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Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou Quiet Country Cafe
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Animation - 8.5 |
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Sound - 8.5 |
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Story - 7.4 |
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Character - 7.9 |
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Value - 8.3 |
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Enjoyment - 8.5 |
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Average - 8.1 |
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petran79 |
(2007-01-11 08:02:30) 2007-01-11 08:01:17 |
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| Average |
7.0 |
| Animation |
0 |
| Sound |
0 |
| Story |
0 |
| Character |
0 |
| Value |
0 |
| Enjoyment |
7 |
| (Newlifeanime and Animeco fansubs)
While the first OVA focused on the manga's touching moments, the manga is a lot more than that and it features a unique sci-fi story told mainly through pictures and with minimum dialog. So reading the manga is a pre-requisite here, even more than the first OVA, or you will not grasp what that mysterious plane, the airplane pilot or Misago are.
The second OVA follows the first in pacing, this time with better animation and sound, closer resembling the manga and some not so calm moments. It covers the manga's aspects the first OVA hadnt time to do.
Since it is only 2 episodes long there's not much time for everything else except that magical atmosphere you'll feel while reading the manga.
A good introduction to the excellent manga. One of the animes the manga of which is a necessary read, since here we havent the typical battles, romances or angst as in other OVAs adapted from mangas or novels.
YKK anime and manga are unique and woth a look if you're tired of the same clicheed titles.
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CoachZ |
(2005-08-26 11:19:39) 2005-08-26 01:39:10 |
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| Average |
8.7 |
| Animation |
8 |
| Sound |
9 |
| Story |
9 |
| Character |
9 |
| Value |
8 |
| Enjoyment |
9 |
| It seems that the Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou series is something to be considered as the tranquil and abstracted tale of making it unique. I guess it does go over the line of creating the soothing atmosphere, the conceded characters and most of all the music from that ending theme that is portraying the memories of her life as she journeys to places that are unknown to her own imagination. This is quite better than first one, but there is a reason why it is done so well with some reasonable account for this story. As the first version was actually the previous storyline that could be slightly appreciated when watching the Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou Quiet Cafe beforehand. It doesn’t have less of the meaning on how and why Alpha has been told to only watch the cafe she holds it as her only responsibility. As after the storm in the second version, she does however, make a change in life by reaching to her find a new way of life in order to see what she can make some value of what happened, and meeting the new people later on. It’s a worthwhile watch, but only see it if you liked the first series.
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| Average |
7.3 |
| Animation |
8 |
| Sound |
7 |
| Story |
8 |
| Character |
7 |
| Value |
6 |
| Enjoyment |
8 |
| This one is a little bit better than the one in 1998. It got a bit of story on traveling show us the world around her and how the japan became after the XXX. I don't know what happen either, might have been a war or a flood or maybe a giant sunami. Whatever it is, the town sure took a lot of hit and almost everything sunk down under the sea/water.
Alpha finally moves her ass off the stpuid cafee. I think it a good think that storm came a destroy it, if not she would still be stuck in that run-down cafe drinking countless of coffee to fill her empthy memory bank. Anyway, as Alpha moves the story moves with her. Story flow nicely as some of chars interact or missed each other. At the end of ova 2 left us with mystery naked female humanroid. Too bad they didn't say any detail what or who's she. Oh, yea and if you watch the ending near the credit, Alpha said "Let's go back home" and it end nicely.
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Ridian |
(2005-04-27 14:26:59) 2005-02-13 01:12:30 |
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| Average |
6.7 |
| Animation |
5 |
| Sound |
7 |
| Story |
6 |
| Character |
7 |
| Value |
8 |
| Enjoyment |
7 |
| I tried really hard to find just the perfect time to watch Quiet Country Cafe, simply because just like the first one so much of it is reliant on mood. So I found a nice, quiet night where I had nothing to worry about and let myself dwell on this anime long and hard while I was watching it. There was nothing else to occupy my brain but Alpha's journey of self-exploration and discovery, and the catharsis resulting was all but perfect. However, there was something missing from this one that differentiated it from the first, and unfortunately I found it was for the worse. Still a great series, don't get me wrong, but the overall feel of it had changed rather radically.
Perhaps it was the animation. I don't like this anime's visuals at all. Its predecessor's animation, though dated, fit the homely and down-to-earth feel of the anime perfectly. This OVA looks fine holistically, but the computer coloring and brighter feel really clashes with the intent of the series. Though it may look better, it doesn't truly 'look better' than Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou.
