posts tagged “Speed Grapher”
[Anime Reviews]
25 Nov 2007
Posted by Martin [Tags: Speed Grapher]
There are some series that I look forward to seeing finish, not because they weren’t enjoyable, but because the resolution is of particular importance. I usually get this feeling from shows such as Speed Grapher because the ending promises the answers to the questions and we finally get to see whether the various characters get what they deserve; perhaps it’s more to do with seeing things through to the end. In this case it’s predictable enough in that the majority of the survivors really do get what they deserve - some didn’t, which highlights the unfairness of the SG worldview; an aspect that’s integral to to the clout of the premise but makes me less disappointed that I won’t be spending any more time there.
The world of Speed Grapher really is a shitty place - the greed, the ignorance, the self-centred pleasure-seeking at the expense of humanity…it’s all the more frightening because it takes only a small leap of the imagination to see the present panning out in the same way. There’s a distinctly retro 80s vibe to the series - partly attributed to the masterstroke of using Duran Duran as a theme that’s so sorely missing from the DVD edition op sequence - that comes from the obsession with materialism and money, the latter really being the root of all evil in this case. The ideas of financial recession are very reminiscent of a similar incident in the late 80s too, although this has nothing on the sheer nihilistic scale of Suitengu’s plan, it has to be said.
“Are you happy?”
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[Anime Reviews]
16 Sep 2007
Posted by Martin [Tags: Speed Grapher]
Ever wondered why Suitengu is such a psycho? This volume goes a long way to explaining why. In a backstory that sounds eerily familiar, we learn how he was separated from his younger sister, trained as a mercenary, became the victim of a scientific experiment and went on to plot his revenge. What’s interesting for me is how his plan involves exposing himself to - and in some ways becoming - the type of person who caused him so much anguish to begin with. Anyway, it’s always good to get into the head of the manical, evil genius because the ‘evil genius’ is often the most interesting character of all. It doesn’t quite explain the link between Suitengu and Saiga just yet, but there are enough clues for the viewer impatient for the final volume to fill in the gaps.
A young Suitengu
Suitengu’s plan adds something of a political slant to things, at which point we learn of just how far the Club’s tendrils have extended into the corridors of power. Again, Speed Grapher goes about social commentary in its own somewhat clumsy but no-nonsense way. I’m guessing Japanese people have a very cynical view and a love-hate relationship with their government, even moreso than the UK and US perhaps, that’s reflected by the series’ themes and ideas. Anyways, this isn’t supposed to be an editorial concerning itself with the integrity of a nation’s current government…it’s all about a badass guy who can do neat things with his camera.
Saiga and Kagura seek an ally from the Diet
This volume’s token Euphoric is a traitor in a secret organisation that could bring Suitengu’s plans and the corruption to their knees…but I felt that this organisation was an under-used idea that wasn’t taken far enough. If nothing else though, this means that the series has a fighting chance of leaving itself enough time to wrap the story up and give us a decent ending. Even so, I felt a bit short-changed when Saiga could have found himself a place in which he can make a difference - sure, the series takes a cynical stance on things but it would have been nice if the Order of the White Eagles had been a force to be reckoned with instead of being disposable heroes.
Look at the size of that guy’s woofer!
My other criticism at this point is that Kagura is still the damsel in distress - according to the DVD extra feature this is her seiyuu’s debut effort, so even from her point of view it would have been fun to portray a gamut of emotions that extends beyond the helpless little girl. There was nothing I wanted to see more than Kagura getting ahold of some sort of firearm or kicking that scientist guy where his brains were; on the plus side, she does slap some sense into Saiga at one point. In fairness, he deserved it and I hope this one instance of self-assurance on her part is a sign of things to come.
