A Tale of Friendship, Fear, and Fortitude

Read Time:3 Minute, 32 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
RWBY: Volume 9
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Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 10 x 20m episodes
Director(s): Kerry Shawcross, Connor Pickens, Paula Decanini, Dustin Matthews, Yssa Badiola
Writer(s): Miles Luna, Kerry Shawcross, Eddy Rivas, Kiersi Burkhart
Cast: Barbara Dunkelman, Kara Eberle, Lindsay Jones, Miles Luna, Arryn Zech
Where To Watch: streaming on Crunchyroll or available October 3, 2023, on Blu-ray; pre-order here www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Volume 9’s tale unfolds under the watchful eye of Rooster Teeth, which found its nest within the cinematic empire of Warner Bro. Discover. Entering the RWBY universe for the first time, my anticipation was like a blank script awaiting the words of a world I had never ventured into. Please remember that this is the only portion of the RWBY universe I have seen. The series, named after the initials of its vibrant characters – Ruby Rose, Weiss Schnee, Blake Belladonna, and Yang Xiao Long, has traversed a long path from a humble idea in 2013 to a storytelling leviathan. With nine volumes and a cascade of comic and manga adaptations, the narrative allure it presents is quite irresistible. The series delivers a canvas rich in emotional hues and adventurous streaks.

The setting winds shift to the whimsical fantasy lands of Ever After, a stark divergence from the grey shades of their home world, Remnant. This fresh narrative land, sprouting eloquent fauna and playful twists in its elemental laws, thrusts our warrior quartet into a saga laden with mystifying confrontations and journeys inward.

The storytelling in RWBY: VOLUME 9 orchestrates a symphony, weaving themes of mortality and self-actualization amidst its fantastical escapades. The whimsical element of "ascending" towards a mystical tree sketches an arc of metaphorical self-evolution cloaked in a veil of mystique, and it captivates the audience's gaze. As the brave group strolls through Ever After's lush yet mysterious paths, they encounter enchanting beings pledging to shepherd them to the enigmatic tree, echoing lore from ALICE IN WONDERLAND.

RWBY: VOLUME 9 could have taken a more extended approach, with more screen time to delve deeper into the multi-dimensional plot dynamics. However, this is again based on my relatively small view of this world. The narrative has an intrinsic magnetic essence of what I feel RWBY fans have come to expect, delivering an engaging adventure. The humor of RWBY makes a delightful appearance throughout the season, balanced against the grim reality of their circumstances, furnishing a tale that both resonates and entertains.

Blake and Yang's blossoming camaraderie and Ruby's emotional rollercoaster, I’m sure, serve as a rewarding narrative for the diehard RWBY fans. Yet, the ghost of missed opportunities from earlier chapters haunts me, which could have enriched the relational dynamics and character arcs. I think this is going to be a series I have to go back and watch the beginning of, especially with the upcoming entries on the horizon.

The narrative trajectory of VOLUME 9 seems poised for a promising leap into the next season. This volume unleashes a broad emotional spectrum reflecting the inner storms and hopes of the characters, sowing seeds of excitement toward the future.

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[photo courtesy of WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY, ROOSTER TEETH]

MY SAG-AFTRA STRIKE STATEMENT:
As an advocate for creators, actors, and writers, I firmly stand with SAG-AFTRA in their current strike. The entertainment industry is built on these individuals' extraordinary talents, and their contributions must be appropriately recognized and rewarded. They deserve fair compensation, sensible work hours, and respect for their creative rights. I believe in the power of unity and collective action, and I'm steadfast in my support for their fight for better working conditions and fair remuneration. Together, we can shape a more equitable future in the entertainment world.

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