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Apr 2, 2010
Harem ending.
The plotline is broken down into four segments:
Segment 1: Lala is here - everyone go crazy (underlying tone throughout)
Segment 2: Suitors from other planets - everyone goes crazy.
Segment 3: Everyone is in love with the hero, Rito - still, everyone goes crazy.
Segment 4: Quest to become #1 in the universe - Everyone (mostly Rito) goes crazy
These segments are fun and would be enjoyable to watch, if the show were 12 episodes long. However, when these segments are stretched out into 3, 4, or even 5 back-to-back (sometimes broken up by an episode) episodes with a similar theme, it's going to get predictable
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and boring.
The characters are what pull this show out of the dumpster. "To Love Ru" decided to go with the "million shades of gray" character personality list. You got your introverts, extroverts, flirts, perverts, control freaks, etc., etc.; all types of character are represented here and each are given a good amount of screen time so that they become familiar and likable.
I loved the opening theme to the series. I usually tend to skip the opening themes to most animes because it's always keeping me from getting to the actual content. "Ru"'s, however, won me over. The catchy up-beat tone and truncated guitar chords, coupled with the change in octaves and tempo of the voice always made me feel like I was hearing it for the first time, every time. The best opening theme I've encountered so far.
Being that I can't really compare how the art style translated to the anime from the manga - I'll let that comparison slide - but I really dug the art style that was employed with "Ru." That classic anime feel that is has to it - almost old school - but clean and crisp enough that you know it's part of a newer era of anime.
I liked this anime. I liked the amount of fanservice, I liked the amount of romance. I just can't get past the typical harem ending we find ourselves in again. They try to distract you, it seems, by (attempting) to pull off an ending that is so ludicrous and "WTF-ish" that you almost forget that, all-in-all, it's a harem.
Story: 6/10. Nothing anyone hasn't already seen, heard, thought already
Art: 9/10. A classic anime art style that's clean and crisp.
Sound: 10/10. Apart from the amazing theme, the voice work is good. But, c'mon, that theme kicks ass.
Character: 8/10. Would've liked to have seen more of the main female protagonists' feelings. Enticing and enjoyable characters, however.
Enjoyment/Overall: 7/10. A good anime for a viewer that doesn't mind harem endings. I do, though, and the score suffered because of it.
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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Feb 16, 2010
All romance-oriented shows have a goal that a character - or characters - is/are striving to achieve. In the romance genre the case is always thus: to develop the relationship between two characters significantly enough that it becomes more than a friendship. In the case of Ichigo 100%, and, sadly, most romantic harems out there, the aforementioned statement of the underlying goal of romance-genre animes is missing.
It’s a fault that's hard to overlook. It would be equivocated to a blanket that only covers your torso and legs, but not feet; you remain uncomfortable, constantly twisting and pulling to right the position but… you cannot
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change the length of the fabric. Do not be misled by the seemingly quick start the show gets off to (as to be expected from a 12-episode-long series). Although it starts like something shot out of a cannon, expect the same mundane situations predictably repeating itself until you find yourself thinking what will happen next, looking at the screen, and shrugging to yourself – “That’s another correct for me. Ichigo Originality: 0, Me: 12.”
Another thing that can be deceptively enticing is the way that all girls are fairly represented in terms of Junpei’s (our hero) feelings towards them. Each girl, so to speak, is “kept in the running” for longer than you might expect, hell, I think they might still be running. This “everyone is even” approach will most likely leave you rather intrigued during more “ecchi” and jealousy scenes (the latter mostly involving Satsuki), but during the later episodes wondering and waiting: when and who? Don’t get me wrong, I think in harems that a lot of competition is good at the beginning, but as the show progresses, a thinning of the “crowd” is a must. If it cannot be achieved the viewer (like me) will just get flustered, confused, and annoyed with the hero.
That leads me into my next major gripe about the series: Junpei might be the most annoying protagonist I’ve encountered in my short – but thorough – adventure into romance anime. The dialog for his character makes me feel like the writer for said lines was “out to get us” for some unknown action. You want to shake him (Junpei) and say, “No. Say this: ___.” This may seem trivial because frustration/awkward situations come with all romantic animes, but when compounded with the indecision already taking place, it’s exasperating.
