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Ju Oh Sei
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Animation - 9.3 |
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Sound - 8.5 |
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Story - 8.4 |
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Character - 8.2 |
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Value - 8.2 |
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Enjoyment - 8.6 |
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Average - 8.5 |
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| Average |
6.5 |
| Animation |
8 |
| Sound |
7 |
| Story |
5 |
| Character |
7 |
| Value |
6 |
| Enjoyment |
6 |
| Juu-ou Sei tells the story of twin brothers, Thor and Rai, who are sent to a planet named Chimeara against their will following the murder of their parents by persons unknown. Chimeara is an incredibly dangerous planet, in which death-row criminals are sent and deadly plants abound. The brothers must survive this treacherous planet in order to become the Beast King and travel back to space in order to figure out who killed their parents.
However, though the premise is incredibly interesting, and the first few episodes are fast-paced and keep you on the edge of your seat, the series is entirely too short to do itself justice. Even with a huge time jump after the first few episodes of three years, the plot in the final episodes feels incredibly rushed and underdeveloped. This anime had incredible potential that it could not live up to in only 11 episodes. The ending wasn't too bad, but the anime doesn't really give you time to digest even the ending, by again skipping ahead to provide "conclusion" without really answering what happened to several characters.
Also, despite the many intriguing and unexpected plot twists which occur in this anime, none of them are truly shocking, nor do they provoke much emotion in the viewer. This is mostly due to the shortness of the anime, which undermines the surprise of the plot twists. It is difficult to become invested in the current setting when you know that there will be another major plot twist in 30 seconds. Had the series been longer, perhaps the plot twists would be more shocking. Also, many of the plot twists involve characters which we hardly get to know, and thus find it difficult to feel emotion when plot twists occur.
While the main characters (Tiz, Third, Thor) are fairly well-developed, especially for the fast pacing and short length of the anime, the many side characters (Zagi, Karim, etc) are given cursory development and seem to change personalities on a whim. We see Thor develop from naive child to the Beast King, killing many along the way as he struggles to survive in the harsh environment of Chimeara, and we slowly begin to find out more about the mysterious Third and his background and motives.
Besides the limited development of characters later in the series, the romance in this series felt extremely contrived. This is especially true in the love-triangle romance between Thor, Karim, and Zagi. The romance is rushed through in a single episode and somehow we are expected to believe that these characters truly love each other.
As to the animation, I was impressed by the uniqueness of the environment created in this series: the transition between the architechture of the colony and the organic nature of the planet Chimeara, with its many species of plants, was amazingly well done. Also, the animation's fluidity impressed me throughout the anime, during both fights and conversation. The character models were a bit generic, however: many of the characters looked too similar.
The voice actors performed well, though Third's voice was incredibly deadpan and boring (apparently the voice actor thought that in order to be mysterious one must use as little emotion or acting ability as possible). However, the voice actors behind Thor, both young and older, and Tiz were very well done.
I would recommend this anime: it is extremely short and very fast-paced, making it easy to watch. While you won't regret watching it, you will probably wish it was longer in order to flesh out the story and characters more. Personally, while I enjoyed this anime, I was dissapointed with the lack of depth behind the characters and the rushed feel of the plot and ending.
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Avalanche |
(2007-01-06 07:14:04) 2007-01-06 07:13:12 |
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| Average |
7.3 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
6 |
| Story |
8 |
| Character |
7 |
| Value |
7 |
| Enjoyment |
7 |
| Jyuu oh Sei (Planet of the Best King) is an 11 episode short anime from BONES and Noitamina (makers of HnC and Paradise Kiss). Combining sci-fi elements with a mix of wild jungle atmosphere - it was quite a good anime to watch with a fast storyline, strong characters and good animation. I started to watch this animation with zero knowledge about its story. So I was completely neutral about it (which for me is quite rare). So how did it fare?
