blackhawk.sc Reviews

Golden Boy (1995–1996)

The most embarrassing situations

[8/10 · 7 March 2001]

Golden Boy is ecchi humor (bordering on hentai) in the guise of "educational moments." The main character, Kintaro, wanders around getting himself into the silliest situations involving women... It's just that he's shy on the surface but analyses everything until he can learn something from it. The most striking feature of the series are the circumstances surrounding his "education", which are outright embarrassing, yet funny at the same time.

A Wind Named Amnesia (1990 Video)

We are supposed to believe this?

[5/10 · 7 February 2001]

Most sci-fi animes are good because the elaborate ideas of their producers and writers are explained. Wind of Amnesia, however, does not do that for you. The story line is basic, a wind flows through the world around 1999 that causes everyone to forget everything, and pretty irrelevant stuff happens afterwards. You may ask why that caused this wind to exist and I can tell you that most likely you will not be satisfied by the explanation that is given. The audience is forced to sit through the film, accepting anything that the film shows you. While this may be fine to some, the viewers who prefers concreteness will be disappointed. Morally I think Wind of Amnesia tried to imitate Nausciaa of the Valley of Wind, but it wasn't successful in that attempt because, really, most would think that this Wind and other sci-fi elements of the film are simply absurd.

On a related note, the dub is the copy that I watched. It's horrible. Watching a subtitled version of this film would have given me a better opinion of this film because much of the tragedy (I certainly think the original animators were trying to emphasize the tragedy of mankind) is lost due to bad voice acting.

Tales of Seduction (1991– )

Stylish and doesn't pull anything outrageous

[21 January 2001]

Because of the vague reviews that are on the web about U-Jin Brand I picked up this title without knowing that it was a hentai. However this 3 part OVA doesn't go anywhere near the extreme as most hentai do (think Cinemax late-night). Settings and plotline are kept down to earth with realistic situations. It is also enjoyable because of the unexpected twists that makes Japanese animation in general more appealling than Hollywood or Disney.

The whole OVA is around 45 minutes, the three parts are divided as such: 1. A pop music composer for teen idols bases his choices on luck while facing a difficult decision concerning his admiration for a teenage girl. 2. A girl who is dumped by her boyfriend seeks assistance in getting her ex back. 3. A love-sick worker attempts to blackmail his boss to get the girl that he wants.

As you can see these stories focus on real life people and very probable situations which is why this film is well worth the money to rent.

Martian Successor Nadesico (1996–1997)

Slayers style humor plus Gundam Wing technology

[17 January 2001]

Don't be deceived by the DVD cover that makes you think of Evangelion, Nadesico is one funny series. The series generally points to a show down between "Jovian Lizards" and Earth, but each series, unlike say Gundam Wings, has its own individual plot. Don't get me wrong, the plot does progress but the fact that the writers explore every possibility of comedy within the battleship Nadesico.

Good things I like to point out is that you become VERY familiar with each of the major crew members who range from the super intelligent Ruri to the crazy pilot Izumi. Also there is definately enough action and adventure to keep mecha/sci-fan fans satisfied.

The Nadesico has an OVA, Gekiganger, which is about Akito Tenkawa's favorite anime. There is also an MS Nadesico Movie called Prince of Darkness and as it may sound the movie takes on a darker, more serious tone than the series. These two are not listed on IMDB unfortunately.

Fushigi Yûgi: The Mysterious Play - Reflections OAV 2 (1997– )

A fitting end to FY

[9/10 · 14 January 2001]

The second OVA series is divided into 6 parts, each seemingly has its own story separate from the previous episode. Fans of the characters Nuriko, Chichiri, Tasuki, and Hotohori will be glad that parts of this second OVA will be dedicated to them. Chiriko definately gets a bigger role and Mitsukake is still his old boring self...

Interaction and movement between the book world and the real world keep these episodes interesting (nothing amazing such as some of the episodes in the actual series) but the predominant theme has and always will be that the strongest love overcomes all obstacles. After watching the series one should know that by now.

Expect a general continuation of the Fushigi Yuugi epic. Don't expect major surprises. This OVA2 gets a 9 out of 10 from me, just cause I'd give the series itself a 10 out of 10 if TV series could be voted on.

