Series Review: Rin - Daughters of Mnemosyne (2008)

Konichiwa!

Isn't it weird that there are films that are basically torture porn? You would have thought that societal pressure would have completely rejected any notions of this. To me, torture porn is defined by the horrific and unthinkable actions that happen on screen in a physical sense. So, films like the Saw franchise, The Human Centipede and Hostel fit into this category. Anime is a naturally violent medium - after all, it is trying to bring to the screen with animation that which live action can't. Everyone must have known that at one point or another, someone would try to make something along the lines of Antichrist. The result of that was Violence Jack... which I am never going to cover on this blog because it is fucking disgusting (I'm being serious for once). However, if we're looking for a socially acceptable extremely violent and highly sexualized anime, then you need look no further than this one.

Series: Rin - Daughters of Mnemosyne
Year: 2008
Director: Shigeru Ueda
Screenwriter: Hiroshi Onogi
Studio: Xebec, Genco
Original Run: February 3rd - July 6th, 2008
Episodes: 6

Several questions may be popping through your head right now. Like, what is the writer of several episodes of RahXephon, Eureka Seven and Gundam doing writing a Noir? And why are Xebec, the creators of Love Hina, working with Genco, the producers of Kino's Journey, to create a very disturbed anime? Well, in my opinion, Onogi just decided he was done with Mecha shit for a bit and the two producers decided to combine the best of both their worlds: Xebec's love of the female form with Genco's love of both that and action. Now, if you look at Genco's resume, they don't exactly have the best track record, although they have also pushed through some excellent work (seriously, I can't believe the same company that produced Kino's Journey also gave us Eiken and Ikkitousen the same year). Xebec, on the other hand, barely have a track record at all, leaving them known pretty much only for Love Hina... Something I wouldn't be too proud of. However, between the two of them, I do believe that they made a very good piece of work involving vampires that don't actually sparkle (bear in mind, this was the same year the first Twilight film was made, so old habits were dying hard). So, let's review the show that'll sate any gore hound's mad obsession: Rin - Daughters of Mnemosyne.

Story: 7/10

These new additions to the vampire mythos are not
unwelcome.

Okay, so the first thing I'm going to say is that the story is not exactly original, although what it does with its location, mythos and chronology is interesting. At the core, it's a Fantasy series, although it incorporates elements of Film Noir as well. The basic overarching plot is about two immortals, Rin and Mimi, and them solving cases through their consultancy agency, whilst simultaneously fighting their own kind and constantly running into the main villain Apos. Each case usually involves these supernatural elements in one way or another. However, the reason why I say that it's not that original is because it boils down to a good guy vs bad guy scenario but takes the fun out of it by not really doing anything that surprising and using a Deus Ex Machina to defeat the villain. Writing 101 people: if you want to make a good story even better, then never ever have the problem suddenly resolved by a new character, event or power that we had previously unheard of. Other than that, it keeps your interest, and I think that this is mainly because the cases in the episodes themselves are quite interesting and the passing of time as the series progresses is a smart move from Onogi, as it allows the exploration of certain themes to become more accessible. My favourite episode is probably "Ghosts Don't Scream" because it picks up on a theme that Ghost in the Shell explored, about virtual reality and plugging into electronics, and because it is intensely interesting to explore the possibilities of androids and computer programs. What disappoints me most about the series as a whole really is that there was very little build-up for the ending and with that little build-up there was virtually no satisfying pay-off, although thankfully the ending didn't really indicate that it was to be continued. The first four episodes are rock solid, with very good plots and interesting character motivations but by episode five, it sags when it suddenly jumps from being about individual episodes wound into an overarching plot to only focusing on said plot. And the last episode is both confusing and a bit of a cop-out. However, I don't necessarily think that means the series plot is bad but the ending really badly needed working on. One of my favourite things about the series, though, is its addition to the vampire mythos. And this show is definitely about vampires, no question, but it does it in such a way that at first we don't actually know if the creatures are just immortal or vampires. So, the ambiguity of the creatures is something I give great props to, as well as the designs of the male vampires known as angels. Overall, the changing of time is an interesting feature, as is the mythos and the first four episodes are very well-written, like something straight out of a Dark Horse Comic, but the ending really badly needed tweaking and it left me feeling like there should have been something more to it.

