Thursday, February 27, 2014

New Music: Khalil Fong - '危險世界 (Dangerous World)' (2014)

Khalil Fong will be releasing a new album this April. He recently released the title track from the upcoming album entitled, "危險世界 (Dangerous World)". It's a mid-tempo R&B track with addictive beats and nice lyrics. Looking forward to his new album!! 

Lyrics: Khalil Fong
Composer: Khalil Fong 
Arranged & produced: Khalil Fong, Derrick Sepnio

Listen below: 



Lyrics: 

一條毒蛇別靠近
遇到老虎就要小心
避開獵人的陷阱
別總說那是命運

*緊緊握著我的手
衝出千變的迷宮
我不放開你的手
不讓你受傷害

**我在 這裡證明對你多愛
何時 證明對你的愛now 
再不需要你看left 再不需要你看right 

***在你面前 不管世界多危險 啊
有我站在你身邊 啊
保護你我不厭倦 啊
面對未來的一切一切一起體驗

水中鯉魚也著迷
千紙鶴帶來的含義
這是我們的天意
緣份沒有有效期

repeat * ** ***

一起感受這個地球不同的溫度
在我們的時代創造生命的旅途
用你的心就能發現愛無處不在
快伸出你的手別再怕
No no no no no 

repeat ** ***

#不管世界有多危險
我會一直在你身邊
保護著你我不會厭倦
每一天每一天
只要有你在我面前
就算一起走到邊緣
把它當作我們的起點
每一年每一年

repeat # X3

Lyrics translated:
Don’t approach the poisonous snake
Be careful when you see a tiger 
Avoid the hunter’s trap
Stop saying that is your fate

*Tightly grasp on to my hand
Escape the ever-changing maze
I won’t let go of your hand
I won’t let you get hurt

** I affirm how much I love you right here
When do I prove my love for you? Now
You don’t need to look left
You don’t need to look right

***I’m in front of you
No matter how dangerous the world is
You have me standing by your side
I won’t get tired of protecting you
I’ll face every impending challenge

Carp is swimming in the water
Thousand paper cranes bring forth prophecies
This is our destiny
Fate does not have a validity period

repeat * ** ***

Let’s feel the different temperature of Earth together 
Creating the journey of life in our lifetime
With your heart, we can find love anywhere
Quick, extend your hand, don’t be afraid
No no no no no

repeat ** ***

# No matter how dangerous the world is
I will always be by your side
I won’t get tired of protecting you
Every day every day
I just need you in front of me
Treat it as our starting point
Every year every year

repeat # x3

lyrics credit: jctmusicnotes
lyrics modified from: Goddess1 - onehallyu.com

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Anime Series Brief Reviews

Brief reviews of some anime series that I've watched in the past few months. Enjoy!

Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion,
Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2


Genre: action, drama, military, super power, mecha, psychological, science fiction, school
Release date: 2006-2008
Episodes: season 1 - 25, season 2 - 25

Plot
On August 10th of the year 2010 the Holy Empire of Britannia began a campaign of conquest, its sights set on Japan. Operations were completed in one month thanks to Britannia's deployment of new mobile humanoid armor vehicles dubbed Knightmare Frames. Japan's rights and identity were stripped away, the once proud nation now referred to as Area 11. Its citizens, Elevens, are forced to scratch out a living while the Britannian aristocracy lives comfortably within their settlements. Pockets of resistance appear throughout Area 11, working towards independence for Japan.

Lelouch, an exiled Imperial Prince of Britannia posing as a student, finds himself in the heart of the ongoing conflict for the island nation. Through a chance meeting with a mysterious girl named C.C., Lelouch gains his Geass, the power of the king. Now endowed with absolute dominance over any person, Lelouch may finally realize his goal of bringing down Britannia from within! (Source: myanimelist)


Review
A very interesting anime that incorporates several genres (military, super power, mecha and school life) together and actually make it work. It has an exciting storyline that keeps me at the edge of my seat all the time. It also has many interesting characters. I especially enjoy the main character as he is very well developed. Overall, I highly recommend this anime. (9/10)


Hyouka
   

Genre: mystery, school, slice of life
Release date: 2012
Episodes: 22

Plot
Oreki Houtarou is a minimalistic high school boy. One day, he joins the Classic Literature Club at his elder sister's request. 

