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Legend of the Galactic Heroes
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Animation - 7.6 |
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Sound - 8.4 |
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Story - 9.7 |
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Character - 9.6 |
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Value - 9.4 |
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Enjoyment - 9.4 |
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Average - 9.0 |
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Luther |
(2009-07-09 17:23:31) 2009-07-09 16:58:58 |
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| Average |
8.7 |
| Animation |
7 |
| Sound |
8 |
| Story |
9 |
| Character |
9 |
| Value |
9 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
| The Legend of the Galactic Heroes, the best show nobody has ever seen, is undoubtedly one of the anime industry's most ambitious projects ever manifested. LOGH deserves all of its well-garnered praise and moreso. Plain overused words such as "epic" could only describe so much as to how this series achieves its overall goal.
As much as how I love LOGH now, it was not the same when I first started the adventure. The first few episodes dull me and I was left with a huge question mark to what exactly was going on at the time. It was not until the middle until the charm of the show grasp me and I was fully hooked. One could say it is an addiction.
The series is based off the novels of Yoshiki Tonaka. It is a space opera set in our galaxy with two sides at odds with one another, the Absolutist Galactic Empire and the Democratic Free Planets Alliance with each side having a brilliant commander in their ranks. The ambitious, golden-haired Reinard von Lohengramm of the Empire seeks power to reform the corrupt aristocracy while the laid-back Yang-wen Li of the Alliance hopes for a swift end to the conflict in order to fulfill his dreams as a historian. With them comes the support of their subordinates each with their own views, attitudes and motivations.
While LOGH boasts a strong narrative and cast, it won't win any awards for best animation any time soon. Lackluster backgrounds and static scenes scatter are frequent which is justifiable. Even when it began its run as an OVA, the series had a total of 110 episodes so I was not expecting a Miyazaki film for each one. No, even for Japan's economic bubble at the time, that was out of the question. The appearances of the characters stray from the doe-eyed moe look that is prevalent of modern anime. Instead, it opted for a conservative, practical look to the point that you were watching a Western-produced show. In a way, it's anime without carrying any of its trademark archetypes.
Besides the opening and ending sequences, no original music was used in LOGH. As a substitute, the show applies classical music from the minds of Tchaikovsky, Dvorak, Mozart, Bach and others featured prominently during the space fleet battles. The Engrish-y opening themes are a hit-or-miss. "Skies of Love" and the "Sea of Stars" were the best in my opinion, but the fourth opening, "Must be Something" has its charm, even if it had the worst case of the Engrish. The ending sequences, however, were better throughout, all thanks to Japanese artist Kei Ogura. His songs carries a melancholic tone, but at the same time gives messages of hope for a better day. A best example would be the third opening, "Kansou no Uta." After listening to this song, I became an immediate fan of Ogura whilst shedding a bit of a tear in the process. He may be too old fashioned, but listen to his songs and see for yourself why it captures LOGH's true message in a nutshell. The voice acting was also done very well aside from the few hiccups in the English and German. A number of Japan's famed voice actors, including the great Wakamoto Norio, provide the vocals to the abundant cast. It made me wonder if the animation itself was sacrificed to employ the huge amount of seiyuus present in LOGH.
The Legend's greatest accomplishment, its story is second to none. The plot progression is very streamlined, with very few inconsistencies. Plot points that were addressed in the earlier season is seamlessly connected to the subsequent ones. As a supplement, the narration provides information and backstory as to how the events led to the other. If there is to be a fault to be addressed it could be that LOGH drags at certain points. Two or three episodes would be dedicated as a rising point towards the climax. For example, preparations for a huge battle. Of course, it is to be expected of a television series with a novel development. The narrator could also be overbearing particularly when a lot of exposition is given. I had to repeat the video to fully grasp what was going on. It is also very dialogue-heavy in which it touches politics and military tactics. There's also some action involved and wow it can get incredibly gory. Blood splatters freely during LOGH's course to portray war's realism in a way. So do not jump to conclusion that LOGH is just one whole talk fest. For the history buff and military aficionado, this is a dream come true, but there's also a lot of well developed drama to entice fans of space operas.
