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Basilisk ~ Koga Nimpo Cho ~
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Animation - 9.4 |
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Sound - 9.0 |
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Story - 8.5 |
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Character - 8.5 |
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Value - 8.7 |
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Enjoyment - 8.9 |
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Average - 8.8 |
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| Average |
8.5 |
| Animation |
8 |
| Sound |
8 |
| Story |
8 |
| Character |
9 |
| Value |
9 |
| Enjoyment |
9 |
| This anime is described as action, drama and historical setting.
Action:
Action well animated. Fast, sharp and not afraid to show blood. It portrays the cruel world of the shinobi and more generally the cruelty of war.
Such wars are not fought honorably. The weapons of war are not restricted to simply swords, knives and super powers. Rather, both sides use underhanded tactics and fight dirty.
Drama:
There are definitely dramatic moments in this anime. However, it can get slightly repetitive as the cycle of hate and revenge gets reiterated multiple times through the flashbacks of various characters. Some of these iterations are very touching others are not.
This reiteration also desensitizes the viewer to a certain extent, as the series progresses you will have seen more and more blood that it stops being dramatic and no longer phases you.
Strictly speaking the drama starts at a 10 and slowly goes down to an 8.
Historical Setting
This anime takes place in traditional japan era of swords, bows, some guns and cannons. While the setting does provide a "logical" reason for the war, this "logical" reason is not the main reason why the war will be fought. It is simply a match that lights the powder keg.
Recommendation:
Watch the first episode, it is a very good preview of the entire series and will allow you to gauge if this is the kind of show you want to watch. Personally, I couldn't stop watching and watched the whole thing in 1 day.
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0 of 0 people found this review helpful.
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Rinoa |
2008-02-29 21:55:28 |
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| Average |
9.3 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
10 |
| Story |
10 |
| Character |
9 |
| Value |
9 |
| Enjoyment |
9 |
| Overall, this is a good anime, one of the best, in my opinion.
Pros:
- Nice animation overall;
- Good music;
- Detailed characters;
- Good (and heartwrenching) story & ending.
Cons:
- Strange-looking characters in some cases;
- Focus on breasts in certain shots (ecchi feel);
- Some main characters don't get enough deserved screen-time.
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1 of 2 people found this review helpful.
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| Average |
7.5 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
9 |
| Story |
6 |
| Character |
7 |
| Value |
7 |
| Enjoyment |
7 |
| Man nehme ein kleines Schippchen Romeo & Julia, gebe einen großzügigen Esslöffel X-Men hinzu und verfeinere das ganze mit einer Messerspitze oder besser gesagt einer Schaufel blutiger Ninja-Action, verrühre das ganze und fertig ist „Basilisk“! Hier hat sich GONZO eine Manga-Vorlage geschnappt deren Inhalt diesem Studio so ziemlich wie auf den Leib geschneidert ist: Eine simple Grundstory und soviel Action das man sich damit problemlos und exzessiv in Form von derer animationstechnischer Präsentation profilieren kann ohne auf allzu viel Komplexität oder Substanz auf Seiten des Inhalts wert legen zu müssen. Und was könnte simpler sein als die Prämisse dass sich 2 verfeindete Ninja-Clans an die Gurgel gehen um in einem blutigen Gemetzel den Sieger zu ermitteln? Nicht verwunderlich also das „Basilisk“ vom Start weg zu einer Aneinanderreihung von Fights verkommt die so ziemlich als Wegbereiter und Hangelsprossen der Story dienen, während sich in Sachen Plotentwicklung nur wenig tut und in der Charaktersparte nur das Massensterben vieler, vieler Figuren als großartige „Veränderung“ des Casts angesehen werden kann. Das mag sich jetzt wahrscheinlich wie