2007-05-24, 16:28
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Link #763 | |
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Evil Little Pixie
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: bleeghhh
Age: 36
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 Just finished ep 11... This series makes me feel all giddy and happy inside... The story is not very believable, but Manabi Straight still works for me, as it seems the main focus of the story is to install hope and happiness within its viewers... I'm probably being too sappy here. Momo is always there to provide a little something extra special to the series - she's such a great character. This episode, she didn't do anything really crazy (like she did with the candles last episode. have I mentioned she's a riot?) but she still definitely had her place in the ep with the fireworks and the band, not to mention giving Manabi that subtle push to go up and admit how uber she is. One of the band members reminds me of Nina Wang from Mai-Otome... it's the hair and her bored expression! Arara, almost forgot to mention... I love the way Eclipse/gg did the karaoke during the song the band sings. Cherry blossoms, huzzah! Last edited by Risaa; 2007-05-24 at 18:36. Reason: A~aaa~ Seioooou~ |
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2007-05-24, 17:21
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Link #764 |
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Senile Member
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Across the Mississippi from St. Louis, MO
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Megatokyo exists! As a fan of Black Lagoon, I really don't mind dens of villainy and ... er... scummery...
I can't wait to see what episode 12 is. I thought Manabi Straight ended at episode 11. It sure looked like an ending to me... |
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2007-05-24, 19:27
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Link #765 | |
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Karen
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Age: 44
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2007-05-25, 01:29
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Link #766 | |
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♪♫ Maya Iincho ♩♬
 Artist
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Unnecessary
Age: 37
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I DEMAND A SECOND SEASON!! Will be watching toward the future for a Second Season, if it may ever come.
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2007-05-25, 06:20
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Link #767 |
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
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Only at Episode 5 of the series so far, but the school song keeps playing in my head even when I'm not watching. I could figure out most of it, but a few phrases here and there still eludes me, so I was just wondering if anyone has an english translation of the lyrics
 Spoiler for Lyrics:
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2007-05-25, 07:54
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Link #768 |
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Somehow I found out
Join Date: Feb 2006
Age: 40
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Ep 12
Finally, an episode I wasn't disappointed with. This series started and ended well, but the middle was just so disappointing. I get the impression with this ep that this show thought it was a lot better than it actually was. Nonetheless, it's a decent note for the series to end on. Makes me wonder what the point of the DVD extra will be, since as far as I can see, everything is pretty much wrapped up.
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2007-05-25, 12:08
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Link #769 |
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2006
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"Mina, daisuki!"
Episode 10
I have been released without penalty thanks to super-regulatory measures. Gawd we need more Momo.  And I'm happy to say that I think we got a healthy dose of her in this episode.   . I think this episode has a moral theme that Manabi successfully shows, and it is that : It is not the buildings or facility (and god forbid Old Clock towers and their fairies) that make a school, or a school's experience; it is the people, students and teachers alike, that make the school. Buildings are replaceable, but that spirit of camaraderie and friendship, when aroused, are indispensable because they contribute to good memories. I think this was all aptly wrapped up by Mikan bringing up the fact that this renovation work was all like a school fair — it's not the booths, not the flyers, nor the activities that make a school fair, it's the spirit in its volunteers. "From friends to buddies" indeed. Episode 11 Heh I like how the episode start all official with the Secretary's log. I couldn't help but smile at the way they stared at the Seioh Welcome sign and asked one another if this was really happening; ending in them spending the night on the school grounds. It really gave me that overwhelming feeling of finally seeing come to fruition something that you've work very hard for and