Looking back though, upon hearing the voice actress for Tojou (one of the female love interests) first speak, I should’ve known this would be THAT kind of anime. The voice actress of Tojou is played by the same actress that voiced Haruka for the “Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu” series. She has a great voice for the kind of role that’s being portrayed, but in the back of mind I was thinking, “It can’t turn out like the first and second seasons of ‘Himitsu’, can it? *After the final episode* Ugh.” (I do know that 100% came before Himitsu.)
The animation could be considered a tad bit dated, but the overall affect is present and it doesn’t detract from the show at all. There are a few scenes, especially in the more “zoomed out” ones where the art is a bit sketchy. The art does seem to improve greatly in the OVAs. though.
I have to admit that I got sucked into this anime’s ploy by buying into the rocket-like start and loved the show immensely. Then as it went on I grew more and more wary of the string by which the show was pulling me along (rather effectively, I might add). I wanted a drastic change and remained blissfully ignorant to the fact that the show wouldn’t answer in kind. So learn from my blunder: if you’re like me and want a definitive resolution: he ends up with her, caution, I pray you. But if you don’t care about that, but like the genre and premise of the show, give it a try.
Overall: 6
Story: 7
The way the characters are introduced through the story is a familiar, but it still leaves a nice affect.
Art: 7
It is a little dated by our standards, but it doesn't hamper the anime whatsoever.
Sound: 8
The voice acting and tracks were solid. The voice actress of Tojou was cast perfectly.
Character: 7
Each had a distinct personality and you could really see why Junpei would have such a hard time deciding who to "choose." However, the score is lessened because of the hero, Junpei.
Enjoyment: 6
At first it was a 12. But as the anime progressed I wanted to see a progression in the relationships between Junpei and one of the girls that was significant enough to have a clear "winner."
Feedback is appreciated!
Reviewer’s Rating: 6
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Feb 3, 2010
This review will encompass both seasons of Amaenaide yo.
The first season was verging on a waste of my time. I had just gotten off of watching Clannad After Story and wanted an anime that didn't require much thought or an anime that dished out deep emotional drama. I came to rest on Amaenaide yo. Pleasing to my eye with its ecchi, harem, and romance aspect, but also appealing was the fact that it had a second season. With most animes that I watch, ones with sequels (I'm referring to the first season now) tend to score higher because I know the show isn't "complete"
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yet and things that are left unresolved tend to be resolved within the second. This is where the deficiencies in, not only season one, but season two start to become all too apparent. I'll get to that a little later. However the first season of Amaenaide yo gets a "4" from me for these reasons:
Cons:
- No character development
- No plot development
- Episodic storyline
- Annoying/uninteresting characters
- Reused/unfunny jokes
Pros:
- The "ecchi" was nicely integrated
- I was at first iffy on the animation style, but I ended up loving it
On to the second season: Amaenaide yo!! Katsu!!
This one is so much better than the first. Adding a backstory to every relevant character (not Chitose or Ikkou, though...?) was a nice touch to the anime; the story also got better and deeper; Ikkou's powers were transformed from a solely perverted side, to an actual plot revolving around his powers that was relevant to the storyline; the introduction of Kazuki as a person who not only served as "competition" for Chitose, but, one could tell, had malicious intent with regards to Ikkou added another layer of interest to the anime.
That being said, I watched this story, like all others that I watch, for the romantic aspect. And this season did a much better job playing to that front than the first. The jealousy etched on Chitose's face was funny and satisfying whenever Kazuki made a move for Ikkou, more romantic moments, etc. I use the word satisfying because it expels all doubt about her liking or not liking Ikkou. And, being an anime-watcher that likes resolutions to romantic animes, I thought the show was headed in the right direction... right up until the very last episode.
The anime was looking so promising, then it inexplicably reverted back to season one's ways - like nothing they had previously gone through had happened. They ended the season with season one-like antics that I'm sure this anime had long since waved goodbye to. Unfortunately, this left a bitter taste in my mouth (as well as other things). However, do not throw this anime away, into the garbage pile all because you saw the first season. If you're a person that enjoys ecchi, some romance, a harem aspect (only in the second season!), some good storytelling elements thrown in, and someone that doesn't mind an ending that isn't terribly satisfying, I would definitely recommend you watch this anime.
