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Kurenai
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Animation - 9.4 |
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Sound - 8.3 |
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Story - 9.0 |
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Character - 9.1 |
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Value - 8.9 |
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Enjoyment - 9.4 |
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Average - 9.0 |
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| Average |
8.5 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
8 |
| Story |
8 |
| Character |
9 |
| Value |
8 |
| Enjoyment |
9 |
| Greek Philosopher Heraculitus once noted that "A man's character is his guardian divinity" when it came to measures of individual strength by heart. While this quotation could be interpreted in a number of different respects, I was reminded of this when I first watched Kurenai, reiterated by one of the series' main characters: individual strength isn't measured by the amount of power or force possessed but the investment in that which one wants to protect. The way the series portrays this value made it among my favorite series noted in 2008, perhaps even among those that I've seen prior to it.
The series revolves around the titular character, a youth with a dark past and concealed, painful element in his body as a measure of his power. Yet, Kurenai isn't one of those brooding characters or overachingly charismatic like a lot of anime male leads tend to be: he's quiet, charming, if a bit taciturn in a way that doesn't lend him many opportunities to work outside his niche. Working as a "despute mediator", he sticks to what he knows day in and day out, performing jobs under the protective care of Benika, all the while doing so in an autonomic fashion akin to his familiarity.
Yet, when Benika gives him his most challenging client, seven-year old Murasaki Kuhoin, he finds his seemingly safe life compromised, and his conceptions of power inverted. I believe this is one of those series that hits the character contrast nail right on the head, because it ties into its respective theme in a dual realization, and it doesn't overpress the point. Instead the series makes it full of heart and sentimentality, if not painful realizations within a system of controversial ideals and adages. The series blends elements of action, comedy and drama, but more inherent in its progression is a character investment that ranks well among its respective peers. Granted, I wouldn't say it comes without its imperfections and cliches, but it engages the viewer from beginning to end in its overall progression.
Some might believe that Murasaki is a girl that acts a bit bratty and a maturity beyond her age, yet, these notations are appropriate when considering the larger picture of why she acts on such terms. As the series progresses and her backstory comes into view, one can see where her insecurities originate, in a system noted as the Inner Sanctuary. It's a controversial setting which sets a stark contrast to what Murasaki comes into when in the guard of Kurenai - well-to-do, yet disregarding any sense of autonomy she may have for the remainder of her life. It is a system that's male dominated and restricts her freedoms of growth and individuality. In the same vein, the interactions between her and Kurenai set the framework of the series and their characters learn the respective meanings of what constitutes power and protection as they fight to protect Murasaki from the structured hierarchy she once resided.
The secondary cast members have an engaging spectrum in their own right. I really enjoyed Benika's savvy yet protective mother hen demeanor. Granted, she may not seem like the motherly type when it comes to her line of work, but she always seemed one step ahead when it came to her guard of Kurenai and Murasaki, especially when her backstory comes about and her efforts to break the system of the Inner Sanctuary. Kurenai's apartment pals, Yamie and Tamaki, provided a decent amount of comic relief. Granted, both have their own measure of character flaws, but when the series uses its elements to constructively pull at those flaws (Tamaki especially, I really appreciated watching what the series did with her character), it works in tandem to bring a fuller experience as one watches. The remaining supportive characters are fun, engaging, and provide a framework among the two protagonists that I found to be well worth noting.
The overall conflict within the series is strongly asserted, though some of the proported villiains vary in quality. I think Renji was the most brilliant of them respectively, because he's a conflicted character torn between his own desires and conforming traditional idealisms. There were times I felt ire towards his character, but at the same time, I understood the contrasts and the context the series adapted him within, and the inherent misconceptions worked very well in tandem with the series aims.
The ending sequences itself well enough to conclude the themes the series presents, and I liked how well it was handled in the aftermath considering how both Kurenai and Murasaki grow with respect to their own coming-of-age qualities. Again, its a series that handles a duality of what power entails, not simply in the sense of physicality for Kurenai's growth, but also with respect to Murasaki's own measure of what it means to exert power and influence.
