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Crunnchyroll presents ‘BOFURI: I don’t want to get hurt so I’ll max out my defense’: You’re not twinking!
Reviewed by Alicia Glass
Another in a long line of newer isekai (alternate fantasy world) anime, BOFURI introduces VRMMO gamer Kaede Honjo as her online character Maple, in the game New World Online. As the long title rather cheekily suggests, Maple doesn’t fancy getting hurt in any way, shape, or form, and so maxes out her defense as much as possible, with cascading consequences!
In any online RPG, hell in pretty much any video, PC, or even live-action game these days, there is the danger of twinks. That is, folk who for one reason or another, load out their character to be as overpowered as possible, complete with cheat codes and whatever other hacks they can get away with, epic legendary weapons they obviously didn’t obtain the ‘right’ way, a completely unearned sense of superiority over all the newbies to the game, and a determination to make playing the game hell for whomever they encounter, usually through seriously mismatched PVP or player-versus-player duels and the like. And while it seem like Maple is a twink in the purest sense, this is a slapstick anime full of heart that finds sweet Maple and her maxed-out defense getting better and even more overpowered, making friends and a Guild and sharing her astounding skills, much to the dismay of the NWO usagi plush-like gamer Gods!
So, Maple begins as a shield-user with maxed-out defense stats, which makes sense to me given her predilections, though most gamer-girls don’t usually start out with such a crippling loadout. Maple continues to put every single subsequent status point she earns into defense, resulting in very slow movement speed and no magic at all. But honestly Maple doesn’t need it, and both of those things are addressed when she begins making friends and allies in the game – all the people in her party need to worry about are ricochets offa her shield!
The very first episode sees Maple off on her own, to tackle a damn Poison Dragon, and not only does she beat it in the most creative way possible and earn Poison Immunity, the manner in which she beat the Dragon has her gain alllllll of its abilities and a unique set of armor to boot! Soon will be a Battle Royale game for all the players and Maple is making friends and allies in the interim – along with the swashbuckling Sally, the character of Kaede’s real-world friend Risa Shiramine, is Kuromu the fellow shielder and Iz the crafter, and May and Yui the dark-and-light hammer wielding twins, who all form the basis of the Guild they end up building around Maple and her God-like defense skills, aptly dubbed, Maple Tree.
The list of skills and abilities Maple acquires through her stubborn defense gets quite staggering, especially for the first season of the anime – beating the ice bird boss Silverwing gets her and Sally monster eggs, that hatch into a pet turtle Maple inevitably dubs Syrup, who can freaking fly and get large to defend or attack the bad guys after Maple make him a Mobile Fortress; the skill Loving Sacrifice that allows Maple to share her amazing defense with her guild members, and also alters her appearance to look like a blonde Raphaelite angel, complete with astonishing wings; on the flip side of RPG gaming Maple earns the Machine God skill which basically makes her into an entire interchangeable Mecha, complete with guns and anti-tank-like missiles; the form of the skill Atrocity, which basically turns Maple into a Alien xenomorph-like horror creature, the polar opposite of Loving Sacrifice but just as powerful, if not more so.
How many different video game genres – horror, sci-fi-, fantasy-adventure, TPS, RPG and more – can they stuff into Maple’s bag of staggering defense? BOFURI is currently airing Season 2 on Crunchyroll now!
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Baahubali: The Beginning

Rating
Storyline: 9/10
Performances: 9/10
Direction: 10/10
Visuals and VFX: 10/10
Music: 8.5/10
Overall Rating: 9.5/10
S.S. Rajamouli’s Baahubali: The Beginning is a magnum opus that redefined the landscape of Indian cinema. Released in 2015, this epic historical drama captivated audiences worldwide with its grandeur, compelling storytelling, and unforgettable characters. With a mix of mythological inspiration and cinematic spectacle, Baahubali: The Beginning sets the stage for an extraordinary tale of power, betrayal, love, and legacy.