Which leads us to the characters. I am still in amazement as to how the staff provided the time for fleshed out, three dimensional characterization to even that one random soldier you will never see again. Even during its time, most anime struggle to even deliver full character developments to secondary or tertiary cast. At least, in the caliber that gives the viewer satisfactory closure. Almost everyone in LOGH is a parallel to the real world with real world attitudes and views towards war, democracy and autocracy. There is no black and white which makes it all the more tragic. Without the war, these people may have coexisted as friends, but that is not to be. Because of this, I was not rooting for any particular side. Actually, I was hoping for a good end for most of them, but you will find out once you see the show.
Besides the 110 episode main series, LOGH also contains a gaiden series and three movie prequels that further flesh out the cast. For the viewer who has not had his fill of the LOGH quenched yet, these are nice treats.
As most of the people here and others who have seen LOGH, it is a tough sell. Being made in the late 80's-early 90's, heavy dialogue with no fanservice whatsoever, an American license is a big pie in the sky. The only legitimate way to own this exceptional series is to go out of your way and purchase the R2 boxset that its company has as mail-order. I do not know the exact price, but it was discouragingly expensive. However, I still urge everyone who enjoyed LOGH to give their full support so that this series does not end up with the void of trasy 80's OVA's. Recommending this to everyone is also very difficult. Trying to convince the average anime fan to watch this is going to take a lot of patience and interest on his part. With the fanbase becoming younger, the odds of these kids giving something like LOGH a chance is exceedingly low honestly. Well, maybe if it got coated up with lots of yaoi subtext or fanservice then maybe, but that is besides the point. Basically, it is an acquired taste.
LOGH sets the bar for the anime industry and it certainly backs the claim that animation is not just for juveniles and overgrown man-children. Spread the word. It deserves its place among the likes of such anime greats such as Studio Ghibli's Films. The Legend clearly sparked a revival to my reason why I love Japanese animation, because of its engrossing storylines.
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0 of 0 people found this review helpful.
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| Average |
9.0 |
| Animation |
8 |
| Sound |
8 |
| Story |
9 |
| Character |
9 |
| Value |
10 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
| It maybe a long series but there is only minimal fillers. All episodes are very in dept with abundance of information and character development. It focuses on character interaction and relationships instead of action packed scenes. There are no cutesy characters or mascots or even big gundam or space robots. It's not about visuals but information and plot. It's about the struggle of two political views dynastic monarchy which are the galactic empire and the a nominal democracy which are the Free Planets Alliance. The question that is asked through out the series is which government is more right "democratic government that is corrupted but voted by the people or monarchy government is equitable ruler who's goal is to unified the universe.
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| Average |
7.5 |
| Animation |
5 |
| Sound |
8 |
| Story |
9 |
| Character |
8 |
| Value |
7 |
| Enjoyment |
8 |
| Note: This review is based on Central Anime fansubs, which are surprisingly good considering the age of this anime. Quality is plausible, while the translation is pretty good.
Quote:
"If we have to bring down a virtuous ruler to preserve the institution of democracy, democracy itself becomes the enemy of good governance. We have no choice but to laugh at such paradox."
Based on a novel written by Tanaka Yoshiki and directed by Ishigoro Noboro (Astro Boy TV2) Legend of Galactic Heroes is an awesome space opera, an undying classic which not only helped anime genre to go as far as it did, but is interesting and engrossing enough to overshadow many anime which came, or will come after it. It is a massive historic record of the life of Reinhard von Lohengramm, a man of unrivaled talent, enormous pride and invincible will. A man who sets out to conquer, to get his hands on the whole galaxy known to humanity. It is a tale about politics, about vigorous clashing of absolutism, democracy and religious sects. It is a tale about the foolishness of humanity which, even after thousands of years, still wage wars for the very same reasons, repeating the never ending circle. Rich both in strategy and political dogmas, Legend of Galactic Heroes is a must-watch for everyone daring to call himself an anime fan.