I'll make an argument: I think the series was well balanced in providing moments where character interaction was key while providing backstory to the central progression and conflict in the series. There may have been one episode out of the 12 that would have been better noted as an Omake/side-story (the episode where the characters were rehearsing for the play - for me, it was hilarious, but I could see where it took away from the overall story), but while I realize one episode does impact such a short spectrum, it was a moot point. I rather enjoyed what it had to offer.
Animation standards are well within range and beyond peer series - I enjoyed the crisp settings, lighting and consistent character designs. Music was decent, and probably my favorite theme and sequence of the main themes was Minami Kuribayashi's (Full Metal Panic, Saiyuki) "Love Jump", the opening theme. Series BGM set a nice tonality and mood throughout that I enjoyed for the most part. I appreciated the caliber of the voice acting and felt that the collective seiyuu cast did an excellent job investing in their characters. If anything, that made this character driven series stand out even when the characters were a little more cookie cutter than some of their peers (i.e. Yayoi, who serves as the overprotective guard who thinks Kurenai can't guard Murasaki, but comes to terms with it after numerous events).
Overall, I would definitely recommend Kurenai for those who enjoy character driven series with elements of action, comedy and drama in its respective measures. I've watched the series twice to date, and felt I could add this well within regard to my anime collection.
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1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
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No
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| Average |
9.3 |
| Animation |
10 |
| Sound |
8 |
| Story |
9 |
| Character |
10 |
| Value |
9 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
| A lovely series that makes one value the everyday experiences and freedoms that make life wonderful.
Ben Folds once wrote a song called The Ascent of Stan. In it he detailed the tragic tale of Stan - a man who became everything he once despised. Lines like 'Being poor wasn't such a drag in hindsight' and 'Now you've become what you've always run from' detailed his anguish. Why mention this? Because thoughts like these are similar to the issues presented in Kurenai. Do not take this series at face value.
This is the essence of Kurenai - what a 'good life' really is. The reason/motivation a person has to wake up each day and do what they do. The little things/moments in a day that made it worth living. Most of all, it makes you consider what life would be like without them.
Try imagining this - from the moment you were born, your whole life is planned out. You will have no rights. You will be kept inside for your whole life. You are not allowed to speak to others. Only material possessions will be allowed - those devoid of emotional value and life. Now compare that to your current life. Feeling a bit more fortunate?
This is the bleak reality for Murasaki Kuhoin, a 7 year old girl in the mighty Kuhoin family. Following strict traditions from centuries ago, females in the Kuhoin family and employ are forced to live in the 'Inner Sanctuary' for life. Her life completely manipulated for her by her cold, cruel father - she is barely a shell of a person. Until Benika, a former female security agent of the Kuhoin family, takes Murasaki from her confines and places her in the care of her apprentice - 16 year old Shinkurou Kurenai. (hence the series name) Learning his way as a 'dispute mediator' under Benika's direction, Shinkurou is a person with little motivation or direction. He has more than his hands full being the protector of Murasaki. But gradually, Shinkurou and Murasaki end up bonding and filling the voids in each others' lives.
I need to point out something now before one gets too deep in - Kurenai is not an action series, so don't go looking for action. There is a coherent plot in this story, but this is not the crux of it. This is a series that is about EVERY moment that the characters live through and what they take from it. Yes, this is an unusual emphasis, but this is where Kurenai's strength as a series comes from. One's patience/desire for action may hinder them from being able to appreciate this style. So be warned about this style - it won't be for everyone. This will depend on your values and what you expect to gain from Kurenai. My advice - have no expectations. At all. Let the story do its work.
