Alternative TitlesSynonyms: Aria Japanese: アリア The Animation
Information
Type: TV
Episodes: 13
Status: Finished Airing
Aired: Oct 6, 2005 to Dec 29, 2005
Duration:
24 min. per episode Rating:
G - All Ages
L represents licensing company
StatisticsScore: 8.001 (scored by 12072 users)
Ranked: #4292
Popularity: #411
Members: 28,378
Favorites: 628 1 indicates a weighted score
My Info
Popular Tags
comedy sci-fi slice of life |
SynopsisDrift peacefully into Neo Venezia, a city on the planet Aqua (formerly known as Mars). By the 24th century, humans have found a way to colonize the previously uninhabitable planet. As futuristic as that sounds, Neo Venezia is still teeming with rustic beauty; gondolas on wide canals and waterways are the main mode of transportation. The city itself is a faithful replication of Manhome’s (the planet formerly known as Earth) Venice.
To make sure that residents and tourists alike get the most from Neo Venezia’s many wonders, companies offering guided tours via gondola were formed, one of which is named Aria Company.
This is the workplace of Akari Mizunashi, a free spirited teenager from Manhome who is now a novice Undine (the title given to tour guides). Join Akari as she becomes intimately acquainted with other Undine, tourists, Neo Venezia’s residents, and even the city itself, learning many valuable life lessons along the way, such as the wonderful truth that there are such things as manmade miracles.
[Written by MAL Rewrite] |
Related AnimeAdaptation: Aria, Aqua
Sequel: Aria the Natural
Characters & Voice Actors
Staff
Reviews
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Archaeon
342 of 439 people found this review helpful
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13 of 13 episodes seen
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| Overall |
9 |
| Story |
8 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
10 |
| Character |
9 |
| Enjoyment |
9 |
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
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Moonlith
46 of 65 people found this review helpful
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13 of 13 episodes seen
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| Overall |
8 |
| Story |
8 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
8 |
| Character |
8 |
| Enjoyment |
8 |
I stumbled upon Aria years ago when reading a review about the manga and made a mental note to check it out later. Positively drawn in by Kozue Amano's original work, I soon picked up the anime as well. For a reason I still can't recall I dropped the show nearly three years ago, and it wasn't until just recently that I finished what I started back then. And though not much had changed for either better or worse from what I remembered, I'm glad I did so.
Aria the Animation is not for you, who prefers a clear cut and classically constructed storyline that moves from point A to point B with some key events in between. Aria the Animation is not for you, who requires relentless action and constant fast-paced happenings from their anime. And most certainly Aria the Animation is not for you, who finds little to no enjoyment in just sitting back and watching as a close-knit group of girls, not in their bra and panties with guns ablaze, but with their gondolas and oars go through ordinary day-to-day activities instead of epic adventures and intense situations.
But on the good chance you are the type to approach your anime with an open mind and the patience to watch and see the magic in the moment, you are likely to find the company of Akari, Aika, Alice, and the rest of the undines and undines-in-training much to your liking. Because that's what Aria the Animation is ultimately about: a journey to uncover the joy of the obvious, the excitement behind the mundane, and the possibilities underneath the sorrows.
These scenarios are played out to us by a cast of characters who depict a variety of different personalities. Akari is the naive amateur who treats all she experiences with childlike wonder; through her most of the show's message is brought across to the viewer. . Aika is her best friend and almost her exact opposite: no-nonsense and feet firmly on the ground-kind of girl who constantly berates Akari for her dreamy ways. And Alicia is their mentor and the big sister-type of character, who's there to provide insight and help the juniors along the way. They're surrounded by a pack of friends who similarly have their quirks and qualities defining them and making their role contributing to what the creator is trying to tell us.
You're right if you argue that the story is boring and seemingly pointless at times. Saying the characters being archetypes of their respective personalities (and almost exclusively female as well!) is cliche and overused is valid. Complaining that having cats as business company presidents is just plain stupid and ridiculous is justified.
But as one who no doubt has already seen quite a bit of anime in their life, you have for sure come across these common failings before. And in case you've reached the point of having made peace with them, or feel like challenging yourself to do so, Aria the Animation may prove to be an eye-opening experience for you that anime can be good even if no heavens are pierced. read more
Recommendations
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Aria and Sketchbook share the slice of life genre. The pace of these two is incredibly slow and they are both very good, especially after a tiring day at work. I also noticed that cats play quite a big role in both of these. Even the company who animated these two is the same. The only major difference between these two would be the sci-fi found in Aria.
Both anime are set in a slow moving life, and give a different perspective about the life from what are generally used too.
Both are slice of life anime with a very laid back and relaxing feeling and any Makino Yui fans should definitely check these out, she sings the OP in every Aria season and she sings the ED in Sketchbook.
Sketchbook ~full color'S~ was animated by the same company (Hal Film Maker) and shares several of the major creative staff, although the original mangaka are different. There's even a blatant, very hard to miss President Aria reference in the first episode.
