Bleach: Memories of Nobody

(2006) Bleach- The Movie : Memories Of Nobody JAPAN ANIMATION FANTASY/ ACTION ADVENTURE

To fully appreciate this Japan animation film, one would have to be familiar and enjoy the long running syndicated animation series which gives the notion of a 'grim reaper'- like powers and people's souls if a person were to already been dead or is already dead- what happens to their souls! The first film from the popular series which can be very moving at times, centers upon another alternate universe and the title character, Ichigo building a rapport with a young care-free girl he's never seen before, whose associated with that other universe and of course, people with unique capabilities coming after her, and why! What I love about this series and other Japan animations is that "one" would not have to spend, waste money to collect the comic series to enjoy this, since the story is faithfully taken straight out of the comic series from the creator himself, even though the two formats are slightly different, as opposed to other super hero characters that are English, and are milked completely from what they're worth. The other plus are the notion of the variety of weapons, mostly swords, except that they'll have it's own identity with unique abilities that 're not supposed to make sense, but are neat to look at whenever they're fighting!

Like many anime I came across this by accident as it was on Netflix at the time. I went from episode to the last episode on a binge for a week to get to the end. I'm goat they are continuing the story and cannot wait for the next season coming soon. The story is extremely interesting. Kid gets powers to protect the others who cannot. Plot twist and crazy turns throughout the entire series. Leveling up becomes a huge task but what option do you have when it's the fate of not only your loved ones but the entire world. My first anime I ever watched was inuyasha and never thought there would be another anime that I would love as much or even more until this one. Don't miss out I have tried finding other anime but it's not easy because most are aimed more at being like pokeman rather that to be created with a great story behind it. I put this inuyasha and demon slayer in my top 3 any order is acceptable depending on how you look at it! ONE OF THE BEST ANIME OF ALL TIME SHOULD BE TOP 3 FOR THE WORLD.

I had never seen the Bleach series before, but I kept hearing great things about it. I got the opportunity to see this movie and was completely blown away. I was a little confused on some elements of the story, but they were easily cleared up by watching the first episode of the series.

The voice acting is incredible here, as is the animation. Everything about the movie is really well done. The story keeps you gripped the entire time, and you will wish to see more when the credits start to roll.

Definitely check this out, whether you are a big Bleach fan, or haven't dabbled in the series yet. It's a great film.

The first feature length animated project based on the popular Shonen Jump manga proves to be a forgettable and redundant entry into the Bleach anime franchise. Instead of weaving an epic tale that would be a crucial turning point for the beloved Bleach characters and do justice to a heightened movie-styled animation budget, the production team decides to churn out what is in essence an extended TV series episode in which, rather conveniently thanks to a plot twist, nothing that happens in this movie has any place or effect in the main anime storyline. One could easily find a better way to spend 90 minutes and not miss a thing.

The story begins during a routine "Hollow" hunting when Ichigo and Ruika encounter strange spirits know as "Blanks". Initially confused by their sudden appearance, the plot thickens with the appearance of a mysterious new Soul Reaper named Senna who quickly befriends Ichigo. Slowly, the nature of Senna and the strange appearances of the spirits are revealed culminating with Ichigo and gang having to stop a age old feud by a group of Soul Reaper exiles who intend on destroying the world and the Soul society.

Face it, "Bleach: Memories of Nobody" is just an extended filler episode of the popular Bleach anime series. None of the characters get any further development and the cast of new characters do not add much to the soup. Senna especially was no doubt written to be a spunky yet likable girl with a carefree outlook on life, but thanks to either the script or the seiyuu (Japanese voice actress), she comes across as quite an irritant with her "sad" back story feeling forced into place to milk a few tears from the audience. Thankfully the returning cast from the TV series all deliver some adequate performances that fit their character personalities.(note: i have only watched the Japanese version thus far but i hear that the English dub has had much positive reception)

Despite having a movie sized budget, the animation still suffers from the same flaws that plague the TV series. Stiff character motion, flat backgrounds and frequent use of lazy looking animation short-cuts make this movie look even more like a glorified episode of the TV series. There are even a couple of scenes with very obvious "off-model" or disproportionate character art. Along with the overly bright cheery color scheme and minimally detailed artwork, the only "improvement" there is seems to be a greater usage of CGI for some backgrounds and special power effects.

Unless you are an existing fan of Bleach, this movie would fail to satisfy. As if the story were not confusing enough, No introductions or exposition is given hence newcomers would find it really difficult to watch this show and understand the various terms and Bleach lingo. As an anime movie, the production standards are sub-par and the story is plagued by some pacing issues. Top it off with one major cop-out ending(no it was not all a dream, but it is something close to that), and what you get is one major disappointment.

Basically, if you thought the TV series was good, "Bleach: Memories of Nobody" would not change your mind, but neither would it be increasing your impression about Bleach as a whole. If you thought the TV series was not up to expectations, this movie would only prove you right once more as you will find the same flaws here. A real treat for hardcore Bleach fanatics, and a real let down for fans of good anime movies.

If you're as big a fan of the series,Bleach, as I am,you owe it to yourself to seek this out. Basically,it's a 90 minute episode of the series. One fine day,Ichigo Kurosaki & Rukia Kuchiki are out,just enjoying the day,when they come across a strange young girl,exhibiting odd behavior. When strange spirits seem to turn up from nowhere,Ichigo & Rukia try to defeat them,only to find that this odd girl has transformed into a warrior. It seems that this girl is a former member of the Soul Society,who left years ago,with no prior memories. This girl's name is Senna (no last name is given). Ichigo attempts to bond an awkward friendship with Senna. When Senna is captured & brought to an alternative universe,it's up to Ichigo,Rukia,and several other members of the Soul Society to rescue Senna,before she is lost forever (Ichigo's friends from the land of the living make little more than a cameo in this episode). From here on,the film turns fast & furious,with some fierce battle scenes depicted between Ichigo,Rukia & the rest of the Soul Society,and Senna's captures. What I admired is that it used the same vocal talent that supplies the voices in the series (Wendee Lee is vocal director). Noriyuki Abe,who directed several episodes in the series (but,for whatever reason is given full directorial credit in the series openers),is on tap to direct,from a well though out screenplay by Masashi Sogo. Available in two versions:Spoken in Japanese with English subtitles & English dubbed (take your choice--although the DVD has both Japanese & English sound tracks available). Not rated by the MPAA (although this is an animated film,this film has some pretty intense & bloody battle violence,which would probably disturb younger viewers under the age of 10),it did recently merit a TV-14 certification when it was aired on Cartoon Networks late night Anime fest,Adult Swim (it would probably land a PG-13 if released to theaters)