[Bday] Miku Hatsune 16+1

Yay! This is one of the most happiest day for Miku, finally she turn 16+1 (its not "officially 17 cause virtual Idols won't aged rite? hehe)

May the greatness of the Miku and leek will grow stronger this year~~

[Music of the Week] Buono! - Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!

Music of the Week
Buono! - Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!

Well another wonderful PV from Buono! (actually this one released before Gachinko de ikou!) and its a 3rd ED for Shugo Chara.

I like this song a lot and also the video, and as usual, Momoko is the most energic one in the video yay~~.
uploaded by nwzr

Enjoy

[Anime Review] Kiki's Delivery Service

Kiki's Delivery Service

"Adorable Movie" -bezoe

When an apprentice witch turns thirteen, she must leave her home in order to hone her craft. Although Kiki's sole talent is broom-flying, she sets out for adventure with her cat Jiji. They settle in a charming seaside town, where Kiki establishes her own delivery service. As Kiki learns to balance independence with responsibility, her kind heart wins her many new friends in this coming-of-age tale.

It is another adorable movie by Ghibli, I like this type of story where the whole movie we just following the life of the main character. Even without having an antagonist in the movie, the movie is still really good. The movie is based on the children book that made by Eiko Kadono with the same name, I wonder if Hayao really showed the whole story in the book. Maybe someday I'll get the book and see which one I like better =D

Character design was awesome, I really like Kiki, the cuteness indeed captured my heart haha. Jiji was also pretty iconic, and I like the kind dog that save Jiji.

Animation was very good for 1989, and actually still very good to compare to animation nowdays. I like the flying scene, I can feel the intensity of the "aura" around Kiki when she wants to fly with the broom. The wind effect also pretty cool.

Joe Hisaishi did a really good job composing the music, but the piece that I like the most not the opening nor the ending, but the first music while Kiki flying above the big City.

Bottomline: It is not a perfect anime, but I think everyone will be able to enjoy Kiki's Delivery Service. So yes, even though this anime its like 18 years old, but its still a very good anime to watch nowdays.

Overall Rating: A--

[Anime Review] Princess Mononoke

Princess Mononoke

" The animation was amazing, but the story did not amaze me" -bezoe

While fighting to save his village from the attack of a demon-god Ashitaka comes in contact with it and is inflicted with a deadly curse. In his search for a cure he is forced to leave his village forever and journey to the forest inhabited by animal gods. There he finds himself in the middle of a war between the forest gods and a village led by lady Eboshi

The whole plot from start to end actually is pretty solid, but unfortunately I don't find the story really that great. I must admit I love how the plot goes.

The characters was ok, the strongest personality I must say is San then Ashitaka. The animals character was pretty good but not super great. But oh I love the little creature ( its really iconic )

I love the quality of the animation of this anime, I think this is top notch. Especially when the terraform of the Forrest

Music? Its a pretty good one, but not stand out. And I don't think I will recognize it instantly if I'm hearing it somewhere.

Bottom line: it is a very good quality anime and I suggest you to watch it. Even though this is not my favorite but it is really worthed to watch this anime.

Overall Rating: A--

[Anime Review] Howl's Moving Castle

Howl's Moving Castle

"A Fantastic piece of anime by Ghibli" -bezoe

A plain young hatter named Sophie has her life changed when an evil witch transforms her into an old woman. Unable to face her family in such a condition, Sophie runs away in search of a way to become young again. Along the way, Sophie helps a turnip headed scarecrow, who repays her by leading her to the moving castle owned by the dreaded wizard Howl. There she befriends Howl's apprentice Markl, Howl's fire demon Calcifer, and eventually, Howl himself. Sophie then becomes the castle's cleaning lady in an effort to not only find the solution to her problem but to save Howl from his own terrible secrets as well.

I like hows this anime goes, even though I don't think I like the story so much but artistic wise was wonderful. For me it is a bit weird to digest the story wise (even though I know the story but I still consider it a bit confusing). This is my 3rd times watch these anime so far.

