View Full Version : Crunchyroll Kemono no Souja Erin ~ Beast Player ~
http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/6934/06213700wa8.jpg
* Alternative title : The Beast Player Erin 獣の奏者エリン (Japanese)
* Genres : Fantasy
* Running Time : 25 minutes
* Number of Episodes : 50
* Air Date : 2009-01-10
* Opening Theme : "Shizuku (雫)" by Sukima Switch
* Ending Theme : "After the rain" by cossami
The Japanese publisher Kodansha and the public broadcaster NHK have announced on Wednesday that The Beast Player (Kemono no Sōja), a fantasy novel epic by Moribito - Guardian of the Spirit (http://forums.animesuki.com/showthread.php?t=38379&highlight=Moribito)author Nahoko Uehashi (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/people.php?id=57471), will be animated for television. Kemono no Sōja Erin (The Beast Player Erin) will center around a girl who can control the greatest of beasts as if she was playing a musical instrument. However, she gets embroiled in a war for supremacy between kingdoms. Uehashi wrote two The Beast Player volumes in 2006. The anime will premiere on Japan's NHK-Educational channel on Saturday, January 10 at 6:25 p.m.
Website : http://www3.nhk.or.jp/anime/erin/
Credits : ANN
The Chaos
2008-12-15, 11:24
Sound Interesting anime ...I might watch it when it Air :D
I am a big fan of Nahoko Uehashi thanks to Moribito . But I am a bit scared will it get subbed ? as it has not generated enough buzz . I must check up fansub-wiki when I get time : )
The Chaos
2008-12-15, 12:21
I read The Story ..and *add to List*
I love these kinda of animes :D
niwasatou
2008-12-15, 15:55
It certainly looks cute, but 4 cours series always intimidate me. I'll have a look though.
According to FanSub Wiki (http://www.fansubwiki.com/Who_Subs_What:_WINTER_2008) this show will get subbed by Static Subs (http://www.animesuki.com/group.php/121.html) ^___^
factor747
2008-12-27, 16:49
According to FanSub Wiki (http://www.fansubwiki.com/Who_Subs_What:_WINTER_2008) this show will get subbed by Static Subs (http://www.animesuki.com/group.php/121.html) ^___^
That is good fansub?
metamorphic
2008-12-28, 05:25
I am really looking forward to this, thanks to Uehashi Nahoko's amazing work on Moribito. If the anime has the same mystery and intrigue, I'm definitely hooked. And 50 episodes could also hit at a lot of chances for pretty good character/plot development.
Celestial Kitsune
2009-01-10, 19:33
Screenshots for Episode 1 (http://celestialkitsune.wordpress.com/2009/01/10/kemono-no-sou-ja-erin-episode-1/)
I liked this anime and going to cover it regularly :)
I love the OP. Same guy that did Morbito's opening, right?
Good thing Erin doesn't have a high pitched voice. She sounds normal thank god. Is the pig-tailed girl/women supposed to her mother? She looks very young. When I saw the commercial for it, I thought the girl was a teenager.
kiki_natsumi-chan
2009-01-10, 21:50
It seems that this anime will be on my 'must watch' list...
I can't wait for the subs to come out =D
BluWacky
2009-01-11, 07:58
I love the OP. Same guy that did Morbito's opening, right?
Nope, it's by Sukima Switch, who haven't done a lot of anime work before (one of their songs was used in Tokyo Marble Chocolate, I believe).
The plot is intruiging but more than that, I am looking forward to the art/animation . They did a mighty fine job with Seirei no Moribito.
DangerMouse
2009-01-11, 10:21
I'm so looking forwards to this, Moribito has been totally fantastic (even the sword-smith episode which was almost all dialogue in one single room was surprisingly gripping) and that type of writing with the story outline written in the first post given a similar style of intrigue and the potential development of 50 episodes could be equally so.
I have to agree with DangerMouse, I've never looked forward to an anime more than to this one. Seirei was one of (if not the) best anime of the millennium, it had some amazing eps; the sword smith episode was one, and I enjoyed the one in the snowed-in mountain cave even more. Amazing stuff.
I've been flipping though the raw of ep 1, and the character design really reminds me of SnM. I was afraid this show might be more aimed at children than Seirei was but it looks like that was unfounded. I'm restraining myself from "watching" the raw completely, but if someone doesn't start subbing it soon, I might just have to learn Japanese :/
Kaoru Chujo
2009-01-14, 14:16
It certainly looks cute, but 4 cours series always intimidate me. I'll have a look though.Good word: "intimidate." That's just how I feel about long series.
But I'm certainly starting with a happy heart. I enjoyed the first episode (Chinese sub), including the lead seiyuu who is really a TV/film actress. I thought they told a complete story in ep1, and the emotional connections around it worked.
I liked the strange green eyes, which for some reason didn't seem as blank as I would have thought.
I had reservations about Seirei, good as it was. The story seemed slow and meandering, to me, and for me lacked some of the emotional force the plot would have justified.
Sorrow-K
2009-01-15, 00:14
Yeah, I agree with that. SnM was undoubtedly a great anime, but I thought it could have been better, and was disappointed with the direction it ended up taking and the slightly underwhelming final climax. But it did have excellent characters and its fantasy world was just immense and epic. They really put effort into that setting.
That's what I'm hoping they do with this series. I'm still waiting for subs, but I'm anticipating this with bated breath. Production I.G. are generally a quality organization.
BluWacky
2009-01-16, 14:33
I'm not sure where I stand on Kemono no Souja. The first episode is fine, but it's not really grabbed me like I hoped it would.
There's some nice touches to the artwork (particularly in the OP and ED), and there's seeds of some interesting stuff in there - the warring countries, the whole "beast calling" thing, and what I know of the plot for the future are what would keep me interested. It's just not a very exciting first episode.
Erin's voice actress is fine, but then it's not a very interesting part so far - she likes animals, big whoop.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not expecting balls-to-the-wall action or anything, but the first episode doesn't really set up anything particularly intriguing. I'll probably give the second episode a go but I'm not really very excited about it.
Celestial Kitsune
2009-01-17, 19:49
Episode 2 Screenshots (http://celestialkitsune.wordpress.com/2009/01/17/kemono-no-sou-ja-erin-episode-2/) :)
I'm still on episode one~~~ (http://booksanime.today.com/2009/01/13/kemono-no-souja-1-beastmastaa/), and am agreeing with BluWacky so far. Watching the next one soon, though. :)
The Op and ED were released yday and they look really awesome .... I hope we can get a fansub soon . As of now two fansub groups are working on this show .
* Static-Subs
* Alex-subs
gnuffiehot
2009-01-18, 10:56
Just as a heads up. The OP and ED were released by that "Alex-subs" group. The group decided against using a name however and will just release subs without having a group name and whatnot.
As for Erin. I like the easy going'ness of the series so far. Episode 2 was another slow episode where they were just building up character for you to cry about later when bad stuff happened later in the series. Actual story will probably start in an episode or 2.
I love Erin's eyes. Totally fell in love with the green eyes the first time I looked at them.
Just as a heads up. The OP and ED were released by that "Alex-subs" group. The group decided against using a name however and will just release subs without having a group name and whatnot.
As for Erin. I like the easy going'ness of the series so far. Episode 2 was another slow episode where they were just building up character for you to cry about later when bad stuff happened later in the series. Actual story will probably start in an episode or 2.
I love Erin's eyes. Totally fell in love with the green eyes the first time I looked at them.
Yeah, the OP suggests something bad will happen to her mother.
I got that feeling too from hearing the OP song. The affection she have for her mother. It just gona brake my heart if something bad really happen.
Heh, finally watched and blogged about ep 2 (http://booksanime.today.com/2009/01/22/kemono-no-souja-erin-2-fish-eating-dragon/). It was surprisingly nice! A bit slow, but gonna watch it for a while. :)
Finally subs are out cant wait to watch it downloading , a big thank you to Kyou.No.Subs.
I'm sorry to say that my fears have come true, this show seems to be a lot more child oriented than Seirei :( I will reserve final judgement until I've seen a better sub of ep 1, but from the music and story this seems fairly kiddo.
It's nowhere near as amazing as ep 1 of Seirei, but I will keep watching it in case it gets a little more mature (there is potential, atleast), and the art looks great in HD.
I'm sorry to say that my fears have come true, this show seems to be a lot more child oriented than Seirei :( I will reserve final judgement until I've seen a better sub of ep 1, but from the music and story this seems fairly kiddo.
It's nowhere near as amazing as ep 1 of Seirei, but I will keep watching it in case it gets a little more mature (there is potential, atleast), and the art looks great in HD.
That was pretty mature for a kids title. They even changed the animation style and cut back to the bird family in violent scenes so as not to scare the younger audience. The older kids and adults could guess what was happening which kept the tension up in the older populaton.
Definitely a power imbalance with one side winning because of the Toudas leading to a manufactured peace.
Nice first episode. Can't wait for subs of ep. 2. Thanks for the subs.
Celestial Kitsune
2009-01-24, 21:03
Don't worry, you'll get a dose of political science in episode three :P
Episode 3 Screenshots (http://celestialkitsune.wordpress.com/2009/01/24/kemono-no-sou-ja-erin-episode-3/).
Haha, Celestial Kitsune, that was the part that nearly put me to sleep! Thank goodness for the rest of episode 3 (http://booksanime.today.com/2009/01/25/kemono-no-souja-erin-3-rururu/), though.
germanturkey
2009-01-26, 00:34
its an interesting show. the art direction is a bit strange.. crayon drawn backgrounds with computer drawn characters.. racism undertones will make this interesting. i'm still not sure how to judge the plot, so i'll give it a few more eps.
girl reminds me of ranka.. -2 points.
Celestial Kitsune
2009-01-26, 09:16
girl reminds me of ranka.. -2 points.
The girl reminds me of Yotsuba :P
The girl reminded me of no one...Erin's Erin. =)
My favourite character so far would definitely have to be Ruru, though. XD At least, until it grows up..>.>
TinyRedLeaf
2009-01-26, 10:24
I'm sorry to say that my fears have come true, this show seems to be a lot more child oriented than Seirei :( I will reserve final judgement until I've seen a better sub of ep 1, but from the music and story this seems fairly kiddo.
It's nowhere near as amazing as ep 1 of Seirei, but I will keep watching it in case it gets a little more mature (there is potential, atleast), and the art looks great in HD.
The aesthetic style is certainly very different from usual I.G fare. But a show doesn't have to be targeted at adults to be enjoyable — take Ghibli movies like My Neighbour Totoro and Kiki's Delivery Service for example.
In Erin's case, the first anime I'm reminded of, curiously enough, is Allison & Lilia. It's like watching a child's picture storybook come to life, and like Allison & Lilia, it has a Masterpiece Theatre feel to it. It's interesting to consider why the producers have chosen this style. After all, the story is about a little girl's perspective on her world, and the beasts that roam in it. To her, they seem cute and fluffy (I forsee baby Touda plush toys), but it seems that she'll soon learn how dangerous they actually are.
So, even though nothing much happened in the first episode, I'm already more charmed by Kemono no Souja Erin than Genji no Monogatari Sennenki. I prefer feeling warm and fluffy inside, rather being jealous of a princely playboy. :p
That was pretty mature for a kids title. They even changed the animation style and cut back to the bird family in violent scenes so as not to scare the younger audience. The older kids and adults could guess what was happening which kept the tension up in the older populaton.
The bird family wasn't violent? What with the weasel and all it was just as violent as the reality it was a metaphor for. Moreso if you count the depiction of the hawk feeding its chick a dead mouse as violent. I'm not quite sure what the point of those scenes were (other than to be artsy) but it didn't feel like self-censorship or anything. If anything, it undermines the "watch out Erin, those are beasts" message by implying that humans are also beasts (by making all of the mother and child interactions seem instinctual and animal-like.) Although that could be the point, depending on where the story goes.
The first episode was nice enough; I didn't expect it to be kid-oriented, not that that's a bad thing. I like the color palettes and character designs, reminds of, as TinyRedLeaf mentioned, classic children's coloring book. The only thing hampering me from fully enjoying this so far is the heavy-handed narration and the transition of scenes. I think the narration's distracting and terribly unnecessary. I hope they tone it down next episode.
Also really, really love the ED, very cute and whimsical with its Kaiba-ish aesthetics.
I watched it, and, ...it's not bad.I like Studio Ghibi Art Style(Studio Ghibi animes are all incredible especially Tottoro and Spirited away.).Finally,I decided to follow this show.
I had my reservations about this show at first.
But now, for some reason, it feels as though it's going to be as much of an epic story as 十二国記 (Juuni Kokki) was. Except, instead of looking at this through the eyes of a would-be empress, we're going to look at the growth of the (possible) legendary touda vet.
I look foward to it. It will definitely be a breath of fresh air
Sorrow-K
2009-01-30, 23:18
Just caught ep 1. It's certainly not an urgent anime. They probably know they have four cour to play with, so the slow pacing to begin with isn't really a surprise, or out of place. I wouldn't say I was awe-struck by anything in this first ep, but it did keep my attention all the way through and there's a lot of little things here and there which could become interesting down the road, such as the Mist People and Soyon's back story (they referred to Erin as the chief's granddaughter, so obviously there's a story there). And I really dig the art style, even if I can't shake the suspicion that they're using it as a way to be a lot less explicit with the onscreen violence.
My thoughts at this stage are that if we can just bear with the pacing a bit in the early episodes, this could possibly be a very good fantasy story. The right ingredients are there for an interesting story.
Kaoru Chujo
2009-01-31, 01:42
I've seen the first two episodes and I'm pretty enthusiastic at the moment. The plots evolved as you would expect. You could even say they evolved in a cliched way. But it was well done and emotionally satisfying.
The voice acting was pretty good. Erin's mother was very good, I thought. She's played by seiyuu/stage actress Hirata Eriko (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/people.php?id=37295), who is doing an even better job as Lady Aoi in the new Genji (particularly a scene in ep3).
Erin herself is played by singer/actress/photo idol Hoshii Nanase (http://search.books.rakuten.co.jp/bksearch/nm?sv=30&g=000&b=1&sitem=%C0%B1%B0%E6%BC%B7%C0%A5), 20. This is her first seiyuu role. Photos: Hirata Eriko (left) and Hoshii Nanase:
http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/2199/w382bb3.jpg (http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/2199/w382bb3.jpg) http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/3531/484702808209lzzzzzzzix2.th.jpg (http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/3531/484702808209lzzzzzzzix2.jpg)
jtstellar
2009-02-01, 18:24
the way Erin's mother is presented in this series so far.. the wrinkles around the eye, the expression around the mouth, the way of speech.. all seems excessively gloomy. in terms of my character preference, i think the gloomy model is near the bottom of my list. i wonder if she is portrayed the same way in the novels.
this is one of the better anime this season, i'm expecting an epic to reveal itself.
(and yes, Eirin, err, Erin looks like Yotsuba :D)
hopefully it will be as good as Popolocrois.
FlareKnight
2009-02-02, 00:54
Not a bad couple of episodes to start the series off. Though I'm not feeling very optimistic about Erin's mother here. In both episodes she's close to being in trouble over Touda issues. Luckily the young touda was found in the first episode and they figured out the food/poison issue in the second episode. But sooner or later something might happen that doesn't have a good solution to it.
At any rate I'm hoping that Wadan gets eaten by a Touda or something. Needs to get over that he's simply not in the same class as Soyon. Amazed that guy still has a job with how much he seems to mess things up. Just thinking of it, but maybe Saju's sister is going to be forced to marry that guy. Might explain why she was so depressed at the mention of getting married in episode 2. After all having to spend the rest of your life with that guy would make anyone depressed :heh:.
The mother has death flags written all over her :(. Be strong Erin!
Really nice choice for OP, the song is Shizuku .Though it does seem reminiscent of some other song . Cant point out which one exactly but great track choice: D
I don't know about you, but the first time I heard the op it kind of reminded me of Akeboshi from Naruto's first ending song.
Just watched episode 3 and I love it so far. The whole mystery of the kiri tribe and Erin's mom past is really making a slow anime suspensful!
Sorrow-K
2009-02-05, 06:44
Ep 2
I was impressed by that. For what is essentially a kid's anime, that was really well written. The way they went about trying to figure out what was essentially a medical mystery... it was almost like an episode of House (minus the cynical yet magnetic lead). It's only been two episode, but I rather like what I've seen from this series so far.
I don't know about you, but the first time I heard the op it kind of reminded me of Akeboshi from Naruto's first ending song.
Same here :heh: I kept thinking it's the same group who did the song (which is not case)
Celestial Kitsune
2009-02-08, 20:35
I decided to blog only the subbed versions because episode three was quite involved. So far, Erin is my favorite anime of the Winter season :)
Episode 4 Photoessay (http://celestialkitsune.wordpress.com/2009/02/08/kemono-no-sou-ja-erin-episode-4/).
Hrm, I can't help but feel ep 5 was rather underwhelming. Then again, I'm not very good with slower-paced anime...-wry- Nonetheless, I did do up some screenshots/a very brief summary (http://booksanime.today.com/2009/02/12/kemono-no-souja-erin-5-touda-laying-eggs/).
qmeister
2009-02-14, 22:53
I've just watched Static-Subs Episode 3, and I think I'm going to like this show very much. It feels pretty much like most of Production IG's stuff recently, on the high end of watchable. They haven't really made any truly excellent stuff since Seirei no Moribito IMO, but since this is by the same author, I have some hope for it.
Celestial Kitsune
2009-02-15, 16:02
I enjoyed this episode :)
Episode 5 Photoessay (http://celestialkitsune.wordpress.com/2009/02/15/kemono-no-sou-ja-erin-episode-5/).
kamikazex
2009-02-17, 02:26
ep 6 wtf. cruel world man
Yeah, episode 6 got me all edgy when I was watching/screenshotting it (http://booksanime.today.com/2009/02/16/kemono-no-souja-erin-6-scent-of-the-sun/). I guess they have to have a scapegoat, but Wodan didn't need to be so smug about it -__-
SuperKnuckles
2009-02-17, 06:52
I have never wished for an anime character's death as worse than with Wodan. That man needs a horrible fate. :D
Sorrow-K
2009-02-17, 07:17
Ep 3
I realize that was didactic, but I don't care. For a kid's anime, this is seriously smart, and it's exploring a theme about nature and animals that resonates with reality.
The potential of this anime seems to be growing with each episode.
qmeister
2009-02-17, 13:19
Ep 3
I realize that was didactic, but I don't care. For a kid's anime, this is seriously smart, and it's exploring a theme about nature and animals that resonates with reality.
The potential of this anime seems to be growing with each episode.
I expect, being more of a children's anime, it will try to be moderately didactic, but so far the direction has been top notch and it has never really felt preachy to me.