Jyuu oh Sei is primarily the story about Thor - the 12 year old son of a scientist who lives in a space colony. However, his parents are killed and he along with his twin brother is exiled to an unknown planet which has wild plants (of which many are carnivorous). The story then circles about Thor and how he is driven by his desire to know about his parents' killers. With a very fast plot - I was at least initially very impressed by this anime.
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Caireen |
(2006-12-11 16:58:16) 2006-12-11 16:54:53 |
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| Average |
9.2 |
| Animation |
10 |
| Sound |
9 |
| Story |
9 |
| Character |
8 |
| Value |
9 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
| The one thing I never expect and never get from a short running series is something worth talking about once it's all over. I tend to go into short series with little expectation and on the whole I'm offered mediocrity, unsatisfying endings and a load of inconsequential characters. To my surprise Jyo Oh Sei ended up giving me what I'd normally have to look for in a long running series, i.e. decent, well paced storyline, interesting and diverse characters and most unexpectedly, as pretty decent ending.
Although I'd like to say the story was very original (and for an anime it is), it's something I've seen often in Hollywood movies, but even more so in Star Trek. However, the way in which this futuristic story was executed, with the intrigue and mystery that's slowly revealed over the meagre 11 episodes, it felt very new and refreshing.
Overall, this is one of the best (if not the best) short running anime series I have ever seen in the 14 years I've been an anime fan and the nigh on 500 various anime that I have watched over that time period.
If you want to watch an intense dramatic futuristic anime, with great characters, great plot with no holes, then I can't think of anything better to recommend ^__^
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| Average |
9.8 |
| Animation |
10 |
| Sound |
10 |
| Story |
9 |
| Character |
10 |
| Value |
10 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
| Jyu-Oh-Sei struck me as an indisputable reflection of a real world that seemed to exist somewhere else. From the first episode onwards, the gripping, propelling action never ceased and only escalated. Even from day one, the unexpected keeps on happening and nothing is as it seems.
The storyline was unique and overwhelmingly emotional (hands down). A planet composed entirely of just humans and carnivorous foliage was completely out of my expectations. Jyu-Oh-Sei boasts stunning scenery and wild fights with plants. There were lots of tribal/traditional references on Chimaera, which made it really seem like their culture was real! I felt like the scene-setting of the anime was done with perfect elaboration and conveyed fine details.
Not only was the cultural setting of Chimaera striking and innovative (e.g. the significance of the Ring Tiara and the four Rings), the characters also contributed greatly to allowing the world come alive.
Some characters can be said to have 'come and gone' in a short time, but their short appearance time still allows them create a lasting image on the viewer, and they are not forgotten. All characters were introduced for a reason, I felt that there was never anything unnecessary done in Jyu-Oh-Sei. To match the harsh environment of Chimaera, everything had to be frugal.
My fascination with the setting escalated when I watched just how the characters molded into their inhospitable planet. Characters all coped differently. Thor's story was inspirational and realistic, while his friends like Third and Tiz always helped to add to the numerous layers of tension.
You feel for the characters. You can empathize with them very strongly, even though they are facing conditions that are very different from yours. I think that is one of the most commendable parts of Jyu-Oh-Sei, that you become totally engrossed in the anime.
I was afraid that Jyu-Oh-Sei's great character developments and storyline would be defeated by a weak ending, but luckily that was not the case. The anime concluded with a sad twist of fate that was pitiful but also gracefully executed. I was crying with sympathy for the characters, having felt that they had all gone through too much.
While I enjoyed the anime, the bgm was always supporting me. The music was so melancholy, but also very indicative of fate (somehow). I found that the music was simple yet still very emotive.
Voice-acting was a great asset of Jyu-Oh-Sei, and I particularly liked the voice of Third. It was so smooth and soft, and you never really know what is on his mind. I thought he had the perfect voice actor, for the image of a man whose past is mysterious. Zagi and Thor also had good voices, and so did Rai (!) and Karin (Karin's voice actor was unexpected).
Finally, character design. I thought that there was no weakness at all in this department, because all the characters looked awesome and cool. Thor was cute, Tiz was loveable and Third's smirks conveyed a thousand words (Third's so cool).
