Search - Speed Grapher: Box Set on DVD

I can't even explain how truly amazing this anime is...

maskedgamer | 12/30/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

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I picked up Speedgrapher on a whim. The price was right, and I wanted to add something new to my collection. I couldn't have made a better decision. I enjoy watching anime, it's a private passion of mine. I especially enjoy watching anime that has a deep and hidden meaning that really makes you think. There are certain things that only the art of an anime can bring to life. Speegrapher is one of those anime that seems to bring about a deeper meaning. It clashes realism with fiction, and tells a remarkable story. This is something I can almost see a movie being made out of...but of course it wouldn't carry the beauty that this anime brings out.

The Box Set-

Speegrapher is a beautifully pakaged Box set that includes character cards that actually add value to show. You can read in greater detail the backstory of each character, as some are almost a complete mystery. The CD's are packaged nicely and each disk contains bonus features which is a nice touch.

The Story-

This is the meat of it all. Speedgrapher is about a photographer who's passion for a "real picture worth taking" drives him to discover a secret society full of the most elite and notorious minds that control the media,financial,and Judicial powers of Japan. This secret society is a club in which these powerful and notorious faces can enjoy all the sins life has to over without fear of judgement being cast on them. However this clubs serves as a front for something even more sinister which hides behind the scenes.

The Characters-

Speedgrapher has some of the most memorable Hero's and Villians you may ever see. This is a anime where you fall in love with the villians just as much as you do the heroes. If you enjoy films like that then you'll love Speedgrapher. The characters are all extremely well developed and that even includes the jealous girlfriend. This is a very unpredictable and unexpected Anime which why out of respect to those that may wish to watch it I will stay away from "details". Discovering the characters and the story behind them is a strong part of the plot of Speedgrapher. What I love about this anime so much is that the characters a real. You can watch this anime and see them as real people. It's hard to make an anime where a character seems like just that an "anime" character. They seem only believable in their world, but the characters of speedgrapher manage to break that barrier and bring out real life emotions in an artistic anime masterpiece.


The Overall-

Speedgrapher is an adult anime meaning this is not Bleach,Samauri Champloo,or Cowboy Bebop(all animes which I also love). This is an anime that depicts the ugliness of humanbeings, and has a real message behind it. It you like anime's that make you think than this is one for you to pick up and watch. If you like action this is also good to pick up and watch. Even if your an adult that's not into anime, but you dabbled in it than I definitely recommend this one. It has a slow start, but a great finish, and it shouldn't be missed by any anime fan."

Fantastic Show for Adults Only

M. Zveris | 07/12/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Speed Grapher is not an anime for everyone, it is controversial and the plot along with the characters and the art is probably going to offend or otherwise aggravate many people. It is a fantastic anime though, and it is well worth the purchase.

If you have watched Speed Grapher and you liked it this is the only collection worth buying and it is far more worthy of your shelf than any of the other collections of the complete series. It comes with three books of artwork and information on the characters - from Saiga and Suitengu to the Euphoria. It also has several very well done miniatures of art you won't find in the ending credits. The fold open box that holds the discs is beautiful. A friend pulled this collection off the shelf because of the visual allure of the casing and was stunned when they started to look through it - just the presentation was enough to make someone want to see this series. So, as I said, if you're a fan this is the only way to go.

On to the anime itself...

Without delving too much into the plot Speed Grapher is an anime that makes you think. You can go through nearly the entire series with a set of preconceived notions as to what it is about and when reaching the ending find you've been turned around on your head. This is a plot heavy anime despite the action that you will find in every episode: it is something that you need to pay attention to. I can easily see someone who is used to a casual anime that you can just sit back and absorb disliking Speed Grapher because it is something you need to think about. While you can marathon through this show I highly recommend taking some time between every few episodes to think over what is going on or you may find yourself turned off or overwhelmed.

While this anime has elements of the "fantastic" (Euphoria's which essentially are monsters) it is meant to be a realistic show. As such it isn't about powering up and getting stronger, it isn't about the epic battles and showdowns. There is violence in the series, having shown it to several people I have noticed that it can be disturbing to many people. The way that Speed Grapher moves you is more the poignant way that it illustrates the lust for power, money, and the physical, effects people and has an affect that ripples through an entire nation. It is a show about materialism and wanton desire, and it illustrates how damaging your unchecked psyche can be. Ultimately the series is so unsettling because it shines such a bright light on how uncouth and vile humanity can be.

There is love and touching moments in Speed Grapher, and it may be the interaction between Saiga and Kagura that is what upsets people the most. Yes, Kagura is a minor, yes Saiga is an adult. Yes, if you watch the series it is very easy to tell this is not a platonic love between them. There is no graphic sex in that relationship though it is rampant in the show - if that isn't your thing then don't buy this - you will hate the series.

I don't want to give away the plot because as a person who has seen the entire series it is very easy to accidentally reveal part of the story that emerges later on and ruin or color the entire experience. This isn't a "quick" show and it isn't really that fast paced, it does take time to get into even though it does give you a lot of information in each episode. In the middle of the series it can be very easy to ask "Where is this going and why do I even care?" if you reach that point please keep going because this story is epic in proportion and masterfully done. Those little things that you thought were meaningless actually turn out to be very important.

All in all, this is one of my favorite anime."