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Coming Home in the Dark (2021)
A bleak drama from New Zealand
As this New Zealand drama opens teacher Alan 'Hoaggie' Hoaganraad, along with his wife Jill and two sons are hiking in a remote part of the country. While stopping for lunch they are approached by a pair of menacing individuals, Mandrake and Tubs. It looks as if they intend to rob the family but things turn much worse than that when Mandrake hears Alan referred to as Hoaggie. It is clear that their paths have crossed before and past events, which we later learn more about, are far from forgiven. Things are going to get very unpleasant for the family and several other people as the night progresses.
This is a dark toned film with a nasty feel to it; this is not a bad thing but does make it fairly uncomfortable viewing. Once the family meets Mandrake and Tubs the tension quickly rises and doesn't drop off until the end credits roll. The fact that the antagonists are very much human and one can understand why they hold a grudge against Alan makes it far more frightening than most horror films as it feels real. Keeping much of the action inside a car at night creates a claustrophobic feel. Even when nothing violent is happening the viewer can't help thinking it might at any moment and it is clear from early on that nobody is guaranteed to come out of it unscathed. Much of the violence may be senseless but that is the whole point of it; if it wasn't the film would have far less impact. The cast do a fine job making their characters believable. Given the tone this certainly won't be for everybody but I'd still recommend to those who like their scary movies set in a plausible situation.
Midsomer Murders: Dressed to Kill (2023)
An amusingly camp instalment
As this episode opens a woman is less than impressed by the drag queens preparing for a charity even in a small village. Not long afterwards she is killed and her body found in drag queen attire. Was she killed by somebody who didn't like her objections to the event or was there another motive? Barnaby and Winter are soon on the case and before it is solved plenty of suspects and motives emerge and many secrets revealed.
Having seen conflicting reviews I wasn't sure what to expect from this episode. Strangely I don't really disagree with anybody... yes the level of 'diversity' is hardly a realistic portrayal of English village life but then this series has never really been that realistic... one would believe that every village is dominated by one or two esoteric special interest groups and everybody knows everybody else even before minority characters were introduced. Oddly nobody seems to complain that the lack of Eastern Europeans is unrealistic in modern England. The series has never attempted to portray real rural life but instead an amusing caricature... in this it succeeds we get an enjoyable mystery that keeps the viewer guessing and plenty of laughs. Anyway it could be argued that certain characters going through a virtual tick-list of 'woke' buzzwords is mocking rather than endorsing it... you decide which ever way makes you enjoy it more! The cast is on fine form; they clearly know it is camp nonsense but play with it delightfully; Nick Hendrix is particularly fun as Winter. Overall a silly but fun addition to the series.
Top Gun: Maverick (2022)
A worthy sequel to an '80s classic
Other thirty years have passed since the events of the first film and US Navy pilot Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell is now a captain working as a test pilot. After another run-in with authority he is surprised to find himself sent back to 'Top Gun'; this time to train a group of recent graduates for an almost impossible mission. It will involve flying low level at high speed while evading enemies in superior aircraft to hit a small target before egressing over a mountain that will require than to perform a 9g climb! If that weren't enough he must deal with his past as one of the pilots he is training is Lt. Bradley 'Rooster' Bradshaw; the son of his old RIO 'Goose'.
Growing up in the '80s the original was one of my favourite films and when I heard there was going to be a sequel I wasn't optimistic; surely the time had passed for Maverick to return... I was wrong. While I don't think this is a better film, some elements are more than a little unrealistic, but it is more exciting. This isn't about learning how to fly better with a bit of air-to-air combat thrown in at the end; it is all about training for one 'impossible' mission and then executing that mission. As such, despite all the references to the original film, the films it reminded me of the WWII classics 'The Dam Busters' and '633 Squadron'. The subplot involving 'Rooster' could have been a bit mawkish but actually managed to provide emotional heft. The cast does a great job; most obviously Tom Cruise... it is hard to believe the man we see here is over thirty years older than he was in 'Top Gun'! The supporting cast, contains plenty of well-known actors but for me the stand out was Miles Teller as 'Rooster', of course it helped that he looks like Anthony Edwards, who played his father in the original. As one would expect the aerial shots featuring F-18 are spectacular. The CGI is also impressive; anybody who didn't know the makers didn't have access to certain featured aircraft could be forgiven for thinking most of their scenes were real. Overall I'd definitely recommend this to fans of the original or anybody who enjoys aerial action.
