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Dec 26, 2015
Hello reader! You're in luck. If you're reading this, chances are you're interested in watching this show. This is one of the shows that are better as a binge watch than as a show that you pace yourself with or follow week per week. That's why you're lucky you get to watch this in one or two sittings! I was not so lucky and let me tell you why (just to brace yourself for what's in store for you).
The main reason had to be the story's pacing. It's horrible. There are lots of arguments saying that this is the kind of show that doesn't
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spoon-feed you the answers to the mystery and that it expects you or allows you to solve the mystery with them. So definitely expect to have more and more questions instead of answers at the end of each episode (yes, up until the last one, too!) It can be frustrating, but once the reveal is there, it makes you want to rewatch earlier episodes to see what you have missed or if they have been building up for it all along.
Subete ga F ni Naru's 1-cour season can actually be summed up in around 4 episodes, I feel like. Just in case you're not familiar with the source material, our main characters, Moe and Saikawa are kind of a Sherlock & Watson pair who deal with strange cases. There's also a Japanese live-action dorama already out where it chronicles their adventures. In it, what they have gone through in 12 episodes in this show is told in 2 episodes tops. So that's not to say that there's more tighter and more concise way of telling it.
There's really not too much action as most of the time is spent on discussions and dialogue. If that's your thing, then do check out this show! By any means, it's not a bad show per se. I find it hard-pressed to just write it off as bad, but it is indeed flawed. Without dragging this review on for too long, I do find its dialogue to be its best. We get to learn how the characters think, how they feel, and what they believe in without getting too on the nose. (Actual philosophy majors might actually be turned off from this though. The show can get pretentious at times and over-reaching to portray the characters as oh-so smart and deep.) However that alone couldn't save the whole storytelling of the series in my opinion. (If that's your thing then be my guest! Have at it!) There's only so much discussion and over-wrought ideas to be thrown around until it gets tedious and you're just left going "Okay, we GET IT! So what now?"
Overall, would I recommend this show to anyone? Perhaps not. It's a polarizing show and I find myself in the 'No thanks, skip this one!' camp. Based on my experiences so far (after finishing the finale) I find myself telling my anime friends not to watch this show. But like I said, if you're into "modern" locked room mysteries with a dash of philosophical ideas on the side and wouldn't mind like 8 episodes of basically filler and talking, then you should give this a shot!
Reviewer’s Rating: 4
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Dec 24, 2015
Let me start off this review by saying straight off the bat that I'm a fan of the Slice of Life genre but I'm not into moe. (Heck, I dropped K-On early on! Generally, I just need something more than just cute girls doing cute things.) The only way this could have appealed to me is knowing the twist that's brilliantly setup and revealed in the first episode. So yes, I didn't go into this blind but this is the kind of show you can enjoy watching even after knowing about its twists and ends.
To begin with the aspects I definitely liked from the
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show: First, the characters. While the main character, Yuki, does get annoying and grating in the beginning. Like Miki, possibly the most level-headed character on the show, she will start to grow on you. With only a cast of 4-5 people, it would be pretty hard to mess up giving them character development in the span of 12 episodes. Fortunately, Gakkougurashi! knows how to show their personalities in it all. I would have liked to learn more about Yuuri (since Miki, Kurumi, and Yuki had their own time to shine so to speak) but while her backstory wasn't completely divulged, the middle-latter part of the series gave us a solid look into how she thinks and her personality.
Second, can we talk about the soundtrack? It's not the usual kind that I generally rave about but the sound design and soundtrack is just so well-done in this series. When it's not being its usual peppy self, there's a Corpse Party or rather horror J-RPG game feel to it that's very fitting. Not to mention, in certain scenes where the background music is dropped or slowed down to a disturbing tempo and tone, it just gives me the chills! It heightened the mood and feel of the series, that's for sure. I wondered before how horror anime can scare me, while I didn't exactly get scared shitless from this one, it's definitely eerie and unsettling.
Third, the story! I loved the premise and definitely wasn't disappointed with how its executed. It was a blend of cutesy SoL (which I learned that I later didn't mind too much,) and a bleak post-apocalyptic vibe to it. Honestly, if it were up to me, I'd like more of the latter rather than the former as I feel like it weighs the story down a bit pacing-wise.
