JAINITUOS ANIME REVIEWS – Made in Abyss – My Own Impressions

Made in Abyss

Genre: Adventure, Dark Fantasy, Science-fiction

Studio: Kinema Citrus

Hello guys.

I am feeling a bit inspired today, so, right now, I am going to do another anime that really liked from the very first time I watched it, especially because of all the impressions it left on me.

Now, with no more delays, I introduce you…

MADE IN ABYSS

But before I continue with my review, I must ask you the typical question, my friends; that one I do every day in this quarantine.

Are you guys ok? Feeling healthy and happy?

If the answer is yes, then that means I am happy too. And remember, whatever happens:

DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE THE COVID-19

I insist is a very dangerous virus with unpredictable consequences.

Now, let’s go with Made in Abyss.

PREMISE

Riko and Reg

Based on the manga written by Akihito Tsukushi and published by Takeshobo, Made in Abyss (メイドインアビス in Japanese characters), tells the story of Riko, a young orphan who lives in the village of Orth, located next to the Abyss, a gigantic, mysterious hole with no clear end, and that apparently harbours the remnants of a long gone civilisation. Riko dreams to become an explorer of the Abyss, called Cave Raiders, the most senior being the White Whistle.

One day, Riko meets a young boy called Reg, who has cybernetic implants reminiscent of that long gone civilisation, but with no memories of his past life. Shortly afterwards, Reg discovers a letter from her mother, Lyza, one of the legendary White Whistles, telling Riko that she will be waiting for her in the bottom of the Abyss.

Now, Riko and Reg embark themselves to the bottom of the Abyss in search of Lyza, being completely aware of its dangers and a lot of secrets that will definitely change their lives for the years to come.

The studio in charge of Made in Abyss is Kinema Citrus, the same studio that brought us The Rising of the Shield Hero; coincidentally, the composer is Kevin Penkin, also famous for the soundtrack of the latter, in fact, when you hear the soundtrack, you will soon really that is definitely the same person. And recently, Penkin composed the soundtrack of Tower of God.

As of March 23, 2020, Made in Abyss consisted in a season of 13 episodes, as well as two movies that are basically a retelling of the first season, and a movie that was released past January, called Made in Abyss, Dawn of the Deep Soul, sadly postponed in many countries due to coronavirus pandemic.

Interestingly enough, Made in Abyss was awarded Anime of the Year 2017 at the Crunchyroll Anime Awards, as well as Best Score.

STORY

For the moment I saw the intro of Made in Abyss, along with the beautiful song, performed by Miyu Tomita and Mariya Ise (the voices of Riko and Reg respectively), I was certain that I will submerge myself in a beautiful adventure that will teach everything about a wonderful, yet mysterious and dangerous landscape. In fact, during the screenings at uni, I noticed they pass Made in Abyss during the time usually reserved for the more serious shows, like Girls’ Last Tour, Beastars or Demon Slayer, so I got a lot of curiosity about what exactly made this series be including on that time. Obviously I was not prepared for what I was getting into.

Because despite having cutesy-looking characters and the charm of a fairy tale, Made in Abyss is anything but generic. It is a story of kids facing some very rough situations, but psychologically and physically, while they also face a very creepy, supernatural environment with teases of children’s literature book. I know it is pretty random, but I saw it like that.

Let’s say less Gravity Falls and more Over the Garden Wall. And perhaps Little Nightmares, but more dialogue and colourful settings. Anyway. With every episode, we get to know more about the Abyss, the landscape, the bestiary, the environment, and the risks.

Because… yes. Getting into the Abyss is anything but hiking. The more you get into the Abyss, the more risks you got when it is about coming back to the surface, that is called the Strains of the Ascension. Pretty much is like going underwater; the pressure changes, and if you don’t de-pressurize, the results will be fatal.

Again, Back to Made in Abyss. The rules of this new environment are pretty solid and easy to understand, but something as marvellous as the Abyss itself, is the friendship between Riko and Reg, they not only help each other to survive, they also create a powerful bond that survives many trials throughout the story, and that is one of its strongest elements. And with the cinematography and animation from Kinema Citrus, the feeling of going into the Abyss is really strong.

There is something that called my attention, and it is…

Was Akihito Tsukushi influenced by Fumito Ueda?