Though officially labeled for 13+ audience Legend of Galactic Heroes is a classic which is best watched by a more mature 17+ audience. I mean, what kind of insight in politics and Machiavellian stuff can you have when you are 13? Anyway, not only it is a classic, it is a great anime by itself. Many emotional, many engrossing moments await you in this show. Even after 20 years there haven't been a show which could mimic Legend of Galactic Heroes. So if you like space operas, you fancy megalomania, are interested in politics or like strategy, darn, give this great show a shot and you wont be disappointed. Seriously, there haven't been a show like Legend of Galactic Heroes yet, but is I were to say, I think Death Note and Code Geass are the relatively new shows which resemble this anime the best.
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0 of 0 people found this review helpful.
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| Average |
9.2 |
| Animation |
6 |
| Sound |
9 |
| Story |
10 |
| Character |
10 |
| Value |
10 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
| There will not be for a long time, an epic in both scope, character, story, philosophy, Human existence, for at least a decade until I get around to writing one :). Glorious, truly LEGENDARY. There are so many insights presented in this narrative masterpiece that I don't know where to begin. There are so many memorable characters, so many intriguing questions... Yes there are things that could be improved, yes even in the storyline, but I can only say this after being presented with the bones and nervous system, heart, and brains of an epic. Truth about human nature is revealed - to grasp for what is out of our reach and the ethereal, this was written by a individual who understands genius, and the trends - nuances of human history. A tale of a conqurer and his reactionaries.
The emptiness resulting at the end is the very incarnation of death, a realization of the weakness and paradoxical nature of human life. After all the Kaiser leaves to conquer Valhalla, Mittermeyer wants to follow but trips, an almost biblical analogy. Indeed we are a people foolish and ruled by relativity, time and, sentimentality. Olberstein is the only character who defeated this, sentimentality that is.
Even the glimmer seen in the eyes of a dying man is described, the change, subtle, but awe inspiring.
I'm pouring water from my eyes as I write this, having personally experience the above more times than I can take. But I am just one month younger than Julian as I write this.
In a few years maybe I'll watch it again, and ponder each question thoroughly.
This is a novel visually animated.
Sig Kaiser Reinhard
Viva Democracy
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static |
(2008-10-07 18:31:37) 2008-10-07 18:27:35 |
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| Average |
8.8 |
| Animation |
7 |
| Sound |
8 |
| Story |
10 |
| Character |
10 |
| Value |
9 |
| Enjoyment |
9 |
| Legend of the Gactic Heroes is, to be summed up in a single word: grand! It sets out to depict a galaxy divided by warfare in great detail and not only manages to pull this off, but also manages to keep the story interesting right up until the end.
During my time I've watched several space operas, such as Crest of the Stars, and like it this anime manages to keep you wanting just one - more - episode before going to bed late at night, and since the series spans over 110 of them, its alot of hours.
As has been mentioned, and as you've probably noticed in the description, this anime is very old by todays standard, and the graphics are definitely not up to par with what we would expect, or be used to. Looking past this, however, you'll find a jewel of an anime that you really should give a try if you like space opera.
oh yes, before i forget...
This is by no means a kiddy anime; strictly adults only!
While the wars in space are glorified a bit, the show doesnt hesitate to depict rather impressive amounts of blood and guts.
(Its really hesitant to depict acts of human affection, though. Cutting a man in two, with blood and gore splattering all over the place is alright, but showing a nipple is not? *sigh*)
Also, If you're going to watch the fansubs of this show, dont bother with anything other than Central Anime's releases, as the translation in the others that i found were absolutely horrible.
