matter, but instead resorts to personal attacks on the speaker, works well for delivering a cohesive, persuading argument. I suppose that's how the top lawyers always win their cases. "Oh yeah? Your client's guilty because you inhale too much paint thinner!"

8) "Moonies UNITE!! ~Sailor Moon-Pie~" Aah, getting physical. Real mature way to conduct a debate. . I had stated that I only desired those who could provide a decent argument to respond to my comments. What was that adage relating actions and thoughts again?

The critiques of a creation, be it pertaining to film, sculpture, or painting, are, in the end, only opinions. That is because people perceive things differently, and that is why the world offers so much diversity and variety--one of the seldom-realized treasures of humanity. Opinions are simply the reflections of those individuals with a specific plane of thought. There are many different planes of thought, for not everyone thinks in the same manner. My comments express my plane, and your comments express yours.

Sailor Moon (1992–1997)

Perhaps it would have been a better experience in Japanese...

[16 May 1999]

Yes, I know Sailor Moon is one the most popular anime in the world (which reflects upon the average level of human thought). Many known acquaintances of the opposite gender have told me they like it because of the aesthetically-pleasing female characters. Females like it because there's sap, romance (also note that sap and romance do not mean the same thing to me), and that "Oh-I-can-relate-to-Sailor [insert name of planet]" gushy feel-good emotion.

Sure, sure, it *ahem* explores the complex relationships of human individuality (and since when is life not intricate?), and gee golly, don't we all feel happier thinking that we have scintillated our dendrites in such an enlightening and entertaining manner. Few people realize that all the characters are, in fact, stereotyped. Each Sailor *snort* Scout has some outstanding (note, this does not necessarily mean "fantastic") quality that makes them oh-so individual. For example, Mercury is the genius, Moon's the ditz, Rei's the "bitz," etc., and each one of them personally saves the day in some episode or another. And, of course, there's Tuxedo Mask, of whom is studly in every way (excluding his appellation).

Never mind that the same pre-battle sequence (during which the Scouts get to show off their fully developed bodies...did I say they're junior high school students? Kind of like Disney's Pocahontas and the fact that she was 13 when it all happened) plays in every episode...never mind the loops, exaggerated faces (referring to the frequency of the low-quality, minimal work boggle-eyed faces drawn to delineate anger, shame, and hormonal surges), and every other shortcut in animation is incorporated (according to one critic, the studio has one week to draw one episode, but that's basically the same for all the other Japanese anime studios). After all, what counts is the all-consuming plot, so I've heard (but have not deemed that my opinion from what I've seen). That is said more often so that those defending the anime can utilize a spuriously intelligent excuse, as opposed to admitting the foolish subconscious attraction for superficial beauty. Comments, anyone? Please give me a decent argument. I dread those who are unable to express something with depth, such as "It's the best! I loved it! There's so much plot complexity!" Yeah, like I've never heard THAT one before (they never even bother to give a comprehensive justification, either...or for that matter, even a simple definition would suffice. For example, I could say the plot is complex relative to Bananas in Pajamas). Uh-oh, the mob's coming, thrusting their SM paraphernalia. Ta-ta.

Kimagure Orange Road (1985–1988)

Story about the trials of adolescence

[16 May 1999]

When I saw the first episode, I have to admit I wasn't too impressed. Kasuga Kyouske is a junior-high school student who comes from a family with ESP, and has just moved into a new town (his younger sister Kurumi used her powers to augment her sprinting abilities, and thus the entire family had to move to regain inconspicuousness). The animation quality was only average, and the plot bordered on "cheesy." However, I was drawn into the anime with each episode as I watched more of Kyouske and listened to his personal voice-overs. Even though he has ESP, he is just another teenager trying to fit in some way, keep up with school, and falling for the most attractive, mature, sophisticated (yet also the most pure-hearted) girl in class. It's not one of those anime in which every episode is filled with action or inflated with emotional sap; rather, a cumulative appreciation for the true originality of the series develops as the viewer discovers the opportunity to relate to the many frustrating trials of poor Kasuga.

