(L) Seirei no Moribito (Guardian of the Sacred Spirit)

[Joojoobees]

The best just keeps getting better. My only complaint is this episode felt like it only lasted about two minutes. I almost screamed "Nooo!" when the ED started.

Regardless of the speculation on his identity, the wolf looked really cool. Same with the frog

The action scenes were just awesome. They were exciting and very believable. I loved that whole thing with the spear.

It seems we have several very interesting characters with the making for multiple plot threads.

Spoiler for good story telling:

As Chagum was running towards Tanda's hut, the kids in town were looking for him there, with the "knowledge" that he would still be there, so I was convinced that Chagum would not be able to find him.

[Goofus Maximus]

The important notes on the post weren't translated, so we didn't know what the girl was pointing out to the boy, to make him gasp like that...

Edit: Sorry! No fan talk. Got-it.

[MrProphet]

Are you aware that in the Licensed forum you do not talk about fansubs?

[orion]

Originally Posted by Goofus Maximus

That was the one failing of the fansubbing of this episode: The important notes on the post weren't translated, so we didn't know what the girl was pointing out to the boy, to make him gasp like that...

Well, Tanda explained what was happening with the post later on in the episode.

Spoiler:

He said that he had so many orders that he ran out of leaves and went back home. The post prob roughly said that. The boy was upset because it's a hike to get to him now.

Actually I think that the wolf was used as a device to move the story along. The wolf showed Chagum the path unintentionally while hunting. Wolf was hunting a smaller prey which frightened Chagum, caused Chagum to run in the direction of Tanda's home and caused him to fall in the lake. This caused Tanda to notice him and then Tanda goes off to help Balsa.

[Jazzrat]

Just like to add, the post on the board is so blurry that it's impossible to make out what it is. More likely, you are supposed to guess what it meant by Tohya's expression

[Glitch87]

anyone else hope Jin is a recurring character? It would be nice to have the viewpoint of the torn footsoldier. A decisive 1 on 1 battle with balsa would be awesome. or even if they team up.

[Quajafrie]

Episode 3 was the definition of awesomeness.

[Aniki Meiski]

Originally Posted by Goofus Maximus

That was the one failing of the fansubbing of this episode: The important notes on the post weren't translated, so we didn't know what the girl was pointing out to the boy, to make him gasp like that...

The writing in the show is not kanji, but fictitious Yogo writing, modelled after the extinct Tangut (Xixia) language. No one can translate those writing.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tangut_language

[Joojoobees]

Spoiler for WOLF:

The more I think about it, the more I'm thinking that WAS Tanda. He tells Chogum that he "Just got back." Well, obviously this is speculation.

[Sorrow-K]

Ep 3.

That just left me completely speechless. Simply, amazing. Kudos to Kamiyama, I can't help but suspect so far that this is his labour of love.

[Mez]

only problem i had with ep3 was the lack of blood, looked kinda unnatural/unrealistic, she got slashed across the stomach(no spray of blood/visible cut), and stabbed by a throwing knife(she pulled it out and u couldn't even see a wound). only blood you see is later on, a bit of red on her bandages.

[DieH@rd]

Originally Posted by Quajafrie

Episode 3 was the definition of awesomeness.

Quoted for truth. Ep3 is best so far! Barsa was great, Chagum was very brave, and I hope that assassin Jin will survive somehow...

Wolf was a bit puzzling. My theory is that he will help Chagum, he has that spirit inside of him after all.

[Red Herring]

Say where are you guys watching this? I wanna see since I'll watch anything with a strong female lead.

[Glitch87]

Originally Posted by Mez

only problem i had with ep3 was the lack of blood, looked kinda unnatural/unrealistic, she got slashed across the stomach(no spray of blood/visible cut), and stabbed by a throwing knife(she pulled it out and u couldn't even see a wound). only blood you see is later on, a bit of red on her bandages.

I'd rather have them focusing on the movement of the characters then spending time animating blood sprays. I'll let crap shows like Claymore do that.

[Burner of Anime]

For the blood [or lack thereof], red blood on a red dress isn't going to really show . The gut wound looked to be a slow leak since the girl got hit by the sword catcher instead of the full blade. Add that to not being able to properly close the wound in the field [priority- save the kid] is good enough reason for me to put aside believability.

For the shoulder wound? Balsa happens to be one of the most solidly put together amazons seen in recent times, so unless that throw knife hit a vein through a thick slab of muscle I doubt there will be a gusher of any sort there.

