Sorry about the previous post. For some reason, it posted twice in the
same post. Please use this version instead.
Regards,
Arnold.
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Ok - Finally, I have seen it all. All 18 DVD's produced for the USA as
well as
the 1st *and* 2ND movies, and I am writing my final review. I
apologize for the
length but there was a lot to say. This review is based solely on the
content of
the Anime movies and DVDs and *not* in re: the Manga's, which I'll now
be ordering
from R.S.I. shortly (ie. the "TokyoPop" versions).
For those of you that haven't seen all the episodes or DVD movies yet,
DO NOT
PROCEED ANY FURTHER!!! MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD!!!!
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V
I left off in my earlier reviews just at the point when Sakura became
the
new master and Eriol makes his grand appearance. First, I'll summarize
my
thoughts on the remaining TV series episodes, followed by a review of
the
2nd movie "The Sealed Card," some "Unresolved issues" and then some
final
thoughts.
Review of remaining TV Episodes.
Best Overall Subplot - Shaoran's Maturity and realization that he
loves Sakura.
Although frought with loads of denial, in the end he knows
where his heart is, and does his best to do the right thing
as best he knows how. I give him extra points for wanting to
do right by Meilin as well, even though it was devistating
for her. I'm not sure though what to do with Shaoran's desire
"not to trouble" Sakura with his feelings for her. One could
call that very "brave" or very "dumb" on his part (and it is
often said that there is little difference between the two).
Brave in the sense that he's willing to sacrifice his own
feelings and desire for happiness for her to ensure her own
happiness,as he sees it. Dumb in the sense that he fails to
see that Sakura can "handle the jolt" and that toghether, they
could be so much more happy. Fortunately, Tomoyo to the rescue
once more, advising Shaoran that she "wouldn't be sad for long"
and that he should "go for it." Even in the very end, Meilin
gives him grief for not "going for it." Wei also pitches in by
bringing the bear to the airport. I figured as much. Looks like
everyone is cheering for those two, as it should be.
Worst Overall Subplot Akizuki's attempts to thwart Toya from telling
Yukito about "his
other self." Sorry, but Akizuki just kept getting on my nerves.
I mean, after a while, you knew she'd show up to foil Toya's
latest attempt. Glad to see Toya have the guts to stop her at
the point at which he needed to. I suppose she needed something
to do, but I think it could have been handled with a little more
surprise.
Funniest Moment - Of course, Kero-chan getting Suppie Drunk with
Sweets, and then
having Sakura blame him for the fallout, although we knowing full
well that it wasn't his fault.
Saddest Moment- Meilin's heartbreak over her broken engagement with
Shaoran. I
must give Meilin credit for knowing it was better to have one huge
"catharsis" of emotion so that she could move on and be settled
in her permanent relationship with Shaoran, as well as being able
to move on in her own love life (and in the 2nd movie, it appears
that she has done the former quite well).
Tomoyo comforting Meilin was an absolute selfless sacrifice. Her
intelligence and maturity never ceases to amaze me. At times,
it's hard to believe that a young child of Tomoyo's age could be
so wise and mature. Perhaps she's like an alegorical symbol for
"wisdom" or something like that.
What I really would have liked to see though is perhaps having
Sonomi enter Tomoyo's room and come upon them, realize what was
going on, and backup Tomoyo in comforting Meilin, both as an adult,
and a mother. Perhaps it might have afforded an opportunity for
Sonomi to resolve a few issues of her own (see "Unresolved Issues"
below).
Most Dramatic Moment - A tough call. "Meilin's heartbreak" was a
strong "third place." and
"Sakura on the swings with Shaoran" after her talk with Yukito a
strong "second." But in the end, I have to give it to:
<.....Drum Roll....>
"Toya's transfer of power to Yue."
That scene was perfect! The music was perfect, the animation was
perfect, the dialogue and delivery were perfect. I had had the
benefit of knowing the music beforehand (having listened to the
soundtrack many times), and I can't think of a better place for
it. I suppose if there was any scene which may have supported the
notion of Toya and Yukito/Yue having an "alternate lifestyle"
relationship, that was the one, as the embrace between the two
came as close to them kissing as would be possible in that anime,
I think. And as they look at each other as Toya falls on the bed,
I mean, really.... (Honorable Mention to Shaoran as Sakura
falls in the Elevator and uses the "FLOAT" card to come back up).
