Animelab.com: Anime Reviews: Saiyuki

Want to write your own review? Click here!

1

sakura_taisho

Posts: 14
Score: 4
Rank: 291

Saiyuki is a very complex series, following Sanzo, a high preist who carries a gun and isnt bald, Goku, a naive demon who was locked away for 500 years, Gojyo, a perverted, kappa, hanyo, and Hakkai, a troubled demon although very polite. Throughout the 50 episodes of the first season (Gensomaiden Saiyuki) the four are followed as they go to the West to stop the revival of Gyoumaouh and to please a Goddess called Kanzeon, who is very amused by their quaraling. The series later evolves into Saiyuki Reload, Reload Gunlock and a prequal, 500 years before the group was reincarnated, Saiyuki Gaiden. Saiyuki is a comedy much worth anyones time. although a little perverse at times and foul language rings in the air I give it a 10 out of 10 for its greatness as a full blown anime! ^ ^

Contributions: Reviews: 1, Info: 2

anime reviewer

Posts: 0
Score: 3
Rank: 358

Ah, Saiyuki. Dubbed by some as the Weiss Kreuz clone, but a closer inspection proves it is much more than that.

Elaboration:
Though based loosely on the Chinese novel "Journey to the West", Minekura has taken liberty to concoct her own story. Like any epic, the plot is episodic, faced with mostly enemy-of-the-day accounts that of course end with the victory of our heroes. It is infested with those taxing filler episodes (stupid time-wasters, in other words) that do no other purpose except to present more wacky humor, waste audience time (and the producers' money) and rub in to our faces how "sexy" the characters are. Relief of the greatest level comes with the arrival of the good episodes - excitement that keeps you leaning forward and events that warm the heart. There is an epidemic of deep symbolism and vivid imagery and metaphors, a real treat for literature lovers. The on-going prequel, Gaiden Saiyuki, caters better to the plot fans, and is a good background story to spice up and support the thin Gensomaden plot.

The Sanzo-ikkou do much more than echo Weiss. As the atypical art style implies, they are, in the inner sense, uncommonly mature, with mature problems to face, greatly surpassing their Weiss "predecessors". Minekura has kindly and magnificently delineated well-developed, 3-dimensional characters
that feel like real people. Real, because you feel with them, you feel yourself in them. Aya's angsty mourning for his filial tragedy (parallel story: happy guy becomes stone guy) and loss of direction pales in comparison with Sanzo's pain of losing his world, and sad but sure withdrawal to the non-attachment he still convinces himself to feel (parallel story: lost and sad kid doesn't want to feel, trust and live, only wants to exist, because it's easy). Yes, the Sanzo-ikkou is so far the best group I've ever seen.

The total music score is average, the loud and unimpressive balanced by some notable guitar and piano performances. The opening and ending songs generally lean more on J-rock (a rare feature, since most "bishounen" series rake in on slow pop), boasting the cool rock openings, but all mellowed and equalized by the wonderful stand-out sentimental Alone that seems out of place with all the blazing guitars of the other credit songs.

The art style is a big determinant of the fans' approval or revulsion of the series. The integration of realistic touches produces bizzare faces, and it takes quite some adjustment time for any hungry fangirl to see any "bishounen-like" elements, although some viewers really won't. The manga, however, is meticulously drawn, with intricate shadowing that elicits an eerie realism, and in comparison the anime suddenly resembles a bunch of lines haphazardly sketched.

The judgement:
Better than Weiss. Shoujo fans should get a taste of this, other fans should stay away.

Advice:
Fandom contains a mountain of slash, self insertions and distorted characterization, but there are a few real treasures worth digging for. Be sure not to miss any artbooks if you love the manga visuals.

Contributions: Reviews: 3

Kanashimi Ame

Posts: 0
Score: 5
Rank: 186

Saiyuki is a story of 4 unusual guys taking a journey to the west to defeat the evil.
Genjo Sanzo, the leader, is a high priest that is well respected. Sanzo is often referred to droopy eyed. The thing is that he isn't your idealistic monk. He smokes, drinks, curses, kills, eats meat and doesn't have much interest in the religion. But despite that he is a good monk...when he wants to be, and though he doesn't show it, he cares...sometimes.
Then, there is Son Goku, a 500-year-old delinquent boy aka monkey god. Although he is 500 years old, he has the face and body of a 18 year-old. Goku likes to eat, sleep and have fun. But he's loud and annoying so, Sanzo has to hit him across the head with his infamous paper fan to shut him up while yelling "Uruse baka saru!" (shut up dumbass ape). Goku is basically a loyal yet childish warrior with great power.
Cho Hakkai is a kind gentleman with a dark past. Although you see him wearing one of his friendly smiles, don't be fooled by it, as it's a mask to hide his true feelings. He's the only one who can make Sanzo actually be afraid of the group and the only one who isn't at war with one another.
There's the "Perverted Kappa" Sha Gojyo. He's your typical playboy. He loves girls, cigarettes and beer. That's what his life revolves around. He has red hair and eyes� showing that he is a hybrid of youkai (demon) and human. Not always the nicest to Goku but he's really an older brother to him.
This unlikely group of heroes goes through countless obstacles to accomplish their mission. As they travel their dark pasts' get slowly unraveled as well...
~
Sayuki has great art work
The music is really catchy and the lyrics are great
The plot is based off a chinese novel "A journey to the west"
The plot has great twists and turns making it very enjoyable.
It's more for mature audiences -_-;;
The guy's are HOTT too! ^_^
This anime is great for people who love action and funny stuff!
~

Contributions: Reviews: 5

1

Get free cash for college with FastWeb's Scholarship search!

My Animelab

EMail:
Pass:
	[Lost Pass] [Register]

Post Your Stuff

Related Sites