The sound, however, has made a significant improvement since the first OVA. Much more ambient, it calls the ears to attention with much more command than the soundtrack of the first series. With mood-setting string pieces and a very nicely done chill-out ED, not to mention fine seiyuu performances (though Alpha tends towards strained), Quiet Country Cafe certainly does not disappoint in this department.
Though one may view this as just an augmentation of the first series, there is significant differences between the two. The first series had a very homely, earthen attitude towards it. Alpha stayed put and let life roll along, bringing whatever it may. And though the only thing that ever really happened to her was getting hit by lightning as she shopped for rakes, I appreciated this void of action and activity for all its softspoken charm. This series is definitely a little different in its approach. Here Alpha actually has a goal, an intent so to speak. Whereas in the first series all she did was tend to her cafe and take pictures, she's now trying to raise money to restore the ruins of her broken-down home...and to just explore the world around her in general.
That's not to say, of course, that this isn't relaxing. It's just relaxing in a different sort of way. The first series, however, was in my opinion better. I seriously began to miss Enoshima Island; I even remembered the name, despite its only being mentioned a few times. But I had strangely become entrenched in the beauty, simplicity and downright familiarity of the setting...and yanking Alpha right out of there to tend to other matters made me feel honestly a little uncomfortable. I liked the fact that Alpha had found her roots in that little island, and that she could settle down in such a nice place, and though the world she ventures into is just as gentle I still missed her homeland. The fact that the first series managed to elicit that kind of reaction in me made me appreciate it all the more, but in the end I honestly didn't like this series as much as the first.
There are still a lot of conventions about this anime that intrigue me, however. Towards the beginning of the second episode of this OVA, I began looking over characters for some sort of distinguishing characteristic that set them apart as robots. Eventually, however, I realized that since the characters within the anime didn't seem to really care, why should I? These robots are widely accepted as normal people with a few different functions. Even the robots themselves, though aware of their presence, refer to themselves as being 'born', not 'made'. That was possibly one of the most interesting parts of this OVA to me, at least. Perhaps it's explained in the manga, but I don't really care...it leaves me to wonder here and that's fine with me. And the robots don't seem to have some comprehensive knowledge of their own kind like most anime robots do, either. When Alpha meets a male robot, she comments that she didn't know male robots existed, and the guy she's talking to replies that he'd never seen another. Very charming, in a strange sort of sense.
I did enjoy Quiet Country Cafe a lot, though. It's still a pleasant little experience to have floating around in your brain right before you go to sleep, and it'll take your mind off of other stressful things. This is still the perfect kick-back tool, even though between it and its predecessor there's only 2 hours of it. Still, that's movie length...and plenty of people rewatch movies. =P
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| Average |
9.5 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
9 |
| Story |
10 |
| Character |
9 |
| Value |
10 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
| Since I already reviewed the first Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou (the 1998 OVA), I just want to add what I've already saw.
Although this is a sequel to the 1998 OVA, I still think the first one is a bit better than this one, while this OVA brings few new characters, it doesn't develop well since the OVA itself is very short in my opinion (2x30, combined with the previous one makeit 4x30, or 2 hours or a bit more).
and that's also the drawback of this movie, I wish they continue this one into series and it surely will become better.
btw, the music in this one is much better than the previous OVA.
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Pantha |
(2005-02-11 02:30:35) 2004-08-01 19:24:05 |
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| Average |
6.0 |
| Animation |
6 |
| Sound |
7 |
| Story |
5 |
| Character |
5 |
| Value |
6 |
| Enjoyment |
7 |
| Quiet Country Cafe can be best compared to a good massage- soothing, calm, and tranquil. It's a good watch for a slow, rainy day. Very little actually happens in this piece; in fact, I fell asleep while watching. But strange as it may be, I mean this in a good way.
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| Average |
6.8 |
| Animation |
8 |
| Sound |
10 |
| Story |
3 |
| Character |
3 |
| Value |
8 |
| Enjoyment |
9 |
| A nice mood specially set by the watter-color like scenarios and superb soundtrack and effects is the main spot of this OAV.
The plot is rather simple and there is a lot missing to make this a full-features animation, namely the characters are too plain, specially when compared with the ambience which is really well worked.
That is what gives an idea of quality both in estetics and mood, which bring back a lot from older anime (Akage no Anne, etc.) in a new style. And, of course, this is what made me enjoy this title and have the feeling of seeing something I was already acquaited with (characters and places) when I was just watching it for the first time without seeing any related work (namely the manga).
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0 of 0 people found this review helpful.