Overall: 6
Reviewer’s Rating: 6
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Jan 20, 2010
Get the Kleenex ready! You're gonna need it.
After Story is by no means like the first season. It becomes a story of tragedy, regret, ill-fated love; something that will turn the casual, "feel-good," anime watcher completely off to After Story. I consider myself one of those people. I like the Itazura na Kiss type of ending and progression; I like a story that rarely has any heart-wrenching moments. Sure, there can be troubles along the way, but I don't want it to detract from the overall, feel-good feeling that comes from watching those types of animes.
But then, you get After Story. I had
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a hard time clicking play on a few episodes in the later portions of the anime. This anime was hard to watch. You're going to want to stop, you're going to question yourself as to why you continue to click play even though your mind and emotions are screaming: "No more!"
You click because you want a resolution. You want a solution to this world, this town, that's seemingly unsolvable. You want Tomoya and Nagisa to be happy, healthy, and thriving. And there are times when it is impossible to see the light at the end of the tunnel, if not for the tiniest pinprick, dimly shining thousands of feet away. You want to challenge the show: "Bring on the destruction of lives, the torment, and the death; I can take it." You won't be able to.
You won't be able to for one simple fact: you love these characters. Allowed into their lives and have been transported to their world. You're there for every tear, memory, and moment. If, by this point, you aren't attached to the characters, herein lies the justification for numbness and naivety you might procure towards characters' instances down the road. But, I beg of you: please understand them. If you do, this show will be among the deepest you will ever watch.
This is almost perfect. However, I cannot overlook the fact that show changed identities too drastically. The sorrowful moments are brought upon you so quickly and so painfully, it's heart-wrenching to witness. I, myself, at some points didn't find this to be entertainment, but excruciating.
This show has earned the right to stand alone in the upper-echelon of romance animes. Still, though, it comes down to personal preference - "beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder" one very wise person once said, and to me, After Story was extremely beautiful in every provided category. But, everyone who watches this anime will come together to watch something each with different perspectives of the world. Some might come having lost a family member, others may come to it after marriage. Some may come to it from a world of "crying displays weakness" and they choose not to cry because it's who they are. Some might come to this and have been told it's okay, it's right to weep whenever you feel like weeping, and so they weep.
This show was the first piece of entertainment that has ever made me cry. I did not expect that the first thing would be anime. I don't feel like I'm a lesser person because of it, oh no. I feel that I chose to cry because I thought it was something that had a profound effect on my mind and heart. If you choose to laugh, sob, or remain devoid of emotion, After Story will get at you somehow, whether you like it or not.
9/10.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Jan 4, 2010
If anime as a whole were to hold an Olympic-type gathering of all the genres that make up "anime", I would want "Clannad" to be the representative for the romance genre.
"Clannad" is probably the most highly-touted love series in anime today. Its sequel, "After Story", holds the number one slot on this site in terms of overall rating (Avg. overall score of nine). The prequel, in my opinion, isn't, and should not be far behind whatsoever. "Clannad" is a solid, fantastic piece of romance, that has lived up to my high expectations, and surpassed them. It's a series that has something for everybody: love,
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fantasy, slice-of-life, school, cuteness, harem, etc.
Albeit, with that glowing introduction, I had a really tough time enjoying "Clannad" when it first began. This stint of boredom lasted for about the first five episodes, then quickly disappeared and was made non-existent. Encompassing those first five episodes or so was the "Fuko-arc". This being a love anime that has many important (girl) characters that pertain to the pacing and depth of the plot, you're going to get a side-story on each important one. I guess it's just my bad luck that they started out with, in my opinion, a boring, shallow, and redundant plot to portray a character that rarely, and I mean RARELY, shows up in the future episodes (mainly as comedic relief).
But, like I said, from then on, the show got great. Really great.
Now, I thought this show, from looking at the introduction to this story, that it was going to be a weeper. How mistkan, and thankfully so, I was. This series had me laughing more than the over-glorified-as-a-comedy "Seto no Hanayome". However, for all the serious types out there, don't worry, you've got your themes that act as allegories for the characters that are being showcased; some very sad moments; and morally-questioning and pull-at-your-heat-strings-moments aplenty. Unlike most romance animes, this one really seems to have a consistent arc of the theater that underscores each encounter and drives the story forward at a pace that's just right.
