Takai
12-04-2008, 07:37 AM
Kigeki
Reviewer: Takai
Original Title: Kigeki.
Alternative Titles: Comedy.
Format: OVA, 1 episode, complete.
Year(s): 2002.
Genres/Themes: historical fantasy, supernatural, action, drama; seinen.
Animation Studio: Studio 4°C.
Director: Nakazawa Kazuto.
Original Author(s): Hataketa Rika.
Number of Episodes Seen: 1/1
Introduction (optional):
After encountering several one-shots created by Studio 4°C, I told myself that I will not be going anywhere near their works again. I am not a fan of theirs, to say the least. But when I stumbled upon the cover image for Kigeki, I couldn't help but get drawn to it. Unable to fight my own curiosity, I decided to give it a try. How much could ten minutes possibly hurt even if I ended up hating it?
Plot and Setting/Story: 10/10
"On the other side of the forest, he is still reading that book."
Kigeki is set during Ireland's War of Independence. Prior to the English army invasion, a five year old girl sets out to find the rumored swordsman who takes only books as payment for his services.
During such a short time period, the story, or rather an excerpt from it, was very well thought out and beautifully presented. The war setting, as well as some historical facts mentioned in the anime, provided a realistic feel despite having fantasy elements. It created the atmosphere of a dark fairytale that could have really happened somewhere far away where nobody would witness it.
Characters/Character Development: 10/10
We face only two characters in this anime -- a skilled swordsman and a little girl. All she wants is to save her village; all he wants is a book of a certain genre. There is very little interaction between the two of them. He reads the book; she watches him silently.
You will not find any character development or additional information, nor should you be looking for it. Kigeki is meant to be very brief and subtle, and the viewer is not provided with facts that would be unnecessary. There is no need for names, no need for words, no need for anything other than a girl and a swordsman. Which is why I thought it was perfect in this category. The two of them and their unspoken relationship was another beautiful component of this masterpiece.
Art/Animation: 10/10
Both art and animation were stunning. It's difficult to describe in words something so visually beautiful. It was like a moving painting. The little girl running through the forest, the swordsman's cape fluttering in the wind as he rushes through the battlefield, the blood-stained white flowers... The overall atmosphere and melancholic mood created through the art and colors were truly amazing.
Sample Screenshots:
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a68/vitas_fd/Anime%20screenshots/kigeki03.jpg
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a68/vitas_fd/Anime%20screenshots/kigeki01.jpg
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a68/vitas_fd/Anime%20screenshots/kigeki02.jpg
Music/Sound: 10/10
The two pieces used throughout this anime were Ave Maria and Erlkönig, both by Franz Schubert. The choice in music was perfect; it almost felt like these pieces were composed solely for Kigeki. They shared and enhanced the overall dark and mysterious mood of the story.
Additional Comments or Warnings:
In one of the other reviews I read, the reviewer apparently got offended by the fact that the British people were portrayed as something evil. This really is not what this short film was trying to show, but I guess if you are patriotic to that extent, it can be offensive in a way. :?
There is a massacre scene, nothing graphic though.
Overall Anime Rating: 10/10
I was in awe upon finishing it, because it truly felt like a full-length film.
Reviewer: Takai
Original Title: Kigeki.
Alternative Titles: Comedy.
Format: OVA, 1 episode, complete.
Year(s): 2002.
Genres/Themes: historical fantasy, supernatural, action, drama; seinen.
Animation Studio: Studio 4°C.
Director: Nakazawa Kazuto.
Original Author(s): Hataketa Rika.
Number of Episodes Seen: 1/1
Introduction (optional):
After encountering several one-shots created by Studio 4°C, I told myself that I will not be going anywhere near their works again. I am not a fan of theirs, to say the least. But when I stumbled upon the cover image for Kigeki, I couldn't help but get drawn to it. Unable to fight my own curiosity, I decided to give it a try. How much could ten minutes possibly hurt even if I ended up hating it?
Plot and Setting/Story: 10/10
"On the other side of the forest, he is still reading that book."
Kigeki is set during Ireland's War of Independence. Prior to the English army invasion, a five year old girl sets out to find the rumored swordsman who takes only books as payment for his services.
During such a short time period, the story, or rather an excerpt from it, was very well thought out and beautifully presented. The war setting, as well as some historical facts mentioned in the anime, provided a realistic feel despite having fantasy elements. It created the atmosphere of a dark fairytale that could have really happened somewhere far away where nobody would witness it.
Characters/Character Development: 10/10
We face only two characters in this anime -- a skilled swordsman and a little girl. All she wants is to save her village; all he wants is a book of a certain genre. There is very little interaction between the two of them. He reads the book; she watches him silently.
You will not find any character development or additional information, nor should you be looking for it. Kigeki is meant to be very brief and subtle, and the viewer is not provided with facts that would be unnecessary. There is no need for names, no need for words, no need for anything other than a girl and a swordsman. Which is why I thought it was perfect in this category. The two of them and their unspoken relationship was another beautiful component of this masterpiece.
Art/Animation: 10/10
Both art and animation were stunning. It's difficult to describe in words something so visually beautiful. It was like a moving painting. The little girl running through the forest, the swordsman's cape fluttering in the wind as he rushes through the battlefield, the blood-stained white flowers... The overall atmosphere and melancholic mood created through the art and colors were truly amazing.
Sample Screenshots:
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a68/vitas_fd/Anime%20screenshots/kigeki03.jpg
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a68/vitas_fd/Anime%20screenshots/kigeki01.jpg
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a68/vitas_fd/Anime%20screenshots/kigeki02.jpg
Music/Sound: 10/10
The two pieces used throughout this anime were Ave Maria and Erlkönig, both by Franz Schubert. The choice in music was perfect; it almost felt like these pieces were composed solely for Kigeki. They shared and enhanced the overall dark and mysterious mood of the story.
Additional Comments or Warnings:
In one of the other reviews I read, the reviewer apparently got offended by the fact that the British people were portrayed as something evil. This really is not what this short film was trying to show, but I guess if you are patriotic to that extent, it can be offensive in a way. :?
There is a massacre scene, nothing graphic though.
Overall Anime Rating: 10/10
I was in awe upon finishing it, because it truly felt like a full-length film.