early in this year was the first time i brushed against an interest in v-cinema. as in, direct-to-dvd films, and the ones i liked centered around action or (usually and) gangsters. sometimes, even though there is no feasible way for someone to live through an injury of this or that severity, the film looks like it was shot handheld on a 3DS, and guns swing around like they weigh plastic (and they actually do), it's like they're asking you to just work with them; to match their energy and vision for an hour or two. it's the connection, i think, through my choice in the experience that leaves me with a profound warmth at the end. regardless of how ridiculous, full of tropes, cool, or good it was, there are few kinds of 'fun' that feel as intimate to me

despite being more polished than the examples i provided, kyou kara hitman left me with an identical atmosphere. it is just entertaining. silly and generally nonsensical! but it's effective if you let it be, and it feels great to be a part of something for a few hours. it became lovable and special to me that way

i <3 all the characters

(i would even dare to say this show is reminiscent of the genre. ozawa hitoshi, a legend in the scene, makes an appearance here! it was super funny to me and my sibling, who had already felt the similarity!)