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Denno Coil
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Animation - 8.7 |
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Sound - 7.6 |
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Story - 8.5 |
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Character - 7.8 |
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Value - 7.9 |
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Enjoyment - 8.0 |
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Average - 8.1 |
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| Average |
4.0 |
| Animation |
8 |
| Sound |
4 |
| Story |
4 |
| Character |
4 |
| Value |
2 |
| Enjoyment |
2 |
| More a kid's show than science fiction. More like half a series than a full series.
In a world in the 2020s, there is a special kind of technology, mainly used by kids. Glasses that serve as a means to a 'virtual reality' where one can create images to be superimposed on top of reality. Some of them get so engrossed in them that they forget that what they are doing isn't real. Although in the prefecture of Daikoku, there are cyberpets that have gone missing - even a young girl. A group of young kids decide to find out what is going on.
Dennou Coil was a series penned back in the late 90s but was shelved when Serial Experiments Lain got the nod for production. Released in 2007 once Lain was off the front shelves, one can see why Dennou Coil didn't want to take on Lain - it travels a very similar vein. Actually, that's an understatement. You could almost call this Serial Experiments Lain 2, except the enigmatic/surrealness that was Lain's trademark has been replaced with kids. Which makes a big difference really. Problem is, this factor makes it feel little like a science fiction series.
And that is is the factor which is either going to make Dennou Coil appeal to you or cringe on the inside. Nearly every major character in this show is a kid. The occasional adult that enters the fray is very kid-like. No wonder it got a 6:30pm time slot. It's very sanitary, cutesy and silly. With its Miyazaki-like animation, splunkering music, subdued voices and simple nature - it treads a very different style to Lain.
Which I found utterly frustrating - I know there's a story within Dennou Coil that is just screaming to be noticed. But for the first half of the series, it seems to take a back story to kid-like adventures on how to use glasses, excursion after excursion to get Metabugs for their glasses, looking for Illegals. But that's all that happens. There is very little differentiation between characters with the exception of Isako. The other females are all sedate, uppity and scheming. The boys are all dim-witted, cavemen-like masses of mush. Their adventures until episode 13 manage to avoid any true development, except for Isako who offers a bit more brain and personality variety, along with a tad of plot progression. But when the plot finally gets going, it still feels as dreary as ever. There is such a degree of emo and lack of energy in the way character voices are done, a very bland way that events occur. It's enough to fall asleep in - three times I almost did. And I can't recall an anime that has ever had that effect on me bar this one. Eventually the story comes to a head in the final episodes, but by then the story is deflated and the message is so blatantly obvious you wonder why it took 26 episodes to get from start to finish. To enjoy your childhood years and that reality is always better than a virtual world - a decent message, but not enough to carry it for the full length. Furthermore, the message is about the same as Serial Experiments Lain. Which leads to the fact the one thing separating the two series is style/portrayl. You're going to like one more than the other.
Dennou Coil aims to be novel but ends up polarising potential viewers to a high degree. Unless you like kid-like antics that go at a snail's pace, you are not going to like this series. If you do - enjoy. If not - stick with Serial Experiments Lain instead.
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1 of 2 people found this review helpful.
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| Average |
9.0 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
9 |
| Story |
10 |
| Character |
9 |
| Value |
9 |
| Enjoyment |
8 |
| I really enjoyed this anime! It wasn't much for action at first, but it did start to involve more action towards the end. Its strongest selling point would have to be its very strong plot. The many subplots all merge into the main plot in some way to add to the story as a whole while not degrading it at all in my opinion.
Overall, if you are looking for an alternate reality/fantasy with a bunch of kids and want a great story, I HIGHLY recommend Dennou Coil.
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2 of 2 people found this review helpful.