Fushigi Yûgi: The Mysterious Play OVA 1 (1996)

Inconsistent but worth watching

[13 January 2001]

After watching these OVAs I recommend going to a fan site and find out what happened in this series. It's very confusing, and most of what happened won't make any sense. Although FY is a fantasy based anime, I would have liked to remind the writers and producers that our belief has certain limits. However the first OVA is worth the time because it serves as a tie-in between the TV series and the second OVA, and for the stunning visual effects...not to mention the Bus episodes.

Whisper of the Heart (1995)

Good for a late night viewing

[8/10 · 10 January 2001]

I feel the best aspects of this particular Miyazaki work is how well it portrays ordinary human life. From her movements to her expressions, much detail was put into the animation of Shizuku. As there isn't much action in the film I feel that it is unnecessary to repeat what the other reviewers have said already about the warm nature of Whisper of the Heart, I only suggest that you watch this late at night sitting on a comfortable chair to get the most out of the experience. Its tranquility, ironically, makes it stand out among my anime collection.

Here Is Greenwood (1991– )

Why does everyone look the same?

[5/10 · 10 January 2001]

This may be a little biased because the only copy available for me was the dubbed version. Simply put, the dub was horrible. The characters, having flat, monotonous voices, prevented me from enjoying this series entirely. I've more than a few complaints about Greenwood but I emphasize these points. 1. why do every character look the same? Except for different hair color (umm pink for guys?) the students look nearly identical. 2. how unrealistic is it for a guy to be living with a girl in a dorm? If this is a Japanese tradition then I'm not aware of it. I suggest watching the first episode, subbed if you possibly can, if it doesn't interest you, dump the series all together and watch some Nadesico.

Rumik World: Mermaid Forest (1991 Video)

A moral lesson

[7/10 · 4 January 2001]

The story concerns the struggle between a woman's self-preservation and ethics. What Mermaid Forest lacks visually is made up by its ability to convey a strong message. The fact that this film teaches is more apparent than most other animes I've seen. Whether you agree or not it shows how simple humans cannot escape their fate, the attempt to do so results in consequences for those around him or her. It's doubtful that watching Mermaid Forest will alter one's life forever but I appraise it for succeeding in what it tried to do. I'm only bothered by how Mana, the most obvious victim, cares very little about what happens to her. I find that unrealistic and somewhat annoying.

Ninja Resurrection (1997– )

Frustrating to watch

[4/10 · 3 January 2001]

I think this is the first time that I've given an anime anything below a 6. As most others I had thought Ninja Resurrection was a sequel to Ninja Scroll, until ADV's openning showed up. About 70% of the running time is taken by bloody fight/horror scenes. The producers obviously thought that they can get away with a hit by borrowing the title and the character's name of Ninja Scroll while adding heaps of excessively disgusting scenes to the film. What they made was distasteful and the ending leaves me unsatisfied. I consider Ninja Scroll as the best anime film ever, Ninja Resurrection is an insult to that name. What is good about the film? Perhaps one sequence where Jubei was actually relaxing with his friends, a little break before we are punished with another barrage of gore.

Sin: The Movie (2000 Video)

Doesn't leave you time to think

[6/10 · 2 January 2001]

Summary: good guy tries to stop evil scientist's mutants. The main feature of Sin was gore and violence. There was a clear plot to the film but constant killing and destruction forces that to the back of your mind, making you focus in the visual aspects. After watching you wish I wish I had known more about most of the characters backgrounds (especially the little girl who everyone wanted to capture). If only ADV extended it for 30 minutes to provide the information, to give the characters more personality instead of portraying them as either cruel, innocent, strong and/or rebelious, this movie would have much more appeal. I give it a 6.

Green Legend Ran (1992– )

Could be better

[6/10 · 4 December 2000]

About the movie itself, it simply cannot compare to some of the more powerful films such as Nausicaa, Ninja Scroll, and Perfect Blue. The story's got a strong base with the environmental issue but couldn't capitalize unlike the films mentioned above. Sometimes Ran's expressions are over-exaggerated (not to mention reckless) and Ira always seemed kind yet defenceless, almost stereotypical of young women. I didn't know what the director was thinking but he failed to make Ran's father a large part of the movie by making him such a dull and sedated character. The animation however is great, especially on the DVD. Lots of detailing. The ending theme is a keeper. It's called "Tears and Rain" so go check that out. It's a 6 on my scale.

