[OAVs, Movies and Full Series]

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Posted by Martin  [Tags: Kino's Journey]

I didn't expect 2008 to begin as well as this: I'd almost forgotten about the second Kino no Tabi Buy Bactroban Without Prescription, feature film until I saw it subbed and the torrent link posted up. My Bactroban experience, My only complaint is that, like the Life Goes On prequel movie, buy cheap Bactroban no rx, Rx free Bactroban, it's essentially a bonus episode rather than a longer feature-length film. Nevertheless, Bactroban without prescription, Bactroban overnight, I welcome even one new Kino episode with open arms; this one is as equally thought-provoking as the best ones that the original Kino's Journey TV series offered.

There are two recurring things that hit me during the time I watched the series (which I really need to rewatch sometime soon): firstly, Bactroban no rx, Bactroban price, coupon, it is possibly the most impartial and unassuming anime I've ever seen. Secondly, Bactroban trusted pharmacy reviews, Where can i order Bactroban without prescription, it has a sort-of ‘iyashikei trap’ that never fails to surprise me. Both of these things are central to why this film works so well, Buy Bactroban Without Prescription.

The impartiality stems from Kino's approach of judging nothing by initial appearances and keeping whatever opinions she has to herself, where can i buy Bactroban online, Bactroban canada, mexico, india, save for her dialogues with Hermes and the occasional diplomatically-answered question when the situation demands it. In one sense she's a distant and hard-to-read character but at the same time her impassive outlook is the perfect lens in which to view the places she visits, Bactroban wiki. Bactroban dose, In this case, it's a land in which the central philosophy is that the ends justify the means; faced with one final challenge to create a perfect and happy civilisation, order Bactroban no prescription, Buy cheap Bactroban, the inhabitants will resort to measures that we may look upon with horror and condemnation in our own society.

The seemingly impartial stance that Kino (and the film's narrative style) takes is perfect for posing questions at the viewer without offering answers up on a plate, is Bactroban addictive. Buy Bactroban Without Prescription, Just how shocking and deplorable is this exactly. Buy Bactroban from canada, Is a proportion of the population a fair price for helping another, also unspecified, purchase Bactroban for sale, Bactroban reviews, number. It is unavoidable perhaps that we assess this type of choice by placing it alongside our own subjective standards, Bactroban treatment, Bactroban gel, ointment, cream, pill, spray, continuous-release, extended-release, but fortunately this point is not lost on the writers of the show here: the whole scenario is shown from both sides and leaves the viewer to make up his or her own mind. As always, Bactroban natural, Bactroban street price, Kino's Journey never insults its audience's intelligence, takes it for granted or preaches to us as to what is ‘right’ or ‘wrong’; this is an unusual approach but when it does happen the feeling you get from it really is quite something, Bactroban cost. Buy Bactroban no prescription,

The ‘iyashikei trap’ is a term I've had to pretty much make up on the spot in order to convey the other striking impression I get from many Kino episodes, this one included, Bactroban images. I've grown to appreciate iyashikei for its serene and thoughtful atmospherics but while Kino's Journey has plenty of what I love about this genre - pauses for contemplation, a soothing colour palette and a sparse and restful soundtrack and the like - it also makes some marvellously jarring about-turns that never fail to take me by surprise, Buy Bactroban Without Prescription. Order Bactroban from United States pharmacy, In keeping with the show's fundamental observation that beauty and ugliness in this world go hand-in-hand, there are moments of tenderness and light that are juxtaposed with or interrupted by those of pitiless darkness, Bactroban use. Order Bactroban from mexican pharmacy, In the same way that Kino's androgynous and kindly persona is also a shrewd character who is more than capable of taking care of herself, the picturesque scenery and innocent-looking inhabitants of the Land of Disease hides a reality that is really quite frightening and almost sinister, about Bactroban. Where can i cheapest Bactroban online, While the violence and suffering is not outwardly showed, the way in which it is implied is so effective that it becomes even more chilling and memorable, Bactroban results. Bactroban pics, Ryutaro Nakamura and Chiaki Konaka are perhaps my favourite production staff double-act in terms of experimenting with the animated medium. Buy Bactroban Without Prescription, The latter is a master of dark atmospherics and twisting screenplays; the former has a distinctive directing style that includes an uncanny knack with using light and shadow to convey the mood of a scene. Between them they've done much to earn my respect but I was pleasantly (un)surprised to learn that SHAFT were in charge of the animation side of things, discount Bactroban. Cheap Bactroban no rx, That is to say, I was unaware of this until Bateszi's excellent review pointed it out to me but the idea of SHAFT being the creative foil for these two guys makes perfect sense. Hardly a month seems to go by these days in which I don't gain more respect for that studio's work, which led me to make rash statements such as declaring them to be the new Gainax. Here, it has much more fluidity to the animation and than the TV series and there's A LOT more CG used, which is a given since this movie is more recent than the series and in all probability subject to a larger budget. It fits in by and large because of the movie's sci-fi themes but overall the studio's use of colour, camera angles and penchant for innovation mesh perfectly with the two daring minds at the helm, Buy Bactroban Without Prescription. The opening sequence, which is completely devoid of an introductory theme tune, is cryptic but really quite breathtaking and makes it feel more like a feature film than a TV episode.

