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EP. REVIEW: Re:Zero -Starting Life in Another World-


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Juno016



Joined: 09 Jan 2012
Posts: 2377
PostPosted: Sun Apr 17, 2016 5:33 pm Reply with quote
A ton of my students have been reading this series and recommended it to me. I didn't pick up the novels yet, but I would love to once I know the anime isn't continuing. It DOES have a great first few episodes. So far, it's the top pick of the season for me in terms of clarity and having a good idea of what to expect without it feeling unoriginal. Kiznaiver is great, but it's too hard to figure out what's going on in its first episode that I'm not sold on it yet.
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whiskeyii



Joined: 29 May 2013
Posts: 2242
PostPosted: Sun Apr 17, 2016 5:58 pm Reply with quote
I have mixed feelings on this show. I really like the world-building, and the overall production feels nice. The fight scenes aren't too shabby either. But man, do I really not care much for Subaru. Part of it's because he seems at times Too Dumb to Live, what with taking no less than FOUR repeated timelines to finally realize he'd been looping (despite his supposed gaming proficiency), and that he seems to have zero filters; why would you remark on the heroics of kicking a table while you're engaged in a fight with someone who can and has killed you? Thinking it alone should be sufficient; no need to endanger yourself by running your mouth about it. Rolling Eyes

Also, wow, this show is still really wordy, to the point where I think it undermines its own jokes. It was hard to find Subaru's long-winded distraction as being "funny" when his default setting seems to be "long-winded". Not to mention some weird kind of moral compass. Subaru seems to always question Emilia's desire to help someone, which is weird coming from someone who tried to help Felt himself, was raised in a peaceful, not bloodthirsty modern world, and lastly, since when do you need a good reason to help somebody? Especially someone who's DYING. o.O

Still, there's enough intrigue, mystery, and world-building to keep me invested, but yeesh, do I wish we had a different protagonist.
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AURA_



Joined: 31 Mar 2016
Posts: 5
PostPosted: Sun Apr 17, 2016 6:00 pm Reply with quote
In episode 2 when the guy with the green hair helps him (the shopkeeper) said that he helped his daughter but wasnt that before he got killed the first time how did he know? Also the first time he met the swordsman he already knew the mcs name, I don't even think he introduced himself. I feel confused lol.
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Key
Moderator


Joined: 03 Nov 2003
Posts: 18135
Location: Indianapolis, IN (formerly Mimiho Valley)
PostPosted: Sun Apr 17, 2016 6:06 pm Reply with quote
SHIIKII_ wrote:
In episode 2 when the guy with the green hair helps him (the shopkeeper) said that he helped his daughter but wasnt that before he got killed the first time how did he know?

I had to look at that a second time, too. If you look at the wording of that scene closely, the vendor actually says "another broke kid helped my daughter," which presumably refers to Emilia.

Quote:
Also the first time he met the swordsman he already knew the mcs name, I don't even think he introduced himself. I feel confused lol.

Subaru does introduce himself by name before Reinhard uses it.
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AURA_



Joined: 31 Mar 2016
Posts: 5
PostPosted: Sun Apr 17, 2016 6:14 pm Reply with quote
Key wrote:
SHIIKII_ wrote:
In episode 2 when the guy with the green hair helps him (the shopkeeper) said that he helped his daughter but wasnt that before he got killed the first time how did he know?

I had to look at that a second time, too. If you look at the wording of that scene closely, the vendor actually says "another broke kid helped my daughter," which presumably refers to Emilia.

Quote:
Also the first time he met the swordsman he already knew the mcs name, I don't even think he introduced himself. I feel confused lol.

Subaru does introduce himself by name before Reinhard uses it.

Oh okay I probably just wasn't paying attention then, have to go rewatch it now lol.
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DeConTras



Joined: 17 Apr 2016
Posts: 5
PostPosted: Sun Apr 17, 2016 6:17 pm Reply with quote
Key wrote:

which presumably refers to Emilia.


