Shirobako - Arc 2 (ep13-24) - Review
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| Left to Right: Misa Toudou, Shizuka Sakaki, Aoi Miyamori, Ema Yasuhara, Midori Imai |
By
P.A. Works,
Warner Bros., and
Sentai Filmworks, this second arc of Shirobako focuses on the growing careers of its 5 main characters.
From the first arc
(Review Here), Aoi Miyamori now finds herself working on a new project, an anime for the
3rd Girl's Fighter Wing, a very popular manga series in Shirobako's universe. To simplify: Musani, the anime studio that the main character, Aoi Miyamori, works in, gets the contract to make an anime for a very well-known manga series, thus giving our heroine several tough weeks ahead.
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| Win Win |
At the beginning of this arc, their project seems to be going well, soaring straight through with everything falling right into place.
Miyamori even becomes the PM (Production Manager) for this series! She even got some 'new blood' PAs (Production Assistants) to look after.
Miyamori-senpaaaaaai!
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| (Left to Right): Tsubaki Andou, Sara Satou, Aoi Miyamori |
Ema even got a kouhai!
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| (Left to Right): Ema Yasuhara, Ai Kunogi |
Things were really looking better, and even near perfect at the start of this arc.
However, this 'peace' during the start, is sort of telling that something's about to happen. Something that will literally halt the main characters in their quest. And this 'wall', just when things are really good, and everything's going along as planned, is abruptly presented along with a scene filled with rain. What I found impressive with this presentation, despite its use of many negative, and sad parts of a lot of stories, was the way it was suddenly just thrown right out of nowhere. It sort of stated that such problems or walls in the industry, just appear out of the blue at times, just like said rain in this scene.
I also applaud its presentation of the interactions in the process of making an anime series; from awkward "what's going to be drawn" moments, to interoffice disputes, and even a miscommunication between two entities in making an anime series.
For example, this scene, truly captured that sense of awkwardness in the character's interactions, making full use of its exaggerations:
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| ... |
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| Is this underwear? |
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| Yes it's underwear! Noa's Underwear! It's white! |
Then, we have scenes that show how things 'heat up' in their jobs:
Moving on to the main aspect that I really liked about this second arc, would be how the show tackled Aoi Miyamori's search for a goal, with everyone around her already having dreams and goals of their own.
The series did it in a way that her search for it seemed fruitless, yet possible at the same time. It sort of gives that 'meaning of life' feeling, and even made me think about it too. In the end, I believe that the series did give a satisfying enough answer for Miyamori.
When Miyamori found her answer, it was done in such a way that her search was similar to the "3rd Girl's Fighter Wing's" Main Character, Aria; they're both looking for that reason on why they should continue on their journey. The answer that Miyamori found was flexible, and it was even explored with the case of another character.
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| Aria (3rd Girl's Fighter Wing MC) |
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| (Left to Right): Daisuke Hiraoka, Aoi Miyamori |
For this second arc of Shirobako, there is one OP, and two EDs, with one being unique to an episode.
The OP, "宝箱-TREASURE BOX-" (Takarabako -TREASURE BOX-), by
Masami Okui has that fresh start to it. Coupled with the animation, it gives that 'start of the day' kind of feeling, and due to that, really prepares the viewer for each episode. Added to this, would be the OP's alignment with the plot of the show, since the song itself gives the message of fighting on throughout a day's work despite possible problems that may happen.
The ED, "プラチナジェット" (Platinum Jet), by Doughnut◎Quintet is one special ED. Coupled with the fact that it's by 'Doughnut◎Quintet', something that I can't find much search results on, the ED's animation also changes per episode, showing off a different character at each one. In contrast with the OP, this ED simply gives off that 'off to the night' kind of vibe. This is more apparent, when it's seen with its paired animation, it is as though you're watching a bunch of shooting stars of varied colors throughout the night.
Episode 19 has a special ED, "山はりねずみアンデスチャッキー" (The Mountain Hedgehog Andes Chucky), by
Miyuki Kunitake is a song that tells a story about said Mountain Hedgehog Andes Chucky. The voice, along with the instruments in this song, acquires that 80's consciousness to it literally complimenting the accompanying animation that is in its own classic style.
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| Takarabako -TREASURE BOX- |
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| Platinum Jet |
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| Yama Harinezumi Andes Chucky |
Examples of Platinum Jet's differing animation:
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| ED for ep13 |
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| ED for ep15 |
Once more, I am positively surprised and left wanting for more by this anime series. In my opinion, one episode of this arc, is literally full of content, and despite this, the show's pace does not get faster, nor does it slow down, in fact one episode leaves me very satisfied upon watching, yet has me still have that want to see more.
I once again recommend this to anime fans, enthusiasts and the like.
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| The Director wants a word |
Donuts.
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| Don Don Donuts! |
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