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Kaze no Yojimbo
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Animation - 6.9 |
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Sound - 7.8 |
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Story - 8.3 |
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Character - 8.4 |
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Value - 7.8 |
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Enjoyment - 8.4 |
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Average - 7.9 |
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| Average |
3.7 |
| Animation |
4 |
| Sound |
4 |
| Story |
3 |
| Character |
3 |
| Value |
4 |
| Enjoyment |
4 |
| You don't need to watch this unless you're desperate.
The set-up has potential, but there's no suspense, and suspense is supposed to be the point of this story (just watch A Fistful of Dollars for comparison). None of the characters is very interesting or believable. If the series had been crammed into 13 episodes, perhaps a faster pace would've improved the show. As it is, you're stuck with a boring protagonist in a grey town, as bits of back-story drip out slowly like water from a leaky faucet.
It's visually bland, except for some pointless visual gimmicks, notably suddenly making the scene black-n-white and static-y, and flashing a closeup over the image. I first saw this trick in Tokyo Underground, but at least that show had the excuse of being sci-fi.
A few exciting scenes are spoiled by the Japanese fetish for "cool" gangster moments. Particularly unrealistic was the scene where a helicopter is flown right down to the roof of a burning building.
Although the ending isn't actually frustrating, there's no satisfaction except for some relief that it's finally over, mixed with regret at wasted time and potential.
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Summoner |
(2007-05-21 06:42:37) 2007-05-21 06:01:50 |
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| Average |
4.2 |
| Animation |
4 |
| Sound |
4 |
| Story |
6 |
| Character |
3 |
| Value |
4 |
| Enjoyment |
4 |
| One night in the remote area of secluded town Kimujuku a wagonload full of gold weighing 15 tons had mysteriously disappeared without a trace. Now, 15 years after the incident a young man suddenly appears at Kimujuku asking questions about people who were connected to the accident. Who is this man? What are his inentions? Is he somehow connected to the disappearance of the gold?
Kaze no Yojimbo is a perfect example of a decent story told wrong. Not only the show tries to waste as much time as possible with a pretty easy to figure out and dull mystery, but it even throws in some nonesensical fillers to spoil the things up. This show could've easily been a 13 episodes length series, no, rather a 6 episodes OVA or a movie, what it originaly was, since the story is an adaptation of Akira Kurosawa's live action movie. I haven't seen the movie myself, nor I intend to, as I have little fascination with live action, but even without watching it, I'm pretty sure that movie is superior to its anime counterpart. Though I still highly doubt if it's really as good as a lot of A.Kurosawa's fans state. Either way, the particular show I'm reviewing now seems to be stuck somewhere between anime and live action movie style wise, sharing most of their shortcomings together.
It is really hard to recommend Kaze no Yojimbo, I really can't find a reason why somebody would enjoy this show, or at least call it above average. It's not really that bad, but it has absolutetly no good points either, you wont see or learn anything from this show what you haven't learned before.
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1 of 2 people found this review helpful.
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| Average |
7.2 |
| Animation |
7 |
| Sound |
7 |
| Story |
7 |
| Character |
8 |
| Value |
7 |
| Enjoyment |
7 |
| What can I say... A mystery anime. If you like that kind of anime you would like that. But I think it's for everyone. However this serie is nothing outstanding.
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0 of 0 people found this review helpful.
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| Average |
7.8 |
| Animation |
7 |
| Sound |
8 |
| Story |
8 |
| Character |
9 |
| Value |
7 |
| Enjoyment |
8 |
| Just finished watching Kaze no Yojimbo. In all, it was a solid show, but in the end, I could've help but feel that it could've been so much more. I'll explain why.
The problem that plagues Yojimbo is it's pacing. The first thirteen odd episodes are really boring and drag along at a snail's pace. The show takes its sweet time setting up the scenario and while that can be a good thing at times, in this case, it just served to be an exercise in boredom. THere were quite a few filler episodes in the first 13, and none of them were too compelling. Now filler episosdes can serve as a nice distraction for lengthy animes like Rurouni Kenshin and Inuyasha, but for a 25 episode anime like Yojimbo, you expect the main plot to move along, not waste your time watching boring filler episodes. In fact, quite a few numebr of times I was tempted to give on it altogether and move on to some other anime. However, I persevered and I was glad I did.
