Kyoukai no Kanata/ Beyond the Boundary: ANIME REVIEW
Welcome, welcome!
You are about to read another anime review by your dear Otaku fellow Anime Girl. Believe it or not, I watched this anime on You Tube, and if you ask why...
Well my laptop speakers suddenly stopped working and using my phone as an alternative was only with YouTube possible. Still, I was able to get into an anime with the most frequent use of the word "Senpai" I've ever seen. A week later here I am with the review on Kyoukai no Kanata or in English Beyond the Boundary.
Plot and Story Line
Kyoukai no Kanata is a Fantasy, Slice of Life and Supernatural anime that aired in 2013. With a total of 12 episodes the producers Lantis, Pony Canyon and TBS did a...good job. I can't say it is bad, but to be honest I did expect more. The idea itself is pretty good but the way the makers brought the story over was just okay. The happenings in the story are forced and the story line alone is, in my opinion, rushed. But let's try to get to the bottom of it, shall we?
So, the story of Beyond the Boundary takes place in a Universe where the Earth is beside humans, inhibited by demon-like creatures called Youmu and people with special abilities named Spirit Hunters who fight them. One of those Spirit Hunters is Mirai Kuriyama. Her special power is to manipulate blood and turn it into a weapon which she uses to fight the evil youmu. Because of her ability she lives an isolated life, until she meets Akihito, who happens to be an immortal half-youmu. Soon, they realize that their life paths are going into the same direction but that leaves one open question. Will they be able to walk it together?
The story line of Beyond the Boundary is unfortunately undeveloped, leaving a couple of illogical and not well-explained points right from the beginning. It as really hard to catch up with all the youmu and spirit world stuff because you never get a single good explanation. New characters are introduced, new side-story lines and background stories appear but you can't connect them all into one single story. You do get the point but you never get to the real core of it. I could enjoy it, but very hard, because it leaves so many unanswered questions behind.
The plot alone, or let's say "what the anime is about" is good. A good action, fantasy anime is mostly enjoyable but not if it has this many plot holes. You get the feeling that you skipped something important but you did not, it was left out by the anime alone.
The anime introduces the dark spirit world but not in a good way. You just don't get the feeling that it really is a dark and dangerous place. That's probably because they wanted to balance the supernatural with the slice of life characteristic of the anime. But when it comes to the action in the anime, I was not disappointed. The action scenes were fantastic and the only bad thing about them was that they were short. All the fights end very quickly. In the moment you really get into the fight it ends. Still, the action of Kyoukai no Kanata is definitely the best part of the anime.
One point where the anime started well are the background stories. They were quite intriguing and they awakened an interest in me, but...Yes there is a but. They did not get to the core. I was really sad about the unfinished, or better said, not completely told, story of Nase Izumi. They reveal her "dark secret of the past" in the very ending where you don't even get the chance to get involved. I have to admit I wad caught by her character right in the beginning of the show.
In the Genre section of this anime, My Anime List leaves out one important genre I would add Beyond the Boundary to; ROMANCE. I have the stron feeling that this anime was always meant to be a cute love story. I din't mind that, it was nice. The best part about it is that the romance in the anime is probably the only well presented and finished segment of the whole show. It's the typical cute high school love, that you can't hate.
On the whole: Nicely imagined, done wrong. Kyoukai no Kanata had the potential to be a great anime with a good story and a very intriguing background but ended up as being "only good" because of various reasons that can turn an anime into a "good for killing boredom" show.
Characters
Well, despite having some issues in the story itself, this anime got from me some bad points for the characters too. The only character that sticks out with her personality is Kuriyama, but she also gets annoying from time to time. The characters lack in originality and they can be easily related to some random characters from other anime. I wouldn't mind writing about the other main Kanabara Akihito, but there is no need. Here for you, I have some more information about the only character that is worth talking about from this anime.
Mirai Kuriyama is a first-year high school student that rarely stands out. Due to her ability to control blood and turn it into any weapon she wants she is considered dangerous. That's why she is an introvert and shy person. Two more words describe her personality, aloof and clumsy. In the beginning of the story she is afraid of fighting youmu, making it hard for her to earn money, considering the fact that it's actually her profession. Also a fact about Kuriyama, she loves Bonsai trees and regularly writes about them on her blog.
