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KARAS
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Animation - 9.6 |
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Sound - 8.5 |
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Story - 7.2 |
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Character - 7.3 |
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Value - 7.8 |
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Enjoyment - 7.6 |
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Average - 7.7 |
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| Average |
3.8 |
| Animation |
8 |
| Sound |
0 |
| Story |
3 |
| Character |
3 |
| Value |
3 |
| Enjoyment |
2 |
| KARAS. Here stands what could have been a great and brilliant thing... if it weren't eaten by its lack of time. The animation is superb; I didn't personally like the style, but there's no denying it was well done. The sound... don't remember much about it.
What, then, really did I mean by lack of time? The story doesn't even exist. There's such a hideous lack of backstory and character development here that I was turned off rather quickly. In fact, this is the only anime I've ever gotten rid of immediately after watching it... I disliked it that much.
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0 of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Summoner |
(2008-03-19 09:37:22) 2008-03-18 08:55:55 |
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| Average |
7.0 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
7 |
| Story |
6 |
| Character |
6 |
| Value |
8 |
| Enjoyment |
6 |
| "One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six. Seven. Eight. Nine. And it is Ten. Sway. To and fro, sway. Go, Karas."
Karas is a surprisingly well made 6 episodes long OVA, strong both at its action and story sequences. Because the story this show tries to convey is far too big for 2:30 hours medium, it's cut to only the most important points, with barely any explanations. Though, unlike in many Gonzo shows, in Karas you can use your imagination and little hints to draw the whole setting and story (also pre-story) in your mind, as long as you have a sharp one of course. On the other hand, even viewers who dislike using their brains while watching anime will enjoy this show - it's full of spectacular and extremely well animated action sequences. Even characters are surprisingly well done in this short OVA, as long as you catch all of the hints this show so carefully throws at you, you'll not only have everyone's detailed character traits in your head, but many back-stories as well. Hehe, I surely loved how this show managed to convey the past of many characters without using any flashbacks.
Karas comes with highest recommendations to anyone who are up for either some intense brain work or just simple pleasure from fascinating action scenes. Of course, you get the most enjoyment if you are up for both. ^_^;
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1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
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| Average |
7.8 |
| Animation |
10 |
| Sound |
8 |
| Story |
7 |
| Character |
7 |
| Value |
7 |
| Enjoyment |
8 |
| This is one anime that does not seem like an anime. It seems like its been made in the US more than its been made in Japan. The problem with US-superhero based anime is that its cliche to the max. the 6 eps, provide a lot of action based- something like power rangers, but a bit grown up. The story is easy to understand though. The only difference/new thing in this anime is the super hero needs its sidekick which is actually the heart/master of the super hero. Without it the fighting machine could not function and in some cases useless.
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Redgarl |
(2007-11-26 21:56:03) 2007-11-26 21:52:31 |
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| Average |
9.0 |
| Animation |
10 |
| Sound |
9 |
| Story |
9 |
| Character |
9 |
| Value |
8 |
| Enjoyment |
9 |
| I was eager to see the end of this OVA since I saw the first 3 episodes last year and now, the OVA is complete. Karas is a masterpiece visually and come at a second close of Gankutsuou artistically. In Karas, you will find the same element that made SPAWN of Todd McFarlane so great. There is this deep gray area wholly exploited. You don’t know what to expect from the good guy or the bad guy. They are fighting for their respective motive, but they are fighting the same evil glimpse of the main villain. You come to see that Otoha, the principal Karas, was an evil person in his past live. The main Mikura, Nue, is totally at the opposite of Otoha but he is physically a monster. Even there, the demons in the series are pushed to be like angels while humans are merely demons. This is what makes Karas so great, especially because it is so well rendered. Just add to that a wonderfull soundtrack and you are in for a treat. It is pure candy for all your senses.
I must admit that the first 3 episodes are better than the last 3 and I would even add that making only the 3 first episodes would have been ok with me. The way that the first DVD is finishing is just awesome. I don’t know why I was feeling so fascinate about it, but I do know that I really enjoyed this great anime. The way that humanity is cursed during the whole OVA is just what I really like about adult animation from all around the world (Spawn, Batman 1991, Berserk). I think this is what make me connecting to these medias so much, the way that we are and the way that the human nature is represented. A line that I use to describe mankind fit really well the picture :
You can only judge mankind with the wrong that humans do.