Also, we are beginning to see more of the politics of the nation come about which should prove interesting. Hopefully we will get to see Erin mature as a person, mentally if not physically, and seeing as it's a 50 episode series, I think we will.
itisjustme
2009-02-17, 18:25
Had high hopes seeing as this has the same author/producer as Seirei no Moribito but..
After two episodes, the art/animation looks lower budget, the pacing is really slow, especially at the beginning where you're supposed to hook the audience, none of the characters feel interesting so far, the mother looks so sickly she's almost a pain to watch and Erin looks far from being able to carry a show on her own the way Balsa did. Disappointing. =/
Does it get any better later on?
qmeister
2009-02-17, 19:09
Had high hopes seeing as this has the same author/producer as Seirei no Moribito but..
After two episodes, the art/animation looks lower budget, the pacing is really slow, especially at the beginning where you're supposed to hook the audience, none of the characters feel interesting so far, the mother looks so sickly she's almost a pain to watch and Erin looks far from being able to carry a show on her own the way Balsa did. Disappointing. =/
Does it get any better later on?
You have to understand that this is aimed at a completely different audience than Moribito. It is for kids, almost, though I'd say 11-13 year olds for my part.
Hence they are trying to cut down on the violence by drawing in absolutely brilliant pastel art. Contrary to what others may think, this was an excellent decision, since it allows us to look at things from a child's point of view without decreasing the drama. The art is already better than so many other shows that are airing (understandable, since it's IG and all...), and I personally can't see anything worth complaining about.
If you've been following the economic trends lately, most animation studios in Japan are facing serious problems, and having to resort to layoffs or being completely safe in their choice of productions (like Asu no Yoichi, Akikan, yet another Higurashi spinoff, more FMA, the Eureka 7 movie... and Gonzo letting 3/4 of their employees go.). IG is taking a huge financial risk in doing Erin, and as a 50 episode series no less.
Erin is a completely believeable character, acting like a real child, quite innocent, and eager to help those around her. She has normal friends, and a hardworking single mother, she likes animals and nature. Perhaps she does not capture the audience like Balsa, but what will be interesting is how she will grow throughout this series.
I have many expectations of Erin, and I'm quite sure it/she will not disappoint.
BBOvenGuy
2009-02-17, 19:51
You have to understand that this is aimed at a completely different audience than Moribito. It is for kids, almost, though I'd say 11-13 year olds for my part.
Hence they are trying to cut down on the violence by drawing in absolutely brilliant pastel art. Contrary to what others may think, this was an excellent decision, since it allows us to look at things from a child's point of view without decreasing the drama. The art is already better than so many other shows that are airing (understandable, since it's IG and all...), and I personally can't see anything worth complaining about.
Speaking as someone who writes (http://www.rablack.com/) for that age group, I think the show is being done very well so far. Trust me, from a kid's perspective, the ending of Episode 6 is far more terrifying than a whole herd of rampaging toudas.
I'm guessing that Erin is going to grow up some during the course of the story. Does anyone know how much?
Celestial Kitsune
2009-02-18, 10:29
I'm guessing that Erin is going to grow up some during the course of the story. Does anyone know how much?
If I recall correctly, the story covers 14 years. I am sure she'll turn out to be a good person :)
EDIT: I was wrong. This is the original statement:
しかも、主人公は10歳から14歳、そして大人へと成長していきます。(Source (http://www3.nhk.or.jp/anime/erin/story_main.html))
qmeister
2009-02-18, 15:14
That's still a long time, and it gives a lot of room for Erin to develop. She may even transcend Chagum's character development in Moribito.
PS I haven't seen past ep 3 yet so please, no spoilers outside spoiler tags!
itisjustme
2009-02-18, 15:42
Wasn't SnM supposed to be children/YA literature also?
Just watched ep 6. The bad thing is that I skipped ep 3 to 5 and it didn't feel like I missed anything. The good thing is that the ending makes me hope things are finally going to change/gear up.
PS I haven't seen past ep 3 yet so please, no spoilers outside spoiler tags!
From the Spoiler FAQ (http://forums.animesuki.com/faq.php?faq=animesuki_faq#faq_spoilerpolicy):
"Because our forum is targeted primarily at fansub viewers, it is inconsiderate to openly discuss or post impressions of an episode before the fansubs are released, except in threads discussing that specific episode. So, when multiple raw and fansubbed episodes are being discussed in the same thread, please keep all discussion of unsubbed episodes behind clearly-marked spoiler tags. Discussing unsubbed anime is not a spoiler according to this policy, but please be considerate."
The main site lists fansubs up to episode 6, so there's nothing wrong with untagged discussion up 'til that point. I suggest that you either catch up quickly, or avoid this thread until you've caught up. As always, it's a good idea to be cautious when venturing into any thread where the discussion can be ahead of what you've seen.
qmeister
2009-02-18, 17:18
Haha, was just joking about that, I know what to expect from forums like these. And besides, it's not like Erin has that much to spoil at this point.
Celestial Kitsune
2009-02-21, 21:34
Episode 6 Photoessay (http://celestialkitsune.wordpress.com/2009/02/21/kemono-no-sou-ja-erin-episode-6/).
Interesting names are introduced in this episode :)
Soyon is executed by being the food of the wild Toudas. Erin tried to save her mother. When Soyon saw Erin, Soyon then whistled something which made all the Toudas stopped. Then Soyon made Erin rided one of the Touda out of the area but left herself there. After another whistled, all the Touda came and ate her.
I cried when watching this episode. The music and flashback about their time spending together was very sad. Soyon tried to take all the sin with her. She could escape with Erin but she chose not to, because if she did other person must be killed. And Erin who wanted to help her mother and wanted to live with her even though they had to wander from place to place. But the wish is not fullfilled. She called out to her mother all the way the Touda took her out.
The episode is a really sad one, but I might not be able to describe all the feeling and what was happening in the episode, because my lack of english skill.
However, this episode is a MUST WATCH.
signorRossi
2009-02-22, 06:01
Soyon is executed by being the food of the wild Toudas. Erin tried to save her mother. When Soyon saw Erin, Soyon then whistled something which made all the Toudas stopped. Then Soyon made Erin rided one of the Touda out of the area but left herself there. After another whistled, all the Touda came and ate her.
I cried when watching this episode. The music and flashback about their time spending together was very sad. Soyon tried to take all the sin with her. She could escape with Erin but she chose not to, because if she did other person must be killed. And Erin who wanted to help her mother and wanted to live with her even though they had to wander from place to place. But the wish is not fullfilled. She called out to her mother all the way the Touda took her out.
The episode is a really sad one, but I might not be able to describe all the feeling and what was happening in the episode, because my lack of english skill.
However, this episode is a MUST WATCH.
Wow, I never would have thought that this show would go to such extremes, since the general mood and style of it really seemed tailed to younger audiences than Seirei no Moribito was. While I wasn't sure if I would follow it further after the first episodes, I now expect more of it and won't drop it in the near future I guess.
For those who'd like to look at some screenshots and a summary of ep 7 (http://booksanime.today.com/2009/02/22/kemono-no-souja-erin-7-barbaric-sentence/)...
And now, the ep itself. As expected, I'd say. -wry- Coming from watching Marley and Me, which was an emotional film for me, I wasn't all too broken up when Soyon died...nonetheless, it was still sad. Expected, but sad. I did feel like it wasn't necessary. :S Meh. In any case -- it does raise more questions; does Erin have those powers, too? Who's that Aorolu (or however you spell it) guy? (I think he's quite cute XD) And how did he get up to that ledge on the cliff?!?! XD Just when I was planning to stop watching, too, heh. XD
BBOvenGuy
2009-02-23, 15:31
does Erin have those powers, too?
Well, I'd say...
If Erin didn't have those powers, too, we never would have been shown them in the first place.
That's just my opinion, based on the way stories are usually told. I don't have any actual evidence.
Hrm. That's true. And in terms of storytelling, I do think KnSErin is doing pretty well.
She could, however, have another form of them...though probably not, considering the title of the anime. XD But I guess what'll be interesting is finding out how she'll master them as she grows up -- though I do think she's done quite a bit of growing up in ep 7. :(
karumofin
2009-02-23, 23:31
eh? what is up with peopl ehere? so far i have enjoyed every single episode and i dont consider even one of them skippable, theres relevant information in each one, i honestly think that anyone who needs a guide about which episodes to skip should not bother with this series.
i for once enjoy the pace, i am completely sick of series that dont take the time to develop anything before the big action sets in and this is a welcome change.
signorRossi
2009-02-24, 03:41
eh? what is up with peopl ehere? so far i have enjoyed every single episode and i dont consider even one of them skippable, theres relevant information in each one, i honestly think that anyone who needs a guide about which episodes to skip should not bother with this series.
i for once enjoy the pace, i am completely sick of series that dont take the time to develop anything before the big action sets in and this is a welcome change.
Hey, this is a 50 episode anime, shame on them if they dare to not develop the characters and story properly! ;) Hopefully they take Blood+ as a bad example! :heh:
And all I had to complain was that I thought it would be tailored to young children with the fault on my side since I am quite old. :D
Kazu-kun
2009-02-24, 09:30
And all I had to complain was that I thought it would be tailored to young children with the fault on my side since I am quite old. :D
It does target young children... it's just that Japanese children are used to this (and yeah, I did watch episode 7).
signorRossi
2009-02-24, 16:37
It does target young children... it's just that Japanese children are used to this (and yeah, I did watch episode 7).
Still, all that protracted...
...execution scenery
Cruelty aside,...
...the art of this episode was beautiful.
Rather than sadness, episode 7 made me feel anger.
Like, the type of anger that just leaves you there motionless, with your jaw clenched.
I want to see that empire destroyed. I want it gone.
Not even Juuni Kokki made me feel like this.
Ep 7 was very shocking, but
It was obvious that the prosecutor wasn't really interested in finding out the truth, only in a swift judgment. I was amazed they drew the execution out so long, even if they kept it bloodless, that seriously shocked me. There are kids in Japan having nightmares over that scene.
I've got to wait for Ep 8 to come out before I can show anyone this series, now. But I'm really wondering how this trauma is going to affect and alter the tone of the show from now on. 6 1/2 episodes of a gentle, sweet slice of life story now heads to a crushing... where?
signorRossi
2009-02-25, 02:58
Ep 7 was very shocking, but
It was obvious that the prosecutor wasn't really interested in finding out the truth, only in a swift judgment. I was amazed they drew the execution out so long, even if they kept it bloodless, that seriously shocked me. There are kids in Japan having nightmares over that scene.
I've got to wait for Ep 8 to come out before I can show anyone this series, now. But I'm really wondering how this trauma is going to affect and alter the tone of the show from now on. 6 1/2 episodes of a gentle, sweet slice of life story now heads to a crushing... where?
I hope that they let loose their story writers in the same way they did in episode 7.
We have the intriguing relative of the Real King, the sons of the duke that may engage in a succession war, the mystery on why and how the Kiri tribe can control the Toudas, the fact that the others know about it and now will probably come for the Kiri commoners since such knowledge is critical to the survival of the kingdom....
I am really looking forward to all that.
SignorRossi.
Episode 7 has completely rekindled my interest in the series.
Self-sacrifice, a thickening plot that could credibly go in a lot of directions, motivated characters..
But that useless comic duo.. Doshte.. They just got in the way of the drama, completely superfluous. Luckily they've toned down the slapstick that we saw in the first few eps (the boing sounds when people fall over, etc) but the show could have been much more mature and involved if they had left them out completely.
Am seeing lots of SnM in this, with the court intrigue and good drama. Also love the songs, background art, character design and OP/ED. High hopes for the rest! :)
Celestial Kitsune
2009-02-25, 21:41
Episode 7 Screenshots (http://celestialkitsune.wordpress.com/2009/02/24/kemono-no-sou-ja-erin-episode-7/).
This was one of the saddest episodes I've seen in a while... They overdid it during the song at the end... The events might be quite traumatic for the younger population of viewers...
kamikazex
2009-02-26, 03:42
wow....just wow..simply speechless... what a crappy village full of faggots.... who follow a even crappier leader....
the villagers should've known she didnt do shit.
well heres hoping she raises an army of those things and annihilates them all
wow....just wow..simply speechless... what a crappy village full of faggots.... who follow a even crappier leader....
the villagers should've known she didnt do shit.
well heres hoping she raises an army of those things and annihilates them all
That's the thing... she didn't do shit. She knew what was going to happen, but she didn't prevent it - probably because she knew it was inevitable.
She's an outsider that shouldn't have been in the village to begin with, and everyone knows that. They wanted to protect her, but the entire village was at stake. They simply CANNOT go against the empire. All they could do is watch and never forget about her. That is the impotence villagers felt back in the days when their loved ones was killed by the samurai. They knew their life had no value outside of their farming skills, and samurai were the ultimate authority.
But yeah, I felt so angry. I want Erin to become bitter and completely annihilate the entire empire, but that won't happen probably. I think this will become a truly epic story.
FateAnomaly
2009-02-26, 23:06
The person in charge of the trial is so hateful. Hastily passing judgement instead of investigating it. Just because the Kiba died the carekeeper has to be executed is completely stupid too. If one day the true king died of poisoning , will the grand duke be executed too since he is suppose to be the one protecting him.
Anyway, the village is probably going to be in deep trouble now without Soyon around since the other doctor is a quack.
itisjustme
2009-02-27, 06:20
Surprising change of tone, but yeah it doesn't make much sense to me either. Kill your staff because one of them (supposedly) messed up? You'll have manpower/motivation issues soon... It kinda looks like the stereotypical villains who are evil for evil's sake and kill henchmen when they displease them and such.
DmonHiro
2009-02-27, 06:41
This didn't make sense to me. Why didn't they just leave together. She still had enough power to summon that thing, but coudn't RIDE it?
The events might be quite traumatic for the younger population of viewers...
Yes.
The person in charge of the trial is so hateful.
It's called prejudice. People of the empire are wary, afraid, or outright hateful at the elusive Mistfolk. Furthermore Soyon is competent, so a lot of the higher-ups feel threatened by her. When your nukes are controlled by someone who has potential to betray you at any moment, you just can't sleep well.
Surprising change of tone,
Not really. The weariness in Soyon's eyes is quite obvious, she's under a lot of stress from knowing that things will not go in her favor should she commit mistakes. The only things that mitigate it is watching Erin grows. The younger audience might not notice it, but to me the weariness is glaring.
She still had enough power to summon that thing, but coudn't RIDE it?
It's probably her morality. Soyon doesn't like to force the KomodoTouda. Furthermore, if she's NOT EXECUTED, then there's no end to the empire's hounding of the village. It's simply a (literal) dead end for Soyon.
What will happen if she escapes? Would she live the life of a wanderer with Erin? The empire will brand her a traitor and chase her everywhere. She's basically a controller of nukes, and if she can't be controlled by the empire, the empire would want her dead. Soyon can't let Erin grow up in this kinda situation.
This is all so crazy... Erin might not understand that Toudas are serious war business where people actually die, but now she's forced to this reality.
What bother me is the expression of Soyon's tribefellow. It's not a "they kill one of us, we shall kill em" but "oh this is so awful, but we can't do anything about it". Are Mistfolks pacifist? It's likely, considering they would rather withdraw from the world rather than compromise their values. It's unlikely for the Mistfolk to avenge Soyon.
Surprising change of tone, but yeah it doesn't make much sense to me either. Kill your staff because one of them (supposedly) messed up? You'll have manpower/motivation issues soon... It kinda looks like the stereotypical villains who are evil for evil's sake and kill henchmen when they displease them and such.
It's also been known to happen historically. In certain cultures, a physician who failed at healing important people could be put to death.
SuperKnuckles
2009-02-28, 08:07
I saw that kind of ending for Soyon coming ever since watching the OP and all the foreshadowing, but that was just sad to watch. :(
Not nearly the epic leadup like with Nagisa in Clannad, but it was still sad.
Celestial Kitsune
2009-02-28, 12:24
Phototribute to Soyon (http://celestialkitsune.wordpress.com/2009/02/26/kemono-no-sou-ja-erin-tribute-to-soyon/).
Regarding future episodes:
I wonder when Erin will come in contact with those winged creatures.
karumofin
2009-02-28, 12:58
by the way, anyone else think the one who poisoned the lizards was the doctor? he semeed to be eaten by guilt throughout all of the episode, i assume this is some scheme started by the emperor, since we saw him noticing soyon so prominently.
signorRossi
2009-02-28, 14:57
You forgot the spoiler tag karumofin, and
I don't think so. He just realized that he rejected Soyon for petty reasons and that it could also have happened to him to become Touda food...
karumofin
2009-02-28, 16:21
You forgot the spoiler tag karumofin, and
I don't think so. He just realized that he rejected Soyon for petty reasons and that it could also have happened to him to become Touda food...
what spoiler tag? im speculating.
I think Soyon may have actually been the one that poisoned the touda. She was sneaking around there the night before, at the beginning of ep 6. She seemed determined and it was a very suggestive scene. But it's also clear from ep7 that she knows what the consequences are and that she has accepted them, so I can't begin to guess her reasons.
I can't see any reason to think that the doctor did it.
SuperKnuckles
2009-03-01, 04:22
I think it really could be either way, but I guess Soyon really could've done it. I guess it's partially because of the cycle of slavery involved with the beasts and the way of life the villagers live in accordance to serving the military machine. What better way to end it all then to sabotage it? It still feels weird to think Soyon would've done something so outrageous though.
I don't think Soyon would have done it...but who knows, really. :S I -can- understand why she 'chose' to
die. Still...sigh. In any case, ep 8 was alright. Not as painful and frustrating as Clannad. :P For some reason, it also made me feel like pancakes...must be that delicious-looking honey.
For those who'd like screenshots of ep 8 (http://booksanime.today.com/2009/03/01/kemono-no-souja-erin-8-saved-by-the-beekeeper/)...
A terrible end for Soyon but even though she had the power to escape, she had to die. If she didn't, the whole village would have perished. The burden would have been too great on her. Especially if her father-in-law dies too which her husband Asson had cared dearly for before they met.
I don't think she poisoned them deliberately though. She knew the consequences and I doubt she would have wanted to leave her daughter behind if she had a choice.
It can't be Wadan either because he was only feeling guilty for holding Erin back earlier.
It could very well be Damiya because there was a hint of conspiracy going on earlier in the episode when he said one should know how to use the information network granted to him by the Shin-oh.
She's a doctor (well, veterinarian), remember?
She saw the signs that the Touda was going to die. The reason she looked so suspicious in the beginning of the episode was because she was in "oh shit" mode. Wouldn't you be too, if the animal you were in charge of was the empire's most treasured weapon? She could've escaped with Erin the night before, but she was aware of her fate.
People suspect her because of her origins. They think that she must've done it because her tribe doesn't support the emperor at all.
Plus, there's the fact that Soyon told Erin that, although the Touda that are raised by humans can become big and strong, there is a part of them that weakens big time.
It angers me so much, too. But...
