My outlook on Gasaraki

[Nialin]

After reading some of these posts, it's easy to see that people are either confused, bored, or upset at the Gasaraki series. Well I'll try to shed some light on a dark topic.

So for, all I've seen is the first 2 VHS tapes. The first 3 episodes are somewhat dull but they do explain necessary information needed later. The 4th episode is what got my attention, mainly at the very end. However, after seeing the first tape 4 times now (friend after friend also needed to see and I was in the room each time) it does get a bit dull. But that didn't keep me from seeing the second tape.

The second tape got me more interested because Yushiro and Miharu meet up. That kind of conflict within any movie/series has always peaked my interest further. You also get to know a little more info on what Yushiro was doing during his dance, but that conversation gets sut short and they have to flee.

Overall, I like Gasaraki and I will continue to watch it. If you are one who loves kickass action with out of this world technology, but can't stand the slower version, then this isn't for you. I seem to be one who likes just about anything I see, and if I don't, I'll let someone know:) .

[KaOTiK]

Not sure if the tapes are followin the same number of eps as the DVD is (per volume that is). But if it is, the 3rd disc picks up quite nicely and the 4 really gets going, same with 5. Just got 6th disc tonight and havent had time to watch it yet but cant wait to pop it in as its gettin really cool now.

Kao

[Nialin]

Hmm... you have DVDs... well, I'll give you what goes on with the tapes when it comes to number of episodes.

1st Tape = 4 eps.
2nd, 3rd, 4th Tapes = 3 eps.

If they made 26 episodes like normal, and ADV does the normal thing with the tapes...

4, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 4 ...that would make it 8 total tapes which would be great.

[KaOTiK]

DVD is the same format as those VHS for eps per disc.
Looks like alot more will be pickin up for you then since you watched the first 2 vhs

Kao

[20042012]

no dought about it, its already surpassed Darkside Blues and BGC, it has still yet to (for me) rank with Kite

[Kizzim]

What I like about this movie is the plot. Some people think its dull, I dont, they slip you suddle hints and dont give you the entire plot until near the end. This movie is definatly a mind stimulator but not because you gotta follow the mecha flying at lightspeeds, but rather you gotta find out whats going on and sort everything out for yourself. I mean hell, when your watching akira you dont even know what the hell akira is until close to the end or the end.

[Nialin]

I'll definitely be watching the series over again from the beginning for one major reason. I'm unfortunate that I do not own the series and my friend does. The series is slowly making progress and all but 1 VHS is out in the US. I've been watching it on and off for the past 5 months now, and I really wanna watch it thoroughly once I'm done. It really starts picking up on the 3rd tape, and once you get that far you don't want it to stop. Give this series a try, you won't regret it.

[Kizzim]

yall are still missing #8 on vhs? i thought only DVD was.. ohh well :)

[Stalinist]

I rather liked it even though I really had absolutely no clue what was going on. It was a nice change from the average mecha where a joystick controlled precise shoulder, elbow, wrist, and finger movements.

[heart havok]

i find it very easy to follow. i don't see why anybody could be confused with this series {so far, that is... as i've seen only the first 10 episodes}

one thing i've noticed is that it appears very choppy. the plot is good, but i find many things unbelievable on the side of what's going on and when.

for an example....


[SPOILERS BELOW.]
































when Yushiro is told by Miharo that he is dead, he doesn't question it for one second. he automatically presumes she is telling him something utterly and 100% factual. and i find it difficult to believe that one would accept it such. i imagine that most others would deny it by saying things like "what the ----, you're lying. how could i be dead if i'm right here!" and not believe the person... this being rather than Yushiro's simple "if Gawa Yushiro is dead, then who am i really?" it's not a realistic decision made by the character on how to move the story along, but still put in there by the writers because they don't take the time to think of another way to bring it to that direction - or perhaps because they are just lazy about it. it doesn't matter, 'cause i'm still enjoying it. there's just small things like that which are bothering me.






































[SPOILERS ABOVE.]

i don't know.. so far, not one of the best series, but it does have great potential to get up there into my top 10 favourite series.

[blindside]

I have watched the first dvd and i just dont understand why everyone says they are dull!!!

they explain necessary info and if they didnt then the story would suck

[Serekith]

I really don't think it's dull and all. Ok, I understand that compared to something perhaps like Gundam Wing or soemthing along those lines, the action isn't as "big" or "fast-paced", but I really think that the realistic tone that the series takes is well suited and in fact betters the series as a whole.

Seriously, I have only the last two episodes left to go, and I have already decided that this is my favourite anime series. It beats Evangelion even for me. Everything about it appeals to me, from the action to the drama to the mecha to the politics to the incredible story (the story is fantastic!) to the mythological aspect, well, like I said, everything! It is very realistic as well, more than I expected it to be, but it doesn't put realism over entertainment, which is another good thing.

Oh, and for those that are still early in the series and already think the story is good, well let me tell you this. It just gets better and better. My cousin (who is also now crazy about Gasaraki) are absolutely enthralled.