I am sure it does. The little hints from different timelines that tell the whole story are my favorite thing about time loop shows. I love the fact that we as viewers were told that Emily was unable to buy the Shopkeeper's Appa's in episode 1. Then the shopkeeper says another broke kid helped his daughter in episode 2. And finally the nail in the coffin was seeing Emily wear that thing around her neck made by the little kid to which Subra thinks "No matter which timeline,her attitude to help others remains the same".

Arghh, Why does one week take one week to occur?? Can't wait to see what direction the show goes from here.
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chito895



Joined: 22 Jan 2015
Posts: 512
Location: Lima, Peru
PostPosted: Sun Apr 17, 2016 6:22 pm Reply with quote
I'm kind of annoyed when people compare this one to Steins;Gate. In plot terms, during this three episodes, those are kind of similar (Okabe/Subaru spoiler[goes back to the past to save Mayuri/Girls]), but beyond that, well, comparisons really fall flat.

I can't stand when Subaru breaks the 4th wall and start with his meta-commentary. Mostly because it seems he only opens his mouth to do that. It's great when he tries to go and save the others by doing rather heroic acts, but his dialogues are so filled with stupid comments that everything else gets dragged down.

Something I can agree with is that the fight scenes are very entertaining, especially the one from the 3rd episode. The choreography between Elsa and Reinhard was very well done. And one other point in its favor, at least for me, is that even they talk during battles, they at least are doing it while fighting and moving, not just staring at each other insulting and being cocky.

This show has a nice premise and world, with very well animated fights (hopefully White Fox can keep with the animation). But Subaru, so far, has really ruined this for me.
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Iron Maw



Joined: 29 May 2008
Posts: 482
PostPosted: Sun Apr 17, 2016 6:52 pm Reply with quote
I've got no problem with Subaru's meta-commentary, perhaps because I've read a lot of stories with dialogue like from similar characters like his (think Ash from Evil Dead series for example) both eastern and western fiction. I don't think were are supposed to take seriously and usually done more to lighten mood more than anything. I also partly see it as way for him familiarize and cope with the situation he's in. That aside for whatever flaws Subaru has he seems like a earnest young lad who is easy be around and has good chemistry with almost every character even if they feel he says strange things, no thanks to his personality. I really like how active and positive the show makes him out to be, without making him above being undaunted or undisturbed by things around him, so he's more balance then you think. He nowhere as much of shut-in as he proclaimed IMO, if anything it sounds like he might recently become like that.

I also don't an issue with him not figuring out he was looping immediately, but frankly most people wouldn't if they were going through themselves. The mind is complicated thing and what you perceive doesn't always mean it's real, hence why things placebos, dreams, deja vu and hallucinations etc exists.

Anyway, I'm really looking forward to how WhiteFox handles the next arc. Smile

Quote:
Also, why didn't either Emillia or Puck make some comment about Subaru calling him out at the beginning of the fight in episode 3, because from their perspective, he shouldn't have even known about Puck?

With situation the way it was they didn't really have the luxury to ask, but all I can say without spoilers is that it will come up in a way next episode.


Last edited by Iron Maw on Sun Apr 17, 2016 8:58 pm; edited 1 time in total
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stilldemented



Joined: 16 May 2015
Posts: 232
PostPosted: Sun Apr 17, 2016 7:21 pm Reply with quote
I have no complaints worth addressing so far. I think this will be one of the more interesting shows to discuss this season alongside Mayoiga. Not that the other shows aren't worth discussing, but the material of Re:Zero and Mayoiga invite a lot more potential theorizing/analyzing for what might happen next. (For me, anyway.)

Maybe I'm just used to monologues to the point that when a character is long-winded I don't even notice it. I've always been able to embrace that theatricality when it presents itself in anime. So I guess I'm probably one of the lucky few that won't be too bothered by Subaru. Razz

Subaru's meta-shtick can be pretty hit-or-miss. I get all the references he's making. They're not really all that funny. But sometimes it works just because it leads to getting a unique/quirky interaction from some of the other characters.

On an odd note, I've always been hesitant to thrash into these Web Novel turned Light Novel turned anime shows for some reason. I'm probably just being too nice. But there's always that little voice in the back of my head saying, "Yo, buddy. This author got his start by writing for self-satisfaction on the Japanese equivalent of fictionpress. Be nice."

