Change Your Image
ninjawizard-07308
Ratings
Most Recently Rated
Reviews
Romantic Killer (2022)
A tragically under-recognized gem that should not be missed at any cost.
This anime was a rollercoaster of emotions. Take your average slice-of-life romcom, add an train-wreck female protagonist, then implement a sentient yellow ball that throws the lead's entire life into a spiral.
Romantic Killer juggles comedy, romance, and drama, creating a masterpiece that knows when to be entertaining and when to be sincere. The show is self-aware, it knows (and at times, embraces) clichés. All the characters are written beautifully, each having their own unique traits and backstories. Though most episodes revolve primarily around romantic aspects, the interactions between the lead and dominant side character are never disappointing. They yield surprisingly well-rounded comedic elements, although goofy at times. Despite not making huge leaps and turns every episode, Romantic Killer's dramatic elements are exposed slowly throughout the episodes, without giving away too much at once.
The story truly reaches its peak when all the drama is made known and embraced, leading to a genuinely serious and dire plot. Riddled with character progression, this arc is pivotal to the overall enjoyment of the series.
Broadly speaking, Romantic Killer was a very entertaining and worthwhile watch. Balancing many story elements at once, it still managed to maintain a believable chain of events. All the characters are written exceptionally, the story doesn't drag for too long, and various forms of humor are scattered about.
Certainly a grossly underappreciated anime, please do yourself a favor and watch Romantic Killer. You won't regret it, I promise.
I, hopefully alongside you soon, will be awaiting for season two in the meantime.
Natsu e no tunnel, Sayonara no deguchi (2022)
Refreshingly Simple, a Narrative Rarity Not to be Missed
I watched this film recently on an international flight.
I found my seat, waved the ground goodbye, and began to peruse the onboard movie catalogue. Hollywood hits, classics, and some foreign one-offs made up 90% of the selection. Then, I stumbled upon one that stood out, one I had not seen (or heard of, frankly) before. Intrigued, I read the brief description. Something along the lines of, "A boy hears rumors about a tunnel that grants wishes, and embarks on a journey to retrieve his deceased sister." Blunt, if not dark, but I decided to give it a chance.
What followed was an emotional, and beautifully animated, masterpiece that simultaneously maintained a refreshingly simple storyline. The characters are believable, the setting is appropriate, and the ending left me content. To be honest, I had to stifle my tears near the climax.
In this age of films with confusing narratives that need three or four sequels to make even a lick of sense, I was astounded by how well "The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes" captured the long lost art of telling a satisfying story in 90 minutes. There is joy, there is grief, and there is riveting conflict that makes you cheer on the protagonist.
Best of all, the movie ties its loose ends. I wouldn't ask for more, and I couldn't ask for less.
Overall, I can only look back on "The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes" with a warmth in my heart. I'm told a lovely story that doesn't leave me yearning for more, but instead leaves me content. I would highly recommend you watch this with a friend or loved one, and share the happiness of indulging in a fulfilling movie.