I'm Currently Watching...

[Kor]

I've been recommended by an online friend to watch School Days. They say it's a deconstruction on the harem genre (and I'm a big deconstruction genre fan) but after watching Puella Magi the second time around, maybe I'll take a pass on it for a liiiiittle while.

School Days is deeply, deeply f*cked up. Not in a Gen Urobochi weird-symbolism-and-agonizing-emotional-dilemma way. In a "everybody is a bad person making bad life choices and the ending is REALLY REALLY REALLY HORRIBLE". Idk if I'd call it a deconstruction of the harem genre so much as an unhappy harem show that makes a sharp descent into horror in the last couple of episodes.

"deconstruction on a genre" is just a pretentious thing the internet made up for some reason. I've yet to see a proper article that even explains what this means and how it relates to the literal theory of deconstruction. More often than not, when I see people use that to describe shows, I'm under the impression people don't understand what deconstruction even means.

Since the first results of a google research all direct to stuff like TV tropes and anime forums, I have very little faith in it actually being a true term, and not just a bad way to make a work of fiction sound more intelligent than it actually is.

[char13happy]

I've been recommended by an online friend to watch School Days. They say it's a deconstruction on the harem genre (and I'm a big deconstruction genre fan) but after watching Puella Magi the second time around, maybe I'll take a pass on it for a liiiiittle while.

School Days is deeply, deeply f*cked up. Not in a Gen Urobochi weird-symbolism-and-agonizing-emotional-dilemma way. In a "everybody is a bad person making bad life choices and the ending is REALLY REALLY REALLY HORRIBLE". Idk if I'd call it a deconstruction of the harem genre so much as an unhappy harem show that makes a sharp descent into horror in the last couple of episodes.

"deconstruction on a genre" is just a pretentious thing the internet made up for some reason. I've yet to see a proper article that even explains what this means and how it relates to the literal theory of deconstruction. More often than not, when I see people use that to describe shows, I'm under the impression people don't understand what deconstruction even means.

Since the first results of a google research all direct to stuff like TV tropes and anime forums, I have very little faith in it actually being a true term, and not just a bad way to make a work of fiction sound more intelligent than it actually is.

My friends and I use the deconstruction term very loosely, actually, since we don't know what it exactly means as well. Our interpretation's more on how some things/events can affect the people on a more realistic and believable level. And even that's vague. D:

So, manga, on a scale of 1 to 10, how would you recommend that show (or visual novel) to anyone? The way you describe the show makes it sound like you'd be better off not watching it in your entire life.

[mangaluva]

I've been recommended by an online friend to watch School Days. They say it's a deconstruction on the harem genre (and I'm a big deconstruction genre fan) but after watching Puella Magi the second time around, maybe I'll take a pass on it for a liiiiittle while.

School Days is deeply, deeply f*cked up. Not in a Gen Urobochi weird-symbolism-and-agonizing-emotional-dilemma way. In a "everybody is a bad person making bad life choices and the ending is REALLY REALLY REALLY HORRIBLE". Idk if I'd call it a deconstruction of the harem genre so much as an unhappy harem show that makes a sharp descent into horror in the last couple of episodes.

"deconstruction on a genre" is just a pretentious thing the internet made up for some reason. I've yet to see a proper article that even explains what this means and how it relates to the literal theory of deconstruction. More often than not, when I see people use that to describe shows, I'm under the impression people don't understand what deconstruction even means.

Since the first results of a google research all direct to stuff like TV tropes and anime forums, I have very little faith in it actually being a true term, and not just a bad way to make a work of fiction sound more intelligent than it actually is.

My friends and I use the deconstruction term very loosely, actually, since we don't know what it exactly means as well. Our interpretation's more on how some things/events can affect the people on a more realistic and believable level. And even that's vague. D:

So, manga, on a scale of 1 to 10, how would you recommend that show (or visual novel) to anyone? The way you describe the show makes it sound like you'd be better off not watching it in your entire life.

I personally wouldn't recommend School Days... I feel like all that it has going for it is the infamous shock-value of its ending. Personally I use "deconstruction" to describe a series that takes apart the hows and whys of the core elements of a genre, but just because something is a deconstruction doesn't make it GOOD. I think if you want a show that mucks about with the mechanics of a harem genre series, watch or, even better, read Ouran High School Host Club. Yes it's a screwball comedy that takes shoujo and harem series apart in a comedic manner, but the manga in particular takes some powerfully emotional dives into the characters' backstories, so it's stuff like: why are the creepily identical, codependent twins so completely identical and codependent, and is it good for them? Why is the cold, calculating, business-obsessed megane so obsessed with business dealings? etc. The manga is much better than the anime, IMO. And there aren't any sudden brutal stabbings (I'm not saying that they're a bad thing, mind you, it's just... a little out of nowhere in School Days after nine or ten episodes of kids making bad choices about who, where and when they shag and Makoto not having much in the way of a personality).