Aside from that, though, both shows are similar styles of slice-of-life (iyashi-kei, to be precice), with Sketchbook slightly more comedic than Aria, and Aria slightly more sentimental than Sketchbook.
Aura, colours, cats, music. If you liked one, you'll like the other.
Firstly, both have the same creator as can be seen on the last episode of sketchbook. Both have a slow moving paste and is relaxing too watch, not too mention the overdose of cats on boths shows. The main character also is a little dense in both sides and lastly, they are both excellent Slice of Lifes.
The are both created by the same animation company and producers. ARIA is like Sketchbook in Venice, with gondolas and beautiful back-drops.
Awesome, slow-paced slice of life anime with a lot of nice jokes.
Needless to say they both are favourites of mine.
Very similar in atmosphere. Must-see for the fans of either.
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Beautiful art, a decorative town with a deep history, a young, eager girl and don't forget some soothing, wonderful music.
Slow paced series about girls learning to do something (sora: playing trumpet, aria: operating a gondola) in a fictional, fantastical setting. Both have an emphasis on that setting as well as quiet interactions between the main characters.
The visual art and the music reminded me so much of Aria's atmosphere. Enthralling.
Both take place in futuristic versions of modern day cities. The main characters are learning something from their seniors and some characters are kind of alike. Also, there are very few male characters, who are not extras, in both series.
Plotwise: Both shows are about a main character being trained by a superior, and her interactions with the new world around her.
Characters: Both are primarily female casts, and every character in Sora No Woto bears a resemblance to a character in Aria. Also, where Aria has cats, Sora No Woto has an owl.
Setting: Both take place in imaginary worlds around cities where the people and land has a rich history and traditions. The difference here is that Sora No Woto has a wartime setting, where Aria does not.
Artwork: Beautiful backgrounds and landscapes, stunning visuals all-around.
Slice of life set in a sci-fi, future setting. Both series play off their own worlds very well, with a strong focus on interactions between the main character and the main setting of the anime. The characters also share some similarities, the most notable being Kanata & Akari and Filicia & Alicia.
They both give off very similar vibes, and if you liked one you'll probably like the other.
Aria the Animation is about a group of young female gondoliers learning with their seniors and generally having a good time with each other in a slice of life, futuristic setting.
Sora no Woto is about a group of young female soldiers learning with their seniors and generally having a good time with each other in a slice of life, futuristic setting.
There are heavy sci-fi implications on both shows' universes, but these seem to be secondary, and almost overlooked. Both stories focus more on the girls learning about their worlds, their trade, themselves and each other, while exploring and interacting with their surroundings. There's drama, but not necessarily conflict. Both shows provide the viewer with slow pacing, relaxing music, beautiful scenery, lighthearted comedy, interpersonal relationships, character development, warm fuzzies and the occasional sappy line.
The characters are almost a direct match to each other:
Akari/Kanata - they're both pure-hearted main characters, rather awkward about their skills, very friendly to everyone they meet, easily excited about new things and very prone to sappy lines. They both say "suteki" a lot.
Aika/Kureha - they're both bratty tsundere types, very perfectionist and quick to point out other people's flaws. They constantly act like know-it-alls, though deep inside they're just insecure and eager to please and impress their seniors.
Alice&Athena/Noël - Noël is the quiet, reserved and serious type, like Alice, but she can resemble Athena a lot in carelessness when she's tired. She seems to be naturally talented at what she does, using her impressive skills with little effort.
Akira/Rio - they're both "cool big sister" types who try to enforce strict discipline, though beneath their assertive attitude they care deeply about their juniors. They both confide and share a deep bond with Alicia/Filicia, who are closer to them in age and maturity.
Alicia/Filicia - for crying out loud, not only are they a complete clone in appearance and personality, they also talk in similar fashion and even share the same quirks. Even their names are remarkably similar. And they're both #1 ranking in their groups.
In Aria they have cats, which act as mascots and represent each company's president.
In Sora no Woto they have a owl, which acts as a mascot and represents their organization logo.
Having watched Aria first, and considering the chronological order, I suppose I can say that Sora no Woto is by far the closest thing to Aria I've seen so far. The major difference is that Sora no Woto might occasionally address some disturbing war related themes, which are completely absent from the slightly more lighthearted and optimistic Aria universe. But even these, while expected in a war setting anime, are actually very rare.
Also, in Sora no Woto, embarrassing remarks seem to be allowed! ^^
Both series have fantastic element involvement yet at the same time are a piece of life shows.
The main cast are females and in both series the main character is going through training. The bigges part of attention is upon interection between main character and the world around.
The only real difference would be the fact that Sora No Woto is more dramatic and action based towards the end.
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Opening Theme"Undine (ウンディーネ)" by Makino Yui
Ending Theme"Rainbow" by ROUND TABLE feat. Nino
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