iwritereviews-blog1

[iwritereviews-blog1]

The Anime everyones talking about: Devilman CryBaby Review.

So here we are, another anime review. This time I’m tackling the Netflix original: Devilman Crybaby. I watched this ten-episode series over the past couple of days due to the pure hype from the anime community and though I may be a little late to the party wagon, I have decided to write this review. 

I can not fault the anime for it’s overall art style. It is a very well crafted style, and the use of colours especially during the party sequence are magnificent. The scenes truly gripped you into the diegesis of the anime, not only that but it captured this sinful city at it’s finest. 

The scores and soundtracks, from the electropop to the EDM influenced music, finishing off the the lone instrumentals of classical instruments were impressive also. 

However, the anime wasn’t squeaky clean perfect in fact in some cases I was disappointed. The beginning episode is clean in animation, and plot wise gets away with the random appearance of Ryo and the apparent ‘cut’ for time. I could tell this anime was slightly rushed due to the character development scrapped, leaving only the running to be the main representation of the characters innocence and former selves. 

The middle was dull, and for me prolonged itself too much. Devilman repeated it’s premise with Akira killing monsters, Miki running, Miko being jealous and Ryo fiming, while being nostalgic. Not even the deaths of Akira parents prompted me to feel in anyway overwhelmed and shocked. I felt like I was dragging myself through the mess of the middle of the anime, until it came to the last episodes. 

For me, the ending was the strongest part of this anime. It took a massive turn from this blooming romance and friendship to death, destruction and betrayal. I think the transition was somewhat cleverly crafted, but again felt rushed, like the anime didn’t want to bring out the crazy until near the ending, which I understand. 

The actual ending itself is pretty well devised, and i enjoyed the completely tragic and ambiguous resolution. 

I wouldn’t say this anime was my preference, nor do I hate it. In fact I liked it. Unfortunately, from the hype it received my expectation of this anime were very high and I think thats ultimately why I was so disappointed in the over plot and how rushed or dragged out elements were. 

Overall, this anime is one to watch. However, I don’t think it’ll be making my 2018 best anime list anytime soon. 

[iwritereviews-blog1]

Top5: Thai BL

Like the trash I am, I have watched nearly all BL’s created, from live action to anime to BL pairings in shows. Through experiencing the ups and downs of BL relations, I considered myself very much an expert on such shows. 

Now, I’m not saying that my list is the best one, in fact this list is quite biased to my own personal taste, yet I can guarantee that these five BL each will have you squealing in no time! 

5.  Bad Romance + Together With Me

I decided to put the two series together since Together with me only has 5 episodes out (when writing this). Both Korn and Knock relationship has it’s moments of ups and downs, especially caused by Knock’s innate selfishness, however their relationship is cute and the two have a great chemistry. I also enjoyed the other characters and couplings within each series, which can sometimes be a rare thing within the genre. 

4. Grey Rainbow 

This is a touching story of two guys who fall in love, despite struggles to do with realising their own feelings as well as their parents. It includes happy moments that will make your heart melt, and some tragic ones, but overall this BL is not only filled with BL scenes, but also includes a gripping plot and incredible visuals and settings. 

3. Two Moons 

Only with it recently finishing on it’s 12 episode and more on the way, Two moons is a somewhat quirky tale of one guy: Yo, going to university to try to steal the heart of long time crush Pha. The story of these two is way beyond cute, it really cleansed my soul and heart. Though the plot follows that of a normal romance, the chemistry and relationship of the two is what makes it quirky and almost to good to be true. 

2. Sotus

This really is a gem of a BL series. The spot between this and number one was incredibly hard to decided, but I went with my heart and placed this highly successful series second. The story is unique, the characters even more unique and the chemistry is off the charts. The plot was to the point, crisp but left us in suspense and waiting. The acting is some of the best I’ve seen for a BL, as well as the other characters being as likeable as the main two. The music/OST of this series is probably the only BL series music that has stuck in my head, and I remember. Overall, this series is the bomb. If you haven’t watched it, even as a non-BL fan, then you should now! Go now! 

1..........drum roll please..............

LOVE SICK!

Some of you may been groaning or disappointed in my choice, but god damn this is the series that started it all. 

This series redeemed BL within Thailand, and since it’s creation in 2014, Thai BL has been a booming business. Not only is the series legendary in the eyes of BL, but for me it was the first Live action BL that I watched. 

The acting isn’t as good as Sotus and the first episode is poo, but the overall chemistry and plot of the story makes up for it. The story of Noh and Phun is a long one filled with hardships and some happy moments, but I promise you that it is worth it! 

Not only is the BL side of it beautiful crafted, but the story itself is a clear representation of teenage life, and growing up within modern society. It explores friendships, and the more clear acceptance of BL. This isn’t just a story about two boys falling in love, its a story about growing up and taking on the obstacles faced within daily life. 

My number one will forever be this BL. 

