Lorde-Kowz
I have reached Yuki nirvana
It was used towards the end of one of the early episodes (ep 2 or 3 I think). IIRC, Oz is rushing to save Alice, and only the final part of the song plays (strings leitmotif + Eri's final Kajiurago).
Watching Yuki Kajiura ANIME long after they aired.
- Thread starter grunty
- Start date
grunty
I have reached Yuki nirvana
Those deaths are all fine. My issue is Break himself. My brain just can't wrap around events (Red Eye murders) happening the same way but without their original trigger (for the main character of those events). XD
At least based on the information I got from the show.
If you're basing your skepticism on my comments, I'd say ignore me. XD I was watching weekly and by the time the 2nd cour got back on air I was definitely only in it for the music (still waiting for OST release), even though the show itself was arguably better than in its first cour. To Mochizuki's credit (based on both anime), she definitely approached Vanitas differently than PH (more linear progression but with backstories in Banitas vs backsitting with Oz for mysteries of the past in PH). The issue for me was that I actively didn't like some characters (or their relationship progression) in Vanitas. >_> But other viewers might? I probably had other issues (pacing) but don't remember details about them now... What I do remember is, regardless of what one might think of Kajiura's actual soundtrack, I feel music in Vanitas needed to be way louder in the mix. XD
I hope you enjoy it. If they ever announce a continuation (unlikely as it seems with the author taking health breaks regularly; no matter shite sales for the anime), I'll probably rewatch it.
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Decretum
7 billion humans. She must know I exist
I’ve been really really busy the past while, but I started Vanitas, and here’s some opening thoughts!
So far, it’s about what I expected. Honestly, the reason I was skeptical was largely because the premise and aesthetic just aren’t my style.
Not much to say so far, but I did prefer PH’s characters a lot more than I am this bunch. Most of the cast is just kind of bland so far? Noè’s the one with the most potential, but even then he just kinda feels dragged from scene to scene.
The exceptions to this rule so far are Dominique and Vanitas. The former because her joke with the collar actively made me roll my eyes, and the latter went from making me say “I miss Alice” to “When is this guy getting arrested?”
Extra emphasis on that last point. I know it’s common with a lot of anime, but the framing in that scene with Jeanne in Episode 3 was extremely uncomfortable and the characters just kinda reacting to it like he’s just some regular jerk annoyed me.
I guess this also ties into the fact that I was skeptical of the premise. A lot of vampire shows emphasize the more ‘intimate’ aspects, and I just find it tedious to watch. The OST is solid so far, and the show does look pretty, but I remain cynical.
Not much to say so far, but I did prefer PH’s characters a lot more than I am this bunch. Most of the cast is just kind of bland so far? Noè’s the one with the most potential, but even then he just kinda feels dragged from scene to scene.
The exceptions to this rule so far are Dominique and Vanitas. The former because her joke with the collar actively made me roll my eyes, and the latter went from making me say “I miss Alice” to “When is this guy getting arrested?”
Extra emphasis on that last point. I know it’s common with a lot of anime, but the framing in that scene with Jeanne in Episode 3 was extremely uncomfortable and the characters just kinda reacting to it like he’s just some regular jerk annoyed me.
I guess this also ties into the fact that I was skeptical of the premise. A lot of vampire shows emphasize the more ‘intimate’ aspects, and I just find it tedious to watch. The OST is solid so far, and the show does look pretty, but I remain cynical.
Me: *comments on the weird framing of the show so far*
The Show, Five Minutes Later: TORTURE DUNGEON TIME!
Honestly though, this batch was better than the last overall. 4 was pretty bad, with a really boring speech by Vanitas and also PUT THAT MAN BEHIND BARS NO NO STOP IT SHOW.
5, however, was probably the best so far. Probably because it focused more on the ‘brutality’ aspect of vampires, rather than the ‘sensual’. It’s very Mochizuki in the best of ways, and while it’s not super deep, I found myself rather compelled by it. Also, since it was a flashback, you-know-who was barely there! Huzzah!
6 was fine? I guess? But the characters were on their best behavior at least, so that means something I suppose.
Also Akira Ishida’s character acts very manipulative, meaning BREAK IS BACK, WOOHOO!
The Show, Five Minutes Later: TORTURE DUNGEON TIME!
Honestly though, this batch was better than the last overall. 4 was pretty bad, with a really boring speech by Vanitas and also PUT THAT MAN BEHIND BARS NO NO STOP IT SHOW.
5, however, was probably the best so far. Probably because it focused more on the ‘brutality’ aspect of vampires, rather than the ‘sensual’. It’s very Mochizuki in the best of ways, and while it’s not super deep, I found myself rather compelled by it. Also, since it was a flashback, you-know-who was barely there! Huzzah!
6 was fine? I guess? But the characters were on their best behavior at least, so that means something I suppose.
Also Akira Ishida’s character acts very manipulative, meaning BREAK IS BACK, WOOHOO!
7 was very obnoxious and boring at the same time, so the less said about it, the better.
I found out the show’s director used to work at Shaft, and it shows. And not in a good way; the direction is all over the place and needs to calm down. Some of this is not helped by Mochizuki’s erratic character writing (ex. Roland), but both are still problems.
The show keeps jumping from things I actually find interesting (such as what happened to Luca’s brother and the concept of the dhams) to really meandering scenes that don’t do much for me. Vanitas is annoying and Noè keeps getting dragged along by the plot, which doesn’t make their dynamic all that engaging.
