[Digital] House of Five Leaves Episode 2 Review

[Chris Beveridge]

http://cdn-www.mania.com/content_pics/000005/96/57/aef9b7c8db98b8e8_thumb.jpgReview by Chris Beveridge (http://www.mania.com/house-five-leaves-episode-02_article_122113.html)



Mania Grade: B



In Summary:
House of Five Leaves is all about mood and atmosphere as the small cast of characters is slowly expanded upon. Masanosuke's time with them, nudged more by Yaichi telling him to hang out there and have his meals there, helps to make him feel closer to them even if they aren't exactly welcoming him with open arms. These few moments he has are powerful things for Masanosuke considering how his life has gone and the way he takes to the life there is endlessly fascinating for Yaichi. The two are very much made for each other in that neither is like anything they've seen before and the more time they spend together, the more they really want to figure the other out. At least in a very laid back and mellow way. The strength of the show is still in its overall design and the way it's easing us into things, but it's not a show that's going to wow a lot of people or draw large crowds. It's a show that's going to captivate a very particular audience that's usually not well served though.

[Mafty Allegro]

It really is a nice show so far. Although its pacing can be a little too deliberate (and I'm a big fan of slow-churners), almost to the point where it genuinely feels like nothing is happening, its subtle atmosphere and mystery help carry you through the episode. That was the case with the second episode, where I was becoming a little wary of was [not] happening, but the ending had me wishing it was continuing on. I suppose that's the best thing you can take from slowly-developing shows like this one.

[ooga]

I thought the first episode was interesting and fresh. After seeing a second episode of more-of-the-same I am much less enthusiastic about this show. The pace needs to pick up pretty soon or I am going to lose complete interest.