9/10 - If only they had taken those first five episodes out....
The art is really the highlight here. The "dreamscapes" are nothing short of breathtaking and the "everyday animation" is definitely above average. What denotes such a high score is 110% attributed to the alternate reality that's fully-saturated with themes, symbols, and motifs. Even though the animation outside of the dreamscapes are alright, you cannot overlook the amount of attention to detail, workmanship, and care went into producing those scenes.
My only gripe about the art is that the characters initially (especially Sanae and Nagisa) resembled aliens. Their hair and eyes kind of threw me for a loop, but it eventually becomes irrelevant and, like Fuko, you forget you even had the thought in the first place.
10/10 - The dreamscape animation was better than some feature-length anime films.
I thoroughly enjoyed the sound here. The script was well put together, the funny bits were surprisingly funny, the story was well-written, and each voice actor or actress was voiced very well. I really have no complaints.
10/10 - You'll find a surprising amount of clever, comedic lines hidden throughout "Clannad".
I could write a 10-page paper on the characters in "Clannad" without mentioning everything. With that being said, I'll keep this brief.
Each character is represented as a viable "candidate" for Tomoya's partner, and you're left satisfied and intrigued at each character's side-story as to how they became the way they are. It can come across as a harem-like, which I would say to you: "Yes. Yes it is." This is a harem anime in disguise. Poorly hidden, maybe, but fun for everyone, and never acts as a deterrent to the enjoyment of the anime. I, personally, gravitated more to another girl than the one he ultimately ended up choosing, but I really don't care. Too many times have I come across romance animes where it's left wide-open for you to interpret. Here, they give each girl valuable time and opportunity, and end up with a clear victor. The girls that are left unchosen even audibly concede defeat, discretely so, to the girl who has one Tomoya's heart. It's surprising at the blatancy and audacity of the creators, but its uniqueness comes across in a pleasantly blunt manner that doesn't dissuade the viewer who hadn't picked the girl that Tomoya had chosen to lose complete interest.
10/10 - I'm usually not a fan of giving each character a mini-arc or side-story, but "Clannad" definitely threw me a curveball that I thoroughly enjoyed.
This series is really the lovechild of (almost) every sub-genre of romance anime out there. And who knew it wouldn't make such a mundane color like brown, but instead, (my favorite color) green.
"Clannad" is definitely a series that's a strong contender for my favorite romance anime that I've seen so far. Knowing that there's a movie and true sequel, I can't wait for it to compete.
Enjoyment: 10/10 - I wish I had stumbled across it sooner!
Overall: 10/10 - Deep when need be; funny when it was appropriate; but always spectacular.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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Dec 22, 2009
"Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu: Purezza" is more-or-less a tease of an anime. You're left with a nice glimpse as to how "Purezza" will actually treat its viewers if you remember the "rainbow-eel scene" at the end of season one. We are the rabbits on the treadmill chasing the carrot on the stick - which in this case is their relationship.
Knowing that there was a season two, I highly enjoyed the first season. Probably more than I should have - ignorant to the fact that I would be getting this same treatment for another 12 episodes.
I held onto this audacious chance of being satisfied until
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the very end. But long before that, I had an inkling that season two would leave me wanting more without answering any questions (good marketing though, right?). Coinciding with my failing sense of hope with season two was that my pessimistic side was beginning to grow. I started to just get outright frustrated - more so than is normal in other animes. Basically, if the show was pointing towards this happening: I wanted the complete opposite of that. But believe me when I say I was justified.
As the episodes progress, you get a feeling of "how far the creators are willing to go with anything." In the eyes' of the many, that isn't very far, unfortunately. And this is where the show begins to predominately fail. All the "quasi-confessions" (I... I... I want to be with you) are recycled in an endless repetition that they seem to blend together into one commitment-less ball.
However, there's something about it I enjoyed enough for me to keep checking in very, very late every Monday to look for the new fan-subs. Although it was most likely hope, I would like to think it's something more.