Despite Apos's really nice design and diabolical personality,
his motivation is so unclear that it leaves much to be desired.

Characters: 8/10
The characters in this anime are all-round pretty well-written, with the exception of Apos. Rin is very likeable, she has a sense of charm to her, the outfits she wears give her a sense of style and class like an actual Film Noir detective and her implied bisexuality is a lot more liberal than a lot of anime shows, where for the most part it would be used as tool for fan-service. And whilst there is fan-service (and a lot of it), whenever it's used, there does seem to be a purpose to it, either in order to explore a character or to progress the plot. Mimi, for all her constant annoying reminders that "Vodka" means "Water" in Russian, is also her own character and isn't just relegated to the uninteresting sidekick category like Robin from the Batman comics originally was. She has thoughts, feelings and relationships with other people. The side characters are also quite good but not the most memorable, mainly because there's not really enough time devoted to them in order to make you care. However, my largest complaint comes in the form of Apos, who is by far the most flawed thing in the series. Apos is the villain and he is actually a very promising villain for the first five episodes. He actually does diabolical things, like torture other female immortals for his amusement, and try to have Rin killed several times through different methods. He is really only interested in "time-fruits", the reason why people sometimes become immortal, and will do everything to get them. However, his entire character is completely destroyed in the last episode. Why? Because we find out that all this time his motivation was unclear and extremely confusing, therefore making all of his actions meaningless, simply reducing him to an evil person instead of an actual villain. And I think it's really sad that Onogi messed up this badly because Apos is very, very much evil, and if he hadn't been reduced to being meaningless, then he probably would have been one of my favourite anime villains. Alas, it was not to be.

Best English Dub actor for definite.

Animation & Sound: 8/10
The quality of the animation is the sort we've come to expect nowadays: quite good, flowing and generally fine for viewing. What really stood out to me about the technical side of things this time was the English Dub. I think that Colleen Clinkenbeard, who is known for playing Lt. Hawkeye in Fullmetal Alchemist and Nice Holystone in Baccano!, really stood out in her role as Rin, which was part of what made the character so likable. Also, huge props to Todd Haberkorn as Apos, who does give his all in making his villain terrifying and applies the sliminess in his voice that he toned down for Death the Kid in Soul Eater to full volume. Overall, there's not really much to say about the technical side, it's just very good in all honesty, although with the Dub there is obviously the occasional hiccup, as is expected.

You see kids, this is why some things are for adults and adults
only.

Overall Enjoyment: 7/10
If there is one thing to be said about this series, it is that it tries it's best to make you feel uncomfortable. Torture, rape, murder... this anime has all that plus failed cloning experiment zombies and Angels that kill Immortals after raping them. What's not to like? I do think that you have to have quite a strong stomach to view this, as some of the scenes can be extremely graphic, i.e. knives and other things inserted into female naughty parts graphic. I wouldn't really recommend under-sixteens viewing it and I think that in this case the R-Rating is very much justified.. Did I enjoy this anime? Well, yes, I actually did, up until the final episode, where I feel Onogi just couldn't really keep up the pace and quality. However, for what it was, I think it did a relatively good job at entertaining me.