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1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
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| Average |
9.7 |
| Animation |
8 |
| Sound |
10 |
| Story |
10 |
| Character |
10 |
| Value |
10 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
| Heiliger Strohsack, ich muss sagen ich bin immer noch völlig baff nach dem ich auch die letzte der gesamten 110 Episoden dieses Animes gesehen habe. Legend of the Galactic Heroes ist wohl der mit Abstand kompletteste, beeindruckendste und komplexeste Anime den ich in meinen ganzen 10 Jahren als Anime-Fan bisher gesehen habe! LoGH erzählt nicht einfach nur eine Geschichte, hier wird Geschichte GESCHRIEBEN! Es ist in jeglicher Hinsicht verblüffend mit welchem Detailreichtum und Realismus diese Serie in ihrer Erzählweise und Struktur aufwartet und wie sie dem Zuschauer eine Story erzählt die mit jeder einzelnen Episode die hinzu kommt Ausmaße von epischer Natur annimmt. Es steckt so unglaublich viel drin in diesem Anime, dass es fast das Fassungsvermögen übersteigt. Es geht um die vielfältigen Facetten des Krieges, der Politik und des Menschen, die damit verbundenen Konflikte, Ideale und Denkweisen der Beteiligten und und und… Das alles findet vor einer Science-Fiction-Kulisse statt und verspinnt sich im Laufe der Handlung zusammen mit epischen Raumschiffschlachten, menschlichen Abgründen, Ambitionen und Weltsichten, zu einem Netzwerk das in seiner Komplexität seines gleichen Sucht. LoGH ist keine dieser herkömmlichen Space Operas, sondern viel mehr ein Roman der die Aufschrift „Der Krieg und der Mensch“ trägt, zusammen mit etlichen kleinen Untertiteln. Und wie diese Serie anhand ihrer Charaktere, deren Handlungen und deren Konflikte miteinander, so viele traurige Wahrheiten über die menschliche Natur offenbart ist so schrecklich genial und stellenweise sogar so bedrückend das man sich schon fast anfängt zu schämen Mensch zu sein. Aber auch wie nahe einem hier die strategische Kriegsführung gebracht wird und wie die sich daraus offenbarenden Taktiken in riesigen Raumschiffschlachten zum Einsatz kommen, ist hochinteressant und spannender als Wildschweinjagd. Man wird in diesem Anime keine riesigen Super-Mecharoboter finden die mit einem riesigen „Supermegalaserbeam“ eine ganze Schlacht entscheiden, hier läuft alles realistisch vom Stapel und die Gefechte verlaufen mit dem Gebrauch von Kriegstaktiken wie Auszehrung und Zermürbung der feindlichen Flotte oder durch das setzen von kleinen aber essenziellen Nadelstichen die der jeweiligen Partei zum Sieg verhelfen sollen. Und auch hier spielen die völlig unterschiedlichen Persönlichkeiten und Charaktereigenschaften der Figuren eine tragende Rolle. Die unzähligen Flottenadmiräle haben alle ihre eigene Art anzugreifen, zu verteidigen und ihre individuelle Vorstellung von Taktik und strategischer Kriegsführung. Meine Güte, wenn ich noch mal darüber nachdenke sind sogar die Gefechte schon fast so vielschichtig wie der ganze Rest, einfach unglaublich!!! Und wenn ich von vielschichtig rede, dann meine ich selbstverständlich auch den politischen Aspekt der Geschichte. Ich persönlich habe mit Politik zwar nicht viel am Hut und das Thema langweilt mich eigentlich zu Tode aber die Einblicke die LoGH dem Zuschauer hier in verschiedene Regierungsformen gibt, haben mich dennoch fasziniert. Hier prallen Demokratie, Autokratie, Diktatur und Monarchie aufeinander und es entbrennen immer wieder heiße Diskussionen um deren Vor- und Nachteile. „Macht der Mensch die Politik, oder macht die Politik den Menschen?“ Eine Frage die man sich ständig stellen muss, vor allem angesichts der unterschiedlichen Ambitionen gewisser Politiker unter denen Machtgier und Eigennutz in der Serie leider genau so groß geschrieben wird wie „volksdienlich zu handeln“! Dank den vielen politischen Konflikten darf man sogar den Fall einer ganzen Dynastie miterleben und später den Kampf David gegen Goliath verfolgen, wenn nur noch ein schwindend geringer Teil der galaktischen Bevölkerung die Werte der Demokratie gegen die autokratische Übermacht verteidigt. WOW, ich muss es einfach noch einmal sagen: EPISCH!!! Und die Charaktere…Mann, Mann, Mann dazu sage ich nur soviel: Ihr denkt Light Yagami aus „Death Note“ wäre durchtrieben? Ihr denkt Lelouch aus „Code Geass“ wäre ein genialer Kriegsstratege? LÄCHERLICH! In LoGH