Fruits Basket

"Fruits Basket" is a Japanese animated TV series from 2019 to 2021. The production company is TMS Entertainment. While there is an earlier version made in 2001, I'm focused on reviewing the 2019-2021 version as it's true to the book it's based on. The author of the original book version, Natsuki Takaya was involved personally in this recent TV series.

The voice stars include (both Japanese and the English dubbed version) Manaka Iwami and Laura Bailey, Nobunaga Shimazaki and Eric Vale, Jerry Jewell and Yuma Uchida. More can be found on the list at IMDB. 

A teenaged girl named Tohru has become homeless after losing both parents. Her grandfather is staying with relatives who simply dislike Tohru and she's got no choice but to live in the woods in a tent. There she's discovered by members of the mysterious Soma family who take her in to stay with them. She learns that there is a Soma family curse and a connection with the Zodiac. 

This is a rural modern fantasy with shapeshifting and romance. It explores the emotions of each character and how Tohru is welcomed into the Soma family, where she goes from outsider to friend. It's both sad, funny, dark and magical. This updated series is more serious than the original cartoon 2001 series aimed at being more lighter. I rate this an enjoyable 9/10.

My personal likes about "Fruit Basket" are the many sweet characters and cute animals.

My personal dislikes is the evil head of the household Akito Sohma. 

Blood Strawberry       

Thermae Romae

This is a 2012 Japanese comedy fantasy film based on the Manga "Thermae Novae" by Mari Yamazaki. The director is Hideki Takeuchi and the stars include Hiroshi Abe, Aya Ueto and Kazuki Kitamura. 

A Roman architect named Lucius falls in the water and transported to 21st century day Japan. He becomes fascinated by the modern way of life, and especially on the fine details that most take for granted, always when it comes to bath houses and swimming pools. Lucius returns to ancient Rome and manages to use what he's learned in the future and impresses the emperor Hadrian. 

This film is both fascinating and funny. Some of it is too silly to be taken seriously though. The Japanese star is very handsome and also appears quite naked a lot! Also I've been watching the anime series by Netflix "Thermae Romae Novae", which is 11 episodes and each episode is a different adventure of Lucius sent to the future in a water accident/whirlpool. At the end of each episode, the creator Mari Yamazaki explores different bath houses in Japan in very short documentaries. This film/comic/series are beautiful and amusing. I rate this masterpiece a 10/10.

My personal likes is the way we're given both insight into ancient Rome as well as modern Japan.

My personal dislikes is none apart from that it's so underrated.

Blood Strawberry 

The Snow Spider (1988)

This is a 1988 TV mini series, directed by Pennant Roberts. It stars Sian Phillips (who also worked in "Clash of the Titans" and "I, Claudius"), Robert Blythe ("Doctors"), Osian Roberts and Sharon Morgan (who worked in "Torchwood"). The series is based on The Snow Spider trilogy by Jenny Nimmo, then adapted for TV by Julia Jones.

In rural Wales, a boy named Gwyn is given a few strange presents by his grandmother, which includes an enchanting small spider. He makes a few interesting discoveries including a glimpse into the otherworld and visions of a silver ship. It's all to help him become a magician. He and his family still mourn the loss of his sister who vanished mysteriously during a snowstorm. Later he encounters an otherworldly girl named Eirlys ("Snowdrop") who helps Gwyn on his quest. 

The series is followed by two more "Emlyn's Moon" and "The Chestnut Soldier". A very magical series that comes from a unique era of wonderful fairy tales on the screen while growing up. I rate this lovely nostalgic magic a 10/10.

My personal likes is the enchanted little spider.

My personal dislikes are the school bullies who laugh at Gwyn.

Blood Strawberry   

Ghost in the Water

Hello. "Ghost in the Water" is a supernatural tv movie from 1982. It was directed by Renny Rye, who also worked on the tv series "Box of Delights/" The actors of "Ghost in the Water" are Judith Allchurch, Ian A. Stevens (one of the zombie dancers in Michael Jackson's "Thriller") and Jane Freeman (who appeared also in "Last of the Summer Wine"). This is based on the novel of the same name by author Edward Chitham. then adapted by writer Geoffrey Case. 

A chilling mystery when a school teacher gives homework to students Tess and David about local history. There is a piece of folklore about a Victorian girl who committed suicide and it's up to the students to find out if this was true or not. Tess experiences disturbing visions of a funeral with traumatic side effects. 

This is a pleasant ghost story and mystery with sleuthing and adventures. The acting is realistic, the era looks gothic and with Victorian times blended with 1980's. This is the only film Judith Allchurch has made. It was filmed at Link Academy which was formerly called Hillcrest School in Netherton. It was made by the BBC and fun to watch for all ages. I give this a nice 7/10 for atmospheric eeriness. 

My personal likes is the wholesome innocence from the early 80's style film.

My personal dislikes is now after watching this, baths won't be the same again.

Blood Strawberry