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| Average |
6.8 |
| Animation |
7 |
| Sound |
6 |
| Story |
7 |
| Character |
7 |
| Value |
7 |
| Enjoyment |
7 |
| Dennou Coil is certainly a refreshing change of pace in the world of anime which tends to follow so many stereotypes lately. Overly mature children in the near future, science fiction world are trying to understand weird phenomena caused by a virtual reality only visible through special cyber-glasses. Show goes as far as to suggest questions about how is virtual reality and people inner worlds different, though it never really becomes all that philosophical like Serial Experiments Lain. Anyway, I doubt you have ever seen an anime like Dennou Coil before, at least I didn't, and I've watched more than two hundreds of them.
Though story sounds serious, and it is, it only picks up in the later episodes. The beginning is kind of slow, while there are quite a few unnecessary fillers in the middle. Characters, while not spectacular, are good enough to keep you interested in the show at the beginning, as it's real story kicks in only much later. Couldn't say I was overly interested in one or other character, nor was I shocked by the story. Even though good and original, Dennou Coil still lacks something to become really special.
If you are tired of many stereotypical anime lately - give Dennou Coil a shot, while it is not guaranteed to become your favourite, it will at least be a satisfying change of pace.
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1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
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|
andy |
(2008-05-18 23:08:01) 2008-04-15 16:37:52 |
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| Average |
9.2 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
8 |
| Story |
10 |
| Character |
9 |
| Value |
9 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
| If I could only pick 1 Anime TV series to recommend to all the denizens of the world, Denno Coil would be my hands-down choice. In the technical aspects, it's a visual powerhouse with a near perfectly paced mystery at the center of its story. The characters are simple for the most part, but genuinely child-like while avoiding the more disturbing, loli-cute anime children archetypes. When the story gets down to the juicy parts, many characters, despite being only 12 years of age, display a fair amount of emotional depth and complexity. I don't necessarily believe it would be a favorite of everybody's, but the marriage of technical quality and broadness of appeal is unequaled by any other TV series.
The story begins with Yuko, a young 6th grader, getting acclimated to her new home in Daikoku city. She, like most kids, has a pair of glasses that allows the wearer to see and interact with a cyber world layered right on top of the real one. Programs, as well as glitches, are all represented visually, not as a bunch of numbers and code, but as familiar objects. It's hard not to be taken with this whimsical and imaginative cyber world. Seen through the eyes of children, life with cyber glasses is like a gigantic video game. Mischievous as the kids are, they love to pack in glitches, like cheats or hacks in a video game. These shady glitches turned programs allow them to shoot beams from their heads, summon missiles, or throw up steel walls. The party pooper is a mentally deficient anti-virus program that says only "I'm Satchi" and "Nice to meet you." The lumbering thing floats around and delete beams every illegal program. The kids’ cyber gimmicks are no match, and they’re forced to run on sight.
Initially, Denno Coil is a playful romp around the digital past times of the characters. The central mystery sets itself up early on, but doesn't raise too many questions until around the halfway mark. Gradually, as the mystery unfolds, the series moves towards a darker atmosphere. Some episodes edge towards horror, others a detective style mystery, and still others tragedy. Even when Denno Coil sheds its light hearted mood, it never becomes more mature. The horror bits are like slightly altered campfire ghost stories that kids love to tell. When the characters of Denno Coil wrestle with death and parting, great care is taken to keep the perspective convincingly childish. Don't take this to mean their reactions to death are simple. The kids don't just bawl in sadness. The way they deal with death is more complicated, and very believable.
The series eases you into the central mystery, only setting up a few questions in the entire first half. After the viewer is acquainted with the large cast of characters and familiar with the digital world in Denno Coil, the mystery starts to heat up. The mystery continuously expands by constantly providing details, but at the same time, manages to pose new questions. The confusion is never overbearing. Throughout most of the series, it seems like you’re two shards of information away from solving the mystery, but as soon as those two shards are provided, the mystery is complicated further. 3 filler episodes hurt the otherwise beautifully paced series. Those aside, every episode develops the central story line, slowly at first, but at an accelerated pace after the halfway mark.
