The Chuuni Corner

Anime reviews, Chuunibyou, and other writings

Tag: Review

Review/discussion about: Shirobako

One big, happy family

One big, happy family

There exist two kinds of dreams. There are dreams that one has had and those that one has. The former are often nonsensical in nature. The latter are slightly more corporeal; it’s a “thing” that one wants above all else. It might be a state of being or simply a set of objects. But whatever the dream might pertain to, it’s important to not only strive for that dream but to also know what that dream is. For while they may be the most difficult part of your life to obtain, they’re also the most rewarding. And as Shirobako demonstrates, sometimes those dreams have been around you all along.

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Review/discussion about: Cross Ange

Gold in a few different ways

Gold in a few different ways

Think about something that you did within the past few minutes. Maybe it was clicking a link to read this review or making a phone call to a friend of yours. Now, why did you perform this action? Was it a preordained happenstance that you had no control over? Or did you feel compelled in some way to act accordingly? The long and short of it is, did you make such a decision of your own free will? The idea of will, that you make the choices that govern your life, is something that has been endlessly debated about for centuries. Cross Ange dabbles into this very topic. And while it might not be completely resonating, it has as much fun with the notion as it possibly can.

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Review/discussion about: Aldnoah.Zero 2nd Season

Lots of orange and lots of bad

Lots of orange and lots of bad

Something that everyone struggles with are “blocks.” Maybe it’s procrastination for that next exam. Or maybe it’s the comfort of bed instead of the treadmill. Whether it is mental or physical, there are those times where one just doesn’t want to do whatever it is that needs doing. In other words, there is a lack of motivation. So maybe it’s the joy your parents would feel by seeing a good grade, or the elation you would have at obtaining that tone body, that motivates you to accomplish that ever elusive goal. Motivation, like those “blocks,” is always present; you just need that initial push to really get going. And Aldnoah.Zero 2nd Season is a prime example for when such motivation is sorely lacking.

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Review/discussion about: Saenai Heroine no Sodatekata

"Blessing Software," more harem than company

“Blessing Software,” more harem than company

Creating content is an interesting notion. Someone sets aside time to mold, craft, or piece together objects in an attempt to have their cohesion bring about a finalized product. And these objects take on a variety of forms. For instance, this very review is content, where the objects are words and the product is a review. Architects work with wood, chefs work with ingredients, and painters work with paints. Visual novels, too, are a type of content. They require a plot, artwork, music, and coding, all working in unison, to make a game that is worthy of being played. But as Saenai Heroine no Sodatekata shows, sometimes it isn’t the objects that are difficult to work with but the people behind them that are.

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Review/discussion about: Parasyte — The Maxim

Two wrongs don't make a right...hand

Two wrongs don’t make a right…hand

What’s the first image that comes to mind when you hear the word “animal?” Is it a lion roaming the plains of Africa? Perhaps it’s a shark swimming menacingly throughout the deep, dark ocean? Or maybe it’s even a cardinal resting on a tree branch, contrasting starkly with a snow-laden field? Whatever the answer may be, something people often forget is that they, too, are an animal. And not just in the definition of the word; our actions can sometimes be rather animalistic in nature. Which leads to an even better question: are we really so different from the species around us? This is the philosophical inquiry Parasyte — The Maxim brings forth. But sadly, it falters quite tremendously.

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Review/discussion about: Akatsuki no Yona

Not your everyday princess

Not your everyday princess

The other day, for one reason or another, while talking with my wonderful mother, we stumbled upon the topic of the universe. Specifically about the scale of it all; how its literal astronomical size seems too daunting to comprehend. But how does this relate to Akatsuki no Yona, an anime that has about as much relation to outer space as does a piece of paper? Well, condense the thinking: despite the vastness of it all, we exist here, right now, at this very moment. Therefore, is it too silly or arrogant to think that we have some “reason” for living? That, perhaps, our life should have some purpose to it all? It is quite the interesting thought, one that this anime explores with some elegance.

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Review/discussion about: Absolute Duo

This Duo is definitely not "two for the price of one"

This Duo is definitely not “two for the price of one”

Wanting to be stronger is something that a lot of people strive for. And that isn’t just in the sense of lifting weights to tone one’s muscles. There is strength of mind in the form of intelligence or strength of spirit in having the courage to do what’s right. But no matter its form, strength isn’t something that is easily obtained. Hardship and difficulties are what give shape to such strength, and subsequently determine what strength is ultimately earned. This is what Absolute Duo tries to convey, but without much strength to support even itself.

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Review/discussion about: Bonjour♪Sweet Love Patisserie

Despite the planet behind them, this harem is not "larger than life"

Despite the planet behind them, this harem is not “larger than life”

With a show like Bonjour♪Koiaji Pâtisserie (which will be shortened to “Bonjour” from here on out), one is supposed to relate with, to some extent, the main heroine and the cast surrounding her. We’re supposed to understand the situations, the happenings, or the predicaments that they’re found in. Or at the minimum, at least understand what message the anime is attempting to portray. But behind all of the cakes, hunks, and pretty art lies something sinister: practically nothing.

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Review/discussion about: Your Lie in April

Death isn't the end, but the beginning

Death isn’t the end, but the beginning

There’s a certain mystique that surrounds the idea of “death.” It’s the end, the final chapter in the life you live. You often never take it seriously, simply worrying about the big and the small, the important and the trivial. But when you think about it, really, truly think about it, death isn’t something to be feared. It should act as a drive, as a kind of passion to do those things that you never thought you could. Are you passionate about writing? Awesome, go for it. Do you have the talent for the piano? Then give it your all. Strive to do everything you can now, because you might never be able to later. Taking this to heart, Your Lie in April springs off in spectacular fashion.

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