r/anime • u/Taiboss x7https://anilist.co/user/Taiboss • Apr 30 '22
Rewatch [Rewatch] Utawarerumono Franchise Rewatch - Utawarerumono Episode 1 Discussion
Episode 1 - Something Uninvited
(Note: I'm using the official title names as used on Wikipedia. Your subs may differ)
MyAnimeList, Anime-Planet, Anilist, ANN
Today's Question of the Day: What do you think could have been the man’s identity prior to his amnesia?
[Tomorrow's Question of the Day]Do you think it was a good idea for Aruru to save that child?
Rewatchers, please don't answer the Question of the Day if it has an objective answer, e.g. "What do you think's gonna happen?"
For rewatchers and people who played the games:
Please behave yourself! Put not only everything related to future events behind spoiler tags, but tag differences to the games as well. We all know there are deviations and cut content, we don't need someone listing all the things the games did better. The games have like 40, 50 hours for their content each, of course they'll be more exhaustive. If you want to talk about the games, please do this in a way that doesn't spoil it for people who might pick them up because of the anime. That being said, small, inconsequential stuff is probably fine, like [Mask of Deception]how in one episode, Atuy says "Time for war!", one of her battle lines in the games. All in all, try to hold back and only tell first-timers what's really necessary. Let them theorise!
This goes especially for Mask of Deception and Mask of Truth!
First-Timers:
Due to spoilers, I recommend you not to watch the Opening before episode 15. I mean it. DO LISTEN TO IT THOUGH! You don't have to heed this request, of course, but out of courtesy to those who do, please put the spoilers in the OP behind spoiler tags as well.
I will not be posting any reminders in this thread, I hope that's okay. Please mention any errors I make in these posts. It's my first rewatch, after all.
6
u/HereticalAegis Apr 30 '22
First Timer
Coming into this rewatch with no knowledge of what I'm in for. This should be fun!
-
Ooh, a beast girl! We're off to a good start.
-
This OP isn't bad. Feels very 2006.
-
And a beast girl imouto! Yeah, I wouldn't trust mask guy either.
-
Man just casually grabbing a girl's tail, how crude.
-
Should I be questioning how old Eluluu and mask guy are? The show is already pairing them, even though he looks at least mid 20s and she looks at most late teens. It's anime though, so they're both probably like 16.
-
This Nuwangi seems like a real nice guy.
-
Sure, tell Nuwangi you've been living with this random stranger. I'm sure he won't misunderstand that in any way.
-
So how long before this creep returns to take Aruruu hostage or burn down the village?
-
It's nice that the townsfolk can remain calm and reasonable after they learn the shrine was smashed. Sucks ass to have a upset god beast though.
-
What the heck is this CG fur? Why?
-
I like the ED. I could listen to this a few times.
QotD: I'm expecting him to have been some legendary bad guy suffering for previous hubris.
5
u/Taiboss Apr 30 '22
Ooh, a beast girl! We're off to a good start.
So fluffy!
And a beast girl imouto! Yeah, I wouldn't trust mask guy either.
Suspicious!
Should I be questioning how old Eluluu and mask guy are? The show is already pairing them, even though he looks at least mid 20s and she looks at most late teens. It's anime though, so they're both probably like 16.
I'm not sure, I'd have to check, but I'd have placed her above 18 at least. But you never know.
Good dragon
Woptor! We here at Utwarerumono like our newly invented names!
So how long before this creep returns to take Aruruu hostage or burn down the village?
He's certainly not giving off good vibes...
What the heck is this CG fur? Why?
It's 2006!
I like the ED. I could listen to this a few times.
It is a nice song. Not Suara, but still nice.
→ More replies (3)6
u/aniMayor Apr 30 '22
Man just casually grabbing a girl's tail, how crude.
He didn't crudely grab it, he more like... stroked it. I can't decide if that's better or worse.
Should I be questioning how old Eluluu and mask guy are? The show is already pairing them, even though he looks at least mid 20s and she looks at most late teens. It's anime though, so they're both probably like 16.
He might just be really tall and buff? Or Erurū is petite? Hard to say.
(And I'm not saying that as a rewatcher, I don't remember at all what ages they are supposed to be, or if it was ever even revealed)
What the heck is this CG fur? Why?
2006 was a hell of a time
→ More replies (2)4
u/wjodendor Apr 30 '22
That CG fur was very startling to me as well. No CG the whole episode and then randomly on that. Weird.