The story itself, and the thoughts that continue to whirr away even as I type over two days later, is still the main event of any Kino episode though. Right from the outset something seemed wrong about the idea of a supposed elite living outside the sterilised security of the city, and when the truth is revealed we learn how the two childhood friends are symbolic of the sacrifice they are making. As for whether it's ultimately right or not, I honestly can't decide and the movie is sure as hell not going to spell it out either. As I said earlier, this may be cryptic and occasionally frustrating but it's a refreshing approach that I wish happened more often; in this case the life of one person is gone forever but for the one who may survive by their loss, there is a measure of hope even if she learns of the truth. I'm still in two minds about the ambiguous and bittersweet conclusion but if there's one thing I was sure about by the time the ending credits rolled, it's that I'm longing for a second season.

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[Anime Reviews]

Kino’s Journey: Life Goes On

Posted by Martin  [Tags: Kino's Journey]
After being wowed by the TV series but left wondering about the character of Kino herself, I was really interested in seeing the prequel movie. It doesn't deliver the same amount of philosophical questioning that the TV show did but gives some fascinating insights into Kino's early life. This 'lost episode' (in that it still isn't licenced and, unless it joins the new movie on DVD, never will be) sees a very young Kino prior to her days on the road when she was still living with 'Shishou', her teacher.

The film is the same length as one of the TV episodes and mostly concerns itself with the day-to-day activities of Kino and her inner search for her own identity. It is important I think to point out that the particular version I saw colour-coded the text when Kino was speaking; the word 'I' was displayed pink when she used the feminine form and blue when she used the masculine. Quite why she would describe herself using both forms of this expression is interesting in itself and I can only guess that it is somehow related to the character she took the name Kino from, who was a male traveller. Whether or not an official release would use this approach I don't know, but the fansubbers have obviously understood its significance and drawn attention to it. As always, the series makes you think!

It is fair to say that Life Goes On is the Kino character development episode: at the beginning she is the cheery and innocent little girl wearing a cute pink dress and whose character design has wide rounded eyes; by the end those eyes have the now-familiar serene and almost careworn look and she is wearing her green and brown traveller's clothes. It's quite a feat to portray the little girl becoming the character fans are more familiar with, and highlights an important event in her inner journey - I was pleasantly surprised at how the transition from child to adult was done quickly yet smoothly. In that sense, I felt as if I was going through this very important stage in her life along with her.

Unfortunately this episode doesn't explain everything and, while it explores her past more than the TV run did, still leaves many questions unanswered (perhaps leaving some material for the new film...?). Perhaps inevitably, Kino's Journey is still a show that leaves much to the viewer to decide. If nothing else, it shows that Shishou is largely responsible for honing Kino's already-impressive abilities with a persuader and her early attempts at operating Hermes are quite fun to watch; even this early on the dynamic between the two of them works brilliantly.

Summary The prequel of Life Goes On is an absolute must for Kino fans because it contains so many key elements that made her the character she is at the time of the TV series. There is still much about her character to be explained however, although it deals with the origins of her name and the mental and emotional conflict that ensued. Is this the reason why she set out on her journey? To be honest, it doesn't make this clear but that's one thing in Kino's world that is always the same: nothing ever is cut-and dried! Those of you who haven't seen the DVDs ought to set that right before watching this episode though if they want to get the most out of it.

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[Anime Reviews]

Kino’s Journey episodes 11-13 and Final Thoughts

Posted by Martin  [Tags: Kino's Journey]
All I can say is, wow. It's a bittersweet event when I reach the end of a series that's as unusual and outstanding as this because I really didn't want it to end. For Kino, it never ends - the final moments see our heroine and her motorrad carrying on with their endless wanderings but for us, we'll have to wait for the sequel. As varied as it is, I've loved every minute of it.

The first part is a strange change of pace which drops a few small hints about Kino's past (another crops up in the final episode) and looks long and hard at her journey and why she's taking it. Soon afterwards we are treated to another strange fairytale/fable told through a 'wise man' in a cave; with it being Kino's journey not even this allegedly wise man is quite what he seems!

