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chibimyumi · 3 years

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INSPIRE Onmyouji

Dear Everyone,

Suddenly there’s been an announcement that INSPIRE Onmyouji shall release a DVD and that the slightly cheaper option will only be available until the end of this this month. But understandably a lot of people would hesitate to buy it with so little information about the show.

There seemed to be some need for a bit more information, so I shall give you my personal review (^▽^)/ based on the live stream of 03/01/21 (unfortunately it was only available if you have access to a Japanese phone number and credit card... that’s why I didn’t announce it... sorry.)

Click here for the post containing the DVD purchase link and related goods, and please use #proxy to find proxy options. Please note that I shall not answer proxy related questions anymore that I have already answered.

This post shall be divided into a total of five parts with a spoiler free, and spoiler section.

1. Spoiler Free Rating

Story: ⭐⭐⭐★★: It’s really simple, nothing that blows your mind. It’s only a 90 minute show (half of the usual) so there’s not a lot of building here. But it’s a visual spectacle show, so the emphasis is not on the story, which is fine.

Characters: ⭐⭐⭐★★: The three protagonists are all really enjoyable, but the villain is sadly a bit weak in my opinion. The side characters are simple, but mostly enjoyable.

Acting: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ★ : Save for one or two people who are a bit hard to watch, the acting is excellent!

Visuals: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: It’s a visual spectacle show, and it does what it promises. It is goosebump-promising.

Music: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: There’s only one sung song, the rest are just good music. It’s not a musical.

Choreography: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: The choreography is part of the visual spectacle this show promises, and it is stunning!

2. The Premise

The premise of this show is in this post, please click here if you really don’t want ANY spoilers at all.

3. Main Plot

The story begins in mid Heian Era (1020 AD) where the BFFs Onmyouji Abe no Seimei (Oosawa Takao) and politician Fujiwara no Kaneie (Furukawa Yuta) drink together. Kaneie is very bothered because a continuous solar eclipse has persisted. He says that as the days grow more sombre so have people’s hearts.

Seimei states that there is no need to worry because he shall performer a ceremony to appease angered spirits, and that his BFF should therefor cheer up, especially because the following day shall be Kaneie’s wedding day with the lady Tsukihime famed for her graciousness. Kaneie does not seem very delighted because he’s never met the woman before. All he knows is that it’s just a politically arranged marriage, and that it’ll do nothing to better the world in this state. More than worrying about marriage, Kaneie is more concerned that the Emperor does not seem too involved with doing something about the status quo, and therefore people like him need to take initiative.

Just when Kaneie insisted on joining hands with Abe no Seimei to save the world, dark spirits attack. Together they seem to be quite capable, but the dark spirits are simply with too many, and Seimei’s powers have already started to decline...

Seimei and Kaneie do ultimately manage to temporarily drive off the evil spirits, but the price they pay is enormous... The onmyouji has predicted that the evil spirits and the abnormal solar eclipse shall return in 1000 years, and in order to prepare for that day, he seals off his own soul for one millennium to preserve his powers.

1000 years have passed, it is now Reiwa 2 (2020 AD), and the world is, as predicted, sunken into darkness once again, known as the 'Black Days'. Seimei has reincarnated as the astronomer Abe Haruaki, but has no memories of his previous life. Haruaki has studied the stars and the powers of Yin, Yang, and the Five Elements: wood, fire, earth, metal and water. Based on his studies, Haruaki predicts that the darkness shall persist forever, unless it is overcome using the ‘Theory of Yinyang and the Five Phases’. Haruaki’s theories are not received very well at all and is called a pseudo-scientist left and right.

Haruaki leaves the venture with a heavy heart, but the 27th generation buddhist monk, poet and rock star has identified him to be the reincarnation of Seimei. Semimaru approaches Haruaki, telling him that while few people believe his Theory of Yinyang and the Five Phases, he does and knows it can save the world. Haruaki thnks the man is but a prankster so ignores him, but then Semimaru challenges the former to break the seal of Abe no Seimei’s soul. If he can, then that proves he is the Onmyouji. If he cannot; well, then nothing’s lost.

