No Longer Human: Great. In just 4 episodes so much was told. One reason why people should watch the first 4 eps of Aoi Bungaku is because as odd as it may seem MANY OF US ask these questions at one point in our lives or another. I don't want to spoil anything or what happens or transpires so I won't give any references. There are several references to this title so it's difficult to say WHY it's called "No Longer Human" exactly. If you don't want to watch a superpowered cartoon involving Super-Sayajin and BAN KAI or some wacky fairytale then relate to this masterpiece.
Under Cherry Blossoms in Full Bloom: Great as well. In episode 6 there's even a Japanese version of Sweeney Todd's "No Place Like London" that was done beautifully. The main reference between Sweeney Todd and Shigemaru is that Sweeney Todd was a barber who would cut the throats of his enemies he'd be shaving and Shigemaru actually decapitated heads as demanded or warranted by his new bride. One thing that strikes to me as odd is the description of the "demon" in this 2 ep-long piece. If you watch these two eps, please pay attention to the supposed protagonist Shigemaru as he describes his only way out of a psychological prison created by his wife.
Kokoro: Jealousy sucks. That's all I gotta say about this story. The story is given two points of view (most other productions try to give a bird's eye view of what character progression is). I absolutely enjoyed both points of view as to what happened and it truly explains the shades and complexities of human emotions (regarding jealousy).
Run, Melos!: This is a simpler story told about friendship. Trust is the main theme trialed in this story as it's wagered between two friends. There are side stories explained in the episode (the main character rewrites Greek/Shakesperian plays in to Japanese and these plays are acted out in the episode). One main thing about this story (unlike the previous stories mentioned) is that there's no bloodshed. Don't get me wrong, the story is just as effective without it.
The Spider's Thread: Odd tale. Simple storyline of a homeless bandit stealing & killing innocent people just to live another day (note kandata, the pro(antagonist) of this story isn't a greedy man). This story got VERY interesting when his own path led him to a simple spider who in some weird way showed him that his future was only... well... hanging by a thread. NOTE the following ep in the double-aired series is NOT a sequel to Spider's Thread.
Hell Screen: Instead of a homeless bandit in the spotlight, an artist tasked with the mural in the King's future mausoleum highlighting only the good parts of his rule. Many details revealed throughout the episode show otherwise. If you think the king's beauty was appealing, feast your eyes on the shoddy prerequisites needed to bring his beloved land to prosperity.
With all this said (I know I've prematurely praised the entire series as a whole) I don't regret my ratings as they STAY THE SAME. Great show! Well done in almost every single aspect besides the fact they ARE short stories being animated so there's alot of thinking left for the watcher to do to truly understand the author's motives behind his/her characters' development throughout their respective stories. Just watch this one any sensible anime goer will not be disappointed!
There is one story I'm missing on which I believe is episode 9 or 10 of the series. I apologize in advance to all who've relied on this review before watching the series or any other episodes. please note though you should FEEL FREE to watch any episode throughout this series as it doesn't progress from ep 1 to ep 12.