Character design was very well done by Hayao, Sophie in my opinion actually looks good in grey hair, but that probably just me hehe. Howl was a pretty interesting design by Ghibli I must say, I like him, a very interesting character. Scarecrow and Calcifer are both really fun to watch.

Animation wise was amazing as usual, but I noticed they use some 3D element in this anime, which is fine actually as long as it integrate. I like how the "blob army" (that's what I like to call them, you watch it then I guess you know which characters I'm describing here) move around.

Graphic was amazing, and even more if you buy the Art book hehe. Its really hard to describe how I like the design of the Howl's Castle. The background layout also pretty awesome, and the interior design of the Castle was great, I like how the dirty bathroom look~.

Music, even though its by Joe Hisaishi, I can't say I like it nor I hate it. Let say its a very good background music and composing, but I don't think its as memorable as Totoro or Laputa.

Bottom line: Its a very great Ghibli anime, I really recommend it all people to watch, but unfortunately I don't think this anime will be as memorable as other Ghiblis great anime.

Overall Rating: A-

[Anime Review] Tonari No Totoro

Tonari No Totoro (My Neighbor Totoro)

"There is no other children anime that is better than Tonari No Totoro" -bezoe

Two young girls, Mei and Satsuki, move into a new home that is close to the hospital that their mother is in. In their yard is an extremely large tree which is home to three Totoros, gods of the forest. Soon after, news from the hospital comes up that their mother can't come home as promised, so Mei (the younger daughter) runs away from home to visit her mom. Satsuki then needs to turn to Totoro for help in finding her sister.

I don't know how many times I've watch Totoro for the past 8 years (yeah I wish I know Totoro earlier like when I was still 6 years old) but this is the first time that I will going to review it. It is probably the most fun anime feature that I ever watch in my life.

If you a younger audience (like still around less than 15 right now), you will probably super exciting watching this anime. If you are older audience (like above 15), I will say it really depends on how you accepting the storyline, because its a very light story with no violence. Basically the whole anime we as an audience following the life of a family, especially their 2 daughters and their encounter with the Spirit of the Forest.

Animation was superb as what I expected from Ghibli, I really love the way they make the characteristic of Mei and Satsuki, it really feels like you are watching a real children that playing around and having fun, and full of curiosity.

Character designs was the most memorable one of all Ghibli movie. Totoro design was very adorable and very er.. fluffy? =D. Its like a character that you won't ever forget even after 50 years later. for other character such as Satsuki, Mei and their father, Its not as strong as Totoro, but is still pretty good.

Background illustration was unbelievably very good. The illustration of the forest and Shrine was very good. I noticed one thing also that the illustration of the bamboo forest was also very awesome ( I was try to painting a bamboo forest right now and its still not as good as Ghibli's... Doh~~). And just a reminder, this anime was released on 1988, but it still looks very good even now.

Music is beyond superb, Joe Hisaishi made the music for Totoro. I will say probably this is his best work, and I really love the opening music and the ending ost. The background music during the movie was also memorable even though you only listen to it once. Joe Hisaishi you the man!

Bottom line: This is Hayao Miyazaki's most famous work in my opinion and also one of my all time favorite. Want to know how much I love Totoro? I will show you down below after the rating :)

Overall Rating: A

My car

[Music of the Week] Buono! - Gachinko de ikou!

Music of the Week
Buono! - Gachinko de ikou!

Yay! Buono! releasing their new PV~~

This one become one of my Buono!'s favorit song (out of 4 video only 1 don't like, I will upload the other one that I like next week, so it will tells which one that I don't like it too much)

Momoko very kawai in this video and Airi very cute =D
Uploaded by Higashimatsuyama.


note: It's 4th ending of Shugo Chara
Enjoy

[Anime Review] Laputa - Castle In The Sky

Laputa - Castle In The Sky

"After 22 years of the initial release, I still consider this is the best Ghibli movie and my all time Favorite" -bezoe

A girl named Sheeta falls out of the sky and lands in Pazu's arms. Soon after a gang of air pirates led by Dola, as well as a mysterious man named Muska, are on their tails. The chase leads them to a floating castle that once belonged to an ancient race of people.

