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gascon-en-exil · 6 years ago

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So Who’s the Queen?: A Chess of Blades Review (Part 2)

Part 1

With the general overview out of the way it’s time to jump into a critique of the real substance of this game: the four men who can fall in love with Rivian and turn him into the champion bottom he was always destined to be. As with last time I’ll be avoiding major plot spoilers but will spare no detail when I turn my discriminating eye toward the game’s scenes of sweet, tender lovemaking...or raw, kinky fucking, whatever floats your boat. Some of them could go either way.

Fun fact: my silly subtitle for the sex scenes comes from a Japanese expression jokingly proposed as an alternative source for the word yaoi. I thought it only appropriate given what I’m judging here.

Arden

It took some effort for me to ignore that this guy shares his name with the least fuckable bachelor of Fire Emblem: Genealogy of the Holy War, but eventually I managed. It helps that the two have nothing else in common, up to and including preference of sexual partners.

Arden is the best friend romance of CoB, the only one with whom Rivian has an established history. Thinking back to the similarly positioned Ian in Coming Out on Top, this is a visual novel character type that presents a unique challenge for the writer(s) in that there has to a be an explanation for why the two of them don’t shack up until the events of the game. I rather like CoB’s reasoning for this, as it’s one that plays into both Arden and Rivian’s insecurities and explains why Rivian is so prickly to a supposed close friend during the shared prologue. Arden is clingy and overly expectant, and the game allows this to feel off-putting even partway through his route (which is shared with the “secret” fourth love interest, in a scenario where Rivian decides that he and Arden have grown into such different people that reconciliation is impossible). This is an unusual but not unwelcome way to lead into what is undoubtedly the fluffiest of the romances, in which Arden has to be open about his self-conscious reservations and Rivian has to be willing to forgive. Arden’s protectiveness of Rivian also becomes less grating as the route goes on and the two start to face genuine danger, and as Rivian points out that kind of dedication is actually quite sweet when it’s wanted. The only really awkward thing about the construction of Arden’s route is that, because most of their relationship drama comes from the fallout of their youthful infatuation, it has very little to do with the main plot of a kidnapped little girl. It is at least the most morally straightforward of the routes, one that brings out both Arden’s loyalty to Rivian and to his kingdom (even though he is a bit dense about it, in the tradition of most lawful good paladin-esque type characters) and Rivian’s buried affection for his family. Like I said, it’s pretty fluffy on the whole.

The “Ow, my ass!” rating: Mild. As might be expected Arden’s sex scene is the most vanilla in the game, which is fitting because 1) it matches the more innocent passion of a childhood romance gone horizontal(ish), and because 2) Arden is also a virgin somehow, despite having spent several years in a military environment in a setting where no one cares if guys hook up with each other. There’s no lube, but I can excuse it because Arden both fingers and rims Rivian beforehand. More significantly, Rivian rides Arden’s cock which is not only the most active he ever is in a sex scene but also a great position for the inexperienced to get accustomed to the feeling of taking a dick. Don’t get the impression that this means that Rivian is taking a dominant role, however; the term “power bottom” is more about attitude than positioning, and Rivian is still very much lacking in that department. Also, they have sex on a chair and I have no idea why, since there’s a perfectly serviceable bed in the same room. I like to be able to hold onto my partner’s shoulders when I’m riding him to help keep my balance, but I don’t think that’s worth having to angle myself around the arms. Kind of a toss-up there.

Franz

According to the developer notes in the artbook Franz was the first of the love interests to be designed, and they had a specific exotic flavor in mind that in practice feels very much like how I think Anglos see Continentals collectively. German first name and French family name aside, I get a more Iberian feeling from him personally. Maybe it’s the thing about his country being known for chocolates, or maybe the (very late in coming) self-flagellation...not literal, mind you.

