Midterm Review of Summer 2021 Anime by Anime Writers [Anime Column].
In this mid-term review of summer 2021 anime, we pick up five topical works! Based on a manga serialized in "Melody", "Kagekishoujo! , the otherworldly fantasy "Labyrinth Black Company" serialized in "Monthly Comic Garden" and "MAGCOMI", and the latest in the "Love Live! series, "Love Live! Super Star! Super Star!", "Sonny Boy", an original anime by Madhouse, and "ORE, TSUSHIMA", which is currently being broadcast and shown on "Super Animeism" and the web.
Founded in the Taisho era (1912-1926), the Benka Opera Company is an all-female troupe that performs on stage. This is a coming-of-age story depicting the school life of new students who enter the Benka Opera Music School, which aims to nurture such talent. Sarasa Watanabe, who has supple arms and legs and a strong physique, strives to win the role of Oskar in "The Rose of Versailles.
It has been more than a decade since the TV aspect ratio shifted from the standard 4:3 to the 16:9 Vista size. The decision to cast a 178-centimeter-tall girl as the main character was nothing short of a challenge to the contradiction of fitting a vertically-oriented character on a horizontal TV screen. In part A of the first episode, Sarasa decides to take a picture in front of a cherry blossom tree and hands her smartphone to Ai Narada, who will later become her roommate in the dormitory. Ai holds the phone vertically so that the screen is framed vertically, creating a layout that accentuates Sarasa's height. Sarasa's left hand, which does not fully fit into the frame when she poses, extends out, showing even a glimpse of her out of the ordinary. It is a vivid opening that makes you want to follow her journey to become a top star.
The main character, Kinji Ninomiya, who lives on the top floor of a tower apartment building and lives off his unearned income, is transferred to another world without warning. He is forced to engage in physical labor in a dungeon in this work anime. Although the story takes place in a fantasy world, the scenes are not so different from reality except for the presence of subhumans and dungeons, and the way in which the story is divided up is refreshing, with huge corporate buildings standing and time cards being pressed when leaving work. The film is rather close to reality, which makes us feel anger toward the capitalists who unfairly exploit the workers.
Despite being beholden to such a proletariat, Kinji uses his wiles to turn the tables. His upward mobility is reflected in the fact that, while confronting a giant dragon in the first episode, he stands taller than his opponent and tames it. We want to learn from Kinji's ambition to dive deep into the dungeon and rise to the top.
Lyricist Yuu Aku disliked headphones, which do not allow sound to be shared with those around you, and described the songs as "no longer flying through the air," but in this work, the singing voices that can be heard suddenly in the city leave a lasting impression. Kanon Shibuya, who cannot sing in public, sings enthusiastically by herself on her way to school, the voice of voice training leaks out from the apartment of Kana Karan (Tanku Koo), Chisato Arashi ticks off impromptu raps on the street, and her smartphone shows the song "Gusokumushi" performed by Sumire Heianana as a child actress, whom she hated.... .... It is as if the song, like the film's subtitle, has been integrated into the world.
The film features a wide variety of school idols, but the energy of Karakana, from Shanghai, stands out the most. The NHK E-television broadcast of the film includes a mini-corner, "Riera's Songs," which depicts the school idol club's activities with a picture-perfect touch. You can also enjoy a short animation with a picture book touch, reminiscent of "Minna no Uta" (Everyone's Uta).
In this original animation, a junior high school student drifts through life after being trapped in a different dimension with his entire school building. 36 students each have mysterious abilities, but their effects are not explained beyond necessity and can only be guessed from the images and dialogue. The stoic production, with no OP, an ED only for the end roll, and almost no accompaniment, allows the viewer to enjoy the fun that comes from stripping away the extraneous elements.
Especially in the first episode, the outside of the school building is painted black, so the viewer's eyes naturally gravitate toward moving objects. The scene where the characters fly in complete darkness and its ending is so exhilarating that it makes you glad you bought an OLED TV, which excels in black expression. The storyline, which always betrays expectations, is also unique to the original. Be sure to keep an eye out for this season's most aggressive title.
A short anime adaptation of a cat manga that originated on Twitter. Tsushima, a stray cat with an impressive physique, is picked up by a cat-loving grandfather and spends his days in a heartwarming and surrealistic way. The role of Tsushima is played by Akio Otsuka. Known for his dandy roles, he has played many animals, including lions, pandas, chickens, capybaras, and Malayan tapirs, and his skill is still evident in this film. In this film, he brings out the lovability of Tsushima, who is both gruff and lovable.
Grandpa is played by Mayumi Tanaka, who has played many juvenile roles. The lighthearted banter between these two veterans is a delight. For the anime adaptation, a rare technique was adopted: different staff members worked on the TV and web animations, which were released at the same time. The TV version has a realistic representation of Tutsushima's kijitora (tiger) pattern and is full of hard-boiled charm, while the Web version has a deformed touch that allows viewers to enjoy the cute Tutsushima, who sometimes spoils her grandfather to the hilt.
(Text by Katsunori Takahashi)
(C) Kumiko Saiki, Hakusensha/"Kagekishojo! Production Committee
(C) 2021 Yohei Yasumura/Mag Garden/Reisach Mining Detmold Branch
(c) Project Love Live! Super Star!
(C) Sonny Boy committee
(C) Opu no Kyoudai/Shogakukan/Ore, Tsushima Production Committee 2021
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