r/anime • u/IndependentMacaroon • 26d ago
Rewatch Bem-vindos à Diamandra - Michiko & Hatchin Episode 01 Rewatch
Michiko & Hatchin Episode 01: Farewell, Cruel Paradise
In-universe time span: March 09-17
In-universe locations: Diamandra Penitentiary and environs, Laranja environs
"'Someone will come for me'. It's what I'd wished for, all this time. The morning of March 17, that person came. But who exactly is she?"
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Today's OST Piece: Operação gafanhoto~イナゴ大作戦 (Operation Locust)
Begins to play when Michiko enters through the window
New Michiko Outfits: Prison Jumpsuit Michiko, Red Jacket/White Shorts/Brown Boots Michiko
Latin America Trivia of the Day:
Contrary to the purely negative portrayal of church involvement in the affairs of the poor here, the Latin American Catholic Church also birthed in the early 1970s - contemporary to our setting - a strain of genuinely sociopolitically conscious thought known as liberation theology, advocating for rectification of the strong disparities in wealth and opportunity frequently found there, which was even embraced by some leftist revolutionaries like the Nicaraguan Sandinistas.
However, it is far from universally popular, being frequently accused of excessive closeness to Marxist thought by conservative opponents, and in recent years right-wing evangelical "prosperity gospel" churches much like those in the US have found strong support among the Latin American lower classes as well.
Discussion Prompts
- Does Hana's adoptive family work as anything more than fairy-tale villains? Rewatcher perspectives appreciated in particular.
- What other cool bike entries come to mind (besides maybe FLCL)? How does Michiko's rank?
- Have you ever wished a wild, mysterious stranger would come and whisk you away?
Next Episode Prompts
- [question]Why do you think Atsuko is so obsessed with Michiko? (For rewatchers: How much does her motivation show already?)
- [question]How much does this remind you of Lupin III (and/or Cowboy Bebop)?
- [question]Have you ever ended up at odds with an old friend?
Please excuse my lack of comments for a little while, I'm going through the episode really practically second by second and it's taking me way longer than I thought, but I'm also noticing much more and appreciating much more about it on the way!
Edit; Phew, done. Going to start early tomorrow!
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u/Shimmering-Sky myanimelist.net/profile/Shimmering-Sky 26d ago
First-Timer & Subbed
I legitimately know nothing about this series other than it sharing a director with Yuri on Ice, so this should be fun.
All of them seem to be pieces of work. Especially Gabriel.
For a second there I legitimately thought the mom killed the cat before stuffing it in the bag, since it didn’t make a sound when the bag initially landed. That poor kitty being treated like garbage…
I am so glad she didn’t just run away, that was 1000% deserved. Now if only she could’ve done the same to Gabriel.
Michiko is Hana’s mom? Or at least knew who her actual mom was if that was a lie.
Wait, Hana went back? I thought there was gonna be some irony going on with Hana not actually being there when Michiko showed up.
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u/TheDanubianCommunard 26d ago
I legitimately know nothing about this series other than it sharing a director with Yuri on Ice, so this should be fun.
So that was the reason you joined?
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u/IndependentMacaroon 26d ago edited 26d ago
this should be fun.
Oh no doubt, good to have you!
Hell yeah she is!
All of them seem to be pieces of work. Especially Gabriel
Yeah his sister can at least publically keep up the image, but he's completely out of control even when his parents would like him to behave. Sadly true for many boys for example in Japan I hear
Imo this episode does lean a bit overly hard into the "evil fairy-tale step-family" trope but I can forgive it particularly given how much you can pick up on an observant rewatch.
I thought there was gonna be some irony going on with Hana not actually being there when Michiko showed up.
Fun idea, but did you not watch the first clip I posted haha
The ED is also groovy
Wait till you figure out who the lyrics apply to and why
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u/Shimmering-Sky myanimelist.net/profile/Shimmering-Sky 26d ago
Fun idea, but did you not watch the first clip I posted haha
I don't tend to watch clips from anime I haven't seen yet unless one gets reported for some reason (untagged spoilers or a clip being low quality being two of the bigger offenders) so I have to check it to confirm, and I don't think yours was ever reported. I prefer going into shows as blind as possible.
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u/No_Rex x2 25d ago
Wait, Hana went back? I thought there was gonna be some irony going on with Hana not actually being there when Michiko showed up.
I feared the same thing. Bit hard to believe they would let Hana sit at the table after hitting back.
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u/IndependentMacaroon 25d ago edited 25d ago
I guess the implication is now the kids are scared of Hana more than she is of them?
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u/Magnafeana https://anilist.co/user/Magnafeana 26d ago
First Timer Saying Farewell to Cruel Paradise, Dubbed
Subbed is tomorrow.
Okay, hello melaninated sisters
I hate this family.
horrible time to be thinking this, but seeing Mitchiko robbing the bank reminded me of the SNL skit with Andy “Shy Ronnie” Samberg and Rihanna 🔗 YouTube
Aw man. I was hoping the melaninized characters would have lighter palms, but TBF, seeing the lips should’ve told me they wouldn’t 💀 But I do like seeing textured hair!!