La faille (2019)
The Wall: Cover Your Tracks/The Château Murders
This series from Quebec is centred on Céline Trudeau, a police detective. The first season, subtitled 'Cover Your Tracks' sees her dispatched to a remote mining town where the body of a young woman has been found; it is clearly murder. The way she died makes people wonder if an earlier death of a child wasn't the accident it was initially assumed to be. In the small community just about everybody knew the victim and there are plenty of suspects. Matters are complicated by the fact that somebody close to Céline is there.
The second season, titled 'The Château Murders' sees Céline back in the city of Quebec where she investigates the death of a man who was found dead in a prestigious hotel... in a bath of concrete. Is it revenge for deaths caused by a bridge collapse some years previously, related to a new bridge contract or is it something else? Céline and her new partner won't have an easy job finding the killer.
I thought this was an enjoyable crime drama. Céline isn't the most likeable of characters; she rubs most people the wrong way and more than once behaves in a dubious manner but grows on the viewer as the series progresses. The cases are interesting; providing plenty of suspects to keep one guessing. The locations are almost characters in their own right; snow covered in a way that makes the viewer almost feel the cold. The cast does a solid job bringing their characters to life. The identity of the killers aren't too obvious but I suspect most viewers will have guessed their identities some time before the reveal. Overall a solid drama; I enjoyed the first two seasons and look forward the third being available here some time,
These comments are based on watching the series in French with English subtitles.
Zasada przyjemnosci (2019)
The Pleasure Principle
This ten part Eastern European crime drama opens with the discovery of a woman's body near Odessa; strangely one arm has been removed. Shortly afterwards signs of two similar murders are found in Warsaw and Prague. Of course being in three different countries means it takes some time before those investigating each crime realise there are other related cases. Suspects quickly arise but it is clear that powerful people don't want the truth to be revealed; those who might inform the police don't tend to last very long.
I thought this was a solid crime drama; the way it is spread over three countries only serves to make it more interesting. The investigators from each country were nicely varied. The case kept me gripped from start to finish and there are plenty of tense moments. The cast, especially the leads do a fine job making their characters believable. As others have mentioned when characters talk to those from the other countries they switch to English, which isn't subtitled, I personally didn't mind this to be a problem but understand that others might. Given the nature of the crimes there are some unpleasant sights; it doesn't shy away from showing the victims and the language is frequently robust. Overall I'd certainly recommend this to fans of Euro-drama looking for something a bit different.
Brothers (2024)
Enjoyable enough 'watch-it-once' crime comedy
When twin brothers Jady and Moke Munger were children their mother abandoned them; fleeing the law with a bag of stolen emeralds. The boys grow up and true to the family become criminals. When a job goes wrong Jady ends up in prison while Moke goes straight and gets married. Jady manages to get out early by telling a corrupt guard, who is the son of a corrupt judge, that he can get the emeralds. Reunited the brothers find themselves of a madcap road trip to find the emeralds before the guard catches up with them.
This is the sort of film one watches once, finds fairly amusing but know won't bother watched again. The plot is simple and delivers some good laughs even if it is a bit lowbrow at times. The acting is solid; Peter Dinklage and Josh Brolin have a good chemistry as the bickering brothers and the supporting cast, which includes plenty of well-known actors is decent even if they have all been in better things. Some of the special effects are distinctly unimpressive; it is a shame too many films these days think average CGI is better than physical effects. Overall I'd say it was funny enough but is far from a must watch.
