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Mandariinid (2013)
"Mandariinid – a movie that reminds oneself of the profoundly childish nature of war"
Mandariinid is a, mainly, psychological film co-produced by Estonia and Georgia, and is focusing on the themes surrounding the futility of war and the importance of peaceful coexisting.
War is, by nature, like a childish play. The causes and the reasons are there, but they can never justify losing a human's life over their successful completion. A war is, always, initiated for imperialistic causes disguised as matters of national spirit. The only meaningful approach to a born juxtaposition between two or more nations, always, is a mature discussion on the matters concerned. So, one of the things that this movie manages to portray skillfully is this exact nature of war. The presentation of the two "enemy" soldiers as children fighting with each other under the same roof and under the surveillance by a considerably older and wiser individual, reminds us of this nature.
However, war is an important worldwide phenomenon. It never seizes to exist, and as much time humans exist, there will be war. Another of this film's strengths lies in successfully establishing this brutal truth, when simultaneously manages to land a strong blow of satire and dark humor concerning the main theme. Even if it feels conceited midway through, in the last half you realize that, even though there is hope for human coexisting, the dehumanization of war always prevails.
In addition, the acting was superb. When tackling an important theme like war in a bold and satirical manner, considerable acting talent is needed. Fortunately, the pre-established requirements are met with the chosen cast. All of them manage to give a career-defining performance, considerably fleshing out their characters and making them intimate and multi-dimensional. Of course, the highlight is Lembit Ulfsak's performance as Ivo, a kind old man that tends to help anyone in need without any doubt, while his wisdom is critical on making the other characters reflect on their past actions.
In the end what makes this film important is not only the virtuosity of cinematography and composed music displayed or the exemplary acting, but the inspired portrait of humanity's ever changing mask: It can represent a peaceful coexisting, leaving a sweet taste, or a dehumanized atrocity that is war, leaving a bitter taste. But
doesn't this bittersweet taste remind you of freshly-cut tangerines?
Yojôhan shinwa taikei (2010)
A show of quality
From time to time, I desire a show that will deliver a simple and grounded in reality plot in an unorthodox way with great success. Yes, you should already understand that Tatami Galaxy holds no need for superficial or amazing concepts to be successful, just a realistic story executed in a masterful way.
Story : 10 / 10 "Masterful"
Tatami Galaxy is set on a fictional universe, specifically a town, which seems pretty close to the modern Japanese towns. Our main character, Watashi, expects to find the rose colored campus life that he always dreamed of, entering a campus club. Instead, he finds mischief and disappointment in every way possible. Every time he joins a club, everything seem to go wrong and he ends up regretting his choice, wanting to go back to the moment of choosing it and reset his life by changing his choice. The plot is following his different choices and the different lives he lived after them. Watashi begins a journey of self- discovery, where the weight of his choices matters the most, becoming a matured young man who lives his life with unlimited freedom but also respect on every choice.
Art : 9 / 10 "Great"
The show uses a minimalistic style that combines cartoonish graphics with no shading with a lot of live action film segments used in for quick depiction of areas with lots of background detail. Seen as poor by many, the art of Tatami Galaxy is gravely underrated. It effectively depicts the themes of the show, taking a realistic approach on many problems that college students face in Japan. Furthermore, it becomes very interesting when adding the psychological symbolisms included in the show.
Sound : 9 / 10 "Great"
A testament to the superb voice acting could be that, even though Watashi's speech is faster than a bullet train, he still manages to keep the viewer in his toes with his smart (and funny) take on many different subjects and make him feel whatever emotion he emits. As for the soundtrack, it fits great with the theme and mood of the series, successfully representing the constant changes in atmosphere, from the melancholic "Youjou han to Castella to Watashi" to the mysterious "Kamotaketsunuminogami" and powerfully liberating "Yojouhan Ki Owari" or "Takasegawa".
Characters : 9 / 10 "Great"
From the bullet-speed monologues of Watashi to the stoic and spiritual presence of Higuchi, the cast is the recipe for instant success. Watashi is a young college dropout who never seizes to amaze with his sarcastic and dark but witty dialogues on everything he analyzes. He is the source of the dialogues and monologues in Tatami Galaxy, and his themes vary from social commentary to self - sarcasm of the highest caliber. Ozu is another college student, dark and devilish character, who constantly drags Watashi to troubles. However, he has some hidden aspects which make him intriguing and three-dimensional. Akashi, a college student in the engineering department, is an adorable female character, and Watashi's biggest love interest. Higuchi is a stoic, and full with dreams on exploring the globe, character who is still a college student, even though he ,by far, had exceeded the minimum years of studying there. He also has many hidden sides, which made him mysterious, spiritual and occasionally wise. There are more characters that are also very interesting, but doesn't quite measure up to the other mentioned above. However, there is not a single character that is not likable in this series, because of his quirks and personality.