eine sehr harsche Grabrede für diesen Anime anhören aber „Basilisk“ macht genau das richtig was nötig ist um bei einer Serie dieser Art dennoch für Unterhaltung zu sorgen, Stichwort: Action! Nicht nur das diese, wie man es von GONZO gewohnt ist, animationstechnisch gut in Szene gesetzt ist, auch die vielen verschiedenen Ninja-Techniken und wie die am Kampf teilnehmenden Figuren diese nach allen Regeln der Ninja-Kunst, sprich Täuschung und Hinterhältigkeit, einsetzen sind als Unterhaltungsmedium sehr dienlich und wissen Langeweile weitestgehend fernzuhalten da es einfach spannend ist dem Treiben zuzuschauen. Solange man sich Fragen stellt wie „Wer kommt als nächstes um und WIE?“ oder „Welche Technik beherrscht Charakter XY wohl und wie setzt er sie ein um Charakter Z zu töten?“ ist die Abstinenz der Spannung welche man sich durch viele Plot- und Charaktertwists erhofft gut zu verschmerzen. Zwar hat man bei so ziemlich allen Techniken der hier auftretenden Ninjas das Gefühl das irgendwo im tiefen Wald ein Riesenfass Mutagen ausgelaufen sein muss oder das jeden Moment Professor Xavier aus X-Men auf der Bildfläche erscheint, aber dennoch wirft man den Gedanken das so was doch überhaupt nicht in das Setting und vor die altjapanische Kulisse passt schnell über Bord und erfreut sich an der Abwechslung die dadurch bei den Fights geboten ist. Wer jetzt aber denkt das man nur als Liebhaber von blutiger Fight-Action seinen Spaß an „Basilisk“ haben kann, der irrt sich…zumindest ein wenig. Denn sobald sich die Reihen der Ninja-Kämpfer lichten und somit auch der Überfüllung der Serie durch zahllose Kämpfe und Charaktere Einhalt geboten wird, schickt sich „Basilisk“ an in Sachen Story und Cast zumindest den ein oder anderen kleinen Schritt nach vorne zu machen. Es geht zwar nie soweit das man einer der beiden Kategorien unbedingt viel Komplexität zuschreiben könnte, aber durch den näheren Eingang auf gewisse Charaktere und die Einstreuung kleiner Plottwists gelingt es dem Anime sich bis zum Ende hin immerhin noch zufrieden stellend von seiner monotonen, auf nichts als simpler Action basierender Richtlinie lossagen zu können. Ebenso nimmt auch die Dramatik durch das wegshiften von „X-Men“ auf „Romeo & Julia“ deutlich zu und am Schluss darf sich „Basilisk“ sogar noch als halbwegs gelungene Tragik-Romanze bezeichnen. Mein ganz persönliches Fazit: „Basilisk“ ist ein wirklich gut gelungener Action-Anime dessen Versuch zusätzlich eine Liebestragödie zu sein nicht gänzlich fehl schlägt aber auch nicht als tadellos gelungen zu bezeichnen ist. Dafür hätte man der Entwicklung und Präsentation der Charaktere mehr Zeit einräumen müssen, was sich angesichts der riesigen Anzahl an Protagonisten und der geringen Anzahl an Episoden schlussendlich aber als Ding der Unmöglichkeit herausstellt. Eins ist sicher: Fans von Ninjas und harter Action kommen hier mit großer Sicherheit voll auf ihre Kosten, selbiges könnte sogar für Liebhaber einfühlsamer Storys gelten sofern diese eine hohe Toleranzgrenze und Durchhaltevermögen gegenüber blutigen Schnetzeleien an den Tag legen.
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1 of 4 people found this review helpful.
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| Average |
9.8 |
| Animation |
10 |
| Sound |
9 |
| Story |
10 |
| Character |
10 |
| Value |
10 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
| An awesome story + ninjas + special powers = a really good anime. Unlike most other animes in a similar genre this one doesnt focus around the fighting sequences. Instead it provides lots of background on each character, so it gets you attached to them. A must watch! This is a love story btw.
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2 of 3 people found this review helpful.
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| Average |
9.2 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
9 |
| Story |
10 |
| Character |
8 |
| Value |
10 |
| Enjoyment |
9 |
| A really tragic story about a war between two opposing ninja clans. I really loved watching it after I begun to know the characters. It's not one of the longest lasting animes, but you really want to watch it again after seeing it.
It's absolutely one of my top anime series.
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0 of 0 people found this review helpful.