IMO, not only is Karas a good entertainment, but it is also a good representation of human personality. I’m someone who simply need to see things like that and Karas shown me these simple but also strong aspect of our personality. We all have our stories and we need to find a way to exist even if it means that we must fight until the end for what we believe in… family, values or injustice.
My only concern is that maybe we didn’t have to see the reason why the villain came to this. It’s not really a bad point, but it could have made Karas as good as X 1999 from Clamp. Do yourself a favor and check this one out if you are looking for an older show.
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2 of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Budding |
(2007-11-15 18:09:36) 2007-11-15 18:09:15 |
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| Average |
8.2 |
| Animation |
10 |
| Sound |
9 |
| Story |
6 |
| Character |
5 |
| Value |
9 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
| Karas is a short 6 episode long anime made in 2005, featuring some of the most stunning graphical achievements in the history of anime.
The quality of CG in Karas is record breaking. It is definitely the best anime series to date in terms of graphics and animation, with high detail and sharp textures. The action sequences are amazing, and as Karas is of the action genre, there are a lot of scenes as such. As a result, Karas is a must watch for this reason alone.
Karas has a very exciting soundtrack and a nice ending theme. Although in some versions, the theme songs in between episodes have been removed to make the anime seem like one long movie. The only disappointing area in terms of sound would be the voice acting, which is quite average.
The storyline of Karas will not make sense for the first half of the anime, and will not be too rewarding the moment it does make sense. However, a good storyline rarely defines a good action movie, and therefore the storyline of Karas does not have a significant effect on the overall enjoyment.
The development of the characters featured in Karas can be quite confusing at times. Most of the development occurs in the later half of the anime, and like the storyline, it fails to impress. But, once again, character development has a minimal impact on the action sequences, and therefore does not influence Karas too much.
Overall, Karas is a must watch. Its graphics and animation are simply astounding, and its presentation excellent. Do be aware that some DVD versions of Karas have the OP and ED between episodes removed to make the anime seem like one long movie. Other than that, if you enjoy action anime, or are someone who appreciates the presentation of an anime, you should watch Karas.
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0 of 0 people found this review helpful.
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| Average |
9.8 |
| Animation |
10 |
| Sound |
10 |
| Story |
10 |
| Character |
10 |
| Value |
10 |
| Enjoyment |
9 |
| This is definetly a must watch anime. First thing that blew my mind was the first fighting scene, the camera angle, and animation were beyond other animes I've seen. The story might sound simple "the battle between good and evil" but behind that there's much more to it than just good and bad battling it out. Story is well thought of and it seems like the whole 6 OVAs have been planned perfectly.
I personally enjoyed it a lot and compare to other animes this is definetly one of the great ones.
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0 of 0 people found this review helpful.
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| Average |
4.5 |
| Animation |
0 |
| Sound |
0 |
| Story |
0 |
| Character |
0 |
| Value |
3 |
| Enjoyment |
6 |
| "Demon City Shinjuku". That's what came to mind after maybe twenty seconds of watching. Mindblowing twenty seconds, as "KARAS" uses every way to look and sound top notch all the way through fight sequences. And the best fight is here shown in the beginning. So evil battles good, and this battle seals away the fate of Tokyo, and happens in Shinjuku. Right after it monster-killing cases appear. The beginning straight from DCS.
Fortunately, this wasn't a DCS clone. Not only visuals and sound were done a lot better (unsurprising if we compare the time both shows were made), "KARAS" is also much less cheesy. Thanks to two characters and... ending.
"Spriggan". That's what comes to mind after seeing "KARAS".
Why "Spriggan"? Well, for it's age, animation and art in "Spriggan" were nothing short of stunning. Fights were amazingly enjoyable and detailed in moves.
And this was practically all. Basically, what I've got from both anime is a lot of action. And I mean here tons of it. And nothing really more, but a promise.
Because with it's open ending, sketched, but not really fully portrayed characters, and unended storyline underlined even moreso by open ending "KARAS" is a promise, kinda like first season of GANTZ was.
