CHEESINESS FOR THOSE WHO LOVE IT, AND I DO...
Man, I really love Kamen Rider Kiva. It’s definitely in my top 5 Kamen Rider series. Does it have several plot holes and extremely cliché narrative conveniences typical of the tokusatsu genre? Yes, absolutely. Still, it’s hard to deny that it’s a very fun show to watch.
Despite following the usual Kamen Rider “monster of the week” format, the narrative presents an interesting linear structure by alternating between 1986 and 2008, showing how events from one era influence the other. The transitions between time periods are often very fast and can confuse some viewers, especially in the early episodes, but I believe it’s something you eventually get used to.
Without a doubt, the most interesting, and funniest, character is Kurenai Otoya. In fact, the series is surprisingly competent in its comedic and lighthearted moments, not taking itself too seriously while still maintaining the weight of its drama. It also features a straightforward romance and love interest (something often downplayed in Kamen Rider series) between the protagonist and his romantic interest.
I’d say one aspect that works as both a positive and a negative is how, out of nowhere, characters’ motivations and interests can completely change. It’s negative because the narrative often feels messy and poorly explained. On the other hand, it works as a surprise factor, since characters who seemed to be clearly heading in one direction suddenly go in another, something that happens frequently with the show’s romantic subplots.
The ending is silly, but I found it satisfying for what the series aims to be. I know Kiva doesn’t have that many fans out there, but it’s a very pleasant series to watch. Maybe someday I’ll rewatch it.
Despite following the usual Kamen Rider “monster of the week” format, the narrative presents an interesting linear structure by alternating between 1986 and 2008, showing how events from one era influence the other. The transitions between time periods are often very fast and can confuse some viewers, especially in the early episodes, but I believe it’s something you eventually get used to.
Without a doubt, the most interesting, and funniest, character is Kurenai Otoya. In fact, the series is surprisingly competent in its comedic and lighthearted moments, not taking itself too seriously while still maintaining the weight of its drama. It also features a straightforward romance and love interest (something often downplayed in Kamen Rider series) between the protagonist and his romantic interest.
I’d say one aspect that works as both a positive and a negative is how, out of nowhere, characters’ motivations and interests can completely change. It’s negative because the narrative often feels messy and poorly explained. On the other hand, it works as a surprise factor, since characters who seemed to be clearly heading in one direction suddenly go in another, something that happens frequently with the show’s romantic subplots.
The ending is silly, but I found it satisfying for what the series aims to be. I know Kiva doesn’t have that many fans out there, but it’s a very pleasant series to watch. Maybe someday I’ll rewatch it.
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