Since most visitors to Alastor’s Reflection?are (most likely) unfamiliar with anime, I enjoy sharing with them certain series which I feel might well be worth their checking out. Some of them are considered personal “untouchables” in that for me they go beyond rating or critiquing due to their wonderful singularities. I’ve already mentioned Kanon, Air, Haibane Renmei, Elfen Lied, and several others that are in this “magical circle”. Tonight I’m going to add one?more very special one…
There aren’t too many series that elevate the art-form of anime to another level, but ef – a tale of memoriesand its currently-airing sequel and second season, ef – a tale of melodies, have done exactly that (check the ratings out in those Anime News Network links, and also for brief synopses). Using a lethal combination of keen melodrama, groundbreaking animation, and a thoroughly effective musical score, along with fascinating characters, intertwining subplots, and a clever use of symbology and metaphors, the ef series is quite simply, unparalelled. The density in these two 12-episode series forces?the emotional punches to come fast and hard, both tenderly heartfelt and unflinchingly brutal, delivered with concise direction that is truly breathtaking at times. Studio Shaft has done such an admirable job of presenting a collective work that is daring and?unique, and takes the game material by Midori and expanded upon it so very eloquently.
I debated with myself whether to include some of these scenes as examples, but taken out of context they really do lose their impact. Best to see for yourself! (Hint: Since ef isn’t out on DVD here in North America, Veoh may be a good place to start,?but if you do, make sure to watch them in order, and DON’T mix up “memories” with “melodies” or you’ll be more confused than you will be anyway! Also, bear in mind that the quality will be nowhere near the fansubs that can be found; until we can buy the DVDs these are our only options… and this is one series that I’m ACHING to buy!) (SO SOMEBODY RELEASE THEM ALREADY!!!)
Since?ef isn’t full of?moe, violence or notoriety it goes largely overlooked what with all the hyped series that come out each season, which is a damn shame. Even detailing?some of it would probably become tedious for you to read, especially considering the numbers of characters, subplots and time-shifts; suffice to say that if anime is of any interest to you, these series are both must-see (assuming that the comedy, drama, psychological, romance, and supernatural genres of the story is in your area of interest).
What makes it so effective is, I believe, the musical score. Tenmon, the?constant and ever-so-reliable?Makoto Shinkai collaborator, ?composed a ?powerful, compelling, and thoroughly integrated soundtrack for both seasons. (In fact, Shinkai has used them in his own highly-rated movies, the masterpieces 5 Centimeters?Per Second, Voices of a Distant Star, and The Place Promised in Our Early Days, all of which I would also recommend without reservation.) With that in mind, I’d like to offer up some samples of various ef videos that feature the music and several of the characters…
This first clip is the preview for season 1, and portrays the love triangle between one set of characters (to prevent confusion I’ll omit their names here), and at the end a sneak peek at the second set of characters’ intertwined story of? their blossoming friendship and collaboration of a book that she wants to write. Connecting both of these stories are another couple named?Yuu and Yuuko, who is seen playing the piano at around 1:40. She’s my favorite character, and it is her and Yuu’s story that is actually the main one, though you don’t really grasp that at first. For theirs is “the fairy tale of the two”, which is the title of the games that the anime is based around, and the others’ stories are those which Yuuko asks Yuu to tell to her… and in which each is, or becomes,?involved. Yuu has his own stories to tell her as well, and taken all together the two will take you on a ride you’ll not soon forget… (Watch it in fullscreen; it’s subtitled for your enjoyment!)
The second clip is an Anime Music Video or AMV; that is, done by a fan who laboriously snips, times, and assembles clips from an anime and lays them alongside an appropriate song.?This one?is named “Paper Image”, and so very brilliant (and done by Koopiskeva, a master of this artform), and in a nice segue from the previous clip features the second couple mentioned above, Renji and Chihiro, who end the first clip.?It does have spoilers even though there’s no dialogue, so be warned! The background song is by Sara Bareilles and entitled “Gravity” and is exquisitely beautiful, and so fitting. (Make sure to watch it in high quality and in fullscreen!)