Even leaving aside his real world cultural inspirations, Franz is very much the aggressive rogue type of love interest, the “perverted foreigner” as Rivian describes him more than once who introduces himself by grabbing Rivian on his balcony and practically dry humping him while dropping some foreshadowing regarding the plot. The above image is a comparatively benign moment early on in Franz’s route proper, but it goes to show just how casually grabby the guy is and how Rivian is essentially forced to get used to it. That may be unsettling for some players, but I happen to like a man assertive enough to go for what he wants - although the fact that Franz is vastly hotter and wealthier than many of the men who’ve groped me certainly plays a role there too. In any case the plot of his route - that of the murder of an ambassador in which Franz is curiously interested - plays into the idea of him as a man of mystery gradually revealed to be driven by something other than sensual indulgence, and getting his good ending requires that Rivian learn to trust and care about Franz even as he’s not at all forthcoming about his identity or motivations up until the very end. Franz’s route is unique in that his sex scene appears before the determination of whether or not you’ll get his good ending and even before certain major revelations are made regarding his character. This suits his roguish appeal just fine, even though the scene itself is kind of...well, see below. Honestly Franz is probably my favorite of the love interests by a narrow margin; he’s rich, hot, aggressive, and shown to be very open-minded about kinks while also capable of genuinely affectionate moments. That’s a rare combination and prime wish fulfillment fodder.

The “Ow, my ass!” rating: Uncomfortably high, sad to say. Props to the guy for being suave enough to lead Rivian through a masquerade ball one minute and then drag him into a storage closet to fuck his brains out the next, but it’s a massive understatement when he assures Rivian that he won’t be gentle. Franz fucks Rivian’s mouth on a cold stone floor and then only takes the time to briefly finger him with spit before impaling the boy. You really have to be into the controlling top persona to enjoy his scene, particularly as there’s little to no (onscreen) aftercare. I was also left feeling disappointed at how conventional Franz’s sex scene felt, after he’d previously teased Rivian about wanting to collar him - he calls him “kitten” throughout their interactions - and enjoying the sight of a cross-dressing Rivian. I definitely enjoy the idea that Franz is into both pet play and feminization, but it turns out to be a case of telling and not showing. At least Franz retains most of his Dom demeanor up through his epilogue, as I would have really rolled my eyes if his kinky tendencies mysteriously vanished after he and Rivian made their big romantic confessions.

Linnaeus

I’m still not sure how I feel about Linnaeus. Part of this is that I’m missing out on the reference; developer notes make it clear that his appearance and personality were modeled after those of characters in the Ace Attorney series, which I’ve never played. I can at least acknowledge the allusion found in his narrative, which reaches its (non-sexual) climax not with a violent confrontation in a mysterious setting as in the other routes but with a courtroom trial. The Steam achievement for winning the trial is even called “Rivian Wright,” at that.

More than that however Linnaeus is a man whose appeal as a love interest exists (in my opinion) on a less visceral or emotional level than the others’. Archetypically speaking he’s the defrosting tsundere who initially seems to not like Rivian very much at all and only gradually comes to enjoy his company after they’ve been thrown together by apparent coincidence in the case of a foreign duchess’s stolen diamonds. Linnaeus is a haughty intellectual and very much a sadist both in and out of bed, but later explorations of his character add depth to his talents as the king’s inquisitor and zeal for bringing criminals - especially the members of the anarchistic Disciples of Ignatius - to justice. Throw in some friction with an estranged cousin who also wants to woo Rivian and might want Linnaeus’s job as well as some earnestly romantic gestures masked by smart-assery and in one case a literal mask and there’s definitely material here for a satisfying romance. There’s some hiccups - the trial is not difficult at all to win, and there’s an optional tarot card reading scene that adds nothing to the route but unneeded foreshadowing and feels out of place besides - but it’s by no means a bad story. Maybe Linnaeus just likes to screw with Rivian too much for my taste, or maybe I’m just not into tsundere types.

The “Ow, my ass!” rating: Of a reasonable threshold, but that doesn’t mean I really care for it. Linnaeus’s sex scene involves edging, begging, and light bondage, three things that I tend to find more annoying than sexy in my own encounters. I do like that he’s a kinky guy and that the game is more willing to show that than it is with Franz, and I also like that Linnaeus comes prepared not just with rope but with lube (finally!). This is more my personal taste than anything, as objectively there’s nothing illogical or inaccurate about their encounter. No doubt their future liaisons become even more maddening, as in the epilogue Linnaeus remarks that he has “instruments” he enjoys using on Rivian. That’s just...not my preferred type of Dom, I suppose? Additionally, for whatever it’s worth Linnaeus’s naughty bits are not visible in either of his erotic CGs due to angling and his fondness for humiliation, which is kind of a letdown.

And no, Rivian never gets to yell “Objection!” during this route. Another missed opportunity, Chess of Blades.

Sabre

Sabre is the guy on the left. The one on the right is Kieran - keep him in mind for later.