Most Obvious Moment - Sakura finally getting the "bear," in the end,
but at least they
did so in a round about way to make it interesting. Leave it to
Wei to save the day. I'm impressed with how much even he is aware
of what's going on with Shaoran's personal struggles and steps in
at just the right moment (ie. stopping him from going after Meilin,
knowing she needed "her space" at the time).
Best Music - The new "Sakura Power/fight" music (played initially
when Sakura
transfers the sealing wand into her own star staff and then most
often when she transfers old Clow cards into Sakura cards). A
close "second" to the "Toya Transfer of Power" music. Most
Dramatic, and a real "tear jerker" if one is not carefull. Hon.
mention to the two pieces where Sakura is with Eriol on the
Snowy moutain just as the blizzard hits, and also, as the two
of them are skiing down the hill when everyone sees them finally.
Comparisons to "Cardcaptors" - Of course, CC doesn't even compare to
CCS in terms of quality, but
CC does offer some things that make you appreciate CCS more, and
perhaps one or two things that it does slightly better. CCS, like
other Japanese original Anime (from what I'm learning) seems to rely
much more on music for "dramatic effect"than on "sound effects". I
didn't appreciate that at first. CC is a little stronger on the
sound effects for drama, but CCS is vastly superior in re: music
for the same purpose. It took me a while, and some experiences
listening to the original soundtracks of CCS and of a few other
Animes (Haibane-Renmei - "Haneonoe" for example), to appreciate
that.
One of the *very few* things CC handled a little better I think
was the "bubble" card tansfer. I liked Big Kero's rendition of
"Che La Luna" and his "Ol' Bubble's still got it!" in CC than his
whining about how Clow treated him and used the Bubble card to be
mean to him in CCS. Yes, I'm affraid that Big Kero was just a tad
too whiny in CCS and just a bit more regal in CC. But minor points
nonetheless.
Review of the Second Movie, "The Sealed Card"
To be honest, I found the plot of the 2nd movie to be mildly
disapointing (see
"Unresolved Issues" below). Nonetheless, the movie was well done in
respect to
music and showing the emotions of both Sakura and Shaoran as well as
some others.
First, I was upset that Clow's/Eriol's mansion was destroyed in order
to reveal
the existence of the "sealed card." I would have liked to see Sakura
eventually
occupy that mansion in her "adult" life, thus continuing the tradition
of Clow
magic (although there is the arguement that it's "Sakura magic" now
and she
should build something on her own). It also seemed to me that Clow
would not be
so careless as to leave the card burried there knowing how dangerous
it was,
although being the "twisted" individual he was, I gather it might have
well been
on purpose.
I did enjoy Sakura and Shaoran having a true "first date" of sorts at
her house,
and all the "bumbling jitters" that were bound to ensue. I get the
feeling during
that first part of the movie that both of them seemed a bit "clueless"
in re: their
eventual relationship. Kudos to Tomoyo and Meilin for setting it up,
the
"Yentas" they're turning out to be.
Another positive of the movie was seeing Sonomi again. She really is
my most
favorite "adult" character in that she's so human and wears her
emotions on her
sleve. Hopefully this isn't a real "Duhhhh" for most die hard CCS
fans, but having
seen Sonomi at the festival with Fujitaka, I'm beginning to believe
she's had a
secret crush on him all along, although trying very hard to cover as
much as
possible with misdirection. It was, of course, good to see her in the
closing
TV episodes as well, although I was a bit concerned with how she was
drawn in
the "Tomoyo's Lost Voice" episode - quite a bit different in her
facial features.
I think she was best drawn in the "Sports Day of Flowers" and
subsequent eps. of
that period. I loved it when she snapped her fingers and the
bodyguards popped
up with the professional video cameras etc. I guess we now know where
Tomoyo got
that talent!