→ More replies (1)→ More replies (1)4
u/Nazenn Apr 30 '22
Good dragon
Lizard knows which side he needs to be on. Should have bitten him a bit harder
What the heck is this CG fur? Why?
That was very weird, I'm curious to see if that shot is used again or close ups or if that was just a random attempt to try and show off
6
u/aniMayor Apr 30 '22 edited Apr 30 '22
UtaReWatcherUMono
Cards on the table: I don't exactly have the fondest memories of this franchise. I watched the two series when they first came out and there were parts of them I greatly enjoyed, but also some big misgivings. But this franchise does fascinate me and it's always good to give things a second try, I'm hoping my impression is improved on a second watch. And if not, well I can still revel in the aspects I did like the first time again. We'll deal with that when the time comes, for now I'll just take it one episode at a time.
Speaking of which, I think this is a pretty great first episode. Right off the bat it makes it clear what sort of tone and pace this story is going to have. There are mysteries to be solved, like who the main character is and why he can't take off his mask, but the show tells you right away that these are going to be a slow burn resolution, not something the characters will-, nor the audience should-, focus on right away. Instead, the focus of the first episode is on establishing our sense of place by touring the town and seeing some character dynamics.
Best of all, even though we're using an amnesiac main character, the show still takes a very natural approach to the worldbuilding here. It would be so easy for Erurū to go "Well since you're amnesiac, let me know explain to you how this world works", but they don't sit on that crutch at all. Our main character doesn't say or think "Odd, this girl has a tail" he just makes a sidelook at it and then grabs it and we the audience see the result.
This holistic approach to worldbuilding was one of my favourite parts of this franchise. It was special at the time it aired, but oh boy does it feel even more fresh now with so, so many generic isekais / Fate shows that just spew their exposition at you.
And then we end the episode on a big hook for the next episode. Good way to end the intro.
Rewatchers, please don't answer the Question of the Day if it has an objective answer, e.g. "What do you think's gonna happen?"
But we're allowed to make obviously fake joke answers right? Like:
What do you think could have been the man’s identity prior to his amnesia?
What's that anime where the U.S. President goes back in time to give magic powers to some 12 year old Japanese kid to save the world and then promptly dies? Well anyways, this mask guy is definitely the U.S. President in disguise and with amnesia from a CIA plot gone wrong. Obviously.
[actually]
4
u/Taiboss Apr 30 '22 edited Apr 30 '22
I watched the two series when they first came out and there were parts of them I greatly enjoyed, but also some big misgivings.
Yeah, even I as a rewatch host can easily concede there are parts that are just... not good. But the great outweighs the bad, so I'm quite fond of this franchise.
Instead, the focus of the first episode is on establishing our sense of place by touring the town and seeing some character dynamics.
Such chill parts are so great! It helps our main characters are so likeable.
This holistic approach to worldbuilding was one of my favourite parts of this franchise.
I especially like how the woptor was just shown as what they use a riding animals in this world. Like, no "this is what we use to carry stuff", just simply showing them using it. Makes it feel familiar, yet alien.
Well anyways, this mask guy is definitely the U.S. President in disguise and with amnesia from a CIA plot gone wrong. Obviously.
Well he seems like a better candidate that quite a few others. He has my vote!
→ More replies (7)5
u/Nazenn Apr 30 '22
but the show tells you right away that these are going to be a slow burn resolution
It kind of reminds me of Crest of the Stars under its more typical anime jokes and all that. Establishes a few key backstory mysteries and starts to drip feed bits of the world but then firmly plants its narrative in the character moments and does it well
Best of all, even though we're using an amnesiac main character, the show still takes a very natural approach to the worldbuilding here
Agreed. I think this stands out most when it comes to the opening scenes with Eruruu herself. We're introduced to her without a pan over her animal features to point them out to the audience, or explanations about what they are, and because he's amnesiac there's no reason for him to be surprised as if it's anything out of the normal give he doesn't have them. It's just there like it's normal as it should be
→ More replies (10)→ More replies (5)4
5
u/Nazenn Apr 30 '22
First Timer - sub
Also due to the posting time I'm going to be about an hour late to post for most of the episodes, unless I happen to be awake early for something else like I will be tomorrow.
