Anime Otogizoushi

[Dagger]

The first episode of [b]Otogizoushi[/b] aired on July 6. Although this series was pre-licensed by Media Blasters, a fansub group recently released their version of episode 1. I must say, any fan of samurai anime (or, for that matter, of action in general) should be immensely pleased with the current crop of summer shows. If Otogizoushi lives up to its initial promise, it could easily give [b]Samurai Champloo[/b] and [b]Samurai 7[/b] a run for their money.

The main character of Otogizoushi is a young woman, Hikaru, who has disguised herself as her deathly ill older brother. She and one of her family's retainers (Tsuna) are searching for some mystical stones that might be able to cure her brother's sickness. Hikaru is an excellent archer, while Tsuna handles himself pretty well in swordfights.

Created by Production I.G, this anime is supposed to be twenty-six episodes long. I can already sense the first inklings of a stirring, epic plot; in certain regards, Otogizoushi feels vaguely similar to Juuni Kokki. The character designs are very smooth and realistic, which works quite well with the show's stylized backgrounds and high-quality animation. Anyone who enjoys samurai anime should definitely give Otogizoushi a look--it's a lot darker and more serious (not to mention more historically accurate ;)) than Samurai Champloo.

~Dagger~

[Dan Rugh]

I got pretty interested in Otogizoushi when they first reported about it on AnimeNewsNetwork. The character designs looked really neat but I knew next to nothing about the story. Since I love Samurai 7 and Samurai Champloo, I'm definitely going to be downloading this one (and will be desperately looking for more space on my computer). I don't know how well Anime-Kraze does on their subs since I've never downloaded anything from them... do you know of any other groups that sub/are planning to sub Otogizoushi?

EDIT: I found this summary from [URL=http://www.productionig.com/English/128/~/Otogi%20Zoushi/~/]Production I.G.'s site[/URL] which makes me much more interested:

[quote]It is 972 A.D., the middle of the Heian Era in ancient Japan?

Kyoto, the capital of the country, is suffering serious famine and widespread disease. But to make the chaotic situation even worse, samurai and onmyoji are continuing their selfish strife for supremacy of political power.

Unable to overlook the calamity any longer, the Imperial Court orders Minamoto no Raiko, a samurai well-known for his archery skills, to seek out a legendary gem said to hold mysterious power to save the world.

But Raiko himself also falls ill. So instead, the youngest daughter in the Minamoto family, Hikaru, disguised as a samurai and pretending to be her brother, departs on a long journey in a quest to for the gem. Together with her faithful bodyguard, Watanabe no Tsuna, she finds herself caught up in many adventures, acquiring companions who join her for the quest.

She encounters a handsome sarugakushi named Mansairaku and also an enigmatic onmyoji, Abe no Seimei, and experiences countless unpredictable incidents. Hiding her feelings toward Mansairaku, Hikaru gradually gets involved in a great battle ?[/quote] :cool:

[Dagger]

Mansairaku is introduced in the first episode. He hasn't said much so far, but for some reason I feel really inclined to like him. ^_^

I don't know who else is planning to sub Otogizoushi. However, I can assure you that Anime-Kraze is an excellent group. They've been around for a while and have quite a few series under their belt.

~Dagger~

[Amorphous]

[color=crimson][size=1] I quite look forward to this anime, it looks very appealing, as to when I get to downloading it, is when I've watched everything in Hunter X Hunter, I'm currently on the 3rd OVA of that, so It wont be to long hopefully.

It looks very promising, but how come the download is not working on Anime-Kraze or am missing something? I mean there is no link to download though I have bittorrent.[/color][/size]

[r2vq]

I had just watched the first episode of this anime, the ED is still playing as I type this.

Oh God, this'll be the first DVD I'll ever buy for myself. What an amazing show.

Everything about this series screams "Japanese". The way they do their backgrounds (ie. the sky) in a different style from the foregrounds (ie. the people) reminds me of an old Japanese movie I saw. The way they talked and acted, just like you would expect from the Heien period. The dancing Sai-sama, er I mean :) .

Even the scary faces was pure Japanese.

I'm not into Shouta, but the main character is sooo pretty, even when dressed as a boy!

I like this series so much... I couldn't wait to post before reading everybody else's posts. ^^ Sorry.