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|
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| Average |
8.5 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
9 |
| Story |
8 |
| Character |
9 |
| Value |
7 |
| Enjoyment |
9 |
| Basilisk. Loved it. I'm a big fan of shows that pull your strings so naturally I fell in love with this anime. Nearly everything was done beautifully and although the background story, two clans fighting over some old grudge, didn't appeal to me at first glance, the show itself definitely made up for it. The feeling in this anime is just so DEEP sometimes, watched the whole thing in one go. Characters were original and all, except for maybe Tenzen, were likeable at one point or another. I never pay much attention to the music but some of the bgm's were nice, as were both the opening and the ending songs. I wouldn't watch this show again for anything other than the great fight scenes, and even then they aren't as nice when you know who's going to win. All in all a great anime, incredibly underrated and I'd definitely recommend it to anyone who loves anime and doesn't mind a little blood.
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0 of 0 people found this review helpful.
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| Average |
9.7 |
| Animation |
10 |
| Sound |
9 |
| Story |
9 |
| Character |
10 |
| Value |
10 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
| you wont regret watching this anime..it is one of my all time favorite anime series..
loved each episode..very unique characters..the 1st episode really rocks..
shows a lot of frames..cool characters..each characters have a very in depth story..story also includes some significant characters in Japan' history..
i loved the ending..each character's skill are unique...loved the main character's skills though..reminds me of Hyuuga Neji and Sasuke..heh..all in all you should be entertained w/ this one..
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0 of 0 people found this review helpful.
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|
|
|
| Average |
9.8 |
| Animation |
10 |
| Sound |
9 |
| Story |
10 |
| Character |
10 |
| Value |
10 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
| Almost perfect! Enjoyed every minute of it...
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0 of 0 people found this review helpful.
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Bokusha |
(2006-11-11 16:31:21) 2006-11-11 16:27:50 |
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| Average |
8.4 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
9 |
| Story |
6 |
| Character |
8 |
| Value |
0 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
| A very excellent action anime that doesn't seem to be getting all the attention it deserves.
Think ninjas like in Naruto only better, skip the kids and all of the sillyness, touch up the music, add the violence from Berserk and a dash of romance and the quality of animation you'd expect from the likes of Gonzo Digimation and you end up with Basilisk.
If you like action anime and haven't seen this yet, you're missing out. Get to it!
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1 of 2 people found this review helpful.
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|
|
| Average |
9.0 |
| Animation |
10 |
| Sound |
8 |
| Story |
9 |
| Character |
8 |
| Value |
9 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
| Basilisk is a really good show I was planning on buying in R1 when all of it was released, as I almost always buy anime when their run on R1 is complete, but I had such high expectations for the show, that I decided to watch it trough other means first to calm down my urge to watch it..I originally only planned to watch 5 episodes, but I ended up watching the whole show marathoned because I just couldn't wait to find out what happened next, it's a really exciting, adrenaline-rushing show.
Now that a few days have passed, I can review it a bit more objetively.
The animation for this show is absolutely gorgeous, all 24 episodes are top-of-the-game animated, the designs and animaton are consistent all through, which truly make this show a joy to watch; I did have a few problems with some night scenes but that had to do more with the video-quality of my source than the show itself; a really gorgeus show, almost theatrical quality.
I have to admit that 50% of the interest I initially had for the show was because of the designs and animation.
The music is a moslty good, but also kind of a mixed bag IMHO; some song are really neat, made with japanese instruments and haunting chants, and really fit the show, but there are some synth-like songs too, which contrast to the nice high-quality music and animation and detract from some scenes, and they just don't fit in in such a high quality show.
Now, the other 50% of initial interest came from the show's catch-phrase; "To the one I love: prepare to die", this little sentence gave me a sense of uncertainty, drama, tragedy and action at the same time that really sealed the deal for me.
And mostly I can say I satisfied all my expectations.
The basic premise is that of two lovers, Gennousuke and Oboro, torn apart by the hatred each of their clans, Kouga and Iga, have for each other, and how they get swallowed up in all the gory mess this becomes.