Kagura becomes public property
As an aside, another element that I don’t think was explored fully enough was that of the ‘goddess drops’ and the Tennozu Groups latest marketing ploy. Its shocking effects on the people who buy into it would have made more of an impact if they were shown at length; but then, seeing people going on murderous rampages and the pills that have ‘a bit of Kagura in every mouthful’ is wrong on so many levels…I’m actually a little glad they spared us the details there.
In Summary
This is a series that’s proving to be intriguing and quite fun to watch, but the nagging feelings of what it could have achieved dampens my enthusiasm a bit. It does however gives some significant insight into its principal antagonist, which should make for a fun showdown with Saiga before the series is over. I’m strangely optimistic for a decent ending for this one, surprisingly. I’d also like to draw attention to the new end theme, which is a really enjoyable and lively tune - certainly a marked improvement over the croaking ballad that ended the episodes of the first half.
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[Anime Reviews]
29 Jul 2007
Posted by Martin [Tags: Speed Grapher]
“It’s the perfect day for a white wedding…”
Suitengu sets the wheels of his plan in motion after the assassination of Shinsen: he intends to get a more significant hand in the Tennozu group by marrying Kagura. In a stunt reminiscent of Lupin III’s rescue of Clarisse in The Castle of Cagliostro, Saiga turns up in a cunning disguise and whisks the reluctant bride from the clutches of her scheming fiance.
The whole ‘Saiga rescues Kagura’ thing is getting a bit old now but fortunately there are three more Euphorians to keep things interesting. The first, a man with an interesting spider tattoo (I was almost shouting “Go web, go!” at the TV at this point) stirs up Ginza’s feelings for Saiga, while the second is a priest who has discovered a new God. Shame then that he under-estimates the advantages of old-school SLR…
The third and final Euphorian is a more intriguing individual whose tragic life story makes her more of a victim in her own right instead of the greedy and perverted ‘monsters of the week’ we’ve seen so far; it’s also the point at which Kagura finds the opportunity to help Saiga and ease him out of a bind, instead of the other way around.
The relationship between Saiga and Ginza is odd but relatively straightforward, but I’m wondering just what he makes of Kagura. Is she a source of pity to him, an innocent victim of the sordid society he’s grown to despise? Or does he really feel, as Ginza accuses him and as Bob warns him, some sort of affection for a girl who’s more or less old enough to be his daughter? Maybe we’re not supposed to see deep and meaningful-ness in a show that provides slick thrills and little else but I’ve got into the habit of reading between the lines…
In terms of background, there are some explanations relating to the Euhporian condition in which the writers try to blind the viewer with science; even with a biochemical/genetic education, I had trouble keeping up but grasped enough to understand that Euphorians such as Saiga already possess the potential (in the form of a neat little virus that invades DNA), which gives rise to the symptoms through a chemical trigger from Kagura. We can only guess at this stage as to why she possesses the extra factor, or how people from various backgrounds, from the political elite of the Japanese Diet to travelling newsmen such as Saiga, became infected with the same virus.
In Summary
Speed Grapher suffers from the mid-series slowdown in pace but offers enough new material for me to mull over while I wait for the next volume. Earlier criticisms aside, it’s proving to be an interesting and fun show that just about overcomes its problems to remain as cool as a polar bear’s unmentionables. For heaven’s sake though, sort out the ‘drawn last thing Friday afternoon’ quality of the visuals!
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[Anime Reviews]
09 Apr 2007
Posted by Martin [Tags: Speed Grapher]
These episodes take an interesting and very welcome journey into exploring the origins of Kagura, in addition to pushing the plot forwards with some shocking surprises along the way. Unfortunately my criticisms of the show’s visual style still stands and it’s not the most deftly-directed of series by any means.