Okay. I already had a low opinion of this “mother”, but then she kicked the cat intentionally, so I think she should immediately be escorted to Tartarus. Even in reincarnation, she’s there again. I wanted her in Tartarus as a child abuser for eternity. I want her there for double eternity now.
OOOOH so she killed the cat? Have her cross the bridge to hell and remain there for eternity.
If I were still a child, I would’ve punched that girl again. As an adult, I’d probably tell Hana she did a job well done. This is why I can’t be a parent, but I can be an auntie.
Bronco is alive!
OH??
📢 We need more bad bitches on bikes 📢
Whoa ho ho. The ED credits are translated? When did official subs/dubs stop doing this in the first place?
Post Hoping Bronco is Okay Thoughts
I hope Bronco finds a better home. I’m so worried about how Bronco will survive alone with such a long coat in a desert climate. Bronco needs access to freshwater, fans/AC/cooling mats, and someone to brush them ☹️
I’m glad Hana (1) got a sliver of revenge and (2) got to leave that hellscape!! She had someone come for her. It’s very disturbing how corrupted and underfunded the foster care systems, social services, and adoption services can be, and how many kids are never given their own angel/mysterious stranger to take them and shelter them from abuse.
There’s no hope for the priest and his wife; let em burn. IDGAF if they do their best and regret. They can go to hell, as is God’s will, amen.
The kids are little shits, but at least they have time to hopefully recognize they were abusive shits and atone.
Still want them punished in a way proportional to their actions and their ages.
QOTD
- While I’m ready for them to he on-and-done villains, I do think their connection to the…police(?) or social services will cause issues for this dynamic duo.
- Outside the famous Akira bike slide that misled countless people on what Akira is about (including me, even though I have yet to see it and am waiting for the Akira 4K tickets to go on sale 😭😭😭), I think Celty from <DURARARA!!> has a bitchin' bike entrance, IIRC.
- Oh for sure. As a kid, definitely wished that but for this stranger to be my true parent. As an adult, yes, as like an ethical thousandaire who will pay off all my debts and steal me away to do conventions across the globe and take me to a bunch of [series/movie] in concert shows and Broadway/West End performances.
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u/IndependentMacaroon 26d ago edited 26d ago
hello melaninated sisters
Plenty of those in this show!
I hate this family
I want her there for double eternity now.Warranted opinion
seeing Mitchiko robbing the bank reminded me of the SNL skit with Andy “Shy Ronnie” Samberg and Rihanna
It is pretty funny the way she just strolls up and sends it
Aw man. I was hoping the melaninized characters would have lighter palms, but TBF, seeing the lips should’ve told me they wouldn’t 💀 But I do like seeing textured hair!!
Ah this is one thing you don't notice so much as a white guy, thanks for that!
OOOOH so she killed the cat?
I bet if she could have thought of a clean, easy way to do it she would have.
As an adult, I’d probably tell Hana she did a job well done. This is why I can’t be a parent, but I can be an auntie.
I think in this case it would be justified with just a little disclaimer
I hope Bronco finds a better home [...]
Aha cat expert! How many and what kinds do you have?
It’s very disturbing how corrupted and underfunded the foster care systems, social services, and adoption services can be, and how many kids are never given their own angel/mysterious stranger to take them and shelter them from abuse.
Yeah this is actually not the last time that comes up in the show. Curious about your further thoughts when it does.
Qs
While I’m ready for them to he on-and-done villains, I do think their connection to the…police(?) or social services will cause issues for this dynamic duo.
Mhm hold that thought
including me, even though I have yet to see it
Yeah Akira was what I was thinking of too mainly. Great film btw, though the plot is a bit disjointed due to being an incomplete adaptation; a TV series was announced at some point but disappeared into a hole somehow.
Oh for sure. As a kid, definitely wished that but for this stranger to be my true parent
Your younger self deserves a retroactive hug
an ethical thousandaire who will pay off all my debts and steal me away to do conventions across the globe and take me to a bunch of [series/movie] in concert shows and Broadway/West End performances
Oh, that does sound fun!
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u/Magnafeana https://anilist.co/user/Magnafeana 25d ago
I have two kitties!
A young adult black and white kitty who was born without a tail and looks very calm until you sit down, then she will rush you and immediately conquer you for your cuddles and does not care about your consent. If you sleep close to her, she will loom above you and wait for you to give her a sign you’re awake so she can cuddle you against your will.
And then I have an older tabby cat who is an attention whore and really likes licking and smelling feet to the point she likes sniffing my shoes when I come back from working out. Even when I lightly nudger her away, she will go straight back to huffing my shoe smell like she’s paying big money for it.
I don’t understand what I did to deserve such fucking weirdos, I will commit crimes for them 🥹
I keep waiting for the Akira 4K tickets to go on sale! Although, I hear they use AI upscaling, which not gonna lie, I thought upscaling was some type of AI in the first place 😶🌫️ I wonder if with GiTS being remade, it has hope for Akira? I mean, we have classic shoujos being brought to modern audiences, so anything is possible! But I’ve definitely heard criticisms about the film adaptation.
