Crying Freeman

ThatAnimeSnob May 2, 2012

5.5

Crying Freeman is the adaptation of a renowned graphic novel manga. Unlike 99.99% of anime, it hardly censored the gruesome violence and the extreme sex scenes in it. It even has a never before seen again trait in battles: The characters strip butt naked in order to have complete freedom in movement! For them, armors are just a hindrance if you can outrun bullets. STORY & CHARACTER SECTION: 5/10 [An interesting looking box with nothing inside.] A Japanese artist is trained by force by the Chinese mafia to become Crying Freeman, the world’s deadliest assassin. He is sent to avenge the damage other organizations have done to his trainers and falls in love with a woman on the way.Oh, yes, another series with an ultra-powerful heavy-dude, bound on revenge. Got my share of those; no more, thank you. At least, this heavy-dude has a feint trait that sets him apart from all those billions of counterparts. He cries every time he kills! And he is not an emotionless killer, as he never kills those he judges as innocent. Beyond this trait, he is as stale and shallow as a dried up bog. Surprisingly, the character with the most character development and interest is the woman he loves. Not only she is a sex-bomb (and if you like glass fetishes, an ultra sex-bomb!) but also she passes through several changes in personality and fighting capabilities (won’t say more for fear of spoiling it). I almost believe she should be the real protagonist. Or maybe she represents the training and evolution Freeman also experienced in the past that we never got to watch… Oh, well, whatever the reason, she is by far the most interesting character, even if she doesn’t get the screen time she deserves. All the rest of the characters are there for flavor. They are either stereotypical villains that die in the same episode or misjudged criminals that Freeman befriends. They all look and act different but are otherwise as real as carton boxes.The story is only 6 episodes long but it constantly changes themes, villains and locations, thus it hardly gets repeating or boring. The plot is always about protecting or killing someone but you hardly think about it as you watch. In general, it is a very cliché story with stereotypical characters. But the unique traits of the two main characters and their graphic-novel-like presence in it (read below for more) give them some credit. ART SECTION: 8/10 [Everything looks so real!] I couldn’t believe that such realism was possible back in the time the series was made. But it turns out it was. To get a picture, it puts Fist Of The North Star (a much similar-themed series) to shame. Some stale images and lack of realism in battle choreographies ruin a perfect score but for the most part it’s awesome! Also, there is an awful amount of sex and violence in it that makes even Elfen Lied to appear silly (no kidding!). You are literally absorbed by either the really cool animal tattoos, worked out male body figures, really slim and sexy female figures, boner-invoking nude and sex scenes (genitalia are invisible because of the law restrictions back then) or the Hong Kong movie-reminiscent battle scenes. There are even detailed facial expressions and lip sync present here but that turned out to be a problem (read below why). SOUND SECTION: 5/10 [Oh, my ears hurt!] The music themes were boring and most voices were either fake or flat. It’s a real shame to see so well made detailed facial expressions and lip-sync to be wasted because of such amateur voice actors. VALUE & ENJOYMENT SECTION: 5/10 [Sex and violence always sell.] The several action and sex scenes are a major attraction. This is boosted further by animation of graphic novel proportions. But it drops down again by the lack of realism (Freeman outruns even a volley of bullets), plot twists (Freeman is clearly the winner from the start) and the overused seduction theme (there isn’t a female character that Freeman didn’t kill and didn’t had sex with). VERDICT: 5.5 / 10 The accused is found … GUILTY! … For thinking good looks alone can make you successful. SUGGESTION LIST Well, I haven’t seen any other anime with Chinese mafia in it. Similar themed series are: Elfen Lied. A lot less realistic but a lot kinkier. Fist Of The North Star. A lot less realistic but a lot more interesting. Berserk. A far better version of the same basic story.

ChineseWick Feb 10, 2024

5

"Crying Freeman" delves into the dark and intricate world of assassins, loyalty, and destiny, following the life of Yo Hinomura, an artist transformed against his will into a deadly assassin for the 108 Dragons, a powerful Chinese mafia. Branded as "Crying Freeman" for the tears he sheds after eliminating his targets, Yo's journey is one of inner conflict, love, and the search for freedom within a life he never chose. While the OVA series offers a compelling narrative filled with action, emotion, and depth, it struggles with elements that prevent it from fully realizing its potential. A Brush with Darkness Engaging Premise and Character Complexity: "Crying Freeman" presents a richly woven story that explores the complexities of freedom, honor, and the human spirit. Yo Hinomura's transformation from a humble artist to a remorseful assassin is compelling, offering a unique lens through which the series examines themes of control, identity, and redemption. Artistic and Aesthetic Appeal: The OVA captures the eye with its detailed animation and distinctive character designs, reflective of the era in which it was produced. The blend of action sequences and moments of emotional depth is visually engaging, drawing viewers into the world of the 108 Dragons and the conflicts that define it. Tears Over Spilt Potential Pacing and Narrative Execution: The series occasionally falters in its pacing, with some episodes feeling rushed or lacking in depth, which can hinder the development of secondary characters and subplots. This inconsistency at times leaves viewers wanting more from the narrative and the richly built world. Content and Sensitivity Issues: "Crying Freeman" contains elements that may not resonate well with all audiences, including graphic violence and explicit scenes that, while serving the story's darker themes, can overshadow its more nuanced aspects. The portrayal of these elements sometimes detracts from the series' ability to explore its characters' emotional and psychological landscapes fully. Unfulfilled Destiny Thematic Exploration: At its core, "Crying Freeman" attempts to navigate the intricate moralities of its universe, touching on loyalty, love, and the pursuit of personal freedom. However, the series doesn't always succeed in deeply exploring these themes, often brushing against them without fully delving into their complexities. Character Development: While Yo Hinomura is a well-crafted character, the development of the supporting cast varies, with some characters feeling underexplored. This lack of development can impact the emotional weight of the narrative, making certain relationships and conflicts feel less impactful. Conclusion "Crying Freeman" stands as a unique piece within the anime world, offering a story that is both visually striking and emotionally resonant at its best. Its exploration of the life of an unwilling assassin, marked by moments of beauty and brutality, makes for a compelling narrative. However, the series' execution—marred by uneven pacing, and at times, a heavy reliance on explicit content—prevents it from fully engaging with the depth and complexity its premise promises. For those intrigued by the blend of action, drama, and the moral quandaries of the assassin's world, "Crying Freeman" offers a journey that is as thought-provoking as it is flawed, echoing the tears of its protagonist for what could have been.