This is probably the 20th time I watched this anime over the past 25 years of my life. The concept of the storyline was superb and its very unique. Its a very energetic piece of anime, because right on the beginning, we already in the middle of the story that lead into a chase between goverment and pirates. There was a very good robot scene here, when the robot try to protect Sheeta from the army.

Character design was very Ghibli style (not hot but cute type, and adorable). Pazu and Sheeta really have one of the best characteristics of all Ghibli anime. Dola (The pirate leader) was awesome, she is really funny when she try to manage her underlings. The robot design I think was very simple, but still very iconic.

Background design was probably one of the best of its era (80's) but even now when I rewatch it again, its still awesome (Remember, this is still the era when people coloring using traditional media - a.k.a no 3d or some fancy computer yet). The design of the Laputa also needs to be praise, especially the roots.

Animation was outstanding, its super smooth in some area, and very good quality in a busy scene. One of the scene that i really like is the train chase, I think the bridge colapsing was really awesome animation. The other one probably the town brawl scene + when they are escaping.

Soundtrack... Was mindblowing, Joe Hisaishi did it again. It was a very beautiful music, the whole movie won't be as great as it wasn't by Joe Hisaishi. The ending ost was probably one of the most beautiful piece I ever heard in my life. The 1st time I heard it I was around 6 years old and I still be able to remembered it when I rewatch it again after like 10 years.

Bottomline: This is my favorite anime of all Ghiblis (I haven't watch the latest Ghibli's anime yet though.. - Ponyo)

Overall Rating: A

[Music of the Week] Kotoko - Song For Eternity

Music of the Week
Kotoko Song For Eternity

Yay! Its time for another music of the week, this week is another Kotoko's song. Its called Song For Eternity. Its a very energy song and also pretty addicting. I came across the song like probably just last week or two when I was randomly listening to all of Kotoko's song. And this one caught my attention.
I found out also this song is an Ost for H-game called I-Doll. I've been trying to find the game but still no luck so far~
Anyway enjoy. The song uploaded by me

[Anime Review] Grave of the Fireflies

Grave of the Fireflies

"A masterpiece, and an anime that you defenately need to watch before you die" -bezoe

In the latter part of World War II, a boy and his sister, orphaned when their mother is killed in the firebombing of Tokyo, are left to survive on their own in what remains of civilian life in Japan. The plot follows this boy and his sister as they do their best to survive in the Japanese countryside, battling hunger, prejudice, and pride in their own quiet, personal battle.

This anime definitely will be the anime that everyone should see because it is a masterpiece. The story line will moved your heart and the main characters will captured your heart also. It is very saddened story of a survival of a boy and his sister during the war time.

The character of this anime was simply awesome and the animation was superb, especially the expression of the main characters (the brother and sister). The way they portray the saddeness on the character face, the pure innocent look and also the anger.

The graphic for late 80's (note: this anime release 1988) is still very good even you watch it nowdays, thats how serious the Ghibli studio in producing a high quality anime feature

Bottomline.. This is a must watch anime, and you better see it before you die =)

Overall Rating: A

[Anime Review] My Neighbors Yamada

My Neighbors Yamada

"Feels like watching a children book" -bezoe

My Neighbors the Yamadas uses a distinctive animation style to tell a series of vignettes about the title family. These vignettes vary from leaving the young girl behind at the mall to the father confronting a motorcycle gang for disturbing the peace. The "real" story is often interrupted by metaphorical interludes, featuring the husband and wife navigating the ship of their family through the sea of life to the father becoming a superhero to chase down the aforementioned delinquents. The film is a feel-good family drama that expresses various themes about living with fathers and mothers, husbands and wives, daughters and sons, and brothers and sisters. And sharp grandmas.

The style of this anime really surprised me. That is the first thing that came to my mind when I watch the anime. Even though the graphics are pretty loose and look very sketchy and unfinished, it actually a very interesting style. It really feels like watching a children book.

Story line is kinda like a lot of short daily activity in Yamada's family, so theres a bunch of short scene (think about like Doraemon but more random and short). But I will say that I love My Neighbors Yamada short story, its funny and also light.

