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Once again we witness another shot from Toei Animation at one of Key's works, first from Kanon, and now a movie based on the eroge Air. Is it on the same level as the acclaimed Kyoto Animation anime or does it hide in the shadows once again, overwhelmed by Kyoto's masterpiece?

To put it rather bluntly, yes, it does. The movie is not that bad itself, but it just can't keep up with the series. But upon analyzing as an individual, without any type of comparisons, we can see that there are many good points worth mentioning, which could potentially place this movie under the "good watch" category.

Story> It has the same foundation as the series, but differs greatly in terms of events and sequence. It could also seem rather shallow at first, since many things from the series were omitted, including characters and events, but is rather understandable, judging from the fact that the series has a duration of over 250 minutes, while the movie consists of approximately 100 minutes. The summer arc is squeezed between the main plot, which, in my opinion, is not that bad as other might make you think, since you can denote the similarities between Misuzu and Kanna much better and faster this way. Events differ greatly from the series too, meaning that if you previously watched the series you won't be witnessing a mutilated retelling of the story.

Art> It wasn't bad but definitely not a masterpiece. You will find moments where the animation is really awkward and sluggish, even to the point of mediocrity, but there are some parts as well that deserve their recognition, like the sakura filled screens when the story changes to Kanna's legend. I've also heard people talk about the character models being annoying, but frankly, I really think it's stupid to use that as an argument. It's true that at first it might be uncomfortable if you're used to Kyoto's designs, but the models are not bad at all; they're well drawn, and if someone argues that their faces change and are inconsistent, they have big eyes or deformed faces, then those people haven't watched Ichigo 100%, read the Ouran High School Host Club manga or watched Kanon 2002, respectively, and just because they don't look so "heavenly" or "cute" or whatever adjective that clearly shows affection towards the Kyoto version it doesn't mean that it can be discriminated. In conclusion, the animation is average and character models are well drawn.

Sound> Same as above, you'll find its ups and downs. Opening and ending themes, you already know them if you've seen the Air series, and if you haven't, then stop reading this review and go view it, since I highly recommend watching the series first. I have to admit, there were some moments where the BGM took the "feeling" out of some parts, like the moment where Yukito was whistling, or where the transition from silence to dramatic was so great that made me jump from my seat. So, as to the sound and music, a fair 6 is enough.

Character> Don't be thinking that there's going to be any Tohno or Urara, 'cause they're just minor appearances (not even characters). The movie centers on the Yukito-Misuzu and Kanna-Ryuuya relationships, which greatly differ form the ones in the series, in the sense that they convey a different type of love, if you can deduce what I mean. Under my point of view, it is the characters' actions and feelings and not their situations they're placed in that make the movie (and the series as well) roll into a tragedy, since calling it a drama is short, but explaining this would need an article of itself. And because of the slightly alternate personalities of the cast, the character development deserves an 8.

In conclusion, the Air movie is rather satisfactory at the end, just like any other movie you might go and watch to a theater nowadays. It does not, however, keep up with Kyoto's level and remains, without doubt, inferior. But don't let this disappoint you and try giving it an opportunity, since it proves to be a nice "alternative" to the events that happened in the series. read more

Kanon 2002, the predecessor of our beloved Kanon 2006. Since Kyoto Animation released the remake of this highly acclaimed eroge by Key, the Toei Animation version has been overshadowed and underestimated. Is Kanon 2006 really that superior as many will want you to believe?

Well, in my personal opinion, Kanon 2006 definitely surpasses its predecessor in almost every category, due to reasons that I will keep to myself, as this is a review for Kanon 2002 and not a comparative essay. But believe me, those two are not that far away.

Kanon's 2002 story, although crammed in 13 episodes, is consistent and well developed, at least in a superficial way. You will realize at the end of the anime that many questions were left unanswered. Although they're not highly relevant, and would only serve as an aid to understand the story in a more in-depth manner. After you watch the first character arc you will realize what I'm trying to say.

The artwork is not that bad at all, judging from the year, but what really gets on my nerves would be the exaggerated big chins the characters have. Trust me when I say that it's going to take you time to get used to seeing those abnormal chins throughout 13 episodes of 24 minutes, if you manage to control the urge of dropping the anime due to this factor. It is one of the major reasons Kanon 2002 is discriminated, and not without reason. It's just weird.

The sound was average, nothing too flashy or too boring. They match well the mood of the anime, although the opening theme is kind of boring and monotonous if you ask me. Again, Kanon 2006 wins over 2002 because of this; it clear when you listen to 2006's opening theme.

Character development, in my criteria, was where Kanon 2002 gains an upper hand. The character development, in my opinion, was very realistic. They behave in a more humanly fashion, and their emotions are really strong and human-like. You'll be able to witness love, fear and resentment that will let you sympathize and identify yourself to the characters. Personally, it is this factor that kept me sitting down in front of the monitor for about three hours straight, watching the last half of Kanon.

Well, Kanon 2002 is a good watch, and probably is not going to disappoint you as many people will have you think. It's a very decent piece of work and deserves a good place amongst the innumerable drama anime we have out there. 7.5/10 I would have to say, but since decimals aren't available I'll round it up to 8.

And as a small piece of advice: watch this one before 2006, it's going to boost your experience.

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