And to reply to heart havok's spoiler statement:

SPOILERS



















I believe taht Yushiro's acceptance of this information so quickly is because I feel he was always uncertain about his past and his origins, or perhaps not even that specific. I felt that for Yushiro, there was always somethign at the back of his mind that just didn't fit with everything, he knew there was something about himself that wasn't right, but he didn't know what it was. When he was presented with the information, the realisation of what that subconscious problem was instantly fits with the new facts, and he figures out what he may have suspected for a while, whether he knew the details or not I don't know. What makes me feel that this is the reason for his reaction is yushiro's character. From the very first episode, you get the impression from him that he's very distant, that he feels somehow not really a proper part of Gowa. There is other evidence for this, but I do not wish to spoil it for you.

[Spike 558]

....weird.
I wonder, like eva, if the makers had any idea what was going on when they were going through the creative process?

[heart havok]

thanks Serekith for the reply. it's been so long since i posted here.. mostly because i haven't carried on with the series yet. i'm half torn between it, as from the first four discs, Gasaraki definitely has potential to be either a definitely AMAZING series, or a large waste of my money. it's taken me seven months to realise, but i'm starting to think i should definitely finish this series and stop putting it to the side, as with all the talk of it's depth and "confusing" qualities and surprises, i don't want to be disappointed by it. then by the time i was considering to buy the rest of it, i found there's a box set coming out within the nExt month. and that's certainly always discouraging -_- hopefully they'll have the standalone box for sale somewhere. all the while, i came back just to check up on it, since i've been considering finally completing the series after some time of thought, and i was greatly surprised to see someone replied to my post! ..finally! lol i definitely can see the point of possibility you suggested though... it makes alot of sense. especially after reading it after some time off of the series. i'd watch the first four discs again right now, but i lent them to a friend some time ago, who still has yet to give them back. actually, two days ago, he and i got in contact, and he plans on giving them back this week. {he's a very trustworthy life long friend, so don't worry for me hah} all the while, i'm starting to look forward to completing the series again. maybe i'll do that with my nExt "anime money" buy.

[Serekith]

Yeah, it's definitely worth getting. And I'm glad you're friend is trustworthy also, there have been certain instances when I've lended things to some not so trustworthy friends, and they end up coming back in a few pieces, or not at all. However, I'm much more careful about who I lend my DVDs to, so that works out fine. :p

I probably won't get the box, even if you can buy it seperately. My Gasaraki DVDs already fit perfectly in my DVD shelf, nestled perfectly between Bubblegum Crisis Tokyo 2040 and Love Hina. :)

Oh, and though I know you've told me that you haven't really gone back to watching the series for a while, I reccomend you take your time with it, you know, one episode at a time, because with this series, it pays to savour it. Particularly later on. ;)

But, if you are so caught up in it that you can't stop yourself from playing the next episode, then go ahead. It happened a few times with me. ;)

[heart havok]

i'll definitely get the box if they sell it seperately... i love collecting limited edition things, and boxes even if they aren't limited, i don't know why. and i just make room on the shelve if i have to for them. hah.

as for completing the set, i've desided i won't buy any more anime until doing so... you have my word =) so i'd better not be disappointed ^_~

as for watching it though.. i'm the kind of person who likes to sit down and take everything all in one sitting. so i'll start from the beginning and definitely do it. i enjoy my anime much more that way for some reason. it's like i get more out of the personal experience... with nothing interrupting my focus and escape.. no breaks to destract from my connection with the characters and what's going on in their world. ::shrug::

okay.. post back, 'cause i want to KEEP conversation going in here =) hah

[Serekith]

Yeah, I know what you mean about watching the whole thing straight without interruptions too. With some other programs I'm like that, just fully immerse myself in it for a nice chunk of time, not worrying about anything else.

Well, I certainly hope you aren't disappointed. ;) It isn't exactly your typical program, so an unconventional ending is to be expected, kind of. Well, I think it's great. I'll wait for you to see it and then I'll share why I think it fits the program, because to some it may appear almost rushed, when really it is exactly as it should be.

I'm starting to draw some Gasaraki stuff now, which is quite good with my sudden re-interest with drawing all of a sudden. There is an absolutely brilliant picture on the inside of the cover of the eighth DVD, which can also be seen on the background of the front of it as well, but it can be seen better on the inside, you know, where the actual DVD is. Anyway, when I saw taht picture (I was just taking out the DVD to start watching it) and then I saw it, and I was like OMG!!!!!! Must watch Gasaraki!!! And I did. :D

[heart havok]

lol i love that, when something inspires you to start drawing again.

as for the ending... who knows what i'll think of it. what matters to me isn't whether it's rushed or explains everything, but rather if it's what i feel the Anime built up for itself and that it fits the world and the story being told appropriately. i look forward to finding out. i will buy the nExt four DVDs sometime within the nExt month. just waiting on a check. =)

speaking of drawing, i wish i could design mechs like that. certainly, not my favourite designs, but i love the detail put into them. i must say though, that's one thing i need to work on: designing mechanics.

[Serekith]

Yeah, drawing and designing mechs is pretty cool. So far though I've just been drawing characters from things, although I have started drawing Kugai, which are so absolutely cool.