tempestuously (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
tempestuously) wrote2005-04-01 01:47 pm
tempestuously) wrote2005-04-01 01:47 pm
Nayami analyzes latest Naruto episodes
Finally writing up my review of Naruto 127-128 because I find that nice files like Tenimiyu move faster when I'm typing something or busying myself in some other way than watching the download button intently.
This weekend was the first time I watched Naruto in a long while because I read the manga and already knew what was going to go down with Shikamaru and the gang. I didn't think it deserved as much attention as the SasuNaru fight since those two are my favorite characters. But![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
aquariankiss's screencaps of the Chouji fight make me somewhat eager to watch his section of episodes.
The Gaara/Lee fight with Kimimaro episodes were also a good jump-start into this section of the anime. I'm liking Gaara even more now than ever; he just seems more expressive in the anime. I think it's those gorgeous teal eyes that project such emotion. In 127, we see more of that with him desperately trying to understand how Kimi can be so protective and loyal to Orochimaru, comparing the relationship between them with that of Gai and Lee and also with Naruto and his friends. Gaara thinks about Naruto a lot, probably because Naruto basically saved him from the agony his soul was trapped inside. This theme is explored more slowly in the current manga chapters. It's not that we don't still get bad ass Gaara. He does have his moments when he's using his ultimate sand shield that he can get quite arrogant and full of himself, but he does it in a matter-of-fact fashion so it doesn't seem so self-righteous as when characters, like say Sasuke, do it. With Gaara, it's just the way he sees things. Impartial but still with the outcome of his eventual triumph. I really like this trait of Gaara. You can watch him become more humane and less of a monster as events unfold. Gaara is one of Kishimoto's greatest accomplishments in character development. I only hope that Sasuke will receive a similiar epiphany so that I don't have to beat his ass. Or is that Naruto and Sakura's job? Moving on, we have that great moment where Gaara's realizing his mortality, running out of chakra, and where Kimi finally gets the best of him. The shot of Gaara staring back at Kimi's bone-blade is impressive. Gaara's eyes show fear and suprise and remind watchers that he is still just a child like others. I think he's younger than the rest, don't remember. It's one of the most powerful images of the episode.
Then we have Kimimaro. I won't lie and say that I ever felt much toward this character. I don't approve of many who work for Orochimaru, especially one who's determined to grant Oro's wish of finding a suitable vessel. I don't get what Oro has ever done for his minions that earns their undying loyalty. He doesn't seem to care about them, shown in his attitude when Kabuto informs him of Kimimaro's death. Also, the previous episode with scenes of young Kimi and his brief meeting with Zabuza and Haku didn't really move me. The kid's cute but I still couldn't feel anything for him but pity that his entire clan would fear him so much that they imprisoned him since childhood. I think the music in 127 made it easier to emote with Kimi, especially when he's remembering how he was once special to Orochimaru, how they were going to realize Oro's ambition together. This makes the scene where Kimi starts to get sick and where he finally collapses during the defeat of the previous kazekage more painful. I even teared up during the scene where ailing Kimimaro undergoes treatment but realizes he can no longer serve Orochimaru as they dreamed. Kabuto coming in and informing Kimi of his loss, with that ultra-evil smile, does not sit well with me, and was glad Kimi couldn't see the look of pure satisfaction and gloating on Kabuto's face. Everyone knows Kabuto was jealous at Oro's choosing Kimi over him. The hideous appreance of Kimi during his battle with Gaara didn't complement what he said about not being alone and about always being in Orochimaru's heart but the music did its best to compensate. Enough to where I was stricken at Kimimaro's sudden death. The blood on the flower, just like the one he found when he first saw Oro, worked.
I must also gush about how cute it was when Gaara saved Lee and they're both floating on their little sand clouds. Lee really likes praising Gaara's skills. He's proud but he's also unafraid of noting the skills of others. This is what makes Lee such a great character and great all-around guy.
