Customer Reviews

Now and Then, Here and There (Complete Collector's Boxed Set)

5 star:		(38)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

It's a wonderful film, high in its characterizations and interactions. Here's the lowdown on the film as far as genre, content and art style.

Genre: Drama/Sci-Fi. It is more a drama than a Science Fiction, though it contains elements of Sci-fi, unexplainable technology and distant future/alternate dimenional settings. It is mainly a drama pitted together in a horrible situation.

Artstyle: Realistic, similar to the Gundam Series, Princess Mononoke, Vampire Hunter D. Lacks the common anime features: exaggerated facial expressions (blown up eyes, river size tear trails), exaggerated bodily features (larger than life breasts, muscles where muscles just aren't).

Violence: High level. Bloody corpse, blood. Brutality, cruel behavior. It suggests rape twice and shows an attempt at rape. There is no needless violence, every notion of violence has an emotional and psychological impact on the characters. The rape scenes follow in the same pattern. This is a tasteful film which paces its violent scenes in full context with the story and the development of the characters and their situation. Not suggested for young children.

Setting: In foreign land/world/time (described as the distant future by many sources). Postapocolyptic, during a great war. World is under an extreme drought, water is very valuable (this is a main issue in the film but does not superscede the situations of the characters.

Themes: Finding ones place in life; Doing what is expected Versus Doing what is right; Survival; The value of Life.

Jist: I don't know what it is with the Japanese and Guys with sticks helping a helpless girl (ICO for example). You have a guy saving a girl. From the beginning until the end this is what it is mainly about, though involving many other characters.

I find the most important element of this film to be its characters. They are so diverse in their own way; there aren't a hundred different characters but each comes from a setting, sometimes similar with others, but they all have completely different situations. A lot of the situations start from one main point: being forced into another way of living. The way they deal with it and their exact way of living is different. Shu's situation is the main focus, as is obvious from the beginning of the film. After becomming invovled with Lala-ru he is determined to help her. She is probably the most influencial character, every character is effected by her either directly or indirectly. But Shu is the only one that is intent upon saving her, some even hate her. You'll find a lot of mystery surrounding her; her name is known apparently world wide and many rumors and speculations are going around about her no one really quite knows why she is so important to the King, excpet the King (obviously) and his closest and most loyal servant Abelia.

If you are an Anime fan then this should be at least viewed if not in your library. All three are wonderfully set with 13 episodes that don't let up or fill between. It's kinda like a 13 part OVA. I would highly recommend this for fans of Princess Mononoke, Vampire Hunter D/bloodlust. Young audiences may not be suitable for the violent/graphic/realistic nature of some themes and instances and these instances and themes may not even interest young audiences to begin with. It is a movie about emotions, and they can be heavy at times. I quickly added this to my library, give it a rent in the least. There are many more amazing things i could say about this film, but i'd probably give it all away (it doens't have any Sixth Sense style surprises though).

Everyone i know of that has seen it has loved it. It'd adorable and powerful. And they all loved Abelia just as much as they loved Sara

Now and Then, Here and There, from the very first episode, struck me as being one of the most beautiful anime series I'd ever seen. The art and direction are spectacular and make the darkness of the world all the more haunting, the nicer parts even more refreshing. The characters are complex and extraordinarily intriguing and you feel pity for them when they suffer - and in many cases, suffer they do - and joy when they get moments of happiness. And the storyline keeps one riveted from end to end. From the interrupted tranquility of the first episode to the gentle hope of the last, N&T,H&T is one of the finest anime works in my collection.

That said, it is brutal. The main villains are among the most contemptible individuals portrayed in this kind of medium, and their bloodthirsty will for power literally angered me when I was watching the show. There is severe brutality inflicted upon the unfortunate children of the world of Hellywood. Beatings, in one case a rape, the like. It can get depressing, severely so, and should probably be watched in a group for that reason - but it does deserve to be seen. Perhaps it's not really "enjoyable," but that's not the sole purpose of an animated series. If you can get through the difficulties, there are things that are really beautiful about this show. They're more than worth it.

WOW, this whole series took me completely by surprised. I was not at all ready to be bombarded with so much violence and sadness. The first set of episodes practically ruined my night; and I could not get over it (hard to believe that a "cartoon" can effect you so much).
The next night, I rented the rest of the series-glad I did. The whole story is just awesome. Even though the hardships and issues the children are facing are horrendous, it really gives you a picture of how children really suffer in a world without law.
Each character in this series is just amazing. You really feel for every one of them, from the evil Hamdo to the little boy, Boo. Each situation and background really hits home.
Shu's pureness and good heart really touched me. Kabuca's (don't know if I spelled that right) horrible situation where he is forced to murder innocent people just broke my heart. Every character was portrayed and drawn magnficantly. The story is very well written.
This anime is for someone who is looking to be challenged mentally and emotionally. Be prepared to see terrible images of little children suffering and people being faced with brutal predicaments. Yet, to some people this is real life. I believe it is good to know that bad things do happen, however a strong, determined heart like the main character Shu can change one world's terrible dilemma.
Highly recommend to anyone who enjoys all aspects of anime and also to those who love to experience an astounding drama.