placed all your hopes on; something I'm sure all of us would have the privilege of experiencing before IRL. These girls "put out their lives" to make all this come to being; and here it was, finally before them. They won back their school fair. Kudos to the animation which brought the school fair to life. I especially enjoyed the main feature, which was obviously the band playing their own song and later, their and Manabi's rendition of the school song. And the idea of Mu-chi being security (Ten-chu!!) was priceless. I LOL'ed at "Go home. You have now been expelled from this fair by the special authority of the Student Council President!" I like how that particular scene with Takako seeing the fair reflected in Manabi's eyes came full circle in this episode; with her inspiring the rest of them at Student Council HQ to see their fruits with their mind's eye. I think the underlying moral of all this was : There doesn’t have to be a meaning to have fun, now, does there? What's more, fun that only a student can experience; that only can be part of the Gakuen experience. This episode ended beautifully, and I can only say the Manabi deserved all of it. Episode 12 Gosh. This is the kind of episode that just leaves one with a warm fuzzy feeling in the heart. Graduation in bloom of sakura petals. Dreams and ambitions for the future. A promise never to be apart. And an almost tearful, hopeful departure. I can't say more really, everything came to a wonderful close; with the school fair out of the way, the real issues could be touched on. Mikan's feelings were brought to bear, and we find that this whole experience with Manabi changed her in motivating her to take the lead in her own life. What was reflected upon during the school fair, about carrying memories on, came into effect. A great episode, one that had me smiling and wishing for the character's good futures by the end. Also, I have an idea for the second season. It should be named Gakuen Utopia Mikan Straight. And yes, it should take place in Angko— I mean, Oregon.  FIN Final thoughts. First I'd like to thank the people at Eclipse and gg who put worked to present this gem, their good-looking efforts in effect polishing it, emphasising and complementing it's beauty. Looking back, it's incredible how this whole story has been based on the simplest concept of Massugu, Go! which I took to understand stood for truly enjoying oneself, having a good and happy life forming bonds and enjoying relationships with friends, not just in school but elsewhere in life. Along the way, obstacles popped-up to challenge Manabi on that ideology, namely, (1) apathy and (2) trying to find meaning for fun; but Manabi nicked all that in the butt by turning friends into buddies, and showing that there need not be meaning for fun, but rather finding meaning in fun, in addition to carrying away cherished memories for life. Much credit goes to the seiyuus involved in the show, but especially Manabi-chan's. I've never had occasional at all to complain of the work they have done, but I guess I realised, after all this time of not hearing Manabi, the wonderful job that her seiyuu in particular was doing in bringing the character of Manabi to life. I mean, all of Manabi's groans, exclamations, sighs, intonations; her voice at times carried so much hope and expressiveness, especially in the when she had to impersonate the Clock Fairy, all single-handedly cleared by the wonderful Yui Horie. I applaud her successful effort wholeheartedly. Also I want to state that although Manabi is the foremost character in this show, I feel that this show's true main character is really Mika-chin. Everything has been for her good, and she appears at key-moments, as in her reflection on the grass in episode 11, and her sad "inferiority-complex" (if I could call it that) in episode 12. I think she affords a sort of more down to earth connection with us viewers. Well, that's it I guess. I love this show, because while the humour was awesome and there were moments where one could laugh out loud, this one was at the same time an extremely touching show with involving, meaningful and relevant to real-life themes. Embodies what we love Anime for, doesn't it? I'll be taking the memory of this show a long way in my life; along with it's lovely school song. Bye-Bye~! p.s. There are some wonderful avas of Manabi and Co. to be made from this 3 episodes. I'll try some of them on Monday. |
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2007-05-25, 12:31
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Link #772 |
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Oceanic
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: West Sussex, UK
Age: 41
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I've just re-watched episode eleven while waiting for episode twelve to download and I'm glad that they've injected some comedy back into the show, Mu-chi's Half Nelson Suplex (I nearly called it as a German Suplex but if you pause it at 08:59 you'll see that Mu's arms aren't around the waist, quite an achievement for a High School Girl I must say) and Manabi's headbutt being my particular favorites. The musical number was particularly well animated too, I was especially glad to see the guitarists actually using the effects pedals which was a nice, albeit rare, touch.