I enjoyed Jyu-Oh-Sei so much! Although it was only 11 episodes, I felt as though a lot happened. Not one minute is wasted in the anime, which packs a forceful punch in its sorrowful messages and lots of innovation. I was shivering throughout the last episode, fearing for the characters' safeties! I only wished they could have added some element of happiness to the whole plot.
I think Jyu-Oh-Sei will keep me busy for a long time.
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Genesis |
(2006-10-12 05:03:54) 2006-10-12 05:01:29 |
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| Average |
8.2 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
8 |
| Story |
9 |
| Character |
8 |
| Value |
7 |
| Enjoyment |
8 |
| Ju Oh Sei is very intruiging anime. Definitely one of the positive surprises of this year. I am not huge fan of futuristic shows but i liked this one, probably because it had very original story and some unexpected things happened throw episodes. Ending was also nice, little sad but nice. One of the major downfalls is that you can see and feel that this anime is WAY to short. IF it had 26 episodes it would be instant classic but since its to obviously short its just another little over average anime.Animation, sound, characters maintain high level of quality throw entire show.
Two thumbs up for Ju Oh Sei, it deserves anyones attention.
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| Average |
7.2 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
6 |
| Story |
7 |
| Character |
7 |
| Value |
6 |
| Enjoyment |
8 |
| If one were to extract out the characters and story from Jyu Oh Sei and analyzed them in detail, one certainly would not be impressed by the individual components. However, as a combined whole, Jyu Oh Sei is consistently entertaining, shocking and impressive as a whole. It's only weak point is that it doesn't really have any particular aspect that it can boast greatness in. Nevertheless, it gets straight to the point and not a single second is wasted in developing its storyline.
Jyu Oh Sei's storytelling method and storyline reminds me much like Legend of Basara's. We have a young boy who doesn't know anything about his past and is thrown onto a wild planet to fend for himself. Immediately, he has to make life or death decisions and immediately people around him start dying. As one event jumps to the next, we follow Thor as he struggles to overcome one obstacle over another. He also falls in love, makes enemies and protects those around him. Because of this storytelling method, we hardly ever get any breathing room to really UNDERSTAND these characters. Jyu Oh Sei still manages to make these characters really interesting, mostly because they're all really mysterious, but I never really end up feeling anything for them and their situations.
One aspect that bothers me MOST about Jyu Oh Sei is how easily they make story-related characters die and then treat it as if they didn't really die because they didn't spend enough screen time on this death. Half the time it made me wonder, "Are they REALLY dead?" I mean he just fell into that huge hole, who knows, other animes would normally bring them back alive. But I supposed that they wanted to portray this Chimera planet as harsh and hence death is common, quick and unglorious.
Despite the weak character development, numerous character deaths,and quick story pacing, Jyu Oh Sei is still quite a fun anime to watch with its stunning animation and great character design. Overall, Jyu Oh Sei paints a beautiful picture of life on this prison planet. It was such a shame that so much of its story was simplified with a simple three tier-ed political system, one-dimensional villains that had to be summarized in 2 episodes, and character deaths as soon as we just began to feel for them, but every second spend watching this was definitely worth it.
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| Average |
7.2 |
| Animation |
8 |
| Sound |
7 |
| Story |
7 |
| Character |
8 |
| Value |
6 |
| Enjoyment |
7 |
| With only 11 episodes Jyu Oh Sei manages to do a lot. Some of it is good and some of it is bad.
First thing popping in to my mind is the rushed feeling of the series. I can describe it by saying something like "the story moved the characters rather than the characters the story". I seldomly felt that the characters would actually do this and that right now. It was more like because the series needed to progress this much, let's have the characters do this. Actually the same thing was wrong with the main character Thor too. His parents get killed and he is transported to the prison planet with his brother. The only way to get out is to become the most powerful person on the planet so he decides to do that. I couldn't quite buy the way he got up in the ranks so fast. I mean, this kiddo from space colony gets to a planet full of criminals and suddenly his the leader of the pack. Tarzan, anyone? There are some explanations later, but they came a bit too late. It's a lose-lose situation: explain in the beginning and the mystery disappears, explain in the end and the series feels weird.