Kochira Katsushika-ku Kameari kôen mae hashutsujo: The Movie (1999)

Humor compensates for poor animation

[6/10 · 29 October 2000]

Kochira Kameari Kouenmae Hashutsujo is one of the funnier animes that I've come across. The story's about a cop who is the laughing stock of the entire department and his reluctant team work with a much more sophisticated FBI agent. They are both trying to stop a bomber named Benton who is destroying the buildings of a hated businessman. I can't really say much about the animation here. It lacks detail, which really is OK for comedies such as this, but different characters could have used different facial expressions, different clothing and the like. The touch of drama in the middle and end of the anime was nice, yet it could have gone much further. Yea I understand it's a comedy but there is so much lost potential in this story that it made me give it a 6 of 10.

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984)

Unlike anything you've seen

[8/10 · 9 October 2000]

Usually I try to compare one anime with another but I find it impossible to do for Nausicaa. I doubt if any other anime tried to repeat (or at least not successfully) the combination of science fiction, drama and medievalism that's in this film. However the most captivating (yet stereotypical perhaps) aspect of Nausicaa is her sympathy to all living things and her uncanny intuition about the things around her. Her abilities are the only drawback to this film because such characters can be found in most anime involving a heroine, whereas the storyline makes it a most unique experience.

I was somewhat dissappointed with the ending. I won't give it away but the character of the Princess was just made to conform to the "standards of a heroine". Animation was acceptable but not superb although the designs of some landscapes and characters were spectacular. Overall an 8.

Slayers (1995)

Animated comedy at its best

[9/10 · 29 September 2000]

Nahga the Serpent is a great addition to Slayers in that she brings another level of comedy with her. But what separates this film from the rest of the movies and the Specials is that Lina's and Nahga's adventure intertwine with the story of a human whos memories and quest are perhaps more important to the audience than that of the two sorceresses. Slayers the Motion Picture had everything I wanted from a Slayers film and more: love, heroism, wit, adventure, and comedy.

Armitage III: Poly-Matrix (1996 Video)

Almost melodramatic

[7/10 · 28 September 2000]

It's hard to summarize the aspects of this film, but if you've seen Ghost in the Shell and Battle Angel Alita try to imagine the theme of former and the characters of the latter. The film unsuccessfully brings in love (now think Battle Angel Alita) because the first hour was too packed with mystery and action. Until perhaps the last 10 minutes of the film I think it lacked the emotional impact I expect from Syllabus and Armitage's first meeting. The fact that it is about an interplanetary conspiracy and the resulting murders of course makes it more of an action based film than anything else. And the melodrama can be corny at times (or maybe its just because of the voiceovers?) However, the animation is quality, and Armitage III may be worth a look just for the last sequence.

La Blue Girl Live 2: Birth of the Demon Child (1996)

Messed Up

[6/10 · 25 July 2000]

Well, it's hentai and you should not expect much of a story from such films as La Blue Girl 2. But for starters it involves a war between a Ninja-sex-clan and the demon clan who captures human women for power to open a gateway to the real world. I think La Blue Girl lacks organization and one can only pay attention to the massive amount of (very imaginative) animated sexual acts, not that it's bad. After all why watch it for anything else?

Slayers Great (1997)

They're Great alright

[9/10 · 20 July 2000]

Slayers Great is the second Slayers film I've came across and is about the funniest anime I've seen so far. The outstanding quality on the Slayers films is of course the two sorceresses' childishness that conflicts with the awesome powers they wield. The comedy is original (with the exception of the quarrels between Lina and Naga that is expected of Slayers), so this film is pretty much for everyone, especially those who have never been interested in anime before. Also check out Slayers Gorgeous, not as good but fun nonetheless.

Demon City Shinjuku (1988 Video)

good plot, no character development

[6/10 · 18 July 2000]

The son of a Nempo master must stop a sorcerer from raising hell. This is a Bruce Willis meets anime type of film. There isn't much character development at all. What's good about the film is that although the plot line is common in anime, it still entertains. See this if you're fond of lots of action and could care less about emotion.

Perfect Blue (1997)

Intense and Original

[9/10 · 13 July 2000]

The one problem with many anime is that they're hard to follow. Although this story has its twists and turns it becomes clear. Yet the story maintains originality, and the artwork is superb. You follow a teen pop-star turned actress who is haunted by her past and more during her transition into a new career. The Perfect Blue is a must for any (mature) animation fan.