Soyon could escape if she wanted, but I don't think she saw much hope in her survival anyway. She was struck down by the sword from the back, so that she'd bleed and attract the Touda. I don't know about you, but I really wish Erin will grow into someone that seeks revenge - starting with that asshole that struck Soyon. She probably won't, but... >_<
I have such high hopes for this anime to become every bit as epic as Juuni Kokki was. Perhaps even surpass it.
FateAnomaly
2009-03-01, 22:11
I don't think Soyon would poison the Kiba. There is no way she would do that knowing the consequences and leave Erin by herself. It is more likely for the quack to do it than her.
Anyway, i think the reason why she didn't leave with Erin is because by using the power she commited a grave crime (by her own words) and she accepted the punishment to die.
endless2010
2009-03-04, 21:49
I've watched the first 5 episodes and I must say that I'm in love with this series. Specially the art style. It's like a mix of standard anime, Native American art, and a 3D Zelda game. It's not too "cute" yet I feel like a kid watching it. In a world full of series that have that "I feel like I've seen this before" look and feel(I'm thinking of Chrome Shelled Regios), it's a nice treat to watch a series that feel original.
TinyRedLeaf
2009-03-07, 13:30
I've been putting off this show for far too long and, like endless2010, I'm also in love with it after five episodes. It feels as though I'm watching a charming cartoon version of Jane Goodall (http://www.janegoodall.org/jane/default.asp) growing up among the lizards in the mist. :D
I'm feeling all warm and fuzzy inside, while growing steadily aware of deeper political-social tensions brewing just beneath the surface. I like it!
Despite some of my complaints with this show, I'm actually enjoying it a whole lot. I still think it a shame that this could have been better with a different director (pedantic nature aside, the character mannerisms are far too stereotypical anime-ish), but, yeah, the story and the characterization have been truly absorbing.
FlareKnight
2009-03-07, 22:01
Ok just caught up with this. I know its against what the story would do, but I'm all for Erin raising an army and just taking the jerks down. Would just be epic in its own way to have a variety of creatures overwhelming the country and making the prosecutor espeically pay for what happened. Sadly it's not going to go like that. Probably my emotions running high right now after watching that death. It's just too cruel to die like that.
Somehow I saw this fate coming to Soyon. I mean she came so close to being in grave danger a few times already. After the Kiba died I knew it was going to be a tragic end. Can understand why she didn't escape with Erin. But would have liked them to make a break in the night. Guess she wanted to guarantee a safe life for Erin within the village. Then the second chance in the water was negated since it was probably a mortal wound she took from that ass who stabbed her. Not to mention probably feeling she deserved punishment for using that ability.
Not sure what to think about Wadan. I mean he knew it would probably end like this. No point feeling bad about it now. Made all those cracks against Soyon and then pointed to her as the one who would have to take responsibility. Is the reality just too much for him?
It's just tragic no matter how I look at it. Now Erin has to survive and deal with her mother being dead. Not just dying, but actually going down like that. Well definitely an aftermath kind of episode. Can't really blame Erin for crying for most of the episode. Losing your mother especially like that is horribly painful. The life she was living ended right there and finding your way after isn't easy. Not wanting to cry since she wanted to hold onto the memories of her mother. Not going to be easy for her to live on, but she'll have to find a way.
John is a good guy. Aside from issues with farting. Still tried hard to help Erin recover from her injuries and went above and beyond. Finding some kid hurt like that and giving her food and shelter. Erin definitely wouldn't have survived if it wasn't for his kindness at that time. Wonder how long she'll stay with this guy. It's not like she has anywhere in particular to go.
Also finding out that Soyon used the player technique was good. Can actually see how that technique would be seen as a terrible thing. If misused someone could actually follow our plan of revenge. Gather a huge army of creatures and taking over the land wouldn't be that tough. Seems the Mist people will be on the lookout for Erin now. Could feel their own sadness at the death of Soyon.
TinyRedLeaf
2009-03-08, 14:12
Oh. My. Goodness.
Episodes 6 and 7 catapulted a children's fable into epic territory that I've not seen in anime for a very, very long time. O___O
I do believe I've just found my sleeper hit for the year. The heart-rending impact of Episode 7 is what Claymore (http://forums.animesuki.com/showthread.php?t=47972)'s Episode 8 ought to have had on me back in 2007. It's hard to recall a time when I've been stunned this speechless by how well a story arc has been handled, and by how beautifully Erin's aesthetic elements come together to support its tale.
Production I.G has struck solid gold again with novelist Nahoko Uehashi. The amount of socio-anthropological knowledge she's brought into this story is steadily becoming apparent. Like many others, no doubt, I had thought Erin to be a pleasurable side project she indulged in while working on her epic Moribito series, but it turns out to be a worthy story on its own, exploring another set of themes, not least of which is Man's relationship with beasts.
My anime-viewing prospects for 2009 suddenly look a lot brighter now. :D
By the way, bee-sting therapy has been documented before. Take a look here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p245IE6_qf8), for a small peek at how it works in real life.
endless2010
2009-03-08, 16:40
This anime is defiantly at higher level than anything I've seen in a while. I loved the way the aftermath was handled in episode 8. Good stuff. I'm not sure where they are headed from here, but I'm excited to find out.
itisjustme
2009-03-08, 18:01
...Episode 8 gets a 10/10 for fart lecture.
Surprisingly informative, and definitely endearing -- I'm still not sure I have enough staying power to follow it for 50 eps, though. XD For a short summary/screenshots of episode 9 (http://booksanime.today.com/2009/03/08/kemono-no-souja-erin-9-royal-jelly-makes-queen-bees/)..
Soyon will be proud to know she raised such a great daughter.
I mean come on... After finding out John used a single silver piece worth of produce to save her, Erin felt so bad she couldn't repay him back. She even goes onto begging to let her stay in exchange for work. How many children would have acted responsibly like that?
Anyway, quite an informative episode about honey bees. It was cute the way Erin thought something will happen to her after tasting that royal jelly :p
TinyRedLeaf
2009-03-10, 22:48
Soyon will be proud to know she raised such a great daughter.
Erin pulled a Chagum (http://scrumptious.animeblogger.net/2007/06/03/seirei-no-moribito-07-chagums-resolution/), actually. ;)
In any case, she seems to have wandered very far from home, and ended up in a country where the staple cereal is wheat rather than rice. So, even if she had the means, she wouldn't know how to get back (assuming she still wanted to, after all that had happened).
FlareKnight
2009-03-14, 17:53
Well can say I probably learned more about bees than I ever cared to know :heh:. I mean wow they really spent a ton of time telling everything that they could. Yet there was important things in there such as the using of the beeswax to save her and giving a lesson about continuing forward.
Of course no way Erin is going to be staying with John for the entire series. After all it's not called 'Erin the beekeeper's apprentice' :D. But considering all that happened and how far she went this is good. Give her heart a chance to recover from the emotional pain and just focusing on working.
Erin really shows her intuition and knowledge here. Even though it's pretty far away from Touda she still managed to understand quite a bit. Although her habit of wandering into dangerous situations hasn't changed. Such as sticking her face close to the new beehive :heh:.
Guess we'll see how things go. She is just a kid but the story would demand her to move on eventually.
TinyRedLeaf
2009-03-14, 22:49
Well can say I probably learned more about bees than I ever cared to know :heh:. I mean wow they really spent a ton of time telling everything that they could.
Heh, I certainly didn't need to know that I'm drinking bee saliva whenever I eat honey. :heh:
SuperKnuckles
2009-03-15, 06:16
I guess Erin has a new sugar daddy... literally.
karumofin
2009-03-15, 09:24
i dont know, the fart guy really put me off, if this is how the series continues im putting it to rest for a while...
TinyRedLeaf
2009-03-15, 10:58
Can anyone take a guess at how Erin's name might be written in kanji, given that it means "Wild Apple"?
Erin isn't a Japanese name, so no kanji is used. I don't know where he got the wild apple meaning from, though.
Also, I absolutely love John. Not only is he kind, but incredibly knowledgeable. I felt so sad for Erin when she started shaking though. It was so touching - no child should ever have to feel as helpless as that.
Then again I just got done watching Aishiteruze Baby so seeing a child even sneeze would be touching ><
endless2010
2009-03-15, 21:11
Episode 9 was a nice episode. John is just a nice guy. I'm not sure how his corny humor will hold up after 2 or 3 more episodes, but we will see. I did have a problem with the fansub since at some points the subtitles were taking up half the screen, but I'm not sure if that was just my computer or if it was the file.
BTW, Erin means "Ireland". I believe it's actually a Celtic name. John was probably just trying to cheer Erin up by telling her the "wild apple" thing.
signorRossi
2009-03-16, 04:37
BTW, Erin means "Ireland".
Wouldn't that be 'Eire'?
I was wondering about the wild apple reference too...couldn't find any other places that mentioned the link. ._.
Both have been used in the past, it seems -- from dicty.com
Erin
ancient name of Ireland, from O.E. Erinn, dat. of Eriu "Ireland."
Ep 10 was..hrm..well. Screenshots here (http://booksanime.today.com/2009/03/16/kemono-no-souja-erin-10-selfpreservation-girl/), but I missed
John. XD He was funny! And I don't mind bee trivia.. I could see that this ep was moving the plot, though, which is good. However, I think Erin has to start being more careful. -wry- I mean, I know it's part of her straightforward personality, but sometimes I feel like telling her...self-preservation, girl!
Episode 10 is really nice.
I am a little surprised that there are some action and martial arts in this episode; I really like the motion blur and radial blur that are used in the action scenes;
in this episode we could also see the origin of the Erin's "harp" from the promational poster/image; The harp comes from the Royal Guard Iyaru who shares a similar fate as Erin - he also is seperated from his mother when he's a kid. The whole episode emphasizes on the theme of "motherhood" or "motherly love".
There's also an other caped guy who attacked Iyaru when he interrogates the two "Touda eggs poachers"/ the two brothers (who decided to better their life after what they have seen what has happened in episode 7); that caped guy want probably to stop the interrogation before the two brothers can remember the name of the man who instructed them to steal the Touda eggs; maybe the "enemy" also wants to use Touda dragons in the war against the Kingdom. By the way is the character Iyaru voiced by Mamoru Miyano?
Ok just caught up with this. I know its against what the story would do, but I'm all for Erin raising an army and just taking the jerks down. Would just be epic in its own way to have a variety of creatures overwhelming the country and making the prosecutor espeically pay for what happened. Sadly it's not going to go like that. Probably my emotions running high right now after watching that death. It's just too cruel to die like that.
Somehow I saw this fate coming to Soyon. I mean she came so close to being in grave danger a few times already. After the Kiba died I knew it was going to be a tragic end. Can understand why she didn't escape with Erin. But would have liked them to make a break in the night. Guess she wanted to guarantee a safe life for Erin within the village. Then the second chance in the water was negated since it was probably a mortal wound she took from that ass who stabbed her. Not to mention probably feeling she deserved punishment for using that ability.
Not sure what to think about Wadan. I mean he knew it would probably end like this. No point feeling bad about it now. Made all those cracks against Soyon and then pointed to her as the one who would have to take responsibility. Is the reality just too much for him?
Amen! too bad that like you said such thing will not go with the spirit of the anime.
FlareKnight
2009-03-22, 20:05
I really liked this one since I could finally get a sense of where we were going. Ever since her life in the village was destroyed the future of Erin was a question for me. Sure staying with John was fine but it didn't seem to be a well lit path. Now with all those books it's easier to see where Erin can go with this. Now she can really get educated about the life in that world. Plenty of books and has the intelligence to put the pieces together. Just needs help with figuring out what words mean and things of that nature.
The comic relief appears to be sticking with her for now. Thank god John will give them some food so they don't get killed out there. Makes you wonder about the people living out there if they were giving those poor guys rotten food.
The fart jokes continue.....Poor Erin considering her position :heh:.
I get the sense the first 25 episodes are going to be "Erin grows up" and the second 25 will be "Erin goes to War" with a darker tonal shift like what we saw earlier.
This is really an intricate plot being developed and who knows what we see now is going to play a larger role down the line - well, except generally "all of it".
Haha, yeah, the fart jokes. XD We do see a more serious John, though...(for a few screenshots of ep 11.) (http://booksanime.today.com/2009/03/22/kemono-no-souja-erin-11-flower-danger/)
hmm. like any standing civilization, it seems the Real King's empire has its share of dark side, as in the black ops guy whose strong attachment to his mother being the center of this episode.
this could turn out to be a strongly politically themed anime, with Eirin --or the Mistfolk and their belief-- being an important keypiece. the empire have a lot of enemies (they must raise war komodo since they go to war often), both inside (dealt by the black ops) and outside (dealt by Kiba).
FlareKnight
2009-03-24, 00:08
Well I'm waiting for that guy from the royal family to make his move. Can see the older son of the Duke getting killed off or something since the younger brother seems much easier to manipulate. The political side will definitely have an impact on where this goes. Of course can't forget Erin needing to learn more.
I'm quite politically-blind, but it seems so far that that's not the focus..of course, as the series goes on, that might well change. :) Ep 12 (or for a few screenshots (http://booksanime.today.com/2009/03/29/kemono-no-souja-erin-12-multicoloured-flying-beast/))..
Erin and music! Nice, light-hearted ep...though the multi-coloured huge wolf-bird-legendary beast thing made me go ._. hrm.
FlareKnight
2009-03-30, 15:05
Well I had somewhat forgotten the players technique so this was a nice development. Of course can bet that Erin's musical talents will tie into things even more later on. From the reactions of the animals in the area she already has an influence. That great memory of hers really gets to shine again. Being able to play that well the first time is pretty amazing.
A little worried about Seimiya that was introduced. That Damiya is going to make a move its just a matter of when. He just isn't a person to be trusted and yet has a position where he can make some moves.
Have to say that was one massive feather. The King Beast is one impressive creature from what we've gotten to see. Tying things together with Erin's past with the Touda. She just doesn't like the idea of people taking the children from their parents for the sake of the species. Of course can't blame her feeling since she knows as well as anyone how painful it is to lose family.
Now wondering more about what happened to John in the past. Moving to a more reclusive life of beekeeping after what he was doing before. I'm sure they'll go deeper into that later on.
I guess this episode can count as "revenge for Erin's mother"; we gotta see how powerful the legendary beast Ouju (first appeared in episode 12) really is; the Ouju's "scream" can also paralyze the Touda dragons which is similar to the technique used by Erin's mother Soyon (the Mist people may have "learned" it from the legendary beast Ouju in the past).
It's a timeskip next time, since we can see John has grown older (more white hair and more wrinkles) and Erin has grown taller. And the man (who is seen in episode 7, Soyon's execution, seems to know Erin's mother, probably Soyon's younger brother or similar) from the Mist village came to spy on Erin. Will Erin return to the village of the Mist people?
I guess this episode can count as "revenge for Erin's mother"; we gotta see how powerful the legendary beast Ouju (first appeared in episode 12) really is; the Ouju's "scream" can also paralyze the Touda dragons which is similar to the technique used by Erin's mother Soyon (the Mist people may have "learned" it from the legendary beast Ouju in the past).
It's a timeskip next time, since we can see John has grown older (more white hair and more wrinkles) and Erin has grown taller. And the man (who is seen in episode 7, Soyon's execution, seems to know Erin's mother, probably Soyon's younger brother or similar) from the Mist village came to spy on Erin. Will Erin return to the village of the Mist people?
episode 13 was so cool!
I was cheering as the Ouju kicked bad dragon ass. there is not doubt that something is going to happen and the Touda is going to be used for evil sometime in the future instead of a defensive force and Erin is going to defeat them with the Ouju's sound.
FlareKnight
2009-04-07, 17:02
Man the Ouju is badass :D. I kind of felt bad for the Touda since they were just going for a meal. Yet the Ouju was well within its right to defend its offspring so it all evens out. Too bad they picked the wrong meal with a parent that can paralyse them. Still it was a pretty cool moment since the Ouju just showed up and owned the Touda in a quick strike.
Getting to hear that sound a second time will be useful for Erin. She's shown excellent skill and memory so hearing that twice should allow her to pull it off at the right time.
Still the episode shows how the trauma of Soyon's death is still very strong in Erin. Of course seeing your mother die like that would traumatize anyone so its not a surprise. But that look in her eyes when John was going to head out near Touda was sad to see. Hopefully she can one day deal with Touda. After all they aren't evil, but they are dangerous.
A good episode all around.
silverwolf0
2009-04-09, 15:32
Eek! No forelegs for the King Beast. Looks really weird. Owl+Wolf's Head. Thought it would be a wolf with wings.
The Ouju might be protecting it's nest, but I'm sure that baby was hungry. Lots of Touda meat to last for a while. :heh:
Well, this is actually a "recap" episode, but via Nason's viewpoint (a young man from the Mist Village which is Soyon's/Erin's mother's home village; Nason is probably a relative/sibling of Soyon or similar); Nason reports what he has seen (e.g. Erin's condition, whereabout etc.) when he's back in the Mist Village. There's not much new material in this episode, except that John is older now and Erin has grown taller at the very end of this episode (time-skip).
FlareKnight
2009-04-12, 16:55
Well if your going to do a recap episode might as well spin it a little so your looking from a different perspective. The rules of that tribe are pretty harsh if Nason who apparently was supposed to marry Soyon could only stand and watch her die. At least we find out how he tracked down Erin's position. He may have decided to look over Erin from a distance, but really is there any more he can do when she is in trouble than he could for Soyon (which was nothing)?
So sounds like it was a 4 year time skip so Erin has gotten older and should have a lot more knowledge at this point. Has just gotten a little taller physically. But now she'll be a bit more capable of handling whatever comes her way. A little more knowledge and being older should help her out. Wonder what else has happened during the time skip?
Looking forward to what might happen next.
this is the joy of epic: to watch someone grow and (probably) meet her epic destiny.
SuperKnuckles
2009-04-13, 05:39
Just a little taller? She's basically twice her size! :twitch:
Just a little taller? She's basically twice her size! :twitch:
she's just a zoomed in version of her old self, which upsets me. I thought she'd at least let her hair grow longer, like her mother's hair was :(
SeijiSensei
2009-04-13, 07:01
My daughter and I were discussing Erin's round face last night. We both agreed that it seemed appropriate in her child form since children generally have rounder faces that narrow during maturation. Her older face seems proportioned no differently than her child face did.
On another note, as someone who abhors spoilers, I'm glad to see how careful commentators have been in the thread so far. Still I think it's been a bit excessive. The usual custom is to use spoilers when raws are available, but no sub has been released. I often wait a day or two longer to protect people who don't view new episodes right away, but after that open discussion is usually fair game.
karumofin
2009-04-17, 20:36
are the fart jokes over yet?
FlareKnight
2009-04-21, 00:37
are the fart jokes over yet?Well they've been quiet on that for a while. But sooner or later you know they will come back with those...