Animation and Style
The animation in this anime is awesome. It's actually the thing that kinda saves the anime from a near catastrophe. The colors are awesome and bright, contrast is great, the movements are smooth and the backgrounds are just beautiful. I always see if an animation is good or not in some fast, action scenes. This anime had many, and I have to say that they were awesome. The animation of Kyoukai no Kanata is really good and probably it's best side. When it comes to the style, it's okay. Even tough their personalities seemed pretty dull, I loved the looks of the characters. They were kinda special and not so mainstream. Style is acceptable in my opinion. Thumbs up for Animation and Style.
Conclusion
To conclude this anime review, Kyoukai no Kanata or Beyond the Boundary really lies on the boundary of a good anime. The story is more or less familiar from other anime and not that special but it still has it's own appeal and details that saved it. The characters could have become better with a little more effort but they are acceptable. Animation and Style are awesome. This anime has only 12 episodes so it is awesome for a lazy and rainy Saturday like this today. It is not one of the best, but it's worth your time.
-Your Anime Girl <3
Mini Anime Dictionary by Anime Girl
A big Welcome and Hello to all of you having enough free time to read this blog with the title World of Anime Girl.First of all, today is a very important day for me, because today we are celebrating The Independence Day of our dear country Bosnia and Herzegovina. So to all of you living in the boundaries of this triangular place we call home, HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!
Secondly, you've all probably been in a situation where you hear something related to anime and you kinda don't know what that means. I was in a couple situations like that especially when I was just a newbie in this huge anime world. To make it easier for you, this blog post will lead you trough some "terms" and expressions used by the anime community.
To begin with, here are some Japanese expressions that are always used:
ARIGATO-Simply means: THANKS! I got so much used to it, that I always use Arigato instead of Thanks, and believe me or not, even the non-otakus understand me. But wait, what is an Otaku actually?
OTAKU-The thing about this word is that we "Westerns" got confused when it comes to its meaning. In Japan, being called Otaku is extremely negative because it stands for a person that is highly obsessed with something to an unhealthy measure. A second meaning describes a person that stays the whole day at home and doesn't have any type of social life. Yet, we connect the word Otaku with a normal person that just loves anime and manga. A clear misunderstanding, so if you ever get the chance to talk to someone from Japan, don't introduce your self as an Otaku. Just don't.
KAWAII-This is my favorite Japanese word. It means cute, and a lot of my friends tell me I'm cute :3. I am a kawaii little Chibi...CHIBI-A chibi is an adjective that means small and/or miniature in a good or cute way.
NEKO GIRL/BOY- Neko means Cat in Japanese, so a Neko boy or a neko girl would be someone with cat ears. Yes, that's it. I love Nekos!
Now a group of 4 words usually called the "Deres". Those are a lot types of girl personalities in anime, and most of them are categorized into these four:
TSUNDERE- A girl that usually acts mean and violent on the outside but is sweet on the inside. Best known example for that is Aisaka Taiga from Toradora!
YANDERE- This girl acts sweet and cute on the outside but soon as she loves someone a lot they are willing to kill other just to keep him/her. Representing Yandere, Yuno Gasai from Mirai Nikki.
KUDERE- Acts cool and unemotional but shows sweetness later on. Kanade Tachibana from Angel Beats is for example a Kudere.
DANDERE- She acts anti social and doesn't talk to anyone until the right person comes along. My favorite Naruto female character, Hinata Hyuuga is a dandere.
When it comes to anime series there are two more terms that you'll hear often: OVA- Original Video Animation is a type of anime which is intended to be distributed on VHS tapes or DVDs, and not to be shown in movies, or television. But no worreh, you can easily find all OVAs on the net. AMV- Anime Music Video, video clips from at least one anime series arranged to fit a musical piece playing in the background.
Now a group of 4 words usually called the "Deres". Those are a lot types of girl personalities in anime, and most of them are categorized into these four:
TSUNDERE- A girl that usually acts mean and violent on the outside but is sweet on the inside. Best known example for that is Aisaka Taiga from Toradora!
YANDERE- This girl acts sweet and cute on the outside but soon as she loves someone a lot they are willing to kill other just to keep him/her. Representing Yandere, Yuno Gasai from Mirai Nikki.
KUDERE- Acts cool and unemotional but shows sweetness later on. Kanade Tachibana from Angel Beats is for example a Kudere.
DANDERE- She acts anti social and doesn't talk to anyone until the right person comes along. My favorite Naruto female character, Hinata Hyuuga is a dandere.
