obscure-anime

[obscure-anime]

The summer / Geu Yeoreum (2023)

A gorgeous, sensual, immersive movie telling a lesbian love story that spans years from school to adulthood. I think it's fair to warn about the eventual breakup, as is the fate of many queer movies. In its defense, the writing's solid, albeit on a subtle side, it doesn't spell things out for you, but, if you like paying attention to the inner workings of the brain, you'll probably enjoy this.

[obscure-anime]

“Jellyfish can’t swim on their own”

A year on from the masterclass that was Oshi no Ko’s premiere, Doga Kobo are back with an ethereal and masterful premiere of their latest anime original. The best we’ve seen yet by far. Not only are the direction and production values the best of the season so far, but the character interactions, Yuri vibes and general message of pursuing your dreams and creative endeavours is so well done.

In just one episode, I feel like I’ve come to know Kano and Yoru so well, and you can feel that from the characters as well with how their relationship evolved over the course of the episode. This almost felt like one season worth of development in 25 minutes if that makes sense. Not in a bad sense, but the episode had a clear beginning middle and end and told a nice prologue esque story.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the similarities to this and Sorayori/ A place further than the universe. It’s clear the staff took some inspiration from that lovely series which I couldn’t be happier about since it’s amazing. The use of establishing shots, introspective monologue and clever use of motion just makes this show feel so lively.

It honestly feels like those anime music videos to songs like a “Colors” by Sawano or Shelter by Porter Robinson. I hope this isn’t just for the premiere and that the quality stays the same throughout. There’s people from SHAFT, Cloverworks and even trigger I saw listed in the credits so the talent is certainly there.

“If I’m around you, maybe I’ll be able to shine too” 😮‍💨 that last 4 minutes or so with Kano’s performance and the running scene was just special. If they keep this up, we got an all timer on our hands. Can’t wait to see where their relationship goes.

[obscure-anime]

Since many people don't even know about it, and even less have seen it, here's the Yokohama Kaidashi Kiko OVA from 98 in its entirety:

Highly recommend it if you got an hour to spare.

[obscure-anime]

💖 Cosmic Baton Girl Comet-san ⭐

[obscure-anime]

Summer Ghost (2021)

A heavy movie about death and finding the strength to keep living. Directed by the famous artist loundraw.

[obscure-anime]

POMPO: THE CINÉPHILE ・  映画大好きポンポさん 2021, Takayuki Hirao

[obscure-anime]

Eiga Daisuki Pompo-san (2021)

A film about filmmaking that manages to sell the video editing process as something thrilling. In spite of their designs, all the characters are mature and grounded.

An ultra rare case of realistic voice acting (there’s a loli-looking character that doesn’t shriek!), unobtrusive ost, the final track matches the culmination of the plot in its intensity, and blends with the visuals just so well.

And yes, VISUALS! Generous animation, pretty backgrounds, creative scene transitions/cuts. The mc of this movie must waste no time in his work, and the movie itself doesn’t waste your time. A lot of lovely, snappy visual storytelling.

The mix of all from above and the vaguely western setting make it a refreshing and pleasant watch.

[obscure-anime]

Cider no You ni Kotoba ga Wakiagaru (2021)

Freshly aired anime on a blog showcasing obscure titles? Yep. I barely saw anyone talking about it, but it has:

✓ Good character designs ✓ Lovely, fluid animation ✓ Brave colors ✓ Pleasant ost and sound design ✓ Well-told, lighthearted story

..Which is about a streamer! And a haiku writer. And about a bunch of other sweet people. Nothing supernatural or otherwise over the top. Just an enjoyable slice of life movie that matches my taste perfectly. Big recommendation.

[obscure-anime]

[obscure-anime]

two series with a big promise that didn’t really go anywhere

Punch Line (2015)

Rolling Girls (2015)

I put these in a single post not just because they're both from 2015, in my eyes they’re similar in many aspects, one of them being sad and miserable: they go from 100 to 0. It’s an important disclaimer to make, imo.

