indyshafa Reviews

Tsukiuta (2016– )

Story got better as the episodes progressed

[7/10 · 16 March 2020]

I'm gonna be honest, I started watching Tsukiuta the Animation because I stumbled upon a picture of Hajime. Mutsuki Hajime, in all his purple and black glory. It is extremely understandable how Shun is a big fan of Hajime. Anyways, yeah, I fell in love with Hajime at first sight and searched him up, and soon enough, I finally got to watch this anime.

I don't know what exactly I was expecting, but this wasn't bad. I don't usually watch slice of life animes (is this even considered slice of life?), let alone idol animes. I've tried to get into stuff like Hypnosis Microphone and Enstars multiple times, but I really just can't vibe with stuff like that. Even after finishing Tsukiuta, I still can't fully vibe with the songs in the series. The "shakin', sugar, sugar" still haunts the back of my mind, though. It's kinda catchy.

Right off the bat, the show was introduced with the 12 idols introducing themselves on TV just like idols would. Unfortunately, even after I've finished watching all 13 episodes, I still can't remember all of their names. The plot didn't intrigue me enough, and the character development kinda lacked. I didn't really feel any big attachment to anyone, except for maybe Shun, in addition to my already Hajime-obsessed self. But, really, I kind of had high hopes for Hajime. The plot sort of let me down. The characters felt a bit detached? I couldn't really build the bond I wanted to with them, or empathize fully, or whatever it's supposed to be called. It started off super boring, but as the story progressed, it got better. That was one of the good things, I guess. Each character was able to get an episode dedicated to showing their struggles, too. They were able to highlight how even idols were human, fiction or not, and we all have struggles. It was a fresh thing to see, in contrast to some animes and movies I've seen and dropped due to the lack of imperfections. This was, overall, quite enjoyable. I'll probably watch the second season once it airs.

Bungo Stray Dogs: Dead Apple (2018)

Slow and Slightly Disappointing

[7/10 · 16 March 2020]

This was the last BSD animation I watched. I've already watched all three seasons and Kunikida's special "Hitori Ayumu" before watching this, and from what I heard prior to watching Dead Apple from my friends, the movie was supposedly good. I had fallen in love with Bungou Stray Dogs (the plot is just very... chef's kiss, for a lack of a better expression) and, ultimately, Dazai, as most of the fans probably had. There is just something so attractive about manipulative geniuses that make viewers question their own feelings towards the character. Kidding. Well, half. Although I do think characters like Dazai are what pull me into a series (see: Lelouch from Code Geass, Guren from Owari no Seraph).

I had given Dazai the crown. He became my favorite character. So you would imagine how slightly disappointed I was when he didn't really appear in Dead Apple.

Dazai's character is very, how should I say, dark? He's extremely smart at predicting the future and preparing for the chaos that would ensue with every single step he takes. He has proven countless times in the last three seasons how stupidly intelligent he is, and Dead Apple was not an exception. Putting an antidote in his mouth right before he got 'ambushed'? Brilliant. He knew how it would all turn out. It was like he was controlling the whole chess game. However, they didn't really show him much and instead focused more on the others' dilemmas and battles with their own special abilities. Although that was important to showcase (especially considering the ability the enemy had), I think it would've been better if there were some kind of depth(?) to whatever Dazai's plan was. I don't know.

The lack of screen time for Dazai in Dead Apple was a bit of a disappointment, considering how great of an outfit he was given, as well as the fact that he was basically the 'mastermind' or whatever. Dazai was just sort of... there? For the most part, kind of. Maybe I'm just being biased, haha. Just felt like maybe there could've been more tension or something. Not gonna lie, Atsushi's dilemma felt a bit prolonged, but I did grow to like Akutagawa and Chuuya more through Dead Apple. And, of course, fell even more in love with Dazai. The animation was great.

I Want to Eat Your Pancreas (2018)

Worse than the already bad manga

[3/10 · 25 February 2020]

God. "I Want to Eat Your Pancreas" is one of the worst anime adaptations I've seen in a while. I remember this getting tons of good reviews and decided to give this one a shot since one of my closest friends seemed to have enjoyed watching this movie. Prior to watching this, I had read the manga, and boy was I disappointed.