Besides the 3 slightly out of place fillers, another weakness in Denno Coil’s story is the tacked on romance. The fact that it is tacked on may be the reason it is a flaw, but it’s also a bit of a saving grace because it isn’t a big part of the story. The animation is gorgeous throughout, but the series cuts corners by introducing a few slide-show sequences instead of fully animating its characters in a couple of instances.
In the wake of its wonderfully deep mystery, which includes a climax that spans 3 episodes of enthralling goodness, juggled with both whimsical fun and heartbreaking tragedy, a couple of minor issues can easily be overlooked. Rarely does a TV series cover so many bases so effectively.
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2 of 2 people found this review helpful.
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nauXolo |
(2008-03-07 13:04:57) 2008-03-07 13:00:10 |
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| Average |
7.2 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
7 |
| Story |
8 |
| Character |
6 |
| Value |
6 |
| Enjoyment |
7 |
| In terms of innovation, Dennou Coil wins a point. In terms of animation, again Dennou Coil does not fail to impress. However, in terms of execution and a good story, Dennou Coil is just plain not interesting. Some people like to say that this anime is similar to Mushishi. The beginning introduces the characters and the fictional realm. The middle episodes go over different types of 'Illegals'. The final episodes concludes everybody's personal history, story, and gives you an acceptable but not detailed answer towards what Illegals are. Too bad for a story like this, the middle episodes are basically useless fillers. Ah, well...
I have to say, this anime really makes it cool to have this integration of the cyberbody and real body. You are able to zap your friend, have cyberpets, throw walls, buy weapons, have hacking wars, etc. You can even 'mod' your pet to let it have spy-mode and let it be your eyes and ears! Furthermore, they things more interesting by introducing the idea of obsolete cyberspace, where they keep having version updates to keep things 'new'. Added on top of that, they have a story behind it that gets at the roots and the origins of everything. Sounds pretty cool? Too bad all the characters are elementary school kids, and have the maturity of a green banana. As a result, this anime really never gets into anything serious.
Meet our main characters, Isako and Yasako. Two girls who are connected - one has a horrible past and has suffered immensely, the other is naive, respectively. Okay, cliche so far, but interesting story, so I'll keep watching, right? All throughout the series, I kept watching for Yasako to do something. She was the main focus of the anime, but until the very end, she does nothing interesting. This wouldn't be so bad, if they didn't keep hinting about her intimate connection with everything. I kept waiting for her to do something!!! oh right, I already said that. Anyway, aside from this lackluster main character, we also have some really cool characters. Isako is your bad girl with a soft side character that really melts your heart. We also have a really cool pet cyberdog that is the 'key' to everything - the best character as he's always there to save the day, literally.
Then we have all these elementary school friends who act so... childish (aside from this one emo guy who doesn't do anything except cause trouble for everyone else). I mean, look at what's at risk here: People's souls and consciousnesses. The underlying plot is about how kids die due to the illegals and the obsolete space. Their consciousness just disappear, and there is this mystical 'other side'. Should elementary school kids really be the subject material??? As portrayed in this anime, they can barely even express themselves properly. Definitely not a good pairing.
My problem with this anime is that I took it too seriously, even though the themes are pretty dark. While the anime seems deep at first, it holds itself back by allowing elementary school kids to be the characters. I mean, who really is the target audience here? If I had just laid back and was less involved with the story, it might have been more interesting. The whole deep story about lost ones and stuff was not well-developed. Conclusion, the initial appearance is not indicative of the whole series. This story is about salvation - and the power of friendship.
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1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
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| Average |
9.5 |
| Animation |
10 |
| Sound |
8 |
| Story |
10 |
| Character |
10 |
| Value |
9 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
| The first thing that you are thrown into in Denno Coil is the marvelously imagined future, the series is set in 2020-something, I would not call it a probable or even possible future but a very interesting future. Cyberspace is in this series superimposed upon normal space, by wearing glasses you get access to both worlds and can for instance have a cyber-pet walking next to you on the street, or as the children in the series, develop an entire subculture of (illegal) cyberspace stuff for the fun of it, (mainly different kinds of weapons :).
