Synopsis
Some casualties of war never heal; yet for those who remain in power, the spoils can be sweet indeed. In the aftermath of the Great War, Lt. Alice Malvin is charged to take command of the Imperial Army’s Intelligence Section Three, an elite team where even the newest member hunts down tanks with a handgun. Their code name: Pumpkin Scissors. Her mission: to sharpen IS3 into a deadly instrument of justice, and to expose the corrupt power-mad nobility who prey on the weak.
But as Malvin starts to peel away the layers of a government cover-up involving a defunct super-soldier program, she discovers the existence of a military technology decades ahead of what the Army has!
Review
Destruction is a companion of war. And in Pumpkin Scissors we are tossed in a post war atmosphere where the morales of the people in this country are down. Civilians are scrapping for just enough rations to survive and feed their children, all while the nobles remain entrenched in their luxious lives. When it comes down to it, it is difficult to blame civilians whom has swayed their ways towards preying on those who are weaker than them. After all, in this post war era, it is about survival of the fittest. But with all that going on now toss in the ex-military personnel that have no war to fight, no longer have a goal to strive for, then you’ll have a mix of terrorism from both sides.
Because of this occurrence Section 3, war relief squad was created; to aid those who are experiencing difficulties couping with the aftermath of the war. And while their peers view this section’s job as an easy paycheck from the military kind of work, we are shown otherwise almost right from the beginning. Well, the hints of how this show will not be as easy going is during the opening sequence, where we are provided with a rather dark atmosphere. From that sequence alone, we can pretty much decipher what a part of the show will be about. Which is a good thing as it allows viewers to get a glimpse of how things would be as this piece plays out.
One thing I noticed watching Pumpkin Scissors is how it excited me. There were certain points in the anime where I would yell out things, such as, ‘kick his ass now!’ I believe that, that aspect of the show is what really atrracted me. Of course, the characters were also a reason why Pumpkin Scissors worked well with that theme. We have a mysterious war veteran whom has a kind personality, along with a peaceful mentality until his blue lantern attached to his belt is lit. Then we have a princess type commander who does not care about her nobility but rather will do anything for a successful mission for the Pumpkin Scissors. The combo between the both of them brings out the action and at times keeps the show at an edge forcing the viewer to constantly wonder ‘What’s next?’
The show moves consistently, and because of this, it keeps things interesting. You do not end up waiting around for something to happen as every episode moves the story forward to its end goal. I had a tremendous time watching this anime. The way the characters were interacting with each other and to their surroundings, as well as the nicely directed plot for the viewers, were definitely enticing. I was pretty much glued to my seat until I finished the whole series!
Breakdown
Pumpkin Scissors has great action, so great that it captivates the audience with enticing scenes prior to the events from happening. There is an immense build up of suspense that is broken apart piece by piece to satisfy the viewer.
» The Pros
A very entertaining experience overall. It is different in that there are not much anime out there that is like this one. Most war type anime are about big robots, spaceships, guys/gals with special powers etc. Pumpkin Scissors is just about "normal" people going about their business and that is a perspective that is fun once in a while.
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» The Cons
Pumpkin Scissors features a small cast of characters that you will actually get to know. The Section 3 squad. I would have liked some more characters involvement and/or characters' development. Sometimes it leaves some holes for questions the way they reveal a certain character's history.
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» Animation
8 |
Good, modern animation. The action scenes seem to drag me in. Especially when the blue lantern gets lit. That is when all hells breaks loose! |
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» Sound
7 |
The opening and ending themes were not pleasant. The voice acting was good. Some of the sound effects used to bring the viewer to a certain mood was used accordingly and effectively. |
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» Story
8 |
Pumpkin Scissors contains a very well thought out storyline that attracts the viewers. It creates an unfavorable situation and get the viewers all antsy, then allow the viewers to unload the anticipation when the main characters find a solution to their problems. Way to get the viewers involved emotionally and not just visually. |
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» Recommend
8 |
I definitely will recommend this anime. I remember at first when I heard the name Pumpkin Scissors, I said to myself, "What the heck kind of stupid name is that? Must be a pretty crappy show to have someone come up with that lame name." I will admit. I would not have watched this show if I was not forwarded a screener. And that screener changed my presumption I had with the show, from crap, to good. |
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» Other Information
Language: English/Japanese Dialogue with English Subtitles.
Extras: Clean Opening Animation, Clean Closing Animation, Previews.
Package: The DVD covers of Pumpkin Scissors are very simple. It is orange (pumpkin) color themed and features Alice Malvin in various situations. |