Manga & Anime Talk 2: A Cheeky Angel (Tenshi na Konamaiki)

It has been almost 2 years since I made a post about Manga & Anime Talk 1, and the time has come I think, for me to make the second entry for this topic. I know it took a while, but to tell you the truth, there were literally hundreds of anime & manga out there that had become my favourites, and thus, making the selection process a lot harder and harder for me. I had thought long and hard for what this second entry is going to be (which explained why it took 2 years, haha) and at long last, the final decision had been made.So, here it's - the second Manga & Anime Talk is going to be about one of my top anime favorites; A Cheeky Angel or 'Tenshi na Konamaiki'. 

About A Cheeky Angel: 

Meet Megumi Amatsuka, a confused 15 year old girl (boy)

A Cheeky Angel is basically a story about 15 year old schoolgirl named Megumi Amatsuka, a popular and energetic tomboyish who always seems to get into fight and have a terrible secret. This secret were only shared with Megumi childhood/best friend, Miki Hanakain and it wasn't long before we were introduced with what this dark secret is - when she was young, Megumi used to be a boy. Had been living as a girl for more than 6 years, Megumi is now desperate to turn herself back, but in order for her to do that - she would have to find the magical book that had turned her into boy at the first place. It's during this search, that Megumi and Miki started making friends with other boys ( Genzo, Fujiki, Ichiro and later on, Kobayashi) who created a club dedicated for her - Megumi Protection Club.

Why Do I Love It?

The Whole Franchise. Build based on the idea; 'You may not know this, but I get turned into girl by an accident and used to be a boy." - this anime is quite quintessential for a gender-swapped/ identity crisis anime genre. Created in 1999-2003 (manga) and 2002-2003 (anime run), this anime hold a dear spot in my heart because of its comedic and nice interpretation of a young girl who confused about her gender, how she managed to fit in with the whole situation, and her journey of finding out the truth behind the magical book. As a character, Megumi hold both strong and feminine personality - some personality that proves to be quite troublesome for her because all she ever wanted was to be the strongest man among man, but other people (boys, especially) view Megumi as an extremely beautiful girl and couldn't stop themselves from falling in love with her. Yikes, that must be tough right?

What You Should Know About The Characters?

Hanakain Miki: 

Megumi Amatsuka childhood/best friend. She is the only person who remember about Megumi former state and present during her transformation. She enrolled at the new school with Megumi to assist her in finding the missing magical book in order for Megumi to be re-transform again but, gradually shows her conflicting feelings about it. She is very loyal and protective of Megumi, has been at her side since pre-school, to an extent that she even accepted an arranged marriage just to go to the same school as her. 

Genzo Soga:

One of Megumi biggest fan and a former punk, Genzo likes Megumi so much to an extent that he's willing to risk his own life for her. Generically a very strong and stubborn person, he was feared by most of kids at school and nobody dares to cross their path with him. Although originally Soga was hated by Megumi - over time, he's proven to be quite reliable to have around and soon, the two of them started become friends. Megumi is also seen to be gentle and caring towards him at times, such in one of the episodes after she found out that the reason of Genzo is late and hurt is due to his action of helping his friends.

Ichiro Fujiki

'Normal' or 'Average', in any possible way - Fujiki had a big time crush on Megumi Amatsuka and were secretly in love with her. Together with his friend, Yasuda - they created a special club dedicated for Megumi in hoping that someday, she will go out with one of them. Fujiki effort to become just 'normal' however, were severely affected when Megumi biggest rival, Keiko entered the scene.

Yasuda Tasuke: 

A self-declared pervert and a nerd, Yasuda were one of the earliest members from Megumi Protection Club. He's the weakest when it comes to physical attack, but his intelligence were his saving grace. Often get nosebleeds when he get excited and enjoys flipping through girls skirts, Yasuda were very timid when it comes to showing Megumi his feelings. Yasuda mostly wear glasses in the series, although there were the time when he removed them (where he looks like a girl) for a good and not-so-good cause. 

Hitomoji Kobayashi

A samurai in-training and possibly, the most decent man in the club. Kobayashi is the second strongest (after Soga) and had learned martial arts since childhood. Although he seems to be pretty smitten with Megumi after she helped him retrieve a very important momento, near the end of the series he seems to develop some feelings for Miki.

Keiko Tanaka

Megumi biggest rival and a spoil brat. She suffers from superiority complex and seems to hate Megumi at best because she thinks that Megumi is stealing all the attention away from her. Her scheme of defaming Megumi consisted of one-on-one challenge, public humiliation, and slandering. 