I'm just sooo excited after watching this. Oh... *getting shivers*

This series is so realistic compared to Samurai Champloo, adding an air of authenticity.
The fight scenes are so flawlessly conducted, creating an aura of excitement.
The court scenes were so devious, you just want to stab everyone their. *stab stab stab*

And the art was so pretty! They seem to be watercolour... hm...

I definately can't wait to see another episode of this series. *coughitbeatskuroganecough*

-ArV

[Okita]

[QUOTE=Dagger IX1]
Created by Production I.G, this anime is supposed to be twenty-six episodes long. I can already sense the first inklings of a stirring, epic plot; in certain regards, Otogizoushi feels vaguely similar to Juuni Kokki.
~Dagger~[/QUOTE]

You have just sang the most beautiful music to my ears Dagger-dono! I am a huge fan of Juuni Kokki and if this series even remotely resemble the former show I will instantly fall in love with it.

I am currently downloading the first episode, I can hardly wait to watch it! Thanks again for informing me of this wonderful series, I would most likely have let this one slipped by if not for your bried synopsis in an earlier thread.

I've finally found the little kink that just won't go away, it has been bugging me for days that Otogizoushi's character's name seem so familiar, this persisted even with Sadamitsu in episode two until I realize finally that this anime is actually roughly based on a japanese folkslore/legend.

All the main character in this series are from an old tale about Sakata no Kintoki, Raiko and his four faithful retainer (one of whom is Kintoki) where the main characters in the story.

of the four we've been introduce to two now, Watanabe no Tsuna and Usui Sadamitsu, i can't wait for Urabe no Suetake and especially Sakata no Kintoki to be introduced! It will be interesting to see how they are interpreted in this anime.

Anyone who has seen the very abstract art/anime Kai Doh Maru (kaidohmaru), also by production I.G. this series actually has the same character as that movie!

edit: sorry for the double post but it's being days...

[color=red][size=1]That's okay, but please ensure that you obey the rules. We require people to edit their posts, rather than post new ones. Thank you. - James[/color][/size]

[Dagger]

"If members post a message and wish to post another directly after, we ask that they edit their original message rather than create a new one." *coughs* Well, as long as you know the drill... I didn't notice this originally, so there's no real point in merging your replies now.

I've now seen up to episode 4, in which Mansairaku proves that he is unbelievably cool, and Tsuna continues to grow exponentially more aggravating. A grown warrior simply should not be so hot-headed, humorless and touchy. On the other hand, it's a lot of fun to watch Sadamitsu antagonize and tease him.

The animation is still pretty strong, although I could have done without the incredibly lame stills in episode 3. I love the realism of Otogizoushi's character designs--there are some scenes that feel almost like live-action cinema.

~Dagger~

[Godelsensei]

[COLOR=Gray][FONT=Courier New]Aw man...and you had me thinking I could start my own thread about Otogizoushi! Okay, fine, [i]I[/i] had me thinking that, but still.

I've only seen up to episode two, but I agree with Arvie-san's observation that this show screams "Japanese". I don't exactly know my Japanese history to any degree of even half-perfection, but I'm guessing the time frame is the early 1100's, as I've seen no sign of "gai-jin" anywhere. (You know, they probably told me the date in the actual show somewhere, but I am too clued out to remember...)

Five minutes in, Hikaru and Tsuna began to bug me, and Tsuna still makes me grumble at the mention of [i]bushido[/i], but Hikaru is begining to prove herself to be a very cool young lady.

This series does remind me a great deal of Princess Mononoke, somehow, whether it be the ride-by attack effects and the archery, or something completely different that I simply cannot put my finger on. Any one else getting the same vibes, or am I just going crazy? O_o

Usui-san is a pretty cool dude, too, barring the pink. *mble grmble* Why the pink and purple?? Why?? Oh well, at least he [Spoiler]changes his clothes[/Spoiler] later. Not much of a spoiler, eh? *laughs*

*loves the animation*

There's another one for the download list. Which I really ought to update. Man...that thing's been sitting there a while, with info from three months ago. Actually, it was probably deleted when my computer was fixed, anyway...>_>

*goes to look for it*

Edit: Okay, I read Dan's post and now I know the time frame. Go reading things before responding to them![/FONT][/COLOR]

[Dagger]

So far the first seven episodes have been subbed. To be honest, Otogizoushi hasn't impressed me as consistently as either of the series I mentioned at the beginning of this thread. I'm waiting for some kind of big overarching plot to emerge. I don't care whether it deals with political intrigue, romance, family drama or supernatural problems--I'll take any of those. However, a prolonged hunt for the remaining magatama just won't cut it.