Final Verdict: 7.5/10

Not terrible, but not brilliant either. I think that your best course of action would be to rent it and see what you think before buying. The series is at an average length, so you could probably get through it in a matter of just over four hours. This anime is licensed by Siren Visual in Australia, Funimation in the U.S. and Manga Entertainment in the U.K. and I do believe is only available on DVD. For other anime recommendations, I point you in the direction of Elfen Lied, one that I have covered before and is similar in its dark elements, with gore and lots of nudity; the other that I recommend is Baccano! because that is also very gory but also has some really good action. Rin is probably more adult than Baccano!, whereas Elfen Lied is much closer to its adult vibe. Between these two you should hopefully find something that you like.

Baccano is what an anime would probably
be like if Quentin Tarantino ever decided
to do one.

Elfen Lied, a show where young girls with supernatural powers
are imprisoned until one of the inmates called Lucy escapes.

So, thanks for reading and until next time,

Sayonara!

Series Review: Puella Magi Modoka Magica (2011)

Konichiwa!

I apologise for my long absence. I actually haven't watched any anime for the past three or four months because my laptop died and I am actually at home right now, so I have the opportunity to actually be able to watch series. When I go back, I'm definitely going to get a new laptop so I can keep updates for you guys. Also, I don't know whether or not Movie Mondays has been scrapped, since I have a blog that now deals with Movies, TV and Video Games. I'll leave a note if I do scrap it. Probably won't scrap Throwback Thursdays though. Anyway, on with the review!

You know the old saying "looks can be deceiving"? There are plenty of things that may seem one thing but are another thing entirely. For example, Evangelion may seem like it's a good show because of its animation and cool action scenes, but then when you get to the thick of it Shinji is one of the worst characters ever created, Asuka is annoying, the whole plot doesn't make sense and the quality of the animation goes noticeably downhill as they go on. There's a review of Eva in a nutshell. Well, this show is the embodiment of this saying but in a more positive way.

Series: Puella Magi Modoka Magica
Year: 2011
Director: Akiyuki Shinbo
Screenwriter: Gen Urobuchi
Studio: Shaft
Original Run: January 7th - April 21st, 2011
Episodes: 12

Yes, believe it or not, there was actually a time a few years ago where Shaft actually made good material and not pieces of shit where the plot made no sense and their trademark is automatically identified by the characters being able to somehow not snap their own necks off with a backwards glance (Yes, I am talking about Mekaku City Actors). This series is actually a really, really intense, story-driven anime with tragic characters and mind-bending twists and turns. The poster isn't helping that image but please, believe me when I say that Madoka Magica is one of the best anime series that I have ever seen period. And that is an extremely bold statement to make considering its image of cute, magical girls. So, without further ado, let's get into it and find out exactly why even people who hate magical girl anime like me went absolutely nuts for it.

Story: 10/10

Gen Urobuchi is unrelenting in his
ways of making the main characters
suffer. Thankfully he has now moved
on to criticising the information age
in Psycho-Pass.

The story of Madoka Magica, at first, seems pretty standard. Two girls, Madoka and Sayaka, discover that they have the opportunity to become magical girls and that they get to make a wish in order to obtain these powers and that in order to pay for that wish, they will have to fight witches. However, before they can throw their wishes away, a mysterious girl called Homura tries to stop the unsuspected Kyubey from making Madoka a magical girl. In the middle of the conflict, another magical girl called Mami stops Homura from killing Kyubey and tells her to leave. From there, our story unfolds. And what a story it is. It is probably no secret that this anime is renowned for taking the Magical Girl genre and deconstructing it to the bones and then building a very dark and complicated storyline around it. There are literally so many twists and turns that to reveal anything other than the above would be a huge letdown for anyone who hasn't seen the show. What I will say is that the mood completely changes from episode three onwards. The themes that are incorporated into this anime are also very commendable because it focuses on human emotion, friendship, sacrifice, the tragic life cycle and the greater spirit of humanity. These constantly knock you down in each episode until you are metaphorically on your knees, just begging for something good to happen and for Urobuchi to just give these poor girls a break. I also think the length of the story is perfect. Anything longer than twelve episodes would have been too much and would have dragged the series out. So, I'm absolutely gushing about the story, but what about the characters?

