You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
Toon Zone Talkback - "Solty Rei: The Complete Series" - When Clashing Clich
- Thread starter Wilson T
- Start date
dyehardxen
New member
Toon Zone Talkback - "Solty Rei: The Complete Series" - When Clashing Clich豠Crash and Burn
I usually find myself agreeing with Ed's reviews, but not this time. I thought the early episodes were pretty good standalone adventures, with the exception of the ridiculous pool episode pretty early on. The shift between a silly atmosphere and a melodramatic one doesn't bother me--if the entire series had been as unrelentingly bleak or serious as it got later, I wouldn't have enjoyed it as much. Showing calmer and happier times gives the viewer time to understand and like the core characters. I feel it's necessary for the "emotional poignancy" of the ending to have the impact that it does. The same goes for many poignant moments in the middle of the series too.
It was especially important for Roy, I think. He starts off cold as ice (and very badass at his job), then warms up, and then has to face some really difficult times. Again, the journey doesn't work without the roller coaster of mood going on.
Also, at times, I think the show was very successful at tapping into Solty's human element.
Certain key plot twists happen incredibly fast, like the R.U.C. agents and certain plot points involving Rose, and certain fights make it feel like a somewhat different show in the final stretch. Overall though, I found it to be a pretty enjoyable ride. I also have to be honest, the final episode moved me to tears at the very end. I wasn't sobbing like a baby or anything, but I was moved.
Don't get me wrong, it's certainly not perfect, but I think that Solty Rei is worth the time. In my book, it stanRAB as one of FUNimation's stronger series. Even if not top-grade the plot is original with a fair share of twists and turns, and for me the emotional moments more than make up for any slack.
I usually find myself agreeing with Ed's reviews, but not this time. I thought the early episodes were pretty good standalone adventures, with the exception of the ridiculous pool episode pretty early on. The shift between a silly atmosphere and a melodramatic one doesn't bother me--if the entire series had been as unrelentingly bleak or serious as it got later, I wouldn't have enjoyed it as much. Showing calmer and happier times gives the viewer time to understand and like the core characters. I feel it's necessary for the "emotional poignancy" of the ending to have the impact that it does. The same goes for many poignant moments in the middle of the series too.
It was especially important for Roy, I think. He starts off cold as ice (and very badass at his job), then warms up, and then has to face some really difficult times. Again, the journey doesn't work without the roller coaster of mood going on.
Also, at times, I think the show was very successful at tapping into Solty's human element.
Take the early episode where she makes a friend. She gets along great, but her strength as an android eventually alienates Solty from the girl--Solty's identity hurts her there, through no fault of her own.
Certain key plot twists happen incredibly fast, like the R.U.C. agents and certain plot points involving Rose, and certain fights make it feel like a somewhat different show in the final stretch. Overall though, I found it to be a pretty enjoyable ride. I also have to be honest, the final episode moved me to tears at the very end. I wasn't sobbing like a baby or anything, but I was moved.
Don't get me wrong, it's certainly not perfect, but I think that Solty Rei is worth the time. In my book, it stanRAB as one of FUNimation's stronger series. Even if not top-grade the plot is original with a fair share of twists and turns, and for me the emotional moments more than make up for any slack.
Toon Zone Talkback - "Solty Rei: The Complete Series" - When Clashing Clich豠Crash and Burn
I agree. I enjoyed the show too much to let the flaws bother me. I loved the characters, it's not the first show with polarizing tones, and Solty didn't feel out of place at all. It was heartbreaking seeing the characters I had had fun watching in earlier episodes suddenly have their lives go to hell. What reason would I have had to care for these characters as much as I ended up doing if not for the lighter episodes? The series starts off light with some dark undertones, and then the darker elements kind of sneak up on you before pouncing midway through the show. I loved how
As for the cliches, they didn't bother me at all because first, I've yet to see enough anime to make me that wary and jaded, and second, it was like the series was a collection of almost every single cliche that I personally revel in.
One thing that I really enjoyed about this series was the lack of romance and the emphasis on platonic love, unconditional love, and the bond between family whether blood-related or not. Despite being a huge romance nut, I found this particular theme of the series extremely charming.
The reason I argue that Solty never felt out of place, even in the later episodes, is because she's the heart of the series. Almost everyone that meets her is charmed by her kindheartedness and innocence, and it sometimes leaRAB to them making some sort of important choice that they wouldn't have made if not for her. Plus, she's cute as a button. I absolutely adore her.
