A preview video was already available for an upcoming film to debut in 2013, “Aura ~ Maryuuinkouga Saigo no Tatakai” – yet now there is another, a pleasing clip both for the anxious, as well as for the unfamiliar.
One truly needn’t much background information for this series as the PV fulfills its purpose without fail – a serene acoustic plays with an uplifting spirit as we’re semi-formally introduced to the various characters. Admittedly however, the PV’s opening second past the title screen is a bit troubling as it showcases a lifeless panning across a still scene – yet beyond that, the clip begins to indulge quite deeply in movement.
The backgrounds do remain fully affixed in place for the most part, which while neither ideal nor particularly attractive, is fine as the film does output some especially detailed character motions and responses. Of the more astonishing, and majorly impressive facets is how the facial expressions of each character are responsive down to the eyes. Instead of simply turning frowns upside down to represent assorted emotions of the visage as is often seen, this movie exhibits all the facial features reacting to whatever it is they’re confronted with.
By the eyes altering in size ever slightly, and even shifting in position with each appropriate development, this goes to show not only the sentimental impact it has on the character, yet also the greater psychological one as well – it displays how the character’s senses have received a message, and then subsequently parsed it. On the other hand, the mouth alone changing its state would simply show acquisition of information – yet that’s it. Mouth movement is more so voluntary – and of course, it’s not only a mouth which is slapped across one’s face.
More than likely, the PV should have proved captivating in itself – although still giving the premise some consideration, it may sound somewhat familiar, yet note the distinction of a subtle and sincere tale versus nonsensical moeblob portrayal.
Our male protagonist was a fellow who would mimic a typical fantasy hero, i.e. cosplay – yet it seemed not everyone was as fond of fantasy heroes as himself, and thus he was bullied by his classmates, eventually leaving school.
Enrolling in a new facility, the protagonist now attempts to live like the status quo – however, he one day happens to encounter a strange girl outfitted with an unmissable blue cape. This girl is apparently cosplaying as a “researcher from the outer world”, in search of “the Dragon Terminal” – although regardless of her goal, our protagonist decides to ignore her as she reminds him of his former creepy self.
It’s not long before he sees her being bullied by others – and with that, he changes his perspective, stepping up and deciding to involve himself with this girl not for his own sake, but for hers. In the hopes of bringing this girl back to reality, our protagonist accepts both her path, as well as his own, as he attempts to move forward.
With an interesting PV, and a story which seems equally as fascinating and unorthodox as well, this is surely one of the more worthwhile animations promised for the coming year.
Oct 21, 2012 @ 9:41 CDT
Well that Romeo after all, not some-novel-that-won-something-from-KyoAni.
Oct 21, 2012 @ 9:52 CDT
Won the honor of being moeblobulated.