Harjunpää (2022)
Helsinki Crimes
This Finnish crime series is set in the city of Helsinki, as its English name suggests, and is centred on two cops; Timo Harjunpää and Onerva Nykänen. Each story takes place over the course of two episodes. This is not really a murder mystery series; in most stories the identity of the criminals is made clear to the viewer from the start and a fair amount of each story is spent following the criminals activities. The cases are varied; in one an incel killer is targeting women, in the second two teenage boys attack a drunk man and in the third a couple launch a campaign of computer based misery against a millionaire. Away from their work we see how their careers impact on their family lives.
I thought this was a solid series. I was expecting a murder-mystery but wasn't disappointed by this series' different approach. Knowing the identity of the criminals means we can understand their motives even when they are clearly unreasonable. Timo and Onerva are good protagonists; they come across as ordinary people doing a difficult job rather than the typical 'characters' on finds in crime dramas. The cast does a solid job; most obviously Olli Rahkonen and Olga Temonen as our two leads. Overall I'd recommend this to fans of crime drama who don't mind the lack of mystery; I hope we get the second season here soon.
These comments are based on watching the first season in Finnish with English subtitles.
Cleddau (2024)
The One That Got Away
This six part Welsh drama is set in the town of Pembroke Dock. When a nurse is found murdered in Cleddau Woods police are reminded of a similar case that occurred some time ago. Since a man is already in gaol for the previous killing it looks as if there is a copycat at work... or they got the wrong man before. DS Rick Sheldon is leading the case but when links to the old case are found DI Ffion Lloyd, who also worked that case, is called in from Cardiff. This leads to some tension as they had been involved with each other before he left her for the woman who is now his wife.
I thought this was a solid addition to the 'Cambri-Noir' genre; I'm certainly glad my newspaper recommended it as I doubt I would have seen it otherwise. The case is interesting as are the main characters. There are a good selection of suspects which should keep the viewer guessing. The relationship issues are perhaps unnecessary but don't detract from the story too much. Pembrokeshire may be an attractive part of these islands but the way this is shot manages to create an ominous feel. The cast does a fine job bringing the characters to life; most obviously Elen Rhys and Richard Harrington who play DI Lloyd and DS Sheldon respectively. As the story approaches its conclusion there are some nice twists and turns. By the end the case may be wrapped up but it feels like we might not have seen the last of these characters. Overall I'd certainly recommend this to viewers who enjoyed shows like 'Hinterland' from a few years ago which also starred Richard Harrington.
These comments are based on watching the series in Welsh with English subtitles as shown on S4C. I believe an English version titled 'The One That Got Away' will air later, presumably on BBC4 if it follows the pattern set by 'Hinterland'.
The Chelsea Detective (2022)
An enjoyable murder mystery series
This murder mystery series is centred on Detective Inspector Max Arnold who, as the title states, investigates crimes in Chelsea. Unlike most of the wealthy residents he lives on a houseboat moored on the Thames. He is assisted by DS Priya Shamsie, in series one and DS Layla Walsh in the second series. Each case, which take two forty five minute episodes each, involves a single murder and a variety of suspects with varied motives.
I thought this was a solid middle-of-the-road mystery series... It is easy viewing; neither with the gritty realism that might disturb some viewers nor the silliness of shows like 'Midsomer Murders', which I also enjoy. It might not bring anything particularly new to the genre but it is worth watching if you like a decent mystery. The cast is solid, most obviously Adrian Scarborough, who is impressively understated as DI Arnold. The cases are nicely varied, featuring a cross-section of the sort of people one would expect to find in a large city. Overall I good addition to the genre if we get further series I'll certainly watch them.
