"Legend of Korra", Eastern Views, T.V & Ethics: What Can Christians learn from Anime?

[awitch]

The visuals for a war between Korra and the spirits vs Kurvira and her soldiers.

 

[Gxg (G²)]

The visuals for a war between Korra and the spirits vs Kurvira and her soldiers.

I wonder how that would go - truly, it would be one of the first of its kind. Which side would take the most losses?

 

[Gxg (G²)]

I think generations of Japanese people later (who had nothing to do with their ancestor's atrocities) see Christianity as one of the main mascots of the American threat in the Pacific. Many animes make the distrust of America abundantly clear, especially those of a more political and realistic nature (Ghost in the Shell: SAC is the first that comes to mind, specifically referring to America as "the American Empire").

All of this combined adds to the foreignness, and suspicion, of the position of Christianity in relation to Japan. There's a lot of politics associated.

Thankfully, there are many animes which have been made in that atmosphere which have aided in good dialogues on how Christianity is to be seen.

There was an excellent anime I recently came across entitled Tokyo Godfathers (東京ゴッドファーザーズ Tōkyō Goddofāzāzu), a 2003 anime film. One excellent review can be found here in the following:

• Tokyo Godfathers: A Review by Frank Daugherity - JapanCAN

As noted wisely about the film's ethos, "What do the following have in common? A sermon about baby Jesus at Christmas time in Tokyo, three homeless misfits, an abandoned baby, an injured yakuza, “angelic” appearances, a suicide jumper, a hit man, a group of drag queens, a nurse and a police inspector. n a word (or phrase), the common core here is “redemptive kizuna.” Kizuna (&#32070 is a word used with wonderful effect most memorably during the great Tohoko disaster, meaning “connections” – human bonds. Reminiscent of a French farce or a Hollywood action comedy, this tall tale is by turns heart-warming, wildly improbable, comic, filled with pathos and poignancy, hopeful and uplifting. In a masterpiece of contextualization of the heart of the Good News, “Jesus has created a home for those who have no home,” non-Christian co-writers Keiko Nobumoto and Satoshi Kon (the feted anime producer who died in 2003) have fashioned a madcap, nerve-wracking adventure which winsomely strains credulity but is overflowing with providence, grace, forgiveness and reconciliation."

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[Gxg (G²)]

The visuals for a war between Korra and the spirits vs Kurvira and her soldiers.

GREAT review on what may come later:

• Will Legend Of Korra's Superweapon Change The World Of Avatar Forever?

 

[awitch]

Haha, Zhu Li was awesome. I'd be surprised if she wasn't acting as a double agent with her loyalty switch. And cheers to Varrick and Bolin for their switch.

Was that mecha suit a rip off of Bioshock and the elementals from Battletech or what?

 

[Gxg (G²)]

Haha, Zhu Li was awesome. I'd be surprised if she wasn't acting as a double agent with her loyalty switch. And cheers to Varrick and Bolin for their switch.

Was that mecha suit a rip off of Bioshock and the elementals from Battletech or what?

I think Zhu Li is also planning on betraying Kuivira in order to protect Varrick. And I am surprised it took Bolin and Varrick THAT long in order to realize that Kuivira was crazy - the fact that she was willing to do harm to them both so quickly shows she has been playing them for a long time with her being concerned for them...and I do wonder if she was like that even BEFORE she left Zaofu.

As it concerns the Mecha Suits, it did seem to be similar to Bio Shock - although we already saw them in the first season of Legend of Korra.

Also,
ADDItionally, I think it's all but made explict that there's going to be a battle between Spirts and Man. Even Kuivira's superweapon has the SAME energy as VAATU - the one who actually created the Spirit Vines to begin with. Again, Kuvira’s super weapon that uses the spirit vine sample had the same color like Vaatu’s beams and they used the same sound effect in the scene too.

