Unfortunately when i first watched this anime i stopped at episode 12 as i just couldnt bare to watch it any further thinking it could only get worse but that is where i was sorely mistaken. Wish i kept to my "No Expectations no Disappointment" ideology.
Well at first the story was very interesting there are bits that are a bit sketchy and gets very dark. Such as the "sugur" episodes (watch to learn more about that).
Its got parts that can make you bawl your eyes out because you wish it never occurred which i missed out on originally because i never finished the series. Its one of those animes that you need to finish no matter your feelings from the start to middle to end. And you'll regret not doing so.
Well now to get to the proper review.
The story is very interesting, and i haven't seen an anime that reminds me of it yet. But it does take a few things here and there that reminded me of other animes ive seen in the past. This anime really makes you think of what its like to be "At the top" making difficult choices for everyone's benefit and how even though "the end justifies the means" in the 'leaders' mind comes to mind the people that suffer beneath it feel otherwise.
This is shown very well in the 2nd half of the series you dont really notice it a great deal in the first half. Though you do see how making the choices affect one person at least once in the series.
Now the art that was amazing i loved it. Top notch. Cant really find a reason why someone would say otherwise but well everyone has there own opinions. It was very interesting what happens when great minds and great ideas come together. The magnificant art is really something i wish to see in the future.
It would have to be on par with "Ghost in the Shell Stand alone Complex" and its sequal "Ghost in the Shell 2nd Gig" Which are two of my very favourite animes and got me started in animes. And quite rarely will you ever find me comparing anything to them.
Sound was great as the 'rate' system here puts it. I dont have much to complain about and the sound really went well with the stuff going on. The background music is superb to top it all off. Only real complaint is i dont like the openings but meh that has nothing to do with the series now does it HAHA.
Characters now thats something that has everything to do with a series. The characters really fill in the gaps that the story has. And if even 1 character was not in it you would feel that the series was ruined completely.
The Character "Hare" is one of them shes a kind person who loves Ouma Shu Her void is quite interesting as well. Her void is as with all voids a reflection of her personality or 'heart' as the series will put it. She is the kind of character that you wish was you friend.
Yahiro (family name) is a very two faced person. Who has one personality at one part and another in a different part. It really annoyed me as in the 2nd half he is partly to blame for the 'mistakes' that Shu makes. and practically takes no blame for them really a character you would never want to meet.
Now if i continued for every character i would be here all week. Well to cut it short ill leave it at one last character.
Inori who is my favourite character in this series. Shes quiet, indifferent, strong and weak all at the same time. Sometimes you think one thing about her and BAM! that gets shifted up and you dont understand why and then you start to think how you ever thought that but in the end you always will get why you did. shes just a mystery.
I enjoyed the series mostly and only really didnt like certain bits but more or less its a good series and i have no real complaints as i said up around the start, its a series you need to watch from start to finish to truly like.
*Spoilers* well *Semi Spoilers*
The real thing i wanted to never occur happens and it really disappointed me in the end. I wanted the "Happy ending" where everyone is happy but that was impossible even for animes.
I couldnt care less about Gai but Ouma Shu and Inori i wanted them to be the 'couple' the perfect ending but no my hopes were dashed just like many other things.
*Spoilers* *Spoilers*
I recommend this series for those of you out there that like a good twist and a semi love story. With a great mix of deceit and Action. And those that like a bit of a conspiracy MUHAHAHA XD But seriously its a must watch series.
And a song i have to recommend from this series is Hill of Sorrow!
