Irina: The Vampire Cosmonaut {Wk 7}

 "Irina: The Vampire Cosmonaut" is a beautiful anime that follows Irina Luminesk, a young teen vampire, and Lev Leps, a lieutenant in the Republic of Zirnitra's Air Force. The two are paired together with Lev as the guardian and overseer of Irina who is an experimental subject in the Air Force's space program. Irina isn't seen as a human but more like a dog or object. Lev Leps and all the other humans in the institution are taught to view Irina as an object and nothing more because emotions can compromise efficiency. This anime is a beautifully drawn and animated story about the two oddballs in the Air Force who are both aspiring to be cosmonauts and make it into space. The show itself is based off the space race between the United Kingdom (England) and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR). Much of the attire, mannerisms, environment, and practices held within the UZR Union of Zirnitra Republic) are similar to the Soviet Union's. The characters and interactions presented were really both heart-wrenching and heartwarming. Overall, I'd give this anime a solid 8/10.

Related to my Japanese studies, this anime provides this theme of a competition for progress which is a prevalent topic in Japan with technology. Furthermore, it shows an understanding of war and how not all wars are won over bloodshed but some involve inhumane or unethical ways through science. This anime provides an amazing message about how powerful science can be and the value of life through watching Irina go through all the tests and experiments. People who are prisoners of war or are foreign to one country should not be treated as experiments. This anime involves a lot of serious in topics in a lighthearted manner through the events occurring between and around Irina and Lev Leps.