I don’t know you guys, but I got the feeling that, because Reg looks very identical to Ico.

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Furthermore, some landscapes has that vibes from Shadow of the Colossus.

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• 

Credits: creativeuncut.com

Perhaps it is only my own impression.

Overall. Made in Abyss has a beautiful, yet serious story that will always manage to surprise you.

CHARACTERS

Credits: Ho-Le-Dai

And of course… how could I forget about the characters.

Like I said before, it is mostly the friendship between Riko and Reg that starts moving the story, and it’s wonderful world of Abyss, then we got Nanachi and Mitty, and if you think that the episodes of Made in Abyss are not that dark, then you will see that these two will come to prove you wrong.

Then we have Lyza, Ozen…

In case you want nightmares…

Also, we have Marulk, Bondrewd, Wakuna, and many others who definitely enriches this beautiful world; and every you want to see can be found inside many of these characters. However, now that I mention Riko, Reg and Nanachi, I will tell you, that in order to comprehend the horror of the Abyss, you must stick to this character…

MITTY.

Of course, I will spoil anything, but Mitty has some of the best and tear-jerking moments. See it by yourself, but I warn you. It might be too much for you.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, Made in Abyss is a really beautiful story, with great visuals and a fantastic world. It is series like this that will always make me love anime as a whole, and definitely one of the best animes of 2017.

I think is available at Crunchyroll, so go, take a look and experience the great mysteries and wonders of the Abyss.

Hm….

I wonder if we can get to the Abyss of our own planet. I haven’t thought about it since I read Journey to the Center of the Earth, by Jules Verne. Perhaps some day we will be blessed by many great discoveries of the center of the Earth.

But for know… let’s ask this guy about it.

Link to Ho-Le-Dai artwork.

https://www.deviantart.com/ho-le-dai

JAINITUOS FILM REVIEWS – Terminator: Dark Fate (But for the franchise)

Hey Guys.

And welcome once more to another entry for Film Reviews. This time, I am trying to make myself a challenge, not regarding the quality of this movie, more like if this entry is better than Alita: Battle Angel.

I know the title of this review answered which movie. Yet, I will reveal it again.

«Terminator: Dark Fate»

But first a question to you guys. Are you ok? Are having a good time? If the answer is yes, then I am happy. Also I apologise again. I’ve been so diligent these days, especially with work, that I barely had any time for doing other things.

Oh well!!! Having said that… on to the review.

STORY

Taking place twenty-years after the events of T2: Judgment Day; Terminator: Dark Fate focuses in a new, exciting battle between the Terminators and the Resistance, where two individuals from the future are sent again to the present, one is Grace, played by Mackenzie Davis, the other is a enhanced version of the Terminators, the Rev-9, played by Gabriel Luna, prompting a new battle for the future, one in which both Sarah Connor, played majestically again by Linda Hamilton, and Arnold… let’s say… WILL… BE… BACK.

Now, there is something I must let you know beforehand my friends. I cannot really talk about the movie without throwing away some spoilers. But don’t worry. I will not during most of the review. Instead, I will leave the third part of the review for the part full of Spoilers, and you want to read that, you are more than welcome. And I am doing this as both as an objective critic, and as a Terminator Fan, because this franchise played an amazing part of my childhood, as well as Aliens, Robocop, Star Wars, Star Trek: The Next Generation, Blade Runner and science-fiction in general.

Anyway…

Directed by Tim Miller (Deadpool), and produced by James Cameron (HE IS BACK!!!), Terminator: Dark Fate is a direct sequel of T2: Judgment Day. Yep. Cameron decided that Rise of the machines, Salvation and Genocide (It’s Genisys, but for me, it’s genocide because it kill the freaking franchise). It’s funny, because Dark Fate is a bit derivative from T2, which is not necessarily a bad thing if that’s an identity of it’s own. And Dark Fate does. It feels like a new air to Terminator, very fun, with really good jokes, (Not that STUPID F?»*K UP smile of Arnold from Terminator: Genocide) especially from Arnold, and the chemistry between Hamilton, Reyes and Davis is super. One thing that I noticed is that for each movie, you feel like the setting is as realistically as possible (i.e. L.A in The Terminator, and T2, the future in Salvation), and in Dark Fate is Mexico, Texas and U.S.-Mexico border, making the film more relatable.

