Ranked #1145

Rec

REC is a short series with small episodes, and it really is a very good one. The main characters Matsumaru and Aka are nothing special. Its not like other anime where the hero goes from rags to riches suffering Gods knows what troubles. Its a very heartwarming anime about how a guy and a girl understand each other.

Definitely not for kids who want to see robots fight or some magic fairy casting happiness all over.

Warning Spoiler Alert:

Story:
Its a very plain anime where a girl aspiring to become a voice actress comes to live with a guy working in a confectionery company. Both start to get used to each other understand each other, and also have little fights. In all they are unable to understand their own feelings. When Aka rises in her positions her schedule becomes busy and doesn't spend much time at home and the guy snaps one time. But later when they meet unexpected in a bar, both with their respective office mates, they come to understand each others difficulties in work lives. She waits for him outside the bar for him. Both of them hug and finally the guy confesses to her and both of them go to their home.

Very nice anime, no ecchi comedy, just plain, nice and heartwarming. The story is great.

Art:
The art is not bad but could have been a lot better. Looking at the release date, it could have been better.

Sound:
The sound needs a lot of improvement. Accepted that this is a plain anime, still when they are having time alone some nice background music could have been added.

Character:
The characters are well made. Aka is not like a supermodel or anything, but a above average cute girl. Matsumaru is just an average guy. No one is out of the world special.

Enjoyment:
One can definitely enjoy it even though its very plain, because the series itself is very small, with 12 minute episodes.

Overall:
I give it 9 mainly because of the Story and the Characters. Story is very good and the characters are very well made. read more

REC only spans ten episodes (counting the DVD special) and those episodes aren't even full-length, yet it manages to be more heartwarming and entertaining than many longer series. It isn't groundbreaking at all, but if you don't hate predictable romance anime, it is a perfect way to cheer you up when you're feeling a little down.

Onda Aka is a rookie voice actress who one day encounters the salary man Matsumaru Fumihiko, who's been stood up by his date, in front of the cinema. Long story short, Aka makes Matsumaru watch the movie together with her and the flames of love are ignited. Later the same night, Aka's apartment catches fire and she is taken in by Matsumaru. Romantic events ensue, but when waking up the next day, neither of them regards themselves as a real couple. Incidentally, they end up working together with the marketing of Matsumaru's latest invention: a leaf-shaped crisp. Aka is - of course - voicing the product's mascot, Neko-ki - a tree with a cat's head.

The focal point of the story is, not surprisingly, the development of the two main characters' relationship and how it is affected by Aka's rise in popularity; is it right for her to prioritize her career even though it leads to her not being able to spend time with Matsumaru? Though the story is far from original, I still really cared about Aka and Matsumaru. Because REC is, unlike most other anime belonging in this genre, not full of unnecessary melodrama or supernatural elements - it is realistic, and that makes it so much more engaging.

Animation studio SHAFT, of Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei and ef - a tale of memories fame, is responsible for the animation. REC's visuals don't impress at all, but they suffice; Aka is heart-wrenchingly cute and Matsumaru is... well... ordinary. Backgrounds and the like are good as well.

The seiyuu (voice actors) did a great job with all the characters, including the minor ones, enhancing the warm atmosphere of the anime greatly. Music was always fitting though far from memorable. The opening wasn't my cup of tea, but, then again, I couldn't care less.

To summarize, REC isn't the most innovative romance anime around, but it's realistic approach to the genre makes it refreshing and the chemistry between the characters (who are the series' greatest strength) is wonderful and Aka and Matsumaru's feelings toward each other feel genuine. I would not have complained had it been longer, but it's shortness may also be a strength; it never got even close to boring, even though I watched it all in one sitting.

A highly recommended anime to all romance fans. read more