Now and Then, Here and There - Discord and Doom (Vol. 1)

Rating:
Summary: One of the best series I have ever seen, period.
Review: This is one of the best anime series or movies that I have ever seen. Although it is set in a fantastic setting, there is a level of realism rarely encountered in most "realistic movies". It is dark, but at the same time well paced and entertaining. It shows suffering and hardship without sentimentality and tear-jerking. There is at the same time a Peter-Pan - ish quality to the story of children doing battles, and at the same time the emotions and motivations of the children are complex and real - this movie portrays real children better than most movies I've seen, which tend to make children either too mature or too immature for their age. In fact the most immature person in this movie is Hamdo, the king - a person of no nobility whatsoever. Hardship brings out the best in people sometimes - there is a certain nobility and solemnity to the child soldiers that is a product of the environment they are in and the pressure put upon them.

Rating:
Summary: Quite Good!
Review: This will be the simplest review I have ever written...Nothing new is done with this show, but all the old tricks are pulled off with class and elegance. Definitely worth a look!

Rating:
Summary: Quite Good!
Review: This will be the simplest review I have ever written...Nothing new is done with this show, but all the old tricks are pulled off with class and elegance. Definitely worth a look!

Rating:
Summary: Perfectly Tuned
Review: Though not at all for children (many scenes of intense abuse are shown), this anime is one of the best of all time. The characters are moving and profound, with well-explained motivations in a richly engaging world. I can't recommend it enough.

Rating:
Summary: Prepared to be shocked...
Review: WOW, this whole series took me completely by surprised. I was not at all ready to be bombarded with so much violence and sadness. The first set of episodes practically ruined my night and I could not get over it (hard to believe that a "cartoon" can effect you so much).
The next night, I rented the rest of the series-glad I did. The whole story is just awesome. Even though the hardships and issues the children are facing are horrendous, it really gives you a picture of how children really suffer in a world without law.
Each character in this series is just amazing. You really feel for everyone of them, from the evil Hamdo to the little boy, Boo. Each situation and background just really hits home.
Shu's pureness and good heart really touched me. Kabuca's (don't know if I spelled that right) horrible situation where he is forced to murder innocent people just broke my heart. Every character was portrayed and drawn magnficantly. The story is very well written.
This anime is for someone who is looking to be challenged mentally and emotionally. Be prepared to see terrible images of little children suffering and people being faced with brutal predicaments. Yet, to some people this is real life. I believe it is good to know that bad things do happen, however a strong, determined heart like the main character Shu to change one world's terrible dilemma.
Highly recommend to anyone who loves anime and also to those who love to experience an astounding drama.