If you are expecting a mecha series based on the cover illustrations, you are going to be badly disappointed. If you are hankering for a serious and compelling anime series that will challenge you, "Now and Then, Here and There" (NTHT) is a very fine example. This series is a match with "Grave of the Fireflies" in its depressing story.

Briefly, this series covers the exploits of a 15 year old boy, Matsutani Shuzo or Shu, as he is pulled into the distant future when he attempts to rescue a girl, Lala-Ru, from a mechanized extraction force. In this distant future, Shu experiences some really tough ordeals as he continues his attempts to rescue the girl and return home. What Shu experiences is no match for what an American girl, Sara, who has been abducted from the same present that Shu exists and whom he meets, goes through in this series.

Through the course of NTHT, issues like child soldiers, torture, rape and its effects, the micro aspects of war, and even conservation are dealt with. No matter how tasteful some of these issues have been tackled in the series, the impact is no less brutal. You WILL flinch at some of the brutal stuff depicted in the series. Some scenes are absolutely gut wrenching.

NTHT has 13 episodes and none of them are fillers. Each episode follows on from the previous episode with no recaps. The pacing is very good with no significant let up in the story flow. From the first five episodes in the first disc, NTHT builds up the brutal and depressing world in a very unrelenting manner. The second and third discs then advances the series like an unstoppable train towards its cathartic ending. Watching all 13 episodes in a marathon session is not recommended unless you want to be emotionally drained at the end.

This is not an easy series to watch but you will be greatly rewarded when you finish it. For serious anime buffs, this series comes very highly recommended.

The box set is attractively priced and includes an additional disc filled with extras.

First off, this isn't like most anime you have probably seen. The subject matter is very mature, and really not for younger viewers. This series describes the events on a different planet ruled by a mad king and his effects on the population on the planet, but mostly the children. A boy from Earth is transported to this hell planet and finds himself in the middle of things from the start.

There are numerous depictions of graphic violence, like killings and torture of children, so if that isn't what you're looking for, this isn't for you.

The story is a powerful one about survival against horrible odds and never giving up ones morals. This anime is similar to Grave of the Fireflies in intensity. I highly recommend this to people looking for more mature anime that has a story that will grab you. You will remember this one for a long time after seeing it.

We showed (with the gracious permission of Central Park Media and US Manga Corps, of course) "Now and Then, Here and There/ima soko ni iru boku" at the anime club at NC State University, during the spring semester of 2001. Retrospectively, I must say that this series has affected my perception of the entire scope of Japanese animation in a way that few other series have. The simple art style and character designs contrasted with the depth of the world and the reality of the characters' emotions depicted in this should-be classic set a mood that will keep you hooked until the very end, and leave you with a feeling that you won't soon forget. Therefore, it garners my highest recommendation.

However, a few words of caution:

Many people in the club (and around the internet) either prejudiciously or prematurely decided to label this series simply as "depressing." While depression is certainly a complicated thing, I feel that classifying the show with merely this one word is neither sufficient nor just. I feel that what makes NTHT powerful is the breadth of contrasting human emotions that it deals with (hatred and love, fear and courage, despair and hope, betrayal and trust, sadness and cheer, resentment and absolution, you get the point.) While there certainly is a bleak and meloncholy tone throughout, there are also many movingly triumphant moments - the main character is, after all, undyingly optimistic and devoted.

So, please... resist the urge to categorize NTHT, and simply buy it. If you expect something canned, something similar to what you've seen before (perhaps another Ranma 1/2, or Dragonball Z, or Cowboy Bebop) you'll be sorely disappointed, and you definitely won't be won over by the stunning beauty of the artwork. As you know, it is insufficient to judge anime merely by the frequency and intensity of action scenes, or its comic releif, or by the detail of the animation. In the case of NTHT, I belive that if you have an open mind, you'll find NTHT to be a deeply character driven story that's well worth your time and money.

If really amazing, Metropolis style CGI animation is what you require for viewing Anime, then, yeah...maybe you shouldn't see this. But I thought the animation was pretty nice, and the story was so engaging and heartfelt that even if the animation was Saturday morning cartoon quality, I would have still enjoyed this. During episodes 11-13, there were many moments that I could not fight off tears...this is some intense stuff. If you like Anime that makes you laugh, think and cry, don't sleep on this one.

I would just like to start out with one statement. Everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion. Whether or not some may agree with mine, know that this anime may be seen differently through the eyes of others.