The clans have hated each other for centuries, but have made an agreement of peace, the pinnacle of this being the engagement of each clans' heirs, our protagonists, which against all odds fall madly inlove.
This all is shattered when the Shogun breaks the agreement and orders the clans to fight each other to death; the winner will decide who will be the next shogun.
And thus, the massacre begins; 10 ninjas from each clan have to kill for supremacy and all them are thrilled by it since they hate each other so much; all of them except our two lovers that is, who believe in peace, but as you can expect, hatred gets the best out of most of the ninjas and consipration, traps and deciet are the name of the game to reign supreme.
All of this leads to the deaths of many and the broken hearts of our protagonists, and then to the dramatic climax.
All this makes up for a great story which never lets go because it is very intense, but also makes character development for some of the characters pretty basic; especially those who die first.
The last ones to die do get a lot of characters development, and Oboro and Gennousuke's relationship is very well portrayed; though another cool aspect of the show, the "super ninja powers' of each characters do detract a bit from the authentic and passionate love of our protagonists; though in the end the director does focus more on sheer emotions and ends the show in a realistic and exciting manner.
This is a highly enjoyable show that has a bit for everyone; action, romace and drama, though at times the action may detract a bit from the drama, it's still a great show, with a powerful message and a great set of story and characters.
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1 of 2 people found this review helpful.
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|
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| Average |
7.7 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
8 |
| Story |
7 |
| Character |
7 |
| Value |
7 |
| Enjoyment |
8 |
| This is one very overated anime. Firstly the storty is so simple. Its just one story, and its about a war which starts from the first till the end. If you have seen Samurai 7 also from gonzo before this, then this is not at all different. Aside that this is even more boring than that. The plus side is that you get lots of insane ninja fighting.
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1 of 2 people found this review helpful.
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|
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| Average |
9.0 |
| Animation |
10 |
| Sound |
10 |
| Story |
10 |
| Character |
10 |
| Value |
7 |
| Enjoyment |
7 |
| I really wish I could have given Basilisk a perfect 10 overeall. It started off with a bang. Fluid fight scenes, great animation, interesting characters, good voice actors, etc. The build up was excellent and, it was in essence, the epitome of a Ninja Anime series.
Towards the 9-10th episode onwards, things got a little draggy, and the fight scenes got a bit lack lusture. I guess when you are trying to go in too many directions at once, you're bound to get lost. Beautifully crafted characters in their various emotional states, fight scenes, and with a director who is obviously very Kurosawa, inspired. Things do start to go wrong when on such a balancing act.
But the last 4 episdoes, things started to pick up once again, and the ending really did it for me. I haven't felt this moved watching an anime for a very very very very very long time. Especially not from a fighting, aka ninja one.
Just the the starting and ending episodes alone, I would recommend this series too everyone.
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0 of 1 people found this review helpful.
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|
|
| Average |
8.2 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
9 |
| Story |
9 |
| Character |
8 |
| Value |
7 |
| Enjoyment |
7 |
| This anime has a very original story to begin with. However, by killing off interesting character too quickly gives this anime a lower score.
Some character only come out once or twice and then die, so I don't even know their name. I think the story focused too much on the Oboro's glumping/feeling sorry for herself. I would enjoy it much more if the other side character get more screen time.
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1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
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|
nauXolo |
(2006-04-06 22:26:14) 2006-04-06 21:05:41 |
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| Average |
8.5 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
8 |
| Story |
8 |
| Character |
9 |
| Value |
8 |
| Enjoyment |
9 |
| From start to finish, I was heavily engrossed in this anime. With such an intense and dramatic storyline with very human and real characters that have their own weaknesses that can be sympathized with, there is no way that you can avoid getting drawn into the world that Basilisk creates. Although almost every episode involves someone dying, as the characters got fewer and fewer, I kept hoping that the remaining characters would not die. Furthermore, all that intensity that began in the start got compressed within the fewer characters that remained, and deep in my heart I hoped that peace would arise in the end.