There's a lot of things that you could find in this anime that can be considered as interesting and for those who haven't watch this anime yet - well, don't let me spoil all the fun for you (in which I already did, for most of this entry). In overall, this is pretty great anime, very enjoyable and funny, romantic in it's own ground and leave you with whole lot of pondering after you finished reading the manga/ watching the anime. My rating for this anime is 4/5, and for those who had watched it and thought that it deserves higher than that - well, this is just an opinion, okay? No need to get emotional over it. 

Okay, then. All said and done. That's it guys for my Manga & Anime Talk 2. I hope you guys enjoyed this post as much as I enjoyed writing it. Have a nice day!

Mimi says: Just gotta watch this anime, despite for its 50 episodes long

My Ultimate List : Best Psychological Movies Ever!

A month and a half had gone by without me making any new post on my blog. I'm really sorry for the delay but, between juggling my examination and completion of my final year project: I hope to rest my case. Never really good with multi-tasking and damn you guys who are good at it - but since all of that over now and so, Here I Am. Ready to make my splash; writing on this blog again.

I don't know what's up with me and the word 'Ultimate' nowadays - it seems to appear in every single thing that I do especially when I am writing a list and seems to always ended up becoming something like this - My Ultimate Grocery List, My Ultimate Music List, My Ultimate... bla bla.... Well, enough said. And today is not an exception. Announcing, my Ultimate List for... Best Psychological Movies Ever! Oh, NO. Not again, darn it!

So, how many of you guys out there whom have an interest in this kind of movie? I'll simply assumed, probably quite a lot out there. Funny thing, when I was a child - I used to hate it. Pressing hard on the reason, it's pretty apparent to me: that it's because its simply, f**king scary. When you start seeing crazy maniac coming out of nowhere or blood dripping from that guy neck - you don't have to be that old to realize that it's one scary movie you're watching right there. Along the way, I sort of getting the idea that the guy (director) who made this sort of movie as a sicko.

As I aged and matured - I begin to see psychological movies in a different light and appreciate it even more. What can I say? My interest in anime and manga is slowly fading away, action movies mostly are just dumb- putted and I'm not much of an adrenaline junkie, while romance-comedy are for the hopeless, foolish romantic (no offence) who had no idea that they had silently been ripped off. Horror? Bloody no. Classic movies will always be classic, but psychological movies - oh yeah... They are definitely my new black.

I couldn't tell you exactly why or how that get me into psychological movies - but hell yeah, any time something like it comes up; you can count me in. And to tell you what sort of movies that I had watch so far and taken into liking, let's take a look at the Ultimate list below and if you guys are also one of the people who're into these kind of movies, well - Enjoy Watching!

The 'Ultimate' list...

1.) Primal Fear (1996) - Starring: Edward Norton, Richard Gere.

When a innocent-looking, 19 year old Aaron Stampler (Norton) were accused of murdering an arc bishop; his hot-shot attorney, Martin Vail (Gere) had to find a great defense for him so that the judge and juries will believe that the boy didn't do it - despite of the clear evidence that he did. When Aaron having constant memory blackouts and his other aggressive personality, Roy begun to appear - Martin were convinced that the kid is truly innocent and try to use this as the excuse to clear his name. The only question is, how innocent the boy really is, than he appears to be?

2.) The Butterfly Effect (2004) - Starring: Ashton Kutcher, Amy Smart

When a 20 year old college student, Evan Treborn (Kutcher) found that he have the ability to travel back in time to inhabit his former self - he used this is a gateway to change the present day by changing his past behaviours. Having been the victim of several childhood traumas aggravated by stress-induced memory losses, he attempts to set things right for himself and his friends, but there are unintended consequences for all. The film draws heavily on flashbacks of the characters' lives at ages 7 and 13, and presents several alternate present-day outcomes as Evan attempts to change the past, before settling on a final outcome.

3.) The Shining (1980) - Starring: Jack Nicholson, Shelly Duvall

Jack Torrance (Nicholson), a writer and recovering alcoholic takes a job as an off-season caretaker at an isolated hotel called the Overlook Hotel. His young son possess psychic abilities and is able to see things from the past and future, such as the ghosts who inhabit the hotel. Soon after settling in, the family is trapped in the hotel by a snowstorm, and Jack gradually becomes influenced by a supernatural presence; he descends into madness and attempts to murder his wife (Duvall) and son. So, what will become of the Torrance's: once daddy-dearest turns mad and his unsuspecting  family members once they realize why he really up too?

4.) Psycho (1960) - Starring: Vera Milles, Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh

After a long drive away from Pheonix, Marion Crane (Leigh), a secretary - ends up at a secluded motel called as 'Bates Motel'; owned and managed by Norman Bates (Perkins). Earlier, she had embezzling money from her employer after a client drop by and handed $40,000 cash, with every intention to purchase a home for his daughter. Little did she know, that her hasty decision stealing the money and staying in this motel will eventually altered her life forever - with no-so-very-nice aftermath for those whom involved with her, especially after she mysteriously disappeared.