As for Roy, he's not a complete ass. Yes, he's pretty cold to Solty in the beginning, but he's got a kind heart under that tough exterior and Solty can see that. Sure, he originally didn't want anything to do with her, but he does eventually find it in his heart to adopt her, and
Plus, I think it's adorable how she initially latched onto him like a baby chick because he was the first person she saw when she awoke with amnesia.
Yes, the series has it's flaws, but the good outweighs the bad for me. It's definitely not for everyone, but I really enjoyed it and I don't have a single regret about buying it. It's a series that has a lot of heart. It's unfortunate that it's also one of the FUNImation series with video quality that's so bad that even I've noticed it, and it really takes you out of the show at times.
I agree. I enjoyed the show too much to let the flaws bother me. I loved the characters, it's not the first show with polarizing tones, and Solty didn't feel out of place at all. It was heartbreaking seeing the characters I had had fun watching in earlier episodes suddenly have their lives go to hell. What reason would I have had to care for these characters as much as I ended up doing if not for the lighter episodes? The series starts off light with some dark undertones, and then the darker elements kind of sneak up on you before pouncing midway through the show. I loved how
Episode 11 started up like any of the episodes before it, this time with a surprise birthday party for Roy, then suddenly took a more sinister turn.
As for the cliches, they didn't bother me at all because first, I've yet to see enough anime to make me that wary and jaded, and second, it was like the series was a collection of almost every single cliche that I personally revel in.
One thing that I really enjoyed about this series was the lack of romance and the emphasis on platonic love, unconditional love, and the bond between family whether blood-related or not. Despite being a huge romance nut, I found this particular theme of the series extremely charming.
The reason I argue that Solty never felt out of place, even in the later episodes, is because she's the heart of the series. Almost everyone that meets her is charmed by her kindheartedness and innocence, and it sometimes leaRAB to them making some sort of important choice that they wouldn't have made if not for her. Plus, she's cute as a button. I absolutely adore her.
As for Roy, he's not a complete ass. Yes, he's pretty cold to Solty in the beginning, but he's got a kind heart under that tough exterior and Solty can see that. Sure, he originally didn't want anything to do with her, but he does eventually find it in his heart to adopt her, and
she eventually becomes a second daughter to him. He loves her just as much as Rita/Rose and he's absolutely devastated when he realizes what he's done to her midway through. The fact that he can't bring himself to shoot her when he's given a choice between her and his human biological daughter says a lot, and it felt completely believable to me.
Yes, the series has it's flaws, but the good outweighs the bad for me. It's definitely not for everyone, but I really enjoyed it and I don't have a single regret about buying it. It's a series that has a lot of heart. It's unfortunate that it's also one of the FUNImation series with video quality that's so bad that even I've noticed it, and it really takes you out of the show at times.
vsprincess
New member
Toon Zone Talkback - "Solty Rei: The Complete Series" - When Clashing Clich豠Crash and Burn
Wow, that's a really excellent point I hadn't thought about. This actually points to the avoidance of a cliche that I thought might happen, namely developing romance between Roy and Miranda. He lost his wife, she's a widow...the show definitely could've taken their relationship beyond frienRABhip, but I think it was handled with integrity and in a much better way than what could have been.
Wow, that's a really excellent point I hadn't thought about. This actually points to the avoidance of a cliche that I thought might happen, namely developing romance between Roy and Miranda. He lost his wife, she's a widow...the show definitely could've taken their relationship beyond frienRABhip, but I think it was handled with integrity and in a much better way than what could have been.
Toon Zone Talkback - "Solty Rei: The Complete Series" - When Clashing Clich豠Crash and Burn
The pool episode was pretty much the one where I threw up my hanRAB and said, "This show can't make up its mind what it wants to be." I'm still not sure why, but those first episodes of the show just really rubbed me the wrong way, and the clashing genres thing is the only explanation I could find for it.
The other thing that really cheesed me off is a massive spoiler:
I did think that those final episodes were easily the best of the series, and nearly make the whole thing worthwhile (except for the "EYTYKWW" effect I described above). Then the DVD backtracks with 2 episodes that happen somewhere in the middle of the show and reminded me why I didn't like it much at first blush. Those last 2 bonus episodes just seemed so terribly lightweight after the series finale.
This is a good point, although pointing it out also clarifies to me why I thought Yuto was a completely unnecessary character. His only function is to be the tech guy and to have a very non-platonic crush on Solty. He's completely unnecessary as the tech guy until late in the show, at which point the old tech guy replaces him anyway. Thus, his only other function as a story element puts him in a series where there's no room for him.