These shows have flopped hard, both in terms of visuals and story. Now that you’ve been warned, you may feel free to either move on, or take them for what they are, and enjoy the good parts. Which ARE there. Even after all these years, these titles have a special place in my heart, just for how gorgeous their first episodes are, how hyped I was to see more of that fascinating superhero badassery.. Yeah, both shows feature superheroes, the hot shit during that time, if you remember the HeroAca manga.

Rolling Girls OP also has a super catchy song that I never skipped and sang along :’D

One final warning: Punchline is a silly ecchi trying to fake having a plot. There’s A TON of panty shots. I mean it’s in the title (panty line). Decide for yourself if it’s something you’d watch. Personally I wouldn’t, but, sadly or luckily, I saw the animation and character designs first, which were just too good. I really can hyperfocus on one aspect and still keep a warm memory of the otherwise yucky show. Well.. If you’re like me, you’re in for a fantastic time.

[obscure-anime]

Hells (2008)

Any of y’all miss Kill la kill? Here’s something similar, except even more weird and artsy. Much, much more weird. My advice’s to turn the subtitles off and just feast your eyes upon this without trying to find any deep meaning behind everything. It’s a visual masterpiece, but the plot is.. Questionable at best. Still I like it for being so unique in art style.

[obscure-anime]

Tokyo Marble Chocolate (2007)

Two episodes showing the same events, a date turned into disaster, through the girl’s and the boy’s eyes. All’s extremely simple: their characters, feelings, story itself. There’s one little catch that makes you like these two: they’re clumsy and awkward in the most endearing way! Moreover, focus on close-ups makes everything feel personal and warm. Quite impressive art style, decent animation for such a format and age.

It’s not an explosive masterpiece like “The tatami galaxy” + “Night is short, walk on girl” (two standalone movies that kinda tell the same story as well), but it feels a lot like its precursor/inspiration. I didn’t do much research but I wouldn’t be surprised if these are somehow related, and that’s a good thing.

[obscure-anime]

Okko’s inn (2018)

A non-ghibli “ghibli movie” about people’s relationships with life, loss and imaginary friends (of sorts).

I especially liked the backgrounds and lighting, also the animation’s quite fluid at times. Randomsakuga @ twitter posted the lighthearted shopping scene, that’s how I found this movie. As I understand, it’s a part of a bigger franchise, which I haven’t watched yet, but plan to eventually.

[obscure-anime]

Haibane Renmei (2002)

As I’ve started talking about Yoshitoshi ABe’s works, gotta mention this one as well, for not only being a state-of-art work, but also somewhat influencing my art style.

It’s a sorta slice of life of the unusual people in a mysterious world. The nature and history of the characters we constantly see on the screen isn’t fully explained and is up to interpretation and analysis. It’s Deep (tm). Don’t let the cutesy looks fool you. It’s also bizarre, with a few graphic/bloody scenes which may disturb you, take it as a warning. But it doesn’t focus on that.

It didn’t age too well and never tried having crazy quality animation, still it’s worth watching just for the unique mood it sets.

[obscure-anime]

NieA under 7 (2000)

A deliciously slow paced, grounded, oldschool slice of life focusing, but not limiting itself on the story of a piss poor, hardworking student and an eccentric, “defective” alien. A balanced mix of comedy, drama and peace.

I’ve watched it at least three times and while I can’t say it’s a masterpiece, it’s a pretty solid work with a memorable setting and cast.

[obscure-anime]

All Saints Street (2020)

One of the cutest things I’ve ever been exposed to. Still can’t wrap my head around the fact that it’s chinese, this style looks so western to me @_@ And it’s freaking perfect. Perfect character designs, perfect color palettes, fluid and snappy animation. The episodes are very short and few, but each moment is filled with something meaningful, you don’t really have time to look away. The show focuses on character presentation, interaction and daily life, it’s kinda lighthearted, but also feels like it’s aimed at adult audience.

[obscure-anime]

Sakasama no Patema (2013)

A highly plot-twisting, head-spinning movie, literally! I legit was slightly dizzy back when I watched it for the first time. Just rewatched it and thought I’d recommend it here. <3