SasuNaru, what can I say? It's harder to talk about 128 because I've already said so much over AIM and because I already paid an abundant amount of attention to the manga chapters of these scenes. I would have to say that seeing it animated made everything twenty times more agonizing. The scene where Naruto confronts Sasuke and Sasuke slowly turns to reveal his half-cursed face would spook anyone. It still gives me chills. The manga just couldn't capture that black-yellow difference that makes Sasuke so unsettling. This episode used a lot of stills, probably so they could focus on slight changes in expression, trembling eyes, clutching hands, passive mouths, and frequent looks of utter shock. Because of this style, Sasuke's insanity and total lack of emotion hurts terribly. To see Naruto shaking with fear, rage, and pain, and Sasuke just glancing back, empty, HURTS! It's beautiful. The way Takuechi Junko delivers Naruto's lines, voicing the mess of emotions twisting and snapping within him, claws at the heart, mine anyway. You can't get this sort of double-sensory impact from just reading words on a page, as awesome as the manga chapter was. You can see the agony, you hear it, and you definitely *feel* it. You know how much Sasuke is hurting his best friend. The flashbacks don't detract from the episode either; they enhance it, working within Naruto's dialogue. When Sasuke reminds Naruto how eager he was to fight him but Naruto recalls that Sasuke made everything wrong that time, you almost need the flashback to show you what Naruto's replaying in his mind as he pins Sasuke down and pleads for reason. The ones where Naruto is remembering all of the important moments between him and Sasuke are also important to show why Naruto *can't* understand how Sasuke could just turn his back on EVERYTHING. It's as though he's trying to pinpoint the exact moment everything started to collapse for Sasuke. He wants a reason. How can someone who fought so valiantly for his friends against Gaara or who sacrificed his life for Naruto against Haku change like this?
Sasuke's line "Good for them," which totally denounces the efforts Shikamaru, Kiba, Chouji, and Neji went through to get Naruto here makes you want to knock his teeth down his throat. It's that vicious. I'm amazed that a simple line could provoke such a reaction in me and I owe it to the seiyuu's delivery and the dismissive hand gesture Sasuke uses. Some argue that the animators were lazy with the actual drawing in these episodes; fortunately they were not lazy with the layout or fluidity. I never realized that Naruto doesn't pause to wipe off the blood Sasuke spits into his face (after Naruto punches him). He's so driven that he doesn't have time to give the action more than a passing thought, enough to make him more infuriated with Sasuke. Not only that, but every fangirl's favorite shot of Sasuke lying back with Naruto on top of him is truly quite tragic when you really look at it. He has no reaction, just waiting, waiting for the hatred that he *almost* knows he deserves at this point. That is the display of someone very lost.
Also worth noting is the catch in Naruto's voice when he's warning Sasuke that Orochimaru won't give away power for free, that Sasuke has a good chance of dying, and that Naruto can't just sit by and watch. It showcases the deep friendship between the two, something that Naruto is slowly realizing. For once, I am not talking about love or yaoi here. I mean, these are two boys who are in constant competition and brought up with the belief that they are insignificant to others. Sasuke may have fans among the ninjas but their words give little comfort to his shattered psyche so the belief remains. But Naruto needs Sasuke to know now that he is important to him and to Sakura (for whom he promised to save Sasuke) and he wants Sasuke to understand this value is unconditional. He will return him to Konoha, even if he has to beat him into submission. It's a desperate, mad attempt to gain control of the situation and it stays with you. How could it not? Especially with Sasuke's reply that the threat of death doesn't matter; it's his only chance to achieve his goal, his power. It's a crazed statement but hints at how obssessed Sasuke has become. His dream is an addiction for which he would sacrifice anything. Of course, this is followed by Sasuke grabbing Naruto painfully and finally sucker-punching him, something that really makes me want to deck the boy. Cheap shot! Sasuke's confusion at his power seems two-fold, that he could actually strike Naruto like that and that he did it with such strength. It gives him enough control of himself to manage the seal. Thankfully, Sasuke looks a bit more sane without it, no thanks to that mental image of shirtless evil!Sasuke and that wickedly creepy laugh. It really is scarier when you hear it. I pause my real introspection of the episode long enough to say "WHOOO! HOT SEXY WET NARUTO! YEAH BABY!" Now that that's over with...we get the most gripping strains of the background music when Sasuke and Naruto begin their real fight. Some nice leg shots, fluid kicks, questionable grabs, and a very calculating Sasuke. I'm not sure if he's more disturbing when he's stable and acting like this or when he's under effect of the seal. Either way, I cannot describe how much this music rocks and really really moves the scenes. We need it on an OST soon! The anime knows how to create an atmosphere and the music pours with despair and melancholy. Great stuff.