The action is pretty entertaining, and it’s fun to watch. Furthermore, as I said, there is a bit of comedy, probably idea of Miller himself, but it’s not forced, it is… subtle to say the least.

Of course Terminator: Dark Fate will never be as amazing and timeless as T2: Judgment Day, but it is acceptable. I am kind of surprised that it bombed at box office. If something, it will be successful in home media.

Nonetheless… I really have a HUGE DEAL with something inexcusable that Terminator: Dark Fate did in the first minutes of the movie. And that did an irreparable to my experience and my insight of the movie. But I will get to that on the spoiler part.

CHARACTERS

I really like the characters, all of the acting is pretty well done. Of course, the one that really shines in the movie is Linda Hamilton as Sarah Connor. But what means the other characters fail? OF COURSE NOT!! Mackenzie Davis does an amazing performance as Grace, an enhanced human who comes from the future, yet she shows a lot of humanity in her character. Something not done in the franchise before. And yes, I know Marcus Wright, played by Sam Worthington in Salvation, is also a machine, but it has a different, blander setting. Here, the movie takes advantage of all the potential of the concept of the enhanced human, one of the best character of the movie, architect of some of its best moments.

The other great performance is given by Natalia Reyes, who plays Dani Ramos, a character who is vital for the hope and survival of humanity, I will talk more about her in the spoiler part. Her performance is superb, creating a convincing portrayal from an ordinary young human from Mexico City to a harden badass. My only issue is that perhaps some fans will think that she is a copy of Sarah Connor, and I mean in everything, from the beginning to the end. But it is a minor one, for two reasons. The first one is the chemistry between Grace, Sarah and Dani, and the second one is the background set up by Dark Fate, especially after the events of Judgment Day.

Of course Arnold IS BACK. And as the Terminator it delivers pretty good results. But I think I will talk about him later.

I want to conclude with the actors by saying that there is one word that describes the Rev-9 played by Gabriel Luna: Terrifying! Freaking and absolutely terrifying! To be honest, I have never seen a villain in Terminator that scary since the T-1000 of Robert Patrick (Honourable mention to T-X, played by Kristanna Loken). From the time I saw him from the trailer, I could not stop shaking. I was scared, despite the effects did not look that convincing. And now in the movie, every time I saw this robotic monstrosity, my jaw immediately dropped. My kudos to Gabriel Luna, many people could think that it is very easy to give life to these villains. But is not. Robert Patrick had to do a very strict PT for being able to run like that without sweating or gasping.

Overall, all the cast does a pretty good job. And regarding directing, Tim Miller does his best.

Now, the moment of truth. Officially I should be ending the review at this point. But I must express my thoughts regarding the story of Dark Fate. I have to do it as a fan, and I must also reveal spoilers, so if you don’t want to stop reading from here my friends, I understand. Otherwise come and join me.

SPOILERS PART

I will say this. In the first three minutes of the movie, Sarah and John are enjoying vacation in Guatemala, then suddenly the T-800 appears… and he kills John.

HE KILLS JOHN CONNOR.  THE LEADER OF THE RESISTANCE, ONE OF THE PINNACLES OF THE FRANCHISE.

What the Hell?!!

I can’t believe they did that!! That was a big mistake!!! Because it betrays all what the first two movies already established, and with such a beautiful and powerful depth, and this is practically insulting. I just could not believe it. The screenplay was co-written by David S. Goyer. Do you know what others movies were written by him?

1. Man of Steel
2. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice

So… I am not surprised that such a contrived event was included in Terminator: Dark Fate. And it’s sad, because I thought, since this is a new timeline, we will have a good reimagining of John Connor, because the work of Nick Stahl on T3: Rise of the Machines was horrendous. Christian Bale did great in Terminator: Salvation, but I wasn’t too happy with John Connor in Terminator: Genocide. I liked Jason Clarke as an actor, but John Connor on this fifth movie is not my favourite.

That really disappointed me. And despite all the positive aspects of Dark Fate, the damage done by the death of John to the movie was huge. And apparently, after the events of T2: Judgment Day, Skynet no longer existed, instead, he have a new dangerous AI, called Legion, that sent the Rev-9 to kill Dani Ramos, the new John Connor, the new hope for humankind.