This is the secret love interest. His route branches off from Arden’s and cannot be accessed until you’ve completed Arden’s route once. There’s a good narrative reason for this, and on the surface Sabre seems like a great option for a bonus romance. He’s got tons of raw sex appeal, a unique role in the story, and a social status that separates him from Rivian and the other love interests, such that while the other three are each likened to a chess piece protecting Rivian as the king Sabre’s route is more akin to upending the board entirely. Rivian falls in love with a common brawler, ultimately opting to leave the treacherous games of the court behind him. There are two very large problems with this route though:

1) Sabre has the worst voice acting of any of the characters without question. He’s got the accent problem I brought up last time, in his case doubly so because he affects a thick Scottish brogue for his fighting persona which contrasts against his uncharacteristically refined normal voice, but whether due to the VA or the audio recording equipment his volume modulation is also highly erratic. Most of his lines are either screamed so loudly I was tempted to remove my headphones or are so quiet that they’re barely audible, especially at the end of some lines where he just trails off into near-silence. There is very little middle ground, and the combined effect is extremely distracting. It doesn’t help either that Sabre is lumped in with the supporting cast in the volume settings unlike Rivian and the other love interests whose voices can be adjusted individually, so muting him will mute everyone else.

2) Then there’s Kieran, who represents a more complicated issue with Sabre’s route. The two are introduced as close friends and sparring partners who share a healthy rivalry, and even though the romantic focus of the route remains on the developing relationship between Rivian and Sabre Kieran gets in some flirty banter of his own with Rivian and makes it clear that he wouldn’t turn down the nobleman’s admiration. Somewhat shockingly, this actually does culminate in a threesome, even though it’s staged more like the way some straight guys talk about M/M/F threesomes wherein the two men (tops in this case) have their way with the woman while having minimal interaction with each other. As someone who’s engaged in my fair share of threeways with two tops I don’t necessarily object to this arrangement, and in fact I like that it continues to play up the sense of rivalry between Sabre and Kieran. What I don’t like is that after they’ve had sex and Rivian has bid farewell to both of them the epilogue drops Kieran entirely. He’s not mentioned or referenced at all, and everything comes back to Rivian and Sabre rekindling their relationship a year later under noticeably more conventional circumstances. Perhaps a true poly relationship is beyond the capabilities of a visual novel with romance routes like this, but it would have been a welcome addition to the ending if it was mentioned that the two of them get visits from Kieran from time to time and that they’re all working it out. As it stands Kieran just feels like eye candy and a tool for Sabre’s development, which is a real shame since he’s an affable character in his own right (and more competently voiced, that’s for sure - funnily enough by Franz’s VA, using what sounds more like his natural voice).

Combined these two problems really limit how well this route lives up to its potential, but I found that I could grit my teeth through Sabre’s performance and use some creative license in the ending to get around its shortcomings. It definitely feels less well constructed than the three main routes, but as an alternative to Arden’s storyline it adds a fair bit. But then....

The “Ow, my ass!” rating: Off the charts - Rivian should be dead after this sex scene. True, they use lube and Kieran eats him out first, and spit roasting is a common and reasonable practice in a two tops/one bottom arrangement, but then there’s the double penetration. Allow me to remind you that Rivian is a virgin and has apparently never stretched his hole before this encounter, and yet somehow he’s able to take two well-endowed men simultaneously. I’m not buying it, and even worse the position he’s in - sandwiched between two hulking men twice his size as they drill into him from above and below - makes me wonder that he’s more likely to die of suffocation than rectal hemorrhaging. There’s a moment during the narrative climax where Kieran bear hugs a man almost to unconsciousness, so the writers clearly must have known it was a possibility - but nope, the delicate noble boy somehow survives taking two dicks at once while being smashed between two mountains of muscle. Oh, and did I mention that said mountains of muscle have no refractory periods? They both cum from the spit roasting, and then immediately Sabre is hard again and raring to shove his way into Rivian’s poor overtaxed hole alongside Kieran. Rivian’s inner monologue lampshades this downright inhuman stamina, but that doesn’t excuse it when you take everything else that’s off about this scene. I fully understand that this is a wildly hot fantasy for anyone into beefy guys, but more than anything else in CoB this sex scene is decidedly not something to try at home.

In conclusion...

Arden is sweet, Franz is hot and surprisingly romantic, Sabre comes with issues (and Kieran) but is undoubtedly sexy, and Linnaeus is...something. Good selection on the whole but too bad about Rivian’s hole.

