Saturday, Jun 27, 2009
I just finished watching the anime OVA titled Voices of a Distant Star. Created, produced, and animated all by one brilliant man, Makoto Shinkai.
The year is 2046. Mikako and Noburo spend their entire life together. Schoolmates, best friends. They intended to one day live their lives together,inseperable,andin bliss. Until an attack by aliens known as Tarsians on an invaluable Mars expeditionary team dashes their dreams in an instant. Mikako herself is selected by the UN due to her high test scores, to pilot a mech suit (known as a "Tracer"), and she's summoned almost immediately. The only form of communication they can sustain is via cell phone text message.
Noburo is devastated, and hangs on every second for her messages, incapable of leading a normal life. As Mikako ventures deeper into space, the messages take longer and longer for them to find their way to Noburo, eventually reaching years. While Noburo is growing old on earth, living in agony, Mikako has retained her age in the depths of space. They are truly the victims of fate.
The animation style of this work is nearly without fault in my opinion. Hand drawn characters against beautifully imagined and detailed backgrounds, impeccable lighting, and massive scale 3D mechs and warships make for one of the most visually pleasing anime's I've seen. Character designs are slightly un-original, but that becomes insignificant when their viewed in such lush setpieces.
Somber, tear jerking drama isn't all this has to offer either, as there are multiple scenes of sci-fi inspired space battles. Gory duels with the Tarsians in the middle of deep space and epic scenes of each race's massive starships attacking each other with drones and lasers.All of this awesomeness is set against an amazing piano score by Tenmon, a composer who also worked on Ef: A Tale of Memories.
One of the better films I've seen lately, and it barely lasts 30 minutes. 
Do what you must to at least check this one out.
In gaming news, nothing exciting for me really. Played Ghostbusters, which I quite enjoyed actually. Strongly recommended to fans of the movie, and a rent for everyone else as its fresh, innovative gameplay makes it worthy of experiencing. Also anxiously awaiting my copy of BlazBlue's arrival.
Well, that all for now. Hope everyones doing well. 
If you've seen the film, be sure to let me know your thoughts.
Comments
Posted Jun 27, 2009 11:17 pm PT
Yeah, I know exactly the episode your talking about. It does share a bit of that actually, and it also reminds me in a certain way of Ender's Game, the novel by Orson Scott Card. In the way kids are chosen for military service and their methods of fighting and stuff. Sort of similar. God, I really loved it though. Hoepfully you get a chance to see it.
Posted Jun 27, 2009 11:25 pm PT
Voices of a Distant Star is an instant classic, but your picture up there is from Shinkai's second follow-up (the true spiritual-sequel to Voices) 5 Centimeters Per Second. Which is just as astoundingly beautiful.
I love how he makes the little moments of life the focus of his films, while the big events become the backdrops. To me, that makes things feel more real. Sometimes being with the one you love means more to you than martians attacking the world.
I love how he makes the little moments of life the focus of his films, while the big events become the backdrops. To me, that makes things feel more real. Sometimes being with the one you love means more to you than martians attacking the world.
Posted Jun 27, 2009 11:30 pm PT
Yes I have that movie. I reviewed it a couple months ago. I think I gave it somewhere between a 7 and an 8.5... which is a high score for me.
Posted Jun 27, 2009 11:33 pm PT
@Wonkyman: Google fail. 
It's late so I just grabbed an image that looked right. I'll fix it. But yeah, I completely agree. The attention to minute details of life make it truly exceptional.
@Bioshockraptor: To low....
It's late so I just grabbed an image that looked right. I'll fix it. But yeah, I completely agree. The attention to minute details of life make it truly exceptional. @Bioshockraptor: To low....
Posted Jun 27, 2009 11:40 pm PT
I shall watch it...later!
I still don't have much faith in my router for anime right now.
I still don't have much faith in my router for anime right now.
Posted Jun 27, 2009 11:49 pm PT
Say, I have you on PSN right? If you're getting BlazBlue, then I need as many people as possible to get my ass kicked by It's hazelnutman - just in case you don't have it (can't remember).
I'll definately watch it. Barely 30 minutes? Wow.
It's hazelnutman - just in case you don't have it (can't remember).I'll definately watch it. Barely 30 minutes? Wow.
Posted Jun 28, 2009 12:32 am PT
Who Your Gonna Call??????