Ah, the Uchihacest flashbacks. Sasuke is one adorable child. And this part reminds me why I used to find Itachi so hot before I realized he was too much of a bastard for my tastes. I have nothing but undying praise for the scene of Itachi practicing with his kunai. The fingers, the arm moments, the blades, the chink of steel. Probably the best animation of the special. It also gave me a chance to coo over pouty, grumpy Sasuke and patient Itachi. I still think that finger-poke thing is mean. It looks like it hurts. I also love the childlike pride and enthusiam Sasuke has at this stage. The shot of him wielding his dual kunai and announcing his skill to Itachi is precious. I see these scenes and again question Itachi's motive in destroying Sasuke's world. No doubt in my mind that these two care for each other. Deeply. Who doesn't smile at the scene of Itachi carrying injured Sasuke on his back, along with Sasuke's excited blush? The smile and look Sasuke has as he's clutching onto his big brother is pure bliss, plain and simple. I've never seen him happier. He's safe with this Itachi. He's loved. It becomes clearer how the violent loss of all that would ruin everything that Itachi was.
Older Sasuke's line "My dream doesn't exist in the future. My dream lies in the past" reminds us that Sasuke will forever be trapped there, unless something breaks through to him. All of the friendships in the world can't perserve him because his current life means nothing. Of course, the threat of death would hold no sway. His ability to temporarily forget all that and enjoy/protect his team, his family, is gone. His stake in the past reveals itself in one last wrenching scene in 128 where Sasuke uses his brother's kunai trick to strike Naruto from behind a rock. Again, must praise the kick ass fighting music used here, highlights the tension perfectly. Sasuke's prepared for Naruto to be a clone and uses strings and shuriken? (possibly obtained from the pouch he stole off Naruto) to tuss up his once-comrade. Then we have his most telling "I don't need a future with you," which always feels like a punch to the gut. I still gasp everytime I see him use his fire attack on the captive Naruto, who is starting to realize that he is dealing with a whole new Sasuke and one that he cannot hope to understand, one who would kill him.
EDIT: *sobbles* I should have known better than to post something thoughtful on today. My posts just gets pushed to the curb by all the inane jokes. >< And I spent hours on this bitch too. HOURS!
This weekend was the first time I watched Naruto in a long while because I read the manga and already knew what was going to go down with Shikamaru and the gang. I didn't think it deserved as much attention as the SasuNaru fight since those two are my favorite characters. But
aquariankiss's screencaps of the Chouji fight make me somewhat eager to watch his section of episodes. The Gaara/Lee fight with Kimimaro episodes were also a good jump-start into this section of the anime. I'm liking Gaara even more now than ever; he just seems more expressive in the anime. I think it's those gorgeous teal eyes that project such emotion. In 127, we see more of that with him desperately trying to understand how Kimi can be so protective and loyal to Orochimaru, comparing the relationship between them with that of Gai and Lee and also with Naruto and his friends. Gaara thinks about Naruto a lot, probably because Naruto basically saved him from the agony his soul was trapped inside. This theme is explored more slowly in the current manga chapters. It's not that we don't still get bad ass Gaara. He does have his moments when he's using his ultimate sand shield that he can get quite arrogant and full of himself, but he does it in a matter-of-fact fashion so it doesn't seem so self-righteous as when characters, like say Sasuke, do it. With Gaara, it's just the way he sees things. Impartial but still with the outcome of his eventual triumph. I really like this trait of Gaara. You can watch him become more humane and less of a monster as events unfold. Gaara is one of Kishimoto's greatest accomplishments in character development. I only hope that Sasuke will receive a similiar epiphany so that I don't have to beat his ass. Or is that Naruto and Sakura's job? Moving on, we have that great moment where Gaara's realizing his mortality, running out of chakra, and where Kimi finally gets the best of him. The shot of Gaara staring back at Kimi's bone-blade is impressive. Gaara's eyes show fear and suprise and remind watchers that he is still just a child like others. I think he's younger than the rest, don't remember. It's one of the most powerful images of the episode.
