Change Your Image
jake_dilla
Reviews
Banana Fish: Save Me the Waltz (2018)
Incredible, tragic and quite emotional.
If there's something I love about Banana Fish, is that violence isn't treated like a plot device that goes away after an episode where the person afflicted by it is good as new. It really makes you feel every blade swipe, gun shot, and punch. Banana Fish also knows how to emotionally gut you, and really effectively immerse you in intense situations that hurt to see.
Unlike most other anime where characters have superpowers that you know can hack them up in situations where they're cornered, Ash Lynx is just a human. He's cunning, agile and a quick thinker on his feet with lots of perception and a good read on situations and people where most don't, unfortunately due to his horrible past and upbringing under Dino's wing. However, he is also an emotionally vulnerable man because of Eiji opening the door to vulnerability, and like him in his past, it's yet another weapons for those above him to take advantage of. Tragedy reaches fever pitch in this episode, where Ash must make an unthinkable choice with seconds to decide, that was a bit hard to watch. This episode feels like a turning point, and tragedy will just ramp up from here...
Samurai Chanpurû: Onkochishin (2004)
A recap episode, yes, but with good development for Fuu.
I wouldn't call this episode worth skipping. It's not like you'll miss anything in terms of plot, but if you care about the characters it's worth a watch just to catch Fuu's perspective on everything that's gone down from the beginning.
A certain scene comes up about midway through the episode somebody in her life that I won't spoil, but between the mix of visuals, writing, and music choice it was so good that it's probably one of my favorite scenes in the show so far. It also gives closure to a side character from a few episodes ago that didn't have to be added, but was nice to know just for world building, as well as the reveal of who's been doing voiceover in the series so far.
Jin and Mugen's reactions to her recounting of the series of events is amusing too, especially Jin calling out Mugen's reaction to how Fuu initially felt about him and Jin asking what, as Mugen can't read. It's not the best episode of Samurai Champloo, but I wouldn't say it's genuinely bad or worth skipping. It's a mere 20 minutes and they go by quite fast. The fake out at the end is a funny subversion to what could have went down in the most cliché manner. I say watch it and form your own thoughts, as it's just one episode of 26.
Jujutsu Kaisen: The Origin of Blind Obedience (2021)
Strong development for Megumi strengthens what would otherwise be a bridger to the two-part finale.
Yes, this isn't one of the most exciting episodes of Jujutsu Kaisen, and it isn't trying to be. It's necessary exposition in regards to explaining what the three first-years are investigating and I think it's done well.
Megumi is also given more development in this episode, and it's neatly woven into the main case they're investigating. It strengthens him a lot as a character because we've really only gotten glimpses of his backstory, and with Yuuji really only having gotten development so far, it's a nice switch-up to see a supporting character be explored more. Just because there isn't high octane action happening all the time doesn't automatically make a story boring. Slower beats are needed to break up the more crazy things that may go on.
So yeah, decent episode, great animation and writing as always, and the lead up to the next two episodes.
Jujutsu Kaisen: To You, Someday (2020)
Still one of Jujutus Kaisen's finest 1/3rd hours.
Jujutsu Kaisen is the gift that keeps on giving. At the halfway point in the first season, lots has built up to this moment, and it comes in a crushing wave, with a one-two knockout of two pretty emotionally intense scenes that hit quite hard.
Yuuji's development has been terrific up to this point in the show, and you really see him at arguably his most vulnerable, after a heartfelt scene followed by witnessing a tragedy beyond his control. The emotions hit hard, and fuel his rage after that point. Something else I love about this show, that is enhanced greatly by this episode is that it makes you care about characters and having it really hurt when something bad happens to them, even ones that have only been a part of the show for a brief amount of time. Nobody is safe, and that unspoken rule does wonders to keeping you on your toes as a viewer not knowing what can happen next.
The color choices and cinematography are really on point as well, almost on the level of Red Scale, from season two. MAPPA's genuinely fantastic animation doesn't let up either, every fight is given so much tender, loving care down to every frame. Every punch hits hard... literally. The momentum of JJK really picks up big time at this point, and it's so awesome; even on a rewatch, to see just ramp up in no time flat.
This is an aside-but despite how brilliant The Shibuya Incident is, I lament the animators not having enough time to polish later episodes to their deserved perfection, even if they are still some of the best looking episodes of animated media in the medium today. Season one was special for having so many unique and interesting presentation choices that MAPPA's overworked animators sadly did not get to hone for most of season two due to deadlines. We can only hope that once Shinjuku//The Culling Game gets animated, MAPPA's animators will be given the time they deserve to be able to present it in the best way possible, because it will be a sight to behold.