The manga itself is just slightly below mediocre for me. At least, compared to this horrible movie, it had a slightly better plot, character development, as well as situation and relationship buildup. The anime made what was supposed to be about a year of them spending time together into just a mere day. I've lost count on how many times I've felt bored throughout watching. I just wanted the movie to be over already. The adaptation is absolutely horrible. Even with how horrible the manga is and how I didn't enjoy it that much either, it is still way better than this anime.

Personally, I really cannot grasp why people like this. The plot is aggravatingly slow, the characters are stereotypical and kind of flat/static, contrary to how the author probably wanted them to be portrayed, and the zero relationship buildup is just the biggest turn-off for me. This was so, so horrible, I did not enjoy this one bit. The weak attempts at philosophical talks were, well, weak. I guess as long as one of the main characters has a terminal illness and another is, for some obscure reason and lack of relationship buildup, foolishly in love with the former, the general public will view it as something emotional, moving, and great. "I Want to Eat Your Pancreas" is everything and anything but those three adjectives and their synonyms.

The Rising of the Shield Hero (2019– )

Shield Hero and The Other Three

[5/10 · 26 January 2020]

Naofumi (Shield Hero)'s path and growth was written quite well. How he remained his own version of kind to others even after all the pain, treachery and humiliation people made him go through. The ending with him using his gift from the Queen to rebuild Raphtalia's village was pretty heartwarming too. However I had problems with how the other three heroes were put in this anime. They're supposed to unite (as what Fitoria said), yet to the very end the other three have proven how extremely useless and aggravating they are compared to the 'weakest/lowest' one out of all four. I also feel that they don't have enough depth of character. Aside from the Spear Hero filling a sort of antagonist role, they just felt like fillers/backdrop characters and not the main characters I feel should have been. There could have been a better build up of suspense between the four if the main thing they were supposed to achieve was unity to defeat the Waves. Most characters (not just the heroes) were flat and generic. I was also aggravated by how episode 25 did not end with the Final Wave. They had been fighting all this time, Fitoria even said there'll be a time where the Wave demands for the heroes to choose what they fight for, but that climax never came and now I just feel more irritated than empty or disappointed. The Filolials were super cute though. The friendship factor is good too. I just feel like this anime could've been way better if the other three heroes weren't as useless, and that antagonists like Malty and the King were given stronger reasons as to why they had went unbelievable lengths to strip the Shield Hero of his good name. Animation is fine.

Fairy Tail (2009–2019)

I've grown attached to the characters over all these years

[9/10 · 8 December 2019]

I used to feel like Fairy Tail was a bit stretched and.. yeah.. but the animation got better as years passed and the Final Series really broke me.. but in a good way??? Idk how to explain it but it's just... really good... gonna cry now goodbye

How to Train Your Dragon: Homecoming (2019 TV Movie)

I was expecting so much more

[4/10 · 6 December 2019]

As a huge fan of HTTYD I was actually disappointed with this release... the spoilers had made me expect way more than what was actually in store.. also how this was only around 20 mins and spoilers are at 7 mins max... like what's the point of building up that much expectation only to disappoint us like this 😭💔

The Legend of White Snake (2019)

A bit dragged out, but overall a good drama

[7/10 · 17 November 2019]

The CGI is amazing, first of all. The actors and actresses did great too. However I felt like the plot had been dragged out a bit somewhere in the 20 something episodes, and the ending was kind of expected..? I mean to be fair this drama made me cry twice it's really good BUT I still feel like the plot could've been better.

Spider-Man: Far from Home (2019)

Better than expected

[8/10 · 7 July 2019]

To be honest, I've never interested in Marvel/the Avengers. Never bothered to keep up. Saw MCU as kind of 'overhyped', so when I decided to watch this, I wasn't expecting anything extravagant. And truthfully, when I rethink the whole script and plot, it's not too mindblowing. Classic "hero's maturity/turning point" kind of thing. However, the part where Happy said Tony Stark had never doubted his choice of choosing Peter-that really warmed my heart. Also, Mysterio had been fishy since the beginning. Either Peter's really that dumb not to notice how literally no one minded the fact that Quentin had his armored suit on when Mysterio was literally Talk of the World on TV at that moment or the scriptwriters just decided to play along with it because, hell, why not. Even when Peter had confirmed the transfer of EDITH to Quentin, he already sort of broke character? Like, from good guy to true bad guy self. Peter's kind of, really, oblivious. Even for a sixteen year old teenager. Even so, I was amazed by the usage of technology displayed in the movie-it was really cool and amazing. The holographic projections, Peter constructing a new suit for himself, everything. The presence of Peter's bestfriend's relationship with the blonde girl (I forgot their names, sorry!) was a good choice. Peter and MJ's relationship was sort of cute too. Made me laugh quite a few times. Also, I like how even non-fans can still enjoy the movie. I mean, I'm a non-fan and still enjoyed. However... I managed to fall in love with Tom Holland through this movie. Might no longer be a non-fan after all... Huh. Didn't see that one coming. The cast did a really good job with their acting.