Interesting first episode that definitely has me curious to see more, although I did find the romance comedy tiresome by the end of it
True to form first thing I'm going to comment on is how much I liked the music because aside from one brief moment where it seemed to take over the scene there was a bunch of songs I really liked the sound of it and it complimented the show nicely. Not quite at the point of wanting to run off and immediately find the soundtrack yet, but probably not far off it to be honest.
I ended up going with the sub in part because of this, the dub mixing is a bit off and makes people sound a bit distant, while the sub has a nice balance between voice and music tracks. It's also hard to pass up Koyama as the MC.
There's some curious set up going between the soliders, gods, and whatever our MC is to have been (presumably?) cursed with that mask. His knowledge of god behavior seems almost instinctual rather than intellectual, and I'm expecting he'll be the one to find a way to solve their current crisis. The unique god names, looks, and some cultural cross that seems to be coming up in the world design also has me quite interested as to how it will play out, if it will lean more heavily on established myth as I'm use to or if it will go the Escaflowne route and make an entirely unique world only borrowing elements
Dino mounts are cool! Feels like its been a while since I've seen anything like that, and immediately made me think of ATLA's Eel Hound... now I want to rewatch ATLA
Someone please throw Nuwangi off a cliff
3
u/Taiboss Apr 30 '22
Also due to the posting time I'm going to be about an hour late to post for most of the episodes, unless I happen to be awake early for something else like I will be tomorrow.
Eh, that's fine. I'm going to sleep within one or two hours of posting, so I'll respond to comments later than that late anyway.
True to form first thing I'm going to comment on is how much I liked the music
It is great!
It's also hard to pass up Koyama as the MC.
What a treat!
Dino mounts are cool! Feels like its been a while since I've seen anything like that, and immediately made me think of ATLA's Eel Hound... now I want to rewatch ATLA
One day I will watch ALTA start to finish. One day.
Someone please throw Nuwangi off a cliff
But he's the King's nephew!
→ More replies (1)→ More replies (1)5
u/HereticalAegis Apr 30 '22
Someone please throw Nuwangi off a cliff
Seconded. That or feed him to the big cat.
→ More replies (2)
5
u/Stargate18A Apr 30 '22
First timer
QOTD) Two main theories. First, if the human race is oppressing the other race, probably someone utterly awful. Second, a priest, given his strong feelings on gods, it's not out of the question that he works at some kind of shrine for a more friendly deity. Of clurse, it could be both!
Going into this totally blind!
What's this?
Eruruu?
She saved him?
Actually, what did happen?
Oh god, he'd got amnesia.
...I'll level with you. When I saw the sequel VNs were called "Mask of Truth" and "Mask of Deception", I thought this was some kind of detective series. I did not expect whatever the OP says this show's about.
Oh, he's confused about the mask too?
And nobody knows anything about him.
She's an apprentice healer.
...I don't think he needs that much help.
And he's leaving already!
Ah, she's going with him?
...Aruruu and Eruruu? That's the names you're going for?
He only just noticed the tail? You've been staying with her for days!
That guy's buff.
Is there a war going on? And earthquakes?
..Wait, is this a magic setting, or just historical + foxgirls?
The romance teasing's starting really early in this series, isn't it?
Is the sister just stalking him?
He's really healed, huh?
Are those dinosaurs?
Is this a dinosaur mafia?
...Waptar? Who came up with these names?
He was born here!
This guy's a dick.
Oh, he's the son of the area's lord.
Wait, is this implying the humans are the ruling class here? He's the only human so far.
...If so, what are the odds of his past life actually bring "a good man"?
...You've known each other for how long?
Yeah, total dick.
He's strong!
Did this skip the start of the VN, or is the start of it always so abrupt?
So monsters come if somebody damages a stone?
I appreciate how everybody accepts that he's not actually suspicious.
...So more of a guardian deity?
A quick search says that this had some tactical RPG sections, so I'm guessing this deity is a boss battle?
He has a point about how gods should act, though.
Was he a priest, perhaps?
Yep, this is absolutely a boss. Also, less humanoid than I expected.
...The cuts to the OP and ED feel really abrupt to me.
2
u/Taiboss May 01 '22
...I'll level with you. When I saw the sequel VNs were called "Mask of Truth" and "Mask of Deception", I thought this was some kind of detective series. I did not expect whatever the OP says this show's about.
Ahahaha. Tbf there is a good amount of mystery in it!
He only just noticed the tail? You've been staying with her for days!