Now and Then, Here and There is one of those animes that make you go, "Wow..." until the very end. When the story starts out, it appears to be rather silly. Shuzo Matsutani, or Shu, is an upbeat and energetic character who gives the series an aura of lightheartedness and humor. But, do not be fooled. Only for the first few minutes into the episode does this mood persist. After climbing a smokestack tower, Shu meets Lala Ru, a girl of little, if any, words. She is wanted in the battleship called Hellywood by King Hamdo, a dictator-like character who desires possession of Lala Ru for her power to generate water and also since she can inch him closer toward his dream of ruling the world. In Hellywood, water is considered scarce and limited in supply. The liquid is rationed out in very small and inadequate amounts to the soldiers on the ship. They are even considered lucky to receive any water at all.

Abelia, King Hamdo's most reliable officer, arrives in Japan with weapon-equipped mechas. She captures Lala Ru and plans to transport her back to Hellywood. Shu, however, sees her lips move with the words, "Help Me", even though he never really hears it. With that, he is determined to save Lala Ru as she has asked and accidentally gets transferred to Hellywood, where he is taken as a prisoner.

It is from there that the real anime reveals itself and the audience can't help but be captivated in the power it unleashes with every second. Shu sees mere children, his age and even younger, carrying guns and obeying military orders commanded by the almighty Hamdo. Though many, many discouraging hurdles cross Shu's path (Especially when getting hit, punched and ect starts to become a daily event), he never lets go of that hope no matter how intensely it wanes. He constantly tells Sara, a girl who shares his prison cell and has been kidnapped from America, that everything will be all right and that she will return home eventually.

This, I earnestly believe, is the best anime I've ever seen. I've seen so many that I've lost count, really. Many of them conjure up a sentiment of allurement in me, but that fondness is usually faint in strength. The feeling Now and Then, Here and There gave me is simply indescribable. Never before have I viewed an anime of such power, intensity and pure emotion. Most of the time I was on the edge of my seat and I always caught my mouth gaping open. I gasped and shouted through so many episodes that my family started to think I was going insane! This is how unbelievably hooked I was on this anime. Both the original Japanese and English dubbed versions were magnificent. The art itself was amazing even if it lacked the common anime features of pointy faces and noses, enormous eyes and what-not. But, that aspect is what made this anime even more appealing. It gave the whole series a realistic feel.

But, most importantly, the story was absolutely and undeniably beautiful. It's how it is described at the beginning of each episode, "It rouses a bittersweet and almost heartbreaking fondness". As the plot continues on, you watch as the characters grow up and become corrupted by the ways of war and also learn how a crave for power can only bring destruction. You become so intertwined with the characters themselves that you can feel the pain in their wounds, the sorrow in the tears and even the relief in their smiles.

It is that powerful.

You travel with Shu on this incredibly difficult journey and also begin to appreciate what you have in life and how sometimes we humans may take for granted what we so fortunately have. It teaches a lesson that many of us may forget or overlook and emits a feeling of completeness with the fulfilling finish of the series. What I also like is that the ending does not leave the audience with an irritating cliff hanger, nor does it seemed rushed in any way. It ties up the story perfectly and leaves us with a content and accomplished sigh as it closes.

I affirm with true honesty that this is a wonderful asset to any person's, anime fan or not, DVD collection. You don't even have to own it. Try finding someone who owns it or look for it in your local video rental store-- just watching the first episode will surely give you the feeling that I'm trying to describe in this review.

Now and Then, Here and There will always claim the top place on my pile of anime treasures. The love I hold for it is impossible to describe in words, so to understand just how deeply this series has affected me, you should go see it for yourself!

While I have yet to finish watching the series, I can say the first ten episodes are phenominal. The main character of Shu is incredibly compelling in his boyish optimism, yet the serious themes that prevail throughout, corruption of power, the gluttonous resource needs of the military, the breaking up of families, rape, greed, and the struggle to exist in a world upset by endless war elevate this to more than a boyish cartoon.

The pacing of the story may be slow at times for people who grew too fond of the 90s era of Japanese animation, fast paced, lots of shoot'em up, little time for reflection TV serials. Rather this harkens back to the better developed series of the 70s and 80s, with the sophistication that has been born out in the more recent Japanese feature film animations, like Metropolis, but with a fully flushed out story.

I highly reccomend this series to anyone interested in an intelligent story done with a bold sense of artistic passion and grace.

This was very draining. At first I found ti very mockable (elements seem to constantly repeat) but as I went on, it really did seem like a journey. The preview for the last episode was just a scene of everybody posing comradely together giving you some hope... which is not to be. Its kinda like Grave of the Fireflies, where you slowly slide into despair, with it punctauted (in Grave, it was the junk food) by something. Seeing it once is enough.