Kagura’s character is constantly in danger of becoming an annoying, helpless ‘damsel in distress’ type but the dreadful way in which she is being treated by, well, pretty much everyone apart from Saiga, keeps the viewer on her side. After seeing her slapped around, used as a human guinea pig yet never being seen as a real person by those around her, I couldn’t help but sympathise with her: she’s the ultimate victim of Speed Grapher’s sick and twisted world and I haven’t even mentioned the fact that she’s terminally ill yet (sorry if that’s a spoiler, but I’m assuming you’ve watched disc #2 already if you’re reading this far). To a lesser degree Saiga is also a victim but at least he had a small chance of turning his back on it and living on his own terms; I think there is some potential for a relationship between the two of them but they are merely two people thrown together under dreadful circustances, rather than soulmates or some similar thing. The affection Kagura feels towards Saiga is probably gratitude that she has finally met someone who respects her and takes good care of her, as much as any special ‘bond’ or ‘connection’ that she speaks about.
Speaking of Saiga’s romantic issues, Ginza gets a bit more attention in this volume and as a result it makes it a little easier to relate to her. Her obsessive drive to get Saiga back is at the expense of - you’ve guessed it - poor little Kagura, but Ginza is another character who is ‘out of the flow’ of the world in which she lives. That is to say, she wants her lover back; she couldn’t care less about the money that the Tennozu group values so highly. She and Saiga have a lot in common after all.
In terms of the bigger picture there appears to be a power struggle in the corridors of the Tennuzu building, as Suitengu is trying to get closer to Shinsen and push for whatever agenda he has up his sleeve. Before the volume is over the series takes a sharp turn plot-wise, turning away from the ‘monster of the week’ format with only one major confrontation: that of Suitengu and Saiga.
It is at times like this where the series’ shortcomings show through. For a series of this age Speed Grapher is quite disappointing visually. It relies heavily on its art style and pretty much any other sort of style that would keep viewers entertained, which makes the corner-cutting all the more baffling and detrimental to the series’ enjoyment. Last Exile is three years older yet is downright beautiful to watch; Speed Grapher in contrast looks rushed and cheap. The somewhat clumsy direction isn’t so much of an issue though fortunately since, after all, the moral messages and social commentary are more of afterthoughts than major themes: you don’t need the sharp eye of Satoshi Kon to hammer home the fact that materialism is A Bad Thing.
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[Anime Reviews]
03 Mar 2007
Posted by Martin [Tags: Speed Grapher]
The opening instalment of Speed Grapher was interesting in concept and looked pleasant enough but the plot was muddled to say the least. Now that the introductions to the main players have been made the second outing is able to advance the plot a little so it shows much more promise.
The last time we caught up with Saiga and Kagura they were on the run from her family’s henchmen (including our buddy the sniffer-bishie) and in the opening episode here we see them seeking refuge in a strange nightclub. Obviously, if you happen to think a bunch of cross-dressing men passing themselves off as caberet dancers isn’t strange you might not have given it a second thought…anyway, such an unlikely spot seems to be the perfect place to lie low while Saiga works out what to do next. At their insistence Kagura takes to the stage to perform a song of her own - it doesn’t serve any purpose to the story (nor does it exactly consitute ‘lying low’ either) but it is a stunning rendition of a classic song that does Kagura’s VAs credit in both dubs. Unfortunately the pursuers still manage to track Saiga and Kagura down with Madame Kogenai, another Euphoric, in tow.
This is where the show seems to fall into a ‘monster of the week’ format in which Saiga, after taking out the rubbery ballet dancer in the first volume, has to contend with two more successive Euphorics whose individual powers test his inventiveness and courage. To be fair, each encounter is suitably exhilerating and you can almost forget about the series’ shortcomings in terms of animation quality. Madame Kogenai has something of an expensive means to acheive her ‘euphoric’ status, although it does highlight the sometimes tragic ways in which the Euphorics can become the monsters that they are - sadly this depth is not extended to the next one, who can be best described as the Dentist from Hell! These details do not exactly justify their actions of course but they give some background and reasoning behind them. The fight scenes expand on the ‘killer camera’ theme with the surprising ways in which Saiga uses his strengths and the features of his camera, such as different lenses to increase the range or distance of the damage he can inflict on his adversaries.