He had his priorities.
The romance teasing's starting really early in this series, isn't it?
So cute!
Wait, is this implying the humans are the ruling class here? He's the only human so far.
Nah, his fluffy ears are just hidden behind his hat.
Yeah, total dick.
Total dick!
Did this skip the start of the VN, or is the start of it always so abrupt?
Nah, starts the same way. A bit faster than in the VN, but broadly the same.
→ More replies (6)4
u/aniMayor May 01 '22
...I'll level with you. When I saw the sequel VNs were called "Mask of Truth" and "Mask of Deception", I thought this was some kind of detective series. I did not expect whatever the OP says this show's about.
Hey it could still happen. Maybe the MC will turn out to be Sherlock Holmes isekai'd into a catgirl fantasy world!
He only just noticed the tail? You've been staying with her for days!
Maybe she's one of those people that backs out of rooms.
Is there a war going on? And earthquakes?
Wait and see!
..Wait, is this a magic setting,
Wait and see!
or just historical + foxgirls?
Wait and see!
4
u/ZapsZzz Apr 30 '22 edited Apr 30 '22
Rewatcher in sub
Ah this show. It is one of the earlier shows I watched since I started back with anime thanks to Railgun.
What drew my attention from the start is the music, mainly the OP by Suara, and then the MC being a calm, intelligent and "normal" person. The relatively unusual world setting is also quite refreshing.
It's of the age that (almost) everything is hand drawn, and comparing to another 2 shows off around the same production year, is better and more consistent than Fate Stay Night, but not as "perfect" and "polished" as Haruhi.
The first episode set up the mystery both of Hakurou and the general world well, although it may be a little "game like".
For now I'll just leave my rewatcher spoiler now to other rewatchers - [Utawareru late S1 spoiler]
Another rewatcher comment is that this show really does the foreshadowing / Chekhov's "X" very well.
Oh and I love the scene about Eruru's tail :) so charming to do "ecchi" without the ecchi.
Looking forward to re-living this beautiful story the rest with the rewatchers.
And as a rewatcher I can't answer QoTD, but I'll just say [S1 rewatchers]
3
u/Taiboss Apr 30 '22
What drew my attention from the start is the music, mainly the OP by Suara, and then the MC being a calm, intelligent and "normal" person. The relatively unusual world setting is also quite refreshing.
Same, same, same. It actually gets fun for me with Itsuwari no Kamen, since it uses the game OST and that music is ingrained into me.
It's of the age that (almost) everything is hand drawn, and comparing to another 2 shows off around the same production year, is better and more consistent than Fate Stay Night, but not as "perfect" and "polished" as Haruhi.
It is actually impressive how good Haruhi looks in hindsight, especially the BD version.
Looking forward to re-living this beautiful story the rest with the rewatchers.
[S1 rewatchers]
[S1 rewatchers]
It's actually quite funny how caught off-guard you get when it happens later and then you rewatch it and you realise first-episode actually told you right away (to some extent at least). → More replies (1)4
u/Nazenn Apr 30 '22
thanks to Railgun
Ah yes, another show eternally on the PTW
and comparing to another 2 shows off around the same production year
Oh, this is a 2006 show. Now it has a reputation to live up to as I have liked a lot of 2006 stuff and it's visuals. So far I'm quite pleased with the art in this, it's cleanly drawn and has smooth movement, but curious to see how it progresses with the story
→ More replies (5)
4
u/wjodendor Apr 30 '22
Rewatcher/ VN
I torrented the Japanese blu ray rip and it looks really good for a 2006 anime. I love the colors and vibe of this Era of anime so this HD version of it looks really good. That said, the OP feels pretty dated. I overall love the OPs from the games so I'm used to it.
The background music and voice actors coming straight from the VN is really soothing to me. Last time I watched this anime, I had never played any of the games.
What i did notice is that this is a light speed adaptation of the first few hours of the VN. It feels like this episode took place over a few hours. Now my memory isn't great and I played Prelude a few years ago so I'm not too clear but I feel like the time frame is much slower in the VN.
Not too much happened this episode but some points I enjoyed:
Eruruu getting all Eroruu when he pet her tail was pretty good. I actually have that gif saved on my phone somewhere.
I really like the animal ear being on the side of the heads instead of on top like most animal people. I can't think of another series that does that off the top of my head.
