Cowboy Bebop |
 | Summary:Stylisly saccadic, converged-epic of a derelict who's erstwhile engrams abet the tension between rival crime-syndicates. Visually stunning, enthralling fare is compulsory viewing for anime/sci-fi/comedy/noir buffs; those appreciating classic character study, absorbing psychological drama. |
| Title Aka: | N/A |
| Company/Distributors: | Sunrise;ZRO Limit Productions;Bandai Visual |
| Year: | 1998 |
| Length: | 26 Episode Series |
| Rating: |  |
| Genres: | Science Fiction, Action, Comedy, Drama |
| Format: | T.V. Series |
| Content Level: | N/A |
| Comments: |
|
"Cowboy Bebop" (1998):
-Shinichiro Watanabe's "Cowboy Bebop", is a true masterpiece if I ever saw one. It's also one of the most gloriously crafted stories I've seen in years; live-action, animated or otherwise. Also, I would not be stretching it to proclaim that it was the finest cinematic work I've ever had the pleasure of viewing. During my relatively new interest in animé, nothing speaks wonders more to emcompass what I feel to be the very best of this film medium. Unlike most animated television series, many of which could only dream to contain Bebop's verve or caliber, the characters in Cowboy Bebop do not simply fill the void on the screen. Nor do they simply recite endless platitudes, some of which fans have come to know and love; Bebop's characters embrace the storyline, exploiting every nook of the show's intended vision & artistry. The show's protagonist is in the form of "Spike Spiegel", which comes on like a 'quasi-fresh' blend of "James Bond" mannerisms, as well as all the physical will accompanying an incarnate "Bruce Lee". Both stylish and cool in action, Spike roams the stars (a seemingly all-to-familiar setting for this kind of storyline) searching for adventures, bounties or whatever he can get his hands on to turn up a hit. Like most hero figures, Spike himself is often fueled with an aiding sense of justice, but gets most of his ebullience from his only pride & joy (often having reminded us that this is hardly of the 'kid' nature), the "Bebop"; hence the show's main title. Piloting the ship is Spike's partner "Jet Black", a gruff ex-cop with a knack for culinary arts, which Spike often finds contemptible. The two of course are seemingly the ideal 'buddy' duo. There are situations in which Spike eats Jet's cooking & proclaims it's utter 'bad taste', as there are times when types of situations are reversed in various scenarios what have you. Down in out in their 'dirty work' so to speak, Jet & Spike spend most of their time gathering up a series of diverse criminals for money. Given this appealing set-up, the show is apparently yet another buddy space vehicle; but the incredible style of the show aids a far greater spread into the dynamic world of Bebop, which is carried even further with the arrival of new characters. Such are the elusive & deceptively beautiful "Faye Valentine", whom the Bebop duo comes across after a mishap involving a poker chip in space (see the show). Each character is detailed and complicated with several personality layers to peel, but the show does a substantial job with exposition in the beginning; being sure not to bombard it's audience with too much information early on (which would have undoubtedly been used to a poor extent in a less ambitious effort). The intended setting of Bebop is 2070 A.D.; or is it?... Personally I feel the show does an impeccable job of making the setting relevant to a certain future, but is at the same time uncertain of an atmospheric environment in time. We observe clothing styles, architecture, mechanics (forged by the always innovative "Kawamori") influenced from different eras & ideas; there is a beautiful aided sense of mystery here as in any good space opera, that's just not attempting space exploitation. But at the same time, Bebop isn't so much bent on style & environment (as it executes marvelously) but is more concentrated on characters. And it is by this reason alone, the show is so special. While the show involves an overfill of different characters (all colorful and interesting), the show is mainly the emotional exploration & systematic reveal of four central characters (1X "canine"), each of which could spark an enormous series of their own if given the opportunity. None other is more involved and interesting a characterization than the lead's. Spike Spiegel is a character which perhaps will go down in history of the anime realm, as being one of the most original and thought provoking ever conjured by the industry; which seems to be never fueled by empty commercialism, but always through innovation and profound artistry. But of all the engaging mettles, villians and compulsory cinematic vistas of Bebop; the core of it all erupts into a huge but quiet climax involving Spike's love "Julia". A beauty and near-phantasm of the series' great mysteries; which have to be unraveled, and seen to be believed. One of the many great pleasures in viewing this series is simply the enjoyment which comes out of the impeccable dialouge, vivid imagery and fast-paced action. The show is also very funny, highly detailed & moves fast; telling emotional stories in ways you never thought possible in under half-an-hour each session. One of the saddest of all facts is during the time when you know it's already over. But the emotion, vision & ideas of Bebop never leave the page with the rolling of credits; it's intellection remains forthwith. However, it seems to me that I love the show mostly for "Kanno's" wonderful score, which is a mix of retro-jazz and a couple of ultra slick compositions. If there's one thing that both Kanno & Watanabe do perfectly, is meld wonderful emotion with stunning displays of visual extravagance, which play themselves out evenly in a 26-episode series. Cowboy Bebop is also one of the few truly original space operas I've seen, in good company with "Gunbuster" & "The Wind Of Amnesia"; however, these classics seem but only small shadows in light of "Hajime Yadate's" wonderful story of Bebop, which is as profound and abysmal as it's characters and dialouge. There are beautiful moments in Bebop which leave a huge place in one's imagination. Such are the scenes encompassing the remainder of the moody "Ballad of Fallen Angels", the graceful and glorious "Jupiter Jazz"; a fav called "Cowboy Funk" & lastly a climatic conversation between two main characters, which seems to ring of "Kawamori's" Macross Plus but ends with our heads in the sky, wondering... A tune of Kanno's "Blue" ends quite beautifully. Hey, if that's not classic; I don't know what is.
|