The most interesting aspect of this disc for me though was the exploration of Saiga’s character and some details concerning Kagura’s own remarkable abilities. The latter promisess some hard-hitting and tragic stuff in the next volume while the former paints Saiga as less of a mercenary and more of a good, honest man struggling to find his place in an increasingly corrupt and dishonest world. At the same time there are some developments on the side of Suitengu and the Club, which all makes for a satisfactory continuation to the story. Needless to say I have the third disc ordered already!
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[Anime Reviews]
05 Jan 2007
Posted by Martin [Tags: Speed Grapher]
The phrase ’style over substance’ is often bandied around a lot and Studio Gonzo is quite often at the receiving end of these criticisms. In the case of the likes of Speed Grapher though, you can’t help but think, “but what style!”. In addition its near-future worldview, exaggerated enough to be entertaining escapism but resembling our own closely enough to have something to say, paints a grim picture in which the wealthy and privileged can get anything they want…for a price. Tatsumi Saiga, a disallusioned war photographer gone freelance, stumbles on a secret society in which the elite have their deepest wishes granted…however dark and twisted they may be. Saiga’s investigation lands him literally in the middle of some strange ritual, in which the club’s Goddess is to bestow her gift upon a lucky member. It so happens that Saiga ends up with the Goddess’ blessing, with spectacular results.
Before we go any further, I have to stress that Shutter Speed, the DVD op theme written by Shinkichi Mitsumune of FLCL fame, replaces the Japanese TV one for copyright reasons. It’s a great tune, possibly the coolest since R.O.D.: the TV, and sets the show up nicely. It’s just that the original theme was none other than the 80s classic Girls of Film by Duran Duran! Look for it on Youtube if you want to see how well the song fits the trashy yet cool and decadant vibe of the show so much better. Anyway, Speed Grapher is part supernatural thriller, part horror and part social commentary - but subtle it certainly ain’t.
Saiga’s adventure, which results in rescuing the Goddess from her sheltered life of ‘blessing’ the rich and famous, inevitably upsets the organisation behind it all, who send members out to take care of Saiga and retrieve the girl. Like Saiga, they’ve had her blessing and, like Saiga, have acquired superhuman abilities. These manifest themselves as their deepest desires personified (bluntly called ‘becoming the object of one’s fetish’ in the DVD leaflet blurb), which for Saiga allows him to literally blow up anything through using his camera. In the case of a ballet dancer with a rubber fetish, his body behaves literally like rubber.
The themes of fetishes crop up a lot in Speed Grapher, which has strong sexual undercurrents running through it all - society revolves around materialism, money and the pursuit of physical pleasures. If you’re squeamish or a bit of a prude, take note of this: some interesting issues aren’t so much touched on as thrown at the viewer with considerable force. There’s violence aplenty too but at the same time the story has more to offer than shocks and blood. What is behind the supernatural ability, known as ‘euphoria’? What is its significance concerning Saiga’s own past? Why does that bishie guy have a weird nose protector?!
There’s much still to be revealed and quite honestly this lengthy post hasn’t explained everything in these four opening episodes very fully - the plot at this stage is a tad muddled anyway. Apart from a few moments of bargain-bin animation (the studio’s later series Welcome to the NHK shares many of Speed Grapher’s aesthetic strengths and weaknesses) the whole affair just oozes style so as mindless as it can be at times, I can’t help but be intrigued by it. Click, click, you’re dead!
Summary
The opening instalment of Speed Grapher is an exhilerating if occasionally shocking and confusing ride. Smatterings of sexual content and comic book violence offer eye candy but the underlying themes are interesting enough to suggest it will be an above-average show, especially with a lead as engaging as the careworn Saiga. The artbox that comes with the special ed of volume 1 by the way is glossy and smart so if the UK release (whenever that is) receives similar treatment we will be very fortunate indeed.
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