Dumbo (2019)

Nearly made me cry thrice (never ended up crying though)

[8/10 · 3 April 2019]

Maybe I just have this weird thing where family-based problems are somehow so sensitive to my heart. Dumbo's relationship with his mom was heartwrenching. Some characters were really good too. I was emotional throughout the movie. Well done!

Lookout (2017)

Really good acting

[9/10 · 30 March 2019]

This series was very enjoyable; to this day it's still one of my favorites. The plot contains mystery, revenge, remorse, temporary happiness-so many things that were mixed quite well into 32 episodes. This approximately 16-hour worth series entertained me a lot, although the ending was slightly disappointing. I loved Jo Sooji's character, and the fact that Lee Siyoung, the actress, was pregnant whilst doing all the stunts herself only increased my respect for her as well as my love for this series. Kim Youngkwang (Jang Dohan) and Park Solomon (Yoon Siwan) easily climbed up my favorite actors list. They're so talented.

Confidential Assignment (2017)

Great acting with nice plot

[9/10 · 30 March 2019]

This is a great movie involving the dispute between North-South Korea. Hyunbin was able to take the role of Lim Cheolryung perfectly, with the cold stare, dark green suit and swift-like recklessness. Lim Cheolryung's aura was, well, perfect: it supported his back story on how harsh it was for him to endure his most painful betrayal in North Korea's military back then. Lim Cheolryung and Kang Jintae's playful fights always lift the mood up, which is nice. I don't usually fancy action movies, but how swift and calculating Lim Cheolryung's character moved made me like the movie a lot. I fell in love with Hyunbin here, with how passionate he was as Lim Cheolryung. It was a pleasure watching this movie.

Five Feet Apart (2019)

Too cliche. Script was poorly written.

[3/10 · 30 March 2019]

The idea of shining light onto CF patients is really nice; it makes them feel known, and that's really good, you know? I'm glad they showed the specific medications CFers had to go through, their daily routines and whatnot. However so, if the scriptwriter had wanted this movie to have a little comedy-it completely failed. None of Will's sarcastic remarks were funny. The beginning, too, when they first met at the NICU didn't make sense. Sex, sex, sex. Then all of a sudden the next time they meet Stella says she has control issues and wants him to do his medications? Also not at how Stella claimed to be OCD yet the actress very poorly acted out that 'part' of the character. Didn't even look like a perfectionist. If you can't even pass to play as a perfectionist, how would you pass as an OCD? Did the actress and scriptwriters get mixed up between OCD and perfectionism? Come on, man. A little research won't hurt you. There were so many plot holes, and what agitated me the most was how unrealistic their love bloomed in a span of a month. Will's last words when they parted were extremely cliche, not touching. The fact that Will was originally introduced as a 'bad boy' kind of guy and suddenly he turns into a sotie because of Stella? Isn't the naive one who has never kissed or had sex Stella, not Will? The main leads' characters I felt were not developed well. If they wanted them to be dynamic characters at least put some more effort into the acting. This was extremely cliche. I didn't even shed a tear. Not one bit. The only thing that could differentiate this movie with other sick-and-in-love teenage romance movies would be the disease the both of them were suffering from, other than that, everything's just too easy to guess. There's no excitement. They meet, somehow fall in love without a clear development, lack of detail into the building of their relationship, and of course: the two leads not ending up together. The build up of their relationship to me was mediocre. I had no attachments towards whatever it is they had or shared. And how were they never caught until Will's birthday? It's not like the hospital has a lack of staffs? Too many coincidences, it's unrealistic.