 

[Gxg (G²)]

Ticked seeing what has been happening of late to Korra and her latest battles - and saddened to see the ways Suyin has been treated by the one who was like a daughter to her - but has gone rouge.

Legend Of Korra Season 4 Episode 6 - TOP 5 [bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse] Moments - YouTube​

 

[CryOfALion]

Granted, they couldn't let Avatar Korra destroy Kurvira mid season, but Korra has disappointed me in her bending. She is a base water bender, but she fights like an earthbender, and rarely uses water as her main bending (Aang for air, Roku for fire, Kyoshi for earth...)

I predict korra will not kill Kurvira, but will imprison her, after nearly losing her life to spirit blasts in the Avatar state. It should be noted the canon allowed for Avatar Wan to sustain several direct hits from Vaatu's spirit energy blasts, so despite the power of spirit energy, it will need to be weaponized and concentrated in power.

I would hope for the darker ending, where spirit energy blasts bring back Vaatu, he possesses Kurvira, and they rip each other's respective spirits out to the point of mortality (Vaatu and Raava) in an epic battle to the point where the spirit realm closes, the spirits go back including the big two. Then we get the similar situation Wan was in - the next possible "Avatar" from the stabilized earth kingdom beginning his/her journey. Then end the series. I think Toph is being used.

 

[awitch]

I was pretty disappointed, too. The battle seemed very tame and straightforward with just jumping and element throwing. Even more with the army just standing around.

Very happy to see Varrick getting a larger role, though

 

[Gxg (G²)]

Granted, they couldn't let Avatar Korra destroy Kurvira mid season, but Korra has disappointed me in her bending. She is a base water bender, but she fights like an earthbender, and rarely uses water as her main bending (Aang for air, Roku for fire, Kyoshi for earth...)

I predict korra will not kill Kurvira, but will imprison her, after nearly losing her life to spirit blasts in the Avatar state. It should be noted the canon allowed for Avatar Wan to sustain several direct hits from Vaatu's spirit energy blasts, so despite the power of spirit energy, it will need to be weaponized and concentrated in power.

I would hope for the darker ending, where spirit energy blasts bring back Vaatu, he possesses Kurvira, and they rip each other's respective spirits out to the point of mortality (Vaatu and Raava) in an epic battle to the point where the spirit realm closes, the spirits go back including the big two. Then we get the similar situation Wan was in - the next possible "Avatar" from the stabilized earth kingdom beginning his/her journey. Then end the series. I think Toph is being used.

My feelings are exactly the same. Granted, I'm not going to say Korra isn't still an incredibly gifted bender - and yes, being rusty after 3 yrs and PTSD, I can understand her being off her game. If she was in full capacity as she was when fighting Zaheer, the fight would have been either over or equally matched in less than 2 minutes - and Kuvira should have been in remembrance that Korra was not at her full strength.

I do think that somehow Vaatu returns - and if he returns in the form of a Metal Bender - one who has power over one of the largest and most deadly materials in the world now (as it concerns technology ) - it would be intensive. But I would also love to see Korra have to make a deal with Vaatu and working with him due to Kuvira using his power via the Spirit vines - and then later having it where Raava and Vaatu either duke it out or now are both a part of the Avatar as the only means of truly bringing balance - a continual conflict.

That - or as you said, both spirits duke it out..except I'd advocate that the SPIRIT realms remain open. In order to have the Avatar, you need either one or both BIG Spirits present. And if Toph makes a comeback, that would be amazing...

 

[Gxg (G²)]

Ahaha sorry, this forum only seems to make me angry nowadays so I haven't been posting as much.

I've been watching Kill la Kill which is phenomenal, Girls und Panzer which is better than it sounds and PSYCHO-PASS which is looking to be of the quality of Ghost in the Shell Stand Alone Complex which is definitely one of my favorite animes of all time. I am excited.

Just remembered the name of the series I was told by my cousin, called "One Piece"...a show about a conspiracy where the historians of the world were being killed because they were forbidden from studying history and the history they were being told involved those on the dominant side changing the history - with the young girl who is a central character in the series having her family killed and having to become a criminal while being dedicated to finding the truth.