[Kor]

See, this is exactly what I mean. Why take a heavy term that has been associated with theory and philosophy for years (a term that is still in use), a term with a defined nature (albeit a very confusing nature), and then apply for it a "personal" definition that doesn't go hand in hand with its actual use? Later on people (who see other people use the word) start using the word without realizing it doesn't actually mean what they think it means.
I'm merely advocating to not use words that don't actually have the definition you're going for. Certainly not heavy and philosophical terms like deconstruction. Certainly not words you don't know (or understand) the definition of.

[mangaluva]

I wasn't actually aware of the proper definition of deconstruction, I only really became aware of it as a word that floated up in fandom discussion. *googles, which I should have done a long time ago probably*

...ooh. Interesting.

[char13happy]

I actually thought that it was a new term the Internet made for tvtropes, myself. Thanks for the heads-up.

[kkslider5552000]

See, this is exactly what I mean. Why take a heavy term that has been associated with theory and philosophy for years (a term that is still in use), a term with a defined nature (albeit a very confusing nature), and then apply for it a "personal" definition that doesn't go hand in hand with its actual use? Later on people (who see other people use the word) start using the word without realizing it doesn't actually mean what they think it means..

Meh, I've long given up the idea of nearly any word needing 1 sole definition or use. Mostly because it's a hopeless idea more often than not.

[Cider]

DRRR season 2 <3

It's been too long Kanra-chan

[kkslider5552000]

Cardcaptor Sakura is surprisingly gay, and I mean that in the best way possible.

I'm honestly liking this series a ton.

[Stopwatch]

Personally, I take deconstruction to mean "what would happen if x sub/genre took place in reality?" So, it's basically giving up a lot of the suspension of disbelief that comes with certain genres and exploring what those things you usually take for granted in them actually imply. I suppose it's similar to Manga's approach, just worded differently :V.

(A friend of mine has watched School Days and says pretty much the only reason they don't rate it 1/5 but instead 2/5 is because you hate the protagonist so much by the end that you actually celebrate the ending :V. Not seen it myself though so idk.)

Currently one episode into Lain. I think the first episode succeeded a bit too well at spreading a sense of unease because I may have to force myself to watch the rest of it. I will watch it all though probably.

[Nemomon]

Cardcaptor Sakura is surprisingly gay, and I mean that in the best way possible.

I'm honestly liking this series a ton.

By 'gay' You mean that it is a happy show? Or too much Syaoran X Eriol? I once was thinking about watching CCS, but never found enough time.

[Jecka]

Cardcaptor Sakura is surprisingly gay, and I mean that in the best way possible.

I'm honestly liking this series a ton.

By 'gay' You mean that it is a happy show? Or too much Syaoran X Eriol? I once was thinking about watching CCS, but never found enough time.

He isn't that far yet :V
Btw the first thing I thought of was Tomoyo and Sakura :V

[char13happy]

Currently one episode into Lain. I think the first episode succeeded a bit too well at spreading a sense of unease because I may have to force myself to watch the rest of it. I will watch it all though probably.

Funnily enough, I was supposed to start on Lain a few days ago since somebody told me that Digimon Tamers is like the kid version of that show. Still thinking if I should go for it or not.

[Stopwatch]

Currently one episode into Lain. I think the first episode succeeded a bit too well at spreading a sense of unease because I may have to force myself to watch the rest of it. I will watch it all though probably.

Funnily enough, I was supposed to start on Lain a few days ago since somebody told me that Digimon Tamers is like the kid version of that show. Still thinking if I should go for it or not.

It's very... peculiar. I'm just past episode four and other stuff is starting to become apparent, but even so, it's incredibly and purposefully confusing. I'd give it a go though, but if you don't like it after two eps or so, don't force it, I guess? I can't speak for any comparisons to Digimon Tamers though, sorry.

[char13happy]

Currently one episode into Lain. I think the first episode succeeded a bit too well at spreading a sense of unease because I may have to force myself to watch the rest of it. I will watch it all though probably.

Funnily enough, I was supposed to start on Lain a few days ago since somebody told me that Digimon Tamers is like the kid version of that show. Still thinking if I should go for it or not.

It's very... peculiar. I'm just past episode four and other stuff is starting to become apparent, but even so, it's incredibly and purposefully confusing. I'd give it a go though, but if you don't like it after two eps or so, don't force it, I guess? I can't speak for any comparisons to Digimon Tamers though, sorry.

Peculiar is the right word, alright. Episode 1 is still creeping me out.

Also! I finished watching Chihayafuru's two seasons a few days ago and I've only caught up in the manga. Aside from the Paradise Kiss and Nodame Cantabile, this is one of the very few shows with romance that I've actually finished because it's. JUST. SO. GOOD. So good that this is also the very FIRST time I'm actually rooting for one to win in the love triangle. #TeamTaichi