Ranking of Kings Episode 18 Reaction
Added 2024-05-11 23:41:29 +0000 UTC
Comments
@Elli are you korean ?
Salvatore
2024-05-12 18:35:30 +0000 UTCI didn't even notice that. I had also once read that the author's intention was a social conflict within Japan, but I hadn't seen any evidence of this. With the naming of the country, that would at least be one.
Robert H.
2024-05-12 17:04:22 +0000 UTCI'll say that I didn't like the black and white, good versus evil, simplistic perspective on the Gyakuza. Like all of them were bad? The entire society? And there was this condescending aspect of it that parallels views in real life. As if they're saying "we gave them magic [metaphor for technology], used our wisdom to take them out of the Stone Age [notice that the Gyakuza look like they live in huts], they should be more grateful". I'd like to give the benefit of the doubt that the author isn't expressing propaganda through this story though and believe that the next season will expand on the Gyakuza (like Robert said) and give a more nuanced view. Also, I just realized that Gyakuza is one word away from Yakuza. And this author likes to name things in ways that describe their character: Bosse is the Boss, Hiling can heal, Domas is a dumbass. So maybe not a metaphor for Korea but the Yakuza in some way.
A
2024-05-12 14:26:29 +0000 UTC@Robert -- I've seen the info you shared posted to multiple places (Reddit and Tumblr mostly), so I'm not sure if this was a later addition - or if people decided to delete it when they shared information - but I've also seen people compare the Gods to western colonizers. Or perhaps people don't share that part (assuming it's from the original post, which I can't verify without knowing where the info originated) because the real life comparison isn't as obvious / blatant / relevant as the other parts? I'm genuinely not sure. This is the line in question: "Gods = powerful western nations that were colonizing many parts of the world" I've linked to the Tumblr post I found it on below. It has Ep. 19 spoilers, so first time watchers please beware. https://www.tumblr.com/inganikki/676635682494627840/in-episode-18-of-ousama-rankingranking-of-kings
Merfhew
2024-05-12 07:27:18 +0000 UTCI'm surprised how Japan deals with the Second World War anyway. In Germany, we deal with the period from 1870 to 1990 in school for almost four school years, and the reasons for the Second World War and its consequences are strongly emphasised. The events of the Second World War are also very much in the public eye. A park in my home town is simply called the church, because the church stood there but was destroyed in the Second World War and only pillars were left, which now serve as decoration and a reminder in the park. The other church still has black stains on the ceiling from the Allied bombing rains. All over Germany there are gold-coloured stumbling stones bearing the names of the victims of the Nazi regime. The Holocaust memorial is in the centre of Berlin and it is mandatory for every pupil to visit a concentration camp during their time at school. In Japan, this period plays a smaller role and is not equated with guilt, but rather with grief and injustice.
Robert H.
2024-05-12 05:57:40 +0000 UTCItβs common amongst many Japanese people, which is obviously highlighted through bigger names, like manga authors. Even Isayama (AoT) doesnβt believe what the Japanese did to Korea. Their history books really downplay or totally ignore imperial Japanβs actions, leading to generations of ignorance. I think this year a new guideline was passed for new textbooks to be even more vague about that part of their history.
My Toasty Toast
2024-05-12 05:35:14 +0000 UTCYeah. The author really made a big mistake with Miranjo's origin story. Creating a nation that is just pure evil is also just completely the opposite of the show's concepts. It just doesn't fit. I really hope that when a second season comes along that it turns out that they were cursed by the gods or whatever and were just as kind-hearted people before. It doesn't make the depiction of the colonial history between Korea and Japan any better, but at least it would fit the show better. Here the history comparison: Gyakuza = a poor and primitive country full of deceitful people = Korea The "outsiders" that kept Gyakuza under its rule for most of history = China Houma = country full of good, upstanding people who only wanted to help the poor Gyakuza and fight a against gods = Japan But I would like to mention that the author is certainly not a bad person. The show thematises so much love. I also recommend the following interview: https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interview/2021-12-01/ranking-of-kings-manga-creator-sosuke-toka/.180157
Robert H.
2024-05-12 05:04:24 +0000 UTCWe learned a few episodes ago that Satun, the former king of the underworld (father of Despa, Desha, and Ouken) was a God, but the show hadn't yet gone into detail about Gods.
Merfhew
2024-05-12 03:54:23 +0000 UTC^^^ I'm guessing THIS was the reason why that person wrote a comment saying they wished Ep 18 had never happened.
Merfhew
2024-05-12 03:19:34 +0000 UTCFuck this episode and the racist bullshit dogwhistles of Japanese Nationalism put in there by the Creator. Houma is Japan, and Gyakuza is Korea. Look at the direct parallels in the story told and the far right nationalists view of their occupation of Korea. This episode is fucking disgusting.
Elli
2024-05-12 02:25:56 +0000 UTCYes, the show "The Nanny" had Fran Drescher lol
A
2024-05-12 01:12:27 +0000 UTCThe next two episodes peak imo
My Toasty Toast
2024-05-12 01:10:33 +0000 UTCπ²
swingo
2024-05-12 01:07:52 +0000 UTCThat comment really traumatized you lmao. I'm glad you watched the brothers' ova, it gives the Despa and Ouken confrontation much more emotional weight, even though it's a great scene on its own
HenryM
2024-05-12 00:42:20 +0000 UTCIf I had a nickel every time a character voiced by Yuki Kaji experienced the past memories of his dead father, I'd have two nickels. Which isn't a lot but its weird that it's happened twice.
Antonio
2024-05-12 00:38:04 +0000 UTC