#Chess of Blades #M/M visual novel #BL novel

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sabinasanfanfic · 7 years ago

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Hakumyu Saitō-hen - The Experiment

Here in lies my rather extensive thoughts on the first of the Hakumyu shows. I’m warning beforehand that this post IS NOT spoiler free! If you haven’t seen any of the shows yet and don’t want to be spoiled, keep on scrolling. Don’t worry, I won’t be offended. 😉 I’m sorry that this post is going to take up your dash. I attempted to add a cut, but it doesn’t work at all. I’ve tried every trick I found. Every time I clicked keep reading, it would send the reader to my blog but not open the post. I apologize!

Full Disclosure: I haven’t completed an entire playthrough of any route of any of the Hakuōki games (I’m working in it, I swear!). I have seen the entire anime several times as well as both movies, which means that most of my Hakuōki knowledge is really of Hijikata’s route. With that said, I’m not an expert on the individual routes, so I won’t be commentating on the accuracy of the story itself as it compares to the games.

Okay, my method while I was viewing was pretty straight forward. I realized that not all of the musicals have been translated (and I’m nowhere close to being a fluent speaker/understander of Japanese), and obviously, my ability to understand the dialogue would sway my opinion of the show, so I decided to watch all of the musicals without subtitles. That way, all of the musicals are on equal footing when it comes to my ability to comprehend what is going on. I had to rely on my severely limited knowledge of Japanese and the acting. I also did not watch any behind the scenes footage or extras, so everything is based off of what I saw on stage. I’ll also use screenshots and an occasional gif to illustrate my point and to break up the walls of text I’m certain are going to happen.

Okay, so let’s get this show on the road!

I’ll start by explaining my subtitle. As of this writing, there are 10 Hakumyu productions! I think it’s incredible that years after the initial release of Hakuōki, there is still so much interest to warrant stage shows, and they’ve been successful enough to produce more. In any case, Saitō was the first to get a musical that centered around his route, and I call it the experiment because I’m sure no one knew how successful this would be. The whole flavor of the show is sort of young - like they were trying things out and seeing what would work in terms of casting, choreography, music, etc.. I’d say it was by no means a failure, but there were some definite kinks to work out, that as time went on and everyone gained experience, they did (for the most part).

The Set

Just...just look at it! A set like this is an actor’s dream. It’s aesthetically pleasing, and look at all those different levels to play on! The doors, the different entrances, the movable walls and floors to make seamless transitions between different scenes - it’s probably hands down my favorite set from the entire series thus far (and we’re only one show in). The set is the audience’s first impression of the show, our first peak into the world, and I’d say the set designers knocked this one out of the park.

Up close, it looks like the wood patterns are painted on, and I’d have to say kudos to the tech crew for that because painted wood is a pain to get right! It looks good up close and far away.

While we’re on the subject of the technical stuff, I love the lighting in this show. The whole stage is so well-lit, and there are few dark spots on stage, which means the audience can see all the action (and there’s plenty!)

A great example of the lighting. After Heisuke takes the Ochimizu, a battle begins between him and the rest of the Shinsengumi officers. It’s a dark moment, and the lighting reflects that while also being bright enough for us to see all of the battle. There’s even some use of some fun gobos to add a streak of brighter light in order to further illuminate what’s going on without dispelling the mood of the moment. The technical crew nailed it for this production!

The Choreography

One of the things that I appreciate the most across the board in Hakumyu is the fight choreography. I think most people would be aware that the actors aren’t really going all out fighting because...well, that’s dangerous. It’s up to the actors to sell to the audience the reality of what is going on without hurting each other or themselves. The core of stage combat is to practice, make sure everyone is safe, and play up the movements to make it all look real. Up close, it looks a little ridiculous and over-the-top, but from far away, it looks amazing!

(I wish I could post the original gif I made from this scene, but it’s too big!) Anyway, this tiny gif, I think, is a perfect illustration of the actors selling the stage fighting.

But the stage combat isn’t the only choreography going on here. Compared to the rest of the Hakumyus I’ve seen thus far, I think Saitō-hen takes the cake for having the most “dance” (choreography that doesn’t involve swordplay) numbers like “Yaisa! Yaisa! Yaisa!” “Samurai Future,” and “Kinniku Love.” The dancing is fun, but especially in “Samurai Future,” it becomes clear that the company has lost the energy that is required later in the song. When they finally arrive at Ikedaya, it’s supposed to be this moment of high intensity, and the singing really suffers because they have put their all into the dance at the beginning of the number. Dancing is fun in a musical, but it shouldn’t take away from the actor’s ability to perform the rest of the number.

