Thoughts on Legend of Korra and Finale (Spoilers Ahead)

Legend of Korra copyright Nickolodeon.

Like many fans, the finale to Legend of Korra did leave me tearbending. I think it was a very fitting ending to the entire series leaving a variety of messages to the audience. The article by Vanity Fair gave a very convincing argument on reasons why Legend of Korra is a very good series. Instead of repeating the details, I rather give some of my own opinion. Though Korra comes from the same universe of Avatar The Last Airbender, I don't think viewers should compare the two series head-on because they should be reviewed as stand alone pieces. Legend of Korra may be a sequel, but it explores more the Avatar universe. I have always praised Avatar for creating a world based on Eastern influences showcasing different nationalities and ethnicity as main characters. As I am part of a minority group in the United States, it makes me happy that my culture was represented on television not as some foreign exotic thing, but something to be celebrated. Once again, I don't think Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko were trying to push an agenda like Vanity Fair was saying, but giving a platform to spread awareness through animation. 

December 2014: Asian Inspired Soundtracks

I have a personal love for traditional Asian instrumentals that I think is not used enough in soundtracks. Many soundtracks for Asian cinema are inclined to imitate the western orchestra and only strives to imitate. It doesn't live up to the reputation of award winning classical composers. That is partially the reason why I like it when composers use elements from their own culture. It is because you know yourself the best so why not use it to its fullest extent. Another reason is that it sets you apart from other composers so that not everyone sounds the same. It's also very nice to listen to fusion soundtracks where they mix both Asian cultures with western sounds. I gathered a list of soundtracks I came across over the years. There were some names that didn't make it on to the list because I felt that it wasn't too defined for this particular category.

Bakumatsu Kikansetsu Irohanihoheto

This soundtrack uses a lot of flute and bells to give its cultural references. Of course there are some classical elements to it being that the Bakumatsu era had European influences. The prologue track that they play at the beginning of each episode is my favorite song because it embodies that destiny and fate theme that they talk about and the consequences that come along with it.

Saiunkoku Monogatari

I didn't like the first soundtrack as much as I liked the second one. It stays very true to the Chinese instrumentals in terms of composition and throws in more twists to it like some foreign percussion. The flute pieces at times doesn't feel too Chinese, but of a different culture. Overall a very light soundtrack to listen to.