FinalBaton wrote:
I need to rewatch 2 as well, I barely remember it so it'll be like watching it for the first time.
Captain Goto has got to be my favourite anime character of all time. That sly old fox is a treat to watch, hehe. And he's scripted so well here. Guy is awesome!
Captain Goto is the highlight of Patlabor for sure
I love the fact that despite his scheming and his way of twisting others round his fingers to do his bidding (well, more or less) he's so laid back and accepting. He's so at home out there, in the "wilderness" of the Tokyo bay. I can't really put it in the way I want it, but he's a fun character in that he has some of the character traits you'd find perhaps in a bad evil boss guy, yet he's a good guy through and through but not in the typical righteous shounen hero way. His laid back and friendly attitude complements his competence in a perfect way, without him ever becoming boring or "overpowered".
I also love the chemistry between him and Shinobu, it's cute.
FinalBaton wrote:
I gave a go to the original 7 episode OVA series last year and I dropped it. There just wasn't much happening and the visuals were bad with only garish colors used and absolutely no shading on the characters(which aren't
that well drawn to begin with).
I saw nothing there to hold my attention. It was 100% goofy and had no serious moments nor any tension of any sort. Not sure I want that in my Patlabor... I mean if I want goofy stuff I'll just watch me some Dirty Pair. Kei and Yuri will give me plenty of that, and then some
Now, the OVA hasn't aged as well as some people tend to say. The visuals were never that good and some episodes are more rough than others. I'm surprised the OVA gets as much praise as it does, and I'm saying that as someone who really likes it.
The first episode has both strong and weak points. The first part is great, the fighting the labor part in the latter not so much.
I personally like the 2nd episode, however from a visual perspective there's not much to write home about save for some nice city drawings. I really like Kanuka Clancy so this episode is a highlight for me from that perspective, but it's not particularly action filled.
It's after that the OVA starts dropping the ball a bit. Not everyone, including me, is going to enjoy the Godzilla spoof episode, for example. What it does show though, and it is something that will remain true for Patlabor throughout, is that you can tell a variety of different stories with Patlabor and still have it feel coherent and "in character", which is one of Patlabor's true strengths.
The best part of the OVA is the two-parter "The Longest Day of SV2" which is kind of a test run of the second movie. It's dripping with atmosphere and Goto is really played up here, so you should be able to enjoy that I think
The last episode of the OVA, episode 8, is a return to the goofy hijinks although with much improved visuals as it is a later production. I think it makes a good send-off episode for the OVA however.
WelshMegalodon wrote:
I personally found the OVA series a good introduction to the characters that enhances the first movie (if not a quality series in its own right, as many often claim it to be), so yours comes across as quite the bold statement, to say the least.
Have you seen the TV series? The fact that it takes place in a separate continuity has caused me to overlook it all these years, but an honest recommendation from someone here might change my mind...
FinalBaton wrote:
As I stated in my post : I didn't watch the whole series! I dropped it. I only watched 2 episodes. So my statement only reflects my first impression of the little bit that I saw. Nothing more. It's definitely not my review of the series(since obviously I have not watched the whole thing, only a little bit).
You're making me curious about it though, maybe I'll start it again and watch the whole thing now
I was surprised how much I enjoyed the TV series. The first episode is a downer with the introduction being redone and in a less stellar way, however, once the character introductions are over and done with it's back to normal.
The TV series does a good job of both having serious and silly moments, although the movies are much more serious as you'd expect. Rather, the great thing about the TV series is about having the space for the characters to come alive and have their personalities bounce against each other in interesting ways and in interesting scenarios. It's quite silly but at times also great social commentary and political satire and a great counterweight to the movies darker tone, especially movie 2 and Wasted XIII.
To me, they represent much of what Patlabor is and much of the charm it has to give and also still proves that Mamoru Oshii can be really funny if he wants to...it's just the lately he doesn't and holes himself up in the world of live action production instead.
In closing, I think some of my favorite parts of Patlabor actually is the quiet parts, focusing on the people and life in the Tokyo bay and perhaps in general. It's just great
I'm honestly surprised how well Gundam has aged both visually and story wise.