On the show proper, already sold on the concept of a bodyguard who is not completely invincible and driven by a carraige train of angst. I'd say the show just wins points for actually making the entire crew likeable as they are instead of the usual stereotype caricatures.

[mukansa monkey]

Blood spraying/gushing means an artery hit which means probably a really deep wound and almost certainly they are dead in seconds. Lack of showing a wound line seems odd (the cut cheek shot in Blood was done so right), but spraying = dying.

Originally Posted by Red Herring

Say where are you guys watching this? I wanna see since I'll watch anything with a strong female lead.

Forum rules here at AnimeSuki prevent asking about subs of licensed shows, and raws of any show at all. As an information source for the distribution of technically illegal torrents, they walk a fine line in order to keep the RIAA gestapo off their backs. Regardless of how antiquated international copyright law might be, in order to live with it Suki doens't want us giving out that sort of information. So do some research on the Internets and it shouldn't be too hard to find yourself. Or wait for translated DVDs and spend a few bucks helping to pay for I.G.'s next stupendo production.

Speaking of which, any kinda clues as to when this is gonna come out stateside? I must own it... I might even get an HD player to watch it properly. Hugaaa!

[toxic_trance]

Ah..and i was wondering why this show wasnt being discussed. I loved the first episode of this series. The animation is top-notch, Balsa reminds me of Motoko in a lot of ways. Neway, watched Episode 3, looks like Chagum wont just be an innocently protected boy. Action scenes were very well choreographed, and very powerful and very much full of energy. Hope they keep up with the tempo. This series has every quality of being a classic i feel

[monir]

Originally Posted by Burner of Anime

For the shoulder wound? Balsa happens to be one of the most solidly put together amazons seen in recent times, ......

No kidding! One of the reason I've really, really liked episode 2 is the descriptive emphasis put on about Balsa neesama. The words were never spoken. One needs to observe or look for it to truly appreciate that episode. For example, she runs all night with Chagum on her back. Looking at Chagum's size, he can easily be at least in the range 90-100 lbs. She also has her own luggage to carry. How many here do a bit of jugging for 20+ minutes? She, then, sends the errand boy to get her things, doesn't rest herself as she puts Chagum to sleep, and ready for another all nighter. Neesama is very fit indeed!

[kujoe]

Originally Posted by Glitch87

anyone else hope Jin is a recurring character? It would be nice to have the viewpoint of the torn footsoldier. A decisive 1 on 1 battle with balsa would be awesome. or even if they team up.

Yeah, my feelings exactly. I was surprised that he isn't just a faceless character shown for the sake of the action. Unless, of course, if he's already...

Spoiler:

...dead.

What an episode number three turned out to be! I mean, holy shit captain..! I was expecting a fight scene—and parts of this one in particular have already been shown as a teaser—but in the end, it still floored me over.

Spoiler:

It isn't just because of the moves that Balsa-neesan and goons were throwing against each other either. There's also the choreography with the camera, the makings of a good ol' chase, and the teamwork of pursuers—all three very kinetic and nicely done.

Moreover, I was simply touched at the interactions between Balsa and Chagum. Two scenes in particular leap from the screen to me. One is the scene wherein Chagum is trying to catch some sleep, when all of a sudden a cart passes by on the bridge and Balsa notices that dust is seeping through the narrow gaps of the wooden planks. Arguably insignificant perhaps, yet moments are moments because of such small details like this in this anime. And last but not least, is the final scene in particular—minutes or seconds before Tanda's arrival—when Balsa is literally reliving a moment from her her past as her life slowly ebbs away. Again, the little things.

Wow. Dare I say it? Is she what moe means for me? Yes, I'm weird and yes, I know... I'm spouting blasphemy upon her greatness. But more of Balsa please!

[Jazzrat]

Originally Posted by kujoe

Moreover, I was simply touched at the interactions between Balsa and Chagum....... Arguably insignificant perhaps, yet moments are moments because of such small details like this in this anime.

Wow. Dare I say it? Is she what moe means for me? Yes, I'm weird and yes, I know... I'm spouting blasphemy upon her greatness. But more of Balsa please!

Episode 2 for me help establish the bond between Barsa and Chagum. And most importantly, the interaction felt natural, unlike other anime who force such moments together. You're not alone in your love for kickass oneesan. Just like many who have the thing for a imouto (younger sis), there's people whose attracted to a strong and yet caring oneesan

And oh, Jin isn't dead. Otherwise, they wouldnt bother spending some screentime on him only to kill him a few mins later. Barsa would have used one of her throwing knifes if they were going to kill him off but she used a rock instead (tho in real life, getting a rock smashed into your skull can be a deathblow)