Though sceptical, Haruaki does reach for the seal, and indeed, Seimei’s spirit with all his memories and powers reawaken in Haruaki’s body.

Meanwhile we also get to meet the reincarnation of Kaneie, now Todo Kaneki, has also attended Haruaki’s lecture. Todo Kaneki is a psychosomatic therapist who is very concerned that depression rates have risen since the Black Days. He is highly sceptical about the astronomer’s theories as well, and considers them no more than fear mongering for the sake of publicity.

His assistant Kawase Keiko shares Kaneki’s opinion, so she invites him to see a spiritualist she’s been especially enthusiastic about and thinks might be able to help: Ashino Michitaka. Kaneki and Ashino meet. Ashino explains that the world has grown darker, but that the darkness in the hearts of people is because of their own mindset. He is of the opinion that due to the persistent darkness, people have been spending more time with their loved ones and family, and that due to technology, people do not need to live in actual darkness; that happiness is in the hands of humans! In Ashino’s mind, darkness is subjective, and therefore the same as light.

Kaneki seems very impressed by this view of ‘subjectivity’ and entranced by Ashino’s worldview. Bit by bit Kaneki gets sucked into Ashino’s “online therapy sessions”, and more positive about the perpetual darkness. Before long he has also adopted Ashino’s teachings into his own psychosomatic therapies... until he realises belatedly what ill effects it actually has on his patients.

Then at this moment, the reawakened Abe no Seimei reappears before Kaneki, inviting him - the reincarnation of his best friend - to join hands with him once again to fight darkness.

4. Spoilers and conclusion (it’s relatively short, don’t worry)

【Click ‘keep reading’ for the spoiler section, and 5. rating.】

Kaneki is initially still hesitant because he has already labelled the supposed pseudoscientist Abe Haruaki a quack, and now this man has the audacity to proclaim himself THE onmyouji Abe no Seimei.

But Seimei’s presence calls upon Kaneie’s soul inside Kaneki, and a silent, weak voice of Kaneie in his head responds to his past friend. Kaneie has not fully reawakened in him yet, but Kaneki feels part of him screaming at him to join hands with Abe no Seimei... Seimei leaves Kaneki for he would not force him, but he did trust his friend to reawaken and answer his part of the promise to save the world together.

Later, Abe no Seimei and Semimaru prepare for the new, grand ceremony to appease the evil spirits and to restore balance to the world. However, then the evil spirits show up again... under the leadership of Ashino.

Not only does Ashino command the evil spirits, he also commands the personification of darkness which can swallow light. As Seimei fights with his divine agents (Shikigami) his agents get corrupted by darkness one by one!

Then finally Todo Kaneki shows up at the ceremony, and Ashino tries to overtake him too. But at this point Kaneki who now bears parts of Kaneie’s reawakened soul sees how Ashino will only destroy the world, rejects and fights him. Finally Kaneie fully awakens and fights along side his millennium long old friend.

Ashino turns more and more of Seimei’s divine agents into dark beings, and even turns humans present against the duo.

After a battle of magic, swords, spirituality and light, Seimei and his allies manage to beat the villain, and they finally restore light and darkness into their former balance, therewith saving the world.

The end.

5. Review

1. Story

The story, as I said above, really simple, but the story itself also does not attempt to be more than a ‘hook’ on which the visual spectacle hangs. As you can see, the story is very much about “oh, there’s no light, now restore the light”, “oh, the villain wants darkness, expel darkness!” and “friendship is magic 🌈”. There’s just no complications there, but it works. As the emphasis is not on a deep story will duality and other mind breaking concepts, this ‘story’ fulfills its own purpose plenty well!

2. Characters

Abe no Seimei/Abe Haruaki: Seimei is a really fun character and I honestly did not expect that from such a ‘deified’ ancient character. He speaks in semi-classic Japanese, and yet he manages to crack some really good jokes for modern audiences. When he performs Onmyou magic it really makes one go: “YESSSS this is what I came for!!!” He is also a genuinely good character with his own feelings; he is more than just his reputation.

