Gintama 2: Rules are Made to be Broken Live-Action Movie Review

w/n: It's been a while. It's been two months since I last wrote a review here. I was really busy doing school stuff and reading BL Mangas for my recommendation list. Plus, I added some animes to watch and my Johnny's WEST fandom made me busy as well. That is why I really got no time to open my blog to update (ugh it sucks to have a loooot of fandom to flail of). Since summer has begun, I will be here most of the time giving comments on the anime I've watched and mangas I've read during my hiatus. 

Right now, I am re-watching Proposal Daisakusen in which it was aired in 2007 leading by Yamashita Tomohisa as the protagonist. I am playing a mobile games as well, Attack on Titan:Assault and Pokemon Go. I've read a loooot of BL Mangas and recently I finished "Killing Stalking" by Koogi in two nights only <3. Recently, I finished Mob Psycho 100 and watching Gyakuten Saiban. Sooooo expect a lot for the coming days!

I've been waiting for Gintama 2 movie to be released so this will be the first thing to review!

Title: Gintama 2: Rules are Made to be Broken

Genre: Chanbara, Comedy, Science Fiction

Based on/Written By: Hideaki Sorachi

Synopsis: Twenty years ago, Edo-period Japan suffered a great cultural shock—the aliens called Amanto invaded the Earth, overpowered the nation's government, and outlawed the carrying of swords by the once proud samurai. Moreover, the aliens took the people's jobs and are currently running Japan as a sweatshop using the natives as laborers. In this strange new era are Gintoki Sakata, an eccentric samurai whose personal trademarks are his naturally permed silver hair, his love of anything sweet, and his addiction to Shonen Jump; Shinpachi Shimura, the teenaged heir of the Kakido-Ryu style; and Kagura, an incredibly strong alien girl from the powerful Yato clan. The trio are self-employed in an odd jobs shop called Yoruzuya Gin-chan, which offers to do almost anything for a price, from finding lost kittens to saving the world. Unfortunately, the jobs rarely go as planned, or pay enough to cover the pain and suffering the employees encounter—never mind their rent.

(source: MyAnimeList)


Thoughts: 

PERFECT.

If I am going to explain the live-action movie of Gintama. I would tell you it's perfect. In my previous review about Gintama's first live-action movie, I said that the movie won't be recommended to those who haven't watched the anime or read the manga but with the second movie, it will be okay! Though it is really better to read the manga or watch the anime. The only thing that you will miss if you are not an anime watcher, is how deep the relationship of the characters with Gintoki. You won't be able to understand the scenes thoroughly. You will be able to understand the flow of the story but the emotions that was felt in every scene will be different if you compare it with the manga readers and anime watchers. 

(Pachi and Ginko working in a cabaret)

Honestly, I finally tag this movie as my best live-action movie I ever watched. Before this, it was Fullmetal Alchemist. This live-action is literally what the viewers are looking for. From the actors that delivered the characters' personality up until the BGM, comedy, parodies and setting. Everything was from the anime (still can't compare it with the manga cause I haven't read it. It's too looooong~) I even re-watched the arcs to prove it to myself, though some scenes from the anime was not shown in the movie cause it's 100% dirty jokes. Maybe the producers wanted it to be a family-friendly movie. Other than that, I have nothing to judge. This movie is so perfect! 

(comparison of a scene from Shisengumi Crisis arc)

Cinematography: 10/10
The movie is really well-made! Expect the best sword fight scenes (oh it came out so wrong. I feel so bad. This is because I read a lot of BL Mangas ;-;) and the sadistic fight of Okita Sougo will be seen! OkiKagu will be present as well! (hurray to us shippers!) Yay! The CG scenes are perfect as well, honestly, it is better than the first movie. 

(Okita and Kagura vs. Shisengumi)

I didn't show a lot of fight scenes cause it'll spoil the hype.

Soundtrack: 10/10
This movie actually used the OSTs of the Gintama anime! I can't say anything more! They did what is right. 

Overall: 11/10

PERFECTLY PERFECT <3 

Gintama Live-Action Movie Review

Title: Gintama

Genre: Chanbara, Comedy, Science Fiction

Based on/Written By: Hideaki Sorachi

Synopsis: Twenty years ago, Edo-period Japan suffered a great cultural shock—the aliens called Amanto invaded the Earth, overpowered the nation's government, and outlawed the carrying of swords by the once proud samurai. Moreover, the aliens took the people's jobs and are currently running Japan as a sweatshop using the natives as laborers. In this strange new era are Gintoki Sakata, an eccentric samurai whose personal trademarks are his naturally permed silver hair, his love of anything sweet, and his addiction to Shonen Jump; Shinpachi Shimura, the teenaged heir of the Kakido-Ryu style; and Kagura, an incredibly strong alien girl from the powerful Yato clan. The trio are self-employed in an odd jobs shop called Yoruzuya Gin-chan, which offers to do almost anything for a price, from finding lost kittens to saving the world. Unfortunately, the jobs rarely go as planned, or pay enough to cover the pain and suffering the employees encounter—never mind their rent.

