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

[Saffire]

Originally Posted by TinyRedLeaf

Seirei no Moribito Ongaku hen 2

I'm slightly surprised that no one has mentioned this yet, so I'll be the first. The second volume of the OST is out (has been since 21 Sep). There are a total of 29 tracks, many of which are the less familiar tunes that were seldom used in the series. The few notable tracks are Tracks 3 (the funeral march), 14 (the canyon chase) and 15 (Jiguro vs Tagul in Ep3). Sachi Tainaka's Itoshii Hito e is also included (Track 29).

Given that the R1 DVD release is likely to be postponed indefinitely now, it might not be a bad idea to support the series via its OSTs. Well, that's up to you of course.

Haha. I did mention it in my spoilered post above. : p. But I agree, soundtracks are a great way to support the show. The Funeral March is the one I look most forward to. I already have the first one.

[Kaoru Chujo]

Personally, I loved the final episode. I always feel that ending a series at the climax is kind of cheap. I prefer a more Shakespearian winding-down and reorientation to the future, and that is exactly what this final ep gave us.

Spoiler for ep26:

I loved the way Chagumu accepted his destiny and his fate. He couldn't go with Balsa, and he knew it. His father, unpleasant as it may have sounded, was right that he had to forget the past and go forward as a "hero"-ruler. The moment of reunion with his mother was so satisfying, for me. So was Tanda going out and discovering the rain that the hero's heroism brought the country. And the view out from behind the veil was good. So was the sternness of the guards directing our friends to the side-passage where they met Chagumu. And I thought the doubts and feelings between Balsa and Tanda were well conveyed.

But as for the series as a whole, I really felt it dragged through the middle part. We needed time for Chagumu to become the person he did, but I somehow felt that they didn't make all that work properly. At least for me. However, I will remember many of the characters -- especially Balsa -- and the setting.

[Codex]

Finally, the end ... ;_;

Spoiler for Episode 26:

First of all ... I simply cannot respect the Emperor. First, he sends out an order to eliminate Balsa, and then afterwards, he wouldn't allow Chagum to credit her.

Hasn't he learned a single thing from these events at all? His own mistakes and those of the founder of the Empire? What is this foolishness about Chagum being the hero when he could not have survived without the efforts of a myriad others? Hasn't he figured it out by now that forgetting the past -- and worse, obscuring it like he is doing yet again by discounting the necessary role of others -- is what lead to this disaster in the first place?

Originally Posted by Kaoru Chujo

His father, unpleasant as it may have sounded, was right that he had to forget the past and go forward as a "hero"-ruler.

And conveniently trampling on the main theme of this entire series, which is the importance of the past and ancient knowledge. Was this meant to be ironic, I wonder? What ideas are the author/director is trying to convey with the Emperor's words?

EDIT: And I got so carried away with my rant about the Emperor that I forgot to mention the rest.

What a bittersweet ending. I loved Chagum's reunion with his mother, his visit to Sagum's tower as it was bathed in the setting sun, and his emotional, final farewell with Balsa. I love how strong Chagum's become, and how he walks firmly towards his role as the future Emperor.

Saffire brought up a good point about the Lord of the Rings ending. I loved that as well; after following a series (or a trilogy, in that case) for all this time, a finale that ties up all the loose ends, like a slow, calm winding down of a long, eventful journey, is a much-appreciated reward for following the story.

I am truly hoping for a sequel to this series. I really want to see Balsa's and Chagum's paths cross again.

Until we meet again, farewell Balsa and Chagum ... *sniff*

[Berserker]

Originally Posted by TinyRedLeaf

Seirei no Moribito Ongaku hen 2

I'm slightly surprised that no one has mentioned this yet, so I'll be the first. The second volume of the OST is out (has been since 21 Sep). There are a total of 29 tracks, many of which are the less familiar tunes that were seldom used in the series. The few notable tracks are Tracks 3 (the funeral march), 14 (the canyon chase) and 15 (Jiguro vs Tagul in Ep3). Sachi Tainaka's Itoshii Hito e is also included (Track 29).