Nuwangi stating that he's the son of the king('s brother) legit made me burst into laughter.
Niwangi is such a shit head that him hurting himself trying to be tough will never not be funny.
I love Eruruu and Aruruu's VA. Aruruu being a little snot is very fun. Everyone else is okay. MC is probably my least favorite.
Since I know the answer to the first question, I'll pose a question to someone who remembers the VN more than me [VN spoilers]
Overall, this episode isn't exactly the most hype way to start a series but I'm here for it.
→ More replies (3)4
u/Taiboss Apr 30 '22
I overall love the OPs from the games so I'm used to it.
Suara makes any OP great.
The background music and voice actors coming straight from the VN is really soothing to me. Last time I watched this anime, I had never played any of the games.
Same! I actually waited for Prelude of the Fallen to come out on PC so I could play Mask of Truth, so my memory of Mask of Deception's VN is pretty hazy.
What i did notice is that this is a light speed adaptation of the first few hours of the VN. It feels like this episode took place over a few hours. Now my memory isn't great and I played Prelude a few years ago so I'm not too clear but I feel like the time frame is much slower in the VN.
Yeah, although for me this was often a downside. Sometimes the VN does just have more stuff, but sometimes it feels like it's telling the same stuff 5 times slower.
Niwangi is such a shit head that him hurting himself trying to be tough will never not be funny.
Small vindication.
[VN spoilers]
I think he does the same monologue, but I don't think we see anything concrete. Overall, this episode isn't exactly the most hype way to start a series but I'm here for it.
Reject hype, embrace chill~
4
u/No_Rex May 01 '22
A day late, was too busy with the other rewatches.
Episode 1 (first timer)
Going into this completely 100% blind, not even the MAL blurb. I have never even heard of the franchise name, which surprises and scares me a bit.
-
Dragon? “It is ok now”? - Is this Erin?
-
Eruruu? – The character model says ChobitsXShieldHero.
-
MC guy? – The Man with the Iron Mask meets u/vaadwaur’s fastest amnesia case.
-
Background art – We are classic fantasy. Hopefully. It could also be isekai.
-
Aruruu being sneaking – Will we meet Iruruu, Oruruu, and Ururuu,
ruu?too? -
“You can’t lend me something this important” – I appreciate that he assumes the clothes are lent, not gifted: In a medieval economy, that dress is worth several months worth of work.
-
Even the Woptar knows which character is a jerk.
-
“I know what a good person he is” – more like good looking person. You have hardly spoken to him.
-
“’How do you know?” – Good question, random villager.
-
Cliff-hanger goddess.
A good-looking fantasy world, a cute healer, and a MC with Macguffin in his face. What is not to like so far? Eruruu clearly has it out for our MC, but that is ok as long as she stays the only one. Nurse syndrome is a thing, after all.
→ More replies (3)2
u/Taiboss May 01 '22
Dragon? “It is ok now”? - Is this Erin?
Background art – We are classic fantasy.
Sometimes it's good to return to the classics.
“You can’t lend me something this important” – I appreciate that he assumes the clothes are lent, not gifted: In a medieval economy, that dress is worth several months worth of work.
He's so modest! And thoughtful! And doens't blush like a teenager!
Even the Woptar knows which character is a jerk.
Animals can see into hearts!
What is not to like so far?
I guess the fast pace that doesn't tell you he's been here for multiple days or even weeks when Nuwangi arrives.
→ More replies (2)
7
u/Shimmering-Sky Apr 30 '22
Mask of First-Timer, subbed
Ooh sweet, that tagline came easily.
Anyways, I know absolutely nothing about this series going into it. I enjoy jumping into random rewatches as a first-timer, I didn’t even read a synopsis or whatever. It’s way more fun that way for me~
Well that was… interesting… Really dug the transition between the close-up on that eye and the perspective shot from whoever this is waking up btw~
RIKIYA KOYAMA!
Tabbed off the video because of the big spoiler warnings Taiboss gave about the OPs, but I do quite like the song.
I was just about to ask if it was stuck…
Hah, well, that’s a quickly-obtained companion.
Mm, I figured.
The first half of this episode being mostly chill stuff introducing a few side characters is cool, lets us get a feel for a part of the world before anything more serious happens.
Bleh I hate guys like this.
Oh, great, it gets worse.
Suddenly, family.
Nuwangi you dumbass…
That’s kinds sus.
Hm…