Utawarerumono: Itsuwari no Kamen – 13-15
Going too far.
This should be a short post despite it covering three episodes.
War!
MuneChika Hammer.
Despite Utawarerumono apparently moving from the appetizers on to the main course, there is a surprisingly sparse amount of content. In all seriousness, the only thing particularly noteworthy is that we are told the Yamato generals who wear masks (Oshutoru, Mikazuchi, Vurai, and Munechika) can become giant demonic beings possessing tremendous, destructive power. They are referred to as “Akuruturuka,” and are chosen by the masks they wear, with the Emperor’s approval. So far, we have only seen Vurai unleash this power. And the result is devastating. The giant beast that he becomes simply obliterates everything standing in his way, with little regard to collateral damage or friendly fire. It’s not clear how much of his consciousness Vurai retains in his demonic form as the general had a rather ruthless personality to begin with. So it will be interesting to see what happens when some of the more moderate generals undergo the transformation. Will they become killing machines just as horrifying as what Vurai became, or will they exercise more discretion?
Vurai bulked up.
The other particularly interesting point is the profound effect Vurai’s display of excessive destruction had upon Haku. The guy is clearly shaken and taken aback by the aftermath of Vurai’s rampage. And we’re meant to sympathize with his view that the general went too far. To be fair, Vurai definitely didn’t have to go as far as he did. But I get the feeling Utawarerumono is taking the road oft traveled with Haku’s development. He’s probably going to play the naive fellow who tries to avoid taking life wherever possible. And this will eventually lead to something unfortunate happening to someone he cares about. Which will trigger the next phase in the pattern in which he reluctantly takes the lives of foes while rationalizing to himself that such acts will lead to less loss of life in the end. Or perhaps the show will surprise me and not go this route. Which would be great, because I find that kind of development boring. Who knows, maybe the horrific imagery burned in his mind will instead spur him into action to find less violent ways to end conflict with the help of his merry party (speaking of which, he gains another member in the form of a master swordsman).
Obviously, a lot of other things happened in these three episodes than what I went over above, But most of the rest was particularly dull. The actual skirmish ended just about as quickly as it started, with the Uzuurussha being driven off surprisingly easily once the Yamato generals came into play. I’m sure they will be back for more again, but the next episode preview indicates that we are in for celebrations after the victory. So any further hostilities are unlikely to take place soon. There is an potentially intriguing plot thread for revenge as Entua witnesses the death of her father at Oshutoru’s hands. Which would go against her father’s final wish for her to not throw away her life. But I also find it doubtful that she can act on it so soon since she didn’t immediately rush the general.
Will Entua have her revenge?
About Sumairii
POWUH: Meta Team and Spammy Tamer with 7115 comments
I really felt it wasn’t just Vurai that kinda went over the edge here. The whole episode had me cringing (a lot like Gate does at times) due to the… thoroughness of the slaughter. And I don’t think it’s naive of Haku to think that indiscriminate murder of innocent civilians is wrong, but I don’t really think that there’s going to be some “With great power comes great responsibility” stuff like Spider-man. For one, Haku just doesn’t have that power. But for two, I think there’s more there than just “the guy being dragged into a fight”.
POWUH: 800-899 and Mad Scientist with 814 comments
Vurai went above and beyond the rest with his complete lack of regard for the hostages and the Yamato citizens who were forcefully enlisted by the Uzuurussha. The other generals merely cleaned up the Uzuurussha soldiers, which is par for the course in a war.
It really is naive for Haku to think that innocent civilians won’t die in a war. That’s how war is.
And I wasn’t talking about a “with great power comes great responsibility” development… We know that Haku is going to involved in future conflicts as Oshutoru’s right hand man. So the question isn’t about what mystical powers he may have (it might turn out he does have some given the previous season) and what he does with them, but rather what he chooses to do as an ordinary person (albeit with lots of comrades) to change the outcome of conflicts.
POWUH: Meta Team and Spammy Tamer with 7115 comments
It’s most certainly not naive to think that the ‘good guys’ shouldn’t actively do things that will kill innocent civilians, *especially* those who were their own citizens. And especially those things that are so far over the top as to be ludicrous.
POWUH: 800-899 and Mad Scientist with 814 comments
We’re talking about different things then. My words in the post were only ever that Haku is probably the naive character who doesn’t want to take life…
POWUH: Meta Team and The Mad Scientist with 5525 comments
I got a little fed up with the lack of things happening (aside from new girls appearing and making really bad jokes) so I gave up on watching and am just reading your posts to fill in the rest lol.
It’s nice they’re actually at the fighting part now though! Maybe I’ll pick it up again when we get to a heated battle.
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10997 comments
I’m an odd duck, as I like the “new girls appearing and making really bad jokes”. They made some good jokes as well! Plus, more than that actually happened.
But I’m afraid that what made the show work for me; investments in the story for both the characters and the places they were in are fading this storyline. I find that I don’t really care much if these generals and ministers win or lose as the connection they’ve made to the characters so far feels forced if not tenuous…
POWUH: Meta Resident and LN Informant with 1529 comments
In the game, Entua’s father was so powerful that even Oshutoru had to use the Mask power to defeat him.
Otherwise, the anime has been faithfully adapting the game story.
POWUH: 800-899 and Mad Scientist with 814 comments
That’s an interesting change to make. I doubt it has any real effect on the plot moving ahead, since Entua is sure to come after him for revenge eventually. But maybe the intent is to still maintain a sort of status quo in the viewer’s mind? Perhaps having him also turn into a giant monster after seeing all that Vurai did would make us second guess how noble he is, and in extension the Emperor and the country of Yamato as a whole. As it stands, I think most of the negativity is focused solely on Vurai for his actions. The comment “this isn’t what the emperor would want” during his rampage really goes a long way in that regard.
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
A short but epic and thrilling battle in these recent episodes.
It’s no secret that a war with no casualties does not exist but there could at least be an attempt to control that statistic if possible. The other generals get leniency for not being indiscriminate with their kills whereas I hold Vurai in the highest contempt for just laying waste to all in front of him, making no distinction in the process. Even more condemning when he knowingly killed hostages who were asking for help. I honestly can’t see someone like him being respected in Yamato. Feared would be a more fitting description and his conduct closer to massacre than war.