Character designs looks like it can be done by anyone because of the simplicity, but it doesn't mean its bad, as a matter a fact I say its really good!, because of the simplicity, we as a viewer can enjoy the story more without a distraction of the graphic.

This is a must watch anime for those who love Ghibli and Slice of life type of anime.

Overall Rating: A--

[Music of the Week] Buono! - Honto No Jibun

Music of the Week
Buono! - Honto No Jibun

I found this group when I'm in the middle of searching all of the Hello! Project songs, and stumbled on Buono! and this music becomes instant favorite ^_^. First time heard this song was like 6 months ago and Buono! now is one of my favorite girls group (I love their latest MV also, I probably will put it for next week) plus~~ Momoko so kawai desu~ ^_^
youtube vid uploaded by teru0207

Enjoy

Note: Honto No Jibun also been used as an ED for Shugo Chara

[Anime Review] Only Yesteday

Only Yesteday

"A good slice of life type but more for mature audience" -bezoe

Taeko Okajima is a typical "office lady" in a big company in a big city. When she takes a sabbatical to the countryside in Yamagata Prefecture, the hometown of her brother-in-law, the journey recalled her memory of her 5th grade year. During her stay in Yamagata, she works hard and happily as a farmer and is surrounded by friendly relatives and villagers, bringing up more memories. Their hospitality makes her to reconsider her choice of life.

Its another "slice of life" type anime from Ghibli. The synopsis above actually is the whole story (well almost). A lot of flash back in this movie and actually that is the best part. I prefer the flashback than the current one. Can't say too much about the story, its not that is boring, but the story revolving around what we encountered daily, so you need to watch it in order to understand it.

Animation was great for 1991 anime, however I dislike the adult characters, especially the main character. Whenever she smile, she looks veryyyy old (its like 27 turn 38 instantly). The 5th grade one looks great.

Bottom line, I think this anime is targeted to a mature audience around 25+, younger audiance I think will bored to death. Watch this anime if you like the genre. I personally don't like it.

Overall rating : B--

[Anime Review] Ocean Waves - Umi ga Kikoeru

Ocean Waves - Umi ga Kikoeru

"Good anime, but boring" -bezoe

Ocean Waves is high school love story set in Kochi, Japan. Morisaku Taku and Matsuno Yutaka are best friends when a girl from Tokyo named Muto Rikako transfers to their school. Excluding herself from group activities, she’s eventually labeled a snob. Matsuno has a crush on Rikako, so it’s no surprise that he gets a little jealous when Morisaku and Rikako start spending more time together. The rumors around school get worse, but Morisaku still insists there is nothing between him and Rikako.

The storyline actually interesting, but I guess the execution of the anime that makes it boring. Too bad this is came from Ghibli studio that I though it always produce a superb anime. But then again, This anime is released for TV station I believe, so I don't think I can considered it to be as same level as movie. Oh btw, this anime released in 1993.

Character design looked very generic, the personality looks plain. Even the animation looks pretty standard, except for the near ending part which I think looks great. The voice acting pretty good and the background drawing was pretty.

Bottom line: Its ok to pass on this one, you won't miss a thing.

Overall rating: C++

[Anime Review] Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind

Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind

"An anime that will blew everyone minds away" -bezoe

In the post-apocalyptic future, large parts of the world have been swallowed up by forests of poisonous fungi. The remaining humans live near the fungus and its monstrous insectoid inhabitants, trying to prevent its spread. One of the human kingdoms, the peaceful Valley of Wind, loves its gentle Princess Nausicaä and her father the king, but their peace is about to be broken, as they are swallowed up in the machinations of their larger, warmongering neighbours. However, Nausicaä has hidden potential, and may yet change the fate of the world.

It's hard to believe that today is the first time I've watched Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind (after 24 years the movie released and I'm a Miyazaki's fan.. lol) I will say, I miss one of the greatest Miyazaki's movie of all time by not watching this one even though I got the DVD sitting on my shelve for like 5 years haha)

Anyway, Nausicaa really an anime that very exciting to watch and enjoy. Even though its a fantasy setting, but it really makes me feel like the world is real. The design of the environment was amazing, the creatures design are also marvelous.

