Hey all!!
Now, I know what you're thinking!
"OH NO, HE'S GONNA DO ANIME REVIEWS NOW!!!!! NNNNOOOOOOoooooo.........."
No, no I'm not planning on doing that at all, BUT, this is one that I think needs some perspective.
SPOILERS!!!!!
I've read a few reviews about it before it ever surfaced here in South Africa, btw, huge thank you Netflix - I really appreciate getting to see it! No, that's totally serious, not being sarcastic at all.
The reviews were overwhelmingly negative and I was quite taken aback by it and I understood why they said what they said:
1) We don't want our heroes to die. Even though Violet isn't a typical hero, her conviction and search for answers is quite relatable and some took it as a hit or shots fired, when the movie opens with Violet long passed.
2) We want people to return from the war normal. War has a profoundly deep impact on those caught in it. Collateral at home and direct casualties on the front lines. I've seen some of the maiming, the events and the results these things have on people (like PTSD and other nerve and behavioral issues) and it's not pretty... While it left some deep character flaws in Gilbert, such as self-loathing and resentment, it's not unexpected or unrealistic.
3) Times change, but we want them to stay the same. Technology is something that brings about new jobs and replaces old ones. It happens, has happened and will continue to happen. We want Violet's world to remain like Peter Pan's because she's so cool and the awkward moments, because of her past, are so engaging.
So, when you watch the movie, you're met with:
1) Your hero dead
2) Love interest hiding from the world, because easier
3) Violet and her friends are all in danger of losing their jobs over a fairly short period of time, because technology, then what.
Ouch, ouch, ouch, LOL.
BUT, this is nothing new to the franchise. We are keenly aware of her humanity, because she experiences emotion bit by bit and delivers incredible work assignment after assignment that touches people to the core in a very difficult time.
We've seen clients die, we've seen her prepare clients' last wishes before death and we've seen her helping people to save relationships from destruction or deliver a last message.
Now, in the vein of what the movie is and what it is not, for me it fits PERFECTLY within the world of the show and the type of stories shared. The tragedies and the triumphs and most of all, her finally being reunited with the Major. EEECK!!! So jazzed about that!! That was just like the bow on the present of an awesome film for me!
For me, the movie is by no means a disappointment and the fact that Violet made a great impact to the point where she was put on a stamp, is just so fitting. LOVED the movie and if you do decide to watch it post-spoilers, I hope you love it too!
So, in my totally biased opinion, this movie gets 5 out of 5 stars!
PS, no plans for other anime reviews, LOL.
A huge thanx to everyone involved with the making of it and enabling me to finally get to see it too! I really really appreciate it!
*****
Have a great one!!
GOD bless you!
Hey! I'm having an incredible learning experience, not only learning how Blender works (yes, still learning), but also about Open-Source and the incredible software available. Stick around!