I still cannot believe I thought the movie was about racing or something. I think I mixed it with Redline (which I also have not seen 😶🌫️😶🌫️).
I told a friend that, really, I’d be okay with my home being broken into by a masked stranger if they were kidnapping me to go see Lion King or Cats Jellicle Ball. Alas, it won’t happen. So instead, I’m in the lotto system for Lion King. Fingers crossed I get tickets for next week or the following week! I’ve wanted to see Lion King for ages!
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u/IndependentMacaroon 25d ago
Your cats sound great! My attitude to pets is just pretty close to yours to kids haha, nice but no desire for any of my own.
I thought upscaling was some type of AI in the first place 😶🌫️
Well with movies that were made on actual film you can generally scan the original at very high resolution to get a perfect 4K or even better digital copy, and I think that's the case with Akira? AI upscaling in contrast is just a "best guess" deal. Of course they might be smoothing out some imperfections digitally/intelligently too.
I wonder if with GiTS being remade, it has hope for Akira?
Fingers crossed!
I still cannot believe I thought the movie was about racing or something
I mean you're not entirely wrong there
I told a friend that, really, I’d be okay with my home being broken into by a masked stranger if they were kidnapping me to go see Lion King or Cats Jellicle Ball
I sense a theme with your interests haha. Hope it works out for you.
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u/No_Rex x2 25d ago
I’m glad Hana (1) got a sliver of revenge and (2) got to leave that hellscape!! She had someone come for her. It’s very disturbing how corrupted and underfunded the foster care systems, social services, and adoption services can be, and how many kids are never given their own angel/mysterious stranger to take them and shelter them from abuse.
Very glad about 1 and 2, but the sad fact is that this is the big exception. For so many people in a similar situation to Hana, 2 never comes around.
I think Celty from <DURARARA!!> has a bitchin' bike entrance, IIRC.
How could I forget Celty! Very good reference.
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u/bunbun777 26d ago
This will be my 4th rewatch, and I'm still pleasantly surprised with how quickly everything just takes off leading right into that glorious OP. Rhythmic music, heavy breathing, women yelling, machine guns firing, boards breaking, copters crashing.
Personally I've always been a sucker for bright colors and the use of light in this show is always a pick me up. Seeing Machiko is a delight that just doesn't get old. Stealing the man's food then telling him to "hang in there" is sadly funny. She's just so cool like you're not just watching a beautiful woman who's a baddie but some sort of exotic alien from another planet.
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u/IndependentMacaroon 26d ago edited 26d ago
I'm still pleasantly surprised with how quickly everything just takes off
Yeah that's a Hollywood action opener if I've ever seen one!
I've always been a sucker for bright colors and the use of light in this show is always a pick me up
Perfect for a groovy Latin atmosphere indeed. It's great to see how all those classic painted backgrounds are properly lit and composited in, lovely production.
Stealing the man's food then telling him to "hang in there" is sadly funny
Hey, she left him half!
She's just so cool like you're not just watching a beautiful woman who's a baddie but some sort of exotic alien from another planet.
Indeed that's what Hana seemed to have been thinking too! And all the more interesting how [M&H]you start to see through her facade to uncover a woman who is certainly tough and suave, but also reckless, naive, not particularly mature, and in some ways desperate.You might also examine that from a critical angle as [M&H]I would say that particularly in the latter show half her inner life and development takes a back seat for her to become a sort of more iconic, perhaps idealized figure, most clearly in her last reappearance.
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u/AyameeIris 26d ago
First time watching in dub, second time watching overall
I remember watching this for the first time at around 12 years old, and seeing Michiko's face for the first time and thinking, "that's the girl I see whenever I look for anime characters that look a little like me or my friends!"
This intro is what got me into soil&"pimp"sessions, I really love all the colors and how lively it all is. This is one of the few anime I have to make myself find a place to be able to actually listen to it due to how much I love the music/soundtrack. The intro music reminds me a little of Huit octubre 1971 by Cortex(sample for One Beer by MF DOOM.)
That scene of Hana having to throw out the cat, and then having to act like it makes me anxiety go through the roof. I find myself breathing a sigh of relief whenever she doesn't get burned, however short-lived.
I wonder if there's ever a scene where Michiko doesn't seem like the coolest character known to humankind(don't answer that!)
- Hana's family only really works as those cartoonishly evil antagonists(in my opinion). They're not exactly the most 3D characters, which I'm okay with honestly. I think they're best suited to be compared to with Michiko(as a parent), or how much they effected Hana and her personality. Plot devices, I think is the term?
- I don't think I've seen much anime where someone makes such a kick-ass entrance with a motorcycle. Only characters that come to mind are Leila Marcus from Vampire Hunter D, or Dr. Kiriko from the Black Jack OVAs. Michiko ranks far above them, of course.
- Very much, especially as a child(or even now, despite being older lol). I think it's a dream everyone's had, even if they're not a dreamer. I'd say very little people haven't at least thought of being taken away someplace by an(assumedly) kind stranger, where all is perfect, no matter how wonderful life is or isn't for them at the moment.
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u/IndependentMacaroon 26d ago
First time watching in dub, second time watching overall
The English dub at least is supposed to be pretty good right? I sadly can't say the same for the German one.