The anime begins with a huge strife between the two clans. Everything felt extremely one sided and there seemed to be a clear right vs wrong, bad guy vs good guy. However, as the anime developed more and more, I became more drawn into the characters on both sides of the clan. Each character had their own weakness... they were not inhumanly strong and once hit by a weapon or jutsu, the ninja stayed down and that made this anime extremely realistic and memorable. I couldn't help to feel for the deaths of some of the more influencing and loveable characters while they were in their last dying moments.
One of the bad things about Basilisk was how the beginning had extremely intense fighting scenes. However, as the story progressed and developed and things got a little more complicated between the two sides, the fighting toned down like crazy until the point where dialogue was all the fighting consisted off. All the cool fighting scenes went down as the various ninjas died one by one. The beginning of Basilisk is essentially a whole bunch of fights while the ending is more.... story and dialogue oriented. Basically, the creators of the storied made it clear that they wanted a showdown between the more important characters and they killed everybody else.
Despite the lack of fighting scenes towards the end, the last few episodes were not a disappointment. I still was heavily engrossed for essentially every second. I felt sad when my favorite character died... and put my hopes that some day peace will come and Gennosuke and Oboro can put aside their differences. I always wondered what was in the mind of each and every individual characters and there seemed to be no redundant actions until the very end.
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0 of 1 people found this review helpful.
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| Average |
6.5 |
| Animation |
8 |
| Sound |
8 |
| Story |
5 |
| Character |
8 |
| Value |
4 |
| Enjoyment |
6 |
| Ninjas ninjas everywhere.
Visuals
For the most part, Basilisk had some rock solid visual flare. The action scenes were handled well, keeping fluid whilst being meaty, and the overall quality of the artwork was excellent. The world was crafted well also, and the style of the series kept in good ninja-anime tradtion. I was especially thankful at the gory nature of the series, and I felt right at home with it if comparing it to something like Ninja Scroll. So what are the flaws? Well, there are two. The first is the character modelling - the series involves about 20 main characters, both female and male, and unfortunately if was often hard to distinguish some of them from each other. They had very similar looks, with only subtle differences in apprearence. It took me a long time to get used to these subtle differences, and along the way I felt confused at times. The second visual flaw is the end third of the series, where so much of it is covered in mist. The story is such that not only do the action scenes become non-existent towards the end, but the setting of the series takes place in fields where there is mist, and it hinders the visual quality, making it look horrendous.
Sound
Overall, the sound was great. The sound effects and ambiance are the real stars here, giving a very good atmosphere. The voice acting for the most part is also superb, except one of the character voices who I disliked. The musical score fits in well to the series and provides suitable melodies throughout the episodes. The opening and closing themes were ok, but nothing remarkable.
Story
The story has an awesome premise. Indeed most of why I have anything positive to say about the story is because of the main base plot and idea. 10 different ninjas from 2 clans have to battle it out. And they each have their own unique abilities. Excellent. I was hooked after the first episode alone, but the next few kept me firmly glued to my seat. The twists and turns in character deaths, the glorious action sequences, and some of the ingenious abilities were the highlights of the series. But halfway through the series, the action was slowly siphoned out, and slow moving drama came in to take its place. Oh dear. By the time the series ended I was so happy to not have to see any more of the drivil. For some reason the creators thought that with the deaths of so many characters at this point, they would extend the narrative by boring the VIEWER to death with the insignificant ruffling of either the secondary characters or by toning down the remaining primary ones. The decrease in the ferocity of the series is one of a kind. I can only liken it to a PitBull being muzzled and then shot with a tranquiliser. Even the battles at this point - what little there were left - were pathetic, with no reason to be so bad whatsoever. I can only assume the the creators stopped caring.
Characters
Apart from Oboro, I thought the characters were superb in Basilisk. The all had their unique abilities and personalities, and were interesting to watch. There were times where I felt the series went a bit overboard to show the affection between some of the couples, and the plot slowed down, but overall this was minor. As mentioned before, it was often hard to distinguish between some of the similar looking characters, and this kept me mildly irriated also. Lastly, whilst I was wasn`t originally too bothered by Oboro at first, the more she became the focus of the plot the more the series bored and annoyed me. Thankfully the other characters outshone her for the most part.
