(L+CR) Akatsuki no Yona

[Shana]

Originally Posted by PreSage

Edit: The one thing about Yona that did bug me in ep 1 was: she saw Soo-won kill her father and yet she'd still call out his name when she was about to get killed (under his order, as it seemed). It's ironic that Hak was the one who appeared to save her. I hope she will open her eyes soon and not continue to be blinded by foolish "love" - it will get annoying real fast if the heroine continues to waver despite the unforgivable crime he committed before her eyes.

The person she loved the most was the first one out to get her. I guess it hadn't been long since she'd witnessed her father's death so as Irisiel said, she was probably still processing it. There's also Stockholm syndrome, though I'm not sure if it applies here?

This has been my favorite pilot this season. It went straight to the point while explaining everything perfectly. Also had a solid soundtrack to match! I really liked Yona she was believeable and I wish to see in the next episode how she comes to terms with everything (as it seems she won't be one to sit and mope around).

Plus, bishounen. Will my eyes finally witness a good reverse harem?

Originally Posted by PreSage

*cough* ...back on topic...If Soo-won's goal was to take over the throne because he believed that the King's pacifism will destroy the country then why did he also need to kill Yona? If he truly loved her, he would find another way, wouldn't he? Although he did say that he thought she was sleeping...but then he could have come to kill her in her sleep after he murdered her father.

My guess is Soo-Won was planning on killing the king and keeping Yona, wether she wanted it or not. She just made it easier for him when she confessed her feelings. In the end she probably was being annoying and, since he was going to take the throne either way, might as well get rid of the nuisance.

[PreSage]

Originally Posted by Shana

The person she loved the most was the first one out to get her. I guess it hadn't been long since she'd witnessed her father's death so as Irisiel said, she was probably still processing it. There's also Stockholm syndrome, though I'm not sure if it applies here?

No, you guys are right...based on the OP, she's picked up a weapon or two, so this girl won't be moping around. But I've seen shoujo where the girl goes all gungho against the guy at the beginning but then starts becoming unsure and questioning herself later when she actually encounters him again, so I hope Yona won't be like that in the long run.

Originally Posted by Shana

Will my eyes finally witness a good reverse harem?

You can have the other guys...I'll just keep Hak.

[LKK]

Originally Posted by Shana

My guess is Soo-Won was planning on killing the king and keeping Yona, wether she wanted it or not. She just made it easier for him when she confessed her feelings. In the end she probably was being annoying and, since he was going to take the throne either way, might as well get rid of the nuisance.

Yeah, those eye witnesses to high treason & murder can become quite the nuisance.

Seriously though, I agree with your assessment. I don't think Soo-Won's original plan included killing Yona as well. She was his ticket to becoming the country's legitimate ruler until she walked in on the actual murder.

[Guardian Enzo]

Do you guys all have short memories? I know some of you watched Gokukoku no Brynhildr.

[BBOvenGuy]

Originally Posted by Guardian Enzo

Do you guys all have short memories? I know some of you watched Gokukoku no Brynhildr.

Yes, I did, but I don't see the connection you're trying to make. But then, I'm coming to conversation late so maybe I missed something.

I'm glad they had that opening scene showing the older Yona, because her younger pre-tragedy self was too much of a ditz for me. I'm curious as to why Soo-Won thought he had to murder his way to the throne, when Yona was perfectly willing to marry him and give him the throne anyway.

[Flower]

Originally Posted by BBOvenGuy

Yes, I did, but I don't see the connection you're trying to make. But then, I'm coming to conversation late so maybe I missed something.

The reference is to series that had an instrumental only OP. One of the posters said they could not remember ever having come across such a thing before, and a few other posters mentioned some examples. That's all.

[BBOvenGuy]

Originally Posted by Flower

The reference is to series that had an instrumental only OP. One of the posters said they could not remember ever having come across such a thing before, and a few other posters mentioned some examples. That's all.

Oh, okay. I was completely off the mark then, thinking you were talking about why Yona was calling out for Soo-Won when he was the one about to have her killed. Not confused any more.

(And as for Yona, I'd put that down to simple denial. Her brain wasn't processing what her eyes were telling her. It can happen with a shock of that magnitude.)

[Hooves]

It definitely had to be denial. Things happened so fast, and took a turn you never would've imagined.

[aohige]

Is "Yona" a correct romanization of the name from Korean perspective?
I'm curious, since this fictional world and names seem to be based on ancient Korea, probably Goguryeo era if I'm guessing.

This show seems to have a better start of the better of the two "princess hardened by tragedy to become badass" shows going on this season.
Feeling Fushigi Yuugi vibe from this, and that's a good thing.

