thanks for making a retrospective on this show at the end of 2024. Texhnolyze is a show that needs to be talked about. It is still very much discussed in the Russian anime community but less so in english speaking world
Thank you for making a long-form analysis on this anime, its been my favorite anime of all-time for the longest time now and im always looking forward into others perspective on it!
When I first finished Texhnolyze years ago, I could never have imagined someone claiming it their favorite, but having matured and seen it some more times I am glad to say I understand why its great and why it is a worthy candidate for someone's favorite series. While its raw violence and bleak points can turn some viewers off, it does these things for a reason, and the show is more than just edge for the sake of edge. Instead its a surprisingly nuanced and even sentimental piece touching on the human state from a very unique angle. It says people are flawed but doesn't necessarily fully condemn or forgive them, instead it straight up says nothing is simple. And I appreciate that. Thanks for Watching!
Thanks! I really like the thorough examinations of stuff like this. It is very interesting to me to really get into the detail of obscure stuff like this and try and see what there is to see.
You ended up in my recommended videos and reading the title just took me back nearly a decade to a certain time of my life where my psyche was consumed by media like texhnolyze, Serial Experiments Lain, Ergo Proxy, GITS, Shinsekai Yori etc excited to hear this while working tonight, subbed Edit: I typed out Ergo Proxy just to hear you mention it not even 5 minutes in hahaha I can tell I will enjoy this
Thanks for the subscribe! I Love these kind of anime which really delve into what it is to be a person, as the endless potential for nuance can create a lot of really interesting conversations and situations. Its fascinating how complex the human condition is and it potential for both good and bad. Also, I'd be interested in what you think about my Ergo Proxy retrospective!
Hi, good to see a great video of yours again, I think that Texhnolyze is one of the 5 Holy Grails of dark, experimental and psychological anime alongside Ergo Proxy, Gasaraki, Monster and Requiem For The Phantom all created, directed and wrote by elite staffs. Now on Texhnolyze, I was not a fan at first, not because it is dark and slow but because I did not think it had innovative ideas but looking back, it is executed in a very nuanced and sophisticated way, especially for the second part (Class, Kano, above-ground city, Obelisk, Shapes and Doc), the first part is a good way to immerse yourself in its world. Ichise was not my favorite protagonist but he fits the story, Kano, Ran and Eriko Kamata were my three favorite characters. Yoshii was a great character too but I expected him to die soon enough and Onishi was a better character than I thought he would be. I did not really care for Shinji, Hal and Toyama but their characters made sense. Genji Kimata could've been more present in my opinion but he is mostly there in the first part. Kohakura and Ishii were good characters. Its world-building is perfect for this series, its art style was hit-or-miss for me (good for the Hill with Doc's house and Class' HQ, above-ground city, Gabe village and opera but meh for Lux and everyone's eyes and ok for Doc's lab). The soundtracks are great too, its atmosphere is amazing, Shapes looked odd and ridiculous but I think it adds some goofiness to a dark series which is good. A great series overall, I recommend Gasaraki and Requiem For The Phantom. I believe you watched Monster right?
Oh Gasaraki! Of all the anime I've had up for polls I find it humorous that one hasn't won yet (as it is fascinating, I always expect it to get more votes). It might one day! As for Monster, oh boy, what a story! I haven't seen it in a while so I don't remember too much of it, though I am hesitant to rewatch it, because I know as soon as I do I'll start typing notes and I would want to make sure I set enough time aside to do the production justice! I hope to cover it one day, though due to its scope (74 episodes) I'm not sure of all the logistics of it. I hope to talk on it one day though. Thanks for watching!
@@abelbavdaz6823 I'd have to re watch it to give a super nuanced answer, but in general I remember it as very interesting and creative. I found the series soul searching very interesting, as (I thought) the series kind of serves as a meta narrative looking for the "Japanese Soul", as it touches on many facets of Japanese culture and how they may even conflict with one another. And not only does it do this for modern elements (like Zaibatsus, Japanese Nationalism, Differing opinions on the US, and the Pacifism of the Japanese Constitution and underlying frustration some feel because of all of these) but more ancient ones as well, like the role of the family and ideas like duty and honor. I mean the series isn't perfect and, some of the modern institutions presented here are not portrayed the most accurately/neutrally (there is definitely some bias in some places, bias I imagine comes more from the creative team than Japanese society as a whole) but I do like the fusion of old and new, and think it worth a watch, even if the execution was not always 100% the best.