So, Erin finally tells John about her mother. And John, you sly old man! It turns out he was a very high ranked educator and scientist of the kingdom. And it was his good and honest nature that ended his career there.
Erin finally gets to see the King Beast again! However, I never thought that she'd want to actually go back to the kingdom and become a vet. I never saw that coming - I guess I can't forgive the kingdom officials for doing to her mother what they did like she can.
Is it me or does Erin's voice actually sound a little more mature? hrm. it's a pretty subtle difference though.
FlareKnight
2009-04-24, 21:36
So, Erin finally tells John about her mother. And John, you sly old man! It turns out he was a very high ranked educator and scientist of the kingdom. And it was his good and honest nature that ended his career there.
Erin finally gets to see the King Beast again! However, I never thought that she'd want to actually go back to the kingdom and become a vet. I never saw that coming - I guess I can't forgive the kingdom officials for doing to her mother what they did like she can.
Is it me or does Erin's voice actually sound a little more mature? hrm. it's a pretty subtle difference though.Definitely a little surprised about Erin's decision as well. I mean it's going into the same kind of situation with captive versions of animals she is interested in. Have to think eventually she'll run into another dilemma. Oh well I suppose before then she will get some good experience and learning.
Nice that things got cleared up between John and Erin. Their pasts have finally been revealed.
SeijiSensei
2009-05-03, 09:07
Even though I said I'd refrain from spoiler tags, the events in episode sixteen seem to require them:
Uehashi seems relentless in her portrayals of children losing parents in unfortunate ways -- first one is executed, now another is the victim of a fire. Then there's the subplot of children being taken from their parents to be trained as Sezan. One starts to wonder about her own childhood; was she herself orphaned, or is she just building on universal themes of parental loss? Uehashi's Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nahoko_Uehashi) entry doesn't reveal any personal details; any other good biographies of her in English?
As if this episode weren't sad enough, Iaru kills his mentor in a duel. Was it ever made clear what Hagaru's crime was?
Loss certainly seems like the dominant theme of this show so far. Even John's background contains that element as it applies to the cutting-short of his academic career.This story just gets deeper and deeper; I'm starting to wonder if fifty episodes will really be enough to tell it all. In Moribito I felt that its deeper threads, particularly the political aspects, got lost in the last third of the show. Somehow I don't think that will be as much of a problem with respect to Erin. Even though the show is very powerful, it doesn't try so hard to have parallel stories for the children and adults in the audience, and doesn't seem to need them based on what we've seen so far.
TinyRedLeaf
2009-05-04, 12:24
I've been held up by other events in a busy news-filled April, so I've managed to catch up to Erin only now. And I'm pleased to see how the story has progressed. The show has taken on the familiar feel of a long-running TV-drama epic, not unlike the classic Oshin (http://wiki.d-addicts.com/Oshin) (1983) — about a poor peasant girl who became one of Japan's leading supermarket tycoons — or perhaps the more recent Korean drama that took East Asia by storm, Dae Jang Geum (http://wiki.d-addicts.com/Dae_Jang_Geum) (2003), which incidentally also featured a young woman who broke convention to become a famous royal doctor in feudal Korea.
Like SeijiSensei pointed out, it's clear that these early episodes are establishing several threads that would eventually converge into a larger whole. In particular, despite the deceptively child-like approach to the series, there are definitely hints of darker events happening beneath the surface calm. I'm not particularly surprised by the bitter backstories of Erin's many key characters; after all, that's what sustains a drama serial: dramatic stories and dramatic suffering! :heh:
And it's not particularly necessary for author Uehashi to have had a tough childhood to come up with such scenarios. As a field anthropologist, I'm sure she has come across her fair share of hard lives in many different cultures, and she is likely to have tapped on some of these experiences for inspiration.
Since no one has touched on the subject, let me start the ball rolling on some speculations:
(1) It's growing likely that the myth that supports the Real King's rule is fictitious, not unlike a similar scenario in Seirei no Moribito. We know for certain that some level of corruption and political manoeuvring exists in the Royal Court, evident in the events that led to the end of John's career as a royal tutor, as well as in Lord Damiya's suspicious motives.
(2) Most tellingly, there is the self-imposed exile of the Kiri tribesmen, who repeatedly allude to some unspeakable crime committed in the past, most likely involving the enslavement of mighty beasts to enforce the Real King's "pacific" rule.
(3) They've been mentioned only once so far, way back in Episode 11, when the Grand Duke's elder son received a death threat in the form of the poisonous weed known as chichimodoki. Back then, the younger, more impetuous son, Nugan, immediately decided that the Saika were the culprits. Not much has been revealed about this particular faction since then, other than that they are apparently an outcast tribe that seemed intent on undermining the Real King's rule. It's highly likely, to me, that the chichimodoki weed is linked to the mysterious deaths of the Kiba, which eventually doomed Soyon to her death. And, as Nason suggested in Episode 14, it's possible that Soyon knew the cause but, for reasons yet unknown, she was not able to reveal the truth. It's hardly a coincidence, I think, that Erin is currently receiving an education in herbs and medicines, among other subjects. She's destined to find the truth one day, through her knowledge and her affinity to nature.
(4) On another note, I wonder if there is a glossary somewhere of the written script that author Uehashi had invented for her stories. (Or is it an invention of Production I.G?). The same script had appeared in Seirei no Moribito, and it appears to be a mix of Chinese characters with Korean Hangul (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hangul). I'm curious to know how the Uehashi's characters are meant to be read, if they are indeed part of a fictional language she created.
I just picked this the other day a comment SeijiSensei made on the SnM thread... and my only question so far is, just what are you thinking bunch when you are keeping this masterpiece all to yourselves? Why hadn't I heard of this earlier? You are doing a very poor job in spreading your love for this series, you know :p
One of my loves in anime are slow paced, epic like series with a mixture of slice of life here and there, and I just hadn't find one series that fitted to mold so well like Kemono no Souja Erin in a very long time, and it does it to a T. Really, after a spring season where I hadn't found any series I truly liked, and I was just following my "guilty pleasures" type of series like Saki or K-On, this comes along. Yay, I can now die happily, sort of.
Zirdante
2009-05-14, 12:22
The show is quite awesome, especally now that erin got to that school. The only thing that ticks me off is the background art, like the lines of walls, they look totally unrealistic, with sharp edges, looks like its done by a 5 year old.
But yeah, cant wait for ep 19! (started watching raws, since kyou is so damn slow, and the language in the show isn't that hard, so its easy to follow.
I really wonder what they are going to do with erin, will she be some kickass beast player who will control an army of king bests and whoop some ass? Or something totally different.
SeijiSensei
2009-05-18, 17:28
I visited Kyou's website (http://fansub.kyou-fujibayashi.org/) today to see if there was any word on when the next episode would be released. I got redirected to this page (http://host57.hostmonster.com/suspended.page/) instead. Not a good sign.
Glad to see Static is still turning out episodes!
what are you thinking bunch when you are keeping this masterpiece all to yourselves? Why hadn't I heard of this earlier? You are doing a very poor job in spreading your love for this series, you know :p
You didn't use the secret handshake.
Actually I would have overlooked this show entirely were it not for a posting by TinyRedLeaf on my "wall."
http://forums.animesuki.com/picture.php?albumid=115&pictureid=21002
I did have a Soyon+Erin avatar for a while showing them drifting in the river before the inevitable.
Yay, I can now die happily, sort of.
Please don't!
Miles Teg
2009-05-19, 03:02
I visited Kyou's website (http://fansub.kyou-fujibayashi.org/) today to see if there was any word on when the next episode would be released. I got redirected to this page (http://host57.hostmonster.com/suspended.page/) instead. Not a good sign.
From the IRC channel : Status: Erin Coming soon. Last 1 exam paper to go! (the topic has been changed 5 days ago)
For French fan (or French speaking fan) the novel will be released soon, the first one the 06/12 and the second one in October.
Info for the first novel :
http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/1498/lacharmeusedebtes01.th.jpg (http://img136.imageshack.us/my.php?image=lacharmeusedebtes01.jpg)
Charmeuse de bêtes (la) - Le livre des Tôda Vol.1
Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher : Milan
ISBN-13 : 978-2-7459-3338-6
Price : 10€
Milan has just finished publishing "the twelve kingdom" and they have done a very good job and very fast (11 volumes in 2 years) and Mashô no ko will be published in September with that everything related to "the twelve kingdom" will have been released in France.
I really adore this show, it's really precious watching Erin growing up little by little. I hope this can go on to 50 episodes or something. And awww poor John, it was really sad when he was sitting alone. >_<
Miles Teg
2009-06-12, 08:16
I have receive the first volume of the novel (in French), this volume go up to episode 21 of the anime.
Now it's time to start reading :heh: (and to start waiting for the second volume in Ocotober)
Miles Teg
2009-06-13, 15:31
Finished the first book.
The anime follow "closely" the novel but at the same time half of the episodes can be considered (good) filler :heh: For example the prologue of the novel is episode 6, 7 and the beginning of 8.
For the "big" difference between the novel and anime :
The mystical aspect of the story is a little more present for example the mist people have been informed about the broken taboo by an apparition and not by some dude who was sightseeing ;)
In the novel Erin grand-parents were indifferent to Soyon death and near happy that Erin would die. They have never shown a single sign of affection toward Erin. When Erin think about going back to "her" village she start remembering her grand-parents and most of the people and she arrive to the conclusion that it's better for her to stay where she is.
Soyon was severely beaten by the soldier before her execution (for 3 days) In fact when Soyon has been thrown in the lake she was already dying and it's the reason she has decided to not go with Erin (she really wanted to go).
It's Soyon to protect a secret of the Toda, a secret that normal people shouldn't find. She was still following the precept of the mist people even after 10 years.
The secret is not revealed to us and it's only inference from the Arohio that has been dispatched to find what has happened for Soyon to break the taboo.
Lial and Erin have not meet yet. It's Jon that has teach Erin how to create and play the harp.
Erin has found Jon book earlier than in the anime.
The horse having a baby was Erin idea and she has paid for it (the harvest of 3 of her hives).
That's a really nice hands-on of the Kemono no Souja novel and short comparison between the novel and anime. I already have thought that the novel would be much harsher/ more tragic than the anime; the anime creators have toned down a bit, but still the "execution" episode of the anime is still very sad. Also why do they always add original/"anime only" characters in anime adaptation who disrupt the atmosphere of the novel so much, e.g. the two brothers (the touda eggs thieves)? And does John fart in the novel too?
I like Kemono no Souja alittle more than Seirei no Moribito in terms of story/plot, although I like the landscape and panorama scenes in the Seirei no Moribito anime alot more; the "crayon" landscape/panorama scenes in Kemono no Souja does not have the "grand" feel as those in Seirei no Moribito. I have no complaints about the character designs, but it would have been nice to follow the manga's clothing a little more (the illustrator is Itoe Takemoto (http://srtm.client.jp/)); I really like the pretty and detailed clothing, which is more "Mongolian" in terms of design/details; as for the hair color, why do they make the hair color green (I know it's an anime, but..), Erin now looks like Ranka Lee from Macross Frontier; the green color of the eyes is fine, since it's a characteric of the Mist People, right?
Also I don't see much references to Erin's father in the anime; there are just a few flashbacks of how Soyon has met Erin's father. Actually I do not see Erin remembering her father at all, only her mother, Soyon. Is it also like that in the novel? In the anime Erin's father has already passed away; it's not clear what the reason is for his passing. A sickness or accident? Is he not a really good father since Erin didn't mention his father at all, e.g. when she's at John's place or now at "school" with her new friends?
Kemono no Souja does feel alittle as the earlier mentioned "Oshin" and "Dae Jang Geum" in the last episode (23), because...
It looks like Erin's unconventional and in my opinion more humane method of taking care of the Ouju, King Beast, is being recognized.
Miles Teg
2009-06-14, 12:50
And do John fart in the novel too?
Nobody fart in the novel :heh:
Don't remember if it's explained in the anime. Erin was using formal speech with Jon as a way to put some distance, to ease the pain of a separation.
After Jon son's leave, Jon stopped using the "farmer" way of speaking he was using. When Erin take notice of that she understood that Jon has already taken his decision.
If Jon didn't hesitate to take the decision it's because he has started to have health problem (little heart attack, Erin didn't know) and he wouldn't have been able to take care of Erin for very long if he didn't come back to his previous life.
as for the hair color, why do they make the hair color green (I know it's an anime, but..), Erin now looks like Ranka Lee from Macross Frontier; the green color of the eyes is fine, since it's a characteric of the Mist People, right?
In the novel only the eye color is stated (and that Erin is average looking :heh:) and that it's the only distinct trait of the Arohio.
Also I don't see much references to Erin's father in the anime; there are just a few flashbacks of how Soyon has met Erin's father. Actually I do not see Erin remembering her father at all, only her mother, Soyon. Is it also like that in the novel? In the anime Erin's father has already passed away; it's not clear what the reason is for his passing. A sickness or accident? Is he not a really good father since Erin didn't mention his father at all, e.g. when she's at John's place or now at "school" with her new friends?
What we have seen in the anime is what is in the novel, I think it's said that he has died when Erin was little and that she has no memory of her father.
Other little difference Erin didn't start to read the book about poison because she has seen her mother read it, but because she was trying to find what has happened to the Kiba (dead body with a strange odor = poison).
Nobody fart in the novel :heh:
Don't remember if it's explained in the anime. Erin was using formal speech with Jon as a way to put some distance, to ease the pain of a separation.
After Jon son's leave, Jon stopped using the "farmer" way of speaking he was using. When Erin take notice of that she understood that Jon has already taken his decision.
If Jon didn't hesitate to take the decision it's because he has started to have health problem (little heart attack, Erin didn't know) and he wouldn't have been able to take care of Erin for very long if he didn't come back to his previous life.
In the novel only the eye color is stated (and that Erin is average looking :heh:) and that it's the only distinct trait of the Arohio.
What we have seen in the anime is what is in the novel, I think it's said that he has died when Erin was little and that she has no memory of her father.
Other little difference Erin didn't start to read the book about poison because she has seen her mother read it, but because she was trying to find what has happened to the Kiba (dead body with a strange odor = poison).
Wow, thanks for the clarification!
According to Wikipedia the novel is (or will be) only available in the language German, Korean, Swedish, Thai and French, but not in English. That's weird, since Seirei no Moribito is available in English.
Well, I found a trial/demo of the Kemono no Souja Manga (obviously in Japanese only): http://comic.bitway.ne.jp/kc/comic_tameshiyomi.html?isbn=9784063731767
In order to read the trial/demo you need to install/accept the ActiveX plug-in. Somehow, I can't get it to work with firefox, but I can make it work with MS Internet Explorer.
I must say the art is truly beautiful in the manga. It's such a shame that the manga is not in English. The story is also "faster" ("the fateful day", or should I say night happens earlier) in the manga.
Here's a preview of it:
http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/8615/37253606.jpg (http://img35.imageshack.us/i/37253606.jpg/)
http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/1334/82396502.jpg (http://img413.imageshack.us/i/82396502.jpg/)http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/7659/12140179.jpg (http://img189.imageshack.us/i/12140179.jpg/)
MikaMiaka
2009-06-17, 10:40
Wow, ep. 17 was action packed!
It appears that the plot is starting to really thicken as we now have an attempted assignation, political intrigue fueled by hunger for power and more screen time with Iaru. I am really liking his character, and cannot wait for the romantic situation that should evolve between him and Erin. I am really happy at 50 eps. -- this series has the potential to be absolutely epic.
FlareKnight
2009-06-17, 20:15
I can't help but expect Sunan to die pretty soon. The guy is just too competant and smart to avoid getting targeted by those whoa are threatened by those aspects. I mean he understands that there are reasons why groups are not happy with the status quo of the nation. While some would just crush any discontent I think Sunan would rather address the root causes. Plus with the attraction coming from the princess he could be a very powerful player if left alone. While his brother could easily be manipulated by the Uncle who I have to believe is out for power. In comparison Sunan's brother is just too naive and believes completely in the power of the Touda army. He is the type that would crush discontent rather than deal with the causes of it.
When that little cub was brought out all I could think was "oh crap". You just knew something bad was going to go down. Still that was one heck of a save and counter shot. It didn't take down the opponent but that wasn't your ordinary assasin.
The situation in that country really is getting ugly. I just wonder when Erin will become more involved in the political side of things.
now, that ep 17 is out, just wanted to say that i am very thankful to subbers! - i was afraid that everybody gave up on these series and started to watch raws, but it is so much better when one can understand everything what' s said. especially with such episodes as 17, when politics comes to play. Damiya sems to be such a snake, and princess - well, i couldn' t decide if she's just naive or doesn't care about anything outside her little happy world.
MikaMiaka
2009-07-06, 10:06
18 & 19 finally out -- and 18 had me choked up :upset:. What a gem of a series this title is. I watch Phantom and then feel all icky and depressed inside and than watch Erin to clean my soul. It works.
TinyRedLeaf
2009-07-08, 03:35
Thank goodness that subs are available at last! Now I can get back to following my favourite anime of an otherwise lean 2009. Big thanks to sub-group SS (I presume it's Static?) :D
I just picked this the other day a comment SeijiSensei made on the SnM thread... and my only question so far is, just what are you thinking bunch when you are keeping this masterpiece all to yourselves? Why hadn't I heard of this earlier? You are doing a very poor job in spreading your love for this series, you know :p
You didn't use the secret handshake.
Haha. Well, it's not hard to see the reasons for the lack of attention on this hidden gem. Firstly, the art style is probably too "childish" for many viewers and the animation is certainly not as flashy as what we've seen in, say, K-On! and the currently airing Canaan. Secondly, it's not part of an established and wildly successful franchise like Umineko. And, thirdly, the sad lack of subtitlers working on the series is probably driving away potential viewers.
Indeed, the only people who took note of Kemono Souja no Erin were generally fans of Seirei no Moribito to begin with, it seems. That hardly augurs well, considering that Seirei no Moribito wasn't a popular hit, compared to shows like The Melancholy of Suzumiya Haruhi (hurray for second season!) or Lucky Star.
As for the secret handshake, hmm, well, I could have used one for Ristorante Paradiso (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=10449) (hint, hint at certain fans for not informing me :p ). I learnt about it only last week and will probably have to get around to watching it, since it seems to have been quite well-received among certain viewers. Meaning to say, while everyone would love to know a secret handshake, it doesn't exist — you just have to pay attention to what some people are gravitating towards to find anime gold. ;)
(For those who are interested, I'm currently looking into Hitsuji no Uta (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=3066) [Lament of the Lamb], an apparently under-appreciated OAV about a tragic, and almost incestuous, relationship between two sibling vampires. I discovered it quite serendipitiously while surfing for images from LaMB (http://www.mtvasia.com/Funstuff/Specials/LaMB/videos.php), and was piqued by Hitsuji no Uta's character designs, which are slightly reminiscent of manga-ka Yoshitoshi ABe (http://images.google.com.sg/images?hl=en&q=yoshitoshi+abe&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=A1FUSv-5MZOoNoe_hfUI&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&ct=title&resnum=4)'s style.)