[iwritereviews-blog1]

Listen: Exo: The War + The Power of Music (4th album)

As you can tell from my icon and background picture, I do consider myself a rather big fan of Exo. Yet being a big fan of a certain group such as Exo makes my reviews on their music even more critical. Exo have produced some truly iconic tracks, stunning composition and paved the way for a new generation  (along with other noticeable groups) of K-pop. 

My expectation were incredible high for their fourth full album, due to the sheer enjoyment I had from their previous album ‘Exact’ and ‘For life’. And I can tell you that my expectations were blown away, and as they say my ‘wig’ was snatched. 

In this review, I will briefly discuss all 12 songs on this album, as well as the choreography and music videos. I wont rate the songs from 1-12 depending on my presence, because honestly it was incredible difficult for me to choose a favourite or even a number 12 spot. 

Kokobop

When I first listened to this energetic reggae influenced hit, I was astonished and dumbfounded. In all the k-pop, or music for that matter that I’ve listened I hadn’t heard such a combination.

The song is completely fresh and unique to the genre and Exo! Yet, I still recognised that unexplainable Exo charm to the song. The softness of tone at the beginning, leading all the way to the harsh electronic sound of the dance break works incredibly well as a perfect build up. The whole production of the song is properly one of the clearest from Exo title tracks, yet it doesn’t sound stiff or too structured. 

The use of the english within the song was also well executed, some of my favourite lyrics did include ‘down, down’ and the infamous ‘Shimme Shimme KoKoBop’. 

I am not surprised that this song did incredibly well digital and in music shows. It was a hit! Though, KoKobop was not my favourite of the title tracks Exo has produced, it in my eyes is a clearly legendary song in its own right. 

 Power: 

Power is another one of those very unique songs Exo has come out. This song completely contrasting to KoKoBop, or anything they have done focuses on an EDM feel with LDN noise working on the title track. 

At first, to be honest, the song was good but not my favourite nor did I see myself listening to it on repeat like I had done with Kokobop. But was I wrong. Sometimes, especially with K-pop songs, it does take a few more plays to fall in love with a song, and this certainly was the case for Power.

The song is incredibly repetitive in some places, and I find stays at the same tone throughout the song. Such as in Suho bridge, I would have liked to see the instrumental softer, maybe less effects and sorts. 

However, the instrumental of the song is unbelievable. Its complex, developed and fascinating to listen to, I always find myself listening to a new part every time I listen to Power. And my god, the music video is hilarious. Of course at first I was completely confused, but the CG, the panning shot of the members showcasing their powers = 10/10 for SM. 

The Eve: 

In every Exo album, there is one song which causes mass death to all EXO-L, for me The Eve overall vocal styling and slowed tempo drum beats make it that song of The War. 

The instrumental is beautiful done, along with a catchy electronic motif used in the choruses. But the thing about this song which impressed me that worst was the vocals done by Exo. They all seemed to match the songs tone perfectly, and the ad-libs in the final chorus by D.O. are bloody brilliant. 

Overall, this song was a winner for me. I mean who could argue with that choreography though. 

What U do?: 

‘What U do?’ written by Kenzie, is a funky and energetic song guaranteed to get you jumping up and down. The song for me was like love at first hearing. The chorus main melody, harmonising and the instrumental motif is honestly the best thing I’ve ever heard. I really can’t say one bad thing about this song, it really is a good song that I recommend for any K-pop lover. 

Forever:  

Here we come to the song which everyone thought should have been the title track (which I disagree with, but anyway). For me, this is in my top 5 Exo song nevermind this album. The instrumental of the altering two notes along with the incredibly well written melody work perfectly to build the song up to the truly stunning chorus. The harmonises, the vocals of all the Exo members, Chanyeol and Sehun rap. It all makes the song what it is: an instant like. All I have to say is ‘Nice Skirt’ 

Diamond: 

Like every album, there is that one song that you don’t jump its praises, for me this song on The War is Diamond. At first I thought the song was detached and not as clean as the rest of the album. But, giving it a chance, I listened to the song again and did find it to have an interesting instrumental and the chorus breakdown is catchy. Also, D.O voice in this song hits me hard and I can’t get over it. 

One tiny thing that I didn’t like about this song, is the end. In the song, it repeats a whole section again before ending, and honestly I don’t think the song needs to repeat again. I thought it would have been fine with cutting it off, the repeat doesn’t add anything amazing. 

Touch It: 

Finally, we come to this special little song. Though this is probably the simplest in the album according to the instrumental and melody line, sometimes simple is effective. The chorus melody and hook is truly addictive and I always find myself dancing to this song. Touch it is a nice song to listen to to cheer up your mood or before going out. 

Chill: 

Again, at first I wasn’t in love with this song, I felt like Diamond the instrumental was a little detached and bare in some places. But of course, the song grew on me. The rapping in this song is probably my favourite part, it’s fresh and epic when it gets to the breakdown. Also special shout out to rapper D.O.

Walk on Memories: 

Walk on Memories is that song you listen to in your bedroom, when you either or tired or had a bad day. Exo soft vocals and the the light instrumental, this song is the most beautiful from the album. Though, its not a song I would listen to all the time, I would see many enjoying the calmness of this songs compared to the rest of the album. 

