Kingbeast's Lair

-== What is it? ==-

Claymore is a high fantasy anime television series released by FUNimation. It is directed by Hiroyuki Tanaka. Madhouse is the animation company that produced the series. Claymore was release between April 2007 and September 2007.

Claymores are a group of female warriors who roam about the countryside killing Yoma with their massive blades. Yoma are essentially humanoid demons. The series follows Clare, the lowest ranking Claymore. (She is rank 47.) Clare has a dark past that harbors a lot of pain and deep rooted vengeance.

There is some very brief nudity, an extremely light rape scene, and no sex scenes. The series has a good amount of blood but very little gore. The series is rated “17+” at RightStuf.com and I think that rating is actually a bit high. I would suggest “15+”.

I purchased the Claymore DVD Complete Series Box Set (Hybrid) version in standard definition. There are a total of 26 episodes which total roughly 620 minutes of content.

-== What I Like ==-

Probably the most compelling aspect of Claymore is the story. There are three important elements that I think are really intriguing. The first is that Claymores are actually half-Yoma/half-human. Thus they are essentially half-monsters who are tracking down full blooded monsters. The second is that the most powerful Yuma are actual Claymores who have succumbed to their Yuma half. These creatures are know as “Awakened Beings”. These two elements let the writers play around a lot with the big question of what it means to be human. You also get several scenes where Claymores are essentially hunting down their own members. The final plot element that I think is intriguing is that the Claymores are run by a secret organization with an agenda of their own. During the whole series their secret agenda is not revealed but the organizations is presented as being very devious if not downright evil.

I particularly enjoyed episode 4 and episode 8. Episode 4 is called “Clare’s Awakening”. It deals with Clare helping out a church that has been getting attacked by a Yuma. The episode has a great plot and great fight scenes. Episode 8 is a flashback episode called “Awakening”. Awakening tells the story of Clare’s “mentor” the infamous rank 1 Claymore known as Teresa.

The art style in the series is very nice. Madhouse produced an anime style similar to Basilisk or Cowboy Bebop in it’s reality. It is an anime art style that I very much enjoy.

Finally I think the end of the series is quite moving. It is a strong ending but leaves some open questions. Very climactic.

-== What I Don’t Like ==-

My biggest complaint by far with Claymore deals with character exposition. The characters in the story will often think things that the viewer is already observing on the screen. Essentially the inner dialog is telling someone who is watching the show what they already know. For example, Clare might expose how powerful a Yuma is after he takes down another Claymore. “Um…I think we can see that he is pretty powerful if he ripped apart another Claymore.” It happens frequently in the series not just in combat.

Another issue I had with the series is that at times I felt like some of the fights were over too fast. This is especially true in some of the early episodes when the viewer really wants to see what the Claymores can do.

The series starts off a bit slow but really picks up the pace around episode 4. If you decide to watch the series give it some time to get legs.

-== Summary ==-

I thought Claymore was a thrilling fantasy romp. If you like monster hunting adventures then you should definitely check this one out. The $50 price point is not bad for such a large amount of quality content.

You can get the boxed set at RightStuff at this URL for $48.99. The Blu-ray boxed set can be obtained at Amazon at this URL for $39.99.

I give it 7 out of 10 paws.

-== What is it? ==-

Highlander:The Search For Vengeance is an anime action movie that retells the story from the original live-action Highlander movie but adds some tweaks. It was written by David Abramowitz who has a history of writing stories for the Highlander TV series. Yoshiaki Kawajiri takes the director’s chair. Kawajiri is known for such anime epics as The Animatrix, Vampire Hunter D:Bloodlust, and Ninja Scroll. The movie was initially released in June 2007.

There is some nudity in the movie and one fairly tame sex scene. One of the nude scenes was a bit “forced” but it fit the story. The bloodletting is a bit excessive in one fight scene but in general it is not an issue. I honestly feel that some blood spurting is expected with action anime of this art style. The movie is rated “17+” at RightStuf.com and I think that rating is accurate.

The movie is 100 minutes in length. I purchased a copy of the DVD. The English dub is being reviewed. (Typically I only watch the English dubs. )

-== What I Like ==-

Highlander:The Search For Vengeance blends an American story with anime values. The story centers around the main character who is named Colin MacLeod (i.e. not Connor MacLeod). It follows his quest for vengeance through time. This is a story of revenge, love, and most importantly, a rebirth of spirit for Colin MacLeod. The story is fast, harsh, and very smart.