There are some moments when I wanted to slap the club members upright in the head and say "Is this really the time for this?!" but it's part of its charm. I would have ranked it higher and liked it even more if after the reveal, there was more seriousness introduced early on instead of easing us into it by the middle of the season. But I liked the second half for what it is when they delved further into how each character survived and why their school is the way it is.
Overall, I'm glad I took the time to watch this series. It has been recommended to me a few times and they're pretty much spot-on with the recommendation. If you're anything like me who is looking for something more than just "cute" (there's this one scene that broke me in the series where I just went "k-k-kawaii!!!" though so beware!) and who are fans of seeing people survive in bleak post-apocalyptic settings, then watch this!
It's definitely not a perfect show (the pacing can be frustrating but it's not too bad - I'm just not really a fan of the cutesy stuff) but it will entertain, make you laugh, break your heart, and even make you cry. Will it be memorable? Not entirely. But in the end, it's a good watch!
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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Dec 5, 2015
If you've seen many sports anime, then you will definitely enjoy this as a refreshing take on the genre. If you're just starting to dip your toes into the genre, this won't be a bad one to start off with.
First, it's for the reason that many reviewers have said before me, it's definitely more realistic and grounded than its peers. The MC did not immediately have the innate talent for it, but he has built it through training and experiences shown throughout the series. Not to mention, no character was extremely exaggerated or shown to be exhibiting super-human skills. There were just people who were
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talented and then there were those who weren't.
Second, it's not a purely sports story. It's a romance, a slice of life, and a coming of age as well. It tackled different parts of the protagonist's life, like his school life and home life (albeit the latter comes only in passing and only became somewhat prominent by the end,) painting us a good picture of what kind of character he is. While it features an individual sport such as tennis, you will still see the camaraderie and relationship-building between the characters. Not everyone is antagonistic to each other all the time. Personally, I wondered if it was going to be a bit boring to be only following one character throughout the series (I was so used to team sports animes!) but I found it hard not to root for Ei-chan after seeing how much he has grown.
Third, what I found most refreshing in this series is that the storytelling and the pacing is tight. If you're a veteran in sports anime, you'll know the struggle of dragging out a match until the very (frustrating) end. With this series, sometimes I'm surprised that the fight is over and dealt with all in the same episode! Baby Steps' 25 episode run is very satisfying. Honestly, I did not expect that I would end up bingewatching this show from episode 9 to 25 in one day, but I did! It's easy to get into it yet the matches are timed so right that you can actually pace yourself while watching it, too.
For the most part, while Eiichiro is frankly a bit of a boring character to follow, it's hard not to watch him and root for him as he grows right before our very eyes. Baby Steps is just the right title for such a series where we see our lead comes into his own.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Nov 28, 2015
I didn't think this series would be polarizing for many anime viewers. That said, I enjoyed it thoroughly.
Right off the bat, I'd say watch this if you're a fan of good world-building. This series just sucks you right in with its concept, myths, and system. Honestly, it's probably the most intriguing aspect of the show and what made me bingewatch the first half in the first place (I paced myself, of course). For a short 12-episode season/1 cour, not once did I feel like the pace was too slow (okay, there were MOMENTS! But they're few and far in-between and they're your run-of-the-mill gotta-monologue-while-in-a-tense-situation!)
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or that it ended on a note that left me high and dry. While I can appreciate more of the misadventures and the lore (oh gods yes, give me more of that lore!), Noragami's first season can be viewed as a standalone in itself. I'm good with where and how it ended, even if I wanted to learn more about the characters but I guess I can start picking up the manga for that. Good thing we have a second season that's ongoing and I've heard it's even better. Nonetheless, I found this season to have a tight and cohesive storytelling.
Speaking of the characters, I have particularly found Yukine to be such an interesting one. You can either love him or hate him, but I feel like he makes sense and acts like a 14 year old does. I wanted to learn more about his past before he became the Regalia or the Shinki, but I liked how they didn't dwell on that at all. After all, would it matter now? Like Yato and Hiyori, I was pleased and proud of his character development by the end of his arc. As a character, Yato is pretty entertaining, too, like with most of the gods shown. He steals the scene every time and his VA/Seiyuu probably helps a lot. I've known him (most memorably, I believe) as Levi from SNK but this show really shows his versatility. At times, I can't believe that it's the same guy who voiced Levi and then there are other moments later in the season that I realized how perfect he is for it. Hiyori, oh sweet Hiyori. So endearing with her wrestling nerdiness, and while I adore her, I frankly find her a bit bland in comparison to the other characters in the show. While everyone else is amped up to their own archetypes and distinguishing characteristics, as the everyman and the audiences' stand-in, Hiyori works to balance and compliment them all. So I'm not really complaining. (She had badass scenes, too, anyway.)
