Ranked #3253

Chocolate Underground

I must say, I am a fan of chocolate.

So I pretty much was drawn like Charlie to the Wonka factory when I came across Chocolate Underground. The title alone made me think, 'Wow, this has got to be something unusual. Chocolate, huh?'

The story wasn't what I was expecting it to be--for one, I did not expect to see robots. I can't say this anime is mecha, so you folks who don't like mechs, don't run away yet! Right. The story launches off pretty uniquely. Set in a world where eating, making or trading in any food considered 'unhealthy' is highly illegal, one faces serious consequences from the law for even possessing a bar of the processed cocoa bean goodness. Two children however yearn for the decadent treat after having been forced to eat and listen to ads of healthy food that tastes awful. And it's this desire that gets the plot going.

Art and animation was decent. I would be lying if I said it was incredible. It seems to have blended three different styles: one for the character art, another for the backgrounds, and then there's the 3D animation. The character art is good; the characters are all distinguishable and are well-rendered. This semi-dystopian world is actually quite a lovely-looking place. The city/town that the story occurs looks traditionally European, with a few futuristic gadgets thrown about providing contrast. My only real grouse with the art is that it was not as good as it could have been, and the 3D could have also been a little better and more detailed.

The characters did not have a lot of time to develop, as the series only ran for 13 very short episodes. But they are easy to like, and have their own personalities that serve mostly as plot progression. Hunter and Smudger are your typical revolutionary young lads with a keen sense of justice, rebellious streaks and lots of energy--they stay this way throughout the entire series. If character development and deep personalities are what you're interested in, you won't find it in Chocolate Underground. You will find a decent cast of characters who keep the anime interesting.

I had a lot of fun watching this. I liked the whole underground theme where the people are fighting the power--even though it is sort of silly that the power they are fighting has something against chocolate. There's a burst of excitement in each episode where the boys really race neck and neck with the government in terms of being caught. And it is pretty interesting to see a world with no treats. It's very interesting to see people fighting for a cause.

I certainly recommend this anime if this is the sort of thing that interests you. A decent cast of characters and a very interesting story will reel you in. The only 'problem' with this series really is the length. I didn't have much of a problem with it, but if you want long, drawn out episodes, you won't be getting those. You can pretty much finish this series in one sitting--I did. All the episodes combines total to a little more or less than an hour worth of watching. Also, if you don't like 'innocent' anime, this won't be for you either. The violence is mild, there isn't any fanservice or sexuality, and it focuses around children, not adults. You may watch it and wonder what the point is, if you're older and cynical or critical. But I especially think a younger audience would like this, so if you have younger siblings or kids, I think they would like Chocolate Underground. I am sort of a kid at heart, so I liked it.

It may not suit everyone's palette, but Chocolate Underground is a short and sweet anime, worth a nibble if not a full taste, at least. read more

For all of you who is searching for a short anime , short duration , eerie story but fun , and enjoyable anime ; chocolate underground is what your looking for.

I really enjoyed Chocolate Underground -althought its short and not many like it - because it has an outstading , eerie story that really amazed me . In my experience in anime , I think that most animes talk about love and confessing there feelings and a typhoon of romance or a triangle of love , which I didn't see in this anime .

I'm sure not many will recommend it , but I do recommend it to all those who are looking 4 a short , not so romantic anime :) read more