I don't expect much though. Basic storyline, not even a single thing being explained and lack of closure in the end of OVA are often trademarks for shows that never were any good. It's easy. If they had any story that would be worth telling, they wouldn't have stopped telling it, now would they? Instead, they are masking it with amazing imagery, supercharged fights, transformation sequences (Karas changes into a car, or jet, or crow) and gamelike fights with lots of lights, flashes, colours and explosions. Who are Mikura? Who created them and why? Who are Karas? Who are Yurine? Their agenda's, raison d'etre, all that is never explained.
For now, I can't really mark it any different than I do. There is no story told, other than good battles evil with few subplots. Ever present pair of cops one of whom believes in the supernatural while other does not making puns at X-files (the truth is out there) aren't funny, and their parts end without really coming to existence. We know nothing about Otoha or Karas or Yurine, we're left with "cool mysterious" whoever. From characters, only Nue carries this show around, with the help of his ghost friend. And even his backstory, while explored most, is still incomplete.
Sumamrizing: pilot to something more. If this more will be worth watching, I won't say, but this should be watched same as FF VII: AC should be watched without being fan of the game: amazing graphics, superbly animated, fights over the top and beyond, OK sound and that would be it.
I enjoyed it, but I expected little, I wanted a mindless fun. This I had, hands down. More was promised but I will not be surprised it the delivery will not be made. After all, there are lots of action flicks: Appleseed, FF AC, Spriggan... Very few made it into something more. And frankly, "KARAS" lacks the traits to be one of them.
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0 of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Pakxenon |
(2007-02-07 18:45:00) 2007-02-07 18:35:44 |
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| Average |
3.2 |
| Animation |
8 |
| Sound |
2 |
| Story |
2 |
| Character |
2 |
| Value |
0 |
| Enjoyment |
2 |
| Based on the first half.
I was about to describe this as the following: "Not worth the dollar I paid to see this as an event for the Japanese class. And their second choice was Princess Monosuke, which I would have gladly watched instead of this garbage." Thankfully, I was reminded that KARAS is not a MOVIE - it's an OVA with 6 episodes. This still doesn't affect my current overall rating, but at least I'll give it another chance when the second half is released. For now, this review is based on the first three episodes and my initial impressions.
(Actually, after having watched it, I was wondering why no one in that class suggested Cowboy Bebop! I haven't seen it yet, but I'm pretty sure all the FF fanboys would accept CB generally and favourably...)
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0 of 2 people found this review helpful.
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| Average |
9.3 |
| Animation |
10 |
| Sound |
9 |
| Story |
9 |
| Character |
9 |
| Value |
9 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
| Animation-wise,this anime has it all...amazing fight scenes,well-designed characters and detailed background.Everything is in perfect order and there's absolutely no room for complains about its flawless artwork.The background music too suit the atmosphere and the mood of the anime perfectly.The sentimental ED is especially a plus.
The plot may be put under the oh-so-boring good-fighting-evil category,but the way it was carried out is definately one of the most intriguing of its kind.Viewers might be left in a blur at the beginning of the anime,but as the mysteries unfold themselves,its almost like a black hole sucking you in.There are no useless or ignored characters in this anime.Every character plays a role in the plot,some might not be as noticeable and the others.
This is one anime with so much potential.It could've been longer so that more details can be given to explain the occurances happened in the anime.Nevertheless,it will be worth the time and money spent.Anyone with interest in the action and mystery genre will surely enjoy this treat.
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Darts |
2006-08-03 08:57:58 |
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| Average |
7.8 |
| Animation |
10 |
| Sound |
9 |
| Story |
7 |
| Character |
7 |
| Value |
7 |
| Enjoyment |
7 |
| A pretty good action anime film directed by Keiichi Sato. "Karas: The Prophecy" is an 80 minuete movie that is filled with so much action that it's just hard to believe. I think karas is one of the best acction anime movie of the year of 2005.
Animation - The animation is just simply gorgeous. It's the best part about the movie. The best I have seen for the year of 2005. There are just so many unique looking designs and everything has the best shading I have seen yet. The character designs are all original, they all have their own look that hasn't been done before. Each character and background has a different shape than the other, its not just the same shape with different hair like most animes. The CGI is the best I have seen, they just look so real looking like the robot design looks like it could be real.There were no choippy or deformed character animation parts.