The Music

I’m going to use this section to discuss my favorite songs from the show. I really don’t have many favorites from this show. As I said before, this was the first and an experiment, and the music, I think, reflects the youth of the show. The music isn’t bad, but a good amount of it just comes off as clunky almost as if they felt they had to put a song somewhere because this is supposed to be a musical. Also, as stated before, I felt some of the performances of the songs suffered due to the dancing. The vocals are very young (and nervous) for a few of the actors, and there were times when I winced because the singers went sharp or were a little flat. Despite that, my favorites are:

Ryūgi/Don’t Forget my Style - Our introduction to Saitō and Okita. Besides the fact that I LOVE the fight choreography for this number, I felt that this song really gives us a window into the relationship that develops between the two. I love how sophisticated the harmony is in this number because the notes that they sing fit and at the same time are discordant - I think it highlights how well they get along because their beliefs are very similar; however, there is that undercurrent of jealousy and competitiveness (from Okita) that makes their relationship complex in terms of friendship and camaraderie.

Yoiyami Aketara Asobimasho - What can I say other than I’m a sucker for lullabies, especially in minor key. This is my favorite rendition of this song because Yoshida Hitomi sings it so beautifully. It’s in the sweet spot of her vocal range, and the emotion in it is perfect.

Oni no Matsuei - (Above screenshot is for all my Shiranui fans out there 😉 ). This is a song in which I love all of the different melodies. The main melody is also just so catchy. Like many of the songs in this show, it is the later renditions that I love because all of the singers have more mature voices. For me, the rendition of this song I love best is from LIVE! in terms of vocals. In this show, I love having the chance to hear our favorite Oni sing.

Kawaranaimono - Hands down, this is my favorite song of Hakumyu. Out of all of them. It is just so. damn. gorgeous! The melody is beautiful, the lyrics are sad yet hopeful, and this just...invokes a deep ache in my chest. I sing along every damn time it comes across on my iPod (up an octave), and it’s probably the most played Hakumyu song I have. I love the incorporation of traditional Japanese instruments amid the western ones to further the idea that Saitō believes in the unchanging things. My favorite rendition of this song comes from Hijikata-hen (but more on that when I review that show).

The Actors

In this section, I’m really going to focus on the leads and anyone else I think stands out, minus those characters that get shows focusing on them. Be prepared...there is going to be lots of pictures and gushing at times. I have no shame. 😆

Matsuda Ryō - Um...where do I even start?! He is, without a doubt, an extremely talented actor. Like I said towards the beginning of all this, I didn’t do research or behind-the-scenes stuff beyond looking at who played who and the names of songs. My assumption is, based on his acting in this show compared to the other Hakumyus he’s been in, that this must be one of his first big shows.

There is a seriousness to Saitō that permeates everything he does, and Matsuda does do a great job of conveying this. I see it in his impassive gaze, the formality of his movements, and the control in which he moves. Seriously, there isn’t any limpness in any of Matsuda’s actions.

Can we also talk about the fact that Matsuda Ryō is extremely good at fighting with his left hand as the dominate one?! Like, how many actors can say that they can do something as involved as swordplay with their non-dominate hand? Color me super impressed! During this entire show, I never once believed for a second that Matsuda isn’t actually left-handed. The fact that he was willing to learn and complete his swordplay left-handed just blows my mind in terms of dedication to his craft. EDIT: I’ve just learned that Matsuda is actually left-handed, so never mind on that account. Still! His swordplay is amazing!

He is young in this show. In this case, it really works because Saitō is so woefully inexperienced when it comes to matters of the heart! Below is the “Oh, shit...I don’t know what to do now!” look:

It’s adorable, right?! I can’t even with him. Anyway, there are so many things I love that Matsuda does, such as the deep-throated growl as he crawling towards the Ochimizu that Kazama left for him to drink, the awkwardness that permeates him every time he’s around Chizuru, and his swordplay is just phenomenal. I wish that he had the chance to do this show when he was a little older because his singing would be out of this world.