5.) Fight Club (1999) - Starring Edward Norton, Brad Pitt

The unnamed narrator (Norton) is a travelling automobile company employee who suffers from insomnia were looking for a way to change his life when he crosses paths with a devil-may-care soap maker, Tyler Durden (Pitt) and together, they begin to form an underground fight club that started to evolves - becoming something much, much more than a bunch of men fight with each other. When things started to get out of control after Tyler left - the narrator tried to find him as a way to stop everything, especially the dangerously, top-secret project Mayhem. Unaware himself, that by finding for him - he's only one step closer to have the ultimate revelation of his life.

6.)  Phone Booth (2002) - Starring: Colin Farell, Kiefer Sutherland, Radha Micthell

It's a nightmare in a bright daylight when an arrogant NYC publicist, Stu Shepard (Farell) walked into the last remaining public phone booth in the city to call the woman he's been courting behind his wife back, Pam. He received a call from a strange man who knows his name, and warns him not to leave the booth or else he will call his wife, Kelly and tell her about Pam. Thinking it as a joke - he decided to walk away but were taken aback when the man call again and say that he already call his wife, and about to do the same with his mistress. The panic Stu tried to talk him out of it - only to be given the ultimatum; tell his wife and Pam the whole truth about his cheating, or get killed by the riffle if he tried to walk away. Thus, begun the horrifying moment for Stu as he's terrorized by the man in fulfilling his demands, and saving everyone around him.

7.) The Machinist (2004) - Starring: Christian Bale

Trevor Reznik (Bale) is a machinist whose insomnia has led to him becoming emaciated. His appearance and behaviour keeps his co workers away, and they eventually turn against him when he's involved in an accident that causes his co worker to lose his left arm. Trevor, who was distracted by an unfamiliar co worker named Ivan - get blame for the accident. Haunted by a brief flashes of recurring imagery and a mysterious series of post-it note that appears on his refrigerator, depicting a game of hangman: Reznik begin to think that everything that's happening around him as an concerted effort to drive him insane. Slowly, he begin to find the truth behind the strange occurrences - as the real truth started to unfold.

8.) Identity (2003) - Starring: John Cusack, Ray Liotta, Alfred Molina

A convict introduced as "Malcolm Rivers" - who was abandoned at a motel by his prostitute mother as a child - awaits for execution for several vicious murders that took place at an apartment building. Malcolm's psychiatrist, Dr. Mallick (Molina), had discovered his journal that may explain why he committed the murders. With this late evidence brought forth, a new hearing started to takes place. Meanwhile, ten strangers find themselves stranded in a middle of rainstorm at a remote Nevada motel. Soon, one by one started to die, killed by the unknown, loose murderer despite the victim have no previous connection with one another. The question is, who is this murderer, and what that ALL has to do with "Malcolm Rivers"?

9.) We Need To Talk About Kevin (2011) - Starring: Tilda Swinton, Ezra Miller

Eva Katchadourian (Swinton), mother of Kevin Katchadourin (Miller) - a kid whom in prison after committing a massacre at his high school, recalled with the series of difficulties she had while her son growing up - before he turned into a murderer. Her husband didn't believe her when he's been told about Kevin, and this added more strain in their marriage. Even after the birth of her daughter, whom has more cheerful and lovely personality than Kevin doesn't help. It's interesting to see the almost non-existence dynamic between a mother and her son, her unfruitful effort to be close to him and his reluctance to be around her - become the key denominator of his detachment and later, the high school killings.

10.) Shutter Island (2010) - Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo

Two U.S Marshals, Edward "Teddy" Daniels (DiCaprio) and his new partner, Chuck Aule ( Ruffalo) travels to the Ashecliffe Hospital for the criminal insane on Shutter Island located in Boston Harbor, as a part of an investigation into the disappearance of patient Rachel Solando, incarcerated for drowning her three children. Receiving not much of help from other staff and patient in there, Daniels decided to do his own investigation and as a series of migraine headaches, waking visions and disturbing dreams of his wife started to take place - Daniels realizes that a foul play on the roll; and he is one of the chagrin. 






The movie listed are my top ten psychological movies. It's the movie that opened up my eyes that a movie, doesn't always have to be, just a movie. It can be so much more. Educational, as well as entertaining nail-baiting experience. I hope you guys will enjoy my list and have a nice day.

Mimi says: The Ultimate Movie Junkie

Manga & Anime Talk 1: Great Teacher Onizuka

This special post are dedicated to all Manga and Anime lovers =). It's about one of my favorite Manga/Anime of all time : Great Teacher Onizuka or GTO.