ATRI-My Dear Moments- (2024)
A solid anime series set in a flooded Earth
This anime series is set in a not too distant future after sea levels have risen and most of the world is flooded. Our protagonist is Natsuki Ikaruga, a young man who lost one of his legs in an accident. He returns to his home town and finds a humanoid robot, named Atri, amongst his late grandmother's possessions. He considers selling her to pay for a new prosthetic leg but she claims to be self-aware and offers to 'be his leg'. Over the course of the series he learns more about Atri's true nature and his grandmother's work.
I thought this was a solid series. It quickly introduces us to this flooded world and key characters before the story gets going. Once underway the story is interesting with likeable characters and a sense of mystery regarding Atri. The animation and character designs are both pretty good. As the story progresses one grows to care more about the characters; leading to an emotional finale that nicely wraps up the story rather than angling for a second season. Overall I wouldn't say this is a must watch but is still worth watching if you enjoy the genre.
These comments are based on watching the series in Japanese with English subtitles.
Katsute Mahô Shôjo to Aku wa Tekitai Shiteita. (2024)
The Magical Girl and the Evil Lieutenant Used to Be Archenemies
This anime series is centred on Mira and Byakuya Mimor. He is the trusted lieutenant to the leader of an evil organisation which is trying to conquer the world; she is a magical girl whose job is to thwart the organisation's plans. When they meet he falls in love with her and they become friends... will they be able to hide their friendship from their respective superiors?
I thought this was a fun little series. The fact that each episode is only twelve minutes long means they never outstay their welcome and drag like some shows do. The central characters are likeable and the story is fun. The story is sweet and delivers a decent number of laughs. Character designs and animation are of a good quality. Overall I thought this was rather fun and would definitely recommend it to anime fans.
These comments are based on watching the series in Japanese with English subtitles.
Make Hiroin ga Ôsugiru! (2024)
Makeine: Too Many Losing Heroines!
This anime series is centred on Kazuhiko Nukumizu, a high-school boy who describes himself as a 'background character', and various female friends. He is a somewhat reserved character and the girls have one thing in common; Kazuhiko has witnessed them being dumped or rejected by boys. Over the course of the series he tries to help the girls in various ways.
I thought this was an enjoyable series. On the surface it looks like yet another harem show but it manages to do things differently. Rather than the typical stereotypes the characters and their issues feel real which gives in emotional heft while still being amusing at times. The character designs and animation are of a high quality. Overall I'd definitely recommend this to fans of the genre; when it was over I was left wanting more.
These comments are based on watching the series in Japanese with English subtitles.
Isekai Shikkaku (2024)
No Longer Allowed in Another World
This isekai series is centred on a depressed author known only as 'Sensei'. In the opening episode he plans to commit suicide with his girlfriend but before they can do so they are hit by a truck. He then finds himself in another world; he has been summoned there by an elf named Annette to act as a hero but has no interest and walks off hoping to kill himself again. Inevitably he doesn't succeed and ends up travelling with Annette and a cat-girl named Tama. Using his 'Storyteller' skill he confronts people causing trouble in this world but rarely has any motivation.
I thought this was a fun addition to the isekai genre. Sensei is very different to any isekai protagonist I can think of. It plays with genre tropes in a fun way; both subverting them and giving us a fun story to watch. The characters are likeable and well designed. The fact that the protagonist wants to kill himself could give the show a depressing feel but in reality it turns out to be darkly comic. Overall I'd certainly recommend this to isekai fans looking for something a bit different.
These comments are based on watching the series in Japanese with English subtitles.
Giji Hâremu (2024)
Pseudo Harem
Eiji Kitahama is a second year high school wishes he was more popular. One day he befriends Rin Nanakura, a girl a year below him who is in the drama club with him. She decides that she can give him a harem of female friends all by herself; this entails acting a number of standard anime archetypes. Inevitably over the course of the series they grow closer
I thought this series was rather fun in a sweet way. The harem has been an anime cliché for some time but this series takes an old trope and does something new with it. The characters are charming and Rin's varied personas are great to watch... while each is different we never forget that she is acting. The character designs and animation are of a high quality. Overall I'd definitely recommend this to fans of the genre.
