Favourite watch of 2024

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I thought it might be nice to see everyone’s favourite programs and films from 2024 since we have a topic for everyone’s favourite books. :slightly_smiling_face:

So what were your favourites this year?

For me, almost everything I watched was of a much higher level than my current ability and most of it did not have access to Japanese subs so I went with no subs rather than the English ones.

Favourite anime:

ダンジョン飯
This one was a bit of a surprise with how quickly I became attached to it. I really enjoyed the crazy D&D party vibes I got from it and can’t wait for season 2 coming out.

Potential spoilers

They did wrap up the main quest they set out for but caused havoc along the way and it leads nicely into the expectations of what is to come for season 2. Seems to follow the manga pretty closely from what I read. The characters are all pretty unique, even the supporting characters.

Sand lands (series)
This one was really approachable even at my level. Was a nice easy going series, there are parts where not a lot happens or the outcome is pretty relaxed but it was enjoyable none the less. Reminded me a bit of an old game I played which I think had character designed by the same artist (Akira Toriyama).

Favoutrite films:

Suzume
I actually really liked this. The romance part did feel a bit forced but I think everyone has had that vibe from it. Storyline was decent enough and I found it easy enough to follow even without getting everything.

鹿の王
This did have Princess Mononoke vibes to it (not sure which was first though). It’s definitly on my list to re-watch further down the line and I also have the book series so was glad I really enjoyed this.

Potential spoilers

I clocked early on the outcome, and figured out the cause and cure very quickly even without getting a lot of the dialogue. There were parts I didn’t see coming though might have been more predictable if I had better listening ability but it was still very enjoyable to watch.

Of these, the one with the most useful learning potential for me was ダンジョン飯 with all the cooking terms.

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TV:
I enjoyed 合理的にあり得ない ～探偵・上水流涼子の解明～ S1 | L29?? quite a bit. I think I finished it faster than anything else this year, which is already a feat as I’m terrible at finishing things. Detective comedy, highly recommend.

Movie:
I can’t really recommend this at all unless you like crazy art films, but 冴え冴えてなほ滑稽な月 | L35 was a wild ride and I enjoyed it. I kind of wonder if 35 is too low for it, given the poor audio mixing and the nonsensical plot.

Bonus, In Progress:
I’m terrible at finishing things :joy: But I suspect I’m going to binge the remaining episodes of 全領域異常解決室 S1 | L30?? soon because I am thoroughy enjoying it. Supernatural elements, crime solving. It’s not yet graded but I think it will land higher than 30 as there are a decent amount of government and supernatural words scattered throughout which bumps up the vocab spread.

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Not particularly related to language learning, but Perfect Days | L21??

Easily made top spot for me, really lovely film.

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Huh. My roommate actually recommended this not too long ago; the trailer seemed nice but didn’t really pull me in, but maybe I should give it another look since you mentioned it.

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Movies are w/o re-watches.

Best anime movie: すずめの戸締まり

Best non-anime movie: ゴジラ-1.0

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Series: After a three week vacation I still have to catch up two weeks.

Best anime series: 夏目友人帳 Shichi is only one of the currently running series which has at least the potential to get five stars (= I‘ll re-watch it sooner or later), but it’s still too early to say for sure. トモちゃんは女の子！ S1 is another very good one that I am currently watching.

Best non-anime series: no nomination.

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I would caveat that it’s very uneventful plotwise. But the acting and soundtrack are excellent.

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