There he meets Chitanda Eru, Fukube Satoshi, and Ibara Mayaka. Chitanda is a calm beautiful girl but she turns into an embodiment of curiosity once she says, "I'm interested in it (Watashi, Kininarimasu)". Fukube is a smiling boy with a fantastic memory who calls himself a database. Ibara is a short girl and is strict with others and herself. She loves Fukube, but he always dodges her approaches. 


They begin to investigate a case that occurred 45 years ago. Hints of the mystery are buried in an old collection of works of the former members of Classics Club. The collection is titled "Hyouka."  
(Source: myanimelist)

Review
A story with well-crafted mystery cases and some romance. The 4 main characters are well developed and their interactions are enjoyable to watch. The main character, Houtarou, stands out the most for me with his conserving energy lifestyle. His motto is "I don't do anything I don't have to. What I have to do, I do it quickly."  Overall, I would recommend it to those who enjoy mystery and romance. (8/10)


Kyoukai No Kanata / Beyond the Boundary


Genre: fantasy, slice of life, supernatural
Release date: 2013
Episodes: 12

Plot
The dark fantasy follows a high school sophomore named Akihito Kanbara. Although the boy appears human, he is half youmu and invulnerable to wounds because he can heal quickly. One day, Akihito meets freshman Mirai Kuriyama when it seems she is about to jump from the school rooftop. Mirai is isolated because of her ability to manipulate blood, which is unique even among members of the spirit world. Disturbing events begin to unfold after Akihito saves Mirai. (Source: myanimelist)

Review
It has an interesting story but lacks direction. It tries to balance dark fantasy and slice of life but it is poorly delivered.  Most of the characters are likeable but could be more developed. I did enjoy the interaction between Mirai and Akihito. Despite its flaws, the action scenes are well executed, and the art and animation are well done. (7.5/10)


Yondemasu yo, Azazel-san



Genre: comedy, demons, supernatural
Release date: 2011
Episodes: 13

Plot
Akutabe is a detective who summons devils to solve the troubles of his clients. One day, a low class devil Azazel Atsushi is summoned by Akutabe and is used harshly by him and his assistant Rinko. (Source: myanimelist)

Review
The concept of a detective summoning demons to help solve cases is pretty interesting. The 2 main characters (Akutabe and Sakuma Rinko) are likeable, but not the rest of the characters. The main issue is there is too much profanity and adult content. Despite a serious plot, it chooses to go down the comedy route, with dirty minded demons/angels. Overall, the series has potential if it did not take the lewd direction.  (5/10)

Deadman Wonderland


Genre: action, sci-fi, horror
Release date: 2011
Episode: 12

Plot
Ganta is the only survivor after a mysterious man in red slaughters a classroom full of teenagers. He's framed for the carnage, sentenced to die, and locked away in the most twisted prison ever built: Deadman Wonderland. And then it gets worse. 

At Deadman Wonderland, convicts are forced into brutal deathmatches for the amusement of the masses, the cheers of the crowd drowning out the screams of the dismembered. Even when Ganta befriends Shiro, an unusual female inmate, his dark fate crushes all hope —until he discovers the strange ability to wield his spilled blood as a weapon. Ganta learns his new skill might be related to the murderous man in red and uncovers disturbing secrets that could expose those who stole his freedom. He's determined to see justice served —but first he'll have to fight for his life in a prison that holds a million ways to die.  
(Source: myanimelist)

Review
The storyline involving a very twisted prison, is quite interesting even though there is some illogical parts. The main characters are interesting and their Branch of Sin powers (the ability to control and move your own blood, and used it as weapons) are pretty cool. Overall, it's a decent series. (7.5/10)


Shinrei Tantei Yakumo (Psychic Detective Yakumo)