Yoshida Hitomi - Our first Chizuru, and a very capable one at that! Her vocals are great as long as she stays in the mid-range of her voice. The higher notes written for Chizuru are a little high for her, and for the few times she pushed to reach those high notes, they weren’t as pure. Still, her voice is lovely.

Her acting is great. I loved seeing this side of Chizuru. For this scene in particular, I loved seeing the surprise she conveyed at having drawn her sword, and then the determination of “Well, I have to follow through now!” I feel like this is perfectly in line with Chizuru. And the fear:

On point. My only beef is that there were times when she over-emoted (like when Chizuru was sad about Saitō leaving the Shinsengumi), and her voice would get pitchy almost to the point of annoyance. Other than that, she ranks as one of my favorite Chizurus.

The chemistry between Yoshida and Matsuda is sufficient for this show and the nature of the relationship as a whole. Yoshida definitely makes it clear that Chizuru loves Saitō, and Matsuda brings that awkwardness to it that creates the right amount of sweetness and distance between the characters. But when that moment comes that Saitō finally allows himself to drink Chizuru’s blood:

DAMN! LOOK AT THAT CHEMISTRY!!!!! I mean, it’s such a complex moment in terms of emotion that is just done beautifully. It’s painful, it’s sweet, it’s sensual. Executed to perfection!

Suzuki Shogō - *sigh* I won’t spend too much time on him since Kazama has his own show, but he does deserve a mention for being a major character in this show. He’s another one I really don’t know where to begin. I mean...just look at him:

Nothing quite says “evil bastard” like that look right there. And he does a very good job of being the “no redeeming qualities” baddie in this show. He’s proud, arrogant, and doesn’t give a shit about those nasty humans - and I buy every choice that Suzuki makes during the show. I love his little chuckles, the crooked smile, the way Suzuki walks - so controlled and upright like Saitō - and his swordplay is fantastic. He’s another actor who has vocals that are rather youthful compared to later shows, but they’re not bad. He definitely has the basic character of Kazama down here, and it’s enough to draw me in. He’s great.

The chemistry between Suzuki and Matsuda is very evident as well. I mean, just look at the disdain from Saitō:

and the “I’m going to enjoy fucking with you” from Kazama:

It’s so good! The intensity of their sword battles is where I definitely saw the most of their great chemistry as rivals. Throughout, Suzuki continues his attitude of hunter messing with his prey, and Matsuda brings that righteous fury to their interactions.

Other Thoughts

This section is for those thoughts on other parts in the show that didn’t quite fit anywhere else.

I’m going to start off with the humor. I...just...couldn’t with a good majority of the humor in this show. My favorite humorous scene? The one where Okita is telling Saitō he’s changed, and Saitō refutes him by talking about how much he’s grown:

My least favorite? The scene where Gen-san is teaching the members of the Shinsengumi to fight the Oni:

To me, this was just not worth the time. It was painfully obvious it was meant to be funny for the sake of being funny, and it really served no purpose to further the plot along. I hated Yamazaki’s impression of Chizuru, and I hated that Gen-san was treated as the Shinsengumi’s clown the entire show.

There were times that I felt humor should not have been used. The worst moment was the first time we see Saitō suffer from the blood lust:

For real?! This is a serious moment! He’s suffering for want of blood and you’re going to bring up the buttons on his jacket?! Saitō’s expression sums up my reaction perfectly. Unfortunately, this is something that carries through the show, and it really prevents me from becoming emotionally invested in moments that are supposed to be emotionally charged. It’s a let-down. I want that catharsis!

I liked the flow of the story. I liked seeing Saitō joining the Shinsengumi from their days at the Shieikan because we get to see the establishment of his close relationships with Okita and Hijikata that remain throughout the show. Plus, the linear storyline makes it easier to fit everything in that I feel is important. We got so many moments where characters and relationships were developed that made the show very enjoyable.

All-in-all, Saitō-hen was a valiant effort for Hakymyu’s first show. It definitely kept me interested in seeing the other Hakumyus, as this was actually my first foray into watching Japanese theatre. I hope this post was enjoyable (I had fun writing it and spending hours grabbing screenshots, lol!) Please remember that these are all my opinions, and respectful discussion is welcomed!

Next up: Okita-hen!

#hakumyu #saito-hen #hakuouki #Hakuōki #matsuda ryo #suzuki shogo #yoshida hitomi #sabinasan speaks

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musicgoon · 5 years ago

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Book Review: Freedom is Coming

It is easy to be detached from the Christmas story. We hear it every year. We go through the motions. And we are comfortable with our Christmas traditions. But in “Freedom is Coming” by Nick Baines for SPCK Publishing, we have a way to go back in time and see the Christmas story with fresh eyes.