That is because the last half of Yojimbo is really good. From the arrival of Rin to the scene (episodes 14/15, I forget exactly which one) the main plot finally picks up, and things get mighty interesting. In fact, the last four/five episodes take place at a breakneck pace, with an almighty twist that is not at all obvious at first coming in the final episode. And all of this leads to a VERY satisfying conclusion to the show. The very strong finish to the show vindicated my decision to persevere with Yojimbo.
The animation was decent, nothing special. The music was not too shabby either, with the opening intro being especially catchy. The characters of Yojimbo is another showstealer, with a diverse array of characters and very few of them being one dimensional. I have not watched Kurosawa's Yojimbo (I know, I know, I'm pathetic), so I cannot analyze what the creators of the anime have done differently than the movie expect for the obvious change in setting to the modern era.
In all, Yojimbo was a solid anime. I would've given it a rating in the 9s if only the pacing had been improved in the beginning, in fact this is one of those animes that could've benefitted from having 13 episodes as opposed to 25. But if you can somehow bear through the first half of the show, the second half get MUCH better, and it makes your patience worth it. Recommended.
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| Average |
9.2 |
| Animation |
8 |
| Sound |
8 |
| Story |
10 |
| Character |
9 |
| Value |
10 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
| BE CAREFUL READING THESE REVIEWS AS SOME MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS.
I'll remove them later on, but be warned for now.
Well, let's start the review.
What an awesome show. I read a few of the reviews, and almost didnt watch it when I came across the review of MappytheMouse. I'm glad I ignored his commentary, and went with the vast majority on this one.
I watched this series addicted to it's story, and dying to see it resolved. Read on for more.
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Max |
(2005-04-28 03:24:41) 2005-04-28 03:20:39 |
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| Average |
7.8 |
| Animation |
7 |
| Sound |
8 |
| Story |
8 |
| Character |
8 |
| Value |
8 |
| Enjoyment |
8 |
| The movie, "Yojimbo," is great, go watch it.
This was a nice little series. Though not as good as I thought it would be, it was as enjoyable as I thought it would be. I say this because it was able to maintain the most important part of a mystery story: the atmosphere. This alone makes it unique in the anime world, and therefore worthwhile.
The main character is a Spike Speigel of sorts, and it's fun to parade around town watching him do is thing. The worst part would certainly have to be all the damn gimmicks the director uses. At times the picture will become pixelated and a bust of each of the two people talking will pop up on the front of the screen, a la an old Nintendo game. Very weird, serves no purpose, and very annoying after you realize it serves no purpose. And the director does this over and over in various forms. It's shameful, as the series doesn't need it. So, be forewarned about that.
Definitely a recommended series, with the first and last episodes being by far the best.
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Luminaria |
(2005-04-27 17:40:46) 2005-04-27 17:37:57 |
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| Average |
8.5 |
| Animation |
7 |
| Sound |
8 |
| Story |
9 |
| Character |
9 |
| Value |
8 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
| This might be the best detective\mystery story, anime or not, that I've ever seen. Fully involved cast and environment drive the story behind this. Twists and turns around every corner. Lies, corrupt businesses, government coverups, the works. Not only that, but the _whole_ town is in on it. Watch George play both sides as he unravles the huge mystery behind the death of his brother. Only real downside was the wide use of cheap CG scenes, especialy in areas when it would have been just as easy to do it by hand. This one can not be missed.
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0 of 0 people found this review helpful.
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| Average |
8.0 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
7 |
| Story |
9 |
| Character |
8 |
| Value |
7 |
| Enjoyment |
8 |
| The start was okay, but the last half of the series is where the show truly shines. As soon as Rin appears the violence and drama is hightened up a notch. The story is fantastic as everything is solved bit by bit and the web of lies is unraveled by George. This series is one of those that has to be watched in one sitting in order not to loose track of whats going on and to remember every face and name is important as well. The enjoyment factor is very high especially in the last half and the supporting characters are what makes the anime work.
If you are in the mood for some detective action with a deep good story with lots of plot twists then this is for you.
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0 of 0 people found this review helpful.
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| Average |
8.7 |
| Animation |
8 |
| Sound |
8 |
| Story |
10 |
| Character |
10 |
| Value |
8 |
| Enjoyment |
8 |
| A MUST-SEE for Detective fans. The story had slow-pace enough for us to pause and think what's going on in the story and what happen back then 15 years ago. Who's who and who kill who you will find surpisely at the end, believe me it's the best detective anime EVER!
P.S. Don't read any of the review on this series or else you'll be spoil.