Storyline actually pretty serious, its about war of the neighbouring country that race againts each other in order to obtain ultimate weapon, and unfortunately for the Valley of the Wind, they get involved in the war that they not interested to take part on. Story progress to a very interesting way in later on because of how the Princess from the Valley of the Wind deal with the matters.

Characters design, it's Miyazaki's style, as in other of his animes, its really classic looking but yet very warm and comfort to look at it. Even the hideous monster looks... cute... haha
Can't argue with the animation quality of this anime, its superb!
The roll of music in this anime really makes the anime even better, Kudos to Joe Hisaishi

Bottom line this is a must watch anime, and I really regret to wait for almost 20 years later to enjoy this anime... This one will blew everyone minds away

Overall Rating: A

[Anime Review] Lupin III : The Castle of Cagliostro

Lupin III : The Castle of Cagliostro

"A Robin Hood with Miyazaki's style" -bezoe

After a successful robbery leaves famed theif Lupin III and his partner Jigen with nothing but a large amount of fake money, the so called "Goat Bills", he decides to track down the counterfeiter responsible - and steal any other treasures he may find in the Castle of Cagliostro, including the 'damsel in distress' he finds imprisoned there. However, as usual, Inspector Zenigata is hot on his trail.

Tracking the legendary counterfeits known as "Goat Bills," international thief Arsene Lupin III arrives at the Duchy of Cagliostro. Once there, he nearly rescues a damsel in distress from the Regent's guards. Following his failure, Lupin takes it upon himself to save her from captivity.

Its very hard to describe how good this anime is. Because its perfect in every aspect in my opinion. Hayao Miyazaki did a very great job in bringing this anime into a masterpiece.

Story line was superb and funny, the animation, expression, comedy, characters, all are top notch. Small reminder this anime was released in 1979.

Even though the animation feels a bit choppy on some area but its still a very high quality. The comedy was very Ghibli style... wait did I say Ghibli? I mean Miyazaki's style (cause this movie was pre-Ghibli era).

Character design were simple but yet very appealing to watch, girls are cute but not sexy (as always in most Miyazaki's movie).

Bottomline... watch this movie, no matter what genre you like! This is a must have movie! Even though its almost 30 years old, but its still superb!

Overall Rating: A

[Music of the Week] Ievan Polkka Miku Hatsune

Music of the Week
Ievan Polkka Miku Hatsune

This is probably one of my all time favorite music, its so hipnotizing! @_@
If you already heard this music then enjoy =D
If you never heard of this music... then try to listen it 2-3 times... I bet you will love it to dead
uploaded on youtube by Yomibitoshirazu

anyway~~ Enjoy~~~

[Anime Review] Whisper of the Heart

Whisper of the Heart

"A fantastic anime that will make you smile for the entire movie" -bezoe

Mimi wo Sumaseba (Whisper of the Heart), which literally means If You Listen Closely, tells the story of Shizuku, a junior-high school student who is struggling to find out who she is. The movie takes you on a journey through her imagination and daily life as she makes decisions that will ultimately decide her future.

This anime is perfect for a people who enjoy an anime that fits into "slice of life" genre. The story is very light and enjoyable, plus the main character (Shizuku) was a very energic character so its really fun to watch her. Her determination was awesome, and probably even we can use it as a role in our life.

The animation and lighting plus character was very good- keep in mind this is a 1995 movie~. The songs was very catchy... well its also because its play tons of time during the movie (Country Road), but fortunately its good.
Too bad this is the first and last directing for late Yoshifumi Kondō. (if you want to find out more about him, use wiki) RIP Mr.Kondō.

Note : There was a small "easter egg" that connect this movie and The Cat Returns that I reviewed yesterday. If you watch both movie then I bet you know what I'm refering to.

Bottomline, watch it!, but beware for those you guys who only enjoy action based anime, you will find this anime very boring.


Overall Rating: A--