Mar 30, 2007
Where else can you find a guy who gets to score with a girl in the first episode/chapter? Matsumaru Fumihiko is the man! And the (poor and really cute) girl is Aka Onda. But don’t be fooled, this explosive start actually sets up the plot for the romantic and somewhat realistic relationship between Matsumaru and Aka.
Aka is an aspiring voice actress while Matsumaru works for a sweets company. The story is a diversion from your usual highschool love comedy and would definitely appeal to the working class like yours truly. A story of two persons struggling with their work and dreams somehow takes a more mature and realistic tone. REC surprisingly delivers this in a light manner. It has its share of funny scenes but you’ll see something deeper. You’ll see conflict and misunderstandings brought about by common demands and frustrations of work.
I’ve already watched the 9-half-episode anime which covered vol. 1 of the manga and expanded it a bit. I haven’t heard of any sequel so I guess we’ll just have to read the manga for the rest of the story. The anime was short but mini series seem to be more appealing to me like Hantsuki. Maybe because I don’t really have the luxury of time to watch a naruto-bleach sort of anime. Anyway artwork in the manga is ordinary but characters are distinctly drawn. Matsumaru reminds me of a younger Koshiro (Koi Kaze). Aka is simple which suits her character.
Overall, I really like it. If you want a break from the usual highschool story but want to retain the romantic element, then try this one.
Mar 25, 2007
The guy who likes to sleep in bathtubs. That’s Taku Morisaki. After a year had passed Taku returns to his hometown Kochi for a highschool reunion. On his way back home he recalled everything that happened. Matsuno Yutaka was his best friend and both their lives changed when Rikako Muto (a Tokyo girl) transferred to their school.
Rikako excels in everything – studies, sports, looks, etc. but remained wrapped up with herself. She hated moving to Kochi and vented all her problems and frustrations on everyone. The class trip to Hawaii and the sudden trip to Tokyo let Taku see a clearer picture of Rikako. It took a class reunion for Taku to finally realize what he truly feels.
This is my favorite Studio Ghibli film and in my opinion is Ghibli’s best work. The first time I saw it was 6 years ago in VHS along with Whisper of the Heart. I fell in love with it and bought the DVD a few years later. It is nothing exceptional but it offers a nostalgic coming of age story of persons living simple lives and as they relate to those around them, they realize something about themselves that makes them a better person. It is a story which anyone can easily relate to or has actually gone through.
The plot progresses smoothly, presenting the conflicts and developing each character in a very timely pace. Some circumstances that led to the realizations of Rikako and Taku are still vague to me but the spontaneity of it all is what makes it more appealing. Artwork is consistent with the simplistic Ghibli trademark. Instrumentals cover the scenes consisting mainly of piano, violin and some pipes. It is classical to the ears and enhanced perfectly every mood. Cinematography is great highlighting background images like grayish cottony clouds, the school building, and the night shot of the shrine. Perhaps what makes them artistic is that they are actually patterned from the real things. The school and the shrine featured here exist in real life.
I highly recommend this one. The film will take you back to your own highschool days when everything is simple yet exciting. As the end credits roll, you’ll wonder why you still feel warm inside.
Where else can you find a guy who gets to score with a girl in the first episode/chapter? Matsumaru Fumihiko is the man! And the (poor and really cute) girl is Aka Onda. But don’t be fooled, this explosive start actually sets up the plot for the romantic and somewhat realistic relationship between Matsumaru and Aka.