Going Crazy: 

Here we are! My personal favourite of the album. The instrumental is truly a piece of art in itself, to combine the VC music to Exo powerful vocals was a great idea. The instrumental uses a combination of classical musical instruments with electronic and manufactured sounds, which reminds me of that of Clean Bandit. 

Sweet Lies:

All I want to know is, WHY SM? WHY CHANYEOL? This songs beginning from the instrumental and baekhyun soft seductive vocals truly capture the tone perfectly. The vocal styling of Exo, from their soft tones to the their falsetto create a difference from such songs as Forever and Power. Chanyeol deep and bold voice, matched with Xiumin soft and high pitched voice adds a which of contrast to Chen gorgeous falsetto voice. Though the ending is abrupt and ‘lazy’ compared to the rest of the song. 

Boomerang: 

At first, I neglected this song. The instrumental is what makes this song truly special, especially the beginning of the almost funky sound effects. To be fair to this song, I don’t think I’ve listened enough to go into too much detail. 

Overall: 

The War and The Power of Music have throughly impressed me. I would say that this has been my favourite Exo album so far, and that really saying something. Thank you for reading my long ass re-view! Please give Exo some love with their new comeback and album!

[iwritereviews-blog1]

Being so young And dipped in folly I fell in love With melancholy

Edgar Allan Poe (via coral-vellichor)

[iwritereviews-blog1]

Earthian: Should I or Shouldn't I? (***)

NOTE: This is purely a written review by a teenage girl that likes anime, in no way is this done by a professional. These are my opinions! This review is on an anime in the realms of BL (Boys Love), mild language and will contains spoilers so please read with discretion. Thank you. Anime is an excessive genre of animation with pockets for everyone to snuggle in. And for me, like the trash I am, that pocket is Shounen ai. Through my years of experience with the genre, not only in anime and manga but live actions, I feel I have an opinion on what makes a good Shounen Ai anime and BL. Whenever I watch a Shounen ai/yaio anime, I either feel two emotions: bare disappointment and hatred or complete obsession. Yet, with this anime I am still undecided in which category this is. It is hard to pinpoint my emotions for this anime when it is somewhere in between disappointment and being impressed. I throughly enjoyed the art style of the overall anime and the background music was somewhat enjoyable to listen to. I also found the characters to be surprising, as I actually liked the supporting characters involved within the storyline. However, the romantic relationship between the two male leads was close to nonexistent, in fact the anime produced only few scenes to pleasure the yaio fandom. The relationship entailed Kagetsuya (the seme) constantly following around and protecting Chihaya, who rebelled and ran away so many times without being able to protect himself it got annoying. Then when Kagetsuya, who is obviously in love with the guy, is finally done with Chihaya foolishness and neglect towards him, Chihaya runs off to find someone like him- someone who he can relate to. I'm all for Chihaya finding someone else with the black wings, but dude. Kagetsuya has gotten beaten up several times for you and all you care about is your selfish desires, and telling him he's becoming more 'rough'. Well of course he is! He's battling who knows want nearly everyday for your clueless arse! (takes deep breath) Anyway, other than that, the plot was another disappointment for me. When watching this anime, I understood the beginning perfectly. OVA 1,3 and 4 are all linked and a continuation from each other; where as OVA 2 moves away from the main plot. For me, the plot became confusing as hell and by the end I didn't understand a thing. The anime tried to explain what happened by forcing it into the dialogue lines. Such as Taki death, which was never foreshadowed or hinted at, neither was Dr. Ashino fascination or love for Taki hinted at within OVA 1. OVA 2 I found to be the best of the four, it had a clear beginning, middle and end, while focusing on Chihaya fascination in finding someone else with natural black wings. Though all these aspects are important, what is really haunting me is the ending of the anime. Some call it a bittersweet end, where as others call it a 'What the F*** ending!'. I can see why some would be disappointed and some would call it the perfect ending. Despite all the deaths and battles, as well as the fact both the angels have disobeyed 'Eden', it seems everyone gets on with daily life. Chihaya is sulking in the background as Kagetsuya is looking out at the busy streets of Japan suggesting a more optimistic look and ending as if to say it's a new beginning for the two. However, fans were still left with the overarching dismay of the two not concluding their relationship or their current situation as rebellious angels. Though the manga may continue their story and fill in the missing pieces, the anime left a very inconclusive ending that, on my part, was not appreciated. Overall, I did enjoy watching this anime for more the art style, that was incredibly pleasing. For someone who enjoys older styles, the anime impressed me with the character designs and use of scenic imagery. But, I did not enjoy the lack of shounen ai element nor the confusing plot line. My final scores: Plot: 4/10 Characters: 6/10 Music: 7/10 Art style: 7/10 Rewatch/enjoyment: 3/10 Overall: 27/50 I recommend this anime to watch for its art style and because it is an older one of the genre, and so would be a great experience for any shounen ai or anime fan.