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| Average |
8.5 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
8 |
| Story |
9 |
| Character |
8 |
| Value |
8 |
| Enjoyment |
9 |
| I truly enjoyed this anime, it's so relaxing to wacthing something away from the usual deep plots, depressing stories out there (just finished Gunslinger Girl).
There is no action, no explotion, no one died. Just the everyday life of the main character. In fact I enjoyed both the OVAs so much that I went to get the mangga.
Note this anime is not everyone, specially those that craves for Ends of World type.
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Kori |
(2004-05-05 12:39:02) 2004-04-07 16:38:01 |
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| Average |
6.8 |
| Animation |
7 |
| Sound |
8 |
| Story |
6 |
| Character |
8 |
| Value |
6 |
| Enjoyment |
6 |
| I like the manga better though the anime is decent and enjoyable.
YKK gave me the impression of a "simple" animation. I know I shouldn't be saying this because I'm not good at drawing things but still... compared to other anime, it has a far way to go, in my opinion.
When it comes to the story, nothing much happens really so those who seeks for very good story should think before watching this one. It's very calm and even I yawned a few times. The characters are quite interesting though but I get the feeling of that in the anime, they assume that you know the basics from the manga and luckily I have read some of it so not much surprised me of anything at all but it may leave some questions in the mind of others' who haven't read the manga.
Still though, if you have any spare time, give YKK a try. =)
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Bullion |
(2004-02-21 14:35:45) 2004-02-21 11:46:55 |
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| Average |
9.3 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
9 |
| Story |
9 |
| Character |
9 |
| Value |
10 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
| This like its predecessor is nice relaxing anime that you can enjoy without stressing your thought process a lot. It would be nice if they actually decide to create a TV series out of the whole manga.
Of course there are a very few people out there who doesn't understand this piece and seem to think that only faggots would watch it. It seems ironic that sometimes their favorite show happens to be Hana Yori Dango. Truly a faggot magnet.
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Freddy C |
(2005-09-20 11:50:48) 2004-02-21 06:20:16 |
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| Average |
9.3 |
| Animation |
10 |
| Sound |
10 |
| Story |
7 |
| Character |
9 |
| Value |
10 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
| Keeping it real, just like its predecessor OVA, hence I gave it the same rating. This is yet another masterpiece, trust me, you wouldn’t have seen anything like the Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou.
Imagine a peaceful day, where all your trouble were gone and there’s not a thing in the world to upset you. You are in utopia. Cent with almost anything, you live your life peacefully, like an eternal sweet dream. That is a day in the life of Alpha, she inhibit a blissful environment that is second to none. In stored in this OVA, there’s a little more action as Alpha goes exploring. Which I really loved, Alpha is one of those characters I could watch all day, she is so interesting and refreshing, I have to give full credit to the creator.
Simplicity has never been so perfect, the lack of word never seemed so right, simple tasks like making a cup of coffee or riding a bike has never seemed so wonderful and jubilant. This anime allows you time to reflect on the beauty of this world, it lets you think about what you have that you took for granted and also gives you room for your imagination to roam free in an extremely convivial setting.
Best viewed when relaxed, this is veritably the most peaceful and enlightening anime you will see.
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Anjin-san |
(2004-01-21 15:23:01) 2004-01-14 06:57:26 |
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| Average |
7.7 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
8 |
| Story |
6 |
| Character |
7 |
| Value |
8 |
| Enjoyment |
8 |
| Not too much happens, and there is a story of sorts, but it's not really fleshed out. I haven't seen the 1998 edition, but it seems similar. Nonetheless, if you like animes that are different, and a little strange, this one is for you.
Reminds me of one of those things you'd expect to see at a film festival with strange movies.
I wish they'd explained a few more aspects though, like where Alpha originated from, the state of the world and a few other characters in the series. MappytheMouse's review back a few pages makes some good points.
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| Average |
8.7 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
9 |
| Story |
8 |
| Character |
9 |
| Value |
8 |
| Enjoyment |
9 |
| YKK is a series designed to be hated by people who have the intellectual development of a flea, who throw around insults to those who give it high scores because it somehow offends them that someone might like series like this one, where nothing happens furiously and with malice aforethought, because that is the way it wants to do things.
But then, most people would have a hard time with YKK, as it doesn't really set itself any great targets with which to reach.... It just is, even in its manga form. Things happen in Alpha's life, and whilst they might be somewhat important to Alpha, they really don't make much impact into anything like a story. Most of the story of YKK is happening around the edges, and rarely do those stories creep into our view. People who don't like YKK are probably wishing they would come crashing down on Alpha, literally....
In short, YKK is, and always will be, a chillout anime, designed for those who would rather just lie back and watch something almost perfectly designed to make you doze off.... And that, put simply, is not entirely out of the producers' minds.