@@obscureanimememories6697 I would love if you one day do a gasaraki of FLAG video out of all of Ryouske Takahashi’s anime their the most esoteric and dry
Setting-wise, the apathy of the surface world is not particularly well implimented withing the narrative, while boredoom and sense of stagnation can contribute to that, realistically those wouldn't be enough. As people evolved on conflict and would crave it subconsciously. Even if all wars are over and society became homogenous, they'd likely still seek it in more petty things. That's my only major critisizm to the series. If I recall corrently,it's only been a few centuries since the founding of Lux, so it's harder to believe in the surface people changing so drastically without being genetically altered. It's also somewhat self-contradicting, since the guy who arrived from the surface is the proof that desires didn't just go extinct, he can't be the only one with any sort of drive. Thought he did feel like some sort of psychopath seeking to create chaos for the sake of it. Well, on more minor complaint, I did find the design of shapes to be very... not suited for combat, as despite the armor, their very vulnorable sacks with organs are placed right in front of their torsos... Is that intentional, or? I mean, they are made by another madman, so could just be his sense of humor?
I remember the first time I say Texhnolyze I didn't know if the surface "ghosts" were to be interpreted literally or metaphysically. I assumed metaphysically at first (some kind of dream like specters without any physical presences) but now I think they are some kind of physical representation of apathy, stagnation, etc. I think this is intentionally kept vague in order to make them more mysterious and tie into the idea of some sort of metaphysical/spiritual death. I think the Theo-normal are hyperbolic representations of this and are (perhaps) purposely written to be stagnant to an illogical extent, as this both pushes the point here and feeds into the surrealist air of the surface. As for the genetic modification, there is one line where the administrator guy claims the people of the surface to be "those of only dominant genes" implying some sort of genetic modification/engineering or selective breeding, so it is possible there is a physical factor here too tying into the idea of people needing their inner drives/feelings just as much as reasoning abilities. As for the shapes, I think the torso part is supposed to invoke caterpillar imagery as the Shapes are supposed to be people awaiting 'some kind of next evolution'. I'm not sure about this though and there probably is some other imagery present too.
Even now RahXephon fascinates me for how weird it is from a story construction sense and the fact I don't know how to feel about it. It doesn't make complete sense without supplemental material (books, video games, etc.) and this weakens its narrative, and yet the sometimes clunky disjointed story it provides kept my attention. I don't know why though as I didn't find it or many of its characters super compelling. Yet I still recommend it because of how weird it is and the fact I can't parse how I feel about it. It is a very odd sensation not knowing what to feel about art, something that is supposed create feelings. The show fascinates me from a writing/production viewpoint as I think it is a great demonstration of why final drafts need to be streamlined, edits must be made, and the importance of scope not completely outrunning resources available. I do think the show is a genuine attempt at art (I don't think its a cynical cash grab, there is obvious effort here) though so I can still appreciative the attempt, even if it doesn't always work. I will honestly say I think its the weakest of any series I've done a full retrospective on, and I don't even know if I really like it that much, and yet I still recommend it if you enjoy out of the box material. It will keep your attention and make you feel....something even if you have no idea what or why and even if I consider the show very objectively flawed. These of course are my opinions, and from what I can tell mine are kind of an outlier as most people seem to think it a lot better or worse than I do. Happy watching!
How the hell you pick all the time animes that I've watched 10-15 years ago... :D I'm surprised cause almost all of them are not really popular. Blue Gender, RahXephon, Ergo Proxy... What next? Infinite Ryvius? :D
I make it a point of this channel to cover the obscure and the uncommon. While I do Love many more popular pieces (Bleach, FMAB, Dragn Ball, etc), I fell its just as important to give credit to the pieces which while obscure are still good. Its really fun and eye opening to approach stuff others might not have and give them the detailed examination any piece of art deserves. I can add Infinite Ryvius to the backlog of stuff to review.... Thanks for watching!
@ The quality isn’t great though. I looked for the DVD or BD a while ago when I got Haibane and Lain for $150, but didn’t find anything besides sporadic single volumes for the wrong region. Also damn Yoshi isn’t really a good guy at all.
@@Scrogan I heard from a guy who knows a guy that Internet Archive may perhaps allegedly, maybe perhaps, have a lot of anime in the archives perhaps maybe hint hint...
![ทุกครั้งที่หลับตา (Lucid Dream) - AYLA's [ Official MV ]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/4i1OBAQyv58/mqdefault.jpg)
thanks for making a retrospective on this show at the end of 2024. Texhnolyze is a show that needs to be talked about. It is still very much discussed in the Russian anime community but less so in english speaking world
What kind of philosophy camp do most russians believe Texhnolyze is about? Are there any references to certain authors?
I’ve been blessed with Texhnolyze content in 2024🙌
Thanks! I'm really glad I finally made the Texhnolyze video, as its been lurking in the back of my mind since I started this channel!
Thank you for making a long-form analysis on this anime, its been my favorite anime of all-time for the longest time now and im always looking forward into others perspective on it!