As Haruaki you see how he’s always been burdened by the ‘weight of knowledge’ which he never understood why he had, and yet he felt compelled to share the knowledge in a vain hope to save the world. And yet you can also see how he’s lived a life wherein nobody has ever taken him seriously. This actor really managed to portray a very ‘solitude-plagued’ side of this man, until he reawakens as Seimei and knows his sworn friend would never break his promise, and therefore is waiting for him somewhere in 2020.

Once reawakened Seimei reverts to his semi-Japanese speech again, and it is amazing to see this actor perfectly balancing AND intentionally dropping balls when it comes to modern vs classic. 10/10!

Fujiwara no Kaneie/ Todo Kaneki: Fujiwara Kaneie is a very serious and highly intelligent man, who despite speaking in headache-inducing semi-classic Japanese, also shows a really modern, sassy attitude. It is great to watch. He is unappreciative of the darkness that has plagued the country, and even less so towards the passiveness of the people. He even passive-aggressively snuck in some criticism against the DIVINE EMPEROR for his lack of action. If the Emperor would not act, then he and his friend better do the job. He is skilled at the sword, and it is great to see Furukawa swinging the sword!

After he is reborn as Todo Kaneki he is equally sceptical and therefore also a bit of an arse. Considering how he used to be so sassy he even dared criticise the Emperor, it is no wonder he would be reborn as the good-hearted arse that Kaneki is.

When Kaneki reawakens as Kaneie again, he reverts to semi-classic Japanese again sometimes, and Furukawa does an excellent job showing how Kaneie has not completely ‘overtaken’ Kaneki’s existence. He just co-resides in him. He shows how he is really two people now, a modern man with modern knowledge, as well as an ancient Lord with trust for his friend.

Kaneki is the only non-ensemble character who dances, and it is great to see the show capitalising on Furukawa’s talents.

Semimaru: I honestly did not expect to like Semimaru because I feared he’d be the omniscient narrator or something, or a useless side-kick. But again I was too pessimistic! Semimaru genuinely is not the third wheel of the show, and is good actual support. He knows his own skills, place, and friendship. He functions as a good bridge between the Heian period and our current day, and always comes across as quite natural.

Besides being monk and guardian to await Seimei’s reawakening, he is also a rock star. He is the only character who sings in this play, and his voice is 10/10!

Ashino: This honesty is what I owe you since I do recommend buying the DVD, but he is the one that really made me give the ‘characters rating a 3/5′ because he is just so.........bad. His character is so wacky, somebody who spouts bs like: “light is darkness, darkness is healing” yada yada. His acting is also so cringey.... he’s just so over the top, it’s hard to watch. I cannot bring myself to say anything good about him except: “the story itself doesn’t pretend to be more than a simple “restore the balance and save the world!” so it’s not the WORST setting to put him in.

Ensemble/Divine Agents: Their roles are simple; they’re ensemble members who dance and function as Divine Agents and they are absolutely perfect! They’re everything you’d expect in such a show.

Other characters: They have relatively small roles in a short stage play, and they fulfill their function well. Overall rating: 8/10.

#INSPIRE Onmyouji #Review #Furukawa Yuta #Fujiwara Kaneie #Furuwara

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a34trgv2 · 5 years

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Why It Worked: The Flintstones

Introduction: The Flintstones was an animated sitcom created by animation legends, William Hanna and Joseph Barbera. The show stars Alan Reed, Mel Blanc, Jean Vander Pyl, Bea Benaderet, Don Messick, John Stephenson and Harvey Korman. The show ran on ABC from September 30, 1960 to April 1, 1966 and was the first animated series to hold a prime time slot. Initially receiving mixed reviews, it currently holds an 8.6/10 on TV.com and a 7.5/10 on IMDb, as well as being dubbed one of the greatest cartoons of all time according to TV Guide. It spawned a spin-off starring Pebbles and Bamm-Bamm, 2 live action movies, several animated specials and a couple direct-to-video features. They're also the mascots for Fruity/Coco Pebbles cereal from Post. I remember watching this show on Boomerang growing up and my parents used to watch it all the time when they were kids. As an adult, I've found a great appreciation for this show and just how well constructed it is. So, without further adieu, let's talk about The Flinstones.