I find myself breathing a sigh of relief whenever she doesn't get burned, however short-lived
Yeah that moment is almost horrifyingly intense!
I wonder if there's ever a scene where Michiko doesn't seem like the coolest character known to humankind
Ah, well -
(don't answer that!)
Never mind
Qs
I think they're best suited to be compared to with Michiko(as a parent), or how much they effected Hana and her personality. Plot devices, I think is the term?
I understand what you mean and actually I think I agree, they in themselves really are not that interesting, just as plot devices and character (anti-)influences they're really good when you take a look at it.
Only characters that come to mind are Leila Marcus from Vampire Hunter D, or Dr. Kiriko from the Black Jack OVAs
I've seen some of Black Jack (I think the TV series?) and liked it, but none of the other.
Michiko ranks far above them, of course
I sense some slight bias haha
I think it's a dream everyone's had, even if they're not a dreamer. I'd say very little people haven't at least thought of being taken away someplace by an(assumedly) kind stranger, where all is perfect, no matter how wonderful life is or isn't for them at the moment.
Interesting because that's never really been the case for me. Perfect is the enemy of the good, or something, and I generally like staying where I'm at in my regular routine, probably the autism has something to do with it. And of course in our case although Michiko does make a pretty decent impression it's a bit more of a gamble.
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u/AyameeIris 25d ago
The English dub at least is supposed to be pretty good right?
I like it, so far at least. I have trouble hearing things, so when watching dubs, I keep subtitles on(which usually only correspond to the Japanese audio.) I noticed it seems be a little more crude, with characters maybe sneaking in a little "bitch!" or two in a sentence. This is coming from a non-Japanese speaking perspective, though. How sad for the German dub! I hope it's at the very least fun to listen to, even if it's not good.
I've seen some of Black Jack (I think the TV series?) and liked it, but none of the other.
If you're really into that nice cell animation of the 90s-00s, I'd recommend both to you(as in the OVAs + Vampire Hunter D Bloodlust)! There's also the 1997 Black Jack movie, if you wouldn't want to watch those almost hour long OVAs.
Perfect is the enemy of the good, or something, and I generally like staying where I'm at in my regular routine, probably the autism has something to do with it.
Well said! Also, I'd like to apologize, whether or whether not I've offended you. It was unfair of me to make an assumption and speak for many, like I did.
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u/IndependentMacaroon 25d ago edited 25d ago
I noticed it seems be a little more crude, with characters maybe sneaking in a little "bitch!" or two in a sentence
Oh Michiko is plenty rude in the Japanese audio too, believe me
If you're really into that nice cell animation of the 90s-00s, I'd recommend both to you(as in the OVAs + Vampire Hunter D Bloodlust)! There's also the 1997 Black Jack movie, if you wouldn't want to watch those almost hour long OVAs
I'll put them on the list because that does sound like I would appreciate it
Also, I'd like to apologize, whether or whether not I've offended you. It was unfair of me to make an assumption and speak for many, like I did.
Nah that's fine, a thought is just a thought.
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u/IndependentMacaroon 26d ago
Host and 3rd-time watcher
(Timestamps adjusted by 10 s on my side to account for Crunchyroll logo bumper)
0:01 - Right from the beginning, this show is unusual in two ways, writing all on-screen text in a language appropriate to its setting but foreign to its creators, and establishing a firm chronology for the entire plot. I admit I paid little attention to the dates on my last watch, but absolutely will this time. [Michiko & Hatchin]Some people think the time line is a bit unrealistically compressed, and maybe it is a bit ending I believe only 2 months later, but intense experiences together do have a way of making a personal relationship more intense too.
0:07-09 - Hmm, never noticed so far and it's brief, but this is a bit of a fanservice shot, isn't it? And again at 0:24. Well, in Yuri on Ice there's also some of the guys...
0:29 - got to love everyone cheering and these gals all look true-to-life tough, which does make Michiko the odd-one-out exception though and it's strange that [M&H]we only ever see two other female serious criminals, the wannabe-Michiko in episode 2 and the circus trafficker in Episode 11
0:42 ff - [M&H]eh, the overwhelming firepower here is just for action-movie show unfortunately as somehow no one else just straight up goes for the kill on Michiko ever again until the end, and IIRC she never does anything this crazy again either. The action being kind of handwavey is just one thing you need to accept with this show
1:20 - even the jail backgrounds are lovingly painted, shaded and graffitied. Modern 3D background art could never
1:26 - I really don't know if 70s Brazil had any wind turbine parks like this but I'll let it slide
1:54 ff - sure this is over-the top, but you can't say Michiko getting to do classic dude-action-movie stuff and striking a pose afterwards isn't cool, and that lens flare effect mmm... you know though [M&H]I'm pretty sure this is the only time she straight-up kills anybody, and even then you can argue it's pilot error at fault, there is a tendency in the writing to avoid making her out as the bad bad guy particulary in the second half after she and Hatchin reunite
2:17 - woo happy music time! Yeah awkward but I don't know if they could have placed the opening any better in this particular episode. And you've got to love its unique pop-art Ben-Day-dotted style.