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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 |
10 |
| Value |
9 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
| I love this show. I dont really know why I do, but its just entertaining as heck. George Kodama comes to a little town in search of a man named Genzo Araki. George is a very Spike Speigelesque character, in that he generally doesnt give a crap about much of anything until you get in his way or hurt someone he cares about.
The story is set in the little town of Kimujuku, a mafia town of sorts, run by the Tanakuras and Genzamis, two rival families each with their share of troubles and shady dealings. George finds himself often in the middle of the fray, but luckily has the skills to fight his way out of it.
, and the mafioso themselves are a pretty funny bunch, from the headstrong Genzami leader to his stupid brother, an even dumber guy named Raccoon who follows George everywhere like an idol, an numerous others. Tanakuras bunch are much less often seen and heard though. The police are of course in the mafias pockets.
Also in this show are two women, Sanae Araki, the innkeeper and very beautiful widow who resides in Kimujujuku and stays relatively neutral to the mafias, and a younger girl named Miyuki who has an all too obvious huge crush on George. she is quite cute of course and very independent.
The show generally focuses on unravelling little mysteries that happen in the town, whether mafia related or otherwise, and events that happened 15 years ago, with a train carrying gold bullion that somehow disappeared. The show takes its time revealing things, and theres plenty of obvious but entertaining filler, but its all fun to watch when you get into it. OVerall, if youl iked hte original Yojimbo movie, you might enjoy htis, as well as anyone who likes something a bit different from whats currently the hot genres. Its a small town story with a complex and large cast, some interesting art and effects, and very folksy but catchy music. Not a bad show at all.
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Coldsun |
(2005-04-09 21:55:44) 2003-10-18 23:47:56 |
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| Average |
7.3 |
| Animation |
6 |
| Sound |
6 |
| Story |
8 |
| Character |
8 |
| Value |
8 |
| Enjoyment |
8 |
| Kaze No Yojimbo is a slow moving and builds little by little at what seems like a snails pace. The animation and music proves to be bland and very dissapointing during any type of combat sequences. Sparse as they are, the action scenes are usually shown with cheezey still frame sequences rather than full lush animation. While this all proves dissapointing and at times boring, the show itself is entertaining if you are willing to wait. As the plot continues to thicken, the story picks up around episode thirteen when a very intriguing character is introduced. All in all its something different for a change. If you're looking for instant gratification, this probably won't be the anime for you.
Kaze No Yojimbo builds to an exciting and satisfactory conclusion. It was well worth slowly evolving experience.
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0 of 0 people found this review helpful.
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Will |
(2003-09-10 00:03:21) 2003-09-09 22:31:56 |
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| Average |
8.5 |
| Animation |
8 |
| Sound |
8 |
| Story |
9 |
| Character |
8 |
| Value |
9 |
| Enjoyment |
9 |
| I wrote this after watching 15 episodes, its basically about a town with many secrets, some good but mostly bad. Each secret is slowly unvieled as you watch series, in addition with the charaters in story. The story is slow paced so you'll have to bear and watch the first 3-4 episodes, but it starts to get really interesting after you get passed that. Characters are well done that matches with the mood of the story. If you like animes that are focused on plot, suspense, and character, then this anime is for you. If you like an anime where there's a no brainer kind of story with lots of fancy action you might not enjoy this, but give it a try anyway.
PS: For some strange reason this anime gets me in the mood for ramen. If you wanna know why, watch it ^_^!
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0 of 0 people found this review helpful.
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Aniki |
2003-08-18 21:48:53 |
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| Average |
9.0 |
| Animation |
8 |
| Sound |
9 |
| Story |
10 |
| Character |
9 |
| Value |
9 |
| Enjoyment |
9 |
| Okay, the animation isn't great but neither is it bad. After a while you get used to it. Up to ep 5 and it's kept me interested enough to keep watching. I'm really liking this a lot.
Only gave 8 to story because so far that's all it's worth at the moment. Not much to it so far but it's still early. Will change after I see all the episodes. As will the overall score.
~~~~
Edit: Up to ep 15 now. More and more, this is reminding me of Roadhouse with Patrick Swayze. Super-cool guy comes into town that has two business heads against each other. Not all of it but some aspects. Story is getting much better and I like the pace it's going at now. Still tons of questions that haven't been answered but I'm waiting patiently.
~~~~~
Edit: Ep 20 is where this all stops, it seems.. Unless there's more. Looking at the fansubbing dates, they are few and far in between.
