Higurashi Kai Episodes 4-5

It somewhat ended up by chance that the numbering which I sectioned off in terms of the episodes would mark the conclusion of an arc in Higurashi Kai. And indeed, somehow I knew it was inevitable that the series would take its darker turn in the latter episodes. This isn’t a series for young viewers in any means, but I’m still putting a discretionary note with respect to some of the screenshots in this entry to be weary of (mainly scenes of blood and distorted faces).

That stated, I actually really felt for Satoko in these episodes, particularly starting at the end of episode 4, she takes center stage in her concern for Rika and noting the turn of events, she at least wants to do something to *help* her friend. Unfortunately, there are a number of people who don’t want either Rika or Satoko to live long enough to reveal the revelations (or in Rika’s case, the reasons behind her dreaded fate) they come across in these two episodes.

Reflections on the conclusion for the first arc of Higurashi Kai under the cut. But on a humorous note, not all the events are grim. One such case is the cute scene below of Rika trying to cheer up poor Satoko.

Higurashi Kai Episodes 2-3

These episodes mark the start of a new arc with Higurashi no Naku Koro Ni Kai, and for those of you who followed the first series, this is no different than how the series progressed in the first season. Yet, as mentioned, this series focuses on Rika a lot more in terms of a central character. For Rika fans, it’s a plus, and it also tells us how much she’s a part of the events surrounding Hinamizawa-the cycle of death and rebirth, something noted beforehand in the previous episode and even in the last season to some extent. This comes into more significance later, but for right now we’ll stick to events.

These episodes have a lot in terms of the usual comedy associated with Higurashi in its lighthearted moments. Rena’s usual “Wanna take them home with me”; Keiichi dodging Satoko’s traps, Mion creating challenges and providing “punishment” for the losers (which she hints at Kei-chan quite a bit ), among others. But it’s not all fun and games, these two episodes also build on the same plot we know: same players, different game, new revelations that make the pieces fit.

A brief summary and reflections for both episodes under the cut-read at your own risk because there won’t be a dividing picture separating the entries save for the screenshots before each description.

Before that: a cute picture of Kei-chan and Rena

[Maintenance] Major Updates

My first maintenance entry in quite some time, and I’m announcing a few updates in terms of Anime blog schedules, J-music schedules, blog updates, and other miscellaneous things.

I’ll have some time to update this in the next few days, so here’s a summary of what entries will be posted.

Higurashi Kai will be blogged up to episode 12.  Entries are written and screenshots are taken, just need to be put together which is something I can do tonight once I finish up with work.

Romeo x Juliet will be blogged up to episode 6.

Nodame Cantabile will be blogged up to episode 10.  (I’m currently rewatching the series and actually have a means to quickly blog it now and have more succinct reflections than in the past, versus episode summaries-which is something I’ve been trying to go away from on all of the anime entries.)

To reinterate: Code Geass is dropped.  I’ll also create a Tabbed page in terms of what series I plan to watch/blog, and which ones that are dropped so that it will be easier for you to see what I’m currently watching/not watching.
One update to the J-music entries will be Abingdon Boys School’s latest album, and My Top Anime List and other aspects of favorites should be updated as well, with a new entry for favorite J-Urban artists Female (Part III) and a new one with Male J-Urban artists.

Does it seem like a lot? Goodness yes, but I’ve actually had some of these crafted weeks/months ago.  The problem?  Being the person that I am and wanting to go over everything with a fine-tooth comb before I submit anything is the main issue, I’m a perfectionist in the wrong kind of ways XD  T_T  Same with all of the updates I have in terms of the anime series I’m watching.

The way this will work is this: each will be presented in sets of two episodes, similar to what I did with Infinite Ryvius, from now on. I’ve figured that the best way to blog on the series I’ve been watching up to a certain point and it also takes up less entries.  Brief summary of events before, episode reflections and spoilers under the cut.  I may try to do something for those of you who aren’t readily following up with the series or who may be interested in the series but haven’t seen it yet by incorporating more into the pre-description before each episode but no spoilers as usual. I’m also restructuring the screenshots and looking for dead links in any entries.  If you come across any, feel free to comment-I’ll also create a page for bugs, problems, etc in the tabbed area.