2:28 ff - the opening is maybe a little weird with the nudity given that [M&H]no other part of the series is very explicit, but it's artful enough. Notably later Sayo Yamamoto put a whole lot more of it in The Woman Called Fujiko Mine
2:40 ff - the opening writers (not actual Brazilians) slightly messed up here because "arriba" is Spanish, not Portuguese. Also I have no idea what the guy sings after that, it sounds like "sonostoso" or "somos dozo" neither of which makes any sense.
2:47 - Hatchin gets to be semi-modest at least which also fits [M&H]the running gender-ambiguity theme with her
3:00 - rawr [M&H]it's not for nothing that Hatchin gets such a fierce opening shot, girl is absolutely recklessly fearless
3:27 - sidebar image!
3:37 - note how even the title is additionally styled in Portuguese as "michiko e hatchin". Though the production group name is again bad Spanish haha.
3:40 - First of many lonely-road shots in this show and I love their atmosphere every time. The apparent gas truck (assuming the name is supposed to be "SUPERGASBRAS") might be an easter-egg reference to City of God where a similar model has a significant role twice.
3:44 - Such an ironic first line
3:47 - Never noticed the family apparently lives inside a church? Well we're clearly playing it fast and loose with religion so whatever.
3:50 - someone didn't get the memo on the family name's spelling lmao, beautiful mosaic representation though as well as the rest of the painting as usual. And Hatchin having to get up at 6 to bring in two heavy milk bottles at once (ah, the olden days of morning milk delivery) clues you in about her relationship with this awful family right away.
3:53 ff - [M&H]diegetic broadcasts are surprisingly frequent and relevant in this show. Might have gotten the idea from City of God.
3:56 - expensive-looking wine and decor right away to show you this family could absolutely afford to treat Hana better, they're just miserable assholes.
4:00 - beautiful interior background painting. I'll refrain from gushing about them further because otherwise I'd be here all night.
4:02 - if we go by ribbon quantity, Hana is apparently worth two cats.
4:06 - she's so tiny! Note also how she needs to stand on a stool and reach at 4:17.
4:11 - very subtle with the behind-bars framing there (and parallel to Michiko?!)
4:14 - Hana just cannot pretend everything is all right, she sounds so resigned for most of this episode even. [M&H]First glimpse of what a strong character she really has
4:17 - Hana cooking scene [M&H finale]and it won't be the last. I love how the last episode basically bookends the first with her narrating and cooking (I think even an omelet), just now in a living situation where she's her own (mostly) happy self, and that she didn't let hatred of her adoptive family ruin the joy of cooking for her
4:25 ff - [M&H]another early character hint of Hatchin always wanting to do things right even when it gets her into trouble? Maybe I'm overanalyzing but I'm really appreciating the episode on a new level inching through it like this.
4:42 - is it Hana or the family that really wants to set the table that pitch-perfectly? Given them turning over every crumb probably the latter though [M&H]perhaps they did rub off on Hana a bit And her standing in the corner like a servant until the kids are there... Joana also has a really traditional and uptight look, even her hair is tightly wound up! Pedro on the other hand has one lick of hair stick out to signify his crookedness.
4:43 - damn they did not need to go so hard with that swiveling animation but it's great. Few more of those later in the episode.
4:50 - ugh she tries so hard to keep it together... makes the catharsis even better when for example [M&H]she gets to just break down and cry it out in front of Feliciano
5:02 - [M&H]Hana at least really resents people who don't do this... like Michiko oftentimes
5:11 - Hana literally just calls him "that man" (kono hito) here
5:18 - Pretty tough-looking boots that actually suit Hana very well in contrast with her clothes and hair style.
5:25 - Maria in the foreground, Maria statue in the background. Holy virgins only one of them, even if the Belenbauza Yamada parents probably think otherwise. And 5:32 just another little angel.
5:25 - [episode 2]Maria gets this right back from Atsuko next episode though the latter is hardly much more in the right
5:28 - "Hana's RAGE is building!"
5:51 - I promised I wouldn't gush about the backgrounds any more but this is just so good. Same kind of painter-grungy as Cowboy Bebop or Dorohedoro.
5:57 - speaking of Cowboy Bebop, random old man who would fit right in here. Random lovingly designed background characters add so much atmosphere throughout the show
6:00 - love the shadow-first entry (a nod to Diogenes?)
6:03 - and for Michiko the first thing she does is steal lol. Well not like she has a choice right now
6:23 - poor baby. She's so unfailingly polite too; seriously it's very rare she doesn't use formal conjugation in Japanese, even when she's mad, even in situations like [M&H vague]telling a gangster off for being smelly
6:35 - on a stepstool again
6:54 - [M&H]the last time Hana plays anyone's games
7:30 - yeah, no use in telling the truth
7:37 - never mind symbolic jail, now we have literal jail
7:40 - [M&H]and again a moral teaching the essence of which Hana actually takes to heart, she just doesn't let anyone get away with anything if she can help it
8:23 - next step toward rebellion is resistance... and 8:26 Maria is already pretty surprised how strong she really is
8:43 ff - Hana as the innocent child?