Genre: mystery, horror, supernatural
Release date: 2010
Episode: 13

Plot
Haruka Ozawa's sophomore year is getting seriously scary. One of her friends is possessed, another has committed suicide and Haruka could be the next one to flunk the still-breathing test. Her only way out of this potentially lethal dead end? Yakumo Saito, an enigmatic student born with a mysterious red eye that allows him to see and communicate with the dead. But the deceased don't always desist and some killers are more than ready to kill again to keep dead men from telling any more tales. That doesn't stop Haruka's knack for digging up buried secrets, and there's even more evidence of bodies being exhumed by both Yakumo's police contact and an investigative journalist with a newly made corpse in her closet! Can this pair of anything but normal paranormal detectives solve the ultimate dead case files or will they end up in cold storage themselves?  (Source: myanimelist)

Review
It is a story about 2 university students working with the police to solve mysterious supernatural cases. I enjoy most of the characters and they are well developed especially Yakumo. He seems cold, and sarcastic, but he is actually sensitive about only being able to see and speak to the ghosts/spirits but unable to free them. He is also willing to risk his life for those he is close to. The cases are also interesting. Overall, I would recommend it to those who enjoy mystery and detective. (8/10)


Fruits Basket

Genre:  comedy, drama, fantasy, romance, slice of life
Release date: 2001
Episodes: 26

Plot
Tohru Honda is 16 year old orphaned girl who gets invited to live in the house of her classmate, the handsome boy Sohma Yuki, and his cousins, 16 year old Kyo and 27 year old Shigure. However, these young men and parts of the rest of their family (both close and distant) hold a curse; if they are hugged by the opposite gender, they transform into animals of the Chinese Zodiac. Everyday is an adventure for sweet Tohru, as she gets to know everyone in the large family better (especially Yuki and Kyo), in both common and bizarre situations. But, the Sohma Family curse is certainly no laughing matter... it also holds horrible cruelty and heartbreak. (Source: myanimelist)

Review
An interesting story with very likeable characters. Although the story is often fun and easy-going, it is occasionally serious and emotional such as when Momiji's and Hatori's pasts are revealed. The ending is somewhat open-ended and not all the zodiac animals appear in the anime.  Overall, it is an enjoyable series. (8/10)


Skip Beat!

Genre:  comedy, drama, romance
Release date: 2008-09
Episodes: 25

Plot
The story revolves around a young girl named Kyouko who went with her childhood friend, Shou, to Tokyo to pursue his dream of becoming an idol. Despite her supporting him, she overhears him dismissing her as a boring wallflower. Furious, Kyouko vows to get her revenge by defeating him in the entertainment world. (Source: myanimelist)

Review
A surprisingly enjoyable anime with very well developed characters. It is nice to watch Kyouko as she tries to defeat Shou in the entertainment world. I feel that there is more that drives her besides revenge. She is hard-working, kind, funny, intelligent and strong willed. I enjoy her interactions with Ren and minor characters like Sawara Takenori, who is actually very supportive of her. Unfortunately, it has an open ending and there are some things unexplained. Overall, I highly recommend this anime for those who enjoy romance and comedy.  (8.5/10) 



 Hataraku Maou-sama! / The Devil is a Part-Timer!

Genre:  comedy, demons, fantasy, romance
Release date: 2013
Episodes: 13

Plot
Devil King Sadao is only one step away from conquering the world when he is beaten by Hero Emilia and forced to drift to the other world: modern-day Tokyo. As "conquering the world" are the only skills the Devil King possesses—and are obviously unnecessary in his new situation—he must work as a part-timer to pay for his living expenses! (Source: myanimelist)

Review
It has a pretty interesting plot but not engaging enough. When the demon lord took up a part-time job at "MgRonalds", it became more of a light-hearted comedy series.  I was hoping for more action but was disappointed. When there are action scenes, they are well done but too short. Overall, a decent series. (7/10)




Monday, February 24, 2014

Anime OVA: Mushishi Tokubetsu-hen: Hihamukage (2014)

A new 1-hour anime for Mushishi entitled " Mushishi Tokubetsu-hen: Hihamukage" was released earlier this year (Jan 2014).


I really enjoyed it! It's about one should not take something or someone for granted.

Favourite quote from this anime: "It never even crossed my mind that the sun could go away...I took it for granted that it'd rise every day."