Ranked #271

Aria the Animation

I'm quite surprised that no one's actually written a review for this yet.

I have to admit that I wasn't sure what to expect from this show. The synopsis didn't really give any clues as to what I should expect, and that is probably the best thing about it - it isn't quite what you expect.

The story takes place on what used to be Mars (the first thing I didn't expect), in a place called Neo-Venzia (New Venice), and is about a girl training to be an Undine (the story uses the term to refer to a female gondolier rather than a water spirit). The story itself isn't linear in any way, as each episode is a story in it's own right. Normally this is a recipe for disaster in the anime world, but it works in this show - I'll explain why in a bit.

The art and animation are of a very high standard, and the city and it's surroundings are beautifully rendered - and you will see a lot of the city in this show. The characters are very well depicted, even when they show their chibi side, and the best bit is there's not a panty shot in sight - hooray!

The sound is one area where this show excels. Everything is there if you listen, from the sound of the waves to the hubbub of of a crowd. The music is ideally suited to the show and, unlike many anime, actually heightens the viewing experience.

The characters are extremely well realised. I can't think of one character I actually disliked in the entire show. One of the things I liked about the show was how each character actually fits into the story, and the world in which they exist - even the cats have a purpose. One of the other things I liked was the use of fairytale and mythological creatures in the show. The females gondoliers are referred to as Undines, with the top three being called the Great Fairies. The weather is controlled by salamanders, the gravity is controlled by gnomes, etc. One thing that puzzled me was why the female characters names begin with A (except Grandma, however her real name is Akino), but that's by-the-by.

So the important question is: Will you enjoy the show?

If you're an action junkie, or into horror or angst, then this is not the show for you (although it never hurts to give it a try). This show is funny and quirky in many ways, without going over the top, but the one word I would use to describe the show is RELAX. It took me two weeks to finish this show and it's sequel (which is a long time for me by the way), and this is because this show is so relaxing that I was falling asleep whilst watching it. Normally it takes a lot for me to fall asleep, and even boredom doesn't work, but somehow this show just relaxes you to the point where you just drift off to dreamland without a second thought, and never once was I bored with this show.

Overall this is a show that deserves to be watched, as it has a unique appeal that the like's of Sketchbook ~full colour'S~ and Kokoro Toshokan just can't quite match up to. The reason why the non-linear story works well in this show is because it's so relaxing that you honestly just don't care about the fact there's no real plot - which is a rather refreshing perspective to have.

The best way to watch the show? Have a shower, have a good meal, get comfortable, and relax... read more

Aria the Animation is a fairly settle slice of life anime that follows through the usual daily life of living in a planet called Aqua. Considering from the usual genre and settings from most anime, Aria certainly brings a refreshing approach that audiences may enjoy.

The story does not relatively follow the whole series on one plot, but through many different story settings. Also, the pace for the anime is consider a slow and steady approach for its audience where several small details can turn out to be important things to individuals. Examples would include the meaning of having a friendship or the importance of staying in contact with one another from different places. Although Aqua as a world in itself may seem different compare to our world, the several areas of daily life are nowhere different compare to our own. From the different story settings, this is consider a fine example that fits well in a slice of life anime.

The best part of the anime would have to be the sound itself. The bgm's that are played throughout Aria really fit well with the scenes from different episodes. Also, audiences that are willing to relax when watching Aria can certainly enjoy the sounds of water that often come from the anime.

For the animation, there are several great areas of beautiful scenary along with good drawings of chibi expressions coming from the characters on humor moments. Even I enjoy my laughs from Akira's chibi expressions whenever Aika accuses her of saying something embarassing.

The characters are also likable, funny, and certainly play out a necessary part to the different stories that go on in the anime. Based on the enjoying results from the characters, they are certainly worth the time watching.

Audiences that are interested in seeing a good setting from a slice of life anime should certainly give Aria a look. The important point when dealing with the slow and steady pace that goes on in Aria is to be in a state of relaxation and enjoy the beautiful sounds that come from the anime. read more