Sound - The sounds in the background were so real sounding weather it be rain, walking or swords hting eachother. I saw the english dubbed version which was actually really good considering Karas was liscensed by Manga Video. They had pretty well known american actors to do the voices and they were really good. The voices really seemed to fit the characters' looks and personality.
Story - The setting of the story takes place in Tokyo, Japan. It's about demons who are in human form and trying to take over, and it's up to these two people to stop them. the plot is a bit slow and you kind of seem to lose track of what they're suppose to be doing but the tons of beautiful action scenes make up for it.
Characters - The characters were really cool and likeable though they were a bit on the shallow side. There were no annoying characters which is a plus because I really can't stand annoying characters with those freaking high-pitched voices they have. The characters' attires were all different then eachother. Overeall the character department was average.
Value - I recomend Karas to any one who just wants to see an action anime with tons of cool fights. Well if you want to see this movie, you really don't have much choice weather to buy it or not. I got mine for only $15. I think it has some rewatch value because you can understand the story and characters a little more if you do.
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0 of 0 people found this review helpful.
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| Average |
9.8 |
| Animation |
10 |
| Sound |
10 |
| Story |
9 |
| Character |
10 |
| Value |
10 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
| Somehow, just somehow. -_-;
This could very well be the best anime I've seen yet, despite rising personal standards as time goes on. I didn't really want to review this until I've watched Manga's R1 release but oh well I'm bored. =P
As far as anime is concerned this series has the best animation to date. I don't think any more is needed? ;)
Music is also great. I don't really know how I'm suppose to comment on "sound" lol, so I'll leave it for you composers. VAs are excellent. Especially in eps 3 you hear some of the livelier fellows. They did their work well.
The story is a fairly basic good vs evil. But it does present some interesting turns. I think the start is a bit fast, but I've already seen this several times so the effect is not really on me anymore. Development moves at a very steady pace and they do mix it well with all the action scenes.
Characters.... well, well, well... it's not everyday you get characters whose personalities don't scream "I'M AN ANIME CHARACTER!" These guys are actually realistic, or, you know, sane. Also, additional credit goes to the writers for keeping these characters constantly in-line with their personalities. After 3 eps, there is enough material present to work in some interesting developments.
Buy a copy, buy your parents a copy, then buy your neighbors a copy.
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0 of 0 people found this review helpful.
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| Average |
9.8 |
| Animation |
10 |
| Sound |
10 |
| Story |
9 |
| Character |
10 |
| Value |
10 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
| Based on 3 episodes.
The production values (animation, sound, direction) are just amazing. They really show what can be done in 2005/2006.
This is a show which takes itself seriously, and rightfully so. No lame jokes here. I love the way the story unfolds itself in the 3 episodes I saw. Characters which seem to have little value or character the first episode will actually *gasp* build character in the next! New plot elements are introduced all the time and are beatifully woven into the story.
I absolutely love the world they put together, it is believable (as far as a world where spirits roam the earth, hidden from human eyes, goes), tragic and sad.
The sound is equally good. There are little detail-sounds everywhere, and it fits 'just right' with the scenes you are seeing. The music is orchestreal and fits with the setting.
I guess the only 'flaw', if you can call it that, is that the way the story is told might not be for everyone. Also, one could also argue that there is more fighting than story.
I enjoyed every single minute of these shows. Too bad only one episode is released every 2 months.
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0 of 0 people found this review helpful.
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| Average |
9.8 |
| Animation |
10 |
| Sound |
10 |
| Story |
9 |
| Character |
10 |
| Value |
10 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
| To be honest, the first 10 minutes. of this series will blow your mind. Hands down one of, if not the coolest beginnings to a anime I have ever seen. Top notch everything.
Only thing, I would say about this is the pacing of the story. Karas jumps right into the story very quickly. hopefully they will explain everything in time.
Other then that this series ranks up there as one of the coolest if not, the best looking and packaged action anime ever made. Hopefully they keep the amazing energy, imagery and music throughout the series.
based on ep. 1
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