The artwork in the movie is exceptional. It follows a realistic style that will appeal to folks who like the artwork from Basilisk or Cowboy Bebop. Several times I paused the action to examine a vista or a move in a fight scene…speaking of fight scenes…

The first scenes are off the charts cool! In a movie set in the Highlander series you expect sword swinging…well you get it all through time. This is where the anime roots of the Japanese production company are utilized to their fullest effect.

Extras on Highlander:The Search For Vengeance include discussions with the crew and the director. I really enjoyed the discussions with sound and music departments. These groups were either integrated with Japanese and American artists or were overseen by Kawajiri directly. The teams had some interesting stories to relate about how they worked with the famous anime director.

-== What I Don’t Like ==-

Even though I raved about the movie having a smart plot it is lean. Don’t expect lots of surprises.

Colin’s adviser/conscious in the animated movie is in the form of a ghostly spirit called Amergen. Amergen can come off quirky in some scenes but I liked the way that he reminded me of Japanese folklore spirits.

-== Summary ==-

I can’t believe my first perfect score will go to a remake but Highlander:The Search For Vengeance is just that good. It is frankly one of the best animated action movies I have seen and a jewel in the Highlander franchise. If you like action anime or Highlander then this is absolutely a must buy. The price point is also very low. Highlander:The Search For Vengeance can be had for peanuts at RightStuf.com. (See the links below for information.) There can be only one…and if you have to pick one this one is a fantastic choice!

You can get it for a measly $7.49 at RightStuf.com at this URL. It can be had at Amazon at this URL for $9.49.

I give it 10 out of 10 paws.

-== What is it? ==-

Origin:Spirits Of The Past is an anime movie from FUNIMATION that tells the story of two teens from different times who become caught between a deadly forest and a man trying to destroy it.

I purchased the standard edition version of the DVD. There is a “Special Edition” available with additional features that I have not seen. The version I have does not have any extras. The movie is 90 minutes long.

-== What I Like ==-

The story in Origin is not too revolutionary but it is VERY nicely conveyed. The story has a strong environmental message but I did not find it “preachy”. The basic story is simple…man plays with nature, nature slaps man in face, man tries again but this time stops himself. Then ending is full of true love and hope. Who does not like a movie with a happy ending!?!

The environmental, background, and setting design in this movie is outstanding. The settings change from a buried high tech underground city, to a ragamuffin cliff village, to an industrial monster city, to a fantastic multi-railed train. I was literally on the edge of my seat waiting to see the next place they were going to visit. Beautiful stuff.

I liked the fact that the bloodshed and nudity was essentially non-existent as it is not needed in a movie with a story like this to tell. RightStuf has it rated at 13+ which is probably right on the money.

-== What I Don’t Like ==-

The pacing of the movie is slow at times especially during the middle of the movie. For the younger crowd it might be tough for them to maintain interest at this stage.

The main bad guy in the movie is really weak. His motivations are terrible and there are really not enough reasons given to hate him. In general his was a one of the biggest let downs of the movie.

The animators used CG for the forest effects and I actually thought it came across badly. I SO wanted to like watching the raging forest going off on the puny humans but the CG effects left me cold. I think if they did the entire thing in regular animation the effect would have been stronger.

-== Summary ==-

Origin: Spirits Of The Past is an enjoyable movie with a feel good ending that you can watch with your family or with people who may not be anime buffs. You can purchase the standard edition version of the movie from RightStuf at this URL for $11.24. You can get it at Amazon.com at this URL for $13.49. This movie is well worth the $11.24 price tag.

I give it 7 out of 10 paws.

-== What is it? ==-

Utawarerumono is the story of a man, Hakuoro, who loses his memory and wants to figure out his past but real life threats keep getting in the way. The main plot threads involve a love interest with the woman who nurses him back to health, his rise to power, and his attempt to figure out his mysterious past.

I purchased the Hybrid bundle of all 26 episodes plus the art box. It is from Funimation.