SPOILER: Chihiro lost her eye in an accident some years ago, and her memories?have been?also affected as a result, causing her to forget everything unless she writes them down in a diary that she constantly keeps. At night she reads her diary before sleeping so that she won’t forget them, because her memory “resets” after thirteen hours, causing her to forget everything that transpires. The text in the background is from the novel that she is attempting to write with Renji’s help. Also, I’ll point out that the paper airplane is an icon of the series, as you’ll see…
Finally, the opening movie for the game on which the anime is based, ef – a fairy tale of the two, that introduces Yuu and Yuuko meeting in “their” cathedral, and that mysterious paper airplane. I believe that Makoto Shinkai had a directorial hand in this and the other game movies as well. His luscious skyscapes are his trademark…
Sorry to say that I have to hit the sack! I really hope you enjoyed this entry and will seek this anime out; next up (time permitting): a study of the myriad techniques behind Studio Shaft’s genius, and some examples of the beautiful complexity that is ef…
My favorite and most-beloved Poet needs no introduction, I’m happy to say. Being so consistently generous with his creative output he has?over time?made his name known, his presence felt, his beautiful genius spread amongst us for decades and is now honored, accepted, and appreciated by countless numbers of Leonard Cohen fans. Indeed, “fan” is too cheap a word to describe those who have fallen into his embrace of imagery,?music, and Poetry. He’s been over-analyzed to death, and so it will not be my place or intent to do so here. This is merely a tribute to him who?has been?so Giving…
Having heard his songs sung by Judy Collins in and around 1967, I finally purchased his “Selected Poems 1956-1968″ the following year, and immediately felt a strong connection with him, even though I barely understood his work. Being only 15, I didn’t have near the experience that he had, but most importantly, I felt that experience, and through a spiritual osmosis related to the words he wrote, took them in, and they became mine…
The times were a significant factor as well, as “we who were growing” through them were listening to our gods and priests of philosophy, lyric and poem, and striving to live as these teachers taught. It was a challenge, because Society and Authority disapproved,?for these were dangerous thoughts being transmitted due to their non-conformity, their truth, their wisdom, and their depth. Not much of their intent was on the surface, nor was much of anything so blatantly apparent, nor substance so easily-gratified; one had to dig. Which was reason enough for me to worship at their altars, buried deep within the caverns of their Under-worlds. They refused the Throne…
?Aside from Percy Bysshe Shelley, Leonard was my Instigator into attempting my hand at Poetry. I recall being sufficiently impressed with Prayer of My Wild Grandfather that I tipped my creative hat to him in a poem I wrote in November of 1969 entitled Metamorphosis. Unfortunately, some of us aren’t sufficiently suited for the art-form; I believe that it was E. B. White who said that a Poet must only be so bright, otherwise he will blind the reader. So out of consideration for your eyesight I won’t reprint it here
(As an aside, my other favorite and post-poetry-writing influential poet is Jack Micheline, who was absolutely brilliant.)
So, I’ll leave it to others who are (or imagine themselves to be) more adept at analysis to interpret Leonard’s words; I simply feel them inside the many layers of my being and my soul, and that is enough for me. I am satiated. I am gladdened by his presence. Thank you, Leonard, long may you live
Quite some time ago around 1985, I was watching Jools Holland’s late night music show, and was thrilled to see that L. C. was on and so tuned in. Many of these shows featured collaborations between the guests that were paired by the brilliant Hal Willner (who is worthy of an article of his own), and on this special night the Poet was accompanied by jazz legend Sonny Rollins, and together they performed Leonard’s “Who By Fire”. I was totally blown away! When my VCR broke some years ago, I mourned the loss of my recording of this great song, but thanks to the Magic That Is YouTube, I found this a few nights ago, which prompted this post and fond recollection of one of my most favorite and loved Artists, Leonard Cohen.?L. C. afficionados, be prepared for quite a different version of the song you are famiiar with!