The anime is one of the few that has that rare, poignant aspect which reveals the universality of human feeling. I could recommend the series for the various phrase: "there's love, humor, action...(blah blah blah)." And so I do. But (of course) there's so much more than that. I laughed, I cried, I yanked my hair and thought, "Arrrgg! He was SO close! That @#%!* Hikaru!!!" The show's not just about the "silly" things only adolescents (supposedly) go through. It enables the viewer to realize how similar individuals can be...and how to look up, once in a while, from self-absorption and smile at life.

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984)

The difference between Warriors of the Wind and Nausicaa

[7/10 · 16 May 1999]

Miyazaki's Nausicaa, of the Valley of the Wind, is deeply moving, but in the dubbed version (Warriors of the Wind) that poignancy is lost due to the extensive reinterpretation of the film. Over 20 minutes were cut, as that company wanted to make it more an animated action movie for its targeted market, rather than attempt to portray the subtleties of human nature. Thus, they edited the "slow" scenes that gave the film so much of its bittersweet feeling. Nausicaa is renamed as "Princess Zandra," and the sweet-sounding Japanese voice actress for Nausicaa is replaced with the voice of Rocky from Bullwinkle. Although the first time I saw Nausicaa was in the dubbed format, I still found that the cinematography and music were breathtaking. I only recently was able to see the uncut version in Japanese, and was shocked to see how much of it was butchered in Warriors of the Wind. It has been recorded that Miyazaki was horrified at what had been done to his beautiful film. Perhaps it was good that that happened, because (for those who are aware of Disney's plans to translate his creations) he will not allow his films to be touched in any way, allowing only for a direct translation. Therefore, should Disney change anything about his anime, it would be an illegal action.

Dragon Ball Z (1989–1996)

The English dubbing killed it

[13 May 1999]

Akira Toriyama makes $26 million per year, so that says something about the popularity of this series. What can I say...Dragonball Z is great for those who want nothing more than to engage in fifteen minute sequences of nonstop fighting. The animation is quite nice, but how many times does the good guy have to save the world from impending doom? And yet, sometimes there are those of us who want nothing more than to immerse ourselves in such a fantasy world; watching the handsome Gokou fight lends a certain vicarious quality to the rather mundane existence of daily life. WARNING: Please, do NOT watch the English version. Do NOT watch any dubbed anime. They all make my ears bleed. Japanese voice actors spend years and years at special voice-acting schools before they get a part in an anime, and are highly respected in Japan. There is not an otaku alive who does not know who Megumi Hayashibara is. But those dubbed versions...hurt. Support anime in its true form and buy the SUBBED versions!

Princess Mononoke (1997)

I liked it

[7/10 · 13 May 1999]

Another masterpiece by Miyazaki. The animation is fluid and the cinematography very impressive. I liked it almost as much as Nausicaa (the Japanese version, NOT the dubbed "Warriors of the Wind," which in my opinion should be burned!!).

Gunbuster (1988–1989)

Excellent character development, mecha needs improvement

[7/10 · 13 May 1999]

Being an otaku since the days of Robotech, I can still say that Gunbuster is one of my favorite animes of all time. Considering when it was made, the animation is of superior quality. There are no loops and sequences in which the art decreases in quality. Although the final episode is in black and white, it does not detract from the enjoyment of watching the film. Although it has been described as being "sappy," it should be kept in mind that females do not react in the same way that males do. Since the main character is a female, it should be obvious that she does not necessarily need to resort to "macho-man" tactics in order to gain the respect of her peers. The seiryuu for Noriko, incidentally, also plays Akane in Ranma 1/2. Noriko is as 3-dimensional a cartoon can get; her personality captures the essence of a spirited girl who seems at first to be completely helpless but in the end succeeds through the strength of her will. The only complaint I have is that the mecha looked somewhat like teddy bears. Even the Gunbuster utilizes a rather dubious "Homing Laser" and "Buster Shield" (which is nothing more than having the machine wrap a giant velvety cloak around itself in true Dracula style) technique. I doubt that scene was meant to be funny, but it cracked me up. Yet all in all, I would rank Gunbuster in the top 20 anime of all time.