The second outing is another fable, this time an anti-war tale that feels a little derivative. If nothing else it left me guessing at every turn but the climatic moment was delivered with a great deal of shock value and only the soundtrack - that of music with no sound effects whatsoever - exhibited any subtlety. Something that never ceases to amaze me about this show is that the characters often work to a different moral code to that of Kino and the viewer, which leads to some interesting moral questioning - are they truly in the wrong or are we judging others by our own standards? Unfortunately the deplorable way in which the people had chosen to solve their problems leaves little room for excuses and I was left as bemused as Kino was.

The third and final episode left me utterly flabbergasted - had there not been other people in my living room at the time I would have shed a tear towards the end. Don't worry, I'm not going to spoil it for you - all I'll say is, it's one of the most jarring and tragic moments of ANY anime I've ever seen. It would seem that fate always intervenes and Kino moves on after three days - for the first time she wants to stay in a place that really seems like a 'good land'. Although it does not mean an end to Kino's own journey, which makes the series open-ended in the process, I doubt any other episode could directly follow the emotional clout of a scene which leaves the usually-impassive Kino genuinely and outwardly shocked at what she has witnessed.

Final Thoughts Well, that wraps it up for the TV run of Kino's Journey - the prequel movie, Life Goes On, is sitting in my hard drive and won't remain unwatched for long! If that isn't enough (it isn't!), another movie will be released in Japan in a matter of days at the time of writing. Overall the series has been a hidden gem of introspection, philosophy and adventure; in some ways its rural aesthetic and deceptively simple visuals remind me of the likes of Haibane Renmei and Mushishi (I mean that as a compliment of the highest order) but in truth it is a series that is utterly unique. Shows like this are few and far between, which makes me all the more enthused to recommend it to anyone who likes to think about what they are seeing and take a break from the usual generic fare on offer. Credit goes to director Ryutaro Nakamura, Ai Maeda whose voice gave the heroine such dignity and thoughtfulness (not to mention a gorgeous end theme performance) and of course the original novelist Keiichi Sigsawa, whose book has been recommended to me and now takes pride of place near the top of my 'to buy' list.

[2 Comments]

[Anime Reviews]

Kino’s Journey episodes 8-10

Posted by Martin  [Tags: Kino's Journey]
Three more episodes of Kino's Journey and three more reasons why I think it's so special...it's a pretty varied assortment this time around, showing the series at its most pretentious cryptic but also at its most dazzling.

The opening episode is one of my favourites from the series so far. It is told mostly from the perspective of Nimya, a young woman who lives in one of the countries Kino visits; Kino and Hermes don't make an appearance until partway through. This is an unusual setup by the show's standards because the lead and supporting character roles appear to be reversed, but once Nimya's (and her country's) situation is explained the reason for this decision becomes clear. What results is the most effective use of running time of any episode in the series: I'm even reluctant to give much away plot-wise because it is such rewarding viewing if you sit down and watch it for yourself. It's a truly inspirational tale of how one determined individual overcomes the unfair hardships life has dealt her in order to chase her dream but is also a rare occasion when Kino and Hermes become actively involved in the affairs of the people they meet. but I doubt anyone could sit idly by and watch Nimya struggle, after all. An absolutely spectacular episode.

The next instalment didn't work quite as well for me. I think I got the general message but the storytelling seemed to get bogged down in constantly nudging the viewer into questioning what was real and what wasn't - it's one of the more demanding episodes in terms of trying to follow what's going on. That underlying 'take home' message was clear however: with the best of intentions, those in authority can do untold harm to a society through clumsy attempts at protecting the populace from what they consider to be 'harmful'. Here in the UK hardly a week passes when the media are rolling out the concept of the 'nanny state' but the issue of censorship and its relative merits is probably universal - I won't go into any political discussion here but this episode highlights how ludicrous it is to hide people away from the truths of the world. I suspect a repeat viewing is required to get used to the innovative approach to telling the story, with all its twists and turns.

The final outing is another strange one: this time Kino cannot find a whole country but stumbles upon a house with a robotic maid and a decidedly strange family. The odd behaviour of these people flags up possibilities as to what is really happening but the ending is quite surprising - it turns out to be quite a tragic story in some ways, but neatly fits a theme normally associated with science fiction tales such as Blade Runner and Ghost in the Shell into Kino's idyllic rural setting.

This was yet another inventive but varied selection of episodes which runs us through a whole array of emotions and trains of thought. The only real disappointment is that there are only three episodes to go after this...Kino's Journey is a delightfully odd series that I doubt I could ever become bored with.

[4 Comments]

[Anime Reviews]

Kino’s Journey Episodes 5-7

Posted by Martin  [Tags: Kino's Journey]
Although it was a long time before I finally got around to watching this series, my friends were urging me to check it out for ages. These three episodes are further proof that I should have listened to their advice earlier. The first section is a story within a story: Kino meets a man on a railway line whose job is to polish the rails - a job he has done for years, purely because his employers had never told him to stop. Over a cup of tea Kino tells him the story of a society in which technology has reached a level at which people no longer need to work. I say need becaue they still do try to do a job of some sort...and the reasons surprised Kino as much as they surprised me. The old guy working on the railway line is one of three workers Kino meets along the tracks in this episode, as the futility of what they are doing soon becomes clear; it also draws some parallels with Kino's story. Soon afterwards she visits a land that is completely deserted, save for one lonely man...but why is he on his own?

