When I watch Naruto, I’m always in awe of the unrelenting passion and drive I see in the characters, particularly in the ones from the Hidden Leaf. Passion and drive are very commonly seen in characters of that type of anime, but for me, in Naruto I also see the sincere pain, frustration and struggle… Read More Naruto Shippuden and the Power to Persevere
I love you, but… For all of us, there are strings attached to what we do and say, and maybe none of this is more prominent than in how we demonstrate love for others. Even if it isn’t at the forefront of our minds, we generally expect something out of the ones we love, whether… Read More Loving You For Who You Are – Happy Easter!
Have you ever loved someone enough that you willingly thrust your own plans aside for their sake? That you didn’t care whether they appreciated your efforts or not? Or even whether you particularly liked the person or not? Wouldn’t we all want a friend like that? Or would we just dismiss him as a meddler?… Read More Passion Week, Day 6: Loving You for Who You Are – Naruto and Sasuke
Blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church. – Tertullian Right from the beginning, I’ll let you all know that this post is full of spoilers up through episode 133 of Naruto Shippuden. Because of the the adolescent community that worships it and perhaps because of endless fillers of questionable quality, I think… Read More Three Powerful Deaths in Naruto, Martyrdom, and Leaving a Legacy
When ninja characters, like Naruto, “power-up,” they often do so after an extended time away from their typical world. There’s simply something about being able to be away from the hustle and bustle and focus one one thing for an extended period of time. No distractions, no stress, just you, nature, and your mission. Besides… Read More Ninja Training…or, Retreating from the World
Recently, a commenter named Corey (aka Ashesreignited) joined the community here on Beneath the Tangles. Besides the various insights in his comments, he sent me an email and we soon began to discuss Naruto, a show ripe with themes and symbols that Christians would recognize. But besides R86’s wonderful commentary on Shikamaru, we’ve barely touched… Read More Naruto and Sasuke: Hope, Love’s Longsuffering…
While many don’t have issues viewing anime, some Christians may. Christians parents, particularly, may find it difficult to give anime a chance, especially when it conveys ideas and plots that are both foreign and devoid of Christianity. Further difficulties arise depending on one’s perspective when viewing media. However, there are very definitive bridges that can… Read More Anime and Christianity
Interested in watching thoughtful, human-centered conversations with people connected to anime?
Watch Something Genuine, our interview series that cuts through the noise and focuses on the people behind the costumes, in front of the mics, and watching anime, just like you and me. Season two premieres on May 27th.