2 Cents On A Platter

Eden Of The East Review — What A Johnny Good Time!

Posted on 03. Jan, 2010 by jusuchin85 in Anime, Spring 2009

Last year's series lineup wasn't as impressive as in previous years, mainly due to the fact that the economic crisis has affected many animation studios to produce quality material. However, if there ever was one series that could truly redefine what anime is like, then Eden Of The East would stand up there among the rest. A series animated and released by Production I.G. garnered rave reviews from many viewers and could be one of the leading contenders during the annual Tokyo Anime Award to be held next year.

Note: Image downloaded and modified from: moe imouto.

Let's take a look at the series in a fair amount of detail; all in digestible pieces.

General Plot Outline

On November 22, 2010, ten missiles strike against uninhabited areas of Japan but claiming no victims. This apparent terrorist act is referred to as "Careless Monday". Most people disregard this as it could be a hoax in order to instigate chaos. The series begins its story three months later with a young Japanese woman named Saki Morimi visiting Washington D.C. as part of her graduation trip. When she gets into trouble, a mysterious Japanese man who introduces himself as Akira Takizawa, helps her through it. The man appears to have no memory and is completely stark naked, carrying only a gun and a cell phone charged with 8.2 billion yen in digital money. The cell phone has the phrase noblesse oblige ("noble's obligation" in English) printed on it. On their return to Japan, they learn of a new missile attack on their country. Thus, a rather bigger plot unfolds as Akira is caught in a mind-boggling game of cat and mouse while in search of who he really is.

General Opinion

Now, who would resist a series with a stark-naked male lead character (who is holding a gun on one hand and a phone on the other) appearing in front of a stunned female character? That in itself is an eye-opener for a rather enjoyable treat of a time throughout the entire journey. One may not understand the direction on where the series is headed on the basis of the first episode. As the viewer goes through each episode thereafter, the plot slowly unfolds into something a little more than a mystery. It becomes more of a psychological ride, with questions popping out on certain areas of the plot. Despite it being a psychological series, there are comedic moments that makes you giggle at your seat. On such moment is where the viewer is given a rest from the strain of having to think and digest an entire dialogue.

Going through the intricate parts of the plot, it can be seen that the series has glimpses of resemblance to the modern world that we live in, and what would people do in times of a political struggle. Also, both main characters display some sort of "hidden" chemistry between them; one is a man on a mission of self-discovery while the other is trying her best to survive in the harsh reality that is the adult world. When both are brought together, it somehow clicks. Thus, we get to see both helping each other with each others' difficulties.

One may discovered that the series is slow-paced, but the series picked itself up from episode 5 onwards. Beyond that, everything is being served to you in a junk load; too much until it's difficult for one may handle. I remember watching certain episodes a couple of time just to get myself to understand what the characters were talking about.

Theme Music and Score

It's not every season we get to hear an international artist lending their vocals for an anime series' opening. When I heard the opening of Eden Of The East, I instantly recognise the vocals to be of British band Oasis. The theme song, aptly entitled "Falling Down", is on par with the concept of the overall series; with certain parts of the lyrics reflecting on what the series will present to the viewers. One such part of the lyrics that reflect Akira's situation in the series read:

A dying scream makes no sound, calling out to all that I've ever known. Here am I, lost and found, calling out to all...

The ending is performed by School Food Punishment with the song entitled "Futuristic Imagination". It is more upbeat than the opening and it contain scenes that appear in the latter part of the series. It may sound unusual for some to digest (due to vocals of the female lead) and one may feel that the music does not reflect the overall mood of the series.

Character Designs

Simplicity is the word I will use to describe the character designs. Despite it being a series made in 2009, its character design is not as detailed as what other series have shown. However simple it may be, it just seems fitting enough for the series. One view of Saki's facial expressions and one may say that the animators are lazy. Then again, this is what make the series tick! There are some moments in the series which ended as light-hearted because of these moments. It easily makes you forget that the series is on a serious tone.

Animation-wise, the series is top notch. Every movement and every motion is done to near perfection. There is one scene in the series that may end up being the animator's job well done. When you view it, you know which scene I'm talking about.

Final Word

With its rather complicated plot and dialogue, one might feel lost in the series. But after rewatching it, you can feel satisfied to be served with a series that is both intriguing and a joy to ride on. Despite this, we are given a cliffhanger at the end of the series and some questions left unanswered. Thankfully, the two movies (the first was aired on November 28th last year and the second is due for a theatrical release this March) would seem to answer all these doubts.

For the time being, I would heavily recommend this series to anyone who are looking for something different than your typical harem/action/mecha series. The slow pace may not suit everyone but if you got over it, you will realise what a fun ride it is to be on.

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Tags: 2 Cents, Comedy, Eden Of The East, Mystery, Production I.G., Psychological, Sci-Fi, Series