The Rt Revd Nick Baines is the Bishop of Leeds. He gives us a book in the form of an Advent roadmap by focusing on Isaiah 40-55. The book is broken up into 6 weeks of readings. Every Sunday serves as an introduction to the week. The book is paced so that every day you are reading around 4-6 pages.

From Advent

Week 1 is subtitled Hearing Voices. Baines jumps right in to get us up to speed with the context of the Jewish exiles. And his ability to help the readers get iin their shoes is done well. He also helps us understand the Biblical language. For instance, in regards to the comfort Isaiah offered his people, he writes: ‘To comfort,’ then, is not to create an illusion, to urge some escape or offer wishful sentiment; rather, it is to face reality, encourage determination and endure.

But even though the context is king, Baines has no problem relating the Biblical themes to the real world. He asks how we are able to discern to the Word of the Lord in our own context, referencing Brexit, the rise of the Far Right in Europe, the Trump-Putin nexus, the rise of China as an economic and military power Because this is an SPCK title, there are many references to Europe and the United Kingdom. But this does not take away from the reading. Rather, it adds a certain flavor to the book and made his illustrations interesting for me.

Week 2 is subtitled Easy Idols. This section is all about our diverted attention to the attraction of small gods. Apart from the idols of money, power, and sex, he asks us to think about the modern idols we worship: affluence, security, national identity, and self-preservation. He helps us understand how being chosen by God should affect us and the state of our hearts when we dismiss his choosing and look at him in convenience.

Week 3 is subtitled Fear and Faith. Another fitting subtitle would be Promise and Hope. He does not cut corners when he tackles the topics of suffering and death. And he helps us realize that our prayers fall short of the character of God. He writes: “To take God’s name in vain, as the commandment tells us is forbidden, is not primarily to swear or blaspheme; rather, it is to speak or act in such a way as to deny the character of God and therefore bear witness to some other idol.”

To Epiphany

Week 4 is subtitled Power and Faithfulness. This section is all about seeing Jesus for who the Bible says he is. We need our blind eyes to be opened, and God opens them to see Jesus as a servant, as well as one who upholds justice and covenant. Baines helps us see the beauty in what the world sees as despised and rejected, scarred and humiliated. And he leaves us with the hope of the resurrection.

Week 5 is subtitled Joy Will Find a Way. He says we will one day sing and shout, not be ashamed, and find freedom. He helps us understand the concept of steadfast love as love that does not rush to resolution. And he is pointed in stating we must commit to the cross.

Week 6 is subtitled Going Back a Different Way. It is a triumphant conclusion that says that joy and peace are found in Jesus.

Christmas With the Prophet Isaiah

Each day ends with a simple one-sentence prayer to help us engage with God. Reading this book does feel like diving into the Christmas season. He references Handel’s Messiah and numerous Christmas carols.

This book asks us to slow down this holiday season. To stop and rest from the work of “doing stuff.” Sometimes we must be silent to hear the Word of the Lord. It is a breath of fresh air when the Christmas season seems stuffy.

But what this book excels at is being able to take me out of my comfortable Christmas. One day at a time, in brief, but powerful readings, I am able to feel what the prophet Isaiah experienced. I can think of no better way to spend Advent and Christmas. Because by his words and through his eyes, I can see Jesus Christ, the Word became flesh.

I was provided a free copy of Freedom is Coming but was not required to write a positive review. Read more of my book reviews and follow Dive In, Dig Deep on Instagram - my account dedicated to Bibles and books to see the beauty of the Bible and the role of reading in the Christian life.

#book review #advent #christmas #review #christianity

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sakuraberyl · 8 years ago

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Bajillion Questions Meme

Rules: Answer all questions, add one question of your own and tag as many people as there are questions!