========
Now, on to some comments about Erin, from Episodes 17 to 20:
(1)
I love the pacing! The story is developing very well, along with Erin, as the series takes its time to flesh out both the world and its central characters. Unlike Seirei no Moribito, there were hardly any "lull" moments as each episode is used to explore a different theme. As discussed previously, political intrigue is in the air and the plot thickens around Shunan and the Princess Seimiya...and her uncle, Lord Damiya. The pieces are beginning to fit together, as we now learn how the Saigamuru are agitating to put the Grand Duke on the throne. As for how all these are linked to past events in Ake village, time will eventually tell but, no doubt, we already have likely motives and suspects for the poison that killed the Touda.
(2)
Uehashi seems to enjoy writing about "secret services". Not only did elite bodyguards feature prominently in Seirei no Moribito, they appear again here as well (Ep17). Or does this have more to do with I.G's involvement than with the source material?
(3)
Episodes 18 through 20 take the series towards poignant new directions. I enjoyed how John and Erin's parting was handled, a fitting farewell between father and daughter. More importantly though, we're beginning to see a fuller treatment of one of the story's key themes: that of human coexistence with nature, as represented by the relationships between humans and wild beasts.
Episode 18, in particular, was full of worthy quotes, my favourite being Erin's: "I want to know why the living things of this world are the way they are... I also want to know why beastlords and humans exist, and I want to know why creatures exist, including myself. I believe that learning about animals will definitely lead to what I want to know."
Followed by Easl's quote: ""It matters not: Arryo, Wajyaku or Holon; of low social status or being a woman. If there's a heart that wishes to save a beast and has the mind to do it, then it takes nothing to be a student of this school."
(4)
As the story progresses, it seems clear that it wants to discuss the difficulty of finding a compromise between civilisation and "living wild". Erin's observation of the pitiful state of the tamed beastlords mirrors her own experience of having to adapt to a public-school environment after a lifetime of being "home-schooled" by Soyon and John. Our dear "wild apple" was in danger of losing her own enthusiasm for life — and thus become "domesticated" — had the plucky Yuuyan not intervened in time.
The dichotomy between civilisation and wild Nature used to be a favourite topic among Enlightenment philosophers like Jean-Jacques Rosseau, for example, who introduced the idea of the "noble savage (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean-Jacques_Rousseau#Theory_of_Natural_Man)". Unlike Thomas Hobbes (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hobbes#Leviathan), who believed that Man was vicious by nature and therefore needed to be governed through civil society, Rousseau believed the opposite, that Man was innocent by nature until corrupted by civilisation.
Kemono Souja no Erin seems to be following Rousseau's train of thought, albeit from a different, more East Asian, angle. As befitting her background as an anthropologist, I'm keen to see which directions author Uehashi will take her little heroine in the end. :)
just gotta say that I'm so happy Static-Subs is continuing to sub Kemono no souja Erin. THANK YOU!!!!
I totally love the new direction that the anime is taking, it's by far exceeding any expectation I had for this show. More importantly, it's so full of depth and the possiblity for each and every character is very refreshing. Erin just keeps growing on me, even when I love her already, she surprises me with her character and strenght.
Episode 20 totally ended on a cliffhanger. I can't wait to see what Erin comes up with to get Lilan to eat. It'll be interesting to see how Erin, or her interactions with the Beast lord, will get her involved with the growing political troubles.
I'm definitely loving the 50 episode format and it feels like Kemono no souja Erin will be very epic, inspite of the childish drawing and all.
it's sad how overlooked this show is.
I'm aboard for the ride too. Watching Erin grow, and seeing the world through her precocious eyes, has been a pleasure. This series, though targeted for the younger set, doesn't short-change the adults. The series' art design captures the simplicity that a child could appreciate, and so it complements the story. But it's the characters themselves that truly make this series shine. And the musical interludes are very nice. Time to catch-up with episodes 18-20. :)
Celestial Kitsune
2009-07-09, 00:53
Due to various circumstances, I had to take a break from this anime, but I am catching up now because Erin is still my favorite anime this year :) I just have finished episode 14 (http://celestialkitsune.wordpress.com/category/anime/kemono-no-sou-ja-erin-anime/)and will catch up to the last subbed episode (20) by the end of this week.
I like those flying beasties :)
http://celestialkitsune.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/images_02519.jpg
silverwolf0
2009-07-09, 06:11
StaticSubs are on a ball. Already up to episode 22 after a long hiatus.
Ep 21 was the best, right behind that other ep that involves water and hungry toudas. The fight scenes are also outrageously cool, especially when Ial starts fighting the masked men on the boat in ep 22, considering you wouldn't think such a static looking anime like Erin would have such a talent on the occasion it needs to shine in animation. The part where Lilan rose up from the sunlight underneath was also stunning, and when Erin turned her head back as she thought of the harp was great too. I'm glad that the farting stuff has passed and the real meat is showing itself. I chuckled when Erin started talking about her past and Tomura told her he had listened to enough of it. Apparently you can't win against Erin in the game called tragedy.
FlareKnight
2009-07-09, 22:06
Definitely enjoying the opportunity to watch multiple episodes in a row for this show.
Lilan finally ate some food :D. It was a huge accomplishment and I love how Ial's harp was the key to accomplishing it. Erin needed to save Lilan for very personal reasons and she did it. While for now Lilan is still in captivity at least there is a chance of survival. Erin will likely become the mother figure for the young Lilan.
Ial is a pretty skilled guy in his own right. Fighting against a couple of tough opponents while not 100% is something to be proud of. Being hurt wasn't so bad since it let him meet Erin once more. By helping with the harp he was able to repay Lilan for the role she played in saving him and he got to help Erin as well. Wonder when the paths of those two will cross again?
Anyways I'm really loving this series. Always a pleasure to see how the characters will grow.
TinyRedLeaf
2009-07-12, 04:05
For my part, I'm enjoying how the themes are beginning to tie together on various levels.
Two major themes were developed in these two episodes: separation from mothers, and the price of imposing order on chaotic nature.
(1)
It's striking that Erin, Iasu and Lilan share a common trait: they've all been forcefully separated from their mothers at an early age, and were forced by circumstances to live without maternal guidance.
Curiously, though, this is the source of Erin's amazing empathy for both beasts and humans. While it's true that she already had natural talent to begin with, her gifts had been shaped and enhanced by her personal tragedies. In a way, Erin's experiences bring up a familiar question: Is genius born or made?
If you think about it, Erin may have remained just an ordinary girl in a remote village, far from the centre of political events, had tragic circumstances not befallen upon her. The various events in her life are going a long way towards making her a gifted scientist and physician, a talent that people would see only once in a lifetime.
Had she been left alone, however, Erin may not have become anyone special at all.
Perhaps its the way this series has been structured, but I get a very strong sense of destiny unfolding before me as I watch Erin grow up to fulfil her potential. Not many series manage to achieve the same effect today.
(2)
It's interesting how the kingdom's political problems mirror the day-to-day struggle of taming wild beasts to serve humans.
Episode 22 provides more background on the tensions between the subjects of the Queen and the Grand Duke. The Grand Duke's subjects are growing resentful of the Queen's people, who apparently take their peace and prosperity for granted, not realising that it's paid for with the blood of other people.
As Iasu's former master said: "Don't you see how wrong this world is?" The kingdom may appear to be at peace, but it is a false peace brought about by the unnatural separation of civilisation from its baser instincts: the desire for war and violence.
As we've seen from Princess Semiya's naivete, the Queen's subjects have grown complacent and self-indulgent. They have forgotten a basic principle of geopolitics: to preserve peace, one must always prepare for war.
Compare this with the way Erin's beloved animals lose their enthusiasm for life once they've been tamed. They may appear calm while under human control, but their domesticated behaviour is "unnatural" in comparison to way they would behave in the wild. By removing their natural instincts for violence, beast tamers create apparently docile creatures that are nontheless nothing more than pale shadows of their true selves.
Up to this point, I feel the story has developed this dichotomy very well, the inherent conflict between civilisation and human nature. I do wonder, however, how it seeks to resolve the tension. Is it possible to resolve this division?
In this sense, it appears that Erin is special, not just because of her amazing abilities as a veterinarian, but also because of what she represents: a middle ground, someone who manages to find a way to bridge the gap between civilisation and wild nature.
Her answer is actually quite simple: to approach differences with compassion and empathy.
silverwolf0
2009-07-12, 10:07
Is the ruler of the kingdom always a woman? And whatever happened to the husband/father?
Miles Teg
2009-07-12, 10:47
In the kingdom of Ryoza the ruler is always a woman (Jé the founder of the dynasty was a woman).
Seimiya parents have died in a coach accident 10 years ago. I don't remember if something has been said about Harumiya husband (prince consort).
silverwolf0
2009-07-12, 22:25
OMG I just started watching Erin with a different sub group. It's like a different show entirely. I thought the show was just simplistic so the dialogue would be purposely vague and/or confusing, but it now makes a whole lot more sense. Much less a child's show now.
So is Je a guy or a girl? Or do they just use guy because its impossible to tell in the intro? It's a matriarchal society then?
Miles Teg
2009-07-13, 06:22
So is Je a guy or a girl? Or do they just use guy because its impossible to tell in the intro? It's a matriarchal society then?
Jé was a woman, and only a woman can become the new ruler (Yojé = true Queen).
Another great episode!! All these recent updates by Static-subs are making me very happy :D
is it just me or are the constant flashbacks a little annoying? I find them useful sometimes when they remind you of something that happened like 10 episodes ago.. but when they keep using them for things that happened the previous episode they kind of detract from the plot. I know they're probably trying to create a deeper "mood" here by reminding you of exactly what happened but I don't think its really necessary to keep using them each episode. or are they just using them to lenghten the series?
Wonder what's going to happen now that all the students and faculty swore to protect Erin and her secret. I have a feeling that they're all going to get dragged into the political situation. Loved that more information is revealed about what the toudas and beast lords really represent. makes more sense now why the queen was presented with them at her birthday and why the beast lords are central to her reign.
technically, the only reason why Erin was able to bond with Lilan was because she empathized with her and intimately sought out a mother-daughter relationship with Lilan. so Erin's ability to "control" a beast lord is really just hogwash because anyone could do it too so long as they approach it the same way. and the only way Erin could control hoards of beast lords would be if she raised tons of beast lords babies.... unless Erin has other secret techniques to make them listen to her?
Next episode seems like they're going back to more political stuff. I find it necessary.. but a little dry.. so not really excited :(
TinyRedLeaf
2009-07-14, 04:35
^ Yes, indeed. I was greatly moved by the episode. :)
Wonder what's going to happen now that all the students and faculty swore to protect Erin and her secret. I have a feeling that they're all going to get dragged into the political situation. Loved that more information is revealed about what the toudas and beast lords really represent. makes more sense now why the queen was presented with them at her birthday and why the beast lords are central to her reign.
If only Galileo enjoyed such support when he faced the wrath of the Catholic Church for daring to argue that the Earth revolved around the Sun.
My respect for the school of Kazaml — already quite high — has gone up even higher. As true scientists, they recognise truth when they see it, despite its awful implications. For a society that regards its Queen as divine, the revelation that ordinary humans could also control "divine" beasts must have the same shattering effect as Galileo's arguments had on those who were slavishly devoted to Church doctrine.
On this point alone, this anime is making a bold statement that is probably possible only in Japan. I cannot imagine any American producer daring to create or distribute such a show in an the often evangelical United States.
To address the above question, I think Esal and her instructors understand full well the consequences of their fateful decision to protect Erin. Simply put, they have become accomplices to a highly dangerous heretic who could change the entire world as they know it.
For if the beastlords are the Queen's trump cards over the Grand Duke's toudas, then the knowledge that the mighty winged beasts could be controlled by ordinary people would allow people like the Saigamuru to believe, finally, that rebellion is indeed possible.
Erin's pure and sincere desire to take care of a wounded beast has therefore turned her, unwittingly, into the greatest threat to national security. Given the enormous implication of such a development, I fear the whole school is doomed to face dire punishment if its secret is discovered.
Edit:
As I dwell further on this quietly monumental episode, I feel that it's pertinent to remind ourselves that even today, our world is faced constantly with this neverending conflict between empirical science and orthodox faith. In fact, we could say that this division has become even sharper in recent years due to geopolitical events.
The conflict, as we all know, is difficult to resolve, because the solutions often involve profound changes to a person's most cherished beliefs. Even something as seemingly straightforward as evolution, for example, continues to come under furious attack from those who simply cannot accept its implications on our place in the universe — that we are not special, that we are not chosen by some mysterious divine design.
But, you see, all it takes is for us to see things from Erin's point of view to realise that we are no less beautiful in nature, regardless by design or accident. Speaking as a die-hard freethinker and secular humanist, I'm profoundly grateful that shows like Kemono no Souja Erin exist.
episode 23 was really emotinally fulfilling for me- i waited with my breath held till they annunced their descision regardings Erin in the end, and i can only admire the scholars and students for what they did.
also, seems like Tomura has a crush on Erin :)
Miles Teg
2009-07-19, 04:29
A letter arrive for Erin announcing the death of Jon. Erin is depressed and Esal decide to take Erin on a trip to a place where Jon has lived.
Clearly not the best episode to start the day :(
A letter arrive for Erin announcing the death of Jon. Erin is depressed and Esal decide to take Erin on a trip to a place where Jon has lived.
Clearly not the best episode to start the day :(
Actually, I had seen this coming, since...
... Erin saw John in her dream, and when Erin called him Otosan with tears in her eyes if it was their last moment of seeing each other (before waking up), I am almost certain John has passed away; besides in the same dream Erin saw her deceased mother, Soyon.
silverwolf0
2009-07-19, 07:28
Another great episode!! All these recent updates by Static-subs are making me very happy :D
is it just me or are the constant flashbacks a little annoying? I find them useful sometimes when they remind you of something that happened like 10 episodes ago.. but when they keep using them for things that happened the previous episode they kind of detract from the plot. I know they're probably trying to create a deeper "mood" here by reminding you of exactly what happened but I don't think its really necessary to keep using them each episode. or are they just using them to lenghten the series?
Wonder what's going to happen now that all the students and faculty swore to protect Erin and her secret. I have a feeling that they're all going to get dragged into the political situation. Loved that more information is revealed about what the toudas and beast lords really represent. makes more sense now why the queen was presented with them at her birthday and why the beast lords are central to her reign.
technically, the only reason why Erin was able to bond with Lilan was because she empathized with her and intimately sought out a mother-daughter relationship with Lilan. so Erin's ability to "control" a beast lord is really just hogwash because anyone could do it too so long as they approach it the same way. and the only way Erin could control hoards of beast lords would be if she raised tons of beast lords babies.... unless Erin has other secret techniques to make them listen to her?
Next episode seems like they're going back to more political stuff. I find it necessary.. but a little dry.. so not really excited :(
I've just rewatched the anime from 1 to 23. There are a lot of flashbacks throughout, not just in episode 23. However, I find them very effective in creating the desired mood, and consider the slow pacing perfect for this type of story. Most of the time I don't notice that a whole episode has passed while being engrossed in each moment of silence or reverie, so none of it ever drags for me. I wonder how the little kids are able to focus without falling asleep. But if they can handle Naruto and DBZ, they can handle anything.
So why is Nugan acting like a little child when it comes to seeing the queen's flaws? Considering he is the grand duke's son, and lives in an environment completely conducive for him to learn, or be taught, that the queen is not a god, where does his pious upbringing come from? All they do is keep on flashing back to when they planted the tree, and Nugan didn't even know jack about what he wanted to do beyond following his big brother and doesn't have a mind of his own nor any good reason to support the queen past his older brother telling him to do so. He should just follow his brother like he has always done. The conflict and the fight between the two felt really pointless, unless I'm missing something really major to understanding Nugan's reasonings.
FlareKnight
2009-07-22, 03:57
I've just rewatched the anime from 1 to 23. There are a lot of flashbacks throughout, not just in episode 23. However, I find them very effective in creating the desired mood, and consider the slow pacing perfect for this type of story. Most of the time I don't notice that a whole episode has passed while being engrossed in each moment of silence or reverie, so none of it ever drags for me. I wonder how the little kids are able to focus without falling asleep. But if they can handle Naruto and DBZ, they can handle anything.
So why is Nugan acting like a little child when it comes to seeing the queen's flaws? Considering he is the grand duke's son, and lives in an environment completely conducive for him to learn, or be taught, that the queen is not a god, where does his pious upbringing come from? All they do is keep on flashing back to when they planted the tree, and Nugan didn't even know jack about what he wanted to do beyond following his big brother and doesn't have a mind of his own nor any good reason to support the queen past his older brother telling him to do so. He should just follow his brother like he has always done. The conflict and the fight between the two felt really pointless, unless I'm missing something really major to understanding Nugan's reasonings. Well I'm not surprised Nugan has gone into this extremist stance. Saw earlier in the series with that royal who sent the flowers (that suspicious guy) getting close to Nugan. So might have been more behind the scenes with him manipulating Nugan. Probably helped to enforce the belief that the royals are perfect. Besides it seems like the kid was pretty sheltered as it was. The father's faith has been more with Shunan so he probably kept Nugan out of situations that would help adjust his beliefs. Anyways I'm betting on a combination of maniuplation and being kept out of darker situations. At this point logic will just not affect him. The guy really is a sheep and will go wherever the most convincing person herds him.
Anyways things are definitely going to get messy. That country is ripe to rip itself apart. Sooner or later tensions are just going to snap and they will have a full blown civil war on their hands. Though it won't be that much if the majority go against the Queen. Call her on the bluff that she has any power that isn't symbolic :heh:. Not that I think the old lady is a bad person, but it's not promising right now. The current ruler is old, the young girl is naive, and you have a coniving person behing the scens who can mess things up.
TinyRedLeaf
2009-07-22, 12:02
話說天下大勢， 分久必合，合久必分。
"Such is the fate of all nations under Heaven:
The Empire long divided must unite;
long united must divide."
- Romance of the Three Kingdoms
After a string of splendid episodes, this particular one, by comparison, is a disappointment. I suppose it's because we've never really got to know the Grand Duke's sons, so it's difficult for me to relate to their difficulties on a personal level.
To be sure, the split between Shunan and Nugan has long been foreshadowed, so there is hardly any suspense left to be drawn from their inevitable parting of ways. Moreover, for once, the animation style of Erin fails miserably to support the screenplay's dramatic tension.
Don't get me wrong. Serious problems are brewing within the kingdom, as symbolised by the split between the two brothers — one supports reform while the other is dead-set against change. But the child-like quality of the show is simply incapable of doing justice to the human drama unfolding before our eyes.
