When I first learned Sakurabi Katsushi would be directing Yomigaeru Sora: Rescue Wings, I couldn’t help but ask, “Will it get the (competent) Gunparade March treatment, or the (disastrous) Tsukihime treatment?”
The answer lies somewhere in between, I think - or somewhere else all together. Rescue Wings overflows with the sort of tension found in Gunparade March’s most serious moments, all the while plodding along at the same careful pace as Tsukihime. The difference, I think, is that, unlike Gunparade March, the tension in Rescue Wings doesn’t come and go like Shinji’s fleeting manhood. And, unlike Tsukihime, stuff actually, you know… happens.
Before, I described Rescue Wings as “slice-of-life”. Now, I’m not so sure. Indeed, the show serves up a big slice of one man’s life, but an exciting life it is, all things considered. Following an initial introductory episode, the show kicks into high gear with a gripping two-parter which ends on a surprisingly candid and somber note. The following two episodes are left to character development, but the intensity of the show’s introduction can’t easily be forgotten. More is on the way.
Of course, for a show that masquerades as slice-of-life, character development episodes are especially important. While Rescue Wings doesn’t necessarily disappoint in this department, it has yet to impress. Our crew of pilots, mechanics, and rescuers are human to a fault, yet show little in the way of individual personality. And, unfortunately, the show’s lead is awfully one-dimensional, despite possessing an interesting backstory. There is a bright spot, however, in the show’s female lead, Hasegawa Megumi (voiced by Noto Mamiko).
This role is made for teh Mamiko. No doubt about it. And what a fascinating character Hasegawa Megumi is! Due to the show’s realistic character art, I’m not sure if Megumi is supposed to be physically attractive - she’s plain and bookish, that’s for sure. Yet, despite that, I find her to have such an appealing disposition. The reason, I think, is that she’s “real” - that is, she’s no standard anime archetype or caricature. Somewhere in Japan right now, Hasegawa Megumi is walking around, flesh and blood. It’s the tangibility that makes her so tantalizingly attractive.
And it’s that same tangibility that makes Yomigaeru Sora: Rescue Wings such a pleasure to watch. Sakurabi Katsushi has a hit a home run with this serious, realistic, and taut piece. The question I now ask, however, is, “Is anyone watching?”
I found the first episode boring and with mediocre production values so couldn’t be arsed with it, personally, and I suspect many others felt the same (most people, admittedly, won’t watch it anyway because of the type of show it is)
Admittedly I’m in a total anime slump at the moment, but I was hoping for something a bit more interesting, frankly. I agree with all your negative points, but I don’t really like The Mamiko’s voice as it’s a bit too cookie-cutter seiyuu for my liking, and the story didn’t appear particularly interesting to make up for the dull characters.
While I approve of the two-parter’s storyline, I just don’t think Rescue Wings is the kind of show for me, really. Maybe it’s because I leant in the other direction on Katsushi’s previous shows; I found Gunparade March plodding and poorly directed both from an animation and narrative point of view, while Tsukihime’s overly deliberate (and that’s being generous!)pacing was offset by a genuinely well crafted plot, all complaints of hacking the game to pieces aside.
Who knows? Besides, I’ve already waffled for long enough in one comment…
The majority of the anime watching population do not seem interested in shows depicting reality.
I’ve always felt the need for a wide range of genres and Yomigaeru Sora fills up the realistic military drama niche quite nicely. Life can’t be all about school life, magical girls or katana-toting shinigami right?
Anyway, as a conscript for a military force, I do understand what is going on, the command structure and procedures etc. Makes it easier to get the whole picture.
As far as characters go, realistic portrayal is the way to go for realistic anime. Can’t have overly gungho Naruto types, all-understanding and caring osananajimis and elders so wise they know exactly what’s going on right? This do not exist in the real world, yet we are used to exaggerated characters and so think realistic ones are dull. The character designs are not too outlandish too, you can barely tell who’s who actually, which adds more realism.
The pacing is ok too, in 3 eps we are introduced to quite a few central characters and their relationships, background etc. To top it off, a major disaster came and went, with the team doing their job.
I would definitely continue watching this.
I didn’t like it because of subject it chose. I am big fan of slice of life genre and realistic point of view don’t matter much. Still found myself yawning whole first episode.
I believe you know where I stand on this show (^_^)
It’s a shame though. The anime I’m expecting to be the best show of the season and nobody is really interested in it. I heard KT from the blog “Blogging with KT” is interested in the show but that’s about it. And what’s wrong with the character designs?! This show would be unbearable if it had Shuffle, Da Capo or Magikano designs. The designs are just as they are meant to be (i.e. perfect).
“The reason, I think, is that she’s “real” - that is, she’s no standard anime archetype or caricature. Somewhere in Japan right now, Hasegawa Megumi is walking around, flesh and blood. It’s the tangibility that makes her so tantalizingly attractive.”
I couldn’t have put it better myself (^o^)
Hmmm, away from main stream, not popular, and is given good marks by my favorite anime blogger. I got to see this!
Just saw episode 1 through 4. Two Thumbs up. Not many people are going to watch it, but who cares, their loss. I am too old to worry about what others are missing, and is more concerned with enjoying whatever we have, now. As far as Megumi goes, I do like the choice for that voice, but for some reason, Mamiko is getting roles for feale characters who makes others grow; In School Rumble, my wife points out Harima grows up the most when he is around Yakumo, while Eri just make him childish, and Tenma, Foolish. They spent lots of money on aircraft graphics, but mind you, Japanese control less than half of what is called ‘Sea of Japan.’; It is precisely that reason they want to steal Dok-do from Korea and beside, even Chinese used to call that sea, ‘East Sea.’ ( Sorry, this is a major political conflict involving two Korea and the Japan.
Music is typical Bandai Visual stuff, appropriate, yet not of the highest caliber. Its good, but doesn’t grip you like ‘ Bird’s Poem ( AIR )’, ‘ Ningyo( mermaid or doll, its is deliberately ambiguous, I am told ) Princess ( Chobits )’, or songs in ‘ Honey and Clover. ‘
More about Megumi. She is not of standard anime archetype, but still bit too good to be true for the main character as she is someone who puts him in better direction. Such type can be commonly found in literature as well-meaning above average intellect acquaintance, often in the role of ideal spouse. Most anime, dealing with young blood, doesn’t have use for female character sounding like calm 40 year old, but it would be nice if such a person are plentiful. I believe there are people like Megumi walking around, but it won’t be easy to find them and you may not realize that you are talking to someone like that until you get to know tem for long time.
Just when I was talking about music being just above average, they put out this masterpiece that watchers of Miyazaki’s ‘Only Yesterday’ would be familiar with in episode 6 and 7. Very nice touch. That is one of those songs that even I am too young to know properly. Then again, I recorded 4 Gregorian Chant recordings so why should I be talking about music being too old for me.
I’ve been trying to find the name of that song… the one in ep 6 & 7… Wontaek, do you by any chance remember it?
TJ_HAN… do you happen to be in the saf…? Cause i’ve seen your nick in the forum… anyway.. i watch this show and it’s very nice. However, the subs are pretty slow it’s only up to 7 now though the raw is already 12 (where it ends) Hope we get more of such anime around.