When it comes to anime as a show, there are some "terms" that don't appear in your usual language. For instance you have a lot of different anime genres but you may not be able to define the following ones:
MECHA- Anime and manga that feature giant robots in action. The most popular mecha anime in my opinion is probably Code:Geass,
SHOUNEN- "Young boy" is in western usage, a style of anime and manga intended for boys. These works are characterized by high-axction, often humorous plots featuring male protagonists.
SEINEN- Intended for an older audience than shounen. Content intented for men ages 18 to 40 or older. Yup, anime is not only for kids.
SHOJO- "Young woman" is in western usage, a style of manga and anime intended for girls ages 5-10 and 10-18 depending on the content of course.
When it comes to anime series there are two more terms that you'll hear often: OVA- Original Video Animation is a type of anime which is intended to be distributed on VHS tapes or DVDs, and not to be shown in movies, or television. But no worreh, you can easily find all OVAs on the net. AMV- Anime Music Video, video clips from at least one anime series arranged to fit a musical piece playing in the background. So, this would be it for this time guys. I really am busier than ever because of all the senior stuff at High School, but I hope I'll get the chance to write here and there. If you have something else to share regarding this topic. let us know in the comments bellow. Also tell me if you have an idea for my next post!
-Your Anime Girl <3.
BTW. Follow me on instgram under @aniblogger and find out right away if a new post comes out.
Toradora!: ANIME REVIEW
Guys, it's been so long!
I had so much to do in the last month that I didn't even get the chance to write some new posts. Finally, after more than a month here I am with a new anime review.
I watched this anime in a couple of breaks. I watch 3-4 episodes one day and than after a month I watch 4-5 more etc. The reason why I did that is that I usually have "problems" with non-action anime like this one. They kinda seem boring without all the action fights and stuff. Yet, in the end I have to admit that I really liked it. And now, on this lovely and cold 28th of February, my review on TORADORA!
PLOT and STORY LINE
Oh, High School, what a great time. Considering the fact that I am a senior now, Toradora really made me cry in the end. It's a slice of life, comedy, school and romance anime produced by Genco (Sword Art Online, Elfen Lied) scored with a 8,48 on My Anime List. In my opinion, the prefect score for this anime. But what is it now about?
In the beginning you meet our two protagonists: Aisaka Taiga and Takasu Ryuuji. Aisaka is the typical Tsundere character you see in a lot anime everyday. Although looking cute and innocent, she is a very tough person with a short temper. Ryuuji on the other hand, has a facial expression of a delinquent and people usually avoid contact with him, but he is a lovely and caring person that loves simple things in life. After the oh so popular Tiger vs. Dragon incident, they finally meet each other and come up with a pact. They decide to help each other by being the wing-men for each other. And that's where the whole drama and fun starts in a never ending comedy.
Toradora, was for me boring in the beginning and as said in the intro it took me some time to finish it. Still the first half is kinda important for the future development of the whole story. But one thing is for sure. Toradora will make you laugh so much you'll start crying in the end. All the high school drama and Taiga's actions and characteristics alone are so hilarious and really cheer you up. Seriously, after watching a couple of episodes you automatically feel a lot better. After One Punch-Man, this is definitely the funniest anime I have watched.
The reason I loved Toradora this much, are mainly the everyday happenings that are actually part of life of every high-school student. All the drama, the fights, the heart breaks, the "problems", the relationships with parents and so on. They are all part of one anime that makes you remember your own good old high school days.
When it comes to romance, I don't want to say too much because it would spoil the whole story and I don't want that. (FIRST RULE of World of Anime Girl: NO SPOILERS!) The thing I can say is that it will be a: "I never expected this to happen" situation. A great but awesome plot twist.
On the whole, Toradora is a cute, interesting romance and school-life story with no plot holes and a smooth story line. I found it interesting, more in the other half but still, it doesn't change the overall impression.
CHARACTERS
Dear makers of Toradora,
Thanks for this truly amazing characters.
Yours Sincerely,
-Anime Girl
Not only were they amazing and unique, they were also so interesting and let's say relatable. You really find a bit of your self in them. Now I don't want to go over every character in this anime but the two main are a must. Ladies first:
AISAKA TAIGA
Guys, I love this girl as a character. She was given the nickname Palmtop Tiger because of her short height and the brutal way she often acts. Still she looks like a cute little doll, as described by Ryuuji. The reason I loved this anime and Taiga alone was because I kinda see my self so much in her. We are both short, still cute, and I do act sometimes like a tsundere. Yet we care about persons close to us but are lazy as hell. Essentially, Taiga gets upset easily and is considerably clumsy. She lives alone in an apartment without her family because her parents are divorced and her father, with whome she has lived so far, has a new wife. After becoming close to Ryuuji she spents most of the time at his house.