Furthermore, after the new T-800 killed John, he developed self-awareness and began a family, taking the name of Carl. This last part was amazing, Terminator; Dark Fate did a great job redefining him, something that a good Terminator entry should do; afterwards Carl started sending encrypted messages to Sarah Connor on where the next Terminator will appear.

Also, it was Dani who will save Grace after Judgment Day, training her and making the amazing soldier she is in the movie. See a pattern here? All of these new elements that Dark Fate bring to life have both a great uniqueness and a solid justification. But they were, in my personal opinion, ruined by the death of John Connor due to its implications. Could they, at least, give a big role to John, especially as a «pupil» of his mother? In other words… How John became what he was destined to become thanks to Sarah? And not on an implied fashion.

Furthermore, I think that Diego Boneta makes a great job as Diego Ramos, but it was also wasted due to being killed off in the first act of the movie. Very sad, especially because, as of November 10, Terminator Dark Fate only made $135,010,542 worldwide against a budget of $185,000,000, if we don’t count marketing costs.

It’s clear that both Tim Miller and James Cameron had the best intentions with the franchise, but now I see that, with the right wisdom, best intentions mean nothing. I am saying this especially for the Terminator Franchise, because its history after T2: Judgment Day is full of blunders. Terrible acting, weak story, repetitive plots, the freaking whiny John Connor of T3: Rise of the Machines… The list goes on! And I might forgive the death of John should the other movies never existed. But they do! And by this time crew members should have the enough perspective and foresight of what not to do with Terminator.

And I wish I could say that there is still hope for another good Terminator movie. But I cant. I am not saying T2: Judgment Day should be surpassed. That’s impossible. I am saying that the next Terminator movie, if there’s any, must be done with love, with soul and heart. But if James Cameron allowed this… I just lost some hope. Now I am thinking that Terminator franchise should have stayed in just the first two movies.

Perhaps if next time, they do a TV series. I know! We have Sarah Connor Chronicles, but I am talking more about a TV series focused in themes like family, friendship, human matters, for the sake of the character of Terminator, because despite the first two movies were released in 1984 and 1991 respectively, they include philosophical issues that we can relate today.

However, if not, at least we can go back to them. And learn about good filmmaking, good scriptwriting, and good character development, like the classic Simpsons. Because if a franchise that had better days, like Terminator, could be great despite being of action and sci-fi, perhaps any other franchise can do.

EPILOGUE

Sorry guys about the last part. But I have to let it go. Now I can rest both my mind and my chest.

And do I recommend Terminator: Dark Fate? The answer… is a empowered NO! Avoid the Dark Fate, and go watch The Terminator and T2: Judgment Day.

NOW!!!!

JAINITUOS TRAILER REVIEWS – Terminator: Dark Fate (WORK IN PROGRESS)

Hey guys… I am back (NO PUN INTENDED)

First and foremost, I really believe this is one hell of a challenge, because… Where do I start?

THE TERMINATOR FRANCHISE; AN EMOTIONAL ROLLERCOASTER

There is something you must know. I am really lucky. You know why? BECAUSE I WATCHED TERMINATOR 2: JUDGMENT DAY BEFORE EVEN WATCHING THE ORIGINAL MOVIE FROM 1984. I know both the first and the second movie are cinematic masterpieces. Well… Everything done by James Cameron is a masterpiece, even Avatar. And let’s not fool ourselves. WE ALL LOVE TITANIC.

My apologies. I am digressing. The point is that I started enjoying Terminator to the fullest. Before that, I only hear about vague summaries of what the movie was about, and a machine (I was a child, and I only had the idea of the archetypical sci-fi evil monster i.e. Xenomorph, The Thing, The Fly, ED209), and then… BAM!!! I witnessed the image that blew my thing.

Arnold coming as the T-800, pointing his shotgun, and saying…

«Get Down»

And that was the tip of the iceberg. I lived two of the best hours of my life. From the truck chase to the escape from Pescadero, from Sarah Connor’s nightmare to the revelation of the Judgment Day to Miles Dyson, from the invasion of Cyberdyne to the helicopter chase, and finally, from the «Hasta la Vista Baby» to the last monologue of Sarah Connor after the final battle. In other words, I just witness one of the greatest sequels of history.