• Nico Robin/History - The One Piece Wiki - Manga, Anime, Pirates, Marines, Treasure, Devil Fruits, and more

The Story of One Piece - YouTube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTTl7bZCQqw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zj83ijo0Qxc

Also, Just remembered another one of the names of the shows that I thought others would enjoy - as seen in the show called Inuyasha (THEM Anime Reviews 4.0 - Inuyasha ):


InuYasha - Ep. 160 [English Dubbed] - YouTube

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[Gxg (G²)]

Granted, they couldn't let Avatar Korra destroy Kurvira mid season, but Korra has disappointed me in her bending. She is a base water bender, but she fights like an earthbender, and rarely uses water as her main bending (Aang for air, Roku for fire, Kyoshi for earth...)

I predict korra will not kill Kurvira, but will imprison her, after nearly losing her life to spirit blasts in the Avatar state. It should be noted the canon allowed for Avatar Wan to sustain several direct hits from Vaatu's spirit energy blasts, so despite the power of spirit energy, it will need to be weaponized and concentrated in power.

I would hope for the darker ending, where spirit energy blasts bring back Vaatu, he possesses Kurvira, and they rip each other's respective spirits out to the point of mortality (Vaatu and Raava) in an epic battle to the point where the spirit realm closes, the spirits go back including the big two. Then we get the similar situation Wan was in - the next possible "Avatar" from the stabilized earth kingdom beginning his/her journey. Then end the series. I think Toph is being used.

I am a bit bothered that they haven't even brought out Raava during the entire series....although I have to wonder if it's the case that Kurvira has possession of Raava somehow..

 

[CryOfALion]

Maybe balance means everyone will share a portion of Raava or Vaatu, like we all share a portion of the Holy Spirit or the Enemy.

 

[Gxg (G²)]

Maybe balance means everyone will share a portion of Raava or Vaatu, like we all share a portion of the Holy Spirit or the Enemy.

Hadn't considered that before, but it does make sense. I wonder how that would actually play out.

 

[CryOfALion]

Hadn't considered that before, but it does make sense. I wonder how that would actually play out.

I doubt the writers will do this, but it would be interesting to take Kurvina's avatar eyes not as Korra feeling her insecurities, but as a foreshadow to true balance - everyone can "turn on" for good (Raava,) or evil (Vaatu.)

Also, I find myself rooting for Kurvina. I mean, she used to be good, and although her tactics are borderline tyrannical, she did take initiative while Korra was "out." Plus, her politics are undeniable (which caused Korra to hesitate fighting her in the first place. Kurvina can teach Korra a thing or two about real unity. But, I like dark heroes, so maybe I am partial.

For example, I would pick Vegeta over goku or Gohan any day - even over future trunks.

 

[Zoness]

I saw the post about One Piece. One Piece is definitely some of the most fantastic manga writing out there.

 

[Gxg (G²)]

I saw the post about One Piece. One Piece is definitely some of the most fantastic manga writing out there.

One Piece is definitely one of the most amazing manga stories I've ever seen - even though it is VERY extensive in how long it is. I wish that it was not as extensive as it was since it can be hard to jump in and catch up with everything when there are over 300 episodes...

 

[Gxg (G²)]

I find myself rooting for Kurvina. I mean, she used to be good, and although her tactics are borderline tyrannical, she did take initiative while Korra was "out." Plus, her politics are undeniable (which caused Korra to hesitate fighting her in the first place. Kurvina can teach Korra a thing or two about real unity. But, I like dark heroes, so maybe I am partial.

I'd disagree, as locking up anyone not Earth Kingdom (as occurred recently) smacks of fascism and it also reeks of eugenics. The same goes for prison camps, black-mail and other corrupt actions that Kurvira has done. The woman only celebrates herself in the name of unity - a unity which is really forced.