gibt es von der Sorte mehr als man zählen kann und gegen die sehen die zwei aus wie naive kleine Schulbankdrücker! Man kann es aus meiner Begeisterung sicher schon erahnen. Ich feier Legend of the Galactic Heroes so krass, das ist schon fast nicht mehr normal! Dieser Anime ist nicht mehr und nicht weniger als ein Meisterwerk und in Sachen Tiefe, Substanz und Anspruch gibt es nicht einen einzigen anderen Anime der LoGH auch nur ANNÄHREND das Wasser reichen kann! Eigentlich müsste ich die Wertungen alle anderen Animes die ich als Meisterwerke bewertet habe um mindestens 20 % senken, denn im Vergleich mit diesem faszinierenden, epischen Werk stinken sie ja mal so was von hoffnungslos ab! Ich empfehle diesen Anime…NICHT jedem! Ja richtig gehört, denn Legend of the Galactic Heroes ist absolut nicht massentauglich! Wenn ich 100 Leute nehmen würde und diese 100 Leute vor ein paar Episoden von LoGH setzen würde, würden mindestens 80 schon nach den ersten 3 Episoden aufstehen und laut gähnend den Saal verlassen. Die restlichen 20 wären wohl zum Großteil erwachsene Menschen die bereits eine gewisse geistige Reife besitzen, denn diese muss man einfach mitbringen um an dieser Serie Spaß zu haben! Jeder auf den das nicht zutrifft sollte noch ein paar Jährchen warten, bevor er sich an LoGH rantraut, ich meine es nur um Guten! Wer sich davon nicht angesprochen fühlt, dem kann ich nur gratulieren und viel Spaß beim Genuss dieses epischen Meisterwerks wünschen!
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3 of 3 people found this review helpful.
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petran79 |
(2008-01-16 08:57:05) 2007-07-13 01:24:36 |
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| Average |
8.3 |
| Animation |
7 |
| Sound |
7 |
| Story |
10 |
| Character |
10 |
| Value |
8 |
| Enjoyment |
8 |
| The series not many viewers know and even less are willing to watch due to its length. But no matter how much time you spent, it is certainly worth.
I watched the main season (110 episodes). As for the rest of the episodes, maybe another time.
This series due to the number of episodes, is better than many novel based series like Crest/Banner of the Stars, Irresponsible Captain Tylor or 12 Kingdoms.
Considering the political/military theme, it even outperforms Zipang. Had Zipang lasted over 100 episodes, maybe it could be as good as LOTGH.
But many 13 episode arcs of those series are better than the last season (ep 85-110) of LOTGH. So fans of those series should give LOTGH definitely a look.
Considering the story, I think this is one of the best anime has to offer. It feels close to reading a novel. All the various details of the novel, from character names to settings and dates, are accurately represented.
My only complaint was that in the beginning the episodes concerning the Free Planets were much more interesting than those concerning the Empire.
The last season was not very interesting either. The space battles though were very interesting and intense. Strategies were easy to grasp and if you read any military history some basic tactics are interesting. Much better than many similar animes where nothing is explained at all about tactics.
The story focuses on the conflict between the Empire (a space version of the Habsburg Dynasty) and the Free Planets (a mix of European/American parlamentarianism). Now if you thought that these governments dont change their tactics or even their form of government, you're wrong. Democratic features appear in the Empire as often as authoritarian ones in the Free Planets.
Nothing remains static.
Characters are fully developed. Sometimes I felt that they're too overdeveloped. This kind of development would fit to a novel instead of a TV series.
But if you're interested in political theory, history and military history, this series is perfect.
On the other hand if you dont have the mental stamina for this, better spend your time in watching other popular series that span over 300 episodes.
And if you thought series like Infinite Ryvus are good then you might reconsider.
Lets not talk about series like "Outlaw Star".
Or even better:consider that the time you spend watching LOTGH you could as well have used to read a book like "War and Peace".
Probably the best and most serious animated space opera series. For me though it comes second after the French "Once upon a time in space".
