Ranked #550

Kimi to Boku.

Kimi to Boku... You and me. In Japanese, this is a rather informal and comfortable way of saying the English equivalent, and it is a fitting title for the series. Though certainly not the most "exciting" show to air on Japanese television, it becomes strangely alluring in its own way, and leaves viewers wanting more.

Story: 9
The story is rather laid back, not too complex. It doesn't focus on about saving the world, helping a friend in dire distress, or even falling in love (that's not to say that there aren't any sweet dilemmas present). It's a slice of life that revolves around the theme of growing up and friendships that grow along with one's stature. And yes, the story revolves around 4 (then 5) males. At first, one feels like this could NEVER be anything but yaoi (male on male anime/manga), but it is anything but that. Instead, Kimi to Boku brings a new light on a what could be an "over-done" subject. Poetic prose seasons the the memories of the various protagonists who wistfully (and sometimes regretfully) reminisce the past, their experiences more than 10 years ago still having strong influences and ties to what is happening at the "now" of their life. As for romance, you'll have to see for yourself, hehe.

Art: 9
The art is also not of the "spectacular, melts the eyes and makes them bleed" type. Those who are looking for sophisticated backdrops and blinding visual effects should look elsewhere. However, as with many anime of this genre, the art compliments the story (indeed nearly every aspect of the anime) with its simplistic and relaxing tones and hues. Simple though it may be, some of the ending credit "snapshots" are sure to curve even the most stubborn of lips. It did mine.

Sound: 10
The sound was what stood out to me at first. I understand it isn't for everyone, but with the reviews out now that say that its "okay" leave me confused. The opening ("Bye Bye" by the artist "7!!") and ending ("Nakumushi" by the artist "Miku Sawai") are perfectly in sync with the series, and are totally worth hearing in their full versions (you folks do this too right?). Personally, I find these artists' other songs worthwhile as well. As for the rest of the music, it isn't perfect, but it is certainly well-matched and well-placed in each episode, and at times you could find yourself tapping your foot or even rocking your head to that catchy guitar.

Character: 10
The other outstanding aspect of this anime are the characters. At first glance, they are failures. Four (then five, you'll understand what I mean) high school boys: A very feminine, long-haired Matsuoka Shun, two rather good-looking yet otherwise un-noteworthy twins (Yuuki and Yuuta) who only speak in monotone voices, and a stereotypical , reliable-type nerd (Kaname -> Megane). The fifth guy is just a wild card. You'll see.

But, as the story progresses, it's like watching a flower bloom. Okay okay, spare me your spit and jeers for saying it in such a way, but I won't take it back. The creator really pays attention to little details, and creates such depth in these characters that you'll find yourself wondering why you ever believed in Santa Claus. Each episode, viewers learn just a little bit more about these boys: what they were like when they were little and what they did as opposed to how they are now - insignificant little details, things that seem unimportant yet hold some strange and precious place in their hearts. To these characters, the world is changed through these little details, and their bonds, it feels, are irreplaceable.

Enjoyment: 10
If it was meant to be exciting, this anime is not that great. It would deserve those careless sixes and sevens and be overshadowed by better shows. But it seems the artist wants to do something else. What else is there to life besides head-pounding, heart-rushing battle? Simple, sweet, everyday life. A cup of tea with friends. Fretting over school and girls. It's these underestimated yet precious, precious things that one can only miss once they are over and nought but memories. Kimi to Boku brings wistfulness in a curious way, and stokes the fires of the heart. If anything, it's real art.

Overall: 10. read more

I HATE SCHOOL COMEIDES and sentimental twaddle and will not watch "cute girls doing cute things." -- BUT I LOVED KIMI TO BOKU. -- It 's as easy to watch and as mesmerizing as a trout stream in the sunshine. It just flows along, easy, and happy, with the occasional surprise. Like potato chips I kept consuming one episode after another and was surprised when I hit ep 12. With only one ep to go I was glad to know that a second season is slated for Spring 2012.

It is a simple slice of life about four boys who have been together since kindergarten plus one radical misfit that gets dropped in to the mix. Sounds tedious, boring and trite, right? It isn't. It is funny without being silly and endearing without being sappy. It's about a lot of little things we overlook or take for granted that make life good.

There is no action or adventure, no high drama, no random wacky silliness, no ecchi, no sci-fi or horror and IT IS NOT SHOUNEN-AI. It is funny but not in an over the top guffawing kind of way but you will smile a lot, chuckle, and occasionally laugh out loud. KtB is true slice of life about a few charming characters you'd like to know personally.

Some say it has no plot. I'm not sure that is an accurate statement because each consecutive episode does build a bit on previous episodes as more and more is revealed about the character and characteristics of each player. Some say it is a "show about nothing" and that I openly disagree with. It is about love and acceptance, seeing someone's foibles and loving them just the same. Yes I said love but I mean universal love and and not the romantic sort. KtB is about friendship, reflection, and personal growth. How is that "about nothing."

I could care less about the opening and ending songs and found the sound track in no way annoying, jarring or distracting so it must have done its job well. I found the voice actors very well suited to the characters.

The art is nice. It is as mellow as the overall tone of the show. Then there are the cats. CATS? Brilliant, beautifully executed and illustrated vignettes of cats mirroring the actions and attitudes of the human characters -- ored cats. playful, mischievous cats, annoyed cats. Each character has a signature cat that reflects his personality and character traits. These aren't overly round, stylized cats but very realistic and richly detailed cats. Ah, the Japanese do seem to appreciate and understand cats. The "cat mirrors" is likely the most brilliant aspect of KtB. Hope they continue it in the 2012. read more