Mr. Robot: 407 Proxy Authentication Required (2019)
Television history was made the night this was aired.
To really appreciate this episode, it requires going back to November 2019, when this episode aired. Similarly to runtime-err0r.r00, when it premiered on the USA channel, they both ran without any commercials. It pays off big time in this episode as because for the entire 56 minute runtime, you won't want to get up.
Lots has built up to this point in the series. From the window incident, to small foreshadowing sprinkled all throughout, everything led up to the big reveal of the episode. I won't say what it is, because something like that doesn't deserve to be spoiled to a viewer that isn't in the loop. Needless to say, it is absolutely devastating, and anybody who has dealt with what is revealed will be crushed and brought to tears.
The performances that Christian Slater, Elliot Villar, and Gloria Reuben will be remembered for a long time. It's Rami Malek that really steals the show here though. The little nuances in his performance are truly shattering on an emotional level, and when a question is asked that makes it irrefutably clear what was in the shadows but has always been there, the floodgates open. It's such a dark and deeply disturbing moment for so many reasons, and a first watch experience of this episode is unlike any I've seen before or since. This episode is rightfully among the pantheon of episodes like Ozymandias from Breaking Bad, Plan and Execution or Point and Shoot from Better Call Saul, a large number of episodes from Attack on Titan, Who Goes There from True Detective-Final Grades, The Cost, and Middle Ground from The Wire, and so on from not just the sheer ambition of it, but the way every element of filmmaking comes together so meticulously. The writing, direction, score, performances and lighting all harmoniously assemble to one of the finest hours of television ever. To me, it is among one of the top best episodes of TV of the 21st century.
The maturity of the dark content matter and way it was handled was so perfect as well. At a certain point that shadow becomes clear and denial only keeps that shadow from emerging from so long. The dialogue and writing was so tasteful to such an emotionally intense kind of subject and I will commend it forever.
Just watch the series. You'll understand when you get here.
Jujutsu Kaisen: Fluctuations (2023)
Yet another fantastic raising of the stakes, with no predictability in sight.
After staying with Yuuji for an episode with an instantly iconic fight, we get a glimpse at not just Mei and Ui Ui's battle, but mostly Nanami's crew, supported by Maki and Naobito as they encounter a seemingly minor cursed spirit, which gives them all a run for their yen. The animation is once again fantastic, and Naobito's seemingly random yet hilarious monologue about frames and resolution was wonderful foreshadowing into his technique. The chemistry of Nanami, Maki and Naobito fighting together was sweet too, showing the power of Jujutsu High's sorcerers when they all assemble.
I love how this show constantly keeps the viewer on their feet, and when you think things are becoming even a smidge predictable, the rug is pulled out right from under you. The entire episode kept me on my toes and the usage of original score never fails to hit the spot. The last minute had me stunned, and apprehensively excited for what's coming next. Every episode just keeps moving the roller coaster higher and higher, and soon enough it's going to come crashing down.
Jujutsu Kaisen: Red Scale (2023)
Total jaw dropper.
It's crazy how this show still manages to keep raising its own bar. Between Hidden Inventory Part 3, Hidden Inventory Part 4, Gate Open, and now this episode, Jujutsu Kaisen continues to shock and astound with effortless ease. Most modern anime series, or television shows in general, they can only dream of having just one of these masterpiece episodes, like this; and with just season 2, JJK has multiple. Plot description ahead, and with potential spoilers, read carefully. In short, if you're in the future reading this, on the fence about the show, watch it immediately, if not for the episodes above and this one. Every episode is worth the journey.
It's all Yuji this episode, and the cinematography continues to shine. Clever lighting choices and shot composition just makes every moment so tense, especially in the second half of this episode. MAPPA's animation goes without saying. The animation is fantastic as always, and the fight choreography feels so fluid. This episode is a stern reminder that nobody is safe, and the intense violence doubles up on that. The fight between Yuji and Choso is absolutely phenomenal, an instant top 5 favorite for the season in my book. It all rolls out so perfectly, and just when you think you know how it will play out, your expectations are flipped on it's head. Tension is communicated so well in this show, and this episode is no different. The lack of music near the end was a fantastic choice-sometimes no music at all makes a scene hit that much harder, and this episode is a shining reminder of that.
Just, wow.
Chainsaw Man: Gunfire (2022)
If you're reading this and are on the fence about this show, read this and please watch the series.