[Terrestrial Dream]

Originally Posted by aohige

Is "Yona" a correct romanization of the name from Korean perspective?
I'm curious, since this fictional world and names seem to be based on ancient Korea, probably Goguryeo era if I'm guessing.

This show seems to have a better start of the better of the two "princess hardened by tragedy to become badass" shows going on this season.
Feeling Fushigi Yuugi vibe from this, and that's a good thing.

The official translation in Korean it is written as Yeon Hwa (연화), but I feel like it should be Yeon Ah so I think it is somewhat close.

[aohige]

Originally Posted by Terrestrial Dream

The official translation in Korean it is written as Yeon Hwa (연화), but I feel like it should be Yeon Ah so I think it is somewhat close.

I was thinking "Yuna", since it's spelled (in Japanese) exactly the same as the South Korean figure skater Kim Yuna.

[Terrestrial Dream]

Originally Posted by aohige

I was thinking "Yuna", since it's spelled (in Japanese) exactly the same as the South Korean figure skater Kim Yuna.

Actually, Yeon Ah would be Yuna, just spelled differently. So you are not wrong, her name should be like the skater.

[aohige]

Ah, that's what I figured. Thanks.

[Stark700]

And let the bonding begin. At any rate, we'll probably learn more about Yona, Soo-Won, and Hak as this series progresses (based on flashbacks I assume). And since it's a fantasy/adventure, I'd expect more characters to join with Yona.

Good episode overall. Hak's fighting skills impressed me.

[Blaat]

Originally Posted by Stark700

I'd expect more characters to join with Yona.

Really? Whate gave you this idea? Was it the opening or the flash forward at the end of the second episode?

[Benigmatica]

With all the characters appearing other than Son-hak and Yona at the end of Episode 2, I hope there's some explanation on why they joined the princess' cause on the next episode.

Also, I feel sad that Min-soo died as he tries to escape the castle...

[ookamigirl]

I'm having a hard time liking this.
It's just missing the right kind of vibe for me I guess..
I mean, it's not bad or anything like that.
Hak is the best character so far.
Yona simply annoys me for some reason.
The ending of the episode peaked my interest though.
Can't seem to decide to keep it or drop it.
Will give it one more episode.

[bakaouji]

When a show is cliched to its core, its only recourse is to execute the cliches exceptionally and differentiate itself from the rest of the pack. So far, I've found the execution wanting. Instances where the evil advisor generously extols Son Hak's abilities for the viewers' benefit or how the villains don't kill Son Hak even though they have him at spearpoint or when Son Hak says something really corny like "Princess, use me so that you may live." Stuff like that really pulls me out of the show and makes me roll my eyes.

And it looks like there are snake bites in the next episode. I suppose every chapter is going to be a study in traditional shojo tropes. But as I said before; its all in how Akatsuki approaches and deals with such well worn cliches that will separate the wheat from the chaff.

Honestly, I can't wait for the show to get to the training and recruitment phase.

[~Yami~]

watching Hak reminds you in Dynasty Warrior... slashing people and throwing them away like a boss with that huge spear

back to the anime... I would try to drag a connection between Cross Ange and this anime... both has "stripped-down" princess who focused only in keep alive
one important thing is, Yona didn't try to deny what is happening to her though.. less crying.. just more silent moment
and Hak did a good job!

well I feel sad to see that young soldier died because being a decoy.. and Soo-won really deserved a good death... at least Yona should save her arrow to kill Soo-won as her first kill

[risingfenix]

Second Episode was alright. Fighting was nice. Better episode than episode 1.

Not as much Yona focus along with more Hak focus makes for a better atmosphere.

Third Episode PV doesn't look that great outside the snake with the flashbacks that will be YMMV.

This anime is a little too slow paced considering this studio and how they rushed Tokyo Ghoul like no tommorrow.

Probably trying to make Yona's character development seem realistic. (It's YMMV though)

Personally this is one anime I think that the main intention was to appeal to the manga fanbase first and foremost, with the rest of the audience being secondary priority.

The exposition is probably there due to each episode approximately adapting roughly 2 chapters IIRC which is fairly little material given the tendency of the anime industry to rush through material. Not the best choice tbf. Extremely YMMV.

I think I have a clear enough view that a significant amount of patience and tolerance is needed to deal with this anime. And with time being a finite and very precious commodity, a number of people are not going to invest in this anime.

I'm hoping this anime sells well cause I think anime industry has had trouble making a lot of decently paced anime recently and while this show is slow and bogged down with exposition dumps, the pacing to me is far more tolerable than rushed material.

I'm still holding on to the belief that word of mouth and reviews may bring people back to watching this anime though.