Posted Jun 28, 2009 12:59 am PT
Posted Jun 28, 2009 1:07 am PT
Glad to hear you like Ghostbusters I might pick it up, nice Persona 4 banner thingy btw
Posted Jun 28, 2009 2:52 am PT
Glad you liked it
I'll be picking up BlazBlue sometime as well, maybe we can fight each other
As long as my internet stops effing up
I'll be picking up BlazBlue sometime as well, maybe we can fight each other
As long as my internet stops effing up
Posted Jun 28, 2009 8:04 am PT
Glad u liked it raven
Posted Jun 28, 2009 8:43 am PT
Seen it. Hated it. Luckily, I never did a review on this anime. I was pretty young when I saw this anime. Hearing about it again made me want to givenit another shot seeing how my tastes are far more refined.
Posted Jun 28, 2009 8:46 am PT
Makoto Shinkai is amazing, easily my favorite director, he can do things with his movies that nobody else can, look up his short in youtube called "Distant Worlds", it's just 2 minutes, and yet it can do amazing this.
Posted Jun 28, 2009 9:27 am PT
Looks interesting. Definetly check it out when I have the chance. Thanks for the heads up Raven
Posted Jun 28, 2009 9:35 am PT
@Hazelnutman: I would assume you dont, since I don't have PSN. 
I'm running on dial-up. *headdesk* I'm getting broadband in July though, so i'll PM you and we can have it out then.
Hope you like it. @Faller88: Jono?!?!? !
@Kleeyook: It sounds a bit derivative on paper, but trust me, the way its executed is brilliant. Even if the romantic animes aren't your cup of tea, this is worth watching just for the way its presented.
@travisstags: Thanks and thanks!
@McMJ3: Thanks, and yeah, definitely once I get decent internet myself.
@Dinoblade:Thanks.
@Symphonycometh: Yeah, I can definitely see this only being truly appreciated by slightly older, more sophisticated viewers. I probably would have thought it was a bunch of bullspit and said "WTF THEY CAN TEXT MESSAGE IN SPACE?!?!?" when I was younger. If you watch it again, I hope you enjoy it.
@luisen123: I have to say, this short film has definitely put him up there for me. I'll be looking into all of his work now. Thanks for the recommendation, I shall look it up very soon.
@fatjoe400:No problem man, hope you like it.
I'm running on dial-up. *headdesk* I'm getting broadband in July though, so i'll PM you and we can have it out then. Hope you like it.
@Faller88: Jono?!?!? !@Kleeyook: It sounds a bit derivative on paper, but trust me, the way its executed is brilliant. Even if the romantic animes aren't your cup of tea, this is worth watching just for the way its presented.
@travisstags: Thanks and thanks!
@McMJ3: Thanks, and yeah, definitely once I get decent internet myself.
@Dinoblade:Thanks.
@Symphonycometh: Yeah, I can definitely see this only being truly appreciated by slightly older, more sophisticated viewers. I probably would have thought it was a bunch of bullspit and said "WTF THEY CAN TEXT MESSAGE IN SPACE?!?!?" when I was younger.
If you watch it again, I hope you enjoy it. @luisen123: I have to say, this short film has definitely put him up there for me. I'll be looking into all of his work now. Thanks for the recommendation, I shall look it up very soon.
@fatjoe400:No problem man, hope you like it.
Posted Jun 28, 2009 9:57 am PT
@raven_squad dokuro-chan!! LOL I know thats totally off subject but Bokusatsu- Tenshi dokuro-chan is cool.j
Back on subject, I haven't seen or heard about "Voices of a distant Star". I'll be sure to check it out right now.
Back on subject, I haven't seen or heard about "Voices of a distant Star". I'll be sure to check it out right now.
Posted Jun 28, 2009 10:43 am PT
@kmnov21: 
Yep, it's hilarious. I couldn't stop laughing during those first 4 (technically 8 ) episodes. Saddens me that its so short though. Anyways, hope you enjoy Voices of a Distant Star.
Yep, it's hilarious. I couldn't stop laughing during those first 4 (technically 8 ) episodes. Saddens me that its so short though. Anyways, hope you enjoy Voices of a Distant Star.
Posted Jun 28, 2009 10:48 am PT
@raven_squad
they have a season two, its with Zakuro and Sabato has to go back to the future in the last episode.
they have a season two, its with Zakuro and Sabato has to go back to the future in the last episode.
Posted Jun 28, 2009 11:15 am PT
I've only been able to find like 2 other episodes and they're out of place. I'll have to try harder.
I'll have to try harder.
Posted Jun 28, 2009 11:32 am PT
You can cry? I'm calling BS on this one sorry. I need proof before I beileve somthing that outlandish
Posted Jun 28, 2009 11:33 am PT
SEE, LOOK! *holds up vial with single tear* Though I should save that... I can use it on my wedding day.
Posted Jun 28, 2009 11:42 am PT
Sounds like an interesting anime, I'll check it out hopefully. Ghostbusters looks good too.
Ghostbusters looks good too.