These comments are based on watching the series in Japanese with English subtitles.
Mayonaka Punch (2024)
A solid comedy anime
This comedy series is centred on Masaki Sonoue and a family of vampires she meets in the opening episode. Masaki was a 'NewTuber' and posted videos with two other girls but after punching one of her colleagues she is kicked off their video show. Shortly afterwards she meets Live, a vampire who is keen to drink her blood... Masaki tells her she can on one condition; they must create a new online show and get a million subscribers. Masaki will work behind the scenes while Live and her sisters appear in the videos... the catch is they can't reveal that they are vampires.
I thought this series was rather fun with its delightfully over the top characters. It is very much a comedy and delivers a good number of laughs in every episode. The plot is silly but fun. The characters designs are good as is the animation. Overall I'd say that while this might not be a must watch it is certainly worth giving a try if you like comedy anime. If we get a second season I'd certainly watch.
These comments are based on watching the series in Japanese with English subtitles.
Kono Sekai wa Fukanzen Sugiru (2024)
Quality Assurance in Another World
This anime series is set in the world of a virtual reality computer game. Makoto Haga is one of a number of debuggers who have become trapped in the game; unlike the others he is continuing with his job rather than use his powers to live an easy life. While checking on particular village he befriends Nikola, a non-player character who should have died in an event but returns and travels with him. Through her the game's AI instructs Makoto to collect the other debuggers 'debugger stones'... devices that enable them to access skills unavailable to other players. Inevitably they don't want to hand them over. Together, along with others they meet along the way they get on with the task.
I thought this series was a solid enough addition to the isekai genre. While the genre is fairly crowded this manages to be interesting and somewhat original. The lead characters are interesting and fun to watch and the various antagonists are suitably unpleasant. Character designs, particularly Makoto, might look the best but they work in the context of a game-world. Overall a solid series that fans of the genre might want to check out. The ending 'To Be Continued?' message hints at at least one more season; I hope we do get more.
These comments are based on watching the series in Japanese with English subtitles.
Koi wa Futago de Warikirenai (2024)
Love Is Indivisible by Twins
When Jun Shirasaki was a young boy a new family moved in next door, this included twin girls Naori and Rumi. Naori, much like Jun, is bookish while Rumi is sporty but a bit of a loner. The years pass and they remain friends. Somewhat inevitably they develop feelings for each other; this leads to some awkwardness as nobody wants to hurt others' feelings or damage their friendship.
This is a cute enough romance anime. It manages to avoid some of the more obvious genre clichés and there is no obvious answer as to who, if either of the twins, Jun should end up with. The twins are not identical so we don't get the stale cliché of them being mistaken for each other. The animation and character designs are good. Overall I'd recommend it to fans of romantic anime but wouldn't say it is a must watch; the sort of show one enjoys while watching then forgets about.
These comments are based on watching the series in Japanese with English subtitles.
Ludwig (2024)
A genuinely amusing detective comedy from the BBC
This BBC comedy is centred on John Taylor, a social awkward character who creates puzzles under the pseudonym 'Ludwig'. One day he receives a call from his sister in law, Lucy, asking that he come to see her in Cambridge. Once there he learns that his identical twin brother James, a detective chief inspector in the Cambridge Police, has disappeared. She asks him to pop into the police station, pretending to be James to pick up a note book. Inevitable it isn't as easy as it sounds; he is called on to attend a murder scene and can't find a way to extricate himself... using his puzzle solving skills he identifies the killer. As the series continues he uses his skills to solve a number of crimes while continuing to look into his brother's disappearences; something that may involve other officers.