The story is great and leaves you wanting more. I've gotten totally used to the animations though it feels like I'm reading manga. It's not bad. Though I can see where some may be turned of by it especially having gotten used to the animations of some anime out today.
I'm dying to see how this all turns out. Can't wait to see it. If you like mysteries, this is one for you.
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0 of 0 people found this review helpful.
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| Average |
9.3 |
| Animation |
6 |
| Sound |
10 |
| Story |
10 |
| Character |
10 |
| Value |
10 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
| The animation in this show is terrible, so if you're looking for something with clean and fluid look this is not a show for you. But the characters are interesting and well developed and the story is intriguing. The main character, dispite what people say, is barely reminicent of cowboy bebop's Spike. The character designs are also quite nice. I recomend this show for anyone looking for a good story and interesting characters. It's like a more political version of cowboy bebop with totally different characters.
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0 of 0 people found this review helpful.
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| Average |
9.3 |
| Animation |
8 |
| Sound |
8 |
| Story |
10 |
| Character |
10 |
| Value |
10 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
| Kaze no Yojimbo, like Kurosawa's Yojimbo, is based on a Dashiell Hammett novel, _Red Harvest_. Kaze no Yojimbo is much closer (in style, feel, and overall plot) to the Hammett novel than was Kurosawa's film.
The story is proceding at a glacial pace, though each episode adds another layer of clues to the central mystery about the missing railroad car and its mystery cargo.
It's like Cowboy Bebop without the spaceships.
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| Average |
4.0 |
| Animation |
2 |
| Sound |
7 |
| Story |
1 |
| Character |
6 |
| Value |
3 |
| Enjoyment |
5 |
| Oh the pain.... The pain....
Kaze no Yojimbo is pure bollocks. The animation is laughable, with four-panel fight scenes and bizarre flash close-ups that defy description (and usually raise snorts of laughter). Character motivations regularly go flying out the nearest window, replaced by filler material that should never have seen the light of day.
What is worse, the show absolutely refuses to play to its strengths: the Yakuza and the playing off of the two gangs, against each other, by George. The moments when it does sees the show rise above its mediocrity to become something altogether different. Sadly, too much dross has to pass through before you reach these bits, by which time your attention span has wandered off to other pursuits....
In short, Kaze no Yojimbo is bad, but funny-bad in a way that makes its faults almost forgivable.
At least the women look nice. Mostly. ;)
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0 of 0 people found this review helpful.
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| Average |
9.2 |
| Animation |
8 |
| Sound |
9 |
| Story |
9 |
| Character |
10 |
| Value |
9 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
| This series seems to be rather unpopular but in many ways it is comparable to NOIR, which was very well received. Although it lacks the fireworks (and female lead characters!) of NOIR it is entertaining and good-natured.
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0 of 0 people found this review helpful.
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| Average |
8.3 |
| Animation |
3 |
| Sound |
9 |
| Story |
10 |
| Character |
10 |
| Value |
8 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
| Let me start with this anime's one real weakness: the animation. While watching Kaze no Yojimbo, the viewer is so inundated with speed lines, dissolves, split screens, montages and digital filters that he probably won't immediately notice that there is virtually no traditional cell animation being done here. Every shortcut possible has been used here. Characters walk across the bottom of the screen so legs don't have to be animated, people talk from behind their hands so the amound of facial animation is reduced. Were I not so caught up in the story, I would have been really annoyed by this. Truthfully, this story is so engaging that I would watch it if it was animated Clutch Cargo style.
Kaze no Yojimbo's plot, pacing and characterization have the look and feel of a Raymond Chandler detective film. I loved it.
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0 of 0 people found this review helpful.
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| Average |
9.5 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
9 |
| Story |
10 |
| Character |
10 |
| Value |
9 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
| This series is very cool. Its a unique story, but the characters are what make this a great anime. The main character is a drifter who comes to a small town, and gets caught up in a fight for power with two "gangs." Even though it's very similar to the American movie, Last Man Standing, the characters are unique enough to make this a great series to watch. I dont know about everyone else, but I getsick of the same old main characters who are way too outgoing, eat way too much, and are pretty senseless, but can lift bulidings over their heads.
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0 of 0 people found this review helpful.
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| Average |
8.2 |
| Animation |
8 |
| Sound |
9 |
| Story |
8 |
| Character |
8 |
| Value |
8 |
| Enjoyment |
8 |
| Good show, should actually attract a little more attention then it does! Im mainly reviewing this because of that reason, there havent been a lot of eps released so far, but one single review is a shame!
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