The film tells the story of Shivudu (Prabhas), a young man raised in a tranquil village who is drawn to the mysterious and towering waterfall near his home. His curiosity and courage lead him to the kingdom of Mahishmati, where he uncovers his royal lineage and his connection to the legendary warrior, Amarendra Baahubali (also played by Prabhas).
The narrative is skillfully interwoven with flashbacks revealing a tale of palace intrigue, betrayal by Bhallaladeva (Rana Daggubati), and the valor of Baahubali. The first installment ends on a cliffhanger that leaves viewers yearning for answers about the fate of Baahubali and the sinister conspiracy surrounding his death.
Prabhas as Shivudu/Amarendra Baahubali: Prabhas delivers a dual performance that is both regal and relatable. His commanding presence as Baahubali is balanced by the playful and curious nature of Shivudu. Rana Daggubati as Bhallaladeva: Rana embodies menace and ambition, portraying a formidable antagonist. His physicality and intense expressions add depth to his character. Anushka Shetty as Devasena: Though her role is limited in this installment, her fiery spirit and tragic undertones leave a lasting impression. Tamannaah Bhatia as Avantika: Tamannaah brings grace and strength to Avantika, a rebel fighting for Mahishmati’s freedom. Ramya Krishnan as Sivagami: Arguably one of the film’s standout performances, Ramya Krishnan’s portrayal of the steely and noble queen is unforgettable.Sathyaraj as Kattappa: Sathyaraj adds emotional weight and intrigue to the story as the loyal yet enigmatic warrior.
S.S. Rajamouli’s vision is unparalleled. His ability to blend mythological grandeur with human emotions ensures the story resonates universally. K.K. Senthil Kumar captures the magnificence of Mahishmati and the breathtaking landscapes with a keen eye for detail. The film’s VFX is groundbreaking for Indian cinema, particularly the waterfall sequences and battle scenes. M.M. Keeravani’s music is a soul-stirring mix of grandeur and emotion, amplifying key moments. The intricate set designs and costumes reflect the film’s epic scale and authenticity.
Baahubali: The Beginning explores themes of heroism, loyalty, family, and the thirst for power. It highlights the cultural richness of Indian storytelling while presenting it in a universally accessible format. The film’s success not only established Telugu cinema on the global stage but also proved that regional Indian films could achieve blockbuster status internationally.
Baahubali: The Beginning is more than a film; it is an experience. Its blend of epic storytelling, jaw-dropping visuals, and powerful performances makes it a landmark in Indian cinema. The movie is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates grand narratives and larger-than-life characters. It leaves you in awe and eagerly anticipating the sequel, Baahubali: The Conclusion.
Whether you’re a fan of historical epics or someone looking for an immersive cinematic experience, Baahubali: The Beginning is a film that transcends boundaries and sets a gold standard for Indian films on the global stage.
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Solo Leveling: Could We Be Getting Five Seasons and a Live-Action Movie?

The anime adaptation of Solo Leveling has already created a massive buzz among fans of the popular webtoon and light novel series. Since its premiere announcement, the hype around the story of Sung Jin-Woo’s rise from the weakest hunter to the world’s mightiest has been palpable. Now, rumors swirling around the anime industry suggest that not only will the series extend over five seasons but it could also lead to a live-action movie adaptation. Could these rumors hold weight? Let’s break it down.
When Solo Leveling was confirmed as an anime adaptation, it was no surprise that expectations skyrocketed. The original story, written by Chugong and illustrated by the late DUBU, captivated millions with its breathtaking battles, compelling character arcs, and immersive world-building. The anime is being handled by A-1 Pictures, known for stunning productions like Sword Art Online and Blue Exorcist, which only adds to the excitement.
Given the vast amount of material in the source material, a five-season roadmap seems plausible. The light novel spans 270 chapters, and the webtoon is equally rich with detailed arcs. A five-season structure would allow the story to breathe, delivering each arc with precision instead of rushing through Sung Jin-Woo’s epic evolution.