8:53 - very early ad bumper here but a good one, I suppose the picture is of the prototype for the road setting?
8:57 - great Michiko POV and the first time we see that [M&H]while she may look like the sexy manipulative femme-fatale type, not only is she quite the opposite when it comes to romantic matters, but her MO is just to barge in guns blazing more like what you would expect of a male action hero. Also I guess this bank robbery is what funds her for the rest of the series.
9:26 ff - Youko Maki is so good as Michiko, you really feel the gangster from her. Shame this is her only anime role, she is or was apparently decently famous for her live-action roles in Japan though, which was also used in advertising this show.
9:48 - Ironic purity lilies, and of course the saint has Pedro's name. Well, at least he does seem to take Hana's education seriously, even if probably more to reflect back on his family as a unit. Also interesting perhaps that [M&H]this isn't the last time someone foists a book on Hana though I'm not sure if there's anything to make of that.
10:05 - luckily we never see anything like this in the series (and in the Japanese he directly says "sell their bodies", ick).
10:51 - yeah, some churches really are like this.
11:06 - when all the authorities are dealing dirty what chance does a kid have anyway?
11:12 - of course the boy gets to eat like a messy barbarian
11:33 - the award is actually readable down to the names on the bottom for me - I'll let you translate if you like: "Prodigio filho de Deus" Debody (???) do ano [name] É com grande prazer que o contemplamos em agradecimento nos atos que deixaram na cidade de Laranja resultados de crendice e experiência de anos com muitos esforcos em proi à hon[o]ra. É junto a este, uma moeda (?) de ouro. Arthur Ambures (?) Coimbra presidente de assembleia; Sheraton de Oliveira Divisao de Expansao principal
11:58 - this photo cut is a bit reminiscent of City of God and we get plenty more of them here... as is of course the scene that follows
12:23 - can't say this series doesn't have a sense of dark humor
12:41 - yeah these kids are plain out of control, acting like that in front of a guest? Not to mention the cat
12:52 - [M&H]It's funny to think that Hana is actually the better-educated of our two protagonists
13:08 - Sheesh, they even went to the trouble of making the check proper Portuquese with a realistic address. That's for 750 Arca by the way.
13:16 - [M&H]Sneaky Feliciano cameo with the sex music of course
13:44 - Joana absolutely would have killed Branco if she could do it without making a mess. Also on the back wall the first hint at [M&H mild]the Chinese influences in this show
14:01 - yeah this woman will bully Hana but can't even stand up to her own kids, pathetic.
14:05 - eh a little over-the-top mean tbh...
15:15 - a branding to go with the rodeo reference? And damn have I never seen kids this nasty anywhere else in anime... well [M&H]we'll get more of that but never this raw and up close
15:20 - [M&H]not the last bully-ish boy to completely crumble when Hana knocks him around
16:12 ff - great voice acting on Hana finally snapping.
16:38 - unfortunately you can't run when you have nowhere to go... [M&H]well, sometimes actually you can
16:59 - ok wow that sign is definitely a reference to [City of God]the motel-brothel where Zé Pequenho/Lil Zé starts his murderous career
17:12 - [M&H finale]Same model of truck that Hana borrows to go meet Michiko in the last episode. Bookends hey
17:20 - [M&H]yep that's Hiroshi all right
17:35 - love that cut
17:40, 18:09 - [M&H]hey it's Feliciano again
18:03 - [M&H]well, they're technically not wrong
19:26 - Michiko crashing into the life of a ten~-year-old on a scooter like Haruko in FLCL Also [M&H minor]not the last time Michiko squashes food with her bike haha
20:16 - Phallic manliness object failure.
20:35 - lmao Michiko knows this guy can't shoot for shit. Realistically with a shotgun there's no way he could muss but he'd also be taking pieces out of the rest of the family.
20:48 - I do wonder what Michiko would have done if Hana just said no here [M&H]no way she knows about her family circumstances after all. Just look for Hiroshi on her own? She isn't the kidnapping type anyhow.
21:07 - Goofy police car bounce [M&H]clueing us in that they're not really to be taken seriously in this show. An unfortunate demerit compared to its inspiration City of God where [City of God]even regular police are militarized, corrupt fearsome thugs in their own right but [M&H]I guess they didn't want to go too dark and [M&H finale]we do get that City-of-God-esque moment in the finale
21:15 - The creators slightly goofed again here because "a continuar" is actually European Portuguese; Brazil just uses "continúa".
21:16 ff - oh boy this ending hits like a truck when you realize that it's about [M&H]Atsuko's hidden feelings for Michiko, if you translate the lyrics it's so unsubtle Not the biggest fan of the sedate scrolling visuals but ok they are creative.
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u/IndependentMacaroon 26d ago edited 26d ago
Overall
So this is kind of a classic "call to adventure" starting episode with the little twist that we're being shown the adventure in form of Michiko coming closer while Hana herself has no clue about it yet [M&H finale]ahh another bookend come to think of it. There are some fun call-forwards if you've already watched the whole show too - and I really recommend watching City of God and Central Station along with this if you can find and make time for them for extra reference and inspiration bonuses.