Dropping that the whole planet felt quite weird too. Secret planets, grandious schemes, backstabbers, the weird society born on the planet. My mind was just yelling, "How can this be true?" Not enough of suspension of disbelief, I guess. The world itself is interesting with its plant life and curious weather. The ending with its explanations, secret weapons, desperate last minute solutions and ol' good base is going to blow drill was plain silly.
That sums the bad sides. The good side is that there's no dull moments in the series. There's always something happening because the series is so short. The effect is even enhanced with some time skipping. And I have to say that to follow Thor as an adult is a whole lot interesting than the kid Thor. The characters are likeable too. Thanks to the short length there isn't any heavy developing, more they crash into situations and sometimes learn something from them. As I mentioned earlier I didn't think Thor was believable but waiting and seeing how his life advanced and opportunities opened was quite interesting. Tiz is a fun little sisterish love me character, cute and supportive no matter what Thor does. The Third is the most interesting of the lot because he clearly is shadow king -type, never revealing what he truly knows or thinks and always staying in the shadows. Zagi works as a cool and tough enemy quite nicely. His and Thor's encounter and interaction were the better part of the later half of the series. Another good part of the series is that it doesn't pamper the characters but they get hurt and die if the situation is dire enough. It always gives a certain spice to watching when you don't know who's going to kick the bucket next.
While I watched I was thinking why does this show remind me of Ouran High School Host Club so much. Besides the pretty boys. Well, it seems BONES is responsible for the animation production of the both series. That is to say it's good and the various locations around the planet are well-made too. The graphics may ring yaoi-alarm to some but that side is nearly undetectable. The opening and ending songs weren't quite to my liking, otherwise the sound world is standard. Nothing to praise, nothing to comment.
Jyu Oh Sei was a nice way to spend some extra time. It does have its pecularities but these are compensated with a tight-packed story that keeps moving even if it wobbles a bit.
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1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
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| Average |
5.7 |
| Animation |
8 |
| Sound |
7 |
| Story |
5 |
| Character |
5 |
| Value |
4 |
| Enjoyment |
5 |
| Jyu Oh Sei delivers a plot that sounds interesting at first but fails to deliver half way through. Very disappointing but still a little entertaining at best.
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0 of 0 people found this review helpful.
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| Average |
9.5 |
| Animation |
10 |
| Sound |
10 |
| Story |
9 |
| Character |
8 |
| Value |
10 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
| A very addicting and entertaining anime. However, something wasn't right about the whole series, maybe I am just becoming extremely picky....
the animation is pretty good, with great scenes , I love the way Ochre (a Ring or a city) looks.
The music is great, I love the opening and ending, and the violin backgrounds are so good.
I like the Plot and all, but then i felt that the ending part was not well explained. the Whole story just does not seemed thoughtout and pausible.....
the characters are one of the worst elements of this seires. I think the story portion can be so much better if the characters were just more developed. The characters are very bland, and by that I mean that they have a oneliner personality, and just does not seem to mature.
One of the best animes I've seen recently regardless of all the flaws, definitely a worth watching series overall. The series is good but I just felt the script and directing could bring the story and characters to a greater leverl.
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| Average |
9.7 |
| Animation |
10 |
| Sound |
10 |
| Story |
9 |
| Character |
9 |
| Value |
10 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
| Omg, I can not believe this series is only 11 episodes long or at least it looks like I just finished the last episode. It is very good and I wished it was longer.
It's about a boy named Thor fighting to survive in a harsh environment. His goal is to become the Jyu Oh so that he can leave Chimera and go to Hecate and discover the truth of his parents deaths. (What I'm about to say may be consider spoiler; you've been warned.) Well, he discovered the truth all right in the end but it's full of twists. I'm not entirely too happy about the ending but I really do like the rest of the anime so you shouldn't miss it just because it didn't have a happy ending.