Something closer to the animation style of, say, Seirei no Moribito or even Samurai X: Trust & Betrayal would have been more appropriate. As it stands, the grimness of the situation just doesn't come through in this episode, unlike way back in Episode 7, during Soyon's execution, for example.
Any way, for what it's worth, it's clear that we've crossed an important milestone in the story, as the fissures within the kingdom have grown too large to repair. As for why Nugan remains so reactionary in spite of his older brother's progressive example, I think FlareKnight has already hit the nail on its head — it's because Nugan has never had an genuine ideal of his own. Instead, he has always been going through motions, emulating whatever his brother was doing, but without fully understanding the reasons behind Shunan's actions.
Nugan has never had a mind of his own. In contrast to Shunan, he has always had a sheltered life. So devoted has he been in following in his brother's footsteps that he was blind to the troubles of the world. That's why he is unable to understand why Shunan has come to believe so fervently in the need for change — it does not occur to Nugan that there was anything wrong with the kingdom in the first place.
In a way, it's a very sad development, because Nugan is being driven by a misguided sense of idealism, a passion that would have been considered pure and wonderful had it not been for the politics of the times.
It's even more sobering to note that this dichotomy lies at the root of every conflict in history. Within every society, there will always be people who would push for change just as there will always be people who feel compelled to defend the status quo. What's nice about Erin's story is that the opposing sides are portrayed in a human fashion — neither side is being portrayed as necessarily good or evil. Both sides have their reasons, and both sides are merely doing what they feel is right.
Things fall apart. In the end, they will be put right but, inevitably, the pieces will come apart once more. And thus the cycle repeats itself endlessly through time.
silverwolf0
2009-07-22, 23:28
I disagree about the animation being the achilles' heel. I've seen both Seirei no Moribito and Samurai X and the animation doesn't play that big a role in how serious the show was, nor did I take Samurai X seriously at all. The script and the directing set the tone. I can take shows like Dennou Coil, One Piece, and Kekkaishi pretty serious enough within the confines of their own world. It's basically because because in episode 24 of Erin, all they did was repeat the same few lines over and over again without giving any more detail or progression that is aggravating. The pace is deliberately slow for effect in the series, but at such a pivotal episode they should have elaborated more. It's hasn't gone past saying I like blue and I like red and fighting over which color is better without, well nugan at least, giving even the slightest of reasons. I feels like a gigantic plothole, hopefully they will fill later on.
Nugan is even saying he wants to fight with Shunan on the battlefield. I think Shunan even asked him when they first found the the poison leaf whether he would follow him and he said yes. I don't see how the 180 is possible when Nugan is following his every action, unless there's some more behind the scenes work done by the queen's cousin that has yet to be revealed and they woefully decided to exclude it before showing ep 24.
Miles Teg
2009-07-25, 12:59
Kemono no Sou-ja Story to End in 2 Novels in August (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-07-23/kemono-no-sou-ja-story-to-end-in-2-novels-in-august)
Nahoko Uehashi, the creator of the novels that inspired Production I.G's Kemono no Sou-ja Erin and Moribito - Guardian of the Spirit fantasy anime series, is ending the Kemono no Sou-ja (The Beast Player) story with two novel volumes in August 10. The third volume will be subtitled Tankyū-hen (The Quest Arc), while the four volume will be subtitled Kanketsu-hen (The Final Arc, pictured at right). The story of these last two volumes is set 11 years after the first two volumes which inspired the anime.
Don't know if those two novel will be included in the anime but that will probably be hard, 21 episodes for the first novel and they are right now probably in the beginning/middle of the second one.
Nothing much to say about this episode, Lilan hurt Erin, Erin is emo and in the end evrything is alright :heh: But finally next week we will be able to see a 18 years old Erin :D
After a long hiatus, I'm semi-caught up on Kemono no Souja Erin, and I've got to say that it's certainly been an interesting ride. It's quite apparent just how much this show and Seirei no Moribito are drawn from the same sources - they touch on similar themes, and play on very similar ideas. If I were to compare the two shows, I'd have to give the nod to Kemono: while the animation is obviously less stunning than that of Seirei no Moribito, the emotional core of Kemono is much stronger, and the themes and conflicts play out much more cleanly. In fact, on just about every score, Kemono has done a very good job - my only major complaints are that some of the story points are overly telegraphed and that the two main story threads are too loosely connected. Moreover, while the Erin storyline has been riveting so far, the political storyline has been quite forgettable, and poorly introduced. About the only other improvement that I'd like to see is some more variety in the insert songs - the Grand Duke song is a step in the right direction.
If only Galileo enjoyed such support when he faced the wrath of the Catholic Church for daring to argue that the Earth revolved around the Sun.
My respect for the school of Kazaml — already quite high — has gone up even higher. As true scientists, they recognise truth when they see it, despite its awful implications. For a society that regards its Queen as divine, the revelation that ordinary humans could also control "divine" beasts must have the same shattering effect as Galileo's arguments had on those who were slavishly devoted to Church doctrine.
That scene was just wonderful; both in terms of storytelling and characterization. The vote of support strongly reminded me of a certain film about schoolboys... On top of that, the idea of challenging strongly held myths also clearly explores similar ground in Seirei no Moribito.
On this point alone, this anime is making a bold statement that is probably possible only in Japan. I cannot imagine any American producer daring to create or distribute such a show in an the often evangelical United States.
Not really. This really only works, even in Japan, because the myth that's being tackled is fictional, if the myth was real, then it would be impossible to show in Japan as well. Just look at the refusal of every Japanese cinema to show the German "John Rabe" film.
For if the beastlords are the Queen's trump cards over the Grand Duke's toudas, then the knowledge that the mighty winged beasts could be controlled by ordinary people would allow people like the Saigamuru to believe, finally, that rebellion is indeed possible.
Erin's pure and sincere desire to take care of a wounded beast has therefore turned her, unwittingly, into the greatest threat to national security. Given the enormous implication of such a development, I fear the whole school is doomed to face dire punishment if its secret is discovered.
What's amusing about this is that it looks like the Queen has lost the ability to control the Beast-Lords: the implication being that Erin is actually more suited to be Queen!
As I dwell further on this quietly monumental episode, I feel that it's pertinent to remind ourselves that even today, our world is faced constantly with this neverending conflict between empirical science and orthodox faith. In fact, we could say that this division has become even sharper in recent years due to geopolitical events.
The conflict, as we all know, is difficult to resolve, because the solutions often involve profound changes to a person's most cherished beliefs. Even something as seemingly straightforward as evolution, for example, continues to come under furious attack from those who simply cannot accept its implications on our place in the universe — that we are not special, that we are not chosen by some mysterious divine design.
I completely agree. One of the things that I've always liked about anime (and storytelling in general) is the pivotal moment where a character is given a consequential choice where the right decision is unobvious. This works a lot better when the character makes their choice naturally, based on their personality and what they perceive to be worthwhile sacrifices. Kemono does this more strongly than Seirei no Moribito, and I see that as a good reason for preferring the former.
Haha. Well, it's not hard to see the reasons for the lack of attention on this hidden gem. Firstly, the art style is probably too "childish" for many viewers and the animation is certainly not as flashy as what we've seen in, say, K-On! and the currently airing Canaan. Secondly, it's not part of an established and wildly successful franchise like Umineko. And, thirdly, the sad lack of subtitlers working on the series is probably driving away potential viewers.
Kemono no Sou-ja Erin is a children's show, and children's shows simply get a lot less attention than they deserve. The last one that I can think of that got wide attention was Full Moon wo Sagashite, and that aired in 2002-2003. More recently, Shugo Chara and the Pretty Cure shows have garnered some attention; but they are probably a lot less appreciated than they should be.
I also want to remind everyone that there shouldn't be any spoilers from the novels in this thread at all. If you must post about them, please do so in PMs to posters who request them, or do so in a novel thread in the Manga forum. That thread doesn't exist yet, so I suggest that someone create it if they are interested. The exception to this would be comparisons of how things are done in the anime as opposed to the novel. But even here, please be circumspect.
Miles Teg
2009-07-30, 12:27
I also want to remind everyone that there shouldn't be any spoilers from the novels in this thread at all. If you must post about them, please do so in PMs to posters who request them, or do so in a novel thread in the Manga forum. That thread doesn't exist yet, so I suggest that someone create it if they are interested. The exception to this would be comparisons of how things are done in the anime as opposed to the novel. But even here, please be circumspect.
Since I am the (only) one giving spoiler/comparison from the novel.
Novel 2 (what comes after episode 21) will be released in France in the middle of October. Everything that was in the first novel has already been shown in the anime.
Preview of episode 30 show A 18 year old Erin
http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/8182/shot0010i.th.png (http://img197.imageshack.us/i/shot0010i.png/)The announcement of the 2 new novel state that The event take place 11 years after the first two novels/anime
Now I use some guesswork A third time skip won't happen
Erin will be alive at the end of the anime.
And now I able to come to the conclusion that Erin will be 29 years old in the new novel
I am "guilty" of not putting my deduction in a spoiler tag but no novel spoiler have been circulating in this thread.
silverwolf0
2009-07-30, 12:39
OMG 25 came out subbed yesterday and 26 today. Will 27 be tomorrow???? *Goes and watches utorrent download bar.
Indeed. 25 was pretty much comedic relief stuff, but 26 was pretty serious and one of the most touching episodes in a while. I'm really enjoying this series, one of those few series I wouldn't be afraid to recommend to anyone who appreciates slow paced, well developed stories.
Wargumm1i
2009-07-30, 17:02
This is fun :D I started watching this anime yesterday and so far its bin awesome :D I hope the subs will be out up to date soon.
Also what episode will the next timeskip happen again? I remember hearing it somewhere that there will be a timeskip and Erin will be 18 I think.
Since I am the (only) one giving spoiler/comparison from the novel.
Novel 2 (what comes after episode 21) will be released in France in the middle of October. Everything that was in the first novel has already been shown in the anime.
<SNIP>
I am "guilty" of not putting my deduction in a spoiler tag but no novel spoiler have been circulating in this thread.
While I wasn't aware that your posts were based on reading from the descriptions of the later novels, that doesn't really matter either. There are plenty of novel series where the mere description can be considered a spoiler, and that information shouldn't be here, as this is supposed to be an anime-only thread.
If there is information that you wish to impart, you can either do so in the appropriate manga/novel/game thread, or ask any interest parties to drop you a PM.
TinyRedLeaf
2009-07-31, 01:23
While I wasn't aware that your posts were based on reading from the descriptions of the later novels, that doesn't really matter either. There are plenty of novel series where the mere description can be considered a spoiler, and that information shouldn't be here, as this is supposed to be an anime-only thread.
Personally, I've always regarded an anime and its original novel/manga as two separate creations. They are not likely to be the same and, indeed, it would be artistically detrimental for them to be identical. While I can understand why people would like to compare the story in its two forms, I feel they should also be aware that what works on paper doesn't necessarily work on screen, and I've seen anime suffer from sticking too slavishly to its manga original.
Moreover, it's important to give every creator room to express his own interpretation of a source material. Much as I disliked many aspects of Peter Jackson's adaptation of The Two Towers and The Return of the King, I had to concede that, on screen, the screenplays worked brilliantly. Jackson's screenplays may lack the lyrical power of Tolkien's novels, but poetry, literary imagery and themes are not easy to adapt for screen, unless you're dealing with a highly gifted auteur (http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/44609/auteur-theory) who manages, somehow, to find a way to use "visual elements such as camera placement, blocking, lighting and scene length, rather than plotline, to convey the message of the film".
The same reasoning applies here, to Kemono no Souja Erin.
Between being faithful to the letter of the script and being faithful of the spirit of a story, I'd always favour the latter over the former. Every creation is the product of a director's vision, so I'd rather have him stay honest to his artistic instincts, rather than have him copy someone else's ideas.
That's why I usually dislike it when people compare anime against its original manga or novel. That said, I've made the same mistake myself in other anime. I can put up with the comparisons as long as they are appropriately marked out as spoilers. But since it's the policy of this forum to keep anime and manga/novel speculations separate, I won't quibble further with the rules.
Back on topic:
As mentioned, this episode is merely filler material. I don't find it very enjoyable, unfortunately, because the two stooges aren't terrific characters to begin with. Normally, "fools" in a story serve as foils against other characters, to highlight certain character traits through the use of contrast. Nukku and Mokku may help to make Erin look more competent and compassionate but, generally, I find them to be annoying distractions.
Erin is well on her way towards raising a cute, feathered pet dog. :heh:
Unfortunately for her, if her intention was to raise Lilan as a wild animal, she had failed that objective a long time ago. One of the key things about wildlife rehabilitation (http://www.hsus.org/marine_mammals/what_are_the_issues/the_keiko_project_returning_keiko_to_the_wild/frequently_asked_questions_about_animal_rehabilita tion_and_release.html) is to avoid taming the animal and thereby "depriving it of its natural fear of humans". Lilan's case was particularly tricky, as Erin needed to make him see her as his mother in order to treat his injuries and trauma. But in so doing, Erin had prevented nature from taking its course and therefore doomed Lilan to a life of captivity.
Well, it's not a completely shut-and-close case yet because, even in real life, there have been cases of tame animals being successfully released back into the wild. It remains to be seen if Erin can do the same for Lilan, despite the socio-political obstacles in her way.
Personally, I've always regarded an anime and its original novel/manga as two separate creations. They are not likely to be the same and, indeed, it would be artistically detrimental for them to be identical. While I can understand why people would like to compare the story in its two forms, I feel they should also be aware that what works on paper doesn't necessarily work on screen, and I've seen anime suffer from sticking too slavishly to its manga original.
I strongly agree, and I think that it becomes even more important when going from novel to anime.
That's why I usually dislike it when people compare anime against its original manga or novel. That said, I've made the same mistake myself in other anime. I can put up with the comparisons as long as they are appropriately marked out as spoilers. But since it's the policy of this forum to keep anime and manga/novel speculations separate, I won't quibble further with the rules.
The rule is there mostly because some posters can't seem to resist revealing what they know beyond what had been released. Once upon a time, those spoilers were allowed in episode threads, but it ended up with whole pages being nothing but spoiler tags. And so we now try to separate the anime discussion from the parent works.
Oh, and I think that Erin's two sidekicks are just there to remind us that this is a children's show.
Wargumm1i
2009-07-31, 12:06
Children show huh? I would not be 100% sure its targeted at people under 10-12.
Children show huh? I would not be 100% sure its targeted at people under 10-12.
Kemono no Souja Erin has a nice time slot (6:25 PM) and it doesn't contain fanservice material to attact adults :D.
I think this show is aimed more toward parents and children. It's just the entire theme of this show is about the bond between parent and child. Which I think it's nice to have parents watching this with their children. :)
-------------------
Ep. 28 Omg it really broke my heart. Poor Erin. >_<
Children show huh? I would not be 100% sure its targeted at people under 10-12.
By default, I'd classify just about all non-otaku anime that aren't distinctively marketed towards adults as children's shows. As it happens, Kemono no Souja Erin plays out very much like the World Masterpiece Theater shows, and those were very much designed to appeal to children, so that's the natural conclusion. Moreover, there's no content in the show that would point to it being not designed for children.
By the way, I'd call 10-12 year olds children as well, although Erin probably is made for 7 and up.
Wargumm1i
2009-08-01, 09:15
The reason why I concluded for 10-12 is because there are people getting eaten even if they dont show it directly and there have bin some blood scenes.
The reason why I concluded for 10-12 is because there are people getting eaten even if they dont show it directly and there have bin some blood scenes.
There's no reason to apply Western TV standards to what does or does not constitute a children's show in Japan. Furthermore, you can see similar events in Western animation like the Lion King or Watership Down, and those are certainly children's films.
Children show i am not sure but ...
Losing a parent to a 10 or 12 year old would really freek them out i would think. But this is from a different place then where i am from so they may have different views on this.
I cant wait to see how this all tuns out i think i am up to date with them all i have just wach #26.
Celestial Kitsune
2009-08-01, 20:52
My coverage up to episode 25 so far (http://celestialkitsune.wordpress.com/category/anime/kemono-no-sou-ja-erin-anime/) :)
http://celestialkitsune.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/images_03969.jpg
@Jski:
This is the same culture that made Nobody's Boy Remi, Candy Candy and so many shows that traumatized my generation. This is just an extension on that :p
finally caught up with episode 26. Omg that one scene where Lilan looms over Erin, and you have this split second fear that Lilan might eat her only to end in Lilan embracing Erin was possibly the best scene ever!!
I'm surprised it took Erin so long to actually touch Lilan and to hold her. was it against the rules of Kazalm?
i love how Kemono no souja Erin can make you laugh in one moment and then overwhelm you with emotions in the next. (especially all those flashbacks with Erin's mother)
Erin should have seen it coming that Lilan wasn't going to be released into the wild. I'm surprised that she didn't consider her previous actions (intimately getting Lilan to trust her and to see her as a mother figure) as dangerous to Lilan becoming tamed. Especially, considering that Lilan is just a baby rehabilitating a baby or juvenille wildlife is the trickiest part and that's usually when you have to work the hardest to distance yourself from the animal or else you might imprint your image onto the infants mind forever as their mother. (aka the movie Fly away home)
I worked at a Wildlife rehabilitation centre once, and the workers taking care of the baby crows had to always dress up as a crow just to feed and take care of the babies birds. or sometimes we'd use a doll puppet as the "mother" to feed them.
in terms of Erin, I doubt she would have been able to costume herself as a beast-lord.. that would have been funny to see!
TinyRedLeaf
2009-08-04, 11:42
I'm surprised it took Erin so long to actually touch Lilan and to hold her. was it against the rules of Kazalm?
On reflection, Ep26 provided the unspoken explanation as to why the bestinarians of Kazalm were specifically forbidden to treat the majestic creatures like normal domesticated animals.
As tools of war, the beast-lords must never be tamed. They had to be broken in, yes, but under no conditions were they to be made mild.
Kazu-kun
2009-08-04, 13:22
On reflection, Ep26 provided the unspoken explanation as to why the bestinarians of Kazalm were specifically forbidden to treat the majestic creatures like normal domesticated animals.
As tools of war, the beast-lords must never be tamed. They had to be broken in, yes, but under no conditions were they to be made mild.
It's the other way around. The kingdom doesn't really use beast-lords for war, they just use the Touda. But as long as the King is believed to be the only one who can control the beast-lords (like Erin does), which feed on Toudas, the king has an element of power over the whole kingdom.
The method used by the bestinarians of Kazalm, entrusted to them by the king herself, is meant to prevent the bestinarians to be able to control the beasts, as this is something only the King is supposed to do. That's why is forbidden to use methods besides those from the book.
That's why Erin was in danger. As someone who can control a beast-lord, she would be taken prisoner or killed by the kingdom (to keep the belief that only the King can do that intact), or used for war by the enemies of the kingdom.