Brains Base, a younger studio with titles like Kamichu and Baccano under its belt, have proven to consistently provide quality production values. This is their best effort yet. The animation is simply spellbinding. The caricature-like nature of the opening sequence is a laugh and very well done. It acts as a good foil to remind the viewer that while this is a somewhat serious series with some darker moments, you need to lighten up as well. The in-episode animation is gorgeous. Characters, backgrounds, moving objects and the like all get equal attention. The colours and line details are spot-on, making for very pleasing, fluid viewing. The faces are some of the best I've ever seen. To say that the quality is top-notch would be an understatement.
Musically, this series does a decent job but I wouldn't call it stellar. Both the opening and ending songs are light, bouncy songs with messages of value, everyday life and memories. In-episode music is mainly for mood purposes. The voice acting is of a very good standard. Of particular note is the ease in which the voice actors are able to properly emobdy the emotions and psyche of the character at that particular moment. One can feel Shinkurou's confusion or his sudden passion, Murasaki's snappy mood or her affection, the eternal bitterness of the Kuhoin head, Benika's constant struggle and her frustration at seeing Shinkurou not reach his potential.
The story is not very complex. Murasaki has been taken from the Kuhoins. The Kuhoins want her back at all costs. Benika and Shinkurou have something they have to do for Murasaki before they will let that happen. But once again, the story is not the emphasis of this series. It is on the characters. Still, the story felt like one that had enough purpose and plot within it to justify this series. The seemingly simple events like taking a bath, walking around school, playing out a musical are made to be special and meaningful because they really are. An experience that is had under freedom and that is a positive one should be valued and not taken for granted. That is one of the core messages of Kurenai. Loaded with many classic one-liners (including the funniest payout of lolicons ever [yes, Kurenai can even parody itself!]) and many gripping scenes, there is plenty to enjoy and be moved by.
Kurenai's characters are what the series live and die on. It excels with them. Shinkurou makes for a very unlikely hero. He's somewhat strong but not very. Initially he is unable to converse well with people and lacks confidence in himself. (Considering he watched his parents die in a terrorist attack, that can be forgiven somewhat.) His female classmates intimidate him and almost act as pseudo-parents, not to mention graudally falling for him. But this is what is so interesting about the guy - he has flaws and he knows it, but he wants to be stronger. He just doesn't quite know how. But through Murasaki's difficult and demanding nature, Shinkurou is forced to draw upon himself to be a responsible minder for Murasaki and make her understand that the outside world is a very different place. He isn't the most ideal/qualified minder for Murasaki - or so he thinks. His ability to see Murasaki as what she really is - a manipulated girl who wants to live live but doesn't know how, as well as having selfish behaviour programmed into her by her family - provides Shinkurou with something he didn't have before - motivation/raison d'etre. Everything up to this point has offered Shinkurou little reason to feel good about his life. But once Murasaki enters it, Shinkurou knows that someone has to save that little girl, which he takes upon himself. Not to mention being more grateful for the basic freedoms and choices he once took for granted. To say 'Kid, your life isn't over. There's a whole world out there with so many things to experience and see. And I won't let anyone deny you those experiences.'
By the time Shinkurou reaches the end of this story, he no longer doubts himself. He interacts properly with others, he wakes up with a purpose. Most importantly, regardless of the outcome of this part of his life, he is ready to live the rest of it with passion, to cherish every moment and to enjoy the times with his friends. He is now a person that demands respect and can hold his own with anyone. His metamorphosis through the series is a real delight, for few males in anime display the true strength to be a man with dignity when needed and to be tough when needed. A perfect antidote to the mass of weak/emo male leads that plague anime today.
Murasaki - what an amazing little girl. I rarely like kids but Murasaki stole my heart. Her ways with others are a mixture of insane hilarity and heart-warming moments that make for very entertaining, moving viewing. When she first enters the frame, she is a shell of a person who simply expects others to do what is necessary to maintain her empty existence. It becomes a very intense journey for Murasaki and Shinkurou to change her into someone who is respectful of others, grateful for what she has and to place true value on things. To be taken from comfortable, confined surroundings to a simple yet free environment is a major shock for her. But her inquisitive nature and the sudden jolt of feeling alive compel Murasaki to explore this strange new world that her family has continually condemned. Gradually, the girl learns how to smile, to laugh, along with a plethora of experiences and emotions she never would have experienced in her sheltered confines.
