Takoyaki Journals

When the 2nd Odoru movie came out, I had to buy the complete boxed set of music...all 6 discs of it. And I've never regretted it. The music is great, and it's right up there with the Final Fantasy & Phoenix Wright music as 'best instrumental music to write to.' It's fun, serious and badass by turns.

( Some of the best tunes are... )

Over the weekend I got to show some of thehouseofmews my very favorite TV show in the whole world (sorry Young Indiana Jones Chronicles, you come in a close second). I love Odoru Daisousasen so very much. And every time I get to show it to someone new it just reignites my love, and it all just comes bubbling up like a sparkly pink volcano. Add to this the fact that they've put out the teaser trailer for the third movie and I'm just all a twitter.

Now, in the past it's been hard to share it with people. Poor flidgetjerome had to put up with me sending episode summaries and a few scans from the 2nd movie books. Then I got my hands on some fansubbed DVDs and inflicted those on eramundo and twigcollins. But now! Now there is Youtube, and other video sharing sites, and physical distance will protect you no longer.

So what is Odoru Daisousasen anyway? Literally it translates to 'The Dancing Criminal Investigation Network,' but the unofficial English title is 'Rhythm and Police' (yes, like in DDR. That's the opening theme song). Once they started to make movies they decided they needed an official English title and called it 'Bayside Shakedown' which I think is really extremely clever.

The series follows Aoshima Shunsaku, a newly minted detective as he settles into life at the Wangan police station and deals with the realities of police life. (vs the way he thought it would be from too many cop shows). The series is hilariously funny, but makes sure that you really connect with the characters so that you care about the serious drama bits when they unfold. If you liked Hot Fuzz, I can't imagine you not liking Odoru. (Yes, I'm talking to you annlarimer)

( So what makes it so awesome? )

I'll be back with more raving about this show later in the week, but I hope by now you're going, 'Ok Ann, I'm intrigued, but how do I watch it?'

You can find the whole series here. With subtitles! Because I love you enough not to subject you to my old summaries with things like, "Aoshima gapes like an idiot. Ok, maybe that’s just because I find the girl annoying. No wait. He actually dances a little. He’s an idiot."

I will be back to talk about themes! and pairings! and the ossim music! But now I'm going to fall down and go to bed. Goodnight!