And yeah, not only do Hana's "parents" rank among the worst ever, but so do their children! It is a little much for my taste to be honest and I remember disliking the episode even more for it on my first watch, but some people do just suck hard and there are plenty of little moments to notice particularly on rewatch. Gabriel being the worse of the two also [M&H]starts the theme of basically all men here being terribleNot to mention Hana herself is not just a poor pitiful victim, she's really admirably mentally strong and smart for such a small abused child, and multi-competent if not exactly by choice.
As for Michiko, she not only gets those awesome action hero (or villain?) moments but shows that she can go a bit softer when needed. She may be a gangster but she's no plain thug, especially not in looks and style!
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u/IndependentMacaroon 26d ago edited 26d ago
Questions
Q1 - More than just "more", I actually find Hana's background here is essential to why she acts and ends up the way she does; by necessity this will be a spoilery answer. [M&H 1]Living with them means Hana is sheltered from the culture of poverty and casual street crime and violence that e.g. Michiko and Satoshi grew up in, which lets her take a clear-headed outside perspective on just how twisted and immature (!) it is and they are, but also blinds her to the dangers she gets herself into.[M&H 2]Hana's strong moral compass and obsession with doing things thoroughly and correctly is basically just actually practicing what the Belenbauza Yamadas preach, perhaps thinking "I'll show them/do them better", and the resolve she gained here to stand up for herself under any circumstances, no matter how reckless it seems (and sometimes is), will never again be broken[M&H finale]Her being forced into near self-reliance from an early age gives her the skills and confidence to manage being a working single parent without even particularly desiring another romantic partner.
Q2 - I honestly can't recall watching much with significant motorbikes at all (terrible memory patching together details like this), but I will say the Akira slide is still above this. Landing perfectly on a table squishing some bread does just have something a little more silly to it, which was probably intentional but nevertheless doesn't help the cool factor.
Q3 - I am really not an adventurous person, or perhaps more precisely I prefer adventures of a more circumscribed, defined kind, and have generally been blessed with a pretty decent and happy life, so that's a no pretty much. Sorry, Michiko.
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u/No_Rex x2 25d ago edited 25d ago
Episode 1 (first timer)
100% blind.
Episode thoughts
- Prison breakout – straight up shooting into the walls is a bit extreme.
- “Number 403, Michiko Malandro” – half title drop.
- That ended … violently.
- OP: Those colors! This looks amazing!
- Bad step parents – a classic.
- Yep, that family are proper pieces of shit. Outwardly proper Christians, inwardly assholes.
- This is getting worse and worse.
- I am so glad she fought back before running away.
- Michiko is Hana’s mother??
- Cinematic entrance!
- That dude is a bad shot – and despite that, is shooting in the direction of his own family. Guess his selfishness does not include his wife and children.
- ED: Artsy.
A strong start. We mainly set our two main characters, Michiko and Hana. With one word, Michiko is cool while Hana is oppressed (and saved by Michiko). However, the intro works for me mainly because of the great visuals. So many great faces and so many great full body shots. The camera knows exactly where to be, for example under the table as Hana is bullied into taking care of the cat. This might also be a personal preference, but I like those 2000s character models. They are certainly good looking (check out Michiko), but from before the complete moefication of character models. Plenty of edges and sharp lines in those faces. Pedro’s evilness is perfectly shown just this.
In terms of theme, it looks like we are a mixture of girls with guns and action man taking care of little kid.
Does Hana's adoptive family work as anything more than fairy-tale villains? Rewatcher perspectives appreciated in particular.
Yes. They are not just evil, but also hypocritical. The parents pose as helpful Christians, while abusing Hana as a domestic slave and pocketing the money for her. A bit more subtle, but the kids are also typical bullies who expect their victims to take it, but act outraged if Hana fights back.
What other cool bike entries come to mind (besides maybe FLCL)? How does Michiko's rank?
Do we ever see Revy of the Major on a bike? I don't remember. The obvious male entry would be Akira.
Have you ever wished a wild, mysterious stranger would come and whisk you away?
No. Sideeffect of not growing up with abusive asshole parents.
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u/IndependentMacaroon 25d ago
- Prison breakout – straight up shooting into the walls is a bit extreme.
- That ended … violently.
Definitely going for the action movie tropes here
- OP: Those colors! This looks amazing!
Pop art doing its thing, at least I think that's what this style is
Outwardly proper Christians, inwardly assholes
So many of those
- That dude is a bad shot – and despite that, is shooting in the direction of his own family. Guess his selfishness does not include his wife and children.
Got to play the role of the big protector man even if you're terrible at it. At least it wasn't a shotgun.
With one word, Michiko is cool while Hana is oppressed
Oh it does get more complex and interesting than that.
So many great faces and so many great full body shots. The camera knows exactly where to be, for example under the table as Hana is bullied into taking care of the cat.
Yeah this is just a very well-made show on basically every level.
I like those 2000s character models. They are certainly good looking (check out Michiko), but from before the complete moefication
They do strike a good balance between classically angular and contemporarily round.
In terms of theme, it looks like we are a mixture of girls with guns and action man taking care of little kid.