Given that the R1 DVD release is likely to be postponed indefinitely now, it might not be a bad idea to support the series via its OSTs. Well, that's up to you of course.

Is L'arc-En-Ciel's Shine on it, too?

[kujoe]

Man, it's over. I'm actually sad... and feel kind of empty. I mean, I have to find something new to watch again.

Spoiler for episode 26:

Like a calm breeze, the story settles down smoothly. I appreciate the fact that there's this one whole episode dedicated to giving us a sense of closure while keeping things open for future. The only thing I hate about it is the "openness" part. I'm just a spoiled a kid who wants more.

And there certainly is more. At the end of the episode, Balsa leaves for Kanbal once again. If I'm not mistaken, one of the novels does take place in that country. I think it would be interesting to see what Balsa's new journey will be about this time around. However, as far as this one is concerned, the book is now closed. Things are back as they should be: with Balsa traveling to different lands, Tanda and the others in Yogo living in peace—and with Chagum taking up his destined place in society. Moreover, the part where Chagum asks Balsa to say his name and word "goodbye" was a good touch.

But wait, what's this talk of Tanda being offered a bride? Did I understand Torogai there correctly?

All in all, it was a great ride. There's definitely some space on my shelf for this series if it happens to get released over here.

Originally Posted by Saffire

Have to put that HD TV to good use somehow.

I was actually able to manage this. To tell you the truth, all that frustration in the beginning was worth it.

[Saffire]

Originally Posted by Berserker

Is L'arc-En-Ciel's Shine on it, too?

Unfortunately, doesn't look like it. I'm sure the full version will be available sometime.

Originally Posted by Kujoe

I was actually able to manage this. To tell you the truth, all that frustration in the beginning was worth it.

I have no doubt it was. *would like to see episode 3 on it*

[Codex]

Spoiler for episode 26:

Originally Posted by kujoe

But wait, what's this talk of Tanda being offered a bride? Did I understand Torogai there correctly?

Yes, I believe so. And she was probably trying to gauge Balsa's response -- and seemed quite dissatisfied with her lack of reaction.

[TinyRedLeaf]

Spoiler for Episode 26:

I liked the ending. It's an epilogue worthy of a great story. I also agree wholeheartedly with Codex: Saffire hit the nail on the head by comparing this with the ending of the Lord of the Rings.

A final goodbye. A solemn acceptance of an unavoidable destiny. A silent heartbreak at losing someone whom you've come to love dearly. A fulfilment of a prophecy. And a turning of feet, to tread onwards towards another adventure, another quest.

A mother and child reunited. A mother and child, forever parted, but never forgotten.

How much more poetic can it get? Farewell Chagum. You will be missed.

=================

Originally Posted by Codex

I simply cannot respect the Emperor. First, he sends out an order to eliminate Balsa, and then afterwards, he wouldn't allow Chagum to credit her. Hasn't he learned a single thing from these events at all? His own mistakes and those of the founder of the Empire? What is this foolishness about Chagum being the hero when he could not have survived without the efforts of a myriad others? Hasn't he figured it out by now that forgetting the past -- and worse, obscuring it like he is doing yet again by discounting the necessary role of others -- is what lead to this disaster in the first place?

As for the Emperor's obstinance, well, he is the living embodiment of Yogo traditions and Imperial prestige. Recall that commoners are not even supposed to lay eyes on aristocracy in the first place -- hence the whole myth about being blinded if you look them in the eye. It actually reinforces the main theme about traditions, albeit from a different angle.

Traditions may fade with time, but people will always cling on to some semblance of those traditions, because they are an intrinsic part of what defines us as a civilisation. Traditions and past knowledge cling on as stubbornly as some humans cling on to their beliefs, however mistaken those beliefs may seem. Not true? Well think about it this way, how long ago was it, when Nietzche brazenly claimed that God is dead?