Perhaps I'm being a little unfair, but in my opinion Hikaru has still not been genuinely tested. As she herself mentioned, she's relied on others throughout her journey. I mean, while she can obviously take care of herself (as was made quite clear by her sudden display of martial arts skills in episode 7), nothing has really forced her to seize a position of leadership. Tsuna and even Sadamitsu simultaneously submit to her and prod her along in the right direction. I kind of want to see her rise up as a type of conquering Mulan/Jeanne d'Arc, heh.

~Dagger~

[Godelsensei]

[COLOR=Gray][FONT=Courier New]Well, there are 19 episodes to go for Hikaru to turn into a crazed WarLady, Skippedry. You just might have to be patient.
I have to agree with you about the whole Jeanne d'Arc thing, as it is always cooler to see heroines become as much through openly being, well, heroines. I'm guessing that the rest of her party finds out she's a girl within the next two or three episodes, but who can tell for sure?

And, yes, the series is based on either one or a combination of Japanese fairytales. Which is pretty cool in its own right, as far as I'm concerned.

Episode seven's scenes of [Spoiler]Urabe and Tsuna[/Spoiler] sure were kawaii, [i]neh[/i]?^^

I'm looking forward to seeing more of Mansairaku.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[Dagger]

So I just finished watching episode 13. Up until that point, I had miraculously managed to evade all Otogizoushi-related spoilers, and now I'm very happy I didn't read too much about upcoming episodes online. The end of this first arc was a little too talky for my tastes, and the sudden onslaught of [spoiler]character deaths had the same effect on me as similar events toward the end of Madlax--I just kind of stopped caring.[/spoiler]

Nevertheless, Otogizoushi's writers have now proven that they are nothing if not innovative. The fact that [spoiler]Mansairaku (gorgeous, beautiful Mansairaku!) is secretly Abe no Seimei actually made sense.[/spoiler] Thanks to several late revelations, I feel as though the first thirteen episodes will flow better and seem more interesting upon a second viewing.

I cannot wait to see the upcoming [spoiler]modern arc. The new character designs, which can be seen on Otogizoushi's official site, are perfect. Mansairaku looks twice as lovely and also superbly evil.[/spoiler]

I must say, Godel, I'm quite curious about whether or not you approve of the direction this anime is now taking. I was initially a little skeptical, but the more I thought about it, the better the plot twist sounded.

~Dagger~

[Dan Rugh]

It's been almost 4 months since Otogizoushi started and I've finally gotten around to watching the first episode. I loved it!

The art is so amazing... it's like nothing I've ever watched before. I was pleasantly surprised to how cool the music was, too. This is a must watch. *gets the rest*

[Dagger]

Just when I thought Mansairaku could not possibly become any cooler or more enigmatic...

Even though I've only seen the very beginning of the [spoiler]modern[/spoiler] arc, I think I may end up enjoying it a lot more than the first thirteen episodes. The new OP is excellent, and the the new [spoiler]character designs completely own the old ones. Sadamitsu looks like such a gigolo now, haha. Tsuna is a lot less aggravating now that he's not longer ridiculously servile and or quick to offend. Hikaru, too, seems less somber and serious, which in my opinion makes her more likeable. Urabe, on the other hand, has acquired a rather creepy aura. I wonder if she's still connected to Mansairaku?[/spoiler]

[spoiler]So Tsuna, Sadamitsu, Urabe and company are now Hikaru's tenants. I think I'm going to start calling this show "Maison Otogizoushi."[/spoiler] Ahaha, how the mighty have fallen! Basically, we've traded [spoiler]splendid samurai action for motorcycle chases and sexier clothing. Watching Otogizoushi is an experience akin to watching a regular anime and then reading an alternate universe fanfic. I started cracking up when the guy on the train was shown perusing what looked like an Otogizoushi novel.[/spoiler]

In other words, I've definitely taken a liking to the [spoiler]modern[/spoiler] arc. Hopefully there will be [spoiler]a happier ending[/spoiler] this time around.

~Dagger~

[Dan Rugh]

I've read about this [spoiler]modern[/spoiler] arc by accident on another forum and I'm a little puzzled about it. I've watched episodes 1-10 so far and I hear this arc starts with 14 right? You say you may enjoy it more than the first 13 episodes? I hope I'll be able to get as accustomed to it as you have.

