[Categories: Anime Reviews]
Dennou Coil 7-9
You may have noticed I’m not doing episode-by-episode reviews any more. Basically, blogs such as T.H.A.T. and Star Crossed are quicker than me on that front, and do it better into the bargain. Watching several in a row before reviewing them is easier, especially with the likes of Dennou Coil. It’s an absolute joy to watch - not to mention hopelessly addictive.
On the trail of a missing cyberpet…again
Ep #7 is a prime example of how this show blends urban legend and truth - very much like the Knights of the S.E. Lain universe - until not even the viewer knows where the reality ends and the myth begins (I bet the short snatches of dialogue at the beginning of the episodes are really quite important). In a scene that is in actuality pretty funny, the two Yukos find themselves trapped in an abandoned building with an Illegal running riot while Kyoko chases after a cyberhamster that has been reported missing. It’s all good fun but we get just a little of insight into the mythology that forms a background to the show as well as some glimpses into Amasawa’s character - I can only wonder how long she can keep that hard-ass front that she carries around with her. The moment where she rescues Kyoko, not to mention the conversation with Yasako, might be a turning point for her as it was for Haraken in the last outing.
The Yuukos captive with another Illegal on the loose
Speaking of Haraken, he is given an important lead in his investigation surrounding Kanna - for a show as light and bright as this, it’s a serious and powerful scene which highlights how ‘grown up’ he is, especially when placed next to the likes of Daichi. Episode #8 seems to break through Haraken’s shell however during the summer festival while he finds another clue regarding Kanna.
Dunno why but I just love this pic
This was possibly my favourite episode so far - it’s proof of Dennou Coil’s intricate plotting that the Illegal Haraken finds is only one of several memorable and important moments in the story. His reaction to Yasako in her full yukata outfit is as telling to us as Daichi’s reaction is to Fumie; it is here where we get a fantastic demonstration of Dennou Coil as a character piece as well as science fiction. The summer festival thing is as overdone as the hot springs type of episode in anime shows but this is a heartwarming, funny, and enlightening example of how such a well-used plot device can still make for great entertainment. This is where we all can relate to these guys in some way or another. Check out Kyoko’s revenge on Daichi though - I lol-ed until I rofl-ed, as they say.
Ramune down collar…owned!
Episode #9 didn’t work as well for me though, perhaps because the serious and jovial aspects were in much starker contrast, making it feel as if it wasn’t sure whether to be serious or not. That sort of slapstick comedy doesn’t usually do much for me anyway, which is probably why I missed the tenderness and emotional insight of the previous instalment. The ghost story/trial of courage theme is another old anime favourite but I felt it detracted from the appearance of the Michiko apparition and Hareken’s head trip scene, which I wanted to see in more detail.
Michiko who?
I’m not saying ep #9 wasn’t good, but as is often the case with quality shows, Dennou Coil sets high standards for itself with successive episodes: I loved the antics of ep #8 in particular. This is a series that works, and rocks hard, on a number of crucial levels. In the same way as, say, Miyazaki’s Totoro (the review is imminent…I promise), it masterfully shows the world from a child’s perspective as limitless, exciting, scary and who knows what else; and yet, it can tap into the adventurous child in all of us without coming across as patronising. I’d put money on a Western licence being on the cards already.
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