Reviews by Kyle Ellis

Fullmetal Alchemist is, in a way, unique. It is very much a mainstream series, with the appeal of a huge cast of unique characters, action that commonly involves special powers, a fairly straight forward story with some mostly obvious symbolism, and a mix of comedy, action, drama, and even some romance. These are all common staples of long running anime series that lean towards a more commercial and public appeal. And yet, for a mainstream series, it manages to continually surprise with a very mature and serious tone. There is a great deal of tragedy and some moments are even frightening and memorable. Few series achieve such a perfect balance of mainstream entertainment and gut wrenching drama and tragedy.

Such was what I discovered when I first laid my eyes on the original FMA series. And yet, for all it's greatness, it began to flounder in it's second season. As many series do, it took on its own form and story, and it was at that point that it started to lose its charm. So, Bones did the smart thing. They remade it. For most series, this would be pointless, but for FMA, it's very much welcome. Five years after the original series ended and the manga has had time to grow, this new FMA is better looking, paced better, and follows the manga, expanding the plot in a better direction.

It's hard not to like anything about this new FMA. The action is fantastic and looks great, as it always did. We aren't subjected to single shots or poorly edited sequences. All the action is displayed and wonderfully animated. Likewise, all the charm is here as well, from the more serious scenes that fans will remember to the humor which is consistent and still funny. Bones took everything good about the original series and threw out all the bad, replacing those particulars with higher quality details. In a sense, it even feels like a new anime, and by episode 13, it has gone in a completely new direction.

A better developed story and characters, superior animation, and fantastic details. These are what make the new FMA an instant new-age classic. Like FMA was the first time around, the new FMA will be one of the top anime to watch out for in the states.

Warning: Spoilers
The first time I heard of Death Note was from a youtube channel Hello Future Me and his storytelling analyses. Previously I had resented anime as childish and totally weird-looking, but after Timothy took Death Note as an example of a good story-beat management, I was wiling to give it a shot. And boy, was I hooked.

Never before have I seen any show try to copy that sherlock-ey way of thinking and incorporate it so cleverly with mystery and fantasy elements. Death Note has such an unique feel to it that no other anime has... every moment Light's and L's theme play, I get slight goosebumps while wondering who will outsmart whom next. It is a matter of simple beauty seeing the writers play with the contrast of Light's and L's personality, making them grow close while simultaneously growing further apart. Ant to top it off with so much symbolism and biblical references in the final episode of L's saga is a matter of pure perfection.

Yes, people will say that the second part sucks. Truth be told, even though it may not be equally as engaging as the first one, I wouldn't say it was unbearable either. The fact is that by this point Light is so cornered that he cannot operate on his own; therefore the tension is dissipated towards minor characters and Near that we don't get enough time to care about. Nonetheless, seeing Light maneuver through all the traps Near sets for him provides a proper build-up towards the eagerly expected end.

And about the end... I really felt for Light in those final moments. Part of me didn't want the series to end the way it did, simply because Light was the embodiment of my answer to the fundamental questions of justice that stem from Dostoyevski's Crime and Punishment. As much as I may be a follower of Kira in one part of my mind, I also cannot deny that Near is absolutely right - Light Yagami is just another serial killer; nothing more and nothing less.

Death note is the first of all the animated series that has introduced me with the fact that not all things animated have to have a happy ending. Think of it, how many western-animation movies do you know that do not end on a happy note? Very few would be my guess. And from this time on, my journey through japanese animation has started. I couldn't be more grateful for the way it began and therefore, Death Note will always be the No. 1 anime I will recommend to people new to anime. If you haven't seen it yet, I really do not know what you are waiting for...

... btw I hear the bells. Do you?

Warning: Spoilers
This is just a masterpiece, the last episode is beautiful and Lelouch being a very anti hero comes of as one of the most heroic characters in any story.

The message of anti war is very profound and brilliant, the display of politics, shadow play,war reaches Battlestar Galatica level.But what really makes this is the ending totally magnificent. If Battlestar Galatica fails on the ending then this will be better then that show in its portraying politics,revolutions,sacrifice,suffering,redemption,war etc.Voice acting in Japanese is just sublime and animation perfect.

This show should be watched by anyone for it isn't a bloody good anime its a brilliant and masterful show that just happens to be in 2D, which is why I am recommending it to all my friends and my family its just outstanding and breathtaking.

MASTERPIECE 100/10

I have seen the anime TV series and these 2 movies 1: Guren-Hen 2: Lagann-Hen add the little extra to the story line.

Throughout the entire film I was getting psyched and pumped at the sheer epicness and adrenaline the characters portray.

Some of the characters you get envious of because you aren't them! But want to be sooooo bad.

The TV series and Parallel works are highly recommended before watching these 2 movies, but it isn't necessary too enjoy from it's great marvel.

Large screen recommended when viewing Tengen Toppa Guren Lagann!!

My all time favorite anime series. It's difficult to explain and must be seen to enjoy its creativity and cleverness. This is one of best ways to show the strides GAINAX is making as well as other greats like Evangelion, Gunbuster, and others.

Almost everyone in this series undergoes change especially Naota. I finally watched episode 5 and 6 and I never picked up on the role of Naota's brother. How about lefties, sour and sweet, or mild or spicy?? "Brittle Bullet" may be my new favorite...how can you not be amazed by its final scene and the rich color schemes. Haruko is epitome of female anime coolness and she looks so creepy with that smile and no eyes! Mamimi's manic self always brings a laugh and who wouldn't want their own Canti? Great secondary characters who just add more to the richness of the story. And a heavy emphasis on EYEBROWS. The show is linear but tangents are strewn throughout which makes this a great series and repeated viewings. I probably still won't get it, but I think it's meant to kick back, relax, and enjoy the show. Also, FLCL would not be the same without the Pillows soundtrack which fits perfect with the show. The end credit sequence makes you want to get a vespa.

