Synopsis: A series of events unfold in Shangai, China, starting with the arrival of two Japanese photographers taking pictures there during a festival. But before they know it they, and many other people, will be entangled in a series of events that will affect the whole world, including a deadly virus. ~ T.H.E.MGenre: Action, Adventure, Drama, Superpower
Format: TV anime (13 Episodes)
Original run: July 4, 2009 – September 26, 2009
Director: Masahiro Ando
Writer: Mari Okada
Watch CANAAN online at: Anime Avenue (subbed) | chia-anime (subbed)
Comment: After watching and re-watching a few of my favorite scenes, I'm still not sure whether I liked this anime or not. Yes, the drawing and visual style were GREAT, but still... While the storyline was quite interesting at the beginning it turned out to be boring towards the end. I mean, to put it simply, both girls, Canaan (protagonist) and Alphard (antagonist), were fighting over some dead dude's spirit?
One sought revenge and wanted to "counter hatred with hatred", while the other sought freedom, release from said dude's spirit. If I understood correctly, she wanted to be the "only Canaan", too, because this dude who died (their mentor), has treated and raised both girls equally, named them both "Canaan" (making them feel special), taught them cool combats, etc. except that he saw more potential in the younger girl who turned out to be the Canaan of the series. They've become arch-enemies and rivals ever since this dude got killed by one of his apprentices, the two Canaans.
My head actually cracked understand this plot.
All the action scenes, choreography, the idea of what it's like being a synesthesist, showing the horrendous side-effect of the Ua Virus, the animated blood, etc. these were all what has made this anime worth watching. The storyline though was lame.
Friend of Protagonist gets targeted by the enemy throughout the series. Friend of Protagonist has amnesia, doesn't know why she's being targeted. Friend of Protagonist doesn't want to be protected anymore. The only way to trigger Protagonist's true strength is by killing her Friend, so naturally, Friend of Protagonist sacrifices herself by blowing herself up in order to save Protagonist's life during a battle with Antagonist.
Yeah, alright. Got it. And of course, there's the whole Ua Virus going around, infecting people. There are lots of terrorists, too, the Air Force blowing up buildings; Unblooms walking like zombies; children playing in blood...
Anyway, I didn't like the ending very much. Neither Canaan nor Maria know whether the other was still alive -- they only felt it. They felt each other's presence despite the long distance between them. Maria Osawa went back to Japan, and Canaan continued her job as an assassin in Shangai, China.
The implied Yuri, or rather, shoujo-ai between Canaan and Maria is their love for each other as being BEST FRIENDS despite their differences. They hold hands, they look at each other's eyes deeply and blush, they speak openly about their fears and feelings. Maria is kinda the source of Canaan's motivation or the source of strength to fight. She's the "light" Canaan wants to protect. All this, however, does NOT necessarily mean that they are in love with each other.
Anyway, I did like the other supporting characters, too. Yun Yun, or even Hakko, both Borners, which means they both carry the Ua Virus but survived it. Its effect, however, differs in both women. Yun Yun is almost just "ordinary", feisty and fun to be with, while Hakko is this sexy character, who at first appears to be "mute", but actually has a voice that can kill.
That's it for now. I'm looking forward to watching the CANAAN movies, because the series has left me open-mouthed! They can't seriously end it like that, can they? o.O
Images to CANAAN!
