Wednesday, December 05, 2007

8:33 PM

Feeling bored? Need some entertainment in the form of shows? Here's a review by one of the faithful readers of my blog.

Presenting... MB (pseudonym lah.. the guy likes his privacy, as if millions of people read my blog.. haha) and his review of the anime, Claymore!

Anime Review –
“CLAYMORE”

This anime series is one of the very few in the dark fantasy anime genre that has the potential to break into the mainstream Otaku audience. It already has substantial fan service and I was very surprised at the lack of attention that has plagued this “hidden gem” given the fine quality of artwork, cutting-edge fighting scenes and superb voice acting!

Set in the medieval age, the focus of the story is on a group of blondies who are known as “Claymores”. They are hybrids of demons and humans created for the purpose of slaying Yoma (demons). Not exactly the most novel plot but nonetheless, this anime series did keep me grappling for more after each episode that I had to finish it in spite of the fact that I’m having my exams! =P
A secret organization trains these Claymores and “breeds” them. They are contacted by village elders and are requested for extermination of demons roaming on the streets in human guises. Possessing the same blood (or should I say 50% of it?) running through their veins, Claymores are the only ones who can differentiate yoma from human. However, humans themselves alienate and discriminate against the Claymores for the melancholic and somewhat tragic stigma strongly associated with them, sometimes even biting the very hand that saved them. For that reason, Claymores are perceived by the humans to be an extremely dangerous race, devoid of feelings, pure mercenaries who do not hesitate to kill or be martyred for their raison d'être.

The story revolves around a Claymore named Clare and a very young boy whom she saved in a demon-hunting mission named Raki. After a demon was discovered in Raki’s house, Clare saved Raki’s life by slaying the demon who took the form of his brother. Much to Raki’s dismay, the success of the mission did not end in fireworks and celebration. Deemed to have links with demons and in the name of protecting the safety of the town, Raki was banished into oblivion and left to die on his own afterwards. The story continues as Clare and Raki develops a deeper relationship through the unique trials and tribulations in the journey of a human and a Claymore.
Very often, you would sometimes wish that certain supporting characters in an anime had a more defined personality that is shaped clearly enough to give the story a realistic feel. Claymore did just that and it truly did not disappoint. The author expanded character development on other Claymore characters such as Ophelia, Deneve, Helen, Miria and Priscilla and gave it a pretty dramatic touch. The emotions, actions and voice-actors of these characters were impeccably coherent throughout the whole series. Combine that together with liberal usage of graphic war-torn scenes and battles, the feelings that the author wants to convey in the anime becomes very pristine. The bloodshed in the anime is far from being mindless, it actually gives more depth to the plot by accentuating the somewhat tragic feelings of sadness and loss.

The author has taken a simple storyline and added brilliance to it by taking a more daring approach, incorporating elements of surprise that gave a realistic plot without compromising on the action scenes. Although the anime diverged from the manga from episode 20 onwards, the ending wasn’t shabby.

I should put a note of warning though for people who are easily appalled by graphic violence and cannot stand the slightest sight of blood; this anime might not be for you. Bear in mind that I am no fan of Saw or Texas Chainsaw Massacre. In fact I hate gory violent movies with cheap plots so much that I’d rather spend the money buying feeds for my pet goldfish than to watch such a movie in the theatres. However, I managed to get past the façade in Claymore and was enthralled by the most touching moments in Claymore and no less amazed at this anime series which went beyond simple themes that are so prevalent in the current world of anime.

The anime opening video:

Rating: A-

The writer is a 3rd year SMU student who has too much free time on his hands after exams and decided to write an anime review for Kay Key’s blog. The recommendations and views expressed here are his personal opinions and he absolves himself from any responsibility if you make decisions based on this anime rating. Oh by the way, the rating system is based on SMU’s GPA system in case if you are wondering.

Wanna contribute on my blog too? Just email me the stuff, subject to editing and depends on the subject though. lol