Reviews

2 Reviews
Sort by:
Filter by Rating:
Banner of the Stars II (2000–2005)
A profoundly moving experience on many different levels
11 April 2006
In my opinion, this is one of those truly special anime that only come along every so often. I had the pleasure of first being exposed to it during a late night movie room screening at Animazement 2003, in Durham, North Carolina. This series is almost sort of comparable Star Trek, but the Abh are far more visually appealing than the Klingons. OK, all joking aside, it's honestly much more than a relatively simplistic Star Trek could ever hope to be, IMHO. The meticulous creator Hiroyuki Morioka even went as far as to create an entire Abh language complete with its own esoteric set of characters(As a linguist I can tell you that the study of this language is far more rewarding than Klingon; joking again =).

As for my serious take on the actual series itself, it's definitely sci-fi inspired, but has much more depth than the typically nerdy, emotionless, and one dimensional movies or series of similar genre. You'll enjoy the action as the battles and various intricate strategies that are mapped out before your eyes are tactically interesting and visually entertaining as well, however, you'll most likely find yourself entirely enraptured by the softer down time moments of heart-tugging interaction between the protagonist Jinto and his ship captain and heiress to the Abh throne, Lafiel. The music is absolutely superb and flows with the various emotional directions the series takes quite well. I especially loved the hauntingly longing and beautiful ending theme song PINK by Yuamu. In fact, the series could really be summed up very well by that heartfelt score itself. If you are more so interested in finding something a bit more action-laden, then you should probably look elsewhere as this series has plenty of slower more philosophically and emotionally charged moments. Seikai no Senki is indeed an epic journey, not merely in terms of intergalactic conquest but more poignantly in terms of displaying the various threads that constitute the elaborate human tapestry and the complex difficulties in understanding it. I personally related very well to the meek, kindhearted Jinto and his earnest internal struggle in regards to finding a place in which to belong and people he truly belongs with. This series really does a splendid job at portraying all the fears, hopes, joys and despair that comprise the uniquely human experience on this earth, or in the case of Seikai no Senki...the romantically vast and seemingly endless cosmos.
10 out of 11 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
Bloodsport (1988)
10/10
Totally awesome!!! Purchase this DVD immediately!!!
28 March 2005
Warning: Spoilers
I love this movie so much more than mere words can possibly hope to express. In fact, this is in my humble opinion THE GREATEST FILM OF ALL TIME. If you disagree, I'd probably hate you anyway so I'll trifle with you not. This movie masterfully conveys the entire spectrum of human emotion in an enjoyable, riveting, and truly inspirational, energy-replete package. You'll be laughing one moment as Frank Dux pulls a fast one on Johnny MP, escaping from the shower stalls in astonishing JCVD fashion, to being somber and concerned the next as Frank gallantly endures the incredibly rigorous training methods of his Shidoshi Tanaka. You will find yourself unsettled on viewing the imposing atmosphere that is the Hong Kong underworld and then suddenly become psyched by the Kumite itself with its age-old, awe inspiring traditions and highly skilled combatants. Another wonderful of the myriad wonderful aspects, are the characters that one can so easily be enamored by. The indomitable Ray Jackson will win you over with his brash, often obtrusive, but usually well-intentioned actions and the loyal bond he and Frank share. Mr. Street Savvy himself, Victor Lin exudes pure confidence and he'll make you feel as though you are part of the Jackson/Dux/Lin team; the good guys! Lastly, the formidable defending Kumite champ Chong Li is an excellent, quintessential antagonist. This man is a blood thirsty, barrel-chested warrior with a black heart and steel will whose cruel actions will elicit your rage. You'll be filled with child-like glee as Frank escapes from the military officials Helmer and Rollins in an all out 80's extravaganza of a chase that ensues throughout the quaint markets and lovely piers of beautiful Hong Kong, set to the ineffably fantastic tune, Steal the Night by Michael Bishop! Exuberance! Nostalgia! A real tear jerker of an anthem! It's just that damn awesome. After viewing this movie you'll go to sleep feeling as though you were meant to wake up and live forever!!! Jean-Claude Van Damme is a real cardiac kid delivering a performance for the ages! This Film truly runs the gamut of excellence! When you watch it, you'll be where you belong, you'll see that golden dawn...and you'll steal the night...
2 out of 2 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink

Recently Viewed