As much as Shinkurou is a catalyst for Murasaki to grow and experience life, Murasaki is as much the exact same catalyst for Shinkurou. Murasaki wants to explore this world she has suddenly been exposed to but is too little and sheltered to know how. She is essentially saying 'I want to live but I don't know how. If you care about me, please show me how.' Although Murasaki's initial defiance and brat-like behaviour may mask it, she is always asking that from Shinkurou. So once Murasaki gains some form of self-empowerment and feels alive for the first time in her life, she is able to repay Shinkurou by helping him grow into what a man is supposed to be. This is the true magic of their bond. Two people who find the strength from the other to be there for each other, to grow and to develop a purpose in life. So when Murasaki reaches the end of this story, she is no longer weak, without a purpose or submissive. She is able to find strength within herself to do what only she can. Once Murasaki has played out her part, you can't help but admire her and be amazed by how much she was able to achieve. Her ending is hardly idealistic, but it is the most appropriate. Murasaki and Shinkurou reach a point where the two are now able to rely on themselves but are forever grateful for what each of them was able to show the other, allowing them to move on and remember the other fondly. It is a bond that is quite mature and inspiring.
The other parts of the cast are very solid. Benika is a very formidable woman with a scarred past of her own that fuels her to take Shinkurou under her wing and to take Murasaki into the real world, regardless of what it may cost her. Once Benika's character is properly fleshed out, it becomes very apparent why she took Shinkurou as her pupil and her motivations to do such a daring thing as take Murasaki from the Inner Sanctuary. She has class, muscle, attitude and passion. A very capable woman worthy of respect. Yayoi, her semi-androygnous female subordinate, is a person who takes life and all aspects of it seriously, never allowing herself to enjoy it or to be happy. Initially begrudging having to watch over Shinkurou and help when needed, Yayoi begins to value the freedoms she has taken for granted once she appreciates the gravity of Murasaki's life and is able to develop the ability to enjoy moments that make her fulfilled. Shinkurou and Yayoi develop a gradual respect for each other as they realise that thy may be able to learn from what the other has to offer, which proves to be very telling in the final part of the series.
Shinkurou's flatmates and friends make for amusing times. The grieving widow, Yamie, gains a strange satisfaction from seeing Shinkurou initially struggle then is compelled to climb out of her sorrow through her interactions with Murasaki. Tamaki, a very promiscuous female university student who neglects her studies and is overly harsh on men she gets involved with, gradually recognises her own faults from helping mind Murasaki and realises it's not too late to turn her life around. Ginko, a clever glasses-girl, firmly keeps Shinkurou in line at school and acts as his informant, but even she would admit she actually enjoys the role. Yuno, the female classmate who actively wants to be Shinkurou's girlfriend, provides some good laughs when coupled with Murasaki and also acts as a good way for Shinkurou to be able to communicate with females better. Renji, the head of the Kuhoins, trapped in family tradition and forever angry at himself for turning his one true love into a broken woman who lost the will to love, makes for a person that initially seems like a villian, or at the very least the ideal person to vent feelings on. But even his own demons he tries to deny will eventually be confronted through Murasaki as he is forced to consider what his own life as become as well as those he has helped destroy. His trials heavily shape the outcome but end up being more worthy of intrigue rather than hate. He is easy to criticise but that would diminish and deny the point of his role. Make sure you reserve proper judgement of Renji until the tale is done. You may be surprised as to what he ends up doing.
A bit of impact me be lost on rewatch, but Kurenai is still such an enthralling series with stellar production values and a character cast that may have the most depth of any ever. Enjoyment of Kurenai is dependent on the ability to appreciate a character-driven series that values all moments equally and the interactions between people. Its unique approach and good mix of humour and reality had me captivated from start to finish.