Enjoyment : 10 / 10 "Masterful"
I fully enjoyed every minute of Watashi's attempts to reach a rose- colored campus life, his moments of self-discovery and liberation scenes.
Verdict : 9.4 / 10 "Excellent"
When simple but meaningful premises meets innovative and unique storytelling methods, a show like Tatami Galaxy is born. Excluding or changing only one component of the Tatami Galaxy's recipe would result in losing it's eternal glowing.
There's nothing more boring than reading a review, so give yourself the chance to watch this exquisite show. You will not regret it.
Ginga Eiyuu Densetsu (1988)
THE Space Opera.
"In every age, in every place, the deeds of men remain the same".
Haven't you always wanted to find an anime that is equal to a great book, an anime that you'll hold dear as you will age through time? Then search no further, cause this anime alone is sufficient to satisfy your hunger.
Story : 8.7 / 10 "Great"
Legend of the Galactic Heroes (LOGH for short) is a space opera taking place on a small amount of planets in our Milky Way Galaxy, with a greater and noble main purpose : To teach you about the political and war schemes of men. In this Galaxy, there are three separate sides : The autocratic Galactic Empire, the democratic Free Planets Alliance and the politically neutral planet and product trading center, Phezzan. The plot is mainly centered around the political and war games between the first two, but also around the political importance of Phezzan in forming the shape of this great war. The plot thickens when Reinhard Von Lohengramm, a military genius from the side of the Galactic Empire who constantly rises in the military ranks and begins to change the autocratic government from it's foundations, clashes with another military genius from the side of Free Planets Alliance, Yang Wenli, who wants democracy to prevail as the best out of the existing government types and, ultimately, to end this futile war. Empires rise and fall and democracies turn into military-driven governments as the series progress and our characters shape their opinions on human ideals and mature in the most logical way possible out of the results of this endless and brutal war.
Art : 7.4 / 10 "Good"
The art of LOGH could be seen as it's most vulnerable side. It has many still scenes, many sloppily re-drawn scenes and maintains a mediocre facial consistency till the end. However, the art is improved through the years and could be recognized as something unique, artsy and very fitting to the mood and themes of the series.
Sound : 8.8 / 10 "Great"
The works of the big classical composers such as Brahms, Strauss and Tchaikovsky are worldwide known as masterpieces. Thus, I will not further analyze the importance they hold, not only in the classical music section, but to the whole world of music. However, when used properly, they instantly turn a show into a majestic one, with LOGH being the most obvious and well-refined example.
Characters : 8.1 / 10 "Very Good"
There are lot of characters who have significant value in forming the elaborate plot of LOGH and all are three-dimensional, but two of them shine the most: Reinhard and Yang. Reinhard Von Lohengramm is a poor noble from the Galactic Empire side who, along with his best friend Siegfried Kircheis, want to overpower the Kaiser (emperor) , rescue his sister from Kaiser's hands and then unify and rule the whole known universe. An interesting character full of ambition, born to be a wise and thoughtful leader and showing the utmost respect to his citizens, soldiers and subordinates. Yang Wenli is a stoic, sarcastic and witty character, a rising star in the military section of Free Planets Alliance, who, along with his son Julian, wants to contribute the most into ending this endless war between Galactic Empire and Free Planets Alliance and give an end to the unlimited numbers of dead soldiers. Also an interesting character, who is more interested in history lessons than going into battle, and feels the weight of the dead soldiers keep growing on his shoulders, as a respectful and wise military commander should do. The other members of the cast are, if not equally, rather interesting because of their contribution to the plot, their three- dimensional and believable aspects and their redeeming qualities.
Verdict : 8.4 / 10 "Very Good"
There is no other show like it. It have some cons, but they are completely surpassed by it's magnitude of feelings and emotions, giving maybe the most powerful anti-war message of our recent times, and most meaningful political analysis on the schemes of men.
A review ends, an amazing experience begins.