I won't spoil this, so if you have not seen the show and are wondering why this has a 9.4 rating (as of September 2023), I hope this review can do justice.
Up to this point in the series, there have been some crazy fights, great character development, and some moderately intense moments. But with this episode, everything goes more than south. In a matter of moments, everything you thought you knew about the show gets thrown out the window, and reality kicks in with no warning. It's so bleak and devastating, culminating in one of the best scenes I have ever beared witness to. The way the original soundtrack, audio design, and animation all come together is so perfect it has to be seen to be believed.
I envy the people who have not seen this yet, because it is such a bleak, brutal, and in some ways, absolutely gorgeous episode. It will stun you, genuinely upset you, and leave your jaw on the ground by the end. The second half is beyond words.
The Wire (2002)
It really is as good as they say.
If you're on the fence about watching this series, please read this. If you want the short version, yes, it really is that good, and yes I think it's better than Breaking Bad and The Sopranos. It's not just entertaining television, it's more than that. It's life, with 2000's Baltimore as a backdrop for exploring the failures of America. It's bleak and often depressing, but is second to none, with only True Detective's first season being the only series that I think can match this.
The Wire is truly timeless. Sure, it technologically is stuck in the early//mid 2000's but the writing, acting, directing, sound design, and everything in between are all second to none. Not for a second did any of the characters feel inauthentic, the character writing is so consistent and consistently brilliant that every conversation feels natural.
Dialogue feels very fly on the wall, it's so silky smooth even Quentin Tarantino would be jealous.
Something I love about the show so much is it's pacing. Where something like Breaking Bad (not a bad show by any means, quite terrific) has crazy things happening every few episodes, The Wire is far more patient. The first arguably "crazy" thing that happens doesn't present itself until the first season's sixth episode, where things ramp up quite a bit and don't let up from there. The buildup to such scenes hit that much harder for it, with "The Cost", the first season's tenth episode, as such a perfect example I don't think I need to say much more.
20 years from now this will still be the best show ever made, and the teaming up of David Simon and Ed Burns is the most powerful writing combo ever. You don't get many shows like this, and The Wire stands far above it's peers, and always will, in my opinion.
"All the pieces matter."
Better Call Saul: Point and Shoot (2022)
If episodes like Bagman and Bad Choice Road placed BCS ahead of Breaking Bad, then Plan & Execution and Point & Execution put it a country mile ahead.
At this point in the series, everything is starting to wrap up. We get to see what events shaped characters like Gus, Mike and Jimmy into the people they are in Breaking Bad, in the most perfect way only show writers like Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould could. The direction, writing and cinematography are top notch here, almost making you forget it's a show at times.
The visual parallels were perfect, such as Kim and the gun paralleling Jesse and the gun back in season 2 of Breaking Bad. The top down street shot was fantastic too, and even Mike briefing Jimmy and Kim on what to say parallels when Mike briefs Jesse on what to say after *that* incident near the end of season two. It's gonna be a shame when this series ends, because modern television doesn't get many shows like this. I couldn't be more excited for the next episode and each subsequent one, because of Vince knows anything, it's how to end a show.
The Wire: The Cost (2002)
"They already know that he got jacked on a reverse buy, right - why wouldn't they assume he's snitching?"
Up until this point, by Brandon's tortuous murder a few episodes back, and Stinkum getting his chest blown away, and Keisha overdosing and being subsequently raped, it's no secret The Wire is a series that wasn't afraid to explore some incredibly dark and very real places. By "The Cost", arguably one of the best episodes of the season with possibly one of the best endings to any episode ever, we know stakes are high.
When Burrell whips up a plan to use Orlando and Greggs as a ploy to get ahold of Avon's drugs the seed of intensity settles in. When the man riding passenger with Orlando and Kima dips out and Orlando highlights how thugs intentionally turned the signs to mess with officers, tension raises even more. The Lincoln getting shot up was such a gut wrenching moment, and Greggs frantically fumbling for her gun was directed and shot to perfection, coupled with fantastic performances by Dominic West, Seth Gilliam, and Lance Reddick. The tension building during the entire sequence is fantastic, even the throbbing bass of Playa Haters by Black Star compliments this well and once the music cuts out and Kima calls out that something ain't right, everything goes south then some. Carver having an emotional breakdown was brutal to watch, especially when he had essentially called the tragedy in the scene before.
This is one of many masterpiece episodes in the series and it certainly isn't the last. Emotions run severely high, and with not a single note of original score. Bravo David Simon.