(source: MyAnimeList)

(Elizabeth, an alien went to the Odd Jobs to seek help to find Katsura)

Thoughts:
The movie was the Benizakura Arc which was aired in Episodes 58-61. It is technically the story that made Kiheitai (Takasugi's group) to be introduced in the story. In my point of view, it was really good that the staff or the producer of this movie made a great job. I think it is really hard to create a movie like Gintama in which they were able to include the scenes on how this anime started (the scene when Shinpachi met Gintoki), introduced Shisengumi (Samurai police in the anime which was named from the samurai group from Japan's ancient time) and their individualities (except for Yamazaki being absent in the film ;-; ), their common jokes about plagiarizing other famous animes and of course the characters and the atmosphere of the movie are the same from the anime. I want to commend those in the live action film. The jokes that you all saw in the anime were seen in his film as well. 


                      

(A little comparison of the scenes from anime to the love-action film)

So if you haven't watched the anime, it is okay to watch the live action movie but you might be weirded out because the setting is really weird. They did their best for the best CG in the film especially for Sadaharu and the Benizakura sword. I would like to commend the sword choreography of the film. The fight scenes were so badass especially in Nizou vs. Gintoki at the last part of the film wherein everything was the same with the one in anime. I can't compare it though in the manga since I haven't read the whole manga.  

(Gintama is famous of plagiarizing some famous animes like One Piece)

Cinematography: 9/10
Hands down to this cause it made the film feels like Gintama atmosphere. 

(A scene where-in Katsura and Gintoki used Elizabeth's "body" to form a parachute)

Soundtrack: 10/10

Overall: 9/10
Some Gintama fans might not like this film but in story-based the film met everything aired from the anime. It is recommended to both non anime and anime viewers.
Gintama 2 will be showing in Cinemas on August 17, 2018 and it will possibly cover the Shisengumi Crisis Arc (episodes 101-105). Uwaaaah! can't wait to see Okita again!

(Gintama 2 poster, too excited for this!)

BY THE WAY KONDO ISAO, WHAT THE HECK IS THIS?!!!

Full Metal Alchemist Live-Action Review

Heya! Elle here ~ It's been a while now! 

Actually I have been in semi-hiatus mode in these 3 months due to incoming school requirements that I need to work on. However after my last post, May 30, 2018, I got really busy to the point I can't open my PC to update my files and my blog. I was on hiatus in my Johnny's WEST fandom as well (OMFG I am missing my Kotaki). Anyway, I AM FINALLY A JOURNALIST STUDENT!! And since I already finished everything, finally I got time to go back and flail again. To be honest, my list for all of my to-do reviews became long since I am watching anime during breaks. But it's good to be back on track. Now I need to lessen my queue. Here it is, Full Metal Alchemist Live-Action Review from Netflix! 

ADDED ON NOVEMBER 12, 2018

I will be editing this blog since I finished the whole FMA anime series and re-watched this movie. There will be changes in my comments about this live action film. This blog was originally posted on July 8, 2018.

Title: Full Metal Alchemist 

Genre: Adventure, Dark Fantasy, Science Fiction

Written By: Hiromu Arakawa

Synopsis: The Elric brothers, Edward and Alphonse were living perfectly with their mother in a peaceful town of Resembool. They are both smart children and they excel in alchemy like their father. However, their mother died due to an illness outbreak and they were left alone. They know an alchemy in which they can resurrect a dead called "Human Transmutation" which is a taboo. Alchemy requires an equal value of exchange or called "The Law of Equivalent Exchange" to perform the transformation. In Human Transmutation, they need to give the most equal amount to resurrect a dead. They took the risk to perform this dangerous alchemy. As a result, Alphonse's body and Edward's limb were taken as an exchange and unfortunately the Human Transmutation is a big failure. Luckily, Edward was able to take Alphonse's soul back and placed it in an empty armor. In exchange of that, Edward's arm was taken. In order to take back Alphonse' body, they are searching for the Philosopher's Stone.

 

(The Elric Brothers are having a fight)

Thoughts: 

I am such a failure watching and making a review for this while I haven't finished the whole anime series. I am talking about the "Fullmetal Alchemist (FMA)" in 2003 and the FMA: Brotherhood in 2006 (I guess?) With this I rewrite this whole blog to straighten my comments about this film. 

When this live action movie was announced, seriously a lot gave a negative comments about giving this anime a live action. Up until now, FMA is one of the most popular anime due to it's story. It lifted my feelings about this when it was announced that Yamada Ryosuke is the one who will be having the role of Edward Elric. Being bias aside (since Yamada is from Johnnys), Yamada is one of the best actors in Japan not to mention he is a popular idol/singer/model from a well-known talent agency named "Johnny's Entertainment". From that moment I knew that this live action will be safe. The movie was produced by Warner Bros. which is also a good thing. 