Now I haven't read anymore than the first few sentences of your post... so I'll comment on what I [I]have[/I] seen. So far, the story has been great. I was a bit disappointed that [spoiler]the real Raikou died before Hikaru could get back to see him. The poem he wrote for her with the hidden message about Abe no Seimei was very clever, though. I'm still not quite sure what Seimei's intentions are since he has been so mysterious. I'm also not quite sure what's up with Urabe lately, either.[/spoiler]

For the other characters... [spoiler]I don't see the purpose of Kintarou in the story. He just randomly appeared with Sadamitsu and now is a permanent part of the group. O_o Sadamitsu is still extremely cool. I love his fighting style with the two swords that he holds backwards... reminds me of Legolas for some reason.... Anyway, I'm not sure if I really like Tsuna all that much. He seems like a very flat character who only cares about protecting Hikaru. Tsuna definitely needs something else to do for a bit... like... the dishes or vacuuming. As for Hikaru, I admire her bravery, but she's just not strong enough. Her approaching Shutendouji alone was pretty stupid, in my opinion, because that guy was a beast haha. Lastly, I really like Mansairaku in all of his girliness. I find it funny that he appears out of nowhere when he hears Hikaru playing the flute. It could make for a hilarious fan-comic.[/spoiler] Something I noticed when I first watched episode 7 was that "Mansairaku" is written in 3 kanji which can translate to "ten-thousand year-old music." I like that. :)

[Dagger]

[quote name='Dan Rugh]I've read about this [spoiler]modern[/spoiler'] arc by accident on another forum and I'm a little puzzled about it. I've watched episodes 1-10 so far and I hear this arc starts with 14 right?[/quote]

Yep, the first arc/saga/whatever ends in episode 13.

[quote][spoiler]Anyway, I'm not sure if I really like Tsuna all that much. He seems like a very flat character who only cares about protecting Hikaru. Tsuna definitely needs something else to do for a bit... like... the dishes or vacuuming.[/spoiler][/quote]

That's one of the reasons I'm not horribly put off by the sudden transition to [spoiler]2004, or whenever this new set of episodes is supposed to take place. Tsuna's one-dimensional, hot-headed "MUST PROTECT RAIKOU-SAMA!!" persona is, thankfully, gone. Now he and Hikaru have a much more equal relationship, and their banter is pretty amusing.[/spoiler]

[quote][spoiler] As for Hikaru, I admire her bravery, but she's just not strong enough.[/spoiler][/quote]

*sighs* I feel the same way. Which makes me grateful that [spoiler]things have been shaken up a bit, since I was quite disappointed by her conduct in the last episode of the Heian arc.[/spoiler]

[quote][spoiler]Lastly, I really like Mansairaku in all of his girliness. I find it funny that he appears out of nowhere when he hears Hikaru playing the flute. It could make for a hilarious fan-comic.[/spoiler] Something I noticed when I first watched episode 7 was that "Mansairaku" is written in 3 kanji which can translate to "ten-thousand year-old music." I like that. :)[/QUOTE]

I'll be interested in finding out what you think about episode 12 and episode 13. ;)

~Dagger~

[Dan Rugh]

So I just watched the last two episodes of the Heian arc and all I can say is wow....

[spoiler]As they were running towards the Rashoumon, I was thinking, "Hey, we haven't seen Mansairaku in quite a while... I wonder why he isn't helping them." I was hoping that we'd get to see Seimei's face when Hikaru finally got to him, but I NEVER would've thought that he was Mansairaku the whole time. As soon as her arrow hit his mask and broke in two, I was like "Oh my god, it's gotta be him!!!" Then thy showed Hikaru's face and I was dumbfounded. This might be one of the greatest twists that I've been able to witness before it got spoiled for me. Otogizoushi has become one of my favorite anime after seeing episodes 12 and 13.

So as the the magatama were whatever-ing, they showed the animals that they each represented. I got the Byakko, Suzaku, Genbu, and Sieryuu, but what was that last one? It was some kind of yellow animal... it looked like a bull to me.

Was Mansairaku actually doing this for good? I'm still a little confused with what Hikaru had to do with all of this. Is what she did what he wanted to happen all along? Well anyway, it's safe to say that they died together... naked.... It was surprising to see that Kintarou and Sadamitsu had survived everything since I figured everyone was gonna die.

