⭐Naruto Shippuden Episodes 19 &20: Watch Along & Analysis
Added 2021-04-11 21:33:57 +0000 UTCReading comments starts next week with newer filmed reactions! Thank you for your patience with this.
Naruto Shippuden Episode 19:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Y7VGtsb43dqnONiPEVXO_yyFZcmE-5uh/view?usp=sharing
Naruto Shippuden Episode 20:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iN8Lxf_KWIPo0vvV2bu2k3k5lXF3Vuqm/view?usp=sharing
Comments
I think one of the most important and interesting ways Naruto develops its villainous characters is in their interplay with other characters and with one another. This narrative choice is prominent in Naruto during the introduction and development of Orochimaru, and in his relationship with the Third Hokage, as well as with his relationships with Tsunade and with Jiraiya. It's also evident in Itachi's interactions with Sasuke (and also Itachi's interactions with other characters, like Naruto and Kakashi, as well as with his partner Kisame and his contemporaries Sasori and Deidara, all of which build up his character significantly with very little input from Itachi himself), and the interplay between Sasori and Deidara regarding their individual perspectives on art is a marvelous exploration of each character's interests and motivations delivered in a fairly dynamic way. Their interplay creates insight for the audience and build our collective understanding of their motivations and characteristics, without requiring excessive exposition. We still get some exposition, in the form of Chiyo's perspective, but a great deal about Sasori is developed without the author "explaining" the character to the audience. I really, really like this about Naruto and in particular about Shippuden; the Author often uses more dynamic narrative tools to speak to the audience, rather than speaking to the audience too directly. There's still a lot of very direct explanation (Sakura's evaluation of Sasori, their difference in experience, etc.), but it's most often used as a method to set the stakes clearly for the audience rather than explain the characters. This consistent narrative choice is one of my favorite things about this entire series. We are rarely completely in the dark about the motivations of our protagonist's opponents (I hesitate to say "antagonist" because Naruto/Shippuden is excellent at portraying its villains in a more sympathetic manner, much like Gaara) - and when we are, we are often simply patiently awaiting a masterful reveal, in the same way that Gaara was introduced, developed, and subsequently re-introduced to the audience through his arc in Naruto and his progression to Kazekage in Shippuden. Not every villain is redeemable, and not every villain deserves a second chance, but you can always be sure that Naruto/Shippuden will make the time to definitively explore a villain's reasoning and their purpose, right or wrong. Many anime and fiction media in general fail at this incredibly important task of exploring motive, and are significantly worse off for it.
Vastate
2021-04-15 06:41:18 +0000 UTCSasori's "art" is incredibly fascinating, even though it's also horrifying on a primal level as well. Scientifically I REALLY want to know more details about how he does it, but otherwise I don't even want to think about it lol. But I do really appreciate the thought put into the fight, especially the interactions between the 3 of them. Sakura showing that she isn't randomly foolishly arrogant like she was a lot in early OG(like Naruto), recognizing Sasori's experience and skill right away and honestly evaluating how she compares is fantastic(unlike Naruto who still thinks "big mad at that super powerful enemy...scream and beat them up...big happy now"). The way Chiyo acknowledges it as well but then immediately both describes and gives Sakura the confidence to do what she CAN do, just perfect. Meanwhile Team Guy is playing with themselves and Naruto's having a temper tantrum...without context it looks like Sakura is the most mature, capable shinobi of the younger generation...that's interesting.
Denver Gray
2021-04-12 17:02:08 +0000 UTC