Then I saw The Terminator from the Betamax tapes that my dad have in his locker… And I loved it. However, believe it or not, I found the first movie darker than its sequel, and I still do. I don’t know why. I guess it’s because we see John Connor and the T-800 forming a father-son bond, in the greatest direction possible, and because the ending of T2, despite being very grim, it inspired hope, unlike the ending of The Terminator.

Yet, both The Terminator and Terminator 2: Judgment Day pushed me to the wildest territories and awoke the craziest part of my imagination.

Then Terminator 3 came… And I loved It… For some time, until YouTube make me realise how weak the movie is. It basically copied everything T2 did, but without memorable characters and commit the blasphemy of trivialising the impact of T-800 in the life of John Connor. But it had a great ending.

Six years later, Terminator: Salvation arrived, and… it was ok. I really liked the fact that, unlike the first three movies, it took place after Judgment Day, but I will call the movie… forgettable, despite having Christian Bale and Sam Worthington.

And… let’s just pretend Terminator: Genisys does not exist. I don’t care if Emilia Clarke stars Sarah Connor. And what’s with the Terminator smiling? IT LOOKS TERRIBLE. IT MAKES T-1000 LOOK 100% HUMAN.

Anyway… here is the trailer.

THE TRAILER THAT BROUGHT EXPECTATIONS FROM THE DARK TOWARD A NEW FATE

Sorry about the title guys.

Now. Here is the Trailer.

 

JAINITUOS FILM/ANIME REVIEWS – ALITA:BATTLE ANGEL – A great Hollywood anime adaptation?

Before I start my review, I just want to warn you that the sentences that are in italics and bold are spoilers, so be careful with that. If you haven’t seen Alita: Battle Angel, read the normal text.

Thanks, and with that said,  let’s continue.

ALITA; BATTLE ANGEL

You know… Like practically 99.9% of the anime fans and otakus (myself including), have a deep hatred toward Hollywood movies based on manga and anime; needless to say there are a wholesale of reason of that. (F*CK*NG, DREADFUL DRAGONBALL EVOLUTION). Also the Wachowski’s Speed Racer, Spike Lee’s Oldboy, 2017 Ghost in the Shell, Netflix’s Death Note, 1991’s The Guyver, Michael Bay’s Sword Art Online (LOL, JUST KIDDING, This one doesn’t exist… yet!).

In other words… Hollywood movies based on manga stole hours of my life, and I want them back. I am telling you… Paul W. S. Anderson’s Sword Art Online. (Ok. That was the last time, I promise guys)

Not, but seriously. when I read about the adaptation of Battle Angel Alita, or Gunnm in Japan, directed by Robert Rodriguez, you might guess by now that I was not precisely excited about that release; not even with James Cameron as a producer, or Christoph Waltz, one of my favourite actors, as part of the cast. Yet, I decided to give one more chance to this… mania, of Hollywood messing with mangas, at the risk of losing my money.

And the result… I LOVE IT!!! I was very happy to see this adaptation. Again… James Cameron rules!!!

But what is more outstanding is the amazing perseverance of Cameron himself to make this adaptation come true, Cameron apparently spent 20 years with the rights of Battle Angel Alita, before being able to hire Robert Rodriguez, and produce a CG which is as great as from Avatar, if not better.

Anyway. To the review.

STORY

Based on the same manga from Yukito Kishiro, the story follows robotics expert, Dr. Dyson Ido, played by Christoph Waltz, finds the remnants of a female robot, who happens to have a human brain; inmediately Ido reconstructs her and gives the name of Alita (In Japan is Gally). From there, Alita meets great characters, who includes Hugo, played by Keean Johnson, who dreams to move to the perfect utopia of Zalem, as well as the harsh reality of the Scrapyard (Although I don’t think they use that name in the movie); without forgetting the violent, relentless sport of MotorBall. And when Alita discovers that Dr. Iso is a city-hunter, she decides to become one.