Then we have Kimimaro. I won't lie and say that I ever felt much toward this character. I don't approve of many who work for Orochimaru, especially one who's determined to grant Oro's wish of finding a suitable vessel. I don't get what Oro has ever done for his minions that earns their undying loyalty. He doesn't seem to care about them, shown in his attitude when Kabuto informs him of Kimimaro's death. Also, the previous episode with scenes of young Kimi and his brief meeting with Zabuza and Haku didn't really move me. The kid's cute but I still couldn't feel anything for him but pity that his entire clan would fear him so much that they imprisoned him since childhood. I think the music in 127 made it easier to emote with Kimi, especially when he's remembering how he was once special to Orochimaru, how they were going to realize Oro's ambition together. This makes the scene where Kimi starts to get sick and where he finally collapses during the defeat of the previous kazekage more painful. I even teared up during the scene where ailing Kimimaro undergoes treatment but realizes he can no longer serve Orochimaru as they dreamed. Kabuto coming in and informing Kimi of his loss, with that ultra-evil smile, does not sit well with me, and was glad Kimi couldn't see the look of pure satisfaction and gloating on Kabuto's face. Everyone knows Kabuto was jealous at Oro's choosing Kimi over him. The hideous appreance of Kimi during his battle with Gaara didn't complement what he said about not being alone and about always being in Orochimaru's heart but the music did its best to compensate. Enough to where I was stricken at Kimimaro's sudden death. The blood on the flower, just like the one he found when he first saw Oro, worked.
I must also gush about how cute it was when Gaara saved Lee and they're both floating on their little sand clouds. Lee really likes praising Gaara's skills. He's proud but he's also unafraid of noting the skills of others. This is what makes Lee such a great character and great all-around guy.
SasuNaru, what can I say? It's harder to talk about 128 because I've already said so much over AIM and because I already paid an abundant amount of attention to the manga chapters of these scenes. I would have to say that seeing it animated made everything twenty times more agonizing. The scene where Naruto confronts Sasuke and Sasuke slowly turns to reveal his half-cursed face would spook anyone. It still gives me chills. The manga just couldn't capture that black-yellow difference that makes Sasuke so unsettling. This episode used a lot of stills, probably so they could focus on slight changes in expression, trembling eyes, clutching hands, passive mouths, and frequent looks of utter shock. Because of this style, Sasuke's insanity and total lack of emotion hurts terribly. To see Naruto shaking with fear, rage, and pain, and Sasuke just glancing back, empty, HURTS! It's beautiful. The way Takuechi Junko delivers Naruto's lines, voicing the mess of emotions twisting and snapping within him, claws at the heart, mine anyway. You can't get this sort of double-sensory impact from just reading words on a page, as awesome as the manga chapter was. You can see the agony, you hear it, and you definitely *feel* it. You know how much Sasuke is hurting his best friend. The flashbacks don't detract from the episode either; they enhance it, working within Naruto's dialogue. When Sasuke reminds Naruto how eager he was to fight him but Naruto recalls that Sasuke made everything wrong that time, you almost need the flashback to show you what Naruto's replaying in his mind as he pins Sasuke down and pleads for reason. The ones where Naruto is remembering all of the important moments between him and Sasuke are also important to show why Naruto *can't* understand how Sasuke could just turn his back on EVERYTHING. It's as though he's trying to pinpoint the exact moment everything started to collapse for Sasuke. He wants a reason. How can someone who fought so valiantly for his friends against Gaara or who sacrificed his life for Naruto against Haku change like this?
Sasuke's line "Good for them," which totally denounces the efforts Shikamaru, Kiba, Chouji, and Neji went through to get Naruto here makes you want to knock his teeth down his throat. It's that vicious. I'm amazed that a simple line could provoke such a reaction in me and I owe it to the seiyuu's delivery and the dismissive hand gesture Sasuke uses. Some argue that the animators were lazy with the actual drawing in these episodes; fortunately they were not lazy with the layout or fluidity. I never realized that Naruto doesn't pause to wipe off the blood Sasuke spits into his face (after Naruto punches him). He's so driven that he doesn't have time to give the action more than a passing thought, enough to make him more infuriated with Sasuke. Not only that, but every fangirl's favorite shot of Sasuke lying back with Naruto on top of him is truly quite tragic when you really look at it. He has no reaction, just waiting, waiting for the hatred that he *almost* knows he deserves at this point. That is the display of someone very lost.