For those who enjoy originality, terrific tunes, and just so bizarre it's tasty anime to munch up.

Black Lagoon probably the most American-like anime to ever come out in Japan and for an anime fan with an undying passion for old school action movies and director Quentin Tarantino like me this series is a freaking goldmine and the best example of how a seinen anime should be. Every single episode feel like a fast paced action movie with unapologetic action scenes and dialogue, not to mention the memorable characters especially the female ones because they are no doubt the most baddest and the most dangerous woman I've come across in an anime. The animation may dated for today standard and the engrish skills of the VA kind of hard to get through but if you a newcomer to the world of anime and want to watch something hit close to home before you explore the more weirder side then Black Lagoon is the perfect choice

Warning: Spoilers
This series follows protagonist Ryuko Matoi as she joins the Honnouji Academy; a school dominated by head of the student council Satsuki Kiryuin; she rules with the help of the 'Elite Four'. They maintain discipline with an iron fist and transgressors are severely punished or even executed! Their influence isn't limited to the school; where a family lives is dependent on their child's status in the school. The senior pupils are able to dominate the others because of the 'life fibres' woven into their clothing; these give the wearers amazing powers. Ryuko however has her own special uniform; it is sentient and made entirely of Life Fibres; using this she plans to take on the ruling elite and ultimately discover who is responsible for the death of her father.

This series is over the top crazy that is the whole point of it! The fighting takes up most of the run time; amazingly each fight seems to be bigger than the last until ultimately it is a battle to save all of humanity! These fights are largely played for laughs although it is clear that the characters could get hurt and sometimes do. As the series progresses the plot advances nicely and there are some nice twists along the way. The costumes are fairly skimpy but the animation style means it is mocking fan service rather than pandering to it. This style is quite different to most anime; backgrounds are imaginative but less detailed and the movement is more frenetic than most series; this gives the show a western feel similar to that used in 'Panty and Stocking with Garterbelt'. As this seems to be one of the most talked about series of the moment and plenty of people are raving about it I'd definitely recommend checking it out even though I found it a bit too much at times.

These comments are based on watching the series in Japanese with English subtitles.

After a long time of evaluating I think I've finally admitted to myself, this has become my favorite anime (sorry, Berserk).

On the surface it's a "more power" anime with giant robots, over-the-top action and ridiculous characters. However, the show knows this and plays into it while basically saying to itself, "I'm going to be the best more power anime with giant robots, over-the-top action and ridiculous characters that anyone has ever seen, and make it so epic that no other giant robot show can compete". And for me, it basically is.

If I could only use two words to describe Gurren Lagann, it would be "pure energy". As far as entertainment value is concerned, I don't believe I've felt more entertained by any other anime. Not a single episode was boring filler (well half an episode, which is common in most anime), and along with the theme of the show, each episode is progressively bigger and better than the last. They could have easily made this a 2 season show by breaking it after a certain point, but instead kept it compact and fast-paced.

I think what makes the show special is that it never takes itself too seriously (evident by artwork and animation), but ultimately is quite serious in its message, and very thought provoking by the end. Most philosophical anime tend to bog the viewer down in loads of symbolic jargon, and in the end, often end up confusing or boring the audience. Gurren Lagann has all that symbolism that loves to pop up in anime, but basically stays in the background and plays a secondary role. If you wanted to completely ignore the philosophical undertones in the show you could do it, and it would still be very entertaining.

The story is pretty straight forward, but if you're wanting to dig deeper, I think the spiral concept used throughout the show is the most unique theme that has been done in an anime. The music is memorable and used very well throughout, with the Libera Me From Hell track from the final three episodes still occasionally being chanted by me, years after hearing it the first time. The ending is feel-good and appropriate to the series.

I know this review will probably be seen by only a few of the already converted, but to those who are on the bubble, give the show a shot and there is a good chance it might just become your favorite.

Warning: Spoilers
The story of Neon Genesis Evangelion is a simple one. Its the story of a young man who takes on the responsibilities of saving the world and has to deal with the consequences of not trusting people.

Of not letting them in

If I go into massive amounts of detail here, it would ruin the impact of this story and its far more worth it to experience the series in its entirety

So I suggest you watch the TV series, the last 2 episodes and then this movie, back to back as much as you can.

Remembering one thing about all the characters you're seeing and loving.

They are liars and they ALL hate themselves on some level. Don't trust what they TELL YOU, trust what they SHOW YOU in their actions.

By doing that, when you get to the pivotal scene of "help me" you'll begin to understand what is going on.

Pray for the poor people who suffer like these souls. And trust they'll be okay if you reach out to them.

On its own, End of Evangelion gives to the fanbase every tiny little bit of what it wanted, it isn't what we THOUGHT want wanted, but its what we wanted.

And you should listen to what Rei is saying...and then realise that she's not just saying it to Shinji, she's saying it to EVERYONE - including you.

I have to walk back a worlds worth of bile and hatred of Hideki Anno for the things that I said about the Rebuilds, the man is not a hack or a fool.

He's always been a tortured genius Watch his work. Love it and spread the message he's giving.

Now I understand why people say this is the anime of animes. First don't watch this anime if you're not mature or 18+. There's also some epileptic and tripping parts that should be warned before watching. This is one of the darkest, most depressing and disturbing anime I've seen. After half episodes it becomes the real thing (hate,nudity,tools,betrayals for each character). The characters are likeable, the drawings are good and music is amazing, you can really see it's a 90's anime. But holy the Story is fkd up and disturbing. The last 2 episodes can be skipped if you don't want to see the perspective of Shinji. I agree that this is overrated but it's a great anime, that I don't recommend to children but adults.