A series for adults. And considering kids dont read history books nowadays, I wouldnt mind if this was broadcasted in the childrens cartoons schedule, so that they could learn one or two things
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Azmodeus |
(2006-05-29 17:10:05) 2006-05-29 17:05:17 |
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| Average |
9.5 |
| Animation |
8 |
| Sound |
9 |
| Story |
10 |
| Character |
10 |
| Value |
10 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
| Watching series' like this, makes most anime crumble in comparison to a masterpiece like this one. It's an epic story of war between two factions (Alliance and Empire), internal and external politics and how it affects people who are a part of the war in a way or another.
LOGH spans for 110 episodes and without doubt, this is one of the series which need this kind of huge proportions. I had to watch this throughout myself as well, just to make sure I ain't giving false information how good the story is. It really IS that good, and the constintency of it is something that most anime today should look with awe. :)
Before you watch the series, be warned - it It's very dialog oriented, which personally I don't mind at all, since they ain't talking just any BS. Have to say this since there's so many of anime fans who want flashy action to happen all the time without any substance in it.
Then another note: This series is old. It will look somewhat weird since it's so old, in the beginning, but you'll get used to it. If you want some more eye candy, there's a remastered version of LOGH in sale but the original laserdisc version is the one the one that's being fansubbed (looks less appealing but this series aint all about the looks anyway).
Check out the full review for details.
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0 of 0 people found this review helpful.
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| Average |
9.0 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
7 |
| Story |
10 |
| Character |
10 |
| Value |
9 |
| Enjoyment |
9 |
| An unusually well done anime. I have to say this makes me miss the old days where everything was hand drawn. Too many shows now try to come off as smooth but just look awkward. In truth there is less you can get away with while using cg than just hand drawn animes. The story is fabulous and evenly paced despite the length. You'll see very little filler in this show. It reminds me of a Robert Jordon book and Gundam at the same time. Jordon because of the numerous characters that are fleshed out throughout the show and Gundam because in this show they try and make you like both sides. With a difference there is no single protagonist that tips the scale to a certain side. Their are two. One on each side. This makes for a feeling like "what the heck is the point to this war?" Which I'm sure was the intention of the author. (I beleave this was based off a book) Both sides have some redemeing qualities and a few not so good qualities. In fact I'd say they are both equally good/bad. I'll have to say my head is saying that the democratic side should win but my heart says long live the empire. At this point I'd go for the able monarch over the squabling polititians. I know in the long view this may not be the best idea but gah. I havn't seen the whole series of yet as you can probably tell and i wonder how they shall end this. I guess I still have about 80 or so episodes to fine out<sighs>. This anime would be for fans of Crest of the stars/banner of the stars or Gundam. I myself don't find the animation all that dated. It's extremely well done especially for the time but if your used to the glitz and glam of todays cg animes you might find it a bit different. This is where Anime came from though and it's not so dated that it can't be apreatiated.
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nerv_111 |
(2004-11-28 21:35:10) 2004-11-28 21:34:27 |
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| Average |
9.7 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
9 |
| Story |
10 |
| Character |
10 |
| Value |
10 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
| I obtained the first 18 or so episodes of this series from a friend some years ago. After watching the first 2 episodes I was hooked. Finally a series of epic proportions to rival history itself, and Legend of Galactic Heroes does just that, it presents us with an epic history of the future.
I purposefully waited to finish the entire 110 episode magnum opus that is LoGH before reviewing it, just so ensure that the series remains excellent throughout, and LoGH does just that. It keeps you interested from the first episode to the last. The characters, as many as there are, all have their depth and development, and you get attached to the main characters as the series progresses.
Now, this isn’t your standard anime sci-fi flick with fighting robots or anything of that sort. LoGH is very serious; it presents a grander view of warfare of entire fleets of ships. There are plenty of battles shown in the show, but the real action is behind the scenes in the politics.
If you enjoy epics, history, philosophy, military strategy, or political scheming this show is for you. If you are not interested in listening to a lot of dialogue and want nothing but action from your anime you may want to sit this one out.
Legend of Galactic Heroes easily ranks as the best anime ever in my book. I strongly recommend this to the viewer wanting something intellectually stimulating to watch. At 110 episodes for the main series, 2 movies, and 52 episodes of side stories, this series is sure to keep you busy for a long time, but it is well worth it.