Also worth noting is the catch in Naruto's voice when he's warning Sasuke that Orochimaru won't give away power for free, that Sasuke has a good chance of dying, and that Naruto can't just sit by and watch. It showcases the deep friendship between the two, something that Naruto is slowly realizing. For once, I am not talking about love or yaoi here. I mean, these are two boys who are in constant competition and brought up with the belief that they are insignificant to others. Sasuke may have fans among the ninjas but their words give little comfort to his shattered psyche so the belief remains. But Naruto needs Sasuke to know now that he is important to him and to Sakura (for whom he promised to save Sasuke) and he wants Sasuke to understand this value is unconditional. He will return him to Konoha, even if he has to beat him into submission. It's a desperate, mad attempt to gain control of the situation and it stays with you. How could it not? Especially with Sasuke's reply that the threat of death doesn't matter; it's his only chance to achieve his goal, his power. It's a crazed statement but hints at how obssessed Sasuke has become. His dream is an addiction for which he would sacrifice anything. Of course, this is followed by Sasuke grabbing Naruto painfully and finally sucker-punching him, something that really makes me want to deck the boy. Cheap shot! Sasuke's confusion at his power seems two-fold, that he could actually strike Naruto like that and that he did it with such strength. It gives him enough control of himself to manage the seal. Thankfully, Sasuke looks a bit more sane without it, no thanks to that mental image of shirtless evil!Sasuke and that wickedly creepy laugh. It really is scarier when you hear it. I pause my real introspection of the episode long enough to say "WHOOO! HOT SEXY WET NARUTO! YEAH BABY!" Now that that's over with...we get the most gripping strains of the background music when Sasuke and Naruto begin their real fight. Some nice leg shots, fluid kicks, questionable grabs, and a very calculating Sasuke. I'm not sure if he's more disturbing when he's stable and acting like this or when he's under effect of the seal. Either way, I cannot describe how much this music rocks and really really moves the scenes. We need it on an OST soon! The anime knows how to create an atmosphere and the music pours with despair and melancholy. Great stuff.
Ah, the Uchihacest flashbacks. Sasuke is one adorable child. And this part reminds me why I used to find Itachi so hot before I realized he was too much of a bastard for my tastes. I have nothing but undying praise for the scene of Itachi practicing with his kunai. The fingers, the arm moments, the blades, the chink of steel. Probably the best animation of the special. It also gave me a chance to coo over pouty, grumpy Sasuke and patient Itachi. I still think that finger-poke thing is mean. It looks like it hurts. I also love the childlike pride and enthusiam Sasuke has at this stage. The shot of him wielding his dual kunai and announcing his skill to Itachi is precious. I see these scenes and again question Itachi's motive in destroying Sasuke's world. No doubt in my mind that these two care for each other. Deeply. Who doesn't smile at the scene of Itachi carrying injured Sasuke on his back, along with Sasuke's excited blush? The smile and look Sasuke has as he's clutching onto his big brother is pure bliss, plain and simple. I've never seen him happier. He's safe with this Itachi. He's loved. It becomes clearer how the violent loss of all that would ruin everything that Itachi was.
Older Sasuke's line "My dream doesn't exist in the future. My dream lies in the past" reminds us that Sasuke will forever be trapped there, unless something breaks through to him. All of the friendships in the world can't perserve him because his current life means nothing. Of course, the threat of death would hold no sway. His ability to temporarily forget all that and enjoy/protect his team, his family, is gone. His stake in the past reveals itself in one last wrenching scene in 128 where Sasuke uses his brother's kunai trick to strike Naruto from behind a rock. Again, must praise the kick ass fighting music used here, highlights the tension perfectly. Sasuke's prepared for Naruto to be a clone and uses strings and shuriken? (possibly obtained from the pouch he stole off Naruto) to tuss up his once-comrade. Then we have his most telling "I don't need a future with you," which always feels like a punch to the gut. I still gasp everytime I see him use his fire attack on the captive Naruto, who is starting to realize that he is dealing with a whole new Sasuke and one that he cannot hope to understand, one who would kill him.
EDIT: *sobbles* I should have known better than to post something thoughtful on today. My posts just gets pushed to the curb by all the inane jokes. >< And I spent hours on this bitch too. HOURS!