I kinda miss Dominique now that she’s out of the story for a bit, if only because of Ai Kayano’s voice work. Speaking of voice acting, Dr. Moreau’s is atrocious. It’s just wayyyyyyyyy too over-the-top and grating.
Finally, I loved the part where the main duo’s cover names were Vincent and Gilbert. It’s innocuous enough not to be distracting, but still effective in making me smile. That was a good moment.
I found out the show’s director used to work at Shaft, and it shows. And not in a good way; the direction is all over the place and needs to calm down. Some of this is not helped by Mochizuki’s erratic character writing (ex. Roland), but both are still problems.
The show keeps jumping from things I actually find interesting (such as what happened to Luca’s brother and the concept of the dhams) to really meandering scenes that don’t do much for me. Vanitas is annoying and Noè keeps getting dragged along by the plot, which doesn’t make their dynamic all that engaging.
I kinda miss Dominique now that she’s out of the story for a bit, if only because of Ai Kayano’s voice work. Speaking of voice acting, Dr. Moreau’s is atrocious. It’s just wayyyyyyyyy too over-the-top and grating.
Finally, I loved the part where the main duo’s cover names were Vincent and Gilbert. It’s innocuous enough not to be distracting, but still effective in making me smile. That was a good moment.
The characters just say things and barely bother to explain them; other than my general complaints towards Vanitas’ treatment of Jeanne, I really have nothing to say about this batch of episodes.
I don’t necessarily dislike this show, but I wish it was better. Going to stick with it though, because it’s at least good from a production value standpoint and I also have nothing better to do. Hoping that their quest to go fight a wolf in the snow goes well, I guess, but we’ll see how that goes.
Also the finale had one of the most forced uses of an OP insert that I’ve ever seen.
I don’t necessarily dislike this show, but I wish it was better. Going to stick with it though, because it’s at least good from a production value standpoint and I also have nothing better to do. Hoping that their quest to go fight a wolf in the snow goes well, I guess, but we’ll see how that goes.
Also the finale had one of the most forced uses of an OP insert that I’ve ever seen.
I like the setting-change a lot. I do not like the weird framing that continues with every blood drinking scene.
Seriously, half of Episode 14 was just uncomfortable on every level. Jeanne has the potential to be a really interesting character, but constantly shoving her into these situations just makes me roll my eyes.
Noé remains boring; Vanitas has largely behaved himself, but he’s still annoying.
Chloe and her Emo Friend/Boyfriend(?) are kind of intriguing after Episode 15. I like the Emo Guy’s dorky attitude and Chloe’s backstory took her from being a tired trope into someone I could at least understand.
The shadow thing is very hard to take seriously. Especially when it’s supposed to be the main antagonist.
Seriously, half of Episode 14 was just uncomfortable on every level. Jeanne has the potential to be a really interesting character, but constantly shoving her into these situations just makes me roll my eyes.
Noé remains boring; Vanitas has largely behaved himself, but he’s still annoying.
Chloe and her Emo Friend/Boyfriend(?) are kind of intriguing after Episode 15. I like the Emo Guy’s dorky attitude and Chloe’s backstory took her from being a tired trope into someone I could at least understand.
The shadow thing is very hard to take seriously. Especially when it’s supposed to be the main antagonist.
Welp, I finished the show. Technically, I watched 16-18 last night as well, but forgot to post about them.
All in all, my feelings are . . . Mixed? I’ve realized that I find Jun Mochizuki’s writing oddly compelling, even with all of its flaws. I’ve always liked dysfunctional characters, and ohhhhhh boyyyyy this cast certainly lives up to that. So even when something stupid happens (Jeanne ex Machina, the gross framing, etc.), I’m still fairly invested?
The main two leads aren’t the best (though I’m grateful that Vanitas got rebooted into not harassing women all the time), but I like the side characters well enough. They’re not necessarily amazing, but they’re still solid enough.
The humor this time (compared to PH) didn’t hit as much as it missed. And I had mixed feelings on PH’s humor, so that’s saying something.
The show’s production values are very pretty, and while this might not be Kajiura’s best soundtrack, it still fits the show and there’s quite a few good tracks to be found.
Like I said, a real mixed bag all the way around, but there was enough to keep me engaged so *shrugs*. Now when are we getting a Pandora Hearts reboot . . .
All in all, my feelings are . . . Mixed? I’ve realized that I find Jun Mochizuki’s writing oddly compelling, even with all of its flaws. I’ve always liked dysfunctional characters, and ohhhhhh boyyyyy this cast certainly lives up to that. So even when something stupid happens (Jeanne ex Machina, the gross framing, etc.), I’m still fairly invested?
The main two leads aren’t the best (though I’m grateful that Vanitas got rebooted into not harassing women all the time), but I like the side characters well enough. They’re not necessarily amazing, but they’re still solid enough.
The humor this time (compared to PH) didn’t hit as much as it missed. And I had mixed feelings on PH’s humor, so that’s saying something.
The show’s production values are very pretty, and while this might not be Kajiura’s best soundtrack, it still fits the show and there’s quite a few good tracks to be found.
Like I said, a real mixed bag all the way around, but there was enough to keep me engaged so *shrugs*. Now when are we getting a Pandora Hearts reboot . . .
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grunty
I have reached Yuki nirvana
Yup...
grunty
I have reached Yuki nirvana
Think I'm a little different here.
Based on my experiences with them, I'm of the opinion that Mochizuki is in the same league as PEACH-PIT and CLAMP in that they are absolutely fabulous at ideas/concepts (story, characters) but then fall flat when it comes to actual writing/storytelling/worldbuilding.
And all of dem do pretty picturs. Dayum.