Welcome
to a world decimated by war, natural disasters, and tragic
love. People die everyday, cities are leveled by the angel
of death, and Shuji is half clueless through it all. Don't
look to smile much during this series as it doesn't reek
of joy and happiness. To the contrary; Saikano is a masterpiece
focused on tragedy at a whole new epic degree.
Shuji,
your typical clueless high-school guy, starts to date Chise,
a very shy and emotional young woman. Shortly after they
start dating Chise is taken away by the government and turned
into the most powerful weapon known to mankind. So powerful
that she's know as "The Angel of Death"...dawning
elemental wings capable of decimating large cities in a
single outcry. Sounds like an awesome girlfriend huh?
Saikano
is a very deep and well played series that does a number
on your heart. Around every corner is a new way to make
you feel low. So much so you'll want to start popping Prozac
for the depression. Even Chise has to pop special pills
that keep the powers inside her in check....as once she
runs out she'll die. Or so we're led to believe.
Although
Chise tries to live a normal life she's constantly called
on by the military to defend Japan from invasions. Her powers
can manifest in odd ways and weapons can be formed out of
any part of her body. In one instance she and Shuji try
to run away from the military on his scooter. Chise wanted
nothing more to do with the death and chaos. They're being
chased by planes and helicopters when she gets too anxious,
loses control of her powers, and fires off a few missiles
at them. Perhaps the only laugh you'll get from Saikano
because those missiles inadvertently looked as if they originated
from Chise's butt. "But" in the "end"
she gives in to the military and returns to headquarters.
Through
the body of the show it develops a few side characters,
most of which die, and really shows the good natured person
Chise is. (being known as The Angel of Death wouldn't signify
one to be a nice person) Shuji on the other hand is shown
as being more of a weakling, emotionally distraught, and
once again....clueless. Yet he is involved in perhaps one
of the most disturbing scenes this show offers.
Shuji
has a long time female friend named Akemi who is in the
series off and on. Its clear she has a crush on Shuji but
never fesses up to it, and Shuji is, of course, clueless
as usual. Without giving away all the details, during a
natural disaster Akemi is seriously wounded. Shuji runs
to her side, and we have a very emotional to borderline
disturbing scene that will stick in our mind for years to
come. But we're not quite done yet as the ending is also
very memorable.
Two
of the main messages this anime tries to accomplish is the
need for love, and the desire to live. Both of which come
as a rarity in this war-torn world. Chise has changed physically,
but not mentally. Shuji finally realizes his true love and
desire to live his life. But its a bit late......as the
world is about to end.
This
reviewer simply cannot describe the ending in words, it
must be watched. The desire to live, the desire to love,
even at worlds end can be strong enough to survive.....but
the price they pay is immeasurable. Saikano is a must see
for hard-core anime fans but be warned! There is more crying
in this series than an orphanage in Africa. |
