[switch] (OVA Episode 1)

[switch] original video animation official site

I have been a fan of [switch] by Naked Ape since last year, when the cover of the first volume caught my eyes. What attracts me most about this manga is the realistic setting of it, as if you can almost see it in live action. That's why I love real life dramas.

When I first watched the OVA, I was honestly surprised by Haru's voice. Should be expected, since it is voice-acted by Takahiro Sakurai, but my impression had been a deeper one. Anyway, I find the anime to be of excellent quality, like Code Geass's, and it's so rare to find an anime with perfect art like that. As usual, I bow down to Nakamura Tomomi for her gorgeous art style. Also, the characters are very well-portrayed---it's nice to see Kai acting like his "I-want-to-help" self. It's too bad that we don't get to see many other characters that were in the manga though.

The music fits the atmosphere very well, and I am very much looking forward to the release of the soundtracks. Since there is a cliffhanger at the end of the first episode, I am very much looking forward to the next. The second DVD will be out in February 2009 instead of December as the producers wanted it to be of top quality, so I am looking forward to it as well. Kudos

黒執事 (Anime - Episode 1)

OFFICIAL SITE

I've been a fan of Kuroshitsuji for some time---since March, I believe. I have also listened to the Drama CD of the first volume, which was really good. Of course, I had looked forward to the anime. So I managed to download the first episode a couple of days ago, and watched it this afternoon during my bus trip.

I like the opening song, but probably not so much of the clip, even though the dark atmosphere is interesting. I don't know. Or maybe it's the art that got to me. It's good that they kept it as similar to Toboso Yana's style as possible and not ruin it like Monochrome Factor's did, but I think I only like the front view. Manga version of Sebastian is still the best. Anyway, ending song is English, which is nice too. And I like the fact that they set the clip to characters in their daily life, in chibis even.

As for the story, I didn't expect them to use much of the original, though I immediately dislike the character that replaced Klaus. I didn't mind Klaus at all, but this one is...hateful. The whole setting is rather dark. Now I am just curious to see how the rest goes.

To be honest though, I don't like the voice actors chosen for the anime. Or maybe it's because I was used to those in the drama CD already. I find Sebastian in the drama CD more appealing than the anime's. Even Finny and Tanaka doesn't sound right anymore... I'm glad that they did not change Lau's though, who is still the voice actor of Ichimaru Gin (Bleach) and from the drama CD. I wouldn't forgive them if they made the change for my favorite character. Anyway, I would recommend the drama CD more. It's also closer to the manga itself.

Forever Friends

"Forever Friends" is a song composed by Giorgio Moroder (Italy) and Kong Xiangdong (China) for the Beijing Olympics 2008. It came in two versions, Chinese and English.

Here I am specifically showing the Chinese version, which is sung by Sun Nan (China) and Amei (Taiwan), because I feel that the lyrics have more meaning than the English has. You would know by going to the webpage for the above video and take a look at the lyrics, it is translated in English as well. Not only that, the video is much more entrancing and natural than English, which, honestly, looks really fake and unimaginative. Personally, the music video of English version reminds of an Indian music video (no offense).

I believe it is a very appropriate song for the Olympics as well in enhancing relationship among all nations. Watching the music video where every one, no matter what race or skin color they have, gather together in joy and happiness. Cheesy, maybe, but that is exactly what the world needs now. Merely watching the hugs and tears of joy can put one (at least, myself) in tears as well. Sun Nan and Amei have powerful voices for the song, I take my hat down to them. (Though I was slightly irked by Sun Nan's English at the end---I kept trying to catch the 'S' in his pronunciation but failed to, though I caught it when he sang in the English version.)

I hope everyone enjoys the Olympics. I am too, even though I do not have the opportunity to watch it.

Welcome to Youlexis

Youlexis is a review blog by You Min. Every word here is her opinion and feelings concerning things she encounter in life, from books to music to movies. Please read the below disclaimer before commenting or other.

You Min will not in any way claims any work of others as her own. She expresses her opinions in the cleanest way possible, avoiding any foul words or wrongful/intentional bashes towards the makers. Since everything in here are of her own interest, disagreements might not be dealt with because it is to her own liking. However, she is open to other opinions if you have any, as long as there is no spamming involved. This means that short comments would be preferably left in the tagboard instead of the usual comment form.

This blog does not provide direct download links, but rather possible links to sites such as YouTube. Please support original copies.

Please note that the author's maturity in the reviews may not be kept throughout, and you may encounter regular "fangirl" rants now and then.

Finally, please use the tags if you like to search for only a particular category. Enjoy your stay.