Speaking of Tomoyo, she of course does not dissapoint with her
wonderful gituar
solo at the festival. A gorgeous song. Kudos to Junko Iwao, as well as
Sakura
Tange and Aya Hisakawa for their singing talents. I actually have some
of their
own studio CD albums as well and they're all very good.
In the end, of course Sakura finally learns not to waste any time in
expressing
her feelings to Shaoran (witness her "jumping the void" even though,
as Shaoran
points out, she could wait for the void to be restored). I guess
that's what
this movie is all about. Is it the better of the two? At this point,
I'd have to
say no, the first movie was better (fitting, as I'm writing this
review from, of
all places, Hong Kong itself). But I reserve judgement, having not
seen this
movie as many times as the first.
And now that the story is over -
Unresloved Issues:
1) Tomoyo's Father - Not one word about him or his status. Although,
if he's
either dead or divorced form Sonomi,it could pave the way for a
future
relationship between Sonomi and Fujitaka (given my observation
above). I
guess this is where Sonomi could have comforted Meilin a little by
sharing
her own love tragedy with her and her story of survival.
2) Shaoran's Father - Likewise. All we know is that he died but we
don't know
much else. I would also have liked to know more about Shaoran's
mother and
his sisters. Finally, I was also a bit troubled with the actual Li
ancestral
line. I really wanted to know how it worked and how Clow Reed fit in.
3) Sakura's Great Grandfather - I'm a bit disapointed that Sakura
never knew
the true identity of that "old man" from the big house in the
country. I
am glad though that he reconciled with Fujitaka and that Sonomi was
involved
with that reconciliation. Maybe someday, she will know.
4) Fujitaka's Connection - How did he fit in in re: the "magic" part
of things.
We see how Toya fit in of course, but not Fujitaka. I understand
though that
perhaps the Manga deals with this better so I look forward to that.
5) The origin of Sakura's Magic - We know that Clow Reed's (and hence
Shaoran's
magic) originated from the Li family, but form where did Sakura's
magic
Originate? From Fujitaka's side more or Nadeshiko's side? If
Nadeshiko,
then why perhaps do neither Sonomi nor Tomoyo have any magic?
6) Mizuki Sensei - I wasn't really satisfied with the explanation of
how she
and Eriol met, and what her true role in this whole thing was. I was
thinking
she had a much closer relationship with the original Clow (as opposed
to Eriol)
than was revealed. She seemed a lot more powerful than not to have
some direct
connection to Clow. And I didn't get any real sense that Eriol &
Mizuki Sensei
had a love relationship relaionship going except for that one phone
call in the
"Sealed card" where they are together. Since I'm not sure of Eriol's
true age,
a relationship between them seemed kinda "May / December"ish. Maybe I
missed
something there, but it just didn't seem right. I really wonder
what's up
with her.
7) Special Episodes - I was dissapointed that the special episodes
were not
included in any of the DVD releases in the USA (eg. the one where the
actresses appeared in person to answer questions etc.). Also, they
could
have included the special bits included with the Japanese relases
that
were distributed to those who bought the entire series. Although I
was
happy with the secret hidden "Kero-chan" piece.
Final Thoughts:
What can I say - it's the series that did something "Pokemon" couldn't
do - it
got me hooked on Anime (I suppose I should technically thank
"Cardcaptors" for
that but.... ;-) ). It's was a well written, well animated and scored
series.
And if, as is often said, it's better to end a series like this
leaving your
audience "wanting more," then CCS does not disapoint here either. I
WANT MORE!!!
I want to see Sakura as an adult, or Sakura as she passes on the magic
to her
own protoge in a similar fashion. But of course, I know I can't have
that. This
was a about a magical little girl, growing up and going through all
the
problems of being a little girl, as well as having this extra burden
of being
"Cardcaptor Sakura." It's something I want my little niece to see this
series
when she's a little older (and can handle some of the minor "naughty
words" and
mature themes). THinking on it now, I believe seeing Sakura in any
other venue
would seem out of context. It would serve no other purpose and perhaps
even
distract from the original story and intent. Maybe it is better to end
it here.
I know it's better to end this review here before it gets any longer
...... Ne? ;-)
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