On to the Art and Sound, I wasn't particular on those aspects of the show. Perhaps it's because it's something I already expected from its production? That none of it actually felt like it stood out or was already exceptional for me. I have to say, though, that the animation for banishing phantoms was pretty cool at first. None of it really wowed me enough to pause and take a picture. Soundtrack-wise, too, nothing much stood out for me but I did noticed that it was more experimental in some ways yet kept a touch of traditional Japanese music in at the same time. That was pretty neat but nothing to write home about (in my opinion, anyway). Not once was it distracting, though.
Overall, would this be a title I'd recommend to anyone? Yes, I would wholeheartedly. It's a good watch, regardless of how you might feel about its characters. Highly entertaining and it makes for a great bingewatch. I let my thoughts and feelings for it simmer after I have finished watching it a couple of days ago (in the hopes of striking a balanced review that won't be too overcome with OH SHIT THAT'S GOOD I WANT MORE PLS) but still, my feelings about it remain the same: YES THIS IS GOOD SHIT I WANT MORE.
So thank the Gods that we now have Noragami Aragoto!
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Nov 24, 2015
We could have had it all, Charlotte.
This series started off great. I enjoyed it a lot and for the direction it was going for. I assume I don't need to tell you what it was about, but it was going great for the first half. I didn't mind the episodic format that it took to get us settled into the world of Charlotte. If you're reading this among the many Charlotte reviews already, then you must already know that the second half did not do any justice to the second.
Way too rushed, way too many things going on -- there are just a lot
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of factors that lead to it being a disappointment, at least for me. There were interesting characters all throughout the series. Some, if not most, get the unfair shove to give others more screentime (people who don't like moe or idol-like characters, I guess you should stay away from this show). The art was beautiful, too, and the seiyuus were pretty top-notch. I'm not familiar with the creator's previous work (Clannad? Yeah, I tried but not my cup of tea) but he sounds like someone who knows how to do his job. So in theory, everything should be able to work, right?
Nope. Somehow, I feel like it had all these elements going for it but it just didn't play out well. Maybe it's the 13-episode format? It had major pacing issues. Charlotte will inevitably turn up in various discussions in anime, I believe. So I will stop this rant-filled review from there.
At the end of the day, would I recommend this title to anyone else? Yes, if you're into stories of teenagers with extraordinary super powers and anti-heroes in general. It's quite a ride and despite its many MANY flaws, I enjoyed watching it as well. (I seriously got angry at some parts but that's all part of the ride.) I would not recommend this if you're looking for something with tighter and much more coherent storytelling and arguably something much more substantial or if you're just looking for something mindless to watch. It's quite polarizing in a way.
Reviewer’s Rating: 6
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Nov 24, 2015
Honestly, this is the anime that started it all for me. Although I believe the first anime I've seen has to be Pokemon. This was the first title I've actually seen through to the end (and 3 OVAs after). I really should have rated it higher, but as of now, that I'm reviewing it from memory, it would have probably been a disservice or filled with Nostalgia Points.
Story-wise, it really was unlike anything else my young impressionable self has seen. But it also probably geared me away from harems in general. Whenever I look back on it now, I just realize how messed up
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it kind of is. But that's not for this review to disclose. It's a wild ride, definitely, so you better get settled in. The characters are unforgettable. Years and years after watching this, the characters are going to be what sticks with you. Their quirks, their personas, really. More than just the lead couple themselves. If you're new to anime or if you're a young viewer, they should serve as your primers to the different archetypes you'll be dealing with in other anime shows. Other characters from different shows might not be as vibrant or as exaggerated though.
Of course, the sound, too. It was distinct enough that whenever I hear of the OP and ED, or even anything that sounds remotely like it, I just start thinking back to those days where I watch and rewatch and obsess over this show. They're really great.
I am unsure whether I will enjoy this series as much as I did back then when I was still new to the whole anime scene. But for the nostalgia factor alone, I rated it with 8 points for enjoyment. It definitely has the comedy down pat.
Maybe I should give it a rewatch and revisit/revise this review when I have the time?
Reviewer’s Rating: 6
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Nov 24, 2015
Romance/bishoujo fans, watch this if you're tired of the will-they-won't-they and unresolved sexual tension in most shows and animangas. Aside from that, I'm sad to say that the show leaves a small impression overall.