The animation is a bit dated, but nonetheless it is good for its era and style. The soundtrack of the series employs many classical scores rather than having original compositions for the series, but this is far from a failing. With such a variety of classical music available nothing is left wanting in the sound department (except for the awful Free Planets Alliance anthem, but I can forgive that).
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0 of 0 people found this review helpful.
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| Average |
9.2 |
| Animation |
7 |
| Sound |
8 |
| Story |
10 |
| Character |
10 |
| Value |
10 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
| Definitely not a series for everyone, unfortunately. Being based off of a series of novels and generally paced like those novels are, many may find themselves getting bored of some of the long dialogues are very little action. I read all the time, though, and feel that one of the problems that most adaptations of novels have is a lack of detail. Then again, direct translations of novel to some form of visual media such as anime would result in an exceedingly long series -- which LotGH certainly is. Because of its length, all the detail of the novels can be realized, something that novel readers like myself cannot help but enjoy.
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0 of 0 people found this review helpful.
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| Average |
9.7 |
| Animation |
8 |
| Sound |
10 |
| Story |
10 |
| Character |
10 |
| Value |
10 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
| A masterpiece.
Complex characters. Great story. Space opera supreme.
Among finer points - main characters can die, too. Don't expect many happy ends here...it is real war, real life.
Animation is fine, considering this was done before CGI era.
Music is ok, especially love the classical pieces during battles. Get a glass of vine or whatever you like, turn of the lights and enjoy...
Finally, a word of advice. This is a serious, complex production. There is little action and fewer humor. If u want to feed your brain, you will love LoGH. But if u want fast action and fan service - grow up :)
If u liked LoGH I recommend Babylon 5 tv series and David Weber Honorverse books - and vice versa.
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Myosec |
(2005-01-24 09:41:15) 2004-01-16 09:18:12 |
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| Average |
9.5 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
8 |
| Story |
10 |
| Character |
10 |
| Value |
10 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
| I've seen 30 episodes, and this is really one of the best animes I've seen. The plot is an outstanding blend of politics, character development and even action. The pacing is near perfect, which leaves the story with few weak points, if any. The classical music fits the show perfectly, however both of the opening themes so far have been quite poor.
I'd recommend this to anyone who enjoys sophisticated and realistically portrayed anime. It can get very violent at times though, so it's probably not for everyone.
This show is a bit like Berserk in space, with a focus on Griffith instead of Gatsu. Bad comparison... But I can't think of anything else.
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zc |
(2003-12-31 16:16:29) 2003-12-30 19:57:15 |
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| Average |
9.7 |
| Animation |
8 |
| Sound |
10 |
| Story |
10 |
| Character |
10 |
| Value |
10 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
| When I first watched this anime, I was a high school student (age of Julian). I became Poplan's age when I finished watching all the 110 episodes. When I bought the DVD, I was the same age as Yang Wenli. Unfortunately, I am not the higher living animal from the Shining Star, I exceeded 30 years old...
Legend of the Galactic Heroes (or Heldensagen vom Kosmosinsel) is really my wholelife favorite anime. The main story is the battle between despotic nation (Galactic Empire) and democratic nation (Free Planets Alliance). Through the battles, LoGH describes politics and the way of living of the heroes. There aren't absolute justice nor evil. Both camps have each justice, but they don't believe completely. (However, some dirty humanity people such as rotten aristocrats, religious terrorists and corrupt politicians are described as complete evils and are hated by all characters. This is a problem to the original author. Somewhat biased.)
The story begins with Reinhard von Lohengramm, Admiral of the Galactic Empire, whose sister have been confiscated as the emperor's mistress. He hates the Empire and wants to usurp the throne to free his sister and create better world. At the same time, Commodore Yang Wenli works as a heroic staff officer of Free Planets, although he hates the force and war, and he just wanted to be a historian. They face on the battle field 'Astate' then...
Since conversation occupies big weight, this anime is full of dialogues and narrations. The animation of battle scene is decent. You shall feel to read a space opera novel. Once you become to like characters, you will devote yourself to the story. Because this show treats a war, there are many deaths. I couldn't stop weeping from ep. 78. Though I watched this show dozens of times, I can still weep at some specific episodes.