Dig it!
Rather than extend this post beyond the patience of my visitors with the lyrics, I’ll just include his “The Reason?I Write”, because it is short, sweet, and to the point. The Man can certainly select his words, paint his master-pieces, and deliver his work to into our figurative hands…
THE REASON I WRITE
The reason I write
is to make something
as beautiful as you are
When I’m with you
I want to be the kind of hero
I wanted to be
when I was seven years old
a perfect man
who kills
(written and copyright by Leonard Cohen)
…and that pretty much says it all, except what it doesn’t. Sometimes, “words take the place of meaning”…
This post is long overdue, but in light of my lengthy devotion to Pink Floyd, quite necessary. I was?very much?saddened to read of Richard Wright’s passing several weeks ago. As one of the founding members of Pink Floyd he contributed such a significant atmosphere to their sound that his departure from the band was keenly felt by myself and legions of fans. ?
By my estimation, I’ve seen them in concert sixteen times from April 1968 on their “Saucerful of Secrets” and “More” tour all the way up to their Wright-less “The Division Bell” shows. One of my most vivid memories come from those early shows, and Richard working his magic on his keyboard. Through the various “hazes” of time and memory and other contributing factors (ahem) I can always see in my mind’s eye the image from one show of his motions in moving a rotating mic (I think) as the music seemed to come washing in from every corner of the room; it was as if he was directing the influx of music into my being from his solitary stand on the stage. In those early days the Pink Floyd sound was heavily keyboard-oriented while David Gilmour was getting his considerable chops together, and Richard seemed to carry the sound on his slender shoulders so very well. On those early albums he really made his presence felt; he was, and always will be, an integral part of the band and their music.
For a great visual example of Pink Floyd?in their pre-Dark Side of the Moon prime, seek out the Pink Floyd Live at Pompeii DVD, preferably the Director’s Cut. You’ll see Richard at his best, and the band is in absolute top form during this Meddle period. An outstanding documentary and live show, plus you get a history and geographical lesson as well!
For a full taste of this man’s talent, look for his 1978 album Wet Dream, which contains?a mutlitude of?colorful aural gems of wonder and delight, and highly recommended for Floyd fans. And as a parting goodbye, I’d like to leave you with this little tribute from Atom Heart Mother, Richard’s “Summer ‘68″:
Rest In Peace, Richard; it’s time for your great gig in the sky…
Being that accepting and flowing with Change as gracefully as I can is a central tenet of my life, and reflected in Unbound as well through the icon of the chrysalis, I thought that I’d write up a little piece about it, and focus on Pachelbel’s Canon in D, which has been brought about by this inspiring “commercial” that a friend in an anime IRC chat channel shared with me (thanks KholdStare!)…
This mini-film was shot in Thailand but it’s subtitled in English, and yet is quite moving and so beautiful in its delivery. It’s the story of a bullied mute girl who’s inspired by a street musician to take up the violin, and… but, see for yourself. I’m not ashamed to say that I was brought to tears upon first viewing it. You’ll barely know that it’s a commercial at all!
I was fortunate enough to have been brought up listening to Classical music, which my parents instigated through a subscription to a “record-of-the-month” club of classical songs recorded and chosen for children. While I don’t listen to classical music anymore all that often, Canon in D has been my favorite piece for as long as I can remember because of its relaxing mood and its building complexity that ultimately becomes breathtaking in its presentation. It’s almost as if the music is breathing and taking on a Life of its own…
From Wikipedia: “In music, a canon is a contrapuntal composition that employs a melody with one or more imitations of the melody played after a given duration (e.g. quarter rest, one measure, etc.). The initial melody is called the leader, while the imitative melody is called the follower which is played in a different voice. The follower must be created from the leader by being either an exact replication of the rhythms and intervals of the leader, or a transformation…”
When I was discovering the world of Anime last year I saw the title of Kanon and idly wondered whether it might be connected somehow to this song. “Nah,” I thought, “what would the chances of that be?” Well, as it turns out, it is the central theme of the series (which, by no small coincidence, is my favorite anime and among my most-favorite stories ever). The anime reflects the minute-but-ever-changing building of the composition itself.