I didn't give a 10 for the story because of the above reasoning. I also didn't give a 10 for character because of a lapse in judgement during a short section of the anime. although considering it's only 11 episodes, 2 eps might be kinda long. Anyway, Thor fell in love at first sight with some random girl and I have no idea why. It did contribute to the story by helping the plot advance though.
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Amaya |
2006-07-01 20:14:31 |
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| Average |
10.0 |
| Animation |
10 |
| Sound |
10 |
| Story |
10 |
| Character |
10 |
| Value |
10 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
| I love everything about this anime! I wanted to write a review sooner but I waited til the end (total 11 episodes). The characters are well developed and not to mention all the twists ^^. It surprised me everytime.
Animation: The guys (Thor and Third) in there are very HOT. Lol. The animation style is very refreshing since the manga was created in the early 90s. The 2000 style is starting to wear off...
Sound: I am hooked on the op theme. The song was unexpected the first time I heard it. Who started a song with a countdown? But it was ingenious what with the story set in the future and how deep their hearts were *dreamy eyes*. The ending theme is beautiful, sad, and hopeful at the same time and made me reflect on the story.
Story: Everything that Thor thought was true is a lie and the only reality he ever knew was on Chimera. After being abandoned on that planet, Thor wanted to become Jyu Oh and be with his people/colony again. But when he finally became Jyu Oh he realized that Chimera is the only place for him. I felt just as betrayed as Thor did when I was watching this anime.
Character: I think they are excellent. Thor felt guilty ever since he wished for his brother's death so to make up for that he needed to survive in a harsh environment. Third is very cunning and sly but he did what he had to do to obtain his goal.
Value: Must watch.
Enjoyment: I enjoyed this immensely though I wished that it was longer. The story line moved too fast.... *sigh*
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| Average |
9.8 |
| Animation |
10 |
| Sound |
10 |
| Story |
10 |
| Character |
9 |
| Value |
10 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
| I was very surprised by this anime series; I was expecting a run of the mill "mysterious young boy becomes powerful hero" type of storyline, but its not that at all; The story progresses smoothly, allowing great interaction between characters and the action to roll along, not be forced upon the viewers. Great anime. I can't believe its based on a shoujo manga; it doesn't show that at all, but instead blends a classy animation style and themes with fast paced action. Definitely a must see of the summer.
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go_raiden |
(2006-05-15 14:18:00) 2006-05-15 14:16:26 |
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| Average |
9.5 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
9 |
| Story |
10 |
| Character |
9 |
| Value |
10 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
| This is one of the most exciting new anime of 2006.
Welcome to the world of Jyu Oh Sei.
This anime brings a feeling of great adventure kind of like lord of the flies.
The setting is that of a dangerous jungle world where there are treacherous swamps and carnivorous man eating plants that can end your life at any time.
Here is the basic story. Thor and his brother Rai find that their parents have been murdered. But the special forces capture them and frame them for their parents murder. So they are exiled to the jungle world known as Jyu Oh Sei, which roughly translates to world of beasts I believe.
Thor quickly finds out that this is a savage world where your life can end at any moment. Not only is the environment dangerous but even the people on this planet will hunt you down.
He also eventually finds out that the only way you can escape this planet is to become its king. And you can only do that by defeating all 4 of the ring leaders. So begins his quest.
If you like the feeling of big adventure, and danger, check out this anime. It will be a most see for you!
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| Average |
10.0 |
| Animation |
10 |
| Sound |
10 |
| Story |
10 |
| Character |
10 |
| Value |
10 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
| I'm giving this all 10's based in the first 3 episodes. Definitely the most promising new anime of the season so far. With the character artist from Escaflowne, this series is also reminiscent of Esca in that it crafts a foreign world with details that really make you feel like the place has a culture all its own, rather than the same present-day attitudes in an alien setting. Plot that sucks you in by the end of the first episode, great characters and action scenes, amazing soundtrack so far…No complaints.
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