Posted Jun 28, 2009 1:00 pm PT
Hmm a lot of people have said it's very good so I have to check it out myself and glad you enjoyed it yourself.
Posted Jun 28, 2009 3:01 pm PT
I've tried multiple times to get into anime but my attention always drifts elsewhere. The only series I've ever really liked was Elfen Lied. I do read some manga every now and again though. As for Ghostbusters, I think I'll be skipping it. It was a fun little film but not one of my favourites, so me playing the game would probably be a bit of a pointless exercise.
Posted Jun 28, 2009 3:49 pm PT
May have to check this out, as it sounds interesting. Thanks!
Posted Jun 28, 2009 5:35 pm PT
Is this the same anime that's being advertised on the PSN store?
No, not Xam'd... there was another one about fighter pilot kids in a war that they have no business fighting... I can't remember what it's called, but it was made by the same guy who made the Ghost in the Shell movie/show.
Ah well, sounds good. I'm going to check it out soon.
Same with Ghostbusters.
No, not Xam'd... there was another one about fighter pilot kids in a war that they have no business fighting... I can't remember what it's called, but it was made by the same guy who made the Ghost in the Shell movie/show.
Ah well, sounds good. I'm going to check it out soon.
Same with Ghostbusters.
Posted Jun 29, 2009 2:22 am PT
:[
Posted Jun 29, 2009 2:42 am PT
@neil_2468: Hope you enjoy both of em!
@macrules_640: Thanks. Hope you enjoy it aswell.
@Silent-Hal: Well, different stroke for different folks. Elfen Lied is one of, if not my absolute favorite anime though.
@skullflower: No problem. Hope you enjoy it.
@Scianix-Black: Nah, it's not that. Sounds good though.
I love Ghost in the Shell, so I'll have to check it out. Anyways, hope you enjoy it.
@robbieeeeee: ?
@macrules_640: Thanks.
Hope you enjoy it aswell. @Silent-Hal: Well, different stroke for different folks. Elfen Lied is one of, if not my absolute favorite anime though.
@skullflower: No problem. Hope you enjoy it.
@Scianix-Black: Nah, it's not that. Sounds good though.
I love Ghost in the Shell, so I'll have to check it out. Anyways, hope you enjoy it. @robbieeeeee:
?
Posted Jun 29, 2009 9:26 am PT
The RRS.
Posted Jun 29, 2009 11:03 am PT
I've heard of it, but haven't seen it.
Oh, have you watched Kannazuki no Miko yet? Amazing anime.
Oh, have you watched Kannazuki no Miko yet? Amazing anime.
Posted Jun 30, 2009 12:53 pm PT
ive gotta check that one out, sounds amazing.
i would get blazblue, but ima wait it out, seeing as the 360 controller isnt well-suited for fighting games haha.
i would get blazblue, but ima wait it out, seeing as the 360 controller isnt well-suited for fighting games haha.
Posted Jun 30, 2009 5:22 pm PT
Your wedding day?....you mean when you marry that rich vampire we've been talking about? and whose gonna be your best man? I get to be maid of honor right? you know how a nice pink dress brings out my eyes!
Posted Jun 30, 2009 6:33 pm PT
@Faller88: lolwut?
@KFHEWUI: I actually haven't yet. I've still got it on my HDD though, so I will get to it soon.
@zolloz_89: I know what you mean about the d-pad. Frustrating to say the least. Apparently blazblue is pretty amazing though. 9.4 from IGN and 4 1/2 stars from PTOM. So hopefully the 360 d-pad cooperates with this one. And I hope you like Voices if you get around to watching it. @H-A-V-O-K: Of course you can be maid of honor! But... pink is so 2000. You have to have magenta infused with lime green to make you look like a south american prostitute.
@KFHEWUI: I actually haven't yet. I've still got it on my HDD though, so I will get to it soon.
@zolloz_89: I know what you mean about the d-pad. Frustrating to say the least.
Apparently blazblue is pretty amazing though. 9.4 from IGN and 4 1/2 stars from PTOM. So hopefully the 360 d-pad cooperates with this one. And I hope you like Voices if you get around to watching it. @H-A-V-O-K: Of course you can be maid of honor! But... pink is so 2000. You have to have magenta infused with lime green to make you look like a south american prostitute.
Posted Jun 30, 2009 8:05 pm PT
2000 pshht, I'm bringing sexy back baby! And cmon, seriously? lime green? how tacky is that?...and your not seriously wearing white are you?
Posted Jun 30, 2009 8:18 pm PT
Nah, I'm not wearing white. I don't need all the old bats looking down on me condesendingly. I'm wearing limegreen!!!!!!!! And so are you.