The following dialogue is taken from episode 14 of Kanon (of 24 episodes), and entitled “The Cracked Concerto”. Setup: Sayuri and Yuichi are eating in a restaurant where Pachelbel’s Canon in D is playing in the background (and in several other scenes as well, as a sort-of subtle hint). Sayuri, who is an unfailingly polite and cheerful girl who always refers to herself by name, reveals to Yuichi a personally painful secret of her past regarding her little brother Kazuya, and her difficulties in dealing with it. This conversation follows (translation taken from the official DVD release by ADV Films and now released by Funimation):
Sayuri: “Do you know the name of this song?”
Yuichi: “No, but I’ve heard it often.”
S: “It’s ‘Canon’. Pachelbel’s ‘Canon’.”
Y: “‘Canon’…”
S: “The same melody repeats itself, and gradually grows richer, as the chords harmonize beautifully together. Wouldn’t it be great if we could live lives that didn’t seem to change, but we could make gradual changes, just like the song?”
Y: “Yeah, that’s true.”
S: “Maybe one day, remembering Kazuya won’t only be with sadness.”
Yeah, wouldn’t that be great… because Life is all about Change. This is what Lily and Will discover for themselves in Unbound. It’s really for the best to accept it as gracefully as one can whenever it’s possible, because life is going to change and put you through changes regardless; this is how we learn, and come to understand a lot of things about ourselves and others. Fighting it won’t bring you anything but bumps, bruises, and scars as you battle the currents and turbulence of the River of Life. Go With the Flow, but use your own boat; before you know it, positive changes will come your way. You won’t even see it coming or going. But you will Be
“Put your hand over the side of the boat… what do you feel?” -Kate Bush
I found a clip of the above-mentioned episode on YouTube and will include it here for the curious. However, I should point out a few things: The DVDs are of supreme quality (and in widesceen as well); don’t assume that this clip’s squished quality is what you’d be getting if you bought the series! And if curious about anime at all, Kanon would make for a great introduction, as the story is emotionally deep, wonderfully animated with a great soundtrack, and filled with poignant drama, comedy, and fantasy, intriguing and realistically decent characters (read: good persons); alongside its humor the story displays heartbreaking choice-making and consequences. Plus, it also comes with an English dub, for those who hate to read subtitles (though it’s way better as voiced by the original actors, as you’ll see in the clip). Second, watch this clip asap, because it may get yanked; I don’t think that there is a free way to watch this series on the Web. Finally, BEWARE OF SPOILERS if investigating too thoroughly! You do NOT want this story spoiled, as there are a lot of twists and turns in this tale of dreams, memories, miracles and reflections
(Hint: try buying the first volume and see if the series doesn’t hook you right away )
And now… for those haters and cynics who abound on the Internet and In Real Life nowadays, a pretty funny clip of comedian Rob Paravonian ranting on Pachelbel’s Canon in D. It is REALLY funny! Although I haven’t heard the song so often that I’ve become tired of it, I guess I can see where he’s coming from LOL…
Anyway, I hope you’re going with the flow and rolling with the punches! Change is afoot nowadays! Lily would say that it’s about time for that and some Hope as well, and that together we can all pull through these difficult times… Cynicism, sarcasm and rudeness only go so far before they become so very tired, old, and lame (as they already are); let’s shoot them and put them out of our misery! Perhaps we’ll become better people, and happier and more optimistic. What could be so bad about that?
Answer to non-rhetorical question: Nothing!
So, Peace & Happiness to you and to yours…
on the water
Welcome to Alastor's Reflection, the re-imagining of Fingal's Cave; a much more suitable environment than that poor soul's indwelling. Fingal resumes his journey in the pages of UNBOUND, while another solitary Spirit remains in this Place to muse with his Muse on the pursuit of "Life, Joy, Empire, and Victory," and the beauties therein...
