areaseven Posted January 11, 2004 Share Posted January 11, 2004 Master Keaton ( ƒ}ƒXƒ^[ƒL[ƒgƒ“ ) Shogakukan/Madhouse Studios/NTV/VAP, 1998-1999 Pioneer/Geneon Entertainment, 2003-2004 Directed by Masayuki Kojima (Magical Shopping Arcade Abenobashi) Rated 13-Up for graphic violence, mature situations and strong language. Taichi Keaton-Hiraga - born of Japanese and British descent. A former SAS agent with remarkable skills in military tactics and archaeology. Keaton is a single father with a part-time job as a world history teacher in Japan. But when international issues arise, he is called upon by Lloyd's of London as a special insurance investigator. Story: B+ Master Keaton starts out as a rather boring anime, but it picks up as Keaton teaches you some of the basics of counter-terrorism such as shooting the door hinges instead of the locks while breaking into an enemy hideout. In high winds, a wooden spoon and a rock are more effective weapons than a gun. During a hostage rescue, it's better to attack from above than from the front door. Fans of spy thrillers, counter-terrorism films, and MacGyver should check this series out. Animation: B While the background artwork is vibrant, the character designs by Kitaro Kosaka (Nasu-The Summer of Andalsia) leave much to be desired. The animation by Madhouse (Ninja Scroll, Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust) isn't much to talk about. Soundtrack: A- The music by Kuniaki Haishima (Macross Zero, Gasaraki) isn't exactly NOIR or Gunslinger Girl, but it has a good European feel to it. Sub vs. Dub Master Keaton features Norihiro Inoue (Marco in Gunslinger Girl, Atlas in Metropolis) as Keaton, Houko Kuwashima (Quon in RahXephon, Kirika in NOIR) as Yuriko, Ichiro Nagai (Happosai in Ranma 1/2, Left Hand in Vampire Hunter D) as Tahei, and Keaton Yamada as the narrator. Otherwise, click here for the entire cast list. No comment on The Ocean Group's English dub. Featured voices include Ted Cole (Kuno in Ranma 1/2, Wu-fei in Gundam Wing) as Keaton and Kelly Sheridan (Hitomi in Escaflowne, Ukyo in Ranma 1/2) as Yuriko. DVD Extras: D+ The first disc just has textless opening and ending sequences. The Bottom Line MacGyver has nothing in Master Keaton. Rent it first, then decide for yourself. Links Official Master Keaton Homepage Reference Anime News Network Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JELEINEN Posted January 11, 2004 Share Posted January 11, 2004 Boring? Bah! This is a great series because it's a thinking man's show, not some teeny-bopper action porn. The main character is in his thirties and is much more relatable than most anime protagonists. I especially like how the series doesn't bother with action or mystery stories every episode, but is willing to delve into the character's personal life. I say screw renting it and go straight to buying. Unless you're one of those morons who need to have something blowing up every five seconds to keep your attention... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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