Every episode definitely has a "Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu: Purezza"-complex. Meaning that each had their own charm that's specific to each show, but seldom happens in anime. So, going by the "Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu: Purezza"-complex, even the episodes that were deemed of a larger importance seemed to fall short in the devotedness and ended up being good "no Himitsu" episodes, but none that were good as "episodes".
Sometimes it's good to have a definitive close to things, where something is wrapped up nicely and given a good send-off. I guess the creators' didn't really understand that. If you want to be teased with no foreseeable closure, "Purezza" is the right anime for you. However, if you're normal and do not like to be screwed around with, you're not missing much if you saw season one, but elect not to pick up two.
There is a little something we're left with in the end credits that basically says: "Let's see each other again." Whether that might mean an OVA or a season three, I have no idea. All that I can infer is that season 1 sold well, most likely meaning this season will probably sell well, too. Usually when you're making stuff people are buying, you keep making it, so I would not be surprised if there is something as lengthy as an entirely new season or just a few OVAs. Being that the creators' REALLY, REALLY left this one with A LOT of places yet to go, I would say it's 70% likely. Don't expect it for a year or so, though.
"Purezza" has an unexplainable charm that draws you back in when you want to let go. If you haven't yet decided to watch this, and are deciding between this and another anime, watch that other anime - you're not missing anything by leaving it at season one. However, if OVAs or a season three is announced, I would pick "Purezza" up. Because the writers have a sometimes annoying habit of bringing back key pieces of past episode[s] to grasp the present episode[s].
6/10.
Feedback is appreciated!
Would love to have a profile-to-profile chat on this review or on others that I've posted.
Reviewer’s Rating: 6
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Dec 16, 2009
First off, I'm glad I had this to watch during the time I was waiting for Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu: Purezza's new episodes to come out, and I would like to thank AlexisSolitaire for recommending it to me.
This has become my favorite romance anime that I've seen so far. It's everything a romance junkie like me wants: a beginning, middle, and end; an anime that's 100% romance right from the start and doesn't let go until the closing seconds of the 25th episode.
At first, I was under the impression that this would be a regular slice-of-life, high school romance anime. I could not have been
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more far from the truth. Not only did it begin in high school (at the age of about 17), it ended with the main heroine in her early 30s or late 20s. You might be skeptical at reading that, but trust me: you'll definitely end up loving it.
They utilized something at perfect junctures in parts of the story when it could have gone bad. Which usually leads to anime's giving themselves self-inflicted wounds by boring the audience it's trying to entertain half to death. What they utilize so magnificently is the time-lapse. I would have never guessed that there would be a time in my life in which I would enjoy a time-lapse, a "3 years later." Did they ever prove me wrong.
You know when an anime's good when I was completely satisfied at the half way point! About 14 episodes in! 14! I became skeptical again. Alright, so they've basically done all I've expected them to do, now it's just gonna get bad, how terrible. Again, I was proved wrong.
I like to use analogies to describe things that are tough to put into words; as most people might often do. Well, I attribute this show in this way:
Your parents give you $10 to go to the movies with friends. You're like, "Alright! Gonna have a good time. Night out with the buddies." Turns out, when you get there, you find you have an extra $20 in your pocket. Making the night even better. Then, you happen to be pulled into a side-room by Quentin Tarantino and given a private screening of his latest movie for free. You're thinking, "Wow. What a night: I got $10, found an extra $20 in your pocket, and I got to see a private screening of the new Tarantino movie! What a night!" However, your already fantastic night has one more surprise for you. Say you went with a few of your friends, one happened to be the girl you've always had a crush on. But, it turns out that after you walk out of the theater, she turns to you and says "that she's always liked you." How would you feel? How would that night be for you? Great, right? To a lesser extent, that's how I felt when this series was finished. Sad that it was over, happy that I got to experience something so amazing, and even more happy that I got to enjoy all these great surprises around each corner.
I would now go into each individual category and rate the show, but this show needs to stand out from the rest that I've seen in some form or fashion. It deserves no criticism, because, that's ultimately nitpicking for the tiniest deviation from greatness. (Plus, by reviewing most of these things, it would be hard to have people properly understand what I'm talking about or referring to without giving away any spoilers.)
It really did have a beginning, middle, and end. Not