Premise and Execution: The show focuses on the daily lives of a husband and wife and their best friends and neighbors. Very basic set up, but what sets this show apart from other sitcoms is that it's in a caveman setting and it's animated. The caveman aspect allows the creators to come up with not just clever puns, but also creative world building. From dinosaurs being used as machines, rocks and bolders for household items, and animal fur for clothes, the world of the Flintstones takes full advantage of it's caveman setting and leaves no stone unturned. While it's easy to pass the animation off as cheap and choppy, it's important to remember when this was made. Back then, high quality animation only existed in feature films; hence why shows like Crusader Rabbit and Paddy the Pelican had very limited use of animation. Believe it or not, the Flintstones had the best use of animation on television at the time. The crew at Hanna-Barbara made the characters very expressive, the backgrounds were well done, and the designs were more detailed and layered. Sure, we've gotten SO much better animating shows for TV, but for what that had to do at the time, I say they did a very good job.

Cast and Characters: The voice talent they got for this show couldn't have been better. Alan Reed is very much Fred Flintstone, a cynical hard working caveman who tries his best to be a good husband and father, even if he's in over his head sometimes. Alan gives Fred a very grounded and relatable voice, making him sound like the average American man living in the suburbs who lives a hard life, but never gives up thanks to the love he has for his family. His wife, Wilma, and daughter, Pebbles, are his pride and joy and without them, well, then this show wouldn't be called The Flintstones. Wilma is a sassy, optimistic, loving and caring wife who's not afraid to give Fred a piece of her mind when ever he does something stupid. Pebbles (born towards the end of Season 3) was an adorable baby girl who gives Fred a very valid reason to try and do better. Jean Vander Pyl really sells it as Wilma and Pebbles. Not only does she make a convincing sassy housewife, but she makes the cutest baby noises. Then there's Barney Rubble, played by the Man of 1000 Voices himself, Mel Blanc. Barney is somewhat slow, but he's Fred's best friend and it shows throught the series that he does care for him. It also helps that he's quite funny and knows just how to tickle Fred's buttons without going too far. Blanc of course did a stupendous job voicing the character, not only making him funny, but also providing his iconic laugh. Also, while Blanc was recovering from a car accident he had, Daws Butler filled in for him and you almost couldn't tell the difference. Bea Benaderet was just perfect as Betty, a very cheerful and bubbly housewife who makes for a perfect friend for Wilma. I imagine Benaderet was smiling when recording her lines for Betty, because there's hardly anytime when Betty isn't cheerful. Gerry Johnston took over the role in Season 5 and 6 and just as good a job as Benederet. Bamm-Bamm is very much the opposite of Pebbles in terms of personality. He's still cute, but is super strong and because he's so young, he doesn't know how to control his own strength, unless he's with Pebbles. Don Messick (who would later become the voice of Scooby Doo until his passing in 1997) did an excellent job voicing this little tyke, and his signature catchphrase "Bamm-Bamm!" never gets old.

Where it Falters: While Harvey Korman did a nice job voicing the Great Gazoo, I have to agree with the popular consensus that his very much out of place in the world of the Flintstones. The character himself isn't annoying or insufferable, but his presence in the show is like putting the Empire State Building in the Shire from Middle Earth. It makes absolutely no sense. Also, the show inadvertently had a negative influence on animated sitcoms going forward. Almost every animated sitcom has an idiotic father, a useless wife, an over reliance on gags, and is so immature it's just sad. Sure, they're popular and have their fans, but the formula that The Flintstones is known for doesn't work for every animated sitcom. Finally, there's that notorious episode where they introduce a Chinese stereotype. I'll go into more detail in a later post, but the character would've worked so much better if he wasn't given an overbite and a thick Chinese accent. As it stands, it's just not funny.

Conclusion: The Flintstones still holds up as one of the best cartoons of all time. It's got memorable characters, a great voice cast, some clever writing and well made animation (at leadt for the time it was made). At one point, Seth MacFarlane was supposed to reboot the series, but that ultimately fell by the wayside. While it would be cool if we did have a modern Flintstones (in the same vain of What's New Scooby Doo), I'm still happy with the show we got. Thanks so much for reading, and I'll see you next time ;)

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