This is followed by a two-parter that takes place in a country that holds a regular Roman-style combat event in an arena presided over by the all-powerful and clearly deranged king. Kino is faced with a fight for her freedom but surprisingly her conversations with her fellow participants offers the most entertainment value.

The opening episode highlights the numerous ways in which people's lives can be an absolute waste of time and effort yet rewarding in other ways: the three men are earning a living for their families by doing jobs that ultimately serve no purpose but to provide themselves with more work! It sounds a little bizarre but, in true Kino style, is a thought-provoking allegory concerning human nature and society. Even the story Kino tells these men (a story that they find amusing...the irony is superb!) is interesting: the technology exists to do the jobs that humans once did, but they still make work for themselves - just to have something to do. As much as we all complain about our jobs in real life, deep down the human condition dictates that people feel compelled to do something with their time that feels productive. This country is also pretty far-fetched but the situation makes some profound points about who - and how - we are.

The coliseum-based story benefits from being spread across two episodes: sometimes it would be better if the story arc were not confined to a single episode, and this is a good example. This is where Kino's Journey goes all action-packed on us but the focus is as much on the characters as on the battles themselves. There's the expected back story to the country itself, which shows how the king wound up being the mad monarch he currently is, but I was fascinated by the backgrounds to the people who found themselves in the arena. Hermes offers a little light relief as always, which is much needed since this series can get quite dark at times. There's little in the way of explanation as to Kino's past here unfortunately, save for one or two little references thrown in. I suspect that this is to come later on in the series - the main theme for now is how Kino (and the viewer!) learn a few things about life as she goes along.

Sometimes the symbolism and metaphors make the series come across as too pretentious and serious for some, who will ultimately find it to be a strange and occasionally twisted fairy tale. For me though, it is another chance to see the distinctive style of director Ryutako Nakamura, whose striking use of light and shadow and strong philosophical themes makes it really something out of the ordinary; the opening and ending theme tunes are, well, quite beautiful actually. This series isn't for everyone but I'm finding every minute utterly absorbing.

[1 Comment]

[Anime Reviews]

Kino’s Journey Episodes 1-4

Posted by Martin  [Tags: Kino's Journey]
How many shows do I blog that I describe as 'not for everyone' or 'an acquired taste'? Too damn many it would seem! Still, Kino's Journey is an interesting and well-written series that, at the very least, manages to be a refreshing change from the usual stuff that's around these days.

Kino is a traveller. For the sake of argument (I'm fairly certain but not 100% sure) I'll say Kino is female but anime series always have a knack of casting tomboys...anyway, she's something of a 'wandering star' who carries an impressive assortment of guns and knives, with only her trusty 'motorrad' Hermes for company. With every episode she meets people of a different land with their own customs and way of life; staying no more than three days at a time in any one place she is the epitome of the innocent bystander. Every place Kino visits is individual and memorable: some people are cruel, some are kind, some wise and others ignorant. We are not given much time to learn about these varied countries but Kino's Journey still has one hell of a lot to say about people.

The picturesque artwork and simply-drawn character designs suggest that this is going to be a light and whimsical series but fairly early on there are moments that throw such preconceptions out of the window. As one caption tellingly explains, the world is not beautiful but that in itself lends it a sort of beauty. This to my mind is the central message of Kino's journey: the world can be glorious and and wonderful but it can be harsh and unfair as well. In one scene we are shown a cute rabbit hopping around in a snowy wonderland; seconds later Kino shoots it through the head and skins it in order to feed three men she has met on her travels who are stranded and starving.

Kino's Journey is similar in approach of storytelling to the likes of Mushishi in that it is very episodic with the central character being the only constant; it is also very philosophical and relies on Kino's monologues and imagery to convey its themes and ideas. The concept of a talking motorbike may seem surreal but it is both light relief and helpful when Hermes' gives his/her/its own thoughts that carry along Kino's musings, hopes and fears. With her motorrad companion she is travelling solo but not completely alone.

This is a very unusual series that may bore some viewers and shock them in turn; bearing in mind that it shares the same director with Serial Experiments Lain it's no surprise that Kino's Journey has some very 'deep and meaningful' aspects that are not readily able to be explained. On the other hand it is a gently-paced and thoughtful examination of who we are and why we behave in the way that we do; I must admit that I'm intrigued by the scant explanations by Kino's past and equally curious about who and what she will find on the next stage in her endless travels.

[3 Comments]