Kurenai - 04
As much as I like the animation-style of the OP, the song does get annoying really fast! I’m hoping that if this series actually has more than 13 episodes, it’ll at least change the song for the OP.
In any case, this episode was chockfull of development and background. The big fight that takes place leads to Murasaki knocked out, and her guardian getting incredibly angry at Shikurou. What follows then is finally Shinkurou’s background, as both Murasaki and above mentioned guardian (forgot her name) learn more about the guy. It turns out that he not only lost his parents in that accident, but he also got picked up by what looks like child-smugglers. The interesting thing is that Ginko was with him at this time, and apparently he learned to fight because of Yuuno, who seemed to already posses a black belt in Judo when she was twelve.
There’s still no explanation of that strange body of Shinkrou, but now we at least know why he had trouble with his elbows: when he gets out of control, spikes not unlike those we see in Soul eater come out of his body, though for Shinkurou, this hurts like hell. Benika also tells about why she helped Murasaki escape, as it was basically a request by her late mother.
I’m also curious about the villains of this series, especially since Red Garden spent such an surprisingly large amount of time on Hervé, and yet we’ve seen hardly anything about the bad guys in Kurenai. I really hope that the director will give them the same treatment as Hervé, because this guy has really been one of the memorable villains I’ve watched.
Well I don’t think they have enough material for 13+ episodes unless you want fillers or all original stories.But the anime appears to be following the general story from the novel with just a more serious tone and rearranged time of events.(Don’t know how accurate since I’ve only read the manga adaptation).So far I’m actally liking it but it wouldn’t hurt though with a lil more comedic moments which apparently both the manga and the novels have.
Comment by tabs05 — April 25, 2008 @ 4:32
I’m not sure what you mean by “a more serious tone”. Episodes 2 and 3 had quite a few comedic moments. Not laugh-out-loud moments, but there’s enough to break the serious mood.
Comment by Link — April 25, 2008 @ 5:10
if i’m not mistaken, amazon jp lists kurenai as only 12 eps across 6 dvds, so it’d be full steam ahead in terms of storyline.
Comment by petrichorlic — April 25, 2008 @ 7:21
Now im sure that kurenai isn’t follwing the same track with its light novel
Im really dissapointed that the main focus is out, but the direction of anime isn’t too bad also
Comment by L.A — April 27, 2008 @ 0:42
I’m really liking the direction into which this anime is heading. The pacing is just perfect, the characterization too, and the background info is explained just at the right time with right reasons. (Shinkurou’s arm kind of reminded me of Shira’s arm in Blade of the Immortal.
Comment by Windspirit — April 28, 2008 @ 1:08
Having absolutely most-enjoyed the last 3 episodes of Kurenai,
Did anyone at all notice that Murasaki’s behaviour felt more unnatural in episode 4?
When Murasaki apologized at the end of the episode, I only felt that it was getting old and odd. Did anyone reach a similar feeling?
I understand that we are still early on in the series, I feel that more-of-the-same makes the original less effective. In other words, once you’ve seen the quirky Shinkurou vs Murasaki interactions a few times + Murasaki bursting out against injustice + Murasaki apologising, thinking Shinkurou was angry, etc a few times,, it loses its effect.
BUT, having said that - I really really enjoyed the scene where Murasaki’s spoke up against the bully boys who told an old woman off.
Comment by Chrosign — April 29, 2008 @ 7:13