If you like historical drama fictions, I definitely recommend this anime.
Furthermore, there are three movies and 50 episodes of side stories (gaiden). You should also check them out.
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| Average |
10.0 |
| Animation |
10 |
| Sound |
10 |
| Story |
10 |
| Character |
10 |
| Value |
10 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
| Based on the multi-volume novel of the same name, the Legend of the Galactic Heroes is a space war drama, and one of the few anime capable of faithfully bringing the characters from a novel in full motion.
The story revolves around two factions, the Empire and the Alliance, one being ruled by autocracy, the other by democracy. There are no good or bad guys in the novel or the anime, simply because in real-life politics, there will not be any 'bad guys' painted conviniently in black and white. This anime is very serious in its depiction of true life situations and politicial interchanges.
The Legend of the Galactic Heroes also serve as a bitter reminder of World War I. It is simply impossible to overlook elements of World War I (and/or II) history intertwined with this work. The Empire is essentially Prussia while the Alliance is simply the Allies of World War I. Why do I say this? Consider the character names, as the characters of the Empire all assume German/Central European names while the Alliance are more diverse in terms of characters and people. I believe this move on behalf of the author was deliberate, as it serve to remind us that reality is much harsher than it is displayed on widespread propangandas.
A real good work, despite old animation (this is an 1980s production, after all). Excellent plot, the use of war tactics, the depiction of political conspiracies and great character interaction. This is one of the few anime that truely stand amongst the rest.
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| Average |
9.2 |
| Animation |
8 |
| Sound |
10 |
| Story |
9 |
| Character |
9 |
| Value |
10 |
| Enjoyment |
9 |
| As a long time anime fan having watched numerous titles and genres of anime, I feel that Galactic Heroes stands out as one of the best. Be warned though, this anime is surely not for everybody.
It truly is a classic, not only in the anime domain, but also in masterful storytelling, characterisation and script. All these make up this "space opera". More than just a nomer, Galactic Heroes truly is an opera - scale of the story concerning human versus human conflict is grand, and the struggle of the main characters in dealing with their situations and their feelings of guilt, shame, and ambitions is realistically and dramatically portrayed in the fashion of "real" opera.
I rated the sound highly because of the music - that is, the makers of the series selected actual classical music pieces as BGM. In fact, almost all BGM pieces are classical works, especially from the Romantic Era. (With a not so subtle preference for Mahler detected!) Needless to say, the music also adds to the classical operatic atmosphere of the series.
The animation is superb as well. Too many people presently solely consider animation cell movement as "Animation", failing to neglect the artistic elements of the overall composition. I find it not possible to separate animation with overal artistic merit and direction, including character movements, camera shots, transitions, and cell and background details. Many of the latest anime may boast very smooth animation, but severely lack in other departments like detail. Galactic Heroes contains beautiful sceneries, convincing camera direction, and much more.
As one previous reviewer had put it, it is a "dialogue heavy" show that is not for those desiring a pop type of air, but for those desiring a deep story with "literary" value combined with splendid music.
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| Average |
7.7 |
| Animation |
5 |
| Sound |
5 |
| Story |
9 |
| Character |
9 |
| Value |
9 |
| Enjoyment |
9 |
| I have to say LOGH has to be my favorite old school anime. I can understand the complaints (and short attention spans) of the other reviewers, but this anime is pretty deep.
I especially like how they are keeping true (from what I can tell) to the novels that were written.
The story may seem slowly passed, and yes it is a dialog HEAVY show, but it rewards it viewers with a depth that has yet to be surpassed.
If one can find the fansubs, give this show a chance. It is truly one of the classics and easily surpasses most of the drivel which is produced today. Which is even more impressive was that this show was done through a subscription base. People ponied up the cash to get each season made before they started to animate. That's 110 OVA's people!
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| Average |
8.0 |
| Animation |
7 |
| Sound |
7 |
| Story |
9 |
| Character |
9 |
| Value |
8 |
| Enjoyment |
8 |
| I haven't seen all that much of this show (it's incredibly hard to find), but I've really liked what I've seen.
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