About GTO:

GTO is basically a story about a man named Eikichi Onizuka, age 22 who works as teacher. Because of his qualification from bottom-rung University, he hardly get a job on his profession. He struggled to find a place as a teacher and at the same time, to realize his ultimate goal that is; becoming the 'Greatest Teacher Ever'- which explains the title of this Manga. However, there are many obstacle needs to be face before he could become the greatest teacher and that takes us to a journey with Onizuka-sensei; him handling a pretty messed up students in his class (class of 3-4) and embarks on a mission of self-discovery by breaking through to each student one-by-one, and helping them to overcome their problems and learn to genuinely enjoy life.

Why do I love it?

Onizuka-sensei, of course! He's the coolest character in this manga. He smoke whenever he wants it (even in front of his students) and looks like a gangster more than a teacher. Not saying that it's cool to smoke or appear gangster but one got to have a lot's of guts to do so (Cool!).

Unlike other typical high school teacher, Onizuka-sensei hates traditional teaching methods; example, teach new topics, handling assignments to students, grading papers and sorts... and thinks it as waste of time. He didn't care how 'his' teaching method going to reflects on his image as a teacher and willing to do anything to help his students. I know he is a fictional teacher, and writing this might be praising him too much but isn't cool to have such teacher around your school? In that case, you don't have to worry about homework or assignments anymore.

What you should know about the characters?

Holy Forest Academy Staff

Aside Onizuka-sensei, there are others character that you should take note when reading or watching this Manga. Here's a few names that you should know and how they are related to Onizuka-sensei.

Azusa Fuyutsuki 

Azusa Fuyutsuki: She's the heroine in this series. She is an employee at the same private school as Onizuka. She likes Onizuka and they probably like each other but ashamed to admit it and rather claimed that they just friends. Suguru Teshiwara, another male teacher in that school have a crush on her and disapproves relationship / friendship with Onizuka.

Ryoko Sakurai: Director at Holy Forest Academy. She believes Onizuka and his methods can change the school and students in 3-4 class especially.

Hiroshi Uchiyamada: Vice-President at Holy Forest Academy. He's one of the teachers who shows his disapproval of Director Ryoko Sakurai hiring Onizuka as a teacher. The running gag in this Manga series is that Mr Uchiyamada beloved car, his Cresta gets damaged usually from Onizuka attempts to helps saving his students life and he getting injured or assaulted because of Onizuka.

Class 3-4 Students

Noboru Yoshikawa: He is the first student that Onizuka laid on upon his arrival in the school and who, he befriended. Yoshikawa and Onizuka shares the same interest in playing video games and a little (just a little on Yoshikawa behalf), on girls. Yoshikawa is a victim of bullying, often bullied by Anko Uehara and her group. He had a suicide attempts twice, which always end up with Onizuka saving him. He had appear to have a special relationship with Onizuka; more seen as a friend-friend than teacher-student and look up to Onizuka whenever he is in trouble.

Kanzaki Urumi

Kanzaki Urumi: One of Onizuka students and probably the most stubborn one in his class. She enjoys manipulating others and able to manipulate Onizuka (eventhough he is her homeroom teacher) ans use him as a 'slave' as a result of her games. She later enjoys her 'little game' with Onizuka and find him as a funny hobby to spend her time with and starts to come school regularly. Like most of the students in her class, she hated Onizuka at first but later become one of his biggest allies. She also known to develop a crush on him.

Kunio Murai: Another students in Onizuka class. He also have some trust issues with teachers and grown-up's, especially men. This is probably because since he is a baby, he is raised by his young mother. However, Onizuka manage to work on gaining his trust and he also known to support Onizuka when he gets into a trouble. He is cautious about Onizuka presence around his mother ( fearing she would fall in love with  Onizuka and he'll become his step-dad and takes his mother away from him).

Miyabi Aizawa: Her past experience makes her hates teacher so much and somehow couldn't trust them completely. This rage is even worse when she took it to every classroom teacher she have, and that includes Onizuka in the list. She'll do whatever it takes to reach her ultimate goal in destroying the teacher (career) by the help from her friends.

Tomoko "Toro-ko" Nomura: Another girl student in Onizuka class who is well defined by having a big breast ( F cup). She is possibly the slowest and clumsy students in the class which have people nicknamed her as Toro-ko (Toro means slow in Japanese). Like his other students, Onizuka protects Tomoko when she have a trouble and in need of his help.

There are so much more to tell about GTO's Universe but I'll end it in here first. If you're curious, you can always read the manga online, watch the anime or just goggled it for better understanding. I learnt a lot from this manga and it had taught me on how to be reasonable in handling matters and never give up on what you believe/dream on. I truly recommended it to you but just know that there's a little bit of violent and sexual images display in this manga. You have been warned! I'm not suggesting you to read inappropriate manga or anything but this one have a lot more than just that (violent/sexual) that you might find enjoyable. I hope you will enjoy reading it and till then, Jya-nee!

Great Teacher Onizuka fans : Mimi Said