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Magical shopping arcade abenobashi5/16/2023 ![]() ![]() Most of the time, the kids try to find a way to return home but then…… The metaphysical part comes to bring revelations, plot twists and a really weird conclusion (can’t say more without spoiling the surprise).- The story has no side stories and is not even a main attraction. ![]() And as I mentioned before, you have to be accustomed to many things in order to get the jokes. From epic phantasy (RPG parody), to science fiction (mecha parody), to martial arts, film noir, date simulations, and more (always parodies). Then suddenly…… The parody part begins with the kids being transported to alternative realities! On each episode (generally stand-alone), their district is transformed into a different-themed place. Their families will move away and they will separate, a thing that makes them really sad and pessimistic about the future. But it definitely is different and interesting in the same time.- The serious part involves two kids who see the shopping district they grew up in to be about to shut down. Bizarre is not a strong enough word for it. The story starts serious not funny at all, continues as a parody and ends as a metaphysical mystery. Unlike the cheery atmosphere of the general plot, it’s gloomy and serious. SCRIPT - There is scenario present only in the first, the seventh and the last episode. But since it’s not… they fit like bread and butter! A notice must also be given to all those easily recognizable variations of several blockbusters’ soundtrack themes. If this were a serious series, then that would be something to bitch at. Voice acting and music themes are never serious-sounding but they are very high-spirited. When something serious is going on, 3D models and nicely made lightings pop-up. If you prefer realism, look elsewhere.- Lightning/ Visual Effects are scarce but present. This mockery is done intentionally for increasing the laughing factor. Still, the deformity and the same background being changed on each episode was a nice idea and with a well presentation.- The animation is chaotic, as everything moves with cranny fps and little concern about the laws of physics. If you prefer clear drawings and stable proportions, then this series is not your cup of tea. Being a parody, this is to be expected a grotesque perception of the fine arts is a common trait in comedy. So, yeah, I liked the concept.- The graphics are heavy on deformity, as characters are drawn simplistic and very often with erratic proportions. It didn’t strike me as repetitive but as creative. PRODUCTION VALUES - Each episode features the exact same area (a shopping district) dressed as a different anime genre each time. This is also important in a way for being director Yamaga Hiroyuki’s best work (not that he directed many good shows to begin with). THE STAFF GAINAX strikes again with yet another weird show with an even weirder ending while Madhouse offers us one more of its wonderful animated works. So… MOVE YOUR BUTT AND WATCH AS MANY AS YOU CAN if you ever want to truly appreciate the series. If you are not one yet, you better leave this aside until you become one. It is brimming with so many parodies of anime stereotypes, famous movie clips and cultural references that if you are not a seasoned otaku, you will miss most of the jokes. ![]() PREFACE Seen from afar, Abenobashi should only be viewed by people who have seen several genres of anime, are familiar with most Hollywood blockbusters and are accustomed to the Japanese culture. ![]()
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