The modern arc looks interesting, but I'm really hoping it has a good story. From what I saw in the preview, Tsuna looked pretty cool and Hikaru was looking better with her hair shorter. The short bangs were a bit jarring when she had her hair down before.[/spoiler]

I have episode 14 already so I think I'll get 15 and 16 tonight after Bleach 7 is done and possibly watch them tomorrow. :)

[Dagger]

Media Blasters has solicited volume 1 of Otogizoushi (or Otogi Zoshi, however it's being spelled nowadays) for March 29, 2005. That's fairly fast, even for a pre-licensed series. I hope they do a good job of dubbing, packaging and otherwise releasing this show. I guess it was smart of them to avoid letting it compete with their other recent samurai-ish anime (Shura no Toki), which is supposed to wrap up in March.

Anyway, I'm glad you liked the twist! For me, the part when [spoiler]his mask came off[/spoiler] was very dramatic, surprising and well-done. I sort of have a love-hate relationship with Otogizoushi--to the extent that I may just wait for a complete collection instead of buying the R1 DVDs as they come out--but when it's good, it's [i]really[/i] good.

Speaking of which, I finally managed to sit down and watch episode 15. Despite my initial enthusiasm about episode 14 and the new arc, I have to say that when I compare the two, episode 15 comes across a lot better. It's much more gracefully directed and animated. So if you don't immediately enjoy the [spoiler]modern[/spoiler] storyline, I wouldn't worry about it until you're at least a couple of episodes in.

In episode 15, it becomes apparent that Mansairaku [spoiler]has gotten significantly more powerful, not to mention more creepy. In the park scene it appeared as though he was stalking Hikaru, heh. At this point I'm not even sure that he's actually a human being anymore... he's so darn enigmatic! Presumably he was the only one to remember his past life, but I wonder if he still has feelings for Hikaru?

The stone Hikaru wears looks (at least to me) like a piece of the magatama of fire. Maybe Mansairaku has a piece of the magatama of water? That might explain his extraordinary mastery of water, but it wouldn't explain why he can give people illusions (or maybe it's only Hikaru?) and create stone walls from thin air.[/spoiler]

In response to your question, I honestly have no idea. Admittedly, I wasn't paying all that much attention to the [spoiler]magatama animals.[/spoiler] ^_^;; In any case, hopefully I'll get a chance to see episode 16 tomorrow.

~Dagger~

[Dan Rugh]

I just watched episodes 14 and 15 in succession and was pleasantly surprised. The new opening theme got me thinking that there would be no real story to this [spoiler]modern[/spoiler] arc, but once I saw the [spoiler]piece of the hi no magatama on Hikaru's necklace, I knew that it would be more than just "Hikaru and Co.'s Wacky Tokyo Adventures."[/spoiler] Haha. It's good to see that Raikou is [spoiler]"alive" in the future. I'm very curious as to what happened to him.[/spoiler]

Mansairaku is very [spoiler]creepy[/spoiler], as you said, and once again I'm confused as to what he is actually doing. He said to Hikaru something to the effect of[spoiler] "the end is near" and it seems like he tried to drown her. O_o I don't see any kind of loving relationship between the two happening this time around.[/spoiler]

[B]EPISODE 17 IS OUT, DAGGER![/B]

[Dagger]

Episode 17 was a little slow (aside from the cool [spoiler]boxing[/spoiler] scenes--I'd rather have swordfights, but at least Sadamitsu still possesses an aptitude for [i]something[/i]). However, in episode 18 the main plot seemed to get right back on track.

I'm a little confused about what exactly happened, though. [spoiler]In the fire, were the short visions Hikaru saw images from all of Mansairaku's past lives? At one point, was he actually this "Tenkai" dude? I'd like to assume so, since he appeared wearing monk clothing, but I'm not wholly sure. Either way, it was pretty interesting. And it appears as though the main conflict this time around will have something to do with time, or time distortions, or whatever...[/spoiler]

Oh! And while we're discussing Mansairaku's [spoiler]creepiness,[/spoiler] just wait till you get to the part in episode 18 when he says [spoiler]"I have been waiting for you for a long time." All of a sudden his voice became really deep--it was enough to give me goosebumps.[/spoiler]

~Dagger~

[marking time]

While I was at the store looking at anime and manga I came across a new series named above. It looked interesting. All I was able to find out about it was someone who had something to do with berserk did part of it. I looked all over online and found the story line and such, but I was wondering if anyone has seen it. and if you have could you please let me know what you think. I would rather hear it here than base my purchase off a plot line sample aimed at selling a product by the marketing team.