If you look around today, I think you'd still find "God" alive and well. In fact, he's possibly more "alive" than ever before, considering our times.

=================

I think it's very easy to tell that I've developed a very deep emotional attachment to this show.

It's not often that you'd come across a story that rewards you for paying attention at so many different levels. There are great stories that are created to be experienced; to thrill the senses, to pump the blood, and make us giddy with excitement. And then there are those stories that make you stop and ponder, to take the time to smell the roses, and think about the wonders that life presents us, if only we'd look.

Seirei no Moribito has been both.

Farewell Balsa. I'll see you again in Kanbal, very soon I hope.

I think this is the end of this season's anime, as far as I'm concerned. There are only two other series I'm actively following at the moment, and I'm not quite sure what else to follow for the time being. There hasn't been any other series that I've written so much about, that's for sure, haha. So, I guess, it's goodbye from me as well. Till the next great anime that comes along. ^^/

[taelrak]

Originally Posted by SeijiSensei

Another fine morning of having breakfast with Balsa....

Ep. 23 has to be the most gorgeous release in some time. I guess the animators were as happy to be out of that claustrophobic cave as our heroes.

I'm always struck by what a remarkable job I.G. has been doing with scenes that include water (fitting, I suppose, given the story). I knew I would be following this series as soon as I saw the rice paddies in ep. 1. In 23, we have the lovely sequence alongside the brook at about 8:30. Most animation of running water looks unconvincing but not here. They have the ripples, the reflections; it's all there. When Chagum dips his hand into the water, it's almost photo-realistic. Soon thereafter there's a brief pan across the lake with the water lilies. This could have been just a throw-away shot, or not included at all, but no, we have the reflected sky and clouds scattered in with the lily pads.

A few other random observations:

The play of light and shadow on the characters' faces has also caught my attention throughout this show. In this episode it was especially striking in the scene where the four of them are walking to the lake.

The sound track was also impressive in this episode, especially the scene where the soldiers shout their acceptance of the order to move out, and the rattling of their spears. It certainly does sound like hundreds of men, even though it's probably just a few Foley artists and a lot of looping.

Balsa always seems to refer to Chagum as "Chaguma" on the audio track. With so many other names ending in "a," including his brother's, perhaps that's his real name?

Spoiler for ep 23:

What's the story with the archers? Is the Emperor still intending to kill Balsa? I thought we're all on the same side now. Is the Emperor still feeling the need to enforce traditions like, if you look at an Imperial, you must die? All those soldiers at the lake would be at risk if that's still true.

I just watch episode 23 and something doesn't make sense.

If the egg = water, it makes sense that La Lunga would be earth-based since earth absorbs water. However, wood overcomes earth, not fire. Fire actually creates earth in the cycle of the 5 elements. Unless they're using a different cycle of elements, it doesn't quite make sense.

[TinyRedLeaf]

To be sure, I don't know how they've arrived to the conclusion of using fire against the La Lunga either. None of the four elemental cycles of traditional fengshui matches what Torogai or Shuga described. In fact, it's true what you've said -- Fire actually enhances Earth rather than destroy it. Even if we were to use the anti-clockwise cycle, we'd still have a case of Earth exhausting Fire, which suggests that the La Lunga has little to fear from fire.

So, yes, I guess they use a different elemental cycle in New Yogo. The story wouldn't otherwise make much sense.

[ZippyDSM]

Did they confirm it being a creature of earth?

Perhaps its earth based spirit from the water plane thus is weak to fire because of it.

[TinyRedLeaf]

Subs for Ep.24 are out.

Spoiler for Episode 24 subbed:

Well, well, well. It seems I was partly right. Back when I did not understand what they were talking about, it seemed as though everyone was wasting time. But now that I do, I realise where the "sense of urgency" has gone.

Torogai mistakenly thought that the Blue Lake was the Place of Celebration and hence persuaded Shuga to stay and exchange information. Balsa and the hunters worked on the hunch that Chagum was going somewhere else. Fortunately for Chagum, Balsa's guess proved correct.