When I first finished Texhnolyze years ago, I could never have imagined someone claiming it their favorite, but having matured and seen it some more times I am glad to say I understand why its great and why it is a worthy candidate for someone's favorite series. While its raw violence and bleak points can turn some viewers off, it does these things for a reason, and the show is more than just edge for the sake of edge. Instead its a surprisingly nuanced and even sentimental piece touching on the human state from a very unique angle. It says people are flawed but doesn't necessarily fully condemn or forgive them, instead it straight up says nothing is simple. And I appreciate that. Thanks for Watching!
exactly my thoughts , thank you for articulating them
It's nice to finally have a long video for texhnolyze so thank you keep up the great work. Now we just need one for ergo proxy
Already made one!
th-cam.com/video/rHm4LmnP_EU/w-d-xo.html
Thanks for watchng! I hope my Ergo Proxy Retrospective is just as good!
Man this is the first time I have seen someone make a 3+ hour long video for Texhnolyze. Keep up the amazing work!
Thanks! I really like the thorough examinations of stuff like this. It is very interesting to me to really get into the detail of obscure stuff like this and try and see what there is to see.
You ended up in my recommended videos and reading the title just took me back nearly a decade to a certain time of my life where my psyche was consumed by media like texhnolyze, Serial Experiments Lain, Ergo Proxy, GITS, Shinsekai Yori etc
excited to hear this while working tonight, subbed
Edit: I typed out Ergo Proxy just to hear you mention it not even 5 minutes in hahaha I can tell I will enjoy this
Thanks for the subscribe! I Love these kind of anime which really delve into what it is to be a person, as the endless potential for nuance can create a lot of really interesting conversations and situations. Its fascinating how complex the human condition is and it potential for both good and bad. Also, I'd be interested in what you think about my Ergo Proxy retrospective!
U r u underated bro, ur rahxephon analysis is the best
Thanks! I'm glad my content is engaging!
Finally thank you bro
Your Welcome! I have always wanted to talk on Texhnolyze and am glad to have finally done so! Thanks for Watching!
Hi, good to see a great video of yours again, I think that Texhnolyze is one of the 5 Holy Grails of dark, experimental and psychological anime alongside Ergo Proxy, Gasaraki, Monster and Requiem For The Phantom all created, directed and wrote by elite staffs. Now on Texhnolyze, I was not a fan at first, not because it is dark and slow but because I did not think it had innovative ideas but looking back, it is executed in a very nuanced and sophisticated way, especially for the second part (Class, Kano, above-ground city, Obelisk, Shapes and Doc), the first part is a good way to immerse yourself in its world. Ichise was not my favorite protagonist but he fits the story, Kano, Ran and Eriko Kamata were my three favorite characters. Yoshii was a great character too but I expected him to die soon enough and Onishi was a better character than I thought he would be. I did not really care for Shinji, Hal and Toyama but their characters made sense. Genji Kimata could've been more present in my opinion but he is mostly there in the first part. Kohakura and Ishii were good characters. Its world-building is perfect for this series, its art style was hit-or-miss for me (good for the Hill with Doc's house and Class' HQ, above-ground city, Gabe village and opera but meh for Lux and everyone's eyes and ok for Doc's lab). The soundtracks are great too, its atmosphere is amazing, Shapes looked odd and ridiculous but I think it adds some goofiness to a dark series which is good. A great series overall, I recommend Gasaraki and Requiem For The Phantom. I believe you watched Monster right?
Oh Gasaraki! Of all the anime I've had up for polls I find it humorous that one hasn't won yet (as it is fascinating, I always expect it to get more votes). It might one day! As for Monster, oh boy, what a story! I haven't seen it in a while so I don't remember too much of it, though I am hesitant to rewatch it, because I know as soon as I do I'll start typing notes and I would want to make sure I set enough time aside to do the production justice! I hope to cover it one day, though due to its scope (74 episodes) I'm not sure of all the logistics of it. I hope to talk on it one day though. Thanks for watching!
@@obscureanimememories6697 Did you like Gasaraki?
@@abelbavdaz6823 I'd have to re watch it to give a super nuanced answer, but in general I remember it as very interesting and creative. I found the series soul searching very interesting, as (I thought) the series kind of serves as a meta narrative looking for the "Japanese Soul", as it touches on many facets of Japanese culture and how they may even conflict with one another. And not only does it do this for modern elements (like Zaibatsus, Japanese Nationalism, Differing opinions on the US, and the Pacifism of the Japanese Constitution and underlying frustration some feel because of all of these) but more ancient ones as well, like the role of the family and ideas like duty and honor. I mean the series isn't perfect and, some of the modern institutions presented here are not portrayed the most accurately/neutrally (there is definitely some bias in some places, bias I imagine comes more from the creative team than Japanese society as a whole) but I do like the fusion of old and new, and think it worth a watch, even if the execution was not always 100% the best.