On the surface this looks like a murder mystery series with its central premise one hour episodes and no obvious gags... yet is proves to be very much a comedy. The way the crimes are solved means it is just about impossible to guess who the killer is before the reveal and the investigations make 'Midsomer Murders' look like a gritty police procedural. All this might suggest a somewhat disappointing show but it turned out to be a real hit for me. Every episode provided plenty of genuine laugh out loud moments; it works because even though the situation is somewhat ridiculous it is played straight. David Mitchell does a really good job as our protagonist and the supporting cast, which includes Anna Maxwell Martin as Lucy and Dipo Ola as James's partner DI Russell Carter, do a fine job. The City of Cambridge makes a fine backdrop to the series without making it look like it might have been sponsored by the tourist board. Overall I'd definitely recommend this.
Kapningen (2023)
Hostage
This six-part Swedish drama series opens with a Lebanese lecturer starting to give a talk about Middle Eastern music. He doesn't get far as he is arrested; it is claimed he has links to terrorist although he denies it. Sometime afterwards strange things start to occur on a flight from Stockholm to San Francisco... The instruments briefly blackout and when they return a message warns of dire consequences if the lecturer isn't released along with information regarding 'Operation Tennyson', an operation the security services deny any knowledge of. Will the police and security services and the flight crew be able to solve the problem before the plane reaches US airspace where authorities have threatened to shoot it down?
I thought this was a taut little thriller. It might not be the most original and it does require some suspension of disbelief but this is forgivable as, once things get started, the level of tension remains high. The cast does a solid job bringing the story to life. At only six episodes in length the series doesn't outstay its welcome and when it is over it does feel nicely wrapped up. Overall a solid series; perhaps not a must watch but still worth giving a go.
These comments are based on watching the series in Swedish with English subtitles.
Tokidoki Bosotto Russia-go de Dereru Tonari no Alya-san (2024)
Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian
This high school anime series is centred on Alisa Mikhailovna Kujou, known as Alya, a silver haired, half-Russian girl and Masachika Kuze, the boy who sits next to her. She acts as though she dislikes him but it appears she secretly likes him and occasionally makes flirtatious comments to him in Russian, not knowing he understands the language. He also secretly fancies her and is unsure what to make of the mixed messages. Later on the two run for the leadership of the student council.
I thought this was a decent enough addition the high school romance genre. Alya is a particularly interesting character thanks to her use of Russian. Other characters are more generic but still solid enough. Character designs are good and the animation is decent. I suspect now I've finished watching it will be forgotten, but to be fair that is true of most series unless they are truly special. Overall I'd not say it was a must watch but is worth checking out if you enjoy the genre; if we get a second season I'll certainly continue watching.
These comments are based on watching the series in Japanese with English subtitles.
Gimai Seikatsu (2024)
Days with my Stepsister
When Yuuta Asamura's father remarries he gains a stepsister, Yuuta Asamura, who is slightly younger than him and is the prettiest girl in their school year. Early on the two decide that it is best to keep their distance from each other as they feel getting close could make things awkward for the family. Of course they can't totally avoid each other.
I thought this series was okay if not the most original. It is the sort of series that is fun enough while watching but you know that soon after it finishes you'll forget all about it. In fact writing this now I'm struggling to think of many details of the show! The characters designs and animation are decent enough. Overall I'd not say this was a must see; perhaps give it a try if you enjoy the genre. At least now one can watch the whole series rather than having to wait a week for the next episode.
These comments are based on watching the series in Japanese with English subtitles.
Le indagini di Lolita Lobosco (2021)
Lolita Lobosco
This Italian series is centred on Deputy Chief Lolita Lobosco who has returned to her home city of Bari, on Italy's Adriatic coast, after many years away. Here she will work with a team of male officers; mostly Antonio Forte, a man who she has known since they went to school together, and Esposito, a younger officer who lives with his elderly mother. Each episode deals with a separate case but running through the background is the question of how Lolita's father, a local smuggler, died. It was reported as a traffic accident but perhaps there was more to it than that. Away from the mystery we see the personal lives of our protagonists.