And what she decided to do to the Bangroove tree for the sake of her weapon - there's NO excuse. Some have noted that this will cause more problems than people realize - as others feel like the Banyan-grove tree and the Tree of time are connected in some way, like they are the same tree that manifested on two planes of existence....AND by cutting down the tree Kuivra might disturb the energy balance of the world and that leaves another problem for Korra to solve.

The Banyan Grove Tree’s vines have the same spiritual powers as the vines that Vaatu manifested....and who knows the damage that will follow.

As another noted wisely:

1. All the spiritual connections in the world will be destroyed

if Kuvira successfully destroys the Banyan Grove tree,no one would be spiritually connected to those alive or dead. Remember what the swamp man, Hu, in A:TLA said to Aang, that life and death is a illusion and that defiantly has some connection to the swamp.

Sokka and Katara saw visions of the people they lost and loved, and Toph ‘sees’ Lin and Su (who are alive) spiritually through the swamp. The swamp and the Banyan Grove tree are the source of what keeps EVERYTHING connected. This is symbolised by Korra being connected with her past enemies whom are dead.

Without the Banyan Grove tree everyone will be like Korra at the start of Book 4, who was disconnected from everything. In other means everyone will be unbalanced spiritually.


2. Spirits are going to cause some havoc

It’s obvious that the spirit vines and the Banyan Grove tree are connected, so it’s likely the spirits will be affected. This might cause negative energy, since the spirits in the swamp homes are being destroyed causing them to turn into dark spirits.

But I think this wouldn’t be so important in the main plot, but just to show the effects of what Kuvira is doing.

3. The ”spirit vine energy weapon thingy” is going to back fire on Kuvira



Varrick’s small attempt of creating the weapon almost killed himself Bolin and Zhi Li remember…it cause such a big explosion so with the Banyan Grove tree vines it’s probable the whole world is in danger

4. Kuvira’s actions will cause the world leaders to turn on her

Since Bolin and Varrick are going to republic city to warn everyone about Kuvira’s secret weapon, and her removing non earth kingdom citizens into re-educational camps. So the other world leaders need to get involved cue Fire lord Izumi’s intro

5. Kuvira might get a ‘Admiral Zhao exist’


Remember what he did to the moon spirit Tui? And the effects of it nearly caused the world to be out of balance, if it wasn’t for Yue sacrificing herself. I think what Kuvira is doing will cause the spirits (after she’s defeated by Korra) to take her to the fog of lost souls of something. All I know is she isn’t going to be remembered as the ‘Great Uniter' at the end of the series.​

Interesting theory, IMHO....BUT As said before, what Kuvira has done to the Bangroove tree is without excuse..

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At this point, I'm wishing Korra had simply chosen to act like Avatar Kyoshi and torn up Kuvira's army - and I suspect that she would have had she had access to all of her past lives like she used to...

 

[awitch]

So episode 8 seemed like filler. I don't usually care for flashback episodes and I wonder if they wanted recap so they could bring the villains of previous seasons.

(Though Vaatu in a conference call was pretty funny)

 

[CryOfALion]

So episode 8 seemed like filler. I don't usually care for flashback episodes and I wonder if they wanted recap so they could bring the villains of previous seasons.

(Though Vaatu in a conference call was pretty funny)

I am pretty sure a portion of Vaatu and Raava will come back, as it already has with Korra's mirror spirit, and Kurvira. It would be interesting if Kurvira actually is a good guy, and she got a "spark" of Raava, like Korra's mirror spirit having dark avatar glow from Vaatu. MAYBE that is why Korra still saw Kurvira with Raava activation eve after she was purged of the metal toxin.


I think they filled the episode because it is the series finale in a few episodes, and we may see Toph, Kurvira, Firelord Zuko, Tenzin, Katara, Sokka, Lin, Su, Bolin, Mako, etc. do some major sacrifice/beatdown/crazy stuff.