-== What I Like ==-

Utawarerumono is full of likeable characters who are fun to see kick some serious butt. Some of the minor side characters are actually really intriguing. Karura is a minor cat girl character who wears a large metal collar around her neck and carries a MASSIVE sword. The sword is so large that nobody except for her can even lift it. Often Karura will slam the ground sending enemies flying! Benawi is the general of Hakuoro’s forces and a deft warrior. It is fun to watch him outsmart foes that might seems much more powerful. He uses a polearm type weapon. Touka is from race known to be amazing warriors but they are sworn to oaths and honor. She really throws down in several scenes. One funny thing is that I don’t feel the main characters are as interesting. If anything it should be the other way around.

The main character Hakuoro has a very cool mystery about him. He wakes up with no memory and tries to piece back his life. Later in the series his past literally explodes on the scene and makes him question who and what he is…very nicely done.

The bad guys that Hakuoro meets as he rises through the ranks are particularly funny and the anime art style for these characters reflects. Often the bad guys are comic relief.

-== What I Don’t Like ==-

By far my biggest complaint with the series is that it is VERY slow in developing. You need get through first two or three DVDs before the story gets really interesting. This is a huge issue.

Some of the characters are a bit “kiddy”. In one scene three of the really young character get together and play. It almost seems out of place with the rest of the story and themes.

The art style is a bit loose and sometimes it has a juvenile feel. You don’t get the strong animation style like you get in Basilisk. (See my earlier review.) At times it can get the point of being distracting.

-== Summary ==-

Utawarerumono is really a mediocre story with an interesting cast of minor side players. If you want a fantasy romp that is a bit slow to develop the look it up. It runs for only $20 for the Collector’s Edition on RightStuf. Here is a link.

I give it 5 out of 10 paws.

-== What is it? ==-

Two ninja clans pitted against each other in a duel to the death while their respective leaders are trying to end the conflict so that they can get married. Lots of blood. Lots of drama. Think warring ninja clans meet Romeo and Juliet and you got it. I have the collector box edition with all 6 DVDs. (Note that this is not the one shown in the accompanying image.) There are a total of 24 episodes. Each episode is roughly 30 minutes in length.

-== What I Like ==-

Basilisk has a fantastic visual style. The visual style has a stronger sense of realism than some of the lighter anime. I personally really enjoy this more realistic style. One exception might be Oboro’s purple eyes which sometimes show as extremely large but this is done at the proper times and with a purpose. Her eyes are a focus for her ninja power.

Each ninja has a really interesting super secret special ninja power. Some are really off the wall but they are all very fun to watch. It always amazed me how the writers expose each character’s secret power through the ongoing story. It is very well crafted.

The story is not revolutionary or that surprising but it is very well executed. The tension builds and builds as each clan plays out their hand. This all leads to a fantastic climax that is very dramatic. I’ll admit that I actually teared up at the ending.

There was a nice mix of blood and drama. There was not so much of either that you got appalled or bored. In fact the good balance seemed to heighten the overall impact quite well.

I purchased the collectors edition that includes a wooden storage box, a paper scroll, and some ninja cards. The real star here is the wooden storage box which has great artwork and a classic anime feel that aligns well with the series. The cards are nicely printed but not special. The paper scroll is a real let down. It is flimsy and not well executed. I would actually suggest avoiding the collectors edition unless you want the neat wooden storage box.

-== What I Don’t Like ==-

It had been a while since I watched a series with such tough Japanese names. Initially it can be daunting keeping the names and clans straight. After a few episodes it really becomes clearer and there is not an issue. Do be warned that you may have to watch the first couple of episodes then replay them again after you have the names nailed down.

RightStuf give Basilisk and Age Rating of 17+ and I think that rating is accurate. There are a couple of rape scenes in Basilisk that are a bit harsh. The most gratuitous scene is being used to show how really bad Tenzen (i.e. “the big baddie”) can be but I think they go a bit too far.

There is some extravagant gore to the bloodletting and some nudity that seems extraneous but overall it is not that bad. To put it simply…you don’t want to be a mook around these folks if you plan on keeping your body parts.

There are really not a lot of DVD extras worth mentioning at all. There are some round table talks with some of the Japanese voice talent that are translated but they are not too exciting and a bit strange at times.

-== Summary ==-

I found Basilisk from Funimation to be an excellent anime series. It is in my top 5 anime list and possibly in my top 3. You can get a copy of the entire series for $28 from RightStuf.com. Here is the link.

I give it 9 out of 10 paws.