Ranked #688

Kaikan Phrase

Since I had just finished watching Kaikan Phrase, I thought I'd do a little review on it.
I came across this anime while updating the Kaikan Phrase manga entry, I immeadiatly added it to my plan to watch list since I had liked the manga so much.
The story is very simple, the band Lucifer tries to make it to the top of the music charts while various people try to stop their journey to the top.
I was disappointed to say the least but enough about that, onto the good points:

The other members of the band (besides Sakuya), get a lot more screen time and character development, I seriously could not remember their names while I was reading the manga. You actually get to hear the music, it's good but not the best, the lyrics were supposed to be sensual but, since this was tv, there was a limit to how sensual they could be so they were sensual lyrics in disguise. The art was good for it's time but sometimes, details were lacking and movements weren't very fluid. It was quite enjoyable. Also, Sakuya and Aine actually spend time together before they go out, you can judge on whether this is a bad thing or a good thing.

And now, the bad points:
If you plan to watch this expecting it to be like the manga, try not to be disappointed. This anime focuses on the band a lot nore than Sakuya and Aine's relationship, believe me, A LOT more. Also, Aine pretty much becomes a supporting character, she first appears in episode 21 HALF WAY THROUGH THE SERIES, not much time to work on their reletionship I'm sure. Sakuya is no longer a crazy sex freak, he becomes much more considerate toward Aine's feelings, which I could not believe. NO SEX, at all (unless I missed something), probably trying to keep it sutible for PG - 13 viewers. VERY slow paced, not something I like. The only thing to come between Sakuya and Aine's relationship was one woman (who then disappears) and a bunch of crazy, hardcore Lucifer(Sakuya) fans.

Overall:

Story: Good (7/10): Slow paced, not like the manga so it's not to my tastes but it could be for some people.

Art: Good (7/10): Good for it's time but sometimes the quality and detail isn't very good.

Sound: Very Good (7.5/10) It was since to hear the music but it wasn't AWESOME, just good, not very sensual.

Character: Very Good (7.5/10): The only character that was not well developed was Aine and a few of Lucifer's enemies.

Overall: Good (7/10): Decent. Not exactly the right thing for me, did have the potential. It just wasn't my cup of tea.


Comments: If you really liked the manga and want to know more then go for it, if you really like the Music genre and a bit of romance on the side, go for it. If you hate slow relationships, don't watch it. If you thought the manga was just ok and you liked the romance a bit, don't watch it. read more

I still have a "hang-over" over Nana so I was browsing for some animes thats relevantly similar to it. Came across Kaikan Phrase but had a dout coz its quite old. But I somehow ended up watching it and have no regrets at all.

The story started of typically. A little bit slow but as it progresses you'll find yourself hooked. There's a lot of character development that would make one kind of attached to each band member. It was focused more on the band, on have they struggled, how they developed they're relationship to each other and how they overcame the obstacles they faced. It was pretty touching and inspiring. The "love story" started of a little bit late but for me it was just the right timing. You'll see how love can change someone.

Sound is ok, because the anime was done in 1999 so the music is a liitle off my taste. But I most probably would have liked it better if I saw the anime at that time.

I'll give the characters an outstanding. Each one of them has different characteristics that would make different kind of people relate to them. Nobody stood up annoyingly or overly dramatic. Even the female leads character was done just appropriately.

Obviously I had a fun time watching it. Time well-spent! 44 episodes just not enough. read more

Kaikan phrase is quite the squeaky clean anime, although it is adapted from Mayu Shinjou’s manga and those familiar with her works would expect an amount of smut and ecchi-ness but in contrast this anime has everything but those steamy elements.

The story starts off with making the band; each character is introduced with their set of problems as they try to become professionals. Whilst the band is discovering itself at the grass-roots level we’re frequently made to listen to their sounds, composed of catchy tunes Midnight Crow and Datenshi Blue (which are sang by the real-life Lucifer band – clever of the producers to make an actual band as counterparts for the anime band). The ballad Dakishimeru hokani also leaves quite an impression as it pops up from time to time when the characters go through hardships.

The manga starts off with the female protagonist Aine Yukimura but in the anime she isn’t involved until half-way through the series. Once Aine and the lead vocalist Sakuya meet though the story picks up pace; on the highs and lows of becoming and being big in the music and media scene, ending practically every episode on a climax- yes you just have to watch the next episode (it’s a vicious cycle).

The art of Kaikan Phrase is as expected from animes made in 1999; it is pretty good and you get used to it after the first few episodes.

It would’ve been better if there was a bit more romance in the anime though- would’ve done justice to Mayu Shinjou the mangaka but I guess the emphasise was meant to be on the music world for this anime instead. But otherwise it is quite the enjoyable watch, where we never quite know what Sakuya will say or do- his level of confidence is beyond measure. Expect lots of drama, many dilemmas and a whole lotta music ~ Kaikan phrase.
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I first read the manga which I enjoyed and then I accidentally stumbled on the anime. The difference shocked me. It focused more on the characters and the making of the band. Until Aine came into the picture I actually really liked it.
The thing I liked about the manga is that you can create the music of the band to you're liking in you're head, so in the anime you really have to like the music to think they're amazing. It's an old anime, quite long with 44 episodes, and the tech part is very old, a little hard for the eyes.
After Aine was introduced I was already forcing myself to watch it. I didn't like how they portrayed love between Sakuya and Aine, there was no "spark" between them. It looked rushed, as soon as she came, he changed. No questions asked.
You can see the characters truly develop and rise to the top. Their struggles to realize the dream of being on top of Japan's music industry. read more