File talk:026 Tiro Finale Masaki Tsuji.jpg

Draft translation please ignore http://www.yamibo.com/thread-142421-1-1.html

The Distance From Sally to Madoka

by Masaki Tsuji

Sally the Witch (1966) was the prognosticator of the magical girl genre. I was one of its writers. Back then, our goal was simple - create a lighthearted children's cartoon with a magic theme. Since then, I also written for "Himitsu no Akko-chan (1969)," "Mahō no Mako-chan (1970)," "Majokko Megu-chan (1972)." Although details changed from title to title, the formula was largely unchanged. Many years passed, I am 80 now, anime has certainly changed with time. Perhaps obvious, but still worth thinking about.

From the opening scene, I was enamored by Madoka Magica's post-modern design, with imaginative visuals possible only with Shinbo's directorial touches. As the story progress, the scriptwriter Gen's mastery in worldbuilding shone in full display. With not a single wasted frame, Shinbo had certainly pushed SHAFT's artists to their limits. The fulfilling, interwoven plot; the tension-filled character development; and the intricate plot design led to a fulfilling, memorable experience.

There was no shallow plot development or excessive monologue, yet the story managed to avoid cliche tropes used by creators and expected by the audience alike. It broke new grounds while remained recognizable. This sincerity kept the audience firmly glued to the small screen.

As the saying goes, "don't wake the sleeping children." [T/N: A Japanese idiom, refers to how one ought to avoid trouble once things had passed.] At my age, I have no choice but face the ugly prospect of death. At least before then, I should find serenity in rest, so I always thought. We're born at the wrong time; the 21st century had left the radio and the newspaper to the Showa Eras. Before the village heads and the principals realized, the children had woke up from their slumber. Only for fear of reprehend did they lie awake. A cosplay-filled magical girl story, set in the reality a ruthless society, perfectly resonated with this youth generation. Lure them with cute, and give them a dose of reality.

The finale revealed a truth in the best of science fiction traditions. How convincing it was is a testimate to the work's sophistication. To have such a creative conscientiousness, to reach such a level of perfection, this work is worthy people's admiration.

Prima 02:58, 18 December 2012 (UTC)