But (and there is a but) the way they showed how the romance unfolds between the two is memorable enough that even if I don't remember much about different aspects of the show, I still find myself recommending others to watch this title because of how realistic the show's portrayal of 2 high school students who are in a relationship.
I'm only reviewing this from memory since I only rewatched certain episodes
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lately. For some reason, episode 8 really strikes me as the definitive episode of this show. It encapsulates what the whole series is about. I won't talk too much about it as I'd rather you go see it for yourself. Honestly, if you've liked that episode, I'm pretty sure you would have enjoyed the whole series. If not, then maybe it's time to give this show up. (Although 8 episodes in might be a bit too late?)
Story-wise, while it did grant us the leads getting together, there were still some parts that you will still find frustrating. As you would come to expect from the Popular Guy with the Unpopular Girl trope, there would be lots of girls who would come in between them. Not to mention, the misunderstandings. There were still tons of hair-pulling times when you just end up shouting to the screen "God just tell her/him!" but I believe that's something you can encounter in real life couples as well. There was really nothing spectacular story-wise. The last episode even left me wondering 'Okay, this is how they're going to end this?' but that's really better left to a bigger discussion on Manga and Anime adaptations in general. Not to say the finale episode is completely underwhelming, however. You just have to watch it til the end.
Looking back on it now, it's almost like they used the main relationship as a springboard to introduce new characters and bring to light their personalities and history. There were no new "kinds" of characters in Sukitte Ii na Yo. There were pretty much true to the type you'd find in most Slice of Life/Coming of Age and Bishoujo animangas, but what I do appreciate that the author and writers have done here is give them a different dimension. Gave them a sense of maturity, if I may dare say.
Art-wise, I have no complaints there. This is typical bishoujo fare. Slender, thin stylish characters. Surprisingly enough the guys (Yamato and Kei, the one who appears near the end?) seem to be designed alternatively? More punk-rock alternative than just mainstream good-looking. I don't mind it at all. I paid no attention too much on the sound, except the seiyuus have done a commendable job on their voice acting. Some parts can get pretty heavy drama-wise and they have managed to convey the emotion needed for those scenes. So since I don't care much for the OP and ED, I'll just give it a fair score.
Overall, I find that as a romance coming of age series (I do consider it as that as we get to see the girl, at least, come into her own) Say I Love You or Sukitte Ii na Yo is pretty fulfilling and enjoyable. But on the whole, it still leaves a bit to be desired. It was good but not totally satisfying.
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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Nov 21, 2015
I couldn't believe how long I put off watching this series. If you're anything like me and absolutely adore stories set in the music world, much more rock, then you're going to enjoy this!
Nana and the movie, Almost Famous, is definitely on top of my favorites. Much like the latter title, this dealt with the coming-of-age of Koyuki, a seemingly ordinary kid with no interests in life until he found Beck and his owner. I have few complaints about the show, to be honest, but I did find that in the middle, it got a bit boring and there were times when I had to
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push myself to watch it to the end.
What I liked about the show is that the realistic portrayal of high school kids, like Koyuki and Saku. Just regular guys, despite their musical talents, even in school. There was no point in the series where it felt like they suddenly became overwhelmingly popular with their peers. There were no moments where the Power of Friendship overcame everything. Everything happens gradually, which makes you root for them by the last few episodes in the series.
That's not to say this series does not have its own share of loveable and larger-than-life characters. Chiba, for example, would be easy to turn into a caricature but he was nicely fleshed out and throughout the series, you get to see different sides of him. One of the reasons why I can't simply let go of this series is because of its characters. If I had to rank what makes this animanga great, characters is a step below the music.
Speaking of the music, this is where Beck shines the most. The music whether you listen to it in dubbed or subbed (I recommend the dubbed, honestly) is just plain ace! It's rock as we know it. British rock more like, but it felt like it evolved in the series to play a modern rock tune. (The last song 'Slip Out' particularly felt very Soundgarden-ish to me.) There's much to love for rock music fans, and if you're a musician, too, you would definitely sympathize with Koyuki's urge to play music.
Overall, watch this if you're a fan of rock and coming-of-age stories set in the world of music. If you're particular about the art styles and how perfectly animated the show might be, you might not like this as much but I still urge you to watch it. The art, somehow, grows in you. It just fits the show.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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