Most of the series circles around the intersections between space and cyberspace. There's this concept of obsolete spaces which basically are bits of cyberspace which haven't been updated to conform to normal-space, atleast that's part of it. Stuff in obsolete spaces are lost data and virus-like (the computer kind) beings.
The series is about a bunch of children living in the town Daikoku. In Daikoku strange things happen in cyberspace. The incidents are related to obsolete spaces that throughout the series is a subject for much debate and trouble. What exactly are these obsolete spaces? Why does it seem that certain persons subconsciously can find them?
Can they take your consciousness away? How does it really work this cyber vs normal connection?
First I had this down as a childrens story since it has a kind of glossy feel to it and the main characters are a bunch of kids. But as the story unfolds it gets apparent that this will appeal to a much wider audience, in fact closer to the end it's no longer for the smaller children. There's plenty of depth in the story and both scary and thoughtful issues are touched upon. Friendship, misunderstanding grownups, mega corporations (a japanese favourite), and not the least, Death.
Later in the series it also has aspects of a horror movie as the line between space and cyberspace gets harder to define and they struggle to understand what is happening around them. At times it was a bit frustrating when they didn't "connect the dots" due to some of the characters inability to speak for themselves. But looking back on it this does actually seem like quite human behaviour.
Several times watching this I also found myself (being quite old I am) thinking about how older generations always consider the practices of younger generations being wrong and dangerous. Like rock music, computers, computer games, what not. This time it does have a grain of truth in it.
All in all I enjoyed this series a lot and got very emotional towards the end. I haven't seen that many 2007 animes but I'll stick my chin out and dub this as (probably) the best anime of 2007. atleast in the sf arena.
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2 of 2 people found this review helpful.
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petran79 |
(2008-01-29 20:22:57) 2008-01-29 10:30:13 |
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| Average |
6.5 |
| Animation |
7 |
| Sound |
6 |
| Story |
6 |
| Character |
6 |
| Value |
7 |
| Enjoyment |
7 |
| Unfortunately the series met my initial fears that while it would be an excellent series for 2007, it would lag behind to feature the traits that would make it memorable as a whole and not just in some parts.
But I realize that now with the fansubs and dozens of mediocre series produced just in Japan it would be very difficult for a series to stand out. The series is also intended for normal viewers of a younger age and not someone like me who watched so many series and everything appears the same. So in this respect the series is very good and deserves a look. It even deserves a 10.
Animation is of high standards, characters move fluidly but the facial expressions lack a litte. It doesnt reach the standards of Moribito but it is solid nevertheless. Backgrounds are of high quality.
Music wasnt noticable, except the nice OP. Really standard fare for such a series. SFX the same. Had it been used like Lain it would have made a better impression
Story:Despite the slow start it picks up after ep 15 and the pace turns more watchable. Ep 15-26 can be watched in a row, while ep 1-13 are very slow and I watched 2-3 a day and with difficulty.
The final episode was a dissapointment for such a great series. I felt as if the great concept was limited in reaching its full potential . While series such as Lain or Paranoia Agent had much more to tell in 13 episodes, Dennou Coil looks like the younger sister of Lain and feels toned down a lot.
The characters for their age are very good but do not reach the quality of other series with young protagonists.
I feel I should give the series a higher rating, but I leave that to other viewers. As an animated series it is of high standards and it should be placed above other series of 2007.
Deserves a DVD release overseas.
But if you look for the complexity and atmosphere of Lain or the entertainment of Noiseman Sound Insect, you'll be dissapointed. If not it will be probably one of the best newer series you've seen.
Overall 6.5 a good score for my standards
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0 of 0 people found this review helpful.
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Blewin |
(2007-12-02 18:50:55) 2007-12-02 18:46:37 |
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| Average |
10.0 |
| Animation |
10 |
| Sound |
10 |
| Story |
10 |
| Character |
10 |
| Value |
10 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
| "Denno Coil" is unique and original. It explores the path/connection between people through the convoluted story of the kids and their interaction with the cyberworld. The cyberworld can manifest "physically" through the use of glasses. Pretty daring and convenient in its design. You can actually carry a cyber pet in your arms, and when you want to call somebody, you only need to imitate how you hold a phone with your hand.