The rumor mill isn’t just limited to multiple anime seasons. Whispers of a live-action movie have also captured fans’ imaginations. Hollywood’s growing interest in anime adaptations (One Piece, anyone?) combined with Solo Leveling’s global fanbase makes the possibility of a movie adaptation realistic.
Some speculate that the live-action adaptation would focus on the final arcs of the story or possibly a standalone tale set in the Solo Leveling universe. While anime-to-live-action transitions are often met with skepticism, the success of recent projects (Alita: Battle Angel and Netflix’s One Piece) suggests that studios are finally learning how to respect the source material.
Adapting a visually stunning and fast-paced story like Solo Leveling into live action would be no small feat. The series’ supernatural battles, intricate dungeon designs, and fantastical creatures would require top-tier CGI and production quality to match fan expectations. Casting would also be a critical factor—who could embody Sung Jin-Woo’s quiet intensity or Cha Hae-In’s graceful strength?
Furthermore, the cultural specificity of Solo Leveling, rooted in Korean mythology and history, would need to be handled with care. Fans are understandably wary of “Hollywood-ization,” which has often led to diluted or overly Westernized interpretations of beloved stories.
The possibility of a five-season anime adaptation has been met with widespread excitement. Many fans believe that extending the anime over multiple seasons would allow for a more faithful retelling of the story, capturing every thrilling fight and emotional moment. The potential for a live-action movie, however, has sparked mixed reactions. While some are optimistic about the idea of seeing Jin-Woo in a new medium, others worry about how the story’s essence could translate to live action.
While nothing official has been confirmed, the idea of Solo Leveling receiving five seasons and a live-action movie speaks to the enduring popularity of the franchise. Whether these rumors turn out to be true or simply fan speculation, one thing is certain: Solo Leveling is set to become one of the biggest anime adaptations in recent memory.
As we await more news, one thing’s for sure—this is just the beginning of Solo Leveling’s rise to global dominance. Fans, stay tuned. You won’t want to miss what comes next.
What do you think about the possibility of a live-action Solo Leveling movie? Do you believe the anime can deliver on its five-season promise? Let us know in the comments!
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Jinn

Director: Mir-Jean Bou Chaaya and Amin Matalqa
Cast: Salma Malhas, Hamzeh Okab, Sultan Alkhail, Aysha Shahaltough, Yasser Al Hadi
Number of Episodes: 5
Run Time: Approximately 26–46 minutes per episode
Genre: Supernatural Drama, Teen Thriller
Language: Arabic
Jinn is Netflix’s first Arabic-language original series, blending teen drama with supernatural elements. Set against the stunning backdrop of Jordan’s Petra and Amman, the story follows a group of high school students who unwittingly summon a jinn (a supernatural spirit) during a school trip. Chaos ensues as friendships are tested, secrets come to light, and a sinister battle between good and evil emerges. With themes of love, betrayal, and cultural tension, Jinn strives to bridge traditional folklore with modern storytelling.
While Jinn takes a bold step in spotlighting Middle Eastern culture on a global platform, the series struggles to find its footing. The concept of intertwining Jordanian folklore with a high school drama is intriguing, but the execution leaves much to be desired. The narrative often feels rushed, leaving key plotlines underdeveloped.
The young cast delivers earnest performances, with Salma Malhas standing out as Mira, a complex protagonist grappling with both supernatural and personal conflicts. However, some of the dialogue feels stilted, likely due to a mix of cultural nuances and translation challenges.
Visually, the series shines, showcasing Jordan’s breathtaking landscapes and weaving them into the mystique of the story. The cinematography captures both the beauty and eeriness of Petra, amplifying the show’s supernatural themes.
Unfortunately, Jinn faced controversy upon its release, with critics accusing it of portraying untraditional values. Despite the backlash, the show remains an important cultural milestone for Middle Eastern representation on Netflix.
3/5 Stars
Jinn is a visually striking, culturally significant series that offers a fresh perspective on supernatural drama. However, uneven storytelling and pacing issues hinder its full potential. Fans of folklore-based narratives and teen dramas may find it worth a watch, but it falls short of being a must-see.