Product: Gasaraki: Volume Two - The Circle Opens (1998)
Rating: 4.0
So much to like about Gasaraki yet at times it frustrates
Gasaraki is a futuristic, war-time tale utilizing "mechas"; or "Tactical Armor", as the weapon du jour. Gasaraki is an unfolding type of story whereas plot points are doled out sparingly and new characters are introduced frequently. Think war epics from the 1960's with dozens of movie stars as an example.It is refreshing to see an anime that strives to be adult in a more geo-political and character driven way rather than by the over use of sex. The writers here worked very hard to create a refreshing storyline that creates a multitude of conflicts rather than focusing on a simple conflict as most animes do.The plots are many encompassing not just the war, the politics, and social interaction but Japanese spiritual themes are included as well. A heavy use of Shinto religious themes and icons gives the story a mystical edge.The story plays out by immersing the audience into the conflict by showing it from different points of view. You see this war from the media point of view, such as a "live CNN-like" report from the front lines with its grainy footage and color commentary, from the Generals' war room, from within the Tactical Armor itself, and the "mecha's" support crew as well.The Character design is very good, especially the hardware though one particular annoying choice the designers made was the use of long hair on a particular "Tactical Armor" pilot. You have a story line here that rarely dissapoints and takes military and political protocol as accurately as it can but a particular T.A. pilot has hair that is way too stylized for the type of detailed story. This could be my particular quirk but it bothered me that his fellow crew and mostly every other soldier had military looking short hair.The english Dub is very good. Generally speaking the actors did an above average job. The DVD interface is hassle free though I wish they would of included more extras.A final point that frustrated me about Gasaraki is the animation frame rate. At times it can be to static or the walk cycles can be choppy. Obviously the budget was spent on the designers, actors, and director rather than the "in between artists".This is a must see anime but don't expect it be flawless, just expect to be entertained.