:eye:I have mixed feelings about this first chapter. As a reader of the book, I'm not sure if that has worked against me. Let me explain.:eye:
While we find many similarities between this chapter and the book, such as the Cultural Revolution:red_circle: , which is vital to understanding Ye Wenjie, the sense of conspiracy surrounding the scientific deaths, and the protagonist's countdown, for some reason it feels rushed.
From my perspective, as I've mentioned, things happen too quickly. In the book, there comes a point where the author provides us with a lot of information through details, dialogues, and descriptions, but also makes us feel paranoid and tense in a certain way. :eyes:This is something I didn't experience while watching the series. The direction and pace, as well as the dialogue, don't convey much to me.
For example, when Ye Wenjie is imprisoned, in the book, we see how she suffers and is 'tortured' to some extent in her confinement. We witness her anger and also how she gives in, how much is taken from her. This is somewhat alleviated when she sees the government agent who seems kind, regaining hope, but she loses it again when she is tortured again with ice water.
There's a subtext, there's something more, that the series and those involved in it fail to capture, and I don't mean just how simplified it feels for people who are not part of the academic-scientific or science fiction world to understand.
Another thing that strikes me as strange is that most of the important characters who are obviously of Chinese origin become people of color or Latinx. I don't understand how they're going to resolve this, considering that in the novel, this is really important, as they even gave us the part about the Cultural Revolution. It's not bothersome, but it's weird.
Not seeing a character like Wang Miao, who is central to most of the book, or not feeling the despicable Da Shi, given how quickly everything happens, and the revelation of the flickering universe, feels even stranger.
As I mentioned, I have mixed feelings, but it's only the first chapter. We'll see if it picks up...
Sam Esmail is afraid of technology and wants us all to have the same fear as him. That man knows things.
I came across it because of Mads Mikkelsen, and I was captivated by this period drama – intimate and expertly crafted. The performances, cinematography, and pacing are the standout elements. It's a straightforward film, yet one with a good-hearted nature and substance.
Without a doubt, Mappa is etching its name in history with the sheer mastery displayed in this animation. Those who voice complaints seem to lack an understanding of the groundbreaking nature of this work—it's truly incredible, pushing the boundaries in ways we've never witnessed before.
Yet, it's disheartening to see this achievement overshadowed by the exploitation and dehumanization evident in Mappa's management of their exceptionally talented workforce.
It's undeniable that with more time, we could have witnessed the creation of one of the greatest animations of all time.
The cliffhanger at the end leaves us eagerly anticipating a resolution to the workers' demands, hoping it paves the way for the culmination of this extraordinary piece of work.
Apple TV has been doing an incredible job with its series, and this one is no exception. Great performances, intrigue, mystery - it's genuinely addictive. There are some details towards the end, but it leaves you wanting more.
It's okay if you just want to pass the time, like when you want to eat without using much brain power. However, if you're looking for more, I think there are better anime shows this season, as it doesn't offer anything new, fresh, or intriguing.
In a world surrounded by mediocre visual effects, witnessing this is like a gentle caress to the soul. It's fascinating to see how the story unfolds and rewards the viewer, exuding the grandeur and magnificence of a vast universe that leaves you craving for more. Undoubtedly, it deserves a chance, although I'm not entirely sure you should go in with such high expectations, especially if you've read the books.:thinking:
Good story, a long time ago I was very reluctant to watch animation because I thought it was for children or something very childish that treats people as stupid or inferior.
But... this series proves when I was wrong, the plot, characters, design, colors, and much more, make this a great adventure that I really enjoyed, I wish I could erase my memory and watch it again, because you really fall in love with the characters.
The way they approach things and how they happen is beautiful, the frog is the best and I loved the second chapter.
Weird and funny like the first season, when you think you understand where the series is going, something completely different happens.
If you enjoyed the first season, don't wait any longer, the theories and small details reward the attentive viewer, although it is a different story from the first season.
The final chapter rewards everything that has happened throughout the series. I can't wait to see the next season!
By the way, the third chapter, what a way to create an atmosphere.