Torogai confirmed it herself, "La Lunga, which eats the water spirit's egg, is an earth spirit!"

[SeijiSensei]

Spoiler for ep 24:

So now the Hunters have decided to make nice with Balsa, but what about those archers? Not a word in this episode, unless I missed something.

I recall they were deployed by Shuga. Perhaps they were supposed to target La Lunga and not our heroes? It's just strange to include the scene in ep. 23 where the archers are deployed and then say nothing about them for another 1 1/2 episodes.

The weaponry in this sequence is hilariously anachronistic. I can't even begin to imagine how one builds a wooden flamethrower. Wouldn't the device itself catch on fire and explode? I guess this is one of those fantasy things you just accept along with Torogai and Tanda's method of communication.

[taelrak]

Originally Posted by SeijiSensei

Spoiler for ep 24:

So now the Hunters have decided to make nice with Balsa, but what about those archers? Not a word in this episode, unless I missed something.

I recall they were deployed by Shuga. Perhaps they were supposed to target La Lunga and not our heroes? It's just strange to include the scene in ep. 23 where the archers are deployed and then say nothing about them for another 1 1/2 episodes.

The weaponry in this sequence is hilariously anachronistic. I can't even begin to imagine how one builds a wooden flamethrower. Wouldn't the device itself catch on fire and explode? I guess this is one of those fantasy things you just accept along with Torogai and Tanda's method of communication.

It probably wasn't very stable, but you *can* create wooden flamethrowers. There isn't a continuous stream of fire that's lit inside the barrel. Think of it more like a wooden barrel containing all the chemicals needed that's forced out in a spray and then ignited (sort of like a lighter). People in China used to use bamboo barrels for early flame throwers until metal. Safe? Probably not in the long run...but if it explodes, at least you take your target with you (along with everyone else standing next to you...can you imagine a chain domino reaction of exploding flamethrower soldiers?

[TinyRedLeaf]

Spoiler for in response to Ep24 query:

Originally Posted by SeijiSensei

So now the Hunters have decided to make nice with Balsa, but what about those archers? Not a word in this episode, unless I missed something.

It will be explained later. And the hunters will have a role in it.

[ZaLhErA]

Very good ending , perhaps the best in this season. I love "Itoshii hito e" very more and more.....

Oops....my tears burst out....

[andromeda0201]

Yes indeed, a bittersweet ending which made my eyes wet for a few seconds.
This has been a lovely ride, although I actually wanted to see a bit more of Balsa's awesome spearing

Here's hoping for a 2nd season

[saravis]

Originally Posted by taelrak

I just watch episode 23 and something doesn't make sense.

If the egg = water, it makes sense that La Lunga would be earth-based since earth absorbs water. However, wood overcomes earth, not fire. Fire actually creates earth in the cycle of the 5 elements. Unless they're using a different cycle of elements, it doesn't quite make sense.

Well you could like at it like this; fire/heat is bad for earth because it hardens the soil, no life can come from hardened earth because it is uncultivatable.

Spoiler for Spoiler for 24:

Oh Man that was tense, I kept screaming at Tanda, "Let go! Let go!" and then I cringed whenever he got hit. Thankfully it was just a wound on his leg.

[Sinestra]

Originally Posted by saravis

Well you could like at it like this; fire/heat is bad for earth because it hardens the soil, no life can come from hardened earth because it is uncultivatable.

Spoiler for Spoiler for 24:

Oh Man that was tense, I kept screaming at Tanda, "Let go! Let go!" and then I cringed whenever he got hit. Thankfully it was just a wound on his leg.

Yea man i was doing the samething i was like you FOOL Balsa still hasent given you an answer yet. You can die if you get dissed but not yet. Im glad also it was just a flesh wound. But i am truely worried about Balsa's fate at the end i dont think i could handle her dying. I really like her as a character especially when shes get all motherly.

[Berserker]

Only two episodes left that needs to be subbed. I can't wait. This is an awesome show.