Menu

Samurai/Ninja

blade of the immortal

Blade of the Immortal

/ , , , / / 0 Comments

Alternate Titles: 無限の住人 (Mugen no Jūnin)

Original Japanese Release Date: 2008

Episode Length/Run-time: 13

Summary:

Manji has a curse for the crass and violent life he’s lived and that is to wander the earth forever.  He’s begun to grow tired of his immortality so he seeks to break the curse.  However, the only way to do this is to slay 1,000 evil men.

Review:

Based off the manga Blade of the Immortal this anime just ends up falling short.  Even though it deals with heavy subject matter it still maintains a light and funny atmosphere. The main character is relatable while still being an interesting character, almost like a Dirty Harry type of person. But unfortunately the anime does not follow.  The characterization is poor and full of the cliche badass.  You have no connection to the characters because they are simply joyless. It’s a lovely mess in which you sit there and go “oh it’s pretty” but you wouldn’t care if every character just up and died.

The anime isn’t even worth watching compared to the manga which is finished now.

[starrater]

houseoffiveleaves

House of Five Leaves

/ , , , , , / , , , , / 0 Comments

Alternate Titles: さらい屋五葉 (Sarai-ya Goyou)

Original Japanese Release Date: 2010

Episode Length/Run-time: 12

Summary:

As a shy and awkward rounin (master-less Samurai) Masanosuke is often times underestimated as a result of his personality.  Unable to find a master he runs into the kind yet strange local playboy Yaichi.  He asks Masanosuke to become his bodyguard, inspired by his kindness Masanosuke accepts and it seems to be the easiest job ever… at first.  Soon Masanouske realizes he’s been roped into the acts of a group of bandits who call themselves the “Five Leaves.”  His ethics are challenged as well as his assumed purpose in life.

Review:

House of Five leaves will either turn you off or interest you the second you turn it on.  It’s style is slightly different and awkward in a way that works with the theme.

The anime is character driven and it takes time with each character to express their feelings specifically Masanosuke.  Yet it manages to keep you guessing.  Like the perfect little dress on a lovely woman it reveals everything you want to see yet still keeps you guessing.

Seemingly simplistic this anime doesn’t translate well to a review because it’s based on feeling the characters and experiencing them.  The only problem is that it ends up being slow and doesn’t really go much of anywhere.  While there is a clear flow and resolution it isn’t something which is glaring to the viewer hindering the overall enjoyment.

For what it does it’s good, but the anime doesn’t have much to offer.  Then again, it’s better than mindless fan service!

[starrater]