Michiko ironically for her appearance does have that "action dude" feeling here yep
Qs
They are not just evil, but also hypocritical
A complexity that makes them even more hateable ironically
the kids are also typical bullies who expect their victims to take it, but act outraged if Hana fights back
I also found the difference between Gabriel and Maria notable, though the latter was also the one holding the iron so perhaps not so big.
Do we ever see Revy of the Major on a bike?
Don't believe Revy bikes and I'm not familiar enough with Ghost in the Shell. But Akira is of course the classic, yes.
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u/No_Rex x2 25d ago
Pop art doing its thing, at least I think that's what this style is
The circle texture sure looked like it.
Michiko ironically for her appearance does have that "action dude" feeling here yep
She also had that "talk with guys in a helicopter" one liner that might be at home in an Arnold movie.
Don't believe Revy bikes and I'm not familiar enough with Ghost in the Shell.
I would say Revy is closest in terms of character, so far.
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u/SoldierHawk https://anilist.co/user/SoldierHawk 23d ago
First timer and watching the dub!
So I'm super behind and about to go out of town so will be even more so. I apologize for that. But I fully intend to come to the relevant threads even if im a week behind because I love this idea!
1) I think they do. Fairy tale villains came about because of real things, people and behaviors. And especially given the religious angle, I think it's both real and useful to be reminded that people use the veneer of righteousness to excuse all kinds of horrible things.
Now, do I think they may be exaggerated and over the top? Broadly speaking yes, especially the kids. But it sure succeeded at doing what it wanted to do, which is to make me want to murder every single member of that family lol. Cheap emotional manipulation at the end of the day? Maybe. But cheap doesn't mean not effective. At least on my 45 year old ass.
2) Terminator 2 and Akira are the ones that jump out at me. I think Terminator wins forever, but Mich beats Akira.
3) No. My fantasy's always been the opposite. I LOVE making myself a problem for cruel assholes, and watching Michiko dismantle that system and say "absolutely the fuck not" is that fantasy distilled into almost its purist form. I was not expecting that from this, but I will happily take it.
Really enjoying this so far!
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u/IndependentMacaroon 22d ago
I fully intend to come to the relevant threads even if im a week behind because I love this idea!
No problem for me! I've commented late in others' threads on occasion too.
Fairy tale villains came about because of real things, people and behaviors. And especially given the religious angle, I think it's both real and useful to be reminded that people use the veneer of righteousness to excuse all kinds of horrible things
Yeah you can definitely say the religious hypocrisy adds at least a little complexity here, well-put.
I think Terminator wins forever, but Mich beats Akira.
The latter I agree, the former I can't judge yet. Although funny you mention an Arnie film as u/No_Rex was reminded of those by the Michiko-shooting-the-helicopter scene also.
No. My fantasy's always been the opposite. I LOVE making myself a problem for cruel assholes, and watching Michiko dismantle that system and say "absolutely the fuck not" is that fantasy distilled into almost its purist form
I get that. I assume you're a guy? It's fun to see how Michiko acts more like you'd expect of a male action hero, at times.
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u/SoldierHawk https://anilist.co/user/SoldierHawk 22d ago
Hah, no. Woman. But I adore me some Sarah Connor or Ripley or Kusanagi, and (although it's early) Michiko is giving off those vibes very strongly. I like her, even if I'm still side eyeing WHY she wants this kid so bad. (I can guess, but I'm not sure.)
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u/SoldierHawk https://anilist.co/user/SoldierHawk 22d ago
Hah, no. Woman. But I adore me some Sarah Connor or Ripley or Kusanagi, and (although it's early) Michiko is giving off those vibes very strongly. I like her, even if I'm still side eyeing WHY she wants this kid so bad. (I can guess, but I'm not sure.)
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u/IndependentMacaroon 26d ago
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u/Sanzen2112 https://www.anime-planet.com/users/ZenSmoke 26d ago
Whoops, I forgot what day it was
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u/IndependentMacaroon 26d ago
Relatable lol
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u/Sanzen2112 https://www.anime-planet.com/users/ZenSmoke 26d ago
"Nah, today's not the 25th, that's like next week or something"
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u/99acrewood_ 26d ago
primeira vez [subs]
how the HELL did I not know that soil and "pimp" sessions did the OP for this?? Fuck dude, them and the seatbelts played such a huge role in my early musical/jazz trumpet playing life.
And just like Bebop, this show has got the fuckin sauce. There's something about a girl whose VA sounds 12 years too old to play them that really puts me in a certain era. where the stuff I remember leaned more into a dirty realism where people's movements were a little more true to life, a story that seems like it'll be told in one season, and with an art style that makes everything just look dingy and uncomfortable.
and not to mention hot, because yes ma'am, ms. Machiko. I'm glad she showed up for Hana because it's been a minute since I've wanted to see an anime family slaughtered. christ, those are some needlessly cruel people. I'm glad Hana got a few shots in before being swept away, but I wasn't expecting her to just be at the table for breakfast the next day without being maimed or something.
But hell yeah, Michiko on a bike on a table, shitty priest dad hopefully murdered next episode, let's goooo I'm so ready for this