I agree that Erin is in great danger that if the news leaks out that Erin know a method to "control" over the Ouyus, Beastlords, a method which is significant different (i.e. more humane) from the traditional methods or teachings; in reality, she just want to be Lilan's mother (figure). In reality, Erin can't control the Beastlord with her harp, only Lilan (Beastlord) listens to her since lilan sees her as his (her?) mother.
But rumor can be spread; the one who can control over the Beastlords is the real Ruler and if the people and the Real King/Queen knows that, Erin will be in great danger; in fact in my opinion Erin has unconsciously crown herself as the "Real King"/Queen - She can "control" over the Beastlords who can subdue the Touda dragons, although Erin can communicate with Lilan only; Erin will be seen as a rebel and a serious danger to the Kingdom. But again I won't complain if Erin become the new Queen/"Real King", since she has all the qualities for being one.
The method used by the bestinarians of Kazalm, entrusted to them by the king herself, is meant to prevent the bestinarians to be able to control the beasts, as this is something only the King is supposed to do. That's why is forbidden to use methods besides those from the book.
That's why Erin was in danger. As someone who can control a beast-lord, she would be taken prisoner or killed by the kingdom (to keep the belief that only the King can do that intact), or used for war by the enemies of the kingdom.
Erin is in even greater danger given that it seems as if the Queen herself doesn't know how to control the beast-lords any more. Moreover, the beast lords that Kazalm has access to are the sickly kind that are completely overmatched against the wild majestic ones; and against what Lilan is turning out like.
Erin is definitely starting to see the consequences of her actions.
I wonder how Erin being able to control just one beast-lord will affect the coming war.
will others try to imitate her and tame the beast-lord, like they do the toudas, or will Erin somehow be able to use Lilan to control other beast-lord?
although, I doubt that Erin would intentionally enter the war or hurt the beast-lords.
and is Erin ever going to encounter the Toudas again? I had a feeling that she and Rururu (the baby touda she was looking after) were going to bond... but who knows..
I have so many questions!! hopefully, the anime will be able to answer all of them.. and not leave us with any plotholes.
off topic.. I'm so glad that this forum is finally getting busy.. it seemed pretty dead at the beginning. :D
FlareKnight
2009-08-05, 11:03
26 was pretty interesting with Erin getting hit by the results of her actions. The impressive discovery of Lilan understanding her words hits against the reality of Lilian reaching a strange middle ground between the wild beast lords and the captive ones. Lilan may have trouble interacting with anyone besides Erin really. It's not like Lilan is listening to anyone besides Erin.
Almost thought Lilan was going to take off a little or something at the end of the episode. Erin may try to help her gain that ability so Lilan will have the ability to just take off and return to the wild. Ironic that such a thing would make the seriousness of Erin's situation politically even more so since a flying beat lord that listens to a human would really shake things up. Not to mention Erin can't really pull away form Lilan now that she is so attached. It would be like losing a parent all over again for Lilan.
Anyways just curious about when this whole keeping things a secret will end up blowing up in the school's face.
Wargumm1i
2009-08-05, 12:50
I wonder what Erin is doing now when she is 18 years old.
Episode 31 of Kemono no Souja Erin is just beautiful:
Firstly, the new opening video is quite well done, the song is similar as the first opening song, if not the same, but by a female singer who gives the song a totally different feel. Very nice. Secondly, the second ED2 video is in my opinion very well done; the ED2 song already appears in episode 30; the ED2 video is simply beautiful, the "pointillism" that's used for the background is amazing, just fabulous; I wish the anime creators used this technique in the anime itself for the background instead of the crayon style that's currently used.
As for this episode, in my opinion, it may be the best and most beautiful episode out of the 31 episodes so far, because Lilan can finally fly; his (her?) flying ability is unlocked by accident and may also be contributed by watching to the birds in the area; this "I can fly" scene is really a must-see. Also, a new character appears, he may be a threat to Erin, since he's doing some shady business and investigation on her; he has his own history; I considers him to be an "avenger" type.
Miles Teg
2009-08-09, 04:22
I wonder what Erin is doing now when she is 18 years old.
For now the same thing she was doing when she was 14 ie taking care of Lilan and studying at Kazalm.
BBOvenGuy
2009-08-09, 11:25
They've really made the 18-year-old Erin look a lot like her mother.
So...
Who is this poisoner guy? I don't speak Japanese, so I couldn't follow it completely. In the beginning, he poisons those guys he was meeting with. Who were they? Since he has one of those masks, I'm guessing he's opposed to the existing monarchy. And I thought he also poisoned that couple in the flashback, but then they showed him with his dying little sister, so now I'm not sure.
At the end of the episode, when he sees Lilan flying, it looks like he's associating Erin with his little sister - which means that even if he was out to get her when he first arrived, he might change his mind down the road.
Just curious, Can Damiya(Queen's Nephew) marry Seimiya if the current queen dies? Even if he can't marry Princess Seimiya, he can easily control both quarters with heartbroken Seimiya and Nugan as his puppets. Its only matter of time before he frames both Shunan and Grand Duke as rebels if his intricate plot goes smoothly.
Isohunter
2009-08-10, 07:10
Damn, I'm stuck at episode 26 till SS move their asses and release the rest. Yes, I know I know I'm getting this for free so I should be grateful, but what I'm worried about is this show getting licensed before it ends, when that happens SS will definitely drop it and then no body would be subbing it at all.
I wish I knew Japanese.
SeijiSensei
2009-08-10, 07:30
I see the chances of this show being licensed as close to zero. It's too "childish" to market to the R1 anime audience. Most of us who've seen Dennou Coil think it's one of the better anime in the past couple of years, but I don't see any licensors rushing to pick. Erin is, I believe, being shown in the same time slot as Coil, one oriented to family viewing. Even being produced by I.G isn't a lock these days. Having Shirow as the creative force behind Real Drive hasn't gotten it licensed, and his other recent show, Ghost Hound, is being released in R1 with subtitles-only, a guarantee that it will have a small audience.
Oh and, in general, bad-mouthing fansubbers is usually considered bad form here.
karumofin
2009-08-10, 08:39
it is a kids show, so it can always get licensed as kids show ;)
SeijiSensei
2009-08-10, 11:33
I doubt it. It doesn't have obvious collectibles or other features that sell shows aimed at children. I suppose you might be able to sell a few stuffed Lilan dolls, but the prospects seem limited. Moreover how would it be promoted? It certainly wouldn't be seen by television advertisers as an appropriate vehicle for selling sugared cereal and toys. Suppose you were General Mills and had purchased advertising time in Erin. Would you want your advertisement for Cheerios to appear in the break after Soyon was executed?
That pretty much means selling DVDs. It's proving progressively more difficult to sell anime on DVDs to the prime 18-30 target market. I don't think I'd want to invest in a show aimed at kids that would require parents to spend some $250 across twelve or more DVDs. Would you?
Often when I read discussions of licensing here and elsewhere, many commentators seem to think that what drives licensing decisions is primarily the content of the show itself. While I'm sure content does matter, it's not the only factor influencing the licensing decision. When it comes to shows for kids, I'd wager the quality of the content is one of the least-important factors. In the kids market, having a show that's cheap to produce and offers the prospect of essentially limitless episodes are significant. Do you think Pokemon would have succeeded so well if there were no cards and toys, and the show was scheduled to end after a "mere" fifty episodes?
How well do you suppose Tweeny Witches is selling?
BBOvenGuy
2009-08-10, 13:57
You would have to pitch this show to the same crowd that likes Juuni Kokki, and throw translations of the novels into the mix. I'm not sure it could work in the current economic climate, and even if it could, it would probably take a long time to come together.
BBOvenGuy
2009-08-11, 21:40
I've been going back and rewatching the early episodes with the Static Subs translation, and I feel like there's a lot in them that's still hanging out there to be paid off. Like, for example... just about everything that happens in the village of Ake.
Will we ever find out how and why the Touda were killed? Will that pompous weasel of a Touda-vet Wadan get what's coming to him? Will we ever see that soldier, Tairan, who brought his Touda to the village for Soyon to cure? Inquiring minds want to know!
Then again, Michiko to Hatchin never went back and showed us what happened to Hatchin's foster family, and that show did okay. So maybe Ake is just a distant memory now. It has been eight years, after all.
I am dying to know the mysterious relation between mist people and the founder of empire rather than those. The founder could have been from mist tribe since it was hinted that it isn't rare for mist people to be able to control both the mythical creatures.
@ SeijiSensei :- Did Emma, Shoukoujo Sara, Heidi, Mirai shônen Konan generate profit? While Kemono no Souja Erin has less chance of getting licenced by anime industries that rely on sales of merchandise, broadcasting industry will eventually be eying it. It will fetch a reasonable rating and profits from ads and it can be broadcasted for multiple age groups even if its intended targets are under 14, though broadcasting license generally doesn't equate to merchandising license. I believe that Tweeny Witches was a profitable enterprise for broadcasting companies. They only had to find a age groups and countries that would find it immensely captivating.
Suppose you were General Mills and had purchased advertising time in Erin. Would you want your advertisement for Cheerios to appear in the break after Soyon was executed?
Won't you like to advertise your product on a show with 8%+ rating if the broadcasting company is willing to do it at a reasonable price? Doesn't it gets a bit pricey if you are too specific about when and during which show your product airs?
SeijiSensei
2009-08-13, 07:50
I'm puzzled. Isohunter's question concerned the possibility that Erin would be licensed and drop off the torrents. Since we usually mean "licensed" here at AS to mean "licensed in R1," I was commenting on the possibility of it showing up here.
I don't doubt there might be some broadcasting agencies in some countries that might show Erin; I just don't think the US is going to be one of them. I don't recall any of the shows you listed appearing on an American broadcast channel. I also doubt that R1 licensors like ADV or Funi are going to be all that interested, either. The anime market here has changed a lot since 2005 when RightStuf/Nozomi licensed Emma. Their newest offerings look more like Maria-sama than Erin.
As for ratings, Erin garners some three percent (http://forums.animesuki.com/showthread.php?p=2458988#post2458988) of the audience in Japan. Not too shabby, but a far cry from eight. I don't believe it has any advertising in Japan since it's carried on NHK's educational channel (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NHK_Educational_TV). At one time the NHK had some collaborative relationships with America's PBS, but they don't seem to extend to childrens' shows. PBS is much too committed to programs like Sesame Street which focus on educating disadvantaged pre-schoolers.
I, too, think Erin is quite a fine show, one my daughter and I watch routinely when new episodes appear. I just don't see it appearing alongside Sponge Bob any time soon.
silverwolf0
2009-08-14, 14:19
SS just released 27 and 28 yesterday. Watched both and weren't too impressed. Maybe I'm rather heartless to the fat man because the subber said bring kleenex.
Ep 27 seemed like a filler trying to be canon and meaningful. Erin was in a psychedelic state the entire ep, like she had eaten some bad shrooms, with here eyes and demeanor stoned, and after much soul searching, she finally found her resolve which didn't amount to much because she was still mentally AWOL afterwards. This leads to episode 28, where she still acts stoned for the first half of the episode after hearing about Jone's death, but suddenly gets into a fit of demonic laughing and crying, as if the voice actor was trying too hard. She relapses into her "emo" state again.
The episode pacing was dreadfully paint-dryingly slow, and they spent too long trying to build up and show the emotional weight that Erin has inside her, even though she herself was very wish-washy throughout and conspicuously stoned, making me feel very little sympathy towards her. The lack of music didn't help. They tried that Evangelion or Samurai X/Kenshin OVA thoughtful contemplation mood maker so common in pretentious anime nowadays, with long stretches of silence broken up by annoying cicada chirps. I wholly disapprove as it seemed someone entirely different directed these episodes, destroying the charm and feel or the original series.
The only bright spots were Lilan's antics. I'm surprised that strawhat is still in one piece. Her chomping on the carved statue was priceless.
TinyRedLeaf
2009-08-15, 00:29
^ Hmm, that's a surprising view. My reaction is completely opposite to yours.
A letter arrive for Erin announcing the death of Jon. Erin is depressed and Esal decide to take Erin on a trip to a place where Jon has lived.
Clearly not the best episode to start the day :(
Actually, I had seen this coming, since Erin saw John in her dream, and when Erin called him Otosan with tears in her eyes if it was their last moment of seeing each other (before waking up), I am almost certain John has passed away; besides in the same dream Erin saw her deceased mother, Soyon.
My thoughts:
Like TCman, I immediately suspected that something untoward had happened to John when Erin saw him in her dream. It was clearly not a good omen to see him in the same purgatory, Hikara, as Soyon.
And the presence of the moth (which was beautifully animated in 3-D, I thought) throughout Ep27 was equally foreboding. I don't know how moths are viewed in the West, but in East Asia, they are sometimes associated with the souls of the deceased. There is a superstition, among some Chinese, at least, that when a particularly big moth flies into your room during important anniversaries, it's a loved one who has come to visit you.
Regarding Erin's "psychedelic" dreams, I didn't find them pointless, unlike silverwolf0. It's important to understand that Erin had suffered a shock in the previous episode, when she discovered that Lilan could never be returned to the wild. That was a painful revelation, especially because she had striven so hard not to raise him like a tamed beast-lord. It hurt her even more to wonder if, by avoiding the use of benetropic water and the mute whistle, she had harmed Lilan more than she at first realised.
Because, what's the point of raising Lilan like a wild animal if he's doomed never to become one? It'll be as hypocritical and cruel as giving a dying patient false hope of recovery.
So, all of a sudden, everything she had believed in up until that moment became invalidated, leaving her temporarily without direction. She wasn't sure what to believe in any more, or whether what she was doing was even worthwhile.
In a way, Erin had come to equate the caring of Lilan with her never-forgotten wish to have saved her mother. Erin's apparent "failure" to save Lilan thus brought back her crushing regret in not having been able to save Soyon.
Hence her nightmares of Hikara. Actually, I'm interested to know more about this "purgatory". Author Uehashi, to date, has surprisingly avoided touching on matters relating to the afterlife in her stories, whether in this show or in Seirei no Moribito. This omission is even more noticeable when you consider the richness of the spiritual realms that she creates to complement her fantasy worlds. Considering Uehashi's background as an anthropologist, she ought to be well aware that people, throughout history, have turned to creation myths and stories about the afterlife to come to terms with bereavement.
As humans, we have always felt the need to grieve the loss of our loved ones, and this is probably one of the key reasons why religion was born.
So, it's surprising to me, for example, to learn that John used to say, "when we die, we simply go back to the soil", as quoted by Esal in Ep28, at John's former "secret base". That's a surprisingly progressive sentiment, more in tune with our modern times, than with the feudal society of Erin's world.
Perhaps that's meant to highlight how different educators and scientists like John and Esal were, in comparison to the rest of the population. And we certainly gained further insight into John's teaching philosophy in Ep28. In many ways, he was a man ahead of his times, who found joy in bringing out a student's potential. Teachers like John and Esal see life from a different point of view, one that is not clouded by myths and superstition.
In Soyon's case, however, things might be different. She died believing that she had sinned, as do her tribesmen, the people of the Mist. So, perhaps her spirit is indeed lost in Hikara. It's interesting to note, for example, that John — who was already presumably dead at the time — could still pilot his own boat in the afterlife, while Soyon remained trussed up, doomed to drift forever in purgatory.
Regardless whether there's deeper symbolism behind Erin's nightmares in Ep27, personally, I think it's clear that Erin has, to date, never been able to forgive herself for failing to save her mother. The regret still hangs over her like a millstone around her neck (symbolised, in a way, by the bracelet that she constantly wears).
So, that's why I found Ep28 very touching. Erin had to learn how to cope with bereavement, and with Esal's help, she finally did. People die, and we grieve when they do. But what's important is to keep them alive in our hearts, to not forget them and to honour their memory.
While it's sad that Erin never got to call John "Father" while he was still alive, in a way, it didn't matter any more, because in her heart, she believed that he had heard her call. The visit to his secret study has helped her tremendously, as Esal knew it would.
In short, I found Ep28 to be yet another splendidly poignant episode, one that induced manly tears, yet again, from me. :heh:
Wargumm1i
2009-08-15, 02:14
Well I didint really enjoy episode 27-28 it was just mopping and whining etc etc about the past and current issues. But judging by the preview for episode 29 looks like something big is going too happen.
From what I saw it looks like Lilan injures Erin pretty badly, but I am hoping for something less dramatic like Lilan wasent trying too or it was just a 1 in a 100 chances of happening.
Miles Teg
2009-08-15, 02:30
Well I didint really enjoy episode 27-28 it was just mopping and whining etc etc about the past and current issues. But judging by the preview for episode 29 looks like something big is going too happen.
From what I saw it looks like Lilan injures Erin pretty badly, but I am hoping for something less dramatic like Lilan wasent trying too or it was just a 1 in a 100 chances of happening.
It's just a flesh wound (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhRUe-gz690) :heh:
I really shouldn't have rewatched Monty Python And The Holy Grail :heh:
while episodes 27 was definitely different from all the previous ones, I have to agree with TinyRedLeaf that it was good in its own way
from the beginnning of ep. 27, the mood and creepy atmosphere was interesting me in a totally different way. it felt like the midpoint episode, where the directors tried to rekindle interest into the serie. and for me it worked.
In a way, it was almost like a break from the everyday erin episodes where the audience got to see/learn more about erin than the other episodes ever showed. Personally, I think ep.27 rounded Erin's character and revealed how really human she was by showing us that she does have fears and hesitations whereas, before she always seemed so determined and convinced in everything she was doing.
It was like she was always going forward doing surprising things and astounding everyone around her, but it made you (the audience) feel like she was too much of a superman (or superwoman). and you didn't really know how to respond to her character. As much as I love Erin, I was beginning to feel like, "Is that all there is to her? She does amazing things, so what?".
And just when I thought they had finished bringing in the angsty mother story, they did it again but it didn't feel like it was too much, I like that they tied it in together with Jone. It was definitely a well done rollercoster ride of emotions.
On the other hand, I thought that Jone's death (in ep. 28) was rather anti-climatic and as much as I was saddened by his death the episode didn't really pull at my heart strings unlike the other Soyon/Lilan themed episodes. But Lilan totally stole the show when she bit the statue's head off!!
The preview looks really good!! From the look of things, it seems like Erin's friend tries to get friendly with Lilan (since Lilan looks oh-so tamed to everyone now) just to find out that Lilan only likes one human-Erin. So, Erin gets hurt trying to save her friend, but what kind of repercussion does that bring to the school? Will they somehow forbid everyone now from being close to the Beast-Lords and will it maybe make Erin even more the centre of jealousy as she's the only human who can have close contact with them?
off topic, I'd pay good money for a Lilan plushie.. maybe a human sized one too!! As odd looking as it would be (or more so, as awkward as it would be to explain to others what it is) it would make a great sleep companion lol
SuperKnuckles
2009-08-15, 06:28
LOL, MOPING? That was one of the most saddest things I've seen in anime in a while. Good to see the author tackle the subject with that little trip from the teacher. That was just really nice. If they sat around doing nothing, THAT would be moping. They got over most of it with a lot of grace. And nice little recap showing just how graceful Jone really was in regards to Erin. He really was a rare breed. I'm talking about him like he was a real person. :heh:
SeijiSensei
2009-08-15, 09:05
I can't seem to connect to Static's tracker to download the new episodes. Anyone else having this problem?
