helena.shields - 2015-05-20 11:34:20

The Introduction

Based on a Playstation one game by the same name (or possibly my hellish nightmare), Yancharu Moncha is a series that follows the exploits of a green tea monkey.  

Why You Won't Want To Watch It

Now, I know what you're thinking: "A show about a green tea monkey aimed at kids?  Why the heck would I want to watch that?"  I get it.  There's a certain predisposition surrounding concepts like this.  You've been scarred before, and now you've developed a perceptual set which will influence your choice.  But trust me, this series is absolutely worth watching.

Why You Should Watch It

Generally children's TV shows are characterised by being overly simplistic and only entertaining to those who still believe you disappear from existance when you hold your hands in front of your face.  But in the past (and certainly very recently) there have been series that, whilst appeal to young ones, contain themes, concepts and ideas that a mature audience can find compelling.  This is one of those series.

Although the synopsis makes it sound 'basic' to put it simply, there's a lot more happening behind it.  The main character (Green Tea Monkey) faces many difficult choices and learns that the world shouldn't be interpreted as simply black and white.  Yes, interestingly enough this is a coming of age / loss of innocence tale.  Green Tea Monkey begins to understand the importance of a gray area in morality.  The "mischief" he gets himself into should not be taken at face value, as it shows an almost unnatural transition into post convential > legalistic-social-contract orientiation.  When it comes to character development, you don't often see it as well done as this.

What's Wrong With It?

It's difficult to answer this question, but I'll give it a go.  Despite the incredibly well thought out characters, the actual narrative has been "dumbed down" to put it lightly.  This is most likely to keep the show serving it's purpose as entertainment for kids.  So we end up with a conflict, tonally and from a narrative perspective.  The characterisation and development is well thought out, but the narrative keeps it from rising further than great.  The main character wants to act a vehicle for progression, but the story restricts it.

Other Things

From a technical perspective, this show is pretty simple.  It expresses the ideas well enough, but all and all the sound is just above average and the animation is the Coles homebrand of animation.  There's really not a lot to say here.

The Conclusion

I don't particularly like writing conclusions, so I'll keep this brief.  Watch this series.  Like seriously do it.  Whilst the story holds it back, the characters make it well worth your attention (think Shinsekai Yori).  The series as a whole is a beautiful look into the realm of psychology, hidden in a seemingly innocent kid's show.