Kurenai is a very unique, refreshing series. To value moments, people and the experiences freedom brings is something no other series has accomplished to the degree this series has. With strong characters and equally strong bonds, this series will entertain, enthrall and evoke everything that is good and bad about reality. But really, isn't the fact that we get to experience these things what is so magical about life itself?
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2 of 2 people found this review helpful.
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nauXolo |
(2008-12-30 06:33:02) 2008-12-29 03:10:31 |
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| Average |
8.3 |
| Animation |
10 |
| Sound |
8 |
| Story |
8 |
| Character |
9 |
| Value |
7 |
| Enjoyment |
8 |
| Kurenai is a very solid anime with a very real premise. It sets a strong foundation in the beginning, boasts a balanced cast, and is produced with wonderful audio and visual elements. Sadly, I feel like it spends a little too much time building the foundation, and it doesn't really take off towards climax until episode 8-9 (of 12).
The story begins with the 'everyday' story of Kurenai Shinkuro who was orphaned by terrorist activities, saved by Benika (who becomes his role model), and raised as a disciple of a dispute mediator. However, there's one problem that prevents him from completing his jobs fully-- his personality is meek, he lacks self-confidence, and he has little motivation in life. Nevertheless, he is very well-intentioned, and in the end wants to be recognized for his strength. Things take a 180 when Benika places a 7-year old girl under Shinkuro's protection. As the daughter of a rich, traditional and powerful family, Murasaki Kuhoin has absolutely no freedom. Destined by birth to be tucked away in the "Inner Sanctuary" for all her life, she has no role other than what the Kuhoin family deems her fit. In the 'real world', she initially is arrogant, bratty and used to being pampered. However, as a result of these clashing two character personalities, Shinkuro and Murasaki develop a reliance as Shinkuro solidifies his meaning in life, and Murasaki gains the confidence to live her own way.
As I mentioned earlier, I felt too much time was spent on the 'bonds' between the characters, and not enough on the larger picture at hand (i.e., the conflcit with the Kuhoins). It wasn't so much that they didn't wrap-up the conflict well-enough, it was that I felt somewhat bored by their daily interactions and felt like the anime could have improved with just a little more focus on the true brutality of the Kuhoin family, past AND present. Since Murasaki Kuhoin is pretty much under house arrest due to her need to maintain a low profile, I got a sort of cabin fever from watching this series.
Nevertheless, these are all minor complaints that I only bring up because the anime is so solid. The strong points actually do lie in these character interactions. I felt a genuine bond between all the characters, Yayoi's concern for Murasaki, Benika's motherly love for her disciples, Shinkuro's desire to prove himself and to protect Murasaki, Murasaki's transformation from a girl who has been kept under house arrest by her traditional Kuhoin female to being free to express herself, even the housemates show non-cookie cutter personalities, etc. With such tight knight bonds, you really feel like part of this surrogate 'family'.
Action-wise, there really isn't too much until the end. I really anticipated and hoped for more, due to the teasers they gave in the beginning. Regardless, just don't expect too much action. Animation was very beautiful -- among the best I've seen in any series. Great attention to detail, and very fluid motions. They also didn't take shortcuts in fighting scenes and even a car-chase scene.
Overall, Kurenai is very solid, leaves few threads hanging, and most definitely worthy of a watch. Certainly, there are a few suspension of disbelief moments, but it was quite engaging and at times humorous. If I had to summarize it, I would say that Kurenai expands beyond any neatly defined genres, and carries a deep message of freedom, acceptance, and love.
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2 of 2 people found this review helpful.
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| Average |
9.3 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
9 |
| Story |
9 |
| Character |
9 |
| Value |
10 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
| I really loved this anime right from the first episode, something about is completely captivating. For one thing the story and characters are really well developed. Though the characters may fit into some stereotypical molds the dynamic they have with each other is so well handled that any cliche pitfalls are avoided. It can be hard to get a full scope of the characters and plot line in one viewing because there is lot going on under the surface of this anime and background stories and relationships are revealed piece by piece rather than in one of those (in my opinion annoying) flashback episodes. Moment by moment the nature of what is going on is brought to light and things that you learn in later episodes can make previous episodes more enjoyable.