@@obscureanimememories6697 It is an ultranationalist series so there is some bias but I think it fits the story and themes nonetheless.
@@obscureanimememories6697 I would love if you one day do a gasaraki of FLAG video out of all of Ryouske Takahashi’s anime their the most esoteric and dry
Nice work!
Thanks!
Setting-wise, the apathy of the surface world is not particularly well implimented withing the narrative, while boredoom and sense of stagnation can contribute to that, realistically those wouldn't be enough. As people evolved on conflict and would crave it subconsciously. Even if all wars are over and society became homogenous, they'd likely still seek it in more petty things.
That's my only major critisizm to the series. If I recall corrently,it's only been a few centuries since the founding of Lux, so it's harder to believe in the surface people changing so drastically without being genetically altered. It's also somewhat self-contradicting, since the guy who arrived from the surface is the proof that desires didn't just go extinct, he can't be the only one with any sort of drive. Thought he did feel like some sort of psychopath seeking to create chaos for the sake of it.
Well, on more minor complaint, I did find the design of shapes to be very... not suited for combat, as despite the armor, their very vulnorable sacks with organs are placed right in front of their torsos... Is that intentional, or? I mean, they are made by another madman, so could just be his sense of humor?
I remember the first time I say Texhnolyze I didn't know if the surface "ghosts" were to be interpreted literally or metaphysically. I assumed metaphysically at first (some kind of dream like specters without any physical presences) but now I think they are some kind of physical representation of apathy, stagnation, etc. I think this is intentionally kept vague in order to make them more mysterious and tie into the idea of some sort of metaphysical/spiritual death. I think the Theo-normal are hyperbolic representations of this and are (perhaps) purposely written to be stagnant to an illogical extent, as this both pushes the point here and feeds into the surrealist air of the surface.
As for the genetic modification, there is one line where the administrator guy claims the people of the surface to be "those of only dominant genes" implying some sort of genetic modification/engineering or selective breeding, so it is possible there is a physical factor here too tying into the idea of people needing their inner drives/feelings just as much as reasoning abilities.
As for the shapes, I think the torso part is supposed to invoke caterpillar imagery as the Shapes are supposed to be people awaiting 'some kind of next evolution'. I'm not sure about this though and there probably is some other imagery present too.
Because of you I’ll check out raxpheon
Even now RahXephon fascinates me for how weird it is from a story construction sense and the fact I don't know how to feel about it. It doesn't make complete sense without supplemental material (books, video games, etc.) and this weakens its narrative, and yet the sometimes clunky disjointed story it provides kept my attention. I don't know why though as I didn't find it or many of its characters super compelling. Yet I still recommend it because of how weird it is and the fact I can't parse how I feel about it. It is a very odd sensation not knowing what to feel about art, something that is supposed create feelings. The show fascinates me from a writing/production viewpoint as I think it is a great demonstration of why final drafts need to be streamlined, edits must be made, and the importance of scope not completely outrunning resources available. I do think the show is a genuine attempt at art (I don't think its a cynical cash grab, there is obvious effort here) though so I can still appreciative the attempt, even if it doesn't always work. I will honestly say I think its the weakest of any series I've done a full retrospective on, and I don't even know if I really like it that much, and yet I still recommend it if you enjoy out of the box material. It will keep your attention and make you feel....something even if you have no idea what or why and even if I consider the show very objectively flawed. These of course are my opinions, and from what I can tell mine are kind of an outlier as most people seem to think it a lot better or worse than I do. Happy watching!
How the hell you pick all the time animes that I've watched 10-15 years ago... :D I'm surprised cause almost all of them are not really popular. Blue Gender, RahXephon, Ergo Proxy... What next? Infinite Ryvius? :D
I make it a point of this channel to cover the obscure and the uncommon. While I do Love many more popular pieces (Bleach, FMAB, Dragn Ball, etc), I fell its just as important to give credit to the pieces which while obscure are still good. Its really fun and eye opening to approach stuff others might not have and give them the detailed examination any piece of art deserves. I can add Infinite Ryvius to the backlog of stuff to review.... Thanks for watching!
Damn I haven’t finished watching it
No worries, both the series and this retrospective are available!
@ The quality isn’t great though. I looked for the DVD or BD a while ago when I got Haibane and Lain for $150, but didn’t find anything besides sporadic single volumes for the wrong region.
Also damn Yoshi isn’t really a good guy at all.
@@Scrogan I heard from a guy who knows a guy that Internet Archive may perhaps allegedly, maybe perhaps, have a lot of anime in the archives perhaps maybe hint hint...