Tagged by @finasol ! ty for tagging me in stuff all the time lol

1. Coke or Pepsi: I don’t like soda in general

2. Disney or DreamWorks: it’s close but prob Dreamworks

3. Coffee or Tea: neither lmao

4. Books or Movies: movies I don’t like reading;;;

5. Windows or Mac: I use both so don’t have a preference (this is a trend, I’m v indifferent about a lot of stuff oopsie)

6. DC or Marvel: haven’t been a big fan of either ever lol

7. Xbox or Playstation: Playstation bc I’m a weeb

8. Dragon Age or Mass Effect: haven’t played either!

9. Night Owl or Early Rise: night owl 101% sometimes I don’t even go to sleep until 4

10. Cards or Chess: cards

11. Chocolate or Vanilla: depends on what it’s flavoring (ex I like chocolate ice cream better but vanilla cake better)

12. Vans or Converse: Vans they’re like the only shoes I wear

13. Lavellan, Trevelyan, Cadash or Adaar: rip I don’t know what this is

14. Fluff or Angst: FLUFF

16. Dogs or Cats: BOTHH!! but I’m allergic to cats rip

17. Clear Skies or Rain: rain

18. Cooking or Eating Out: both

19. Spicy Food or Mild Food: mild mostly

20. Halloween/Samhain or Solstice/Yule/Christmas: Christmas

21. Would you rather forever be a little too cold or a little too hot: cold bc I hate the heat

22. If you could have a superpower, what would it be: this is probably super lame but I’d love to just be able to float or fly

23. Animation or Live Action: both but I like animation a little bit more

24. Paragon or Renegade: I don’t know what this means help me

25. Baths or Showers: showers

26. Team Cap or Team Iron Man: idk I like them both

27. Fantasy or Sci-fi: fantasy

28. Do you have three or four favorite quotes? If so, what are they? the only one I can think of rn is one from Wayne Gretsky about how being on a hockey team is like having another family and more cheesy stuff like that lmao

29. YouTube or Netflix: both

30. Harry Potter or Percy Jackson: neither

31. When Do You Feel Accomplished: when I finish art stuff that’s been sitting untouched for a while, or when I finish a lot of art in a day

32. Star Wars or Star Trek: both, but I know more about Star Wars

33. Paperback Books or Hardback Books: hardback bc aesthetic

34. Handwriting or Typing: both

35. Velvet or Satin: both

36. Video Games or Movies: video games hahahah

37. Would you rather be the dragon or own the dragon: be the dragon ofc

38. Sunrise or Sunset: sunrise bc I see that a lot less often so it’s cooler to me

39. What’s your favorite song: I never have just one, but a few I like rn are A Happy Death by kikuo and Whatever it Takes by Imagine Dragons

40. Horror Movies, yes or no: sure

41. Long or Short Hair: long lol my hair is down to my butt

42. Opera or Theatre: neither I don’t have the patience to watch them ah

43. Assuming the multiverse theory is true and that every story ever told has really happened somewhere, which one of the movie/book/tv show/game/etc worlds would you pick to travel to first: probably Fire Emblem Fates ofc but also Fairy Tail bc magic and stuff or Pokemon for obvious reasons

44. If you had to eat only one thing for the rest of your life what would it be: I have no clue bc I tend to get tired of certain meals quickly if I eat it too much. prob white cheddar cheezits

45. Older guys or young guys: well this isn’t by choice but younger apparently bc all the actual crushes I’ve had recently have been guys younger than me soooo

46. If you could erase any show from TV history, what would it be: Teen Titans GO >:(

47. Singing or Dancing: idk I’m bad at both

48. Instagram or Twitter: Instagram I use it every single day

49. Lord of the Rings or The Hobbit: haven’t read/watched either

50. If you could create either a sequel or bring back any tv show/movie, what would you choose: Kill la Kill!! I want to know what happened with the girls after everything became normal!!

51. Who is your movie/tv show character that you are looking up to and why? eh I don’t really have any role models tbh

52. If you were ever convicted of a crime, what would it be? trespassing somewhere I didn’t know was restricted probably

53. Anime- subbed or dubbed? dubbed bc it’s hard to focus on the show when I have to also read the subtitles

54. City or countryside? city

55. What book have you read over and over? I don’t read books;;;; (but we did read Fahrenheit 451 for school and I really liked it)

56. What is your personality type? INFP

57. Would you rather change a moment in time or have a glimpse into the future? change a moment in time

58. Would you rather have an ex that you hate start dating your best friend, or have an ex that you’re still attached to hook up with someone you revile? first one, I’m especially protective over my friends and I’d be upset if they started dating someone I didn’t like from experience

(my question)

59. Digital art or traditional art? both ofc

I tag @pikespendragon67 @the-real-soji-abe and @jersey-wearing-neet ;)

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