Warning: This is an incredibly long entry concerning the yaoi video Ai no Kusabi. Now that you know it, you'd better navigate away from this entry especially if Homosexual sexual intercourse/interaction disgusts you.

Now that's a disclaimer.

Ai no Kusabi by ??? (based on a novel and radio station drama, as indicated)

Watching this anime was not a waste. Although the first part really confused me and I really didn't feel the futuristic theme, however, the story revealed itself gradually with dramatic beauty--now, if only I could resist the futuristic theme...

If I'm not mistaken, Mitch said it was the most er...how should I put this...famous? beautiful? yaoi ever made (so far). The animation/ drawing is quite good as long as they look handsome (although the body was a little too broad and muscular, but never mind.)
THe story/plot is excellent. I like the story. Like I said, the first part gave me the wrong impression that it will not be in favor with my taste. Well, I guess I was wrong. The idea of master-pet affair is good, really is something. The story coupled with handsome faces really carries it through big time.
Anyhow, regarding the story, the time itself just really irks me. The costume is er...um...not-so-lovely to look at and the world they are inhabiting is not exactly what I have in mind when you say "futuristic", who will I blame? no one, because the anime was created somewhere earlier than 1999 and well views and insights about "an advanced world" is different then, so this issue is somewhat trivial. The plot, the conflict and the ending is beautiful. Although I did not cry, the ending was touching and sad. But I can't stop giving side-comments how stupid some of them are. For example, Guy (see characters below) has this issue of worsening situations, why can't he understand the main character, Riki, after having punched him and kicked him? Why can't he accept the reality and shrug it off? Later, the light was shed and perhaps, mayhap, maybe...he was actually gay! and he's very possesive of Riki. take note that this is anime is crawling with males, no leading females here folks, you'll harldy see them here except for a couple of times. Gosh, I exclaimed inwardly, this anime is full of gays! All of them are gays, I bet'cha!

Although I will not say that they are gays, I refer to them as bisexual people. It sounds more sophisticated and scientific-like.

Another one is: I can't believe they are walking through the building?! I mean, they are ambling with a carefree and the-devil-may-care pace! God! Why don't you all run? can't you see that you are inside a building that is rapidly going down??? Riki is not an exception! Run, leap, sprint, jump, fly! whatever! i don't care! for goodness sake just hurry up before someone loses a limb or two...oops! those were my thoughts while I was watching 'em.

Over all, the story revolves around a somewhat love-triangle. About possession, lust and well, love between two entirely opposite people. THe futuristic setting is satisfactory for me, because I knew that a setting like this is needed to put a culture that is obsolete, obscene and requiring technology to emphasize the point. There are also bed scenes that are, shall we say, very passionate. It is not disgusting, in fact it was fascinating (or have I lost my mind?)and sultry (just please lessen the muscular details, and...nice hair, Iason, flipping it while...). Plot is simple but wonderful, dramatic and passionate, over-indulged and scandalous. THat's what is all about, Iason's scandal about his relationship with his wild pet, Riki.

The characters are...so far good. The main characters/lovers are Iason and Riki. Iason is an elite, high-class, genetically engineered to be perfect in all aspect human who holds a high place. Riki is a roguishky handsome man and categorized as a "mongrel" meaning he is of low status. Iason had a scandalous affair with his pet Riki for three years, he let Riki out for awhile but is intent on taking him back to be his lover, and when Riki did not return promptly, Iason Mink devised a plan to break down Riki's gang and retrieve him to be his pet once again. THese two can be compared to a master taming a wild wolf or leopard/jaguar who wants to run away for freedom. Iason is quite a possessive man.
It is prohibited for Iason's race to touch or much less, have a direct sexual intercourse with their pet. But what really was beautiful in this story was Iason's admittance of his love for his mongrel pet. He made love to him and did everything for the sake of Riki even if it means bringing his reputation down. He even wants Riki to be free and do all the things he want as long as he stay loyal to him as a pet should. He's just overly possessive with Riki.
Meanwhile, Riki is one undecisive person. Or maybe I just can't grasp his true feelings. He loves his bestfriend Guy but I don't know if it is more-than-friends type of love. I understand that he hates Iason but at the same time he's willing to submit himself to Iason. I guess he just won't admit it.
THere are a bunch of secondary characters but I won't mention them here except for the attractive hunk Katze, who took my attention altogether even if he is just a secondary character. He's handsome, mysterious and aloof but what troubles me is... *suspicious* He's also gay? . Who was he crying for at the end of the film? for Iason, his master? or for his friend Riki? I'm convinced that he is crying for the two doomed lovers.

Anyway, overall, I give this anime six stars out of seven. It is good, the animation may be a little old-looking and realistic but it somehow took me in its sad story. Oh man, why did they have to...

mmmfff...no more talking.


I said I'm going to make a review of THe Devil does exist, I guess I have to move it tomorrow. Even the Rin! and Kiss Scandal reviews are delayed for sometime. Pfft...sorry.

Currently listening to 1997 Anime's best collection cd and plotting my very first attempt on shounen-ai manga entitled...

Wait, I don't know yet.

Hey, friendster has new features...hmmm...better check it out.