Tag Archives: TV Show

Anime Review: Solo Leveling (2024)

Solo Leveling” is a South Korean web novel series by Chugong that has been adapted into a popular webtoon and light novel, and eventually an anime series produced by A-1 Pictures. The narrative focuses on Sung Jin-Woo, in a world where portals connect it to a realm filled with monsters and dungeons. Initially deemed as the weakest hunter, he swiftly transforms into a figure akin to a protagonist in a video game, where strength levels up with each encounter, evoking a sense of gratifying progression reminiscent of classic RPGs.

The allure of “Solo Leveling” lies not only in its captivating storyline but also in its innovative premise. The emergence of gates, unleashing hordes of menacing creatures, sets the stage for a thrilling spectacle similar to the grandeur of “Pacific Rim.” This infusion of sci-fi elements heightens the stakes, propelling the narrative forward with an exhilarating blend of action and intrigue.

Central to the series is Sung Jin-Woo’s evolution, a character arc with both depth and nuance. His transformation evokes parallels to the enigmatic Light Yagami from “Death Note,” as he grapples with newfound power and the moral implications it entails. The last episode very much showed this as he gains the title “Shadow Monarch” and the ability to bring the dead back to life as his “shadow army.” This juxtaposition of strength and darkness adds a layer of complexity to his character, elevating him beyond the confines of a typical protagonist.

(photo via A-1 Pictures)

While I thought the animation quality falls short of the visuals by its contemporaries like “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” or “Mob Psycho 100,” the discrepancy is mitigated by the sheer strength of its narrative, with its exciting plot twists and compelling character dynamics.

 One area of contention, though, lies in the episodic endings, which often culminate in frustrating and anticlimactic cliffhangers. While effective in maintaining suspense, these abrupt conclusions annoy the hell out of me. Nevertheless, this minor flaw does little to detract from my overall enjoyment of the series.

When it comes to the series’ supporting characters, “Solo Leveling” showcases a diverse ensemble, albeit with less impact. While some secondary characters leave an impression, others fade into the background, their potential untapped. Yet, this is forgivable since this is just the first season.

In conclusion, “Solo Leveling” emerges as a captivating addition to the anime landscape, boasting a compelling narrative and memorable characters. Despite its minor flaws, it left me eagerly anticipating its second season and beyond. As the journey continues, “Solo Leveling” stands poised to captivate audiences with its potential and immersive world-building. I highly recommend it.

You can stream and watch Solo Leveling on Crunchyroll or Netflix if you are in the Philippines.

Review: Netflix’s La Casa de Las Flores (The House of Flowers) Season 1

La Casa de Las Flores (The House of Flowers) is one of the latest original Netflix series offerings – a telenovela set in Mexico City which follows the lives of the de la Mora family members and their web of dramas that started when Roberta committed suicide by hanging herself inside the House of Flowers.

First, just who the heck is Roberta? At the pilot episode, it was revealed that she’s the mistress of the head of the family (Ernesto de la Mora played by Arturo Rios) whose lies he’d kept for years started catching up on him. The story is also conveniently narrated by Roberta herself, ala Desperate Housewives.

La Casa was marketed as a dramedy series with a twist. Yes, there are a lot of twists in it – mostly predictable twists. What it lacks, though in originality, it makes up for its charming cast and diverse characterizations.

There’s Virginia de la Mora (Verónica Castro) whose world turned upside down upon learning about the deceit of her husband and eldest daughter, her middle child’s black boyfriend and her youngest son’s homosexuality. It’s a full buffet for Virginia but as the ‘real’ patriarch of the de la Mora family, she’d make sure that no-one and nothing in the world would ever break them as a family.

Then there’s the eldest de la Mora sibling Paulina (Cecilia Suárez). Paulina cracks me up like no other with her accent. She’s the character that you’d either hate or love because she’s a total nutjob and a total badass too!

Elena (Aislinn Derbez), the middle child meanwhile came home to Mexico from taking her masters in New York to announce her engagement with her black boyfriend Dominique. Elena just seemed like the bimbo of the series until she found herself in a sticky situation with her almost half-brother Claudio (Lucas Velazquez). Claudio’s character creeps me out a bit, tbh.

And speaking of bimbo – we’ve the youngest, the unico hijo of the de la Mora familia cum fickle minded, bum-fuckboy but definitely super adorable Julian (Dario Yazbek Bernal). Julian is the sunshine of this series. He’s annoyingly charming and adorably frustrating. Add to the fact that he’s in the closet, has a sexual relationship with a girl and is in a secret relationship with their family’s financial advisor, Diego played by the tall, dark and handsome Juan Pablo Medina. Julian and Diego’s subplot seems to be winning the internet with their power couple good looks and Julian’s puppy-like persona in the series.

The show is definitely a step forward and a mostly unique subplot from the usual telenovelas we’re used to as the show embraces diversity like no other. It may sound a tad campy but it’s actually hella entertaining. Its humor isn’t slapstick nor subtle but it’s there glaring from each characters’ story arc. If you’re looking for something stress-free amidst the political mind-game online and on TV (who still watches TV?), then this show is definitely your best option.

Creator: Manolo Caro
Cast: Verónica Castro, Cecilia Suárez, Aislinn Derbez, Dario Yazbek Bernal, Sheryl Rubio, Paco León, Juan Pablo Medina, Arturo Ríos, Claudette Maille, Lucas Velazquez, Sawandi Wilson, Sofía Sisniega, Luis de la Rosa, David Ostrosky, Natasha Dupeyrón, Alexa de Landa