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| Average |
9.2 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
9 |
| Story |
8 |
| Character |
9 |
| Value |
10 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
| Ah, how to describe this Anime...
Well, what it definitely isn't- action packed, thriller paced, or filled with plot twists. I guess you could say it's almost like the Anime a Sunday walk through a park with a close friend. So relaxing, and peaceful. Nothing big happens, yet you find yourself wishing more of the manga was made into anime, or that the manga was translated into English and distributed in the US.
It simply draws you in, though for no specific reason. I love it.
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| Average |
8.3 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
9 |
| Story |
7 |
| Character |
8 |
| Value |
9 |
| Enjoyment |
8 |
| There's a certain mood to this almost excellent OVA. If you like Hoshi no Koe (Voices of a distant star) you'll probably like this one too.
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rti9 |
(2003-09-21 08:55:45) 2003-06-06 21:55:52 |
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| Average |
8.0 |
| Animation |
8 |
| Sound |
7 |
| Story |
8 |
| Character |
9 |
| Value |
8 |
| Enjoyment |
8 |
| The second YKK OVA picks up from story 62 of the manga.
Usually it doesn't feel right when directors translate tales directly from the manga to the screens but this anime is an exception. The bucholic environment is displayed magnificiently through all the beautiful scenarios. I can't help myself but open a big smile while watching Alpha gently strolls through heaven. I mean... Yokohama.
It's marvelous how this unique tale brings forth an utopic desire for a trully better future. Yokohama Kaidaishi Kikou isn't presenting fantastic worlds that try to depict the human essence like Kino to Tabi and Angel's Egg. It's not foreseeing disturbing futures like Ghost in the Shell, Lain, and Animatrix. Nor is it a manifest for nature preservation like Arjuna, Blue Seed, and many Ghibli films. I believe this anime represents a yearning from part of the society that wishes to walk away from the voices of the masses. Maybe Alpha's life is a simple echo of hope. Not only from a few individuals, but from a collective consciousness inside each one of us.
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| Average |
9.4 |
| Animation |
10 |
| Sound |
10 |
| Story |
0 |
| Character |
8 |
| Value |
9 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
| Wow. It's not often a visual treat like YKK comes along and gives me a break from all the mecha/pantsu fare out there. I haven't read the manga yet, but if this animation is considered any bit *inferior* to the manga, then I think it's time for me to go manga-hunting.
It's interesting how the author portrays a post-disaster Japan, no pires of fire, homicidal cyborg killers or lawless biker gangs (ala Mad Max). Instead, it seems almost as if human society took a break from all its wars and conflicts and was living in peace and harmony. Though the water level of the world has apparently risen flooding alot of coastal areas (such as Yokohama), the remaining lands seem to be quietly inhabited by people carrying on with their livelihoods as usual. If apocalypse is THIS beautiful and serene, I sure wouldn't mind if it came today.
I followed Alpha-san's simple travels with ten times more enthusiasm than I did the war in Iraq. YKK's simplicity and soothing ambience is its strength and I sure as hell would recommend it to anyone who believes anime should be about more than just giant robots.
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| Average |
10.0 |
| Animation |
10 |
| Sound |
10 |
| Story |
10 |
| Character |
10 |
| Value |
10 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
| Then let me help bump it up!
Seriously though, Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou is slow-paced and plot-less but that is what it is known for. It's a stunningly beautiful work and a true definition of "art".
I actually saw the original OVA, the first two episodes, that were released a few years ago, and I was very impressed by the work. I did not read the manga until afterwards. I would recommend Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou to any intelligent and mature anime fan who isn't someone who depends on action or even romance. Maybe if you are an older adult, you will definately appreciate this series.
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| Average |
8.0 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
8 |
| Story |
7 |
| Character |
7 |
| Value |
9 |
| Enjoyment |
8 |
| Well...be sure to note the "Quiet" part of the title. It says all about this animation.
No plot, no drama line, just concatenated pictutes with no apparent relation with each other.
Like kentaro said, people will probably regret to watch it unless they really want to experiment something different.
My rate is only for the first OAV though (what i did see so far).
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| Average |
7.7 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
8 |
| Story |
7 |
| Character |
9 |
| Value |
6 |
| Enjoyment |
7 |
| Hmm, i wouldn't recommend this to anyone
who hasn't read the manga. Well, i myself like it as I'm kinda fond of the manga, although I don't think many people will like its story. People who watch it without any prior knowledge of the manga will probably regret it unless they really want to watch something different.
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