Everything Is Final Fantasy

On this episode Ponyo becomes human and we dive into a concept popularized by Mr. Rogers and Ms. Rachel, "there's no such thing as other people's kids."

On this episode we dive into more metaphors from Ponyo from Studio Ghibli. How one key scene reminds us that parents aren't here to control their kids. How growing up, self-discovery, even coming out as LGBTQ requires bravery from the child and understanding from the parent. #studioghibli

On this episode we continue the story of Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea, continuing to evaluate the magical realism of the world, environmental themes, and accurate portrayals of parenting. Plus, what are the appropriate parameters for telling what is essentially a love story between two children?

As we dive into the story of Ponyo (on the Cliff by the Sea) we wonder about its unique use of magical realism. Plenty of our favorite fantasy stories are "weird" in many ways but Ponyo feels like the rules of its entire world work like the rules that kids make up when they play.

We spend nearly an hour and a half setting up our conversation about Ponyo, a silly kids movie where a boy falls in love with a fish! But is it so simple? Let's dive into some themes, chat about why my son LOVES this movie, and break down the insanely deep superstar cast.

We dive into a pair of iconic Final Fantasy pieces of music from FFV - Home, Sweet, Home & Dear Friends from FFV. How does Nobuo Uematsu use relatively simple techniques to evoke such deep emotion and nostalgia? And what do these folk tunes gain and/or lose when translated for large orchestras or paired with vocals?

We continue with FFIX including a battle we totally forgot about, a reunion with Tantalus, a visit to Dark City Treno and more inner-monologuing especially from Dagger and Steiner. (Apologies for the rough audio on this one, the issue should be fixed in the future)

We listen to and analyze six pieces of music from Final Fantasy XI. With all of us having limited experience with the game itself, we pull primarily from Distant Worlds and New Worlds albums and think on the nature of medieval or renaissance music. Xenogears, Final Fantasy VIII, and FFVII Rebirth all get comparative listens as does the 1996 film The Rock.

We listen to some weird, cooky, odd, strange, silly, and spacey music from the first nine Final Fantasy games. What makes a piece of music weird? What storytelling techniques does Nobuo Uematsu use to upset expectations? And how cool is it when the strange music gets beautiful? #finalfantasy #videogamemusic

We discuss the history of Final Fantasy music live in concert, most especially the long-running Distant Worlds series. Then we listen to an analyze the song Distant Worlds from Final Fantasy XI in four different variations. Plus, some cherished memories of going to see, and of performing, live music.

We listen to and analyze the primary battle themes from Final Fantasy I-VI. Distant Worlds, Black Mages, and Pixel Remasters all get involved in the conversation as we dive deep into what makes Nobuo Uematsu battle music so compelling.

We listen to and analyze the battle themes from Chrono Trigger, Chrono Cross, and Super Mario RPG. Then each of us brings two other non-Final Fantasy pieces of battle music to discuss including one of the most famous pieces of video game music ever written.

We listen to and analyze Dancing Mad, the masterpiece final boss battle music from Final Fantasy VI. What techniques does Nobuo Uematsu use to invoke Bach fugues and which are more akin to classic rock like Emerson, Lake, & Palmer? How does it so expertly give voice to the villain, the ruined world, and even our heroes? Let's listen!

Nausicaa must race from the toxic jungle back to the Valley of the Wind to tell everyone what she has learned but once again the forces of industry and violence and power get in her way. 

Nausicaa saves and meets the Pejitei Pilot who seems to think he is the hero of this story. He wonders about her as she discovers a deep truth about the world.

Our hero crosses the threshold into the toxic jungle and fully embraces her mantras of non-violence. Plus, we witness a strangely beautiful vision. 

This Studio Ghibli classic carries a powerful message of non-violence but it is also a complicated question when our hero is moved to take a life. 

We continue our series on Studio Ghibli & Hayao Miyazaki with an introduction to and examination of the first few minutes of Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind; a true masterpiece.

We listen to an analyze some truly iconic Final Fantasy battle themes from FFVII and Tactics. We begin with Trisection and the oddly titled Run Past Through the Plain before diving into the monster that is Let the Battles Begin, including its Remake and Rebirth.

We listen to and analyze the battle themes from Final Fantasy X, IX, and VIII. How does Nobuo Uematsu use those unmistakable rhythms and clever instrumentation to create the perfect battle music? How does the FFX piece mirror the pacing of the battle system? Do the modern instruments in FFIX fit? And why is Don't Be Afraid such a BANGER?

We listen to and analyze three different Final Fantasy battle music pieces from three different composers. Working backwards in time, we start with Masayoshi Soken's composition for FFXVI then Yoko Shimomura's FFXV battle theme. We wrap up with Masashi Hamauzu battle music for FFXIII. Plus, some Metal Gear Solid and Super Smash Bros music makes its way into the conversation!

We take a detour from the main series to discuss the OST for Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles. A pair of folks songs steal our hearts, bagpipes and kazoos give our heroes hope, and we experience the joys and sorrows of caravaning with your friends to save the world.

We conclude our conversation on Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro and get into why we have so much more sympathy for the vigilante hero than the rogue cop.

We continue with Lupin III: Castle of Cagliostro as our hero shows himself to be as much MacGyver as he is James Bond. Also, we respond to critiques of Clarisse as a "damsel in distress."

We continue with Lupin III: Castle of Cagliostro as our hero meets Clarisse, receives a mysterious ring, and embarks upon the adventure of sneaking into the castle for its many rewards.