From my original review of this film, I mentioned that this movie didn't follow the real story of the anime but then I realized that I was wrong. |It was actually following the plot of FMAB. That time when I published the original version of this blog, I only finished FMA but now I am almost finished with FMAB.

This is really a good movie, aside from the movie was based on the anime (since I haven't read the manga, I am just comparing this movie from the anime adaptation). Maybe there are some changes but those are just minor changes. As expected, Yamada greatly portrayed Edward. I really commend him for being the best guy suited for our protagonist. Not only Yamada, the whole cast portrayed their roles perfectly. LOL I am not being bias, I am really telling the truth. Well, just one thing about Winry. Winry is not that soft-hearted. She is kind but not that kind. I am sure that you will understand me until you watch this movie.

 

(Edward facing the "Gate of Truth")

Cinematography: 10/10

Yes. They had good CG in the first fight scenes of the film however I am noticing the changes of the quality of the CG as the movie continues. Well it was a great one however if the staff will do a great CG in the first part of the movie, I hope that they putted that same effort up until the last scene. But it is still a good one. I liked how Alphonse's armor was made and also the chimeras in the film. (Oops I don't want to post the photo of Nina's chimera cause it is really a MAJOR SPOILER)

I am also thinking if the "Gate of Truth" was also a CG. Personally I believe that it was a real thing made for this movie. I want to commend that for making a big detailed Gate of Truth for this. It makes me wanna buy it and place it in my room (though my room is small ;-;)

Soundtrack: 10/10

Overall: 10/10

Last time I told that I can't recommend this movie but this time I RECOMMEND THIS EVEN IF YOU HAVEN'T WATCHED THE ANIME ADAPTATION. You will like it. 

Blazing Transfer Students Review

Title: Honnou no Tenkousei REBORN/ Blazing Transfer Students

Release date: November 10, 2017 

Synopsis: The original “Blazing Transfer Student” manga centered around Noboru Takizawa who transfers to a new high school where all dispute are settled through fights. Right out of the gate he ends up picking a fight with Ibuki Saburo, the school's bully in an attempt to win the right to date school idol Yukari Takamura. The original manga ran in Shogakukan's Weekly Shonen Sunday magazine from 1983 to 1985.

The live-action series is a sequel set years later with Noboru now the principal at his own high school where seven students all named Kakeru transfer in. The seven Kakeru attempt to infiltrate and improve the school in order to solve a problem with national implication.

Here it is. We Jasmines were waiting for this to be released in Netflix for almost a year now. For those who doesn't know I am a big fan of Johnny's WEST who will lead this series and our fandom was called "Jasmines". Anyway! As I said, the Johnny's group Johnny's WEST will lead this series which is veryyyyy VERY rare for Johnny's Entertainment. 

                           

                              

                          

(The members of Johnny's WEST who are the seven Kakerus in the series)

Thoughts: I am not really sure about this old manga "Honnou no Tenkousei". I only read some information from internet before this series released in Netflix. But after I watched the whole season in just 4 hours, I understood how does it work and these seven dorks are just the new generation of the Blazing Transfer Students. The whole series is very funny as in literally funny that it will make your stomach in pain of laughing. I am not really bias or something, but these guys are all from Kansai so they are really have the sense of humor. To those who doesn't know, even they are not in a drama and just guesting in some shows, they will make you laugh. That's how good they are. They are not comedians (maybe they are?) They are idols under the Johnny's agency who is producing a lot of cool boys in the show business. Shortly speaking, they are acting very naturally. 

Junta which is Nakama Kakeru have the role of Tsukkomi (generally the smarter and more reasonable of the unit, and will criticize, verbally and physically abuse, and generally rail at the boke for their mistakes and exaggerations.) in the drama usually do that in real life with the 6 bokes (arries the meaning of "senility" or "air headed-ness," and is reflected in this performer's tendency for misinterpretation and forgetfulness that receives most of the verbal and physical abuse from the "smart" tsukkomi because of the boke's misunderstandings and slip-ups.)

(Kotaki Kakeru attacks Fujii Kakeru with his lethal move)

The principal of the school joined the seven students who were all named "Kakeru" and one of them is possibly his son and going to inherit the management of the school. In order for the principal will know who is his son, he needs to send them to various (deadly and weird) missions like the Pro wrestling tournament between the new students. They all have their own lethal moves (with weird names). 

Cinematography: 10/10 

HOHO. being bias? NO. It was a great shot. Video editing is superb. It's a live action with a sense of manga in it. It feels like you are watching something in 80s. 

Soundtrack: 10/10

Some sounds (though it is not THAT related to soundtracks) makes you laugh. Also the opneing song is so perfect to the theme of the series. I AM SO BIAS LOL.

Overall: 10/10

A good recommendation to all of your friends. Though some of the scenes are kind of erotic, it will make you laugh too. 

Netflix Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFKpFHLDwtY