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Anime of the Year 2000-II Spring - FLCL


kivandopulus

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FLCL deserves a minor masterpiece for its impact alone .
 
1. Yu☆Gi☆Oh! Duel Monsters Yu-Gi-Oh! 遊☆戯☆王 デュエルモンスターズ  [Gallop] (Finished 3/224)
Tags: Shounen Strategy Game Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Yuugi Mutou is a naïve and lonely high school student who is fascinated by games. While staying with his grandfather, the owner of a game shop, he comes across an ancient Egyption relic known as the "Millennium Puzzle." Rumored to grant any wish to those who solve the Puzzle, Yuugi becomes determined to solve it to wish for some friends. After years of struggling, Yuugi manages to complete the puzzle and mysteriously finds that his wish has been fulfilled.
Meanwhile, a new card game known as "Duel Monsters" starts rising in popularity. In this game, players called duelists fight against each other with "monsters" by using magic and trap cards to foil their opponent's plans. Yuugi quickly becomes skilled at the game and lives a peaceful life with his newfound friends.
However, Yuugi's peace is short-lived. The undefeated duelist and egocentric billionaire Seto Kaiba suddenly abducts Yuugi's grandfather, forcing him to duel against the rare "Blue Eyes White Dragon'' card. Yuugi is thrown into a new world of fierce battles and the stakes continue to rise as dark forces interfere from the shadows. After unexpectedly defeating Kaiba with the help of his "other self"—the spirit of a nameless pharaoh—contained in the puzzle, he unofficially becomes the top duelist known as "The King of Games." However, this new title will attract covetousness and Yuugi will have to use all his intelligence and willpower in order to protect what he holds the dearest to him.
I evaluated original low, but this is even worse because the skill in all other games is gone and because of some cheater moves used in Duel Monsters game.  
Overall Rating: 5/10
 
2. Love Hina ラブひな [Xebec] (Finished 3/24)
Tags: Shounen Harem Comedy, Romance, Ecchi
Keitaro Urashima promised a girl when he was young that they would meet up again at Tokyo University in the future. Sadly, in the National Practice Exam, Keitaro ranked 27th from the bottom. Knowing his grandmother owned a hotel, Keitaro intended to stay there while continuing his studies for Tokyo U, only to find out the hotel had long been transformed into an all-girls dormitory. Through an odd twist of fate, Keitaro eventually became the manager of the dorm, beginning his life of living with five other girls.
If I'm not mistaken, it's only third romcom harem series , so it was still fresh , and harem anime are usually better remembered due to the concept. But since it stands at the barebones of the genre, a lot of its elements and moves would be considered cliché nowadays. After so many years can only treat it as average.  
Overall Rating: 5/10
 
3. Ayashi no Ceres Ceres, Celestial Legend 妖しのセレス [Pierrot] (Finished 3/24)
Tags: Shoujo Psychological, Reincarnation Adventure, Drama, Horror, Romance, Supernatural, Suspense
Ceres was a tennyo (Celestial maiden) who came down from the heavens to bathe in a stream. She hung her hagoromo (robe) on a tree nearby, which was her key to returning to the heavens. But the robe was stolen and the man who had stolen it forced her to become his wife, thus producing a family full of human and tennyo blood mixed.
Now, in modern day time, Aya Mikage is a descendent of Ceres, and has quite an amount of tennyo blood. On her 16th birthday, she and her twin brother, Aki, are thrown a party. At the "party," Aya's grandpa plans to kill her, for she has tennyo powers unlike the rest of the family, and can actually become Ceres herself and destroy the Mikage family. Aya, however, can switch back, so this transformation happens quite frequently.
With protector Yuuhi by her side, it is up to Aya to control Ceres and keep her from coming back, but her relationship with an ex-worker for her evil grandpa may be a distraction.
It's a memorable dark shoujo. But I like only smart shoujo while here heroine is brainless and naïve, basically an object. Logic is also a universally weak side here for everyone .  
Overall Rating: 6/10
 
4. Gensoumaden Saiyuuki Saiyuki 幻想魔伝 最遊記 [Pierrot] (Finished 3/50)
Tags: Shounen Mythology Action, Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Supernatural
Many years ago, humans and demons lived in harmony. But that unity ended when demons started attacking humans and plotted a mission to unleash Gyumao—an evil demon imprisoned for thousands of years. Now, Genjo Sanzo, a rogue priest, must team up with three demons—Sha Gojyo, Son Goku, and Cho Hakkai—and embark on a perilous journey to the west to stop these demons from resurrecting Gyumao and restore the balance between humans and demons on Earth.
I don't like character designs and I don't like travelling concept as it's always coming somewhere and fighting similar demons who lost their human parts or something.  
Overall Rating: 5/10
 
5. NieA Under 7 ニア アンダーセブン  [Triangle Staff] (Finished 3/13)
Tags: Iyashikei Comedy, Sci-Fi, Slice of Life 
In the 21st century, aliens have arrived on Earth and live among humans. In sleepy Enohana, the dirt-poor student Chigasaki Mayuko finds herself living together with NieA, a low-caste ("Under Seven") alien. While Mayuko struggles diligently to make ends meet, NieA seems to be totally unconcerned with the consequences of her actions. As the odd couple throws off the expected sparks, the wrecked alien mothership looms in the background...
Aimless SOL with a very annoying alien who does everything to ruin others life. That spoils all leftover hopes.  
Overall Rating: 5/10
 
6. Seikai no Senki Banner of the Stars 星界の戦旗 [Sunrise] (Finished 13/13)
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Tags: Military, Space Action, Romance, Sci-Fi 
Three years since the end of their intergalactic excursion, both Lafiel Abriel and Jinto Linn have reunited; Lafiel as the captain of the attack ship Basroil and Jinto as her supply officer. The restart of the war between the Abh Empire and the Triple Alliance thrusts the inexperienced duo into the forefront of the deadly conflict.
As the catastrophic battle between pure humankind and their greatest creation, the Abh, rages on, both sides accept that their conflict is not merely about territory, but about settling the inherent differences between themselves.
If Crest of the Stars showed ugly chaotic roots of turmoil, in Banner of Stars viewer feels like consumer of Abh Empire propaganda in already conquered star system. The total war till the dominion was justified because Abh ship got destroyed under mysterious and never investigated circumstances. The war was inevitable , because democratic human union supposedly thought lowly of Abh and wanted to make them all slaves. Abh commanders act as they want and without any remorse for their own or enemy forces - and it's propaganda task to make those actions look good as they supposedly turned out for the better. Human counterparts are very seldom shown and each their action is portrayed as having egoistic reasoning at heart while Abh commanders are never criticized even though they act literally to have fun and get more entertainment. Show only one side and repeat the same theses over and over - just as Goebbels instructed. It's a genius show in justifying aggressor and the appeal of evil, a truly propagandistic piece of art. That's what happens when fundamentals are cast off as insignificant in favor of aesthetics and simplifications to just present some cool space fighting action.  
Overall Rating: 4/10
 
7. Sakura Taisen Sakura Wars TV サクラ大戦 [Madhouse] (Finished 8/25)
Tags: Mecha, Performing Arts Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
Sakura travels to the capital with aspirations of defending the city from the demonic forces of the Black Sanctum Council like her father before her. However, things are not as she imagined as in addition to using her great spiritual energy to pilot a mech called a Kobu, she must also perform on stage as an actor as The Imperial Flower Division's cover is an art theater. Making a fool of herself and ruining a production gets her on everyone's bad side and somehow she must learn to work with them as well as prevent the enemy from destroying several shrines which protect the city.
After two filler OVA series it's finally time for action ! Or so I thought. The beginning is again gathering of the team and the middle is again mostly theater rehearsals. I did not expect this anime to be about theater and on a sidenote somewhere about mecha piloting. And demon forces are just spawning, getting defeated, rince and repeat, there's no big plan for the most part till the end, and I'm not going to watch it all just to know what it ends with. It does not know what it wants to be and thus it's a bore.  
Overall Rating: 6/10
 
8. Daa! Daa! Daa! だぁ! だぁ! だぁ!  [J.C.Staff] (Finished 3/78)
Tags: Shoujo Childcare Comedy, Sci-Fi
Miyu is an 8th grade girl, whose parents have been hired by NASA. They take off to America leaving Miyu with Mr. Saionji. Later, Mr. Saionji decides to go on a 1 year long trip to India leaving Miyu alone with his son, Kanata. More complications rise when an Alien baby and his babysitter pet crashes/lands in their house. To make things worse, alien baby starts calling Miyu and Kanata Mom and Dad, also showing ESP power and floating around.
We already got two shows when school students had to assume role of parent and there were rather negatives sides - first, kid always cried, second, kid required 100% of attention depriving of any former usual activities. This anime tries to mend those drawbacks. Alien boy is always smiling or may become a bit serious, but never cries. And alien boy comes with a talking nursing transforming pet, so protagonists have much more free time on their hands and they can even go to school leaving kid alone. Oh, and alien boy also flies so that he can get out of almost any danger. I have to admit that it's brighter and easier to watch now. But I still can't enjoy such concept, now it's more like comedy with constant searching for lost alien kid.  
Overall Rating: 6/10
 
9. Boys Be... ボーイズ・ビー [Hal Film Maker] (Finished 3/13)
Tags: Shounen Comedy, Romance, Slice of Life 
There are two sides to every love story, and Boys Be... reveals what's really going on—from the guy's point of view!
Meet three normal high school guys with just one thing on their minds: girls. Quiet Kyoichi has been friends with Chiharu ever since they were young, but lately, his feelings have begun to change. Lecherous Makoto, a self-proclaimed master of the rules of romance, is ready to sweep the ladies off their feet. And Yoshihiko, a handsome sports nut, is unfortunately a bit clueless in matters of the heart.
Join this hapless trio for a year of romantic misadventures that will change their lives forever!
So each episode tries to present a complete romance story which always feels super rushed and cliché. Never thought I could say it, but even brainless boys adventures at Green Green are better for being continuous story. 
Overall Rating: 5/10
 
10. Gate Keepers ゲートキーパーズ [Gonzo] (Finished 4/24)
Tags: Mecha Action, Comedy, Fantasy, Sci-Fi 
Technology, science, and industry—this is 1969 Tokyo, and there is no better time to be alive! But a shadow looms quietly around every corner: "Invaders" have infiltrated the populace, and nobody knows who or what they are.
Only the members of the top-secret agency AEGIS know of their existence. Covertly fighting the enemy is their job, but only those with the ability to open "Gates" to another world can truly defeat them. Within AEGIS is a specialized task force known as the "Gate Keepers." Composed of extraordinary individuals with a variety of Gate-related abilities, they are the only ones who can save humanity from the vicious Invaders plaguing the planet.
Shun Ukiya is an average high school student who lives with his widowed mother and little sister. While on his way home from school one day, he comes across a group of Invaders heading toward his house. In a desperate plight to save his family, Shun discovers he possesses the ability to open a Gate, allowing him to harness massive amounts of energy. With his newfound ability exposed, he catches the attention of AEGIS, and particularly the interest of one of its Gate Keepers, Shun's childhood friend Ruriko Ikusawa.
A rather weird action comedy with a very varied team cast. By the end of 4th episode only four out of seven team members gathered, so pacing is rather slow and enemy attacks are quite random and not carrying any big plan in mind. Guess it's for those who can turn off head and enjoy easy-minded comedy with fighting.  
Overall Rating: 6/10
 
11. Monster Farm: Legend e no Michi Monster Rancher (2000) モンスターファーム~伝説[レジェンド]への道~ [TMS Entertainment] (Finished 3/25)
Tags: Isekai Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy
Genki is a boy who loves playing video games. One day he's zapped into the world of Monster Rancher and meets the girl Holly and the monsters Mochi, Suezo, Golem, Tiger and Hare.
Continuing from where the original story left off, Genki and friends journey to conquer the legend cup in hopes of freeing Holly's father from the mystery disc.
Did not see difference from prequel.  
Overall Rating: 5/10
 
12. Transformers: Car Robots Transformers: Robots in Disguise トランスフォーマー・カーロボット [Gallop] (Finished 3/39)
Tags: Mecha Adventure, Comedy, Sci-Fi
The evil Gigatron has led his forces of Destrongers to Earth, where they seek to pillage the planet for its vast energy resources in order to fuel their war against the Autobots. If successful, the Destrongers will finally be able to tip the scale of power in the war to their favor, eliminating the Autobots and moving on to conquer the universe. To this end, the Destrongers kidnap the scientist Dr. Ohnishi, Earth's leading scientist on energy and natural resources.
Dr. Oonishi's son, Koji, is contacted by none other than Fire Convoy, who takes the boy on a mission to rescue his father. Although Fire Convoy and the other Autobots fight valiantly, they are unable to rescue the doctor from the Destrongers. Now it is up to the Autobots and Koji to rescue Dr. Oonishi and protect the Earth and its resources from Gigatron and his army.
Ancient mecha franchise is back. Same horrible as always.  
Overall Rating: 5/10
 
13. Dokidoki♡Densetsu: Mahoujin Guruguru Magical Circle Guru Guru 2 ドキドキ♡伝説 魔法陣グルグル [Nippon Animation] (Finished 1/38)
Tags:  Shounen Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy 
Join the new legend of Guruguru, where Nike, the reluctant hero, and Kukuri, the innocent heroine, return to save the world. The magical adventure that unfolds, with its unique monsters and eccentric characters, is sure to draw you into this curious and exciting realm.
To save the world from evil King Giri, Kukuri must locate the monsters in each territory and win them, one by one, over to her side. Meanwhile Nike's task is to be recognized by the Four Kings of Nature and collect their swords. These swords are known as the "Sword of Wind," the "Sword of Water," the "Sword of Earth" and the "Sword of Fire."
Can Nike and Kukuri truly become hero and heroine? Follow their journey and find out!
The very beginning of this second season was only moderately crazy so I hoped I could watch some of it, but - alas - total absurd got back very soon and with that my headache.  
Overall Rating: 6/10
 
14. Hidamari no Ki Tree in the Sun 陽だまりの樹  [Madhouse] (Finished 3/25)
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Tags: Historical, Medical, Samurai Action, Award Winning, Drama
A story set in the mid-1800's about a young doctor who has been trained in Western-style medicine and a young samurai who is trying to live up to the old traditions of his class and culture. The story is actually based upon real people - the doctor, Ryo-an, was Tezuka's great grandfather.
During the Second Year of Ansei (1855) in Edo's Koishigawa are two young men, Manjiro Ibutani and Ryoan Tezuka. Ibutani is a low-ranking samurai who is a gifted swordsman and has a straightforward and strong sense of justice. Tezuka has a more carefree attitude. He has an eye for the ladies, but he is passionate about becoming a doctor. The two opposite characters come of age during the backdrop of the turbulent end of the Tokugawa Period (1600-1868 CE).
I don't like stories based on real people. Edo period is always nice to watch, but the conflict of the anime is western vs eastern medicine and some clans clashes... nothing even remotely great. So partly it's Black Jack spiritual successor which I already hate immensely.  
Overall Rating: 6/10
 
15. Ginsoukikou Ordian 銀装騎攻オーディアン  [Plum] (Finished 3/24)
Tags: Mecha Sci-Fi 
Kananase Yu is just an ordinary high-school student. Since he has mysterious inside knowledge about piloting a mecha, he is recruited by the International Military Organization as a potential test pilot for a new mobile armor. However, apparently there are other young recruits around his age, including one of his classmates, were recruited as test pilot as well. Now Kananase Yu must prove that he is the best to be the test pilot.
Mecha, bishounens, hectic narration. What could possibly go wrong? Still main problem is that something keeps happening without explanation and most of the time it's insignificant stuff or something running with unknown purpose. Poor directorship can ruin anything.  
Overall Rating: 5/10
 
16. Time Bokan 2000: Kaitou Kiramekiman タイムボカン2000 怪盗きらめきマン [Tatsunoko Production] (Finished 1/26)
Tags: Mecha Action, Adventure, Comedy, Sci-Fi
More Time Bokan adventures.
Just one episode is translated as everyone is sick of this franchise that has like 10th iteration already. Villain heroine is surprisingly decent this time, but all the adult related humor is toned town greatly, so it's just another kid show now.  
Overall Rating: 5/10
 
17. Fabre-sensei wa Meitantei ファーブル先生は名探偵 [E&G Films] (Finished 0/26)
Tags: Mystery
The world of insects is full of enchantment and amazement. This animation series is inspired by "the Diary of Insects" written by Jean Henri Fabre, an outstanding French entomologist and author in the 19th Century. In his original works, Mr. Fabre vividly described the life of insects. In this series all the insects and bugs have been personified and drawn into marvelous animated characters.
This is the story of the exciting adventures of a crime-buster in the world of insects! Our hero's way of investigation is so unique and always ends with surprising solutions. The interesting ecology of various insects will be described while our "cool" hero, Inspector Fabre, analyzes and unties the knots of crimes and conspiracy a la fashion of Sherlock Holmes!
Not found.  
Overall Rating: 0/10
 
18. Anime Roukyoku Kikou Shimizu no Jirochouden アニメ浪曲紀行 清水次郎長伝 [-] (Finished 0/30)
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Tags: Historical Comedy, Drama
A story based on Shimizu no Jirochou, an early yakuza who specialized in gambling and maritime transport.
The anime is composed of 10 stories. Each story was told over 3 episodes. The particular tale is based on Hirosawa Torazo II's telling; Hirosawa is a roukyoku/naniwabushi.
Not found.  
Overall Rating: 0/10
 
19. FLCL フリクリ [Gainax, Production I.G] (Finished 6/6)
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Tags: Mecha, Parody, Psychological Action, Avant Garde, Comedy, Sci-Fi
Naota Nandaba is an ordinary sixth grader living in a city where nothing amazing ever seems to happen. After his brother Tasuku leaves town to play baseball in America, Naota takes it upon himself to look after everything Tasuku left behind—from his top bunk bed to his ex-girlfriend Mamimi Samejima, who hasn't stopped clinging to Naota since Tasuku left.
Little does Naota know, however, that his mundane existence is on the verge of being changed forever: enter Haruko Haruhara, a Vespa-riding, bass guitar-wielding, pink-haired psychopath whose first encounter with Naota leaves him with tire tracks on his back and a giant horn on his head. Though all he wants is some peace and quiet, when Haruko takes up residence at his parents' home, Naota finds himself dragged into the heart of the greatest battle for supremacy that Earth—and quite possibly the entire universe—has ever seen.
For some reason this kind of absurdism does not get me tired as there is usually some kind of explanation, not total randomness. For me FLCL marks revolution in anime that goes against all rules and that creates own rules instead. Don't limit imagination, there's a whole world of possibilities. Don't try to appeal to masses, do what you like and you'll find your niche. Fast pace and some clever humor findings as well.  
Overall Rating: 7/10
 
20. JoJo no Kimyou na Bouken: Adventure JoJo's Bizarre Adventure (OVA) ジョジョの奇妙な冒険 ADVENTURE [APPP] (Finished 3/7)
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Tags: Shounen Vampire Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, Horror, Supernatural
Kujo Jotaro is a normal, popular Japanese high-schooler, until he thinks that he is possessed by a spirit, and locks himself in prison. After seeing his grandfather, Joseph Joestar, and fighting Joseph's friend Muhammad Abdul, Jotaro learns that the "Spirit" is actually Star Platinum, his Stand, or fighting energy given a semi-solid form. Later, his mother gains a Stand, and becomes sick. Jotaro learns that it is because the vampire Dio Brando has been revived 100 years after his defeat to Jonathan Joestar, Jotaro's great-great-grandfather. Jotaro decides to join Joseph and Abdul in a trip to Egypt to defeat Dio once and for all.
I grasped the nature of JoJo from last OVA well enough, so no need to watch second OVA to the end. Same manly epic noise with zero substance .  
Overall Rating: 5/10
 
21. Tenshi Kinryouku Angel Sanctuary 天使禁猟区 [Hal Film Maker] (Finished 3/3)
Tags: Shoujo Reincarnation Action, Drama, Romance, Supernatural
Setsuna Mudo is a 16-year-old high school student just trying to get by without running afoul of his bullying seniors. It doesn't help that he's in love with his younger sister, Sara, who only sees him once a month. But there's more to his life than just keeping his head down.
Setsuna is ambushed by mysterious beings, angels, and demons, all professing to know his true destiny. The angels say he is the reincarnation of their leader Alexiel, while the demons claim he led them to war against God himself.
As Setsuna struggles with his identity in such strange times, the eternal conflict between Heaven and Hell threatens to reignite. Will he be prepared when it does?
Tasteless eschatological confrontation, now with bishounens and emotional outbursts. Feels so rushed and artificial and having dummy personalities and just bad.  
Overall Rating: 5/10
 
22. Amon: Devilman Mokushiroku Amon: Apocalypse of Devilman AMON デビルマン黙示録 [Studio Live] (Finished 1/1)
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Tags: Gore, Mythology, Psychological Horror, Supernatural
Fear runs rampant throughout Tokyo with the revelation that demons in fact exist amongst us. Paranoia and the darker side of humanity boils onto the streets as people turn on one another, suspecting that anyone could in fact be a demon hiding in human clothing. Amidst the growing tensions, tragedy strikes Akira causing his mind to snap, retreating into his subconscious, allowing his Devilish alter-ego Amon to break free from Akira's cage of flesh and wreak havoc on both human and demons alike.
A very bloody Devilman franchise movie. Unless someone likes gore or is already an established fan of Devilman series, I see no reason to recommend it.  
Overall Rating: 5/10
 
23. Refrain Blue [PP Project] (Finished 3/3)
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Tags: Drama, Romance 
A trip to the beach turns out to be more than expected for two people who are mourning the losses of their beloved. Perhaps a mysterious girl known as the "Umi Warabe" can help them to heal their wounds and move on with their lives.
Matsunaga Yoshihiro is the chaperone for a group of high-school students on a summer trip to the beach. One night he saves one of the students, Morisawa Nao, as she attempts to drown herself. She had been on this same trip a year ago, with her fiancee, who was later killed in a plane crash. As these two get to know each other, we find that Yoshihiro also has a painful secret from his past. Watching over everything is a mysterious young girl who somehow is always there at decisive moments.
I see drama as cheesy here and the romance SOL as insignificant. Average is a good word for it, but it's still great that it exists as visual novel is even worse.  
Overall Rating: 5/10
 
24. Space Travelers The Animation Space Travelers スペーストラベラーズ The Animation [Fuji TV, Robot Communications] (Finished 1/1)
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Tags: Space Sci-Fi 
In the New Cosmic Century 038, humanity is suddenly attacked by an unknown alien civilization known as the Orbital Ring System. Soon, the entire Earth Civilization Sphere has been cut off from the space colonies, and is under the control of the ORS. Only Hayabusha Jetter, along with his band of misfit space pirates and smugglers, can break through ORS lines.
It's only one hour long, and majority of time the supposedly bright crew just sits in their ship as it evades space dangers first on the way to and then from the Earth. There's nothing to look at.  
Overall Rating: 4/10
 
25. Jin-Rou Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade 人狼 JIN-ROH [Production I.G] (Finished 1/1)
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Tags: Adult Cast, Detective, Military Award Winning, Drama, Romance
In an alternate history, following World War II, civil unrest and terrorism run rampant in a devastated Japan under foreign occupation. During a botched interception of underground munitions being transferred by a terrorist organization, Constable Kazuki Fuse, a soldier in an elite counter-terrorism unit, witnesses the true terror of human nature. He fails to prevent a teenage girl from carrying out a desperate suicide bombing that subsequently causes immense destruction to Tokyo. With mental scars and his competence under question, Fuse is sent back to the military academy for re-evaluation. Unbeknownst to him, he will soon be caught up in a web of government conspiracies that have the power to determine the future of all of Japan.
As Fuse treads the fine line between human and beast, he ultimately discovers to which side he truly belongs.
Pace is slow, there's not much explanation in words, and the seemingly great scale of story turns out to be not so great so to say in order not to spoiler, it disappointed me. It's a nice piece of art with all the little Robin the Hood references, but as a story there's nothing much, and I just can't recommend to invest two hours to get only some emotions and impressions out of it.  
Overall Rating: 6/10
 
26. Escaflowne Escaflowne: A Girl in Gaea エスカフローネ  [Bones, Sunrise] (Finished 1/1)
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Tags: Isekai, Mecha Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, Romance, Sci-Fi 
Hitomi Kanzaki is in a very depressed mood. She only wants to sleep and fade away. Her misery summons Lord Folken who sends her to Gaea. The people of Gaea think she is the Wing Goddess, who can call upon the legendary Dragon Armor called Escaflowne. On Gaea, King Van, the sole survior of the White Dragon Clan, is also in a depressed state. Swearing an oath to get his revenge on the Black Dragon Clan that obliterated Van's kingdom, he lives by the sword. Now that the Wing Goddess has finally appeared, she posseses Gaea's world fate in her heart. Escaflowne will either lead Gaea to peace or total ruin.
Series started to resemble a usual mecha very soon after introduction, so I'm happy that almost everything mecha is cut from the movie. It's a beautiful show now albeit rather simple and occasionally silly.  
Overall Rating: 6/10
 
27. Crayon Shin-chan Movie 08: Arashi wo Yobu Jungle 映画 クレヨンしんちゃん 嵐を呼ぶジャングル [Shin-Ei Animation] (Finished 1/1)
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Tags: Seinen Action, Adventure, Comedy
An adventure set in a south island. Shinnosuke with his parents and friends joined a tour with the preview of Action Kamen's new movie 'South Sea Millennium Wars' on a luxury liner, but a funky guy who names himself Paradise King and his slave gang of gibbon monkeys took away all the adults to a south island. Gotaro Go, an actor playing the role of Action Kamen, with Shinnosuke, fights a martial-arts battle and air battle against Paradise King.
Somehow, was not great again. Little sister Himawari does not contribute to humor and only adds filler events.  
Overall Rating: 5/10
 
28. Ghiblies ギブリーズ [Studio Ghibli] (Finished 2/2)
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Tags: Comedy
Two Ghibli created shorts about the happenings in a fictional animation studio, presumably based to some extent on their own.
It's slightly over 30 minutes overall and includes live action scenes and CGI while animation is even worse than in Tonari no Yamada-kun , so it's hardly watchable at all,  just doodles for the first episode. Second episode looks better than Yamadas, but also uses more CGI and live action. Humor is ok.  
Overall Rating: 5/10

Edited by kivandopulus

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FLCL- Should never have existed.

Escaflowne Movie- Not as good as the TV series.

Banner of the Stars- Second season of the Seikai series.  Top-quality sci-fi space opera.

Saiyuuki- Decent fantasy based off the legend of Sanzo with an anime twist.

Love Hina- The beginning of the great era of romcom.  If you watch it, you'll probably be able to see it was the origin for the harem romcom VNs that were so prolific until the last few years.

Ayashi no Ceres- Urban fantasy series following a female protagonist in a hellish situation.  

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Quite a number of series that I recognize here, so let's try to comment on those.

Saiyuki - Well the priest did become more action oriented compared to the one that I watched in Hong Kong TV series, and that I watch the ad for it on Animax. After that I only remember I did check one of the episode and then dropped it altogether.

Kiramekiman - It's like Persona 5, except with the Phantom Thief are the less interesting Yatterman duo and the detective against them are the iconic Doronjo trio. I did watch it because it was broadcasted in Indonesia (Not through Animax), and apparently it'll have sequel when the detective become evil, although until now I still didn't watch it yet (Nor I have the interest to check on it).

Yu-Gi-Oh - Unlike 1998 series, this series is really put the focus on the card game very much, although it's still not as much as the latter series seeing that the late author still add some non card game in his manga that the series also adapted (It help that one of the said game is the part of the final arc). Anyway you can clearly see on how influential the game is, especially with the meta game that keep evolving (Although in this series the card effects are not as complicated as we have nowadays).

UFO Baby - I prefer the English name of it, and it's also broadcasted with that title in Indonesia. As you can see the premise is simple enough with the alien baby come into the Earth, and the only one who can take care of it are the junior high school couple who keep bickering. I did watch it on each Saturday morning, and honestly other than the premise I'm not exactly remember what happened in each of the episodes, but at least I still remember the Indonesian dub version of the ending song (Only the melody, and obviously not with the lyric).

Sakura Wars - It's obviously the adaptation of the game, and at least the staffs adapted the anime closer to the original material, unlike Galaxy Angel in that it turned to become the gag series. While the game is quite famous in Japan, we only got the 5th games and the remake available in English, with both games are have long wait between the release. At least there's fan translation project for the series, with the first game is already translated and currently the translator working on the second game.

Love Hina - It has GBA game that was fan translated. Other than that, it's about the male MC Keitarou who encounter Naru in the female dormitory with her turned out to be a very harsh tsundere who like to punch Keitarou in case she caught him watch her naked (Which to say quite a lot). By the way while the premise looks like harem anime, actually it's more like Keitarou already has someone in mind, so he didn't like show his affection to any other women, although of course it didn't stop the anime writers to make the girls personalities based on Love Hina, with the most notable one is Naru which inspire several tsundere heroines.

That's all for what I can write in regard of Spring 2000 anime.

Edited by littleshogun
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