At first, "Denno Coil" gives off a childish and ordinary feel, as a majority of the characters are primary school kids, and the animation is akin to that of Miyasaki's movies (esp My Neighbour Totoro). Interspersed between the hints of the mystery are funny episodes involving incidences that are connected to the cyberworld. However, as the anime progresses, darker elements gradually come into play. What was the cause of the traffic accident? how was that related to the cyberworld? and what clues does the urban legend of Michigo's wish hold? What are illegals?
Animation: animation-wise, it's different (Miyazaki style). I gave it a 10. Even though it's Miyazaki style, the animation is smooth and detailed, and facial expressions are fluid. The style is strangely appropriate as most of the characters are kids.
Sound: fitting music depending on the emotions conveyed in different scenes.
Story: Basically, the main conflict of the story is carried through the investigation of the lost loved ones who are suspected to have been killed/taken into the other world. This in turn develops the message of the distance and the path between people. The story starts off with innocent plays using the cyberworld equipments. One episode with the kids fighting in the school is particularly impressive, demonstrating how you can even devise weapons through the cyberworld. The climax is reached gradually with plenty of suspense throughout the anime to sustain it when all the revelations fall into place in the last few episodes.
Character: The characters have real concerns that viewers can identify with. Yasako, the hypocritical girl who appears to be kind and compassionate but is actually scared of getting involved in others business. Isako, the lonely girl who wants nothing but to regain a lost relationship with her brother and is uncomfortable to open herself to others. Megaba, Yasako's grandmother who is a little bit crazy but is an expert in cyberworld related field. Fumie, the outspoken girl whose seemingly fearless personality actually hides a more vulnerable self. Haruken, the boy who is obsessed with amending his past mistake. Takeru, who has to struggle between fulfilling his goal or tarnishing his father's image. Densuke, the cyber pet dog of Yasako whose courage and loyalty never waver.
Every character is wonderfully designed and individually appealing in their personalities, their concerns and their struggles. And every character (at least the main ones and the ones directly involved in the mess at the end) shows a change by the end of the anime.
Value: What can I say? Just awesome! the main theme of the anime is about searching for the road between people's hearts. The entire anime, the mystery and clues are all one huge symbolism used to convey that even though the road is difficult and narrow, it nevertheless exists between people.
Enjoyment: I enjoyed every single episode, experiencing the characters' confusion, anxiety, concerns. It was fun trying to piece all the clues together, and I was hooked to finding out more. As the anime grows more intense, drawing us to the events that lead up to the main conflict, I was drawn closely to the characters themselves. I cried in the last few episodes.
The ending is hopeful and sooo bittersweet!
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3 of 3 people found this review helpful.
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| Average |
10.0 |
| Animation |
10 |
| Sound |
10 |
| Story |
10 |
| Character |
10 |
| Value |
10 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
| Great anime, recommended to anyone who is in search of one. I am impressed and will continue to watch it. (But I already my sister and I watched to the latest episode already in about 1 day!) It distracts you from everything and keep you entertained for hours to come. Watch if you haven't!!
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0 of 0 people found this review helpful.
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| Average |
8.7 |
| Animation |
8 |
| Sound |
8 |
| Story |
10 |
| Character |
7 |
| Value |
10 |
| Enjoyment |
9 |
| This anime has really impressed me. First off, let me say you should watch this. Watch at least the first episode, so that you can admire the originality of this story. The whole show is outside the box, so to speak. It didn't rate as high as it might have because the show can seem rather slow at times but there are many interesting elements. Up to 6 episodes in, there has not been much character development and they seem slightly stale. Hopefully, this will pick up a bit. The sound is good but it doesn't really stand out to me. However, like I said, the best parts about the show is the originality of the plot. I think you will like what you see.
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1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
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