Value
Unfortunately, this series was wrecked for me by the drawn out conclusion that made me want to gouge my eyes out. As it stands, I would gladly watch the first half again in a heartbeat, but seriously consider going any further.
Enjoyment
Overall, a very enjoyable series that`s marred by the long dull ending. See it if you like Ninja Scroll mixed with the Kenshin Reminiscience. (Personally I`m more for Ninja Scroll and less for Kenshin R.)
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1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
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|
Genesis |
(2006-02-24 00:45:20) 2006-02-23 14:43:08 |
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| Average |
9.0 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
8 |
| Story |
9 |
| Character |
10 |
| Value |
9 |
| Enjoyment |
9 |
| Wow,this was interesting show.So many ups and downs throw episodes which makes it very hard for me to review.I did like it,especially the ending that is so original,so much that it will surely surprise everyone.
Animation was almost perfect,but many times when it was dark,it was so hard to see what is going on,not because its bad animation but because colors were to pale.Overall i think colors were to pale,and that i didn't like.Characters are well drawn,very detailed,so you can see how many eyelashes someone has,eye color and so on.Fighting scenes are one of the best i have seen but it was obvious that near the ending it kind a lost quality and timing was off during fights.Fights also got a lot simpler and rushed,i guess they try to make it fit 24 episodes and that made this show look little of balance as it approached ending.Sound was OK.OST is fine but i noticed that there were not many songs in it and better ones(for my taste) were used just a few times.I didn't like timing of the songs,except for the ending when everything was perfect.Voices are perfect,no annoying voices.
Story,is typical Gonzo work,except for ending.Usually Gonzo creates great anime but with weak story and for me and many others it is the worst thing you can do to any anime show.But this time it was little different!First 8 episodes were amazing,than it slows down,tenth episodes is waste of time,unfortunately.Than it seems like shows takes huge twist and it is more talking,trying to explain hate between clans,but with no result.Than one episode is nothing,number 16,i was disappointed by that.Two episodes in nothing.It is only up to episode 20 that story starts to get some pace and something interesting with drama and emotions.Last 3 episodes are reaching climax and it just gets better and better until beautiful ending makes it all look much better in my eyes.
Characters are probably best part about this anime.20 different ninjas,with different technique,fighting each other,that was cool to watch.Similar to Ninja Scroll but much deeper characters.There are a few characters like Genosuke and Oboro to which you will connect very much.I think characters wont leave anyone disappointed.In the end i really felt sorry for Genosuke and Oboro.Genosuke seemed such a nice person,he is so powerfull,but doesn't like violence and killing,in the end when he crys,that was so emotional.He just wanted to leave in peace with Oboro.So,so sad!Same goes for Oboro.
In the end i did enjoy it,at moments there was to much talking with no meaning,but i repeat,great just great ending made it all look different in my eyes.Otherwise i would be much stricter and not so generous with my review!
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0 of 1 people found this review helpful.
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DazeD |
2006-02-20 14:59:08 |
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| Average |
9.2 |
| Animation |
10 |
| Sound |
9 |
| Story |
9 |
| Character |
9 |
| Value |
9 |
| Enjoyment |
9 |
| To sum everything up, one can say this anime is Romeo & Juliet with ninjas. It might sound cliche at first. However, Basilisk really surprised by how they incooperated the theme of love-romance into a fierce action anime.
The animations are superb. Very nicely rendered background and sceneries. The character designs are unique and detailed. Each character designs are different making for a wide variety of characters. Action scenes are well-made and gripping due to the characters' unique powers.
Sounds in Basilisk are deserving of a good score. The musics are catchy and very fitting for the theme of the anime. The voice acting are very nicely done. Each voice is fitting for the individual roles.
Story is Romeo & Juliet idea as I've mentioned before. Two lovers bond by love and seperated by old family feud and rivalry. At first it doesn't seem fitting for a ninja anime. However, one would be truely surprised by how well Basilisk portrayed the theme of Romeo & Juliet. I was truely moved by the last episode.
Characters were interesting. Each factions, Kouga and Iga, present a vast cast of characters. Each presenting a unique power which they only know. The powers were also very creative and original except for one, Kagero. If you have seen Ninja Scroll Movie before, you will notice the similar power and name. besides that everyone else were truely original.