I might be completely wrong in that assessment of these sorts of shows though. But I'm thankful when Theron gets these types of shows since he's more likely to tolerate material that irks those who seek more refinement from their art.

At any rate, it is very easy to tear apart these sorts of shows, but they almost always offer an interesting new spin to throw on these placeholder stories (stuck-in-RPG, fantasy world transfer, etc)

So I guess the thing I'm hoping to get from Re:Zero is that it can keep the ball rolling with it's engaging spins/concepts. Right now, the main character has some decent character interactions in comparison to most shows of this genre. I can buy into the dialogue even if it is a little long-winded.

To put it into words...I find myself somewhat hyped by this show. There's a lot of potential to be had with this time-travel gimmick. So even though there are probably stronger shows this season, this is one of the shows I'm most eager to watch. Smile
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zrnzle500



Joined: 04 Oct 2014
Posts: 3767
PostPosted: Sun Apr 17, 2016 8:29 pm Reply with quote
This show was definitely better than I initially expected. From the premise and the visual, I thought it would be just a good looking genre piece. They certainly put some effort into the visuals, even if there are some rough spots. The story is better or at least more interesting than I though it would be. I am glad they are out of the first loop. I'm not sure if I could have gone another episode of that. They almost got me when his injury from the battle took effect. I don't mind Subaru and his meta antics, though I agree they should probably keep it to a minimum.

I half expected Reinhard to yell Ex----Caliber when he unleashed his attack Smile
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catstigereye



Joined: 25 Oct 2009
Posts: 341
PostPosted: Sun Apr 17, 2016 8:36 pm Reply with quote
Good story so far! Well animated!
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kinghumanity



Joined: 03 Nov 2014
Posts: 365
PostPosted: Sun Apr 17, 2016 9:31 pm Reply with quote
I don't think anyone has mentioned the voice casting yet. Noto Mamiko's chilly voice as Elsa was perfect. Can't think of anyone else more suited for the character.
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Gina Szanboti



Joined: 03 Aug 2008
Posts: 11306
PostPosted: Sun Apr 17, 2016 10:10 pm Reply with quote
whiskeyii wrote:
...he seems to have zero filters; why would you remark on the heroics of kicking a table while you're engaged in a fight with someone who can and has killed you? Thinking it alone should be sufficient; no need to endanger yourself by running your mouth about it. Rolling Eyes

To me that came across as pent-up frustration at having been killed by her 3 times already. That's "normally" a situation where you'd want to keep a low profile, but he thinks she can't permanently kill him, so he just let all the insulting things anyone would love to say to her come pouring out, just to get it off his chest. I could identify with that. When you really hate someone, don't you wish you could just spew at them without having to worry about any consequences of saying exactly how you feel about them? Smile

I actually kind of like Subaru. I think I like all the characters in this so far, except for Bowel Lady. I might even like her as a villain if she'd stop with the silly lip licking. Why do bad guys always have to be licking stuff? Swords, guns, lips, other people's faces... Rolling Eyes
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DaiaX



Joined: 12 Oct 2015
Posts: 3
PostPosted: Sun Apr 17, 2016 10:43 pm Reply with quote
If they gonna do another loop in episode 3 .. i can't even, will just skip.
I don't mind Subaru meta comments, don't think it's too wordy. I take it as he got jumbled mind trying to process this new world and experience, plus the loop.
I mean, arrived to new world with beastmen, magic, elf, etc will need some toll to the brain. Add a loop that trigger by death? A slow and painful multiple death?

I like the story and the action scene also on Subaru I feel I can relate to him. Though a "kyodai" scene still confuses me, guess it just his perk. Also i thought Reinhardt will be annoying character, guess he's quite good. How the story will play out and how it will end, I can't wait for next week!
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chex mix



Joined: 28 Mar 2015
Posts: 415
PostPosted: Mon Apr 18, 2016 12:06 am Reply with quote
I rather like Subaru, really. *hides*

I just hope he managed to establish a new save point by clearing "retrieve shiny thing" so he doesn't have to start way back at appa guy again.
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