Posted Jun 30, 2009 8:22 pm PT
With some purple spiked heels!?
Posted Jun 30, 2009 8:55 pm PT
Frak yes. Sounds simply delightful.
Posted Jun 30, 2009 9:33 pm PT
I have to check this out; I'm just starting out with anime so I need all the recommendations I can get
Posted Jul 2, 2009 7:51 am PT
I don't know if you've seen 5 Centimeters per Second? Of all the animated films I've seen, that is my favorite
And have you seen his 5-minute clip with the cat or Place Promised in Our Early Days?
And have you seen his 5-minute clip with the cat or Place Promised in Our Early Days?
Posted Jul 2, 2009 8:03 am PT
@Jbot666: Well, I would definitely recommend looking in to Elfen Lied, Welcome to the NHK!, and possibly Serial Experiments Lain.
@cookie_on_fire: I actually haven't seen 5 Centimeters per Second, but thanks for sharing. I watched a trailer and I think I will order it. As for the other two, I believe they are on my DVD of Voices. She and Her Cat, right?
@cookie_on_fire: I actually haven't seen 5 Centimeters per Second, but thanks for sharing. I watched a trailer and I think I will order it.
As for the other two, I believe they are on my DVD of Voices. She and Her Cat, right?
Posted Jul 2, 2009 8:24 am PT
Yeah. I saw Voices of a Distant Star on Youtube, so I didn't really want to buy the DVD
I own The Place Promised in Our Early Days (also Sci-Fi) and 5 Cm/s. They are all very good in their own right. I hope you enjoy them if you get to watch them.
I own The Place Promised in Our Early Days (also Sci-Fi) and 5 Cm/s. They are all very good in their own right. I hope you enjoy them if you get to watch them.
Posted Jul 2, 2009 8:34 am PT
Kannazuki no Miko is amazing. I rewatched the first episode about a month ago, and I was still amazed by its awesomeness.
The last anime that I watched, which was a few weeks ago was called Doomed Megalopolis. Awesome horror anime. Definitely worth watching.
I don't know if you heard, but Chiaki J. Konaka, Yo... ABe, and Ryutaro Nakamura the three guys that worked on Serial Experiment Lain are working on a new anime called Despera. I'm definitely looking forward to this anime.
The last anime that I watched, which was a few weeks ago was called Doomed Megalopolis. Awesome horror anime. Definitely worth watching.
I don't know if you heard, but Chiaki J. Konaka, Yo... ABe, and Ryutaro Nakamura the three guys that worked on Serial Experiment Lain are working on a new anime called Despera. I'm definitely looking forward to this anime.
Posted Jul 2, 2009 9:13 am PT
Glad you enjoyed Voices of a Distant Star Ghostbusters looks fun, I saw someone play through the first level of it on justin tv. It's cool that Slimer is in it since he's the coolest ghost, and the 2nd coolest one ( Stay Puff Marshmellow Man) is in there too
Ghostbusters looks fun, I saw someone play through the first level of it on justin tv. It's cool that Slimer is in it since he's the coolest ghost, and the 2nd coolest one ( Stay Puff Marshmellow Man) is in there too
Posted Jul 2, 2009 9:47 pm PT
I just watched a very good anime - The Girl Who Leapt Through Time. A friend recommended it to me, so I didn't know much about it before watching it - just only reading the synopsis. Turned out to be one of the best, new, anime films I have seen in a long time.
Posted Jul 5, 2009 5:30 pm PT
You posted this blog on my birthday
Posted Jul 14, 2009 7:22 am PT
Looks good, will check it out.
Posted Jul 14, 2009 3:25 pm PT
@KFHEWUI: Hmmm....Despera....I'll have to keep an eye on it. May turn out to be a good one.
@edpeterson: The fight with the Stay Puft is awesome. And slimer is his usual hilarious, annoying ass self.
@skullflower: I'll definitely look into it. Sounds intriguing.
@altiar25: Well happy belated birthday.
@pauljames1986: Awesome. Hope you enjoy it. SPOILER OF OF LET THE RIGHT ONE IN NOVEL!!!
I kid.
@edpeterson: The fight with the Stay Puft is awesome.
And slimer is his usual hilarious, annoying ass self. @skullflower: I'll definitely look into it. Sounds intriguing.
@altiar25: Well happy belated birthday.
@pauljames1986: Awesome. Hope you enjoy it. SPOILER OF OF LET THE RIGHT ONE IN NOVEL!!!
I kid.
Posted Jul 15, 2009 12:01 am PT
saw that a little while back when I worked at Blockbuster. Different, but very good, I just wish it was longer.
Posted Jul 17, 2009 4:12 pm PT
Roman_Irishman