I enjoyed this anime very much, and in personal opinions believe you will probably also. It presents a touching love-romance while also providing enough actions to appease action-crazed viewers. Truely a must see.
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|
isokana |
(2006-04-03 15:50:37) 2006-02-19 08:32:50 |
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| Average |
7.8 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
9 |
| Story |
5 |
| Character |
8 |
| Value |
8 |
| Enjoyment |
8 |
| Basilisk surprised me. Initially I thought it was a short 13-episode ninja bashing contest but then I realized they didn't have the time to kill everybody in a short time. So add another 10+ episodes and see what comes out of it.
Storywise Basilisk doesn't start too brightly. Take two enemy villages forced in peace and make their future leaders go toward marriage. Disrupt peace. See what comes out of it. Doesn't sound too promising. But this premise is handled nicely with secret plots going on and some excitement in the air about what will happen when the truth comes out. While this is going on, the episodes mostly consist of ninjas taking on each other with freaky skills. It was all very entertaining.
Well, when the truth eventually comes out, a new chapter is opened. I liked it how two people in similar situations and with similar eyes take two different approaches: while Gennosuke is hard and practical, Oboro is naive and idealistic. It was fun to follow how these approaches were met with followers of the both. At the same time the amount of fighting lessens and the fights start to become more meaningful. The remaining characters are developed to a satisfactory state instead of the cannon fodder attitude of the start.
And the characters are what are keeping Basilisk above the sea level for the rest of series. If I needed to describe them with one word, that would be "passionate". Even though their manners are mostly calm, there are torches of love and hate behind the masks. Unfortunately the series culminates too much for the anticipation of the final solution between Gennosuke and Oboro. So much that the stories of the secondary characters lose some of their appeal and the story seems to drag as the ending doesn't seem to come closer fast enough. And call me slow-witted or something, but I couldn't figure out Tenzen's hatred from the brief flashbacks that were shown.
Production wise Basilisk shines. Animation looks very good and is fluid, which is important for a fighting anime. The only complain I have are the colors. Night scenes are too dark to make things out sometimes and day scenes look pale. The ninjas look excentric enough and they imaginitive skills making the fights enjoyable. Music is at par with the animation. The voice actors perform every character with exactly the right kind of voice. Ending and opening songs are very catchy and with impressive animation make them a joy to watch. BGM creates a right kind of mood for every scene.
I don't have any monster ninja experiment outside Ninja Scroll but Basilisk beats both the movie and the TV series. Only thing it lacks is balanced story that would have kept me enjoying the episodes and not only making me wait for the ending.
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Tatsurou |
(2006-02-07 06:01:30) 2006-02-07 03:50:37 |
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| Average |
6.0 |
| Animation |
8 |
| Sound |
8 |
| Story |
6 |
| Character |
3 |
| Value |
5 |
| Enjoyment |
6 |
| Basilisk is not your usual ninja anime where the good or bad sides are obvious. You don't even get many ninjas in there, skilled ones that is. The ninja's techniques are very weird compared to the usual ninja skills we have seen before too. The story's not very complex but at least they tried to make something noteworthy and emotional out of it. However, a certain char's story ends as quickly as his/her short life which can be frustrating at times. So in the end, everything seems to fall short in terms of plot, character development, appeal, etc. Good attempt at trying something different though.
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|
|
|
| Average |
10.0 |
| Animation |
10 |
| Sound |
10 |
| Story |
10 |
| Character |
10 |
| Value |
10 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
| this is easily one of the greates animes ever IMHO, ever since I saw the first episode I knw that this was gona rock!, now I have finished watching this series and everything is just top rated.
I must say that the realistic way in wich teh the plot unfolds (aside from crazy techniques and powers) is what made fall in love with this anime, things like people that you say: OMG this guy/gal is so cool and the next minute you se him/her dead cause in this series people die anytime and that is what war is alol about, you are never safe, also the last episode almost made me cry ( its pretty hard).
A MUST SEE ANIME!!!!
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