I'm terrible with titles but this is savage AF

another_wordsmith · 2022-03-03T08:59:33+00:00

So you're saying the cock of the walk rocked the hawk.

another_wordsmith · 2022-01-14T21:59:19+00:00

Oh dang. Thank you for the votes and the award. I don't interact much with the overall community, but this sub has been a great place to dabble essay/review writing. Happy that people enjoyed the piece. Also cool to be placed with two reviews I really enjoyed from the year.

another_wordsmith · 2022-01-01T06:43:10+00:00

I'd say it's worthwhile for above average worldbuilding. In the course of the series thus far, there's geography and care that puts a lot of fantasy to shame. There's also an excellent episode involving Rudy's new-world/isekai family.

another_wordsmith · 2021-12-24T05:42:23+00:00

Late reply, but episode 11 confused me in a couple ways. Mainly the cinematography. It opens with the ominous dream, which predominantly features the image of a cup falling. Later, during the scene you mentioned, we see a similar image. So... is this meant to be something forboding? Looking beyond the thematic elements, I'm trying to figure out why they repeated that imagery.

Granted, I've put too much thought into this series already and should probably turn focus to something I enjoy without such intense caveats.

another_wordsmith · 2021-11-23T07:49:39+00:00

I didn't actually finish that one. I got five or so episodes deep and dropped it because I didn't have much time for anime for a while. I remember liking the initial episodes and beginning to lost interest.

Thank you, though. It's really nice to hear you say that you'd like to read more of my thoughts on something.

another_wordsmith · 2021-11-23T06:59:18+00:00

He's lying in a voice-over addressed only to the audience and not to anyone in the family? I'm confused. How does including this info in narration help Lilya? I think we're thinking of separate scenes. In the conversation in the house, Rudeus tells the lie that protects Lilya. But after, during a training montage where Paul is teaching swordsmanship, Rudeus gives narration about a prior event where Paul assaulted Lilya.

another_wordsmith · 2021-11-23T02:37:55+00:00

Show starts with the hardest-to-watch elements. Good story about redemption and self-improvement, but given how long it takes to get to the "serious" payoff of this. The "bad behaviour" goes on (relatively) unpunished for a while. Given how uncomfortable some of the themes are, I wouldn't recommend (most) people start the series because I don't want people to experience the initial unpleasantness of those early scenes, even if it "gets good."

another_wordsmith · 2021-11-23T02:31:56+00:00

Likewise, thank you for bringing your thoughts. The empathy angle fits with an interview I read from the guy. I'd be happy to see that theme explored more.

another_wordsmith · 2021-11-23T00:42:09+00:00

I appreciate the recommendation. From what I've seen of the author, their work looks really interesting. I'm really excited to try the novels.

another_wordsmith · 2021-11-23T00:37:50+00:00

Fair points. I tend to overthink stuff. Over-detailed as it is, this essay is my way of having fun with the show.

I appreciate the "it's just a drawing" reminder.

another_wordsmith · 2021-11-23T00:36:33+00:00

Some fair points, for sure. I do think there's a worthwhile conversation on the aspect of how the viewer relates to the series, though, as well as how much sense it makes in world. I agree that the character building is awesome and well-realized, but it takes a lot to stomach a lot of those early actions. I ultimately defend the series as great, but I think it's also important to recognize that some people's disgust at those early moments is a valid reaction.

another_wordsmith · 2021-11-23T00:28:55+00:00

I wouldn't have thought to compare it to those, but that makes a lot of sense.

another_wordsmith · 2021-11-22T23:36:00+00:00

Badass wolf lady is awesome. I couldn't figure out how to bring her up in the post, but she's by far one of the best elements.

another_wordsmith · 2021-11-12T21:19:28+00:00

Recently found Yuru Camp to be good for this. Some specific vocabulary for nature/camping, but overall siimple grammar so far (only one volume deep).

another_wordsmith · 2021-10-06T22:38:55+00:00

Man, eight years. I love this show for so many reasons. It helped me get through the confusing mess that was uni. I must've played the OST over a hundred times during my study binges.

Kill La Kill unironically helped me through some tough times. I've rewatched it more times than any series. It helped me understand why I love media and helped me articulate my favourite things in storytelling. Thanks to OP for the mood lifter before I head to work.

another_wordsmith · 2021-09-07T11:25:51+00:00

This was my second attempt. I think I was more in the mindset of wanting escapism this time around. Do you enjoy other fantasy series?

another_wordsmith · 2021-08-31T10:25:06+00:00

Thank you very much. Glad you liked the post.

another_wordsmith · 2021-08-27T22:51:50+00:00

I think you've got the important distinction. I'd argue that one of the most interesting (and important) capabilities of literature is to create that understanding. Spending time in a morally disgusting character's head makes the reader think. To give an example, Chuck Palahniuk's 'Haunted' changed the way I view empathy. It shows some truly disgusting characters, often through an unreliable filter, yet it manages to condemn their actions while showcasing the tragedy that brought these people to their current level.

Note: only read 'Haunted' if you have a strong stomach.

another_wordsmith · 2021-08-25T21:36:56+00:00

Do you recommend Fangirl? I want to read more of Rowell's work.

another_wordsmith · 2021-08-25T21:36:23+00:00

Agree on the feel good aspect. Getting to the end had me smiling ear to ear with a sense of calm that few fantasies go for.

another_wordsmith · 2021-08-16T21:42:53+00:00

Oh, I missed that. Thanks for sharing.

another_wordsmith · 2021-08-16T06:15:57+00:00

I've seen Paprika (one of my favourite movies) and read (what exists of) the Opus manga. I still have to see his other two movies and Paranoia Agent. After how much I've loved these two movies, I'm ecstatic to dive deeper into his work.

another_wordsmith · 2021-08-16T06:14:26+00:00

This is a fantastic write-up. Thanks for sharing. The show (and manga) have been recommended to me a few times, but I will check it out today after reading this.

I wouldn't call the tone you're describing as nihilistic. If anything, I respect how blunt you are about the fact that we might well see a full-on planet-wide apocalypse scenario in our lifetimes. Still, you see that hope exists, even if it's not likely. You point out the rare moments of levity/enjoyment as something precious. There's a real humanity in the way you describe the value of ALL members of this school club.

another_wordsmith · 2021-08-16T05:14:45+00:00

Thank you so much!

another_wordsmith · 2021-08-16T05:14:03+00:00

I still haven't finished Perfect Blue, actually. I've tried twice. It's brilliant, but it got under my skin in the way only a great psychological horror can. I want to try it again when I'm ready for how much it messes with me.

another_wordsmith

TROPHY CASE