And, not to beat a dead horse, but the jaunty little jingle in the commercial break was just so, so jarringly out of place by the end of the series. We cut from a heavy-duty dramatic moment to this silly little trifle and then whip right back to the heavy-duty dramatic moment. It's a little thing, but it's a "fit and finish" issue that just completely wrecks the effect they were aiming for.
-- Ed
The pool episode was pretty much the one where I threw up my hanRAB and said, "This show can't make up its mind what it wants to be." I'm still not sure why, but those first episodes of the show just really rubbed me the wrong way, and the clashing genres thing is the only explanation I could find for it.
The other thing that really cheesed me off is a massive spoiler:
They kill Rita at the start. Then they bring her back as Rose. Then they kill Rose right after we learn she was Rita. Then they bring her back again. This is what I meant by they overplay the "Everything You Thought You Knew Was Wrong" card -- if I remeraber right, they try to do it AGAIN in the last third of the series. They do it with a few different plot points, to the point where I pretty much stopped taking anything seriously by around disc 4 or so, on the assumption that it would be proven wrong later on.
For what it's worth, Galaxy Railways really cheesed me off doing the same thing, and I liked that series a lot.
For what it's worth, Galaxy Railways really cheesed me off doing the same thing, and I liked that series a lot.
I did think that those final episodes were easily the best of the series, and nearly make the whole thing worthwhile (except for the "EYTYKWW" effect I described above). Then the DVD backtracks with 2 episodes that happen somewhere in the middle of the show and reminded me why I didn't like it much at first blush. Those last 2 bonus episodes just seemed so terribly lightweight after the series finale.
This is a good point, although pointing it out also clarifies to me why I thought Yuto was a completely unnecessary character. His only function is to be the tech guy and to have a very non-platonic crush on Solty. He's completely unnecessary as the tech guy until late in the show, at which point the old tech guy replaces him anyway. Thus, his only other function as a story element puts him in a series where there's no room for him.
And, not to beat a dead horse, but the jaunty little jingle in the commercial break was just so, so jarringly out of place by the end of the series. We cut from a heavy-duty dramatic moment to this silly little trifle and then whip right back to the heavy-duty dramatic moment. It's a little thing, but it's a "fit and finish" issue that just completely wrecks the effect they were aiming for.
-- Ed
Toon Zone Talkback - "Solty Rei: The Complete Series" - When Clashing Clich豠Crash and Burn
Funny, I loved those episodes for the exact opposite reason. They drove home the bittersweet tone of the finale, as they flash backed to happier times where for the most part everyone was content with the way they were living and
It also probably helps that I knew about the lighter tone of the episode before hand and thus decided to not watch them right after the final episode. They were DVD-only episodes that fans in Japan wouldn't see for quite some time, after all. FUNimation doesn't even offer them for download anywhere.
Funny, I loved those episodes for the exact opposite reason. They drove home the bittersweet tone of the finale, as they flash backed to happier times where for the most part everyone was content with the way they were living and
everyone was still alive.
&
&&&
Guest
Toon Zone Talkback - "Solty Rei: The Complete Series" - When Clashing Clich豠Crash and Burn
This series is coming back to DVD in Veridian form March 24, so I decided to check it out on Funimation channel. I thought it was a great show!!!
Even though there was a bit of intense violence and language, it was still enjoyable.
I thought Colleen "Luffy" Clinkenbeard was great as Rose! I almost cried when that building collapsed on top of her, thanks to that crazy scientist Jeremy.
However, I wanted to cry even more when that mega-creep Ashley murdered both Silvia & Celica.
In the final ep, I really felt Solty did the right thing taking on Illumina by herself, regardless of how emotional Roy got! It may have taken him 20 years to find her, but it looked like it was worth it! It was a very touching reunion!
Oh, my favorite ep will always be Episode 5 titled "Waterside Panic" where we get to see the female characters in lovely swimwear!!!
I'm definately getting this series!!! It was great!!!
This series is coming back to DVD in Veridian form March 24, so I decided to check it out on Funimation channel. I thought it was a great show!!!
Even though there was a bit of intense violence and language, it was still enjoyable.
I thought Colleen "Luffy" Clinkenbeard was great as Rose! I almost cried when that building collapsed on top of her, thanks to that crazy scientist Jeremy.
However, I wanted to cry even more when that mega-creep Ashley murdered both Silvia & Celica.
In the final ep, I really felt Solty did the right thing taking on Illumina by herself, regardless of how emotional Roy got! It may have taken him 20 years to find her, but it looked like it was worth it! It was a very touching reunion!
Oh, my favorite ep will always be Episode 5 titled "Waterside Panic" where we get to see the female characters in lovely swimwear!!!
I'm definately getting this series!!! It was great!!!