Basically the movie adapts volumes 1 & 2 from the manga, pretty much like the 1993 OVA,, but it takes a step back toward the gritty, darker visuals of the latter, to bring us a visually amazing setting, from the Church to the city of Zalem; you feel the dystopian scenario with a sense of wonder and joy, only proper from the vision of Cameron.

By the way, I like the Spanish signs from Iron City (Yeah, this version is pretty diverse, just like you would expect in a Robert Rodriguez movie)

The story shows a really convincing pacing and rhythm, marking from the time Ido finds Alita to the rules of Motorball, all part of a world that really feels unique and well-structured, and the most important part, is that is loyal to its source material. And despite the romance between Alita and Hugo feels a bit formulaic at some point, the acting and the chemistry between Salazar and Johnson makes it beautiful and natural, and you feel that they enjoy being with each other, they understand each other, and that, at some point, you feel that they cannot live without each other.

And… the flashbacks are so well-developed, and included in the story in an intelligent way; to the point that they are effectively tell us more about the amnesia of Alit, and the true nature of Dr. Dyson Ido’s daughter. 

Speaking about chemistry, Christoph Waltz and Rosa Salazar deliver a really beautiful father-daughter relationship between the characters, even during the most tense moments, they feel realistic, and basically they are loyal to how Alita and Dr. Ido are in the manga. At the end of the day, you want to see more about them.

All of that with an entertaining mixture of comedy and adventure.

(Possibly in the sequel)

Overall, it is a sci-fi movie, but with good parts of romance, adventure and action. These types of movies might not be for everyone, but let’s not forget that Cameron co-wrote the script (with Laeta Kalogridis), and those of us who have seen Terminator (1&2), Aliens, True Lies, Titanic, Avatar, we know that the movie is in good hands.

CHARACTERS

The overall cast could not be any greater. With names as Christoph Waltz (Inglourious Basterds, Spectre), Rosa Salazar (Divergent, The Maze Runner), Mahershala Ali (Moonlight, Green Book), Jennifer Connelly (A Beautiful Mind), Ed Skrein (Deadpool), Eiza Gonzalez, Jackie Earle Haley, Michelle Rodriguez (Fast and Furious), Lana Condor. Most of them great actors, and all of them deliver outstanding performances. Waltz, with very little, makes a great character of Dyson Ido. Personally, it is so refreshing to see him in each of his scenes. And Salazar also creates a great character out of her performance.

Speaking of Rosa Salazar, when I saw the teaser two years ago, and the first image of Alita… It was exactly what I expected from Alita. I read from many people that they felt like being dragged into the Uncanny Valley, but it didn’t bother. Like I said, the CG is as good as the one from Avatar, at least from what is expected from Alita: Battle Angel. 

Also, when you compare the CG from the movie, not just from Alita, you can truly forget that… G*D-AWFUL CG from Spy Kids, and embrace something truly polishing and atmospheric, like Sin City. I am mentioning because, after all, Robert Rodriguez directed the movie.

Unlike Light Turner or Goku from Dragonball Evolution, the Alita brought from Rosa Salazar is not only fantastic, in both form and substance, but is perfectly loyal to its source material.

Way to go!!!

I want to mention Vector and Zapan, played by Ed Skrein. Zapan is so charming and wonderful, despite being an antagonist. He entertained me in every scene he appeared, and somehow, it made me go back to see Deadpool, where Skrein himself makes a great character too. On the other hand, Mahershala Ali’s mesmerising performance gives an aura of intensity and fear from Vector, just like you would expect for those who watched the OVA.

The same can be said from Jennifer Connelly. Chiren does not really has a lot of screen time, yet her character is very convincing and interesting, especially during her interactions with Dr. Ido. And the supporting cast is pretty good. Their presence is believable, and you want to see more of them.

Trust me.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, Alita: Battle Angel is a great movie and a fantastic adaptation of a Japanese manga, believe it or not. For those who haven’t read the manga, or aren’t familiar with Battle Angel Alita, they might not get the story straight away, but for the fans, and perhaps simple moviegoers, Alita: Battle Angel is a movie you must see… EVEN IF THAT MEANS BEING RESURRECTED AS A ROBOT TO SEE IT!!!

STORY – 8/10

CHARACTERS – 9/10

ACTING – 7.5/10

SETTING – 9.5/10

SPECIAL MENTION TO…

CG – 10/10