Anime Reviews

By Sadhika
Anime Reviews

Good Night World

Good Night World Poster

My Rating: 7 of 10 stars. I happened to see this particular series about a day or so after it began streaming on Netflix, and it had quite low ratings at the time. Some things are overexplained, and it gets annoying at times. Some parts of it are really underappreciated. For instance, the complex family dynamics of a dysfunctional family, the tussle for competence between father and son, the resentment Taichiro has towards not only his father, but towards life itself, and the complex interplay between reality and virtual existence. One good thing about the series is that you’re either into it from the first episode onwards, or not. My favourite scene is the one in which May talks about planting flowers, because it provokes thought on the idea that people act like human beings more than players even in a video game, and the simultaneous avoidance and pursuit of realism. It makes you think: Choosing to plant digital flowers in a simulated garden - is there beauty in the idea of imbuing a virtual realm with human-like qualities to emulate reality, or does it speak volumes about a looming dystopia that sacrifices the inherent beauty of the tangible world?

The Legend of Korra

The Legend of Korra Poster

My Rating: 7.5 of 10 stars. As a sequel to Avatar: The Last Airbender, the series does reasonably okay. Animation is noticeably better than its prequel (owing to better technology at the time it was made), but the plot development could have been better. The series does manage to retain some of its charming archetypal elements however, giving insight into the origin of the Avatar, the opposing forces of Chaos and Light, and the confluence of the physical and spiritual worlds. Character development is definitely not as good as the Avatar series, and the lightheartedness of the prequel is also largely absent. The series is set in the backdrop of a modernised world, and the hero does not go on a journey in this series, which limits the context substantially. As a stand alone series, it would have been rated higher, but as a sequel to Avatar, it defies expectations of the average viewer to whom the original series is beloved.

Attack on Titan

Attack on Titan Poster

My Rating: 9 of 10 stars. One of the greatest anime in the adventure genre. If you have never watched any anime before, start with this one: it does pretty good at representing the anime kingdom and is sure to get you hooked. A good 'hero on a journey to save the world' narrative is too archetypal to ever go out of style. The plot is mostly unpredictable, and the characters are well-rounded. The dialogue is incredibly profound at several occasions, and the series explores various intricacies of human nature, such as cruelty, betrayal, revenge, resentment, morality, friendship and sacrifice, amidst the backdrop of an overarching socio-political commentary.

Death Note

Death Note Poster

My Rating: 8 of 10 stars. A classic series in the mystery-crime genre. A short one too (37 episodes), so ideal if you are looking for a quick binge. Human dispensability, morality and cruelty are some of the themes touched upon. A young, idealistic hero transforms into a villain with a god-complex and a delusion that his actions arise from a moral high ground. The inner conflict makes him a very modern hero, and the plot often takes an unpredictable twist or turn, which makes the series a very gripping one to watch.

Avatar: The Last Airbender

Avatar: The Last Airbender Poster

My Rating: 8.5 of 10 stars. A greatly nuanced tv series with a hero-journey narrative, originally targeted at a younger audience, but appeals to adults alike. This show does not underestimate the intelligence of its audience in grasping some of the most profound themes it aims to provoke thought on: humanity, responsibility, brotherhood, transformation, failure, attachment and ambition. The story has many archetypal elements like the hero refusing the first call to adventure, a wise old man who acts as a mentor and the villain's transformation. That being said, the series does not take itself too seriously, and there is much light-hearted humour and playfulness that is preserved even when the main characters carry the weight of the world on their shoulders. The hero's journey is twofold; besides a physical journey, he is also called upon to make an inward, spiritual one that enables him to contact the spirit of his ancestors (another classic archetype) to get clarity on what is to be done. Highly recommended for parents who are looking for engaging content to show their children.

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