Expectation:7.5
Reality: 9
Do not be fooled by the character design, this is not a show for the faint of heart. One of the most uncomforatrable shows to watch that's for sure. But in a good way. This isn't set on modern Earth, it has different culture and understandings of what is and isnt acceptable. This leads to some... disturbing scenes and punishments for young people. But even with these different views, they still go beyond what is comprehensible for their world. Absolutely nothing in this show seems to be a reasonable thing to do in our society, but in this twisted world, only the worst occurs.
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Aug 18, 2023
Koe no Katachi
(Anime)
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Expectation: 9.5
Reality: 10 Kyoto Animation, you've done it again. This is my all time favourite anime so there is heavy bais in this review but for good reason. Everything about this film was perfect. The soundtrack hits right at the moments it needs to and the art style is exceptional. Before watching this, I knew little about the inside life of being a deaf person. But after watching this I can begin to understand the great struggle of communication, relationships and everyday life. Shouya and Shouko have so much depth as individuals and as a couple. From the first seen, the viewer is taken back by ... 
Aug 18, 2023
Expectation: 8
Reality: 10 People complain that this is a rip-off of the classic Bakemonogatari. Which it definately has its parallels. But why can't we like both? Bakemonogatari was a brilliant anime and this is very similar, so why hate? We now have two great shows to watch. Personally, I enjoyed this more than Bakemonogarari, it explores the struggles of teenage life and the many facets of self-awareness and conscience that almost every teen can relate to. Both the opening and ending were bangers and we have an idol in it. Whats not to enjoy? The relationship between Sakuta and Mai is funny and enjoyable to watch ... 
Aug 18, 2023
Kotonoha no Niwa
(Anime)
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Expectation: 6
Reality: 8 Recently, so many films in cinema are beginning to overtake the 3 hour mark, and for what reason. Kotonoha no Niwa proves that you don't need a whole afternoon to tell a story and tell it well. Makoto Shinkai does it again with another brilliant masterpiece. This must be one of his most well animated films and the colouring is perfect. This is so much more than a simple love story and it really explores concept of chasing dreams. While Yukinowants to chase his dream of being a shoemaker, Teramoto looks at him and regrets not doing what she really enjoyed. The simple ... 
Aug 18, 2023
Expectation: 7
Reality: 7 Not sure how to describe this other than a film that tried to be like Makoto Shinkai. Studio CLAP really tried to take an egg from Shinkai's basket with this one and it just proves how good Makoto is. Not to say this film wasn't good, it was, but it didn't provide the same level of grief or depression or joy as, say Weathering with You did. The animation was well done and the voice acting was also good. However, the plot didnt buy me. Solid concept, but execution could have been better, it was pretty predictable and didn't hit hard enough. The ... 
Aug 18, 2023
Violet Evergarden
(Anime)
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Expectation: 7
Reality: 10 Absolutely amazing production by Kyoto Animation. Never would I have thought that a 13 episode series would get me so deeply interested about a characters development. Every episode pulled at different heart strings from distress to love, from depression to beauty. Episode 10 especially has to be one of the best stand-alone epsiodes of any anime. Whether you've see the first half or if you go into it blind, that 20 minutes of animation will bring a tear to your eye. The concept for this show is really interesting and felt different from anything else. Definately one to look back on and rewatch ... 
Aug 18, 2023
Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso
(Anime)
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Expectation: 6
Reality: 7 This show does make you see things differently after viewing. As an old piano player myself, I found this particularly touching. The opening and the rest of the soundtrack were brilliant and characters had depth. Even the side characters felt like they had a role/motive/reason for being in the film. Sawabe had so much depth for a side character in a 22 episode series. What I felt brought it back a bit was its predicatbility. Without spoiling, the big twist towards the end was foreshadowed too obviously and led to a unclimactic reveal that just leaves you feeling a bit down rather ... 
Aug 18, 2023
Kimi no Na wa.
(Anime)
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Mixed Feelings Funny 
Expectation: 9.5
Reality: 5 After seeing many Makoto Shinkai works, this one didn't hit as hard. Character lacked depth and thr story felt bland. Of course animation was amazing, as you would expect, but the film was underwhelming at best. The plot was pretty predictable and due to the nature of the phenomenom in the film, the romance was not as good as his other works. For the hype this had built up by the time I watched it, it really disappointed me to see the same-old plotline we've seen in every other one of his films. The ending was done well I must admit and combined ... |
