Pale Cocoon
[Score: 84%]
- Drama: Low (more like a tragedy, but not referring to this anime's characters)
- Comedy: None (dark and gloomy, full of despair)
- Action: None/Low (well, the final scene is quite something)
- SciFi: High (science and technology being the focus of this story)
- Ecchi: None (absolutely)
It's difficult to characterize this one-episode OVA. It has no comedy but I somehow don't feel it's a drama either; it's just one momentary snapshot of a situation where mankind is trying to deal with its own past. Perhaps Hoshi no Koe would be the best comparison, being a show of a similar setting, mood and length.
One of the best Animations I've seen to date: Lots of three-dimensional stuff and movement, obviously computer generated, and an awesome watch at least; if you loved Kumo no Mukou, Yakusoku no Basho then don't you miss this OVA.
Subdued, ambient Music with lots of drumming noise and some angelic sounds, very appropriate to the techno setting; lots of very technical or gloomy sounds that significantly improve the effect of desolation. The video clip that Ura restores has its own contemporary music but its focus lies on the lyrics, and the music just has to provide a background for it.
The Characters are where this piece of art is actually lacking. They're mainly used to carry the message, representing the opposing points of view for the crucial question: "Should we face the problem or close our eyes from the unbearable?", thus denying them any real personality - they're rather puzzle pieces than individuals (just like the "books" which are a nice element and more than a mere gimmick for me). Sure, Ura is somehow different from most of his people (and this will be important for the closing scene) but...
The strongest part of this OVA could have been the message, and I almost gave Series Story the top score - save for that final line of the anime which somehow destroyed the power of this experience. One of the best elements of this OVA is that you learn what actually happened (and why) step by step, providing an aura of mystery - that's why I'm reluctant of spoiling too much about the story. Even when you have watched the OVA some aspects may still appear mysterius; the fansubbers added a README file with their own interpretation of the events to clear up some of the mysteries (such as the location of these events which you'll learn about only late in the anime).
After rewatching this marvellous work I upgraded my rating to "Buy", despite the problems I have with it.
Last updated Friday, April 18 2008.
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