Our six main characters from left to right: Kyoko, Homura,
Madoka, Kyubey, Sayaka and Mami.

Characters: 9/10
There are about six characters in this anime that are important to the plot. There is Madoka, who is a young, peace-loving girl; Sayaka, her fiery best friend; Homura, a new mysterious arrival in town; Kyubey, the alien who makes wishes come true; Mami, Madoka and Sayaka's mentor and Kyoko, a rival magical girl out for a new hunting ground. All six of these characters are developped superbly and all have different motivations for becoming magical girls that are quite real in the situations they are thrown into. Of all the character arcs, my favourite was Sayaka's slow deterioration as she begins to see how meaningless the wish she granted actually was (at least from her perspective). The tragedy of this character was something that really hit me hard and I loved her transformation over the course of the series. It also helps that each character has a distinct personality that separates them from each over. It is also funny how the development of all these characters makes you think something else of that character at the end of the series as to what you thought at the beginning. My only complaint is that I think that Madoka is a little bit bland. Since she is the main character and her name is in the title, you would think that they would give her something interesting to do. They do, but it's not til right at the end. That's my only complaint but overall these characters are definitive anime characters with definitive identities.

Just an example of the different artistic elements incorporated
into the show.

Animation & Sound: 10/10
One of the best things about this show and the thing that everyone seems to remember the most are its striking visuals. The very first frame lets you know that you are in for a visual explosion not experienced since Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo (2004). The animation director clearly decided that he did not just want typical anime stuff but also blends an almost collage feel for the labyrinths and the witches of the show. The result is an animated feast or the eyes that just seems to do every frame right. As for the sound, the music by Yuki Kajiura is just one of those soundtracks that is a delight to the ears and probably one of the best anime soundtracks I have heard. The English Dub is also excellently acted, with Cristina Vee, Sarah Williams, Lauren Landa really going for it and giving probably some of the best performances of their lives. But in this category, the visuals are what really matter because they are just stunning.

Overall Enjoyment: 10/10
Are you really surprised? From how much I've just gushed about this show, you can probably guess that I enjoyed it a lot. In fact, it goes deeper than that. For me, Madoka Magica is art. It's very strange of me to say that considering it's about magical girls fighting witches at its core but it really is a piece of art. The visuals alone would be enough to warrant it tons of awards and accolades, but the story (with its massive amounts of mindfucks and shock moments) and characters also make this one of the most special and unique viewing experiences I have had since I watched Pink Floyd: The Wall (1982). And, despite my hatred of magical girl anime, I really, really enjoyed this. It's a step up from Sailor Moon, to say the least.


Final Verdict: 9.75/10 with







Yes, the highest score I have ever given on this blog goes to a Magical Girl show. Blow me. I am absolutely encouraging you to buy it and it is one of the essential titles that every anime fan should have on their shelf. This anime is licensed by Madman Entertainment in Australia, Aniplex in the U.S.  and Manga Entertainment in the U.K. and is available in both DVD and Blu-Ray formats. For other anime recommendations, I have to point you in the direction of Neon Genesis Evangelion because, hey, it's one of the closest things to it, except when you see Eva, you'll immediately run back here, screaming about how awful it was; the other one I will tell you to watch is Black Rock Shooter for its unusual art style. I would have recommended Gankutsuou but I thought that Black Rock Shooter's story was more akin to Madoka Magica. Between these two, you'll probably find something you like, although I will warn you that Eva will either drag you into enjoying it or absolutely hating it.

Neon Genesis Evangelion: A show that
you will either gush over and become
passionate about or tear your hair out with
frustration whenever you argue with one
of  its fans.

Black Rock Shooter, a show about a
mysterious, black-haired and blue-eyed
girl who shoots rockets at high speeds.

So, thanks for reading my review, it's good to be back and hopefully I'll stay for good this time. Until next time,

Sayonara!