I can't seem to connect to Static's tracker to download the new episodes. Anyone else having this problem?
There seems to be no problem on my side if I try to connect to SS tracker. There are around 133, 63, 100 and 68 seeders atm on 4 recent releases.
SeijiSensei
2009-08-15, 11:35
You and I are in different parts of the world, I believe. Tracing a route to tracker.staticsubs.org (91.121.48.71) from my computer in the US times out at 20g.vss-2-6k.routers.chtix.eu (94.23.122.109) which is upstream from static's server.
Update
From the Static-Subs forum:
Guys, the tracker server is down. No ETA at this time. Please use a client which supports DHT - like uTorrent.
My client (deluge) supports DHT; it hasn't helped.
Update (2)
The tracker came back this morning (Sunday) around 1300 GMT.
silverwolf0
2009-08-15, 15:36
LOL, MOPING? That was one of the most saddest things I've seen in anime in a while. Good to see the author tackle the subject with that little trip from the teacher. That was just really nice. If they sat around doing nothing, THAT would be moping. They got over most of it with a lot of grace. And nice little recap showing just how graceful Jone really was in regards to Erin. He really was a rare breed. I'm talking about him like he was a real person. :heh:
She WAS moping. All she did was dream about all her woes over and over again, without ever doing anything about it, and also being half-stoned throughout the episode. She is still not over any of it, and her MOPING carries on to the next episode. LOL most saddest :heh: for every 2-year old inspired post.
@ Hamu, she shows her fear aplenty throughout the show, crying and worrying her heart out every other episode. I don't see very many examples of her strong will, other then her desire to become a beast caretaker. I do agree that Jone's death was very anti-climactic. The poor usage of music, or lack thereof, didn't help. They should have played that piano piece they always play when something big and moving happens, like when Lilan starts eating again or when everyone at Kazalm agrees to keep her relationship with Lilan a secret.
For me the climax of Jone's death wasn't on ep 27, or the start of ep 28 when his death was announced (though at that moment I would have agreed with you that it was hardly touching) but I think the "climax", was rather a slow realization that happened during Erin's short trip with Esal-sensei, all the little reminiscence moments, and her final acceptance that Jon was death and that she should move on. That whole segment was the high point of the story for me
And I did shed a tear myself after that realization.
BTW, I don't know what's up with people who can't stand a long sequence of so-called emo episodes (I even loath the label) but that's just how this genre works. (eg: Heidi of the Alps, Nobody's boy's remi). Certainly we hadn't got many series like this during the late 90's or during this decade so people may have forgotten how this works, or maybe they never even knew this genre existed, but that's just how it is, so you better get used to it or you will be suffering and complaining all the way to ep. 50.
rabbitking
2009-08-15, 16:54
Lack of development of the plot in episode 25 and 27 has annoyed me.
Well, this series is as much about the plot as about the characters (in fact it had been a good while sin ce I had seen such a balanced series in that respect) so some character development episodes are absolutely necessary to keep the character front strong.
BBOvenGuy
2009-08-16, 16:51
Was Episode 32 preempted this week?
I don't know why people are grumbling about Episode 27. It made a lot of sense to me. Erin has reached the same point of conflict/angst with Lilan as her mother was in with the Touda. She doesn't like what happens to the animals when they become tame, and that leads her right back to her mother's situation. Erin has to find her own answer to the question she faces, and the dream sequence was a good way of showing that.
Was Episode 32 preempted this week?
Episode 31 was broadcasted again this week on NHK. Episode 32 will be broadcasted on 22, August.
silverwolf0
2009-08-17, 19:58
Has anyone heard the soundtrack? I think it was released early this month?
TinyRedLeaf
2009-08-18, 22:24
Once again, many thanks to Static Subs. We're finally about to catch up with the raw releases. :)
The episode revisits the struggle that Erin has had to go through while caring for Lilan. The question of whether beasts are ruled by fear or love pops up once again, this time with greater urgency after Lilan accidentally injures Erin.
On one level, the question is somewhat philosophical. It depends very much on what kind of relationship Erin wants to create between humans and beasts in general, and with beast-lords in particular.
In real life, I believe most caregivers share a common understanding that a barrier ultimately exists between us and anmals. In the United States, for example, I've long noticed that conservation efforts often work on the assumption that nature and civilisation must be kept completely separate. The idea, I suppose, it to keep the wilderness as "pristine" as possible.
That's possible in a country as large and as sparsely populated as the US. But in most older countries, where the physical landscape has long been modified by human activity, it's more difficult to separate the two worlds. And, in such circumstances, the relationship between humanity and wildlife inevitably becomes one of dominance and fear: humans take what they need and wildlfe is forced to adjust accordingly.
I don't see how that can be changed. In other words, I think Erin is being naive, but in a good way. Much as I, like Soyon and John, believe that Erin's goal is impossible to achieve, I wish her every success.
And, oh, so it's finally confirmed: Lilan's a girl. :p
And, yes, Erin turns 18 in the next episode, and she does indeed look a lot more like her mother now, when Soyon was around that age.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v295/islien/12_soyon.gif
BBOvenGuy
2009-08-19, 00:46
Kemono no Souja Erin Episode 29, with special guests, Siegfried & Roy (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siegfried_&_Roy) :twitch:
Seriously, though... Erin got overconfident and careless, and paid dearly for it - but at the same time she's still taking steps toward discovering what kind of relationships people and beasts can have.
I've seen a lot of talk lately about all the short-run series that have come along during the summer season - a lot of them deserve the praise they're getting, but you can also argue that the best series of the year has already been around for the past 30-odd weeks or so.
SuperKnuckles
2009-08-19, 06:21
Sorry silverwolf, you lost me there. If you aren't sad if you have a beloved parent figure die, then you aren't any different from something like... a toaster. What makes Erin unique as an anime character is that we see every little bits of her empathies play out and not simply being involved in a moving plot.
Also, such a serious passing-away means the plot is moving fast. If everything had stayed the same, then that means the plot would be staying where it was. 3 episodes and Erin's world is already upside down. Whatever happens with the beasts and the brewing war is just the addendum. For Erin, I can't see too many events as important as the ones in the past few eps.
BBOvenGuy
2009-08-22, 12:01
The raw for Episode 32 is up. I haven't watched it yet, but just skipping through the file, it looks like...
This is the episode where Erin learns about her Aowrow heritage - what the Mist People know and why they are the way they are.
If anyone who understands Japanese wants to chime in and shed some light on what happens, it would be most appreciated. :)
Oh, and also...
It looks like next time, Erin gets a saddle for Lilan and a new riding outfit! :heh:
It looks like next time, Erin gets a saddle for Lilan and a new riding outfit! :heh:
Beast Master Erin?
Wargumm1i
2009-08-22, 22:28
True now I see why its called The Beast Player Erin lol.
Also I just watched episode 30 and god from the preview it seems that the new teacher is all over Erin, who can blame him. If Erin was a real person she would perhaps be on level with the top most cutests women in the world lol.
BBOvenGuy
2009-08-23, 00:36
Okay, I've watched Episode 32 now. Still have no idea what they were saying, but...
Sometime in the past, the golden-eyed ancestors of the ruling family lived with the beast-lords and rode them. One of them in particular saved this guy from a touda and took him back to their home. The guy persuaded them to attack this city, because the beast-lords could neutralize the touda that defended the city. It worked at first, but then the beast-lords went berserk. The whole city was pretty much wiped-out in the ensuing out-of-control rampage.
Did I get that right? :eyespin:
Way back in Episode 7, when Soyon died, my thought was that she let the touda kill her because she had just demonstrated that she had power over them. The Grand Duke's people would never leave her alone, because she had power over their ultimate weapon. It was like she had the ability to control their "atomic bomb."
In this episode, that "atomic bomb" imagery comes up again - the ultimate weapon that gets out of control and kills everybody on both sides. It makes sense that the Aowrow wouldn't want the people of the world to have that power, in the same way that we try to stop nuclear proliferation. But Erin now has that power, too. The question is, what will she do with it?
Also, just as a gripe, I thought it was a little too convenient that Lilan would land right where Nassan was waiting, but there might have been a reason for that in the dialogue, which I wouldn't have understood.
I think episode 32 is very interesting.
In this episode I guess they are explaining the "sin" you never must commit in episode 7 (?); Soyon told that to Erin before she died. We get to hear a story about a man who meet a woman with blond hair who can control the Beastlords; obviously the man want her to help him with the beastlords after witnessing the power of the beastlords. The woman with blond hair remind me of the Royal family in this anime, they also got blond her and golden pupils; perhaps an ancestor of the Real Ruler/Queen?
While the woman and man flew on her Beastlord and commanding the other Beastlords to attack the other country which used the Touda dragons as tools of war, the Beastlords went berserk and became uncontrollable. But what cause this to happen? The Beastlords got raging red eyes and attack anyone they saw, just horrible. The whole city was in fire. In the end the man and woman on her Beastlord ("Luke"?) went to help the children who were attacked by one Touda dragon; they did save the children (for the time being) but in the end the Beastlord of the woman also went berserk and flew away; after that they were facing the Touda dragon alone, the man try to strike the Touda dragon with his sword; their status is unknown since the scene ends with an ice block falling into depris (this can interpreted as they were all finished by the Touda dragon?). Did they survive?
Just like the others have said Erin is going on a flight with Lilan. Erin should get a pair goggles since it will really looks good on her and is usefull when Lilan is flying so fast; without a goggles you can't see anything because the wind; in the anime there's someone with a pair of glasses, so they did have the technology to make glasses, so they can also make a goggles. As for the new teacher, he wants to do something (evil?), he brings a box with him, there a white flower in it. A gift for Erin or perhaps an ingredient for a poison?
FlareKnight
2009-08-23, 22:22
Well I am glad to be catching up with the series. Though I always seem to watch 2-3 episodes in a row with this one.
Damn that was a close call though. Never thought we'd actually see Erin all bloody and injured. I suppose she did get careless after how close she got to Lilan. I mean things like this can happen. People can lash out as well, just in the case of Lilan her lashing out can be fatal. Erin just has to be careful. But in the end I can't see her really changing her ways either. She wants to find a relationship that is more than just fear. People fear animals and animals in turn fear humans. People will usually lose a hand to hand fight with animals so it's no surprise they try to protect themselves.
Anyways at least Erin wasn't killed here. No surprise she gets told to make a will. The school doesn't want to take responsibility if another student gets killed. At least they can say "hey she brought it on herself."Well this was pretty much recap. Though it does set up Erin for her third appearance in the series. It is nice to see her getting older. Definitely a bigger change from how she started the series.
The preview pretty much sets up the trouble ahead. I mean a new teacher that screams "I'm evil!" Besides this puts the silence pact they put together regarding Lilan and Erin in jepordy.
TinyRedLeaf
2009-08-23, 23:30
I'm not sure why the producers felt the need for another recap, especially since the scenes being replayed were broadcast not too long ago. As a result, this episode felt very redundant to me. :(
I suppose it's meant to mark the end of a chapter and a beginning of a new one, with Erin now 18 and on the verge of taking a more active role in the politics of her world. Like FlareKnight, I think it's fairly obvious that the new teacher, Kiriku, is being set up as a "bad guy" who may threaten the pact of silence between the faculty, students and Erin.
However, since he's supposed to be an expert on poisons, I suspect that Erin may one day learn from him about the poison that killed the touda of Ake village.
I'm not sure why the producers felt the need for another recap, especially since the scenes being replayed were broadcast not too long ago. As a result, this episode felt very redundant to me. :(
recaps save money.
BBOvenGuy
2009-08-30, 12:20
Since no one has said anything yet...
Erin and Lilan get back to school. I'm not sure how they did it, since the whole point of the episode is that Lilan hasn't yet learned how to take off. Remember that in Episode 31, she fell off the cliff by accident. So did Lilan walk back from wherever she landed for the encounter with Nason in Episode 32?
Anyway, Erin tells everyone how hard it was to hold on when Lilan was flying, so they rig up a saddle and riding outfit for her to use. Lilan doesn't like the saddle at first, and throws Erin about twenty feet into some snow. But eventually they get it figured out.
Erin trying to teach Lilan how to fly is pretty hilarious. She keeps getting Lilan to run down to the edge of a cliff, but when they get there, Lilan just stops. I really like how they've written Lilan's character - they've retained a lot more of her animal nature, instead of just making her a human being in an animal's body.
It's probably not much of a spoiler to say that eventually Lilan learns the trick, and they go zooming through the sky again.
Meanwhile, that poisoner guy is still up to his poisoning stuff. I still don't know whose side he's on, because I can't understand the dialogue. I suspect that he's supposed to be a bad guy, but Erin reminds him of his dead sister, so he may switch sides later on. That's my take on it, anyway.
And also...
One of the beast-lords is sick - the work of the poisoner guy, perhaps? I don't think it's Lilan, because it was one of those grungy-colored beast-lords, not bright white like Lilan usually looks. Erin has to go for help or supplies or something, and she runs into Ial along the way. (Insert dramatic sting here...)
Miles Teg
2009-08-30, 12:56
Since no one has said anything yet...
Since episodes 31 watching the raws we can have a basic understanding of what is happening on screen but everything plot related is completely hidden from us. So it's better to wait for the sub before commenting on the episodes :heh:
BBOvenGuy
2009-08-30, 13:05
Since episodes 31 watching the raws we can have a basic understanding of what is happening on screen but everything plot related is completely hidden from us. So it's better to wait for the sub before commenting on the episodes :heh:
Aww... but making totally random guesses can be fun! :eyespin:
Kazu-kun
2009-08-30, 14:53
Aww... but making totally random guesses can be fun! :eyespin:
Ok, there was at least one thing I understood.It isn't that Lilan was slow to learn the trick, but rather she didn't want to learn. You see, in her intent to teach Lilan how to fly, Erin forgot that she was ordering her to do it, like a master would do his beast. Eventually Erin realized that Lilan being pretty wild would no listen to Erin's orders. Besides, Erin also understood that this was defeating the purpose, because what she has always wanted is for Lilan to be as wild as possible.
So she changed approach, and stopped trying. She simple waited for Lilan to go fly by her own accord, and that worked.
BBOvenGuy
2009-08-30, 15:37
Ok, there was at least one thing I understood.It isn't that Lilan was slow to learn the trick, but rather she didn't want to learn. You see, in her intent to teach Lilan how to fly, Erin forgot that she was ordering her to do it, like a master would do his beast. Eventually Erin realized that Lilan being pretty wild would no listen to Erin's orders. Besides, Erin also understood that this was defeating the purpose, because what she has always wanted is for Lilan to be as wild as possible.
So she changed approach, and stopped trying. She simple waited for Lilan to go fly by her own accord, and that worked.
So what you're saying is...
Lilan had to want Erin to go flying with her. She was willing to wait for Erin to get her flying gear on and get the saddle, in the same way that she wants Erin to play with the hat or the ball with her.
It's entirely possible, then, that Lilan might want to go flying without Erin at some point. That could be interesting.
Kazu-kun
2009-08-30, 16:17
So what you're saying is...
Lilan had to want Erin to go flying with her. She was willing to wait for Erin to get her flying gear on and get the saddle, in the same way that she wants Erin to play with the hat or the ball with her.
It's entirely possible, then, that Lilan might want to go flying without Erin at some point. That could be interesting.
Something like that...It's not about doing things with or without Erin. I mean, it's not that Lilan didn't want to fly with Erin. It's just that Lilan won't go flying at all if she doesn't want to, even if Erin orders her to do it.
Lilan doesn't mind doing things with Erin, in fact she wants to. Yet, she's still wild, and so will do things in her own terms, regardless of whatever Erin wants her to do. In fact, if Erin orders Lilan to do things, pressures her, Lilan would not respond, and instead would get stressed, as we saw in this episode.
When Erin understood this she realized the best approach was to let Lilan do things by her own accord. To put it simple, she waited until Lilan would want to go flying, instead of pressuring her to do it. And yes, Lilan waited for Erin to get the saddle. Like I said, she doesn't mind doing things with Erin, as long as Erin doesn't pressure her into it.
TinyRedLeaf
2009-09-01, 14:03
Episode 31 sets so many firsts in the series, and takes it in such a radically new direction, that I'm truly saddened, for the first time, that more people aren't paying attention to this gem of the year.
First off, I loved the new OP and ED. The OP uses the same tune but with its different lyrics and background animation, it takes on a whole new majestic tone foreshadowing the heavier themes to come. And the ED is simply lovely, employing watercolours and an impressionistic (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Impressionism) aesthetic to superb effect.
Secondly, maybe it's just me, but I think the crayon backgrounds improved considerably in this episode. Perhaps it's because of the heavy black-and-white contrast of the winter scenes depicted here. It has the effect of making everything look sharper, more crisp and, surprisingly enough, more real. They're like Hallmark (http://www.hallmark.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/home|10001|10051|-1) cards come to life.
Thirdly, at last, we have our first full episode of 18-year-old Erin. (The last episode doesn't count as a full episode, since it was essentially a recap.) And, oh my, how she has grown. I feel so proud of her. :)
Fourthly, Lilan learns to fly, and unheard of feat for captive beast-lords. The magic of the moment defies description.
Lastly, the masked assailant who fought Iaru long ago finally reveals his identity: he's none other than Kazalm's new instructor of poisons, Kiriku. He's apparently a Horon, a son of the race of people disenfranchised by the aristocratic Wajyaku. My only small gripe here is how he doesn't seem to have aged, even though it has been at least eight years since he first appeared.
No doubt, his formal introduction into the series indicates that politics is at last taking centrestage in the show. Already, Kiriku is studying ways to exploit Erin to his advantage, even as rumours of Erin's amazing handling of beastlords are, perhaps, making their way to the royal court. Back in the capital, Seimiya is also nearly a grown woman, and getting ever closer to becoming a naive pawn to her royal uncle.
The pieces are being set up and the chessboard being prepared for battles ahead. Seen in this light, the imagery of a hungry fox watching a hapless rabbit amid the white snow takes on a special significance indeed.
Next episode, Erin meets a long-lost kinsman, who had probably been watching her carefully from the shadows all these years. Looks like Erin is going to learn more about her destiny at last.
Gosh, I haven't been this excited about a long-running series since the final arc of Twelve Kingdoms. Thanks, Erin, for restoring my faith in anime as a vehicle for great stories. :)
signorRossi
2009-09-01, 15:01
Is the new OP sung by Chitose Hajime? The style of singing reminds me of her...
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