The one disappointing part of this anime is the opening and closing segments, the animation and the music that accompanies are not very compelling. Theme songs might not have a lot of bearing on an animes appeal but it's always nice when a favorite anime comes with theme I don't mind seeing over and over.
As I said this is an excellent anime, the story and characters were really complete and the result of this is one the best endings I've ever seen. No loose ends waving around, nothing cheesy or over done, no deus ex machina-just the end-perfect. :)
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1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
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| Average |
8.3 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
7 |
| Story |
10 |
| Character |
7 |
| Value |
8 |
| Enjoyment |
9 |
| Kurenai is probably one of the best animes I've seen this year. I'm not sure why, but I think the anime comes first and the manga continues the story where they left off. I could be wrong, but that's what it seems like since there wasn't much in the anime as there was in the manga. I personaly haven't finshed the manga, but so far I'm loving it as well.
The animation of the anime was decent enough for me. Some of the fighting scenes weren't as flashy as you would like them to be, but everything was executed nicely. The difference in the art from the manga is that the anime looks more realistic and the manga looks more chibi type.
The OP and ED weren't the best. I didn't like them as much. The music thru every episode was ok. It was nothing that special. Some of the voice actors didn't match their characters, but I liked most of them. Murusaki's voice was verry cute.
The story can be verry confusing at first. You really don't know what's going on. All they tell you is that Shinkuro needs to protect Murusaki from her own family. Later they start filling in the holes of the story. At first he doesn't think he can do it, but he ends up taking on the challenge. He's suppose to be this bad ass bodyguard. Sadly, he gets his ass kicked many times in the anime which leaves you wondering if he's actually strong at all and if all those years of martial art training did anything for him. There's some points in the anime where he turns into a killing machine out of nowhere which kinda bring this supernatural side to the anime. The story around the end turns out to be kinda deep. Also this anime has probably one of the best endings for a 12 episode anime.
I really enjoyed the anime. I personaly like the manga a lot more since it provides you with romance and more comedy. I don't think there's going to be a second season that will be more like the manga which makes me kinda depress, but I can always hope. :D
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1 of 1 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 instant classic.
One of the best scripted anime of all time. Realism at it's finest.
Do your inner-otaku a favor...Watch this anime now.
Unforgettable characters and the dynamic quality between each one like Kurenai's "poor" lifestyle compared to that of Murasaki's upper-class nature, it's chemistry at it's finest. With 7 episodes out so far, this is one of those special anime that you would watch the entire series in one single sitting; it's that captivating.
Easily a contender for anime of the year...Kurenai is an instant classic!
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3 of 4 people found this review helpful.
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Maddy |
2008-05-22 18:02:34 |
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| Average |
9.5 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
9 |
| Story |
9 |
| Character |
10 |
| Value |
10 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
| This review is based on the seven episodes that are currently out. There are rumours of a total of only 12 episodes. Lets pray to the anime gods that isnt true because this anime is kickass.
The animation and the soundtrack is superb in every way, this is not some cheap synth guy they brough in from the street but real classic pieces featuring flawless piano and sax streaks. They are also releasing the episodes in a HD resolution which makes this so very enjoyable.
The story is quite deep, at first you might think that you understand the plot and that you can assume whats going to happen. That isnt the case with Kurenai, there is alot more disturbing problems and traumas that are lurking around the corner.
The characters is where this show really shines. The story behind every character and their interaction is unique and very complex. In the first few episodes you will draw some quick conclusions to whats going to happen further on but you will be wrong. The characters and their story/behavior is what makes this anime the best ive seen this year.
Overall this is a blast, a good manga made into a even better anime with top-notch music/animation paired with well knowned voice actors and a helluva fun/gritty/dramatic recipe.
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1 of 2 people found this review helpful.
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