RYUUJI TAKASU
I sometimes feel so sorry for this guy. He is such a nice, caring, lovely and smart guy and just because of his eyes everybody thinks he's a delinquent or sth. like that. But he does look creepy. Never mind that, as a result he often looses self-confidence especially when he's in front of the girl he likes. Ryuuji lives alone with his mother. Due to this he has lernt to be self-sufficient and has no problem with cooking, cleaning and other house chores. He is a very caring person, and often puts someone else in front of him self. He's such a good guy!
ANIMATION and STYLE
The animation of Toradora is quite satisfying and the style is also very good. I just realized how hard it is to fill this review section with words. I mean there is nothing much to talk about. So, that would be it. I guess. Here's a cute pic :D
CONCLUSION
Toradora is an awesome slice of life, teenage, school and romance anime for a lazy Sunday like this one today. It relaxes, it amuses, it makes you laugh. Can't be any better. So if you are bored and don't have anything better to do, gogoanime.tv and start Tordaora today. You won't regret it.
-Your Anime Girl <3
Facts an Anime Head Should Know
When you scroll down a bit you'll see the first of two posts I wrote for all the Anime Newbies out there. I wrote some fancy advice for all the guys that just got here, to the huge World of Anime. Of course, only advice wouldn't be enough, and so I am here writing part two of Anime for Newbies, this time with some facts and stuff that every ANIME HEAD should actually know. Now I wonder where to start. Let's try with the question: What does the word ANIME actually mean?
The word ANIME simply just means Animation when translated from Japanese. Yet, in the whole world it is used to define animated cartoons that are produced by Japanese or in Japan. Before Anime became so widely known, so until the 1980s, the word JAPANIMATION was used to describe animation made in Japan. One more thing about the word ANIME: Since it is a Japanese word, and they don't have plurals, the plural form of ANIME is ANIME and not ANIMES. 
What is the one thing that defines most of Anime character? Yes BIG EYES. The one person that is "responsible" for this is non other then the so called "Godfather of Anime". OSAMU TEZUKA is his name, and believe it or not, he was actually inspired by the character looks of the characters he saw in Disney cartoons and movies such as Mickey Mouse or Bambi. Talking about the character looks, what's up with that colorful hair? The colorful hair you see in most anime is actually because of the Color symbolism in Japan. They believe that each color represents something, like for instance a part of a persons personality. So for example you get creative, protective and wise for PURPLE, optimism, cheerful for YELLOW but power, formality and mystery for BLACK. You can easily find pics on the internet about that, it's quite interesting. But, how many anime are actually produced in a year? According to statistics, there are more than 200 anime shows and movies that appear on TV every year in Japan. That makes up 60% of the WORLD'S ANIMATION in a Year. As for manga, in Japan, more paper is used for manga than for toilet paper.
And you're also probably asking What's the longest running anime ever? The answers is Sazae-San. That's the name of the anime that started airing in 1969. Funny fact about it, after 7071+ episodes the anime is still running and is still being produced. By the way, the producers of this anime, Fuji TV are also the producers of One Piece, Psycho-Pass, Guilty Crown, Hellsing, Dragon Ball etc.How do we usually call a person that loves anime and manga? Right, an OTAKU. But did you know that in Japan, Otaku is a term to describe a person that is highly obsessed with something (doesn't have to be anime) to an "unhealthy" measure. So if you ever get the chance to meet Japanese people don't introduce your self as Otaku.
The first anime that was streamed outside Japan was Astroboy, and in time anime has become so popular that in Japan there are more than 130 Voice acting schools. Talking about school, if you want to be a professional Manga artist, you have to go trough a 7-year-long manga artist school.
And in the end, what is your favorite production studio? Mine is definitely Studio Pierrot (Naruto, Bleach, Akatsuki no Yona...). Yet, the most famous and beloved production studio is said to be Studio Ghibli with more than 93 production works.
So my dear readers, these are just some facts about anime, the most interesting I actually found. If you have more interesting stuff feel free to share it in the comments down bellow.
Your Anime Girl <3