[aside note]I also realized I never put a review for “Shadow of Love” in the NANA music entry…I wonder how I missed that >.< [/aside note]

Also, in terms of structural changes, I’m going to change the layout and also add a new banner designed in the GIMP.  And as for the Maintenance entries, since it’s such a hassle to find in what context I’ve updated the site (since I usually do but I don’t always note it, I’m going to make it a page tab instead, so it’s easier also for me to track what entries I plan to upload and in what sections.  It also helps me organize in terms of what you guys can expect, and perhaps, in time, you may see more timely updates in between my schedule, which tends to be quite busy, but if you have any comments/concerns,  I do try to respond in 24-48 hours.

It seems like a lot but I try to put a lot into the blog as a hobby, just hopefully not take on more than I can chew.

Best,

Rosepetals

Romeo x Juliet Episode 3: Attrazione (Attraction)-The Dawn of Love

Episode 3 of Romeo and Juliet was such a good episode, following in the heels of the cliffhanger ending of the last. Juliet’s realization brings about a lot of conflicted feelings and problems that perhaps those who read the play (or even saw the last episode) can surmise. What this episode brings to the table, however, is a little more than just Juliet’s identity, but rather the conflict on two levels: her identity as the masked hero and the only surviving daughter of the Capulets.

Episode reflections under the cut and picture of Juliet.

[Anime] Fall 2007 Series-Watched and Not-Watched

It’s been a while since I’ve made an anime entry, so I thought I’d open the blog back up this month with some of the series I’ve finally decided to follow during the season. It took a lot of wading through and watching certain series to really get an idea of what I wanted to watch-and there are some good series that are within this season-no doubt. I won’t say that I’ll blog these all out (I may, but not before I finish off the three I’m currently blogging-by that time, most of them will have jump started quite a bit.)

I started this on my LJ blog (which I haven’t really updated too much), but I figure I’d finalize that entry here and give you guys YouTube preview of the OP themes of each. Maybe you might like them, maybe not. I also thought I’d give an idea of what series I decided to skip, not because I want to devalue them in any way, but maybe because there might be a few who want to discuss them or watch them anyway just to see how they are.

1. Mokke: this is a series I never heard much about at all. And I found it a pleasant surprise after coming across it on an anime forum recommendation. Many have already made comparisons to Mushishi from this-but I think that’s rather unfair…because it does seem like a slice of life series with supernatural elements, but it really hasn’t kickstarted into its story yet-so it’s hard to tell where it will go with so little introduction. The first episode was a decent one-it’s about two girls who were sent to live with their grandparents because they had complimenting abilities which were at odds in a normal environment, the eldest has an ability to see beyond what’s present, while the youngest one has an ability to see things that aren’t apparent.

Mokke has beautiful animation and a stunning first opening (“Kokoro no Ato” by Riyu Kosaka). I’m not going to set my standards too high with this series, but I am interested in seeing where it goes. It’s episodic, slice of life, and really if you’re looking for something deep to start, you probably won’t get it from this series right off the bat, but I’m definitely following this to see where it goes.

2. Gundam 00: Ah the newest entry to the Gundam franchise, and it definitely seems interesting to start, though a little sluggish like most Gundam series are to start. Yet, I think this has potential. This series focuses on the group Celestial Being, a group pledged to end wars with utilizing force. At the forefront of this group are four Gundam Meisters: including the main character Setsuna-introverted and cold in terms of demeanor. And good news is….they kept Haro-chan in this series (like Seed/GSD).

In seriousness, animation is quite good and the scenes/character design seems quite well done. Looking forward to seeing how this entry in the franchise shapes up.

3. Shugo Chara: I have a soft spot for shoujo series in my heart, and Shugo Chara seems like it will satiate that with very little problem. Very cute series about a tomboyish, cute girl who wants to release her inner kawaii nature. Leave it to three rather unlikely spirits (hatching from eggs) to do the trick, and that Chara has special powers to transform into something similar to a mahou shoujo. It’s hard not to think of this series as “cute” and I’ve heard the manga counterpart is really good. I’ll be following this series to see how it comes across.

4. Minami Ke: Now this seems like an interesting slice of life comedy series, about a group of crazy sisters in their daily lives. I heard this took the place of Lucky Star, and from it’s thematics, I can see it’s a perfect fit, especially on the part of one sister in particular. I think this might be a fun series to follow, so I’ll definitely pursue this. I like the OP and ED themes.

Other series are now listed beneath the cut, follow forward for the rest