Like other Italian crime series I've seen this is as much about the characters as the mystery; in fact one can sometimes forget about the crime while watching character's personal lives... this isn't really a problem though as the characters are such fun to watch; they may fit genre clichés but they still manage to be believable. The settings is impressive; I imagine the series will encourage tourism to the city as it looks so good. The crimes aren't too disturbing with no 'unpleasantness' shown and there are plenty of laughs to be had... more than from some so-called comedies. The cast does a fine job bringing the characters to life. Overall I'd definitely recommend this to fans of character led murder-mysteries set in an attractive location.
These comments are based on watching the series in Italian with English subtitles.
Shikanoko nokonoko koshitantan (2024)
My Deer Friend Nokotan
Torako Koshi used to be a delinquent but she is determined to put that behind her and is now one of the most admired girls in her school. Her life is about to become somewhat chaotic though. One day she meets Noko Shikanoko... a sika deer with an almost human appearance. Noko looks like an ordinary girl apart from the fact that she has antlers! Soon they have formed the 'Deer Club' and things get even stranger.
Every so often an anime comes along that makes the viewer wonder of the creators 'what were they on'!? This is one of those shoes; utterly bonkers but also hilarious. I'm not surprised that previous reviewers either thought it was great or terrible rather than 'it was okay' as humour like this is highly subjective and neither view is wrong. Personally I loved the characters and thought every episode delivered plenty of laughs in a genuinely surreal manner. The character designs are good as is the animation. I really liked the contrast between the standard anime human characters, including Noko, and the more realistic looking deer that occasionally appeared, usually accompanied by the chanting of the work 'sika'. Overall I'd definitely recommend this to fans of more bizarre anime comedies.
These comments are based on watching the series in Japanese with English subtitles.
Boku no Tsuma wa Kanjo ga nai (2024)
My Wife Has No Emotion
Takuma Kosugi lives alone and has purchased a robotic maid to deal with the various household tasks. The robot has a female human appearance and is called Mina. One day Takuma jokingly suggests to Mina that she should become his wife. She takes him seriously and soon they are acting like a married couple. Both of them will have to learn how to cope with this arrangement.
One might think the premise of this series is rather similar to 'Chobits'; in fact it is quite different. There is no mystery and the robotic characters bare little real similarity beyond them both being female. This is a gentle romance which provides plenty of amusing moments throughout. Thankfully it manages to avoid going down the route of fan service like many other do. The animation is of a decent quality and I really liked the character designs. Overall a fun little series with likeable characters; I'd definitely recommend giving it a go.
These comments are based on watching the series in Japanese with English subtitles.
Miller's Crossing (1990)
A solid neo-noir gangster film from the Cohen Brothers
This film, set in an unnamed city during Prohibition America, is centred on Tom Reagan, a lieutenant to Irish crime boss Leo O'Bannon. When Italian mobster Johnny Caspar demands Leo let him kill a man under his protection Tom advises him to allow this. Leo declines as he is seeing the man's sister. Inevitably tensions rise and a gang war starts. Tom, who has gambling debts to pay off, finds himself working for both sides at various times.
As this was made by the Cohen Brothers one might be forgiven for expecting plenty of humour but little here is played for laughs. The story hangs on Tom Reagan, a character who strangely reminded me of Clint Eastwood's 'man with no name' in 'A Fistful of Dollars'... while Tom may have started out firmly on one side it is clear he will play both sides and is morally ambiguous. Gabriel Byrne does a great job in the role. The rest of the cast, which includes Albert Finney and Jon Polito as Leo and Johnny, does a fine job. While there is a fair amount of violence it isn't excessively gory and for the most part is shot in a way that mirrors that of classic gangster films. The language, including the lack of swearing, adds to that classic gangster feel. The film has a great look; this includes the locations, set and costumes as well as the way it is shot. Overall I'd certainly recommend this to fans of classic gangster films as well as fans of the Cohens.