Last edited by Maritime; 2007-05-25 at 21:46. |
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2007-05-27, 01:27
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Link #773 |
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Anime Snark
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Singapore
Age: 41
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Brief Thoughts on Ep10:
---- ---- Another dosage of sentimental sappiness. GUMS contains a lot of "romanticised/idealised" scenarios which, if you were to analyse "realistically/cynically", will not hold water in the real world.If you dispense with such formalities though, then what you will experience is a very heart-warming "fairytale", and a very moving one at that. High points of this episode would be the closing of the circle between the Principal and Manabi, the "blessing in disguise" of the clock tower's destruction, the fruits of their earlier bonding with the school clubs, etc...By all accounts, I should be gagging from the over-dosage of saccharine and not going misty-eyed from the overbearing sweetness, but as I said, one needs to approach this anime with the right mindset. Just like watching ARIA without expecting to see missiles and explosions.  Mikan also continues to seal her role as the main point of view in this anime. Cheers.
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2007-06-01, 16:12
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Link #774 |
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Evil Little Pixie
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: bleeghhh
Age: 36
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I've been reluctant to watch the last ep because I knew it... I *knew* it'd be really happy-sappy and that I'd get wet eyes and a wiggly lip because of it...
 All in all, it really was the best ending this series could've had - it definitely showed a lot of character growth for Mikan, in particular. Mei shed some light on Momo's family and fortune (lol@the socks bit... I have to wonder about my socks now. ), and it's nice seeing that the girls all have plans for their futures that really compliment their personalities.Spoiler for Random bits:
It's been so long between releases that I need to rewatch the whole thing in one or two runs if I want to reflect on the series overall... Massugu Go! |
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2007-06-01, 20:07
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Link #775 |
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Anime Snark
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Singapore
Age: 41
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The ending of GUMS kinda reminded me of a lot of anime (like Azumanga Daioh) where you wish it continued, but knew that if it did, a lot of the magic would be lost. A chapter has been closed, and that is it.
That said, it was wonderful to see Mika (using her passport name here) change into what she is later on in the future. The parallels between the blackboards and her train-trip to Manabi's train-trip in Ep01 is not lost on me either. The meeting of her friends at the train-track? That was foreshadowed in an earlier episode as well, as is the OP being the future. To put it simply, the circle is complete. My only grouse is that they did not show why there was a scene of adult Manabi standing in a water-logged building in the 4th PV. Cheers.
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2007-06-02, 07:11
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Link #776 | |
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~ You're dead ^__^* ~
Graphic Designer
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: uk, England
Age: 34
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Quote:
and to think we wasted all that blood and sweat on a topic that wasnt explained in the end *grumbles >.<*
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2007-06-02, 09:28
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Link #777 | |
 Administrator
Join Date: Dec 2003
Age: 41
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2007-06-03, 00:31
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Link #778 |
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Evil Little Pixie
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: bleeghhh
Age: 36
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I read through the first ten pages of this thread, then the last ten... there used to be so much hype about each episode... a lot of the love has been lost.
Anyways, I scanned six images from the little Manabi Straight Character Book that came with May's issue of Dengeki Daioh. Sorry about the poor scan quality and any reposts... I only checked the last 10 pages. There is a Photobucket link for those of you having trouble with Imageshack. Spoil'd for ease of skippingness. Spoiler for Manabi Straight Images:
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2007-06-03, 00:44
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Link #779 |
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Obey the Darkly Cute ...
Author
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: On the whole, I'd rather be in Kyoto ...
Age: 66
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I don't suppose you have a bigger scan of that one with Mei serving curry rice at the roach wagon?
Finding ones of Mei smiling are rare... I think the problem with the thread was a combination of delays during fansubbing (steam is always lost when that happens) and the issue that people liked the show but there just wasn't much to say as it rolled to the end (clear and unambiguous). Kind of like Hidamari Sketch..... its great but there's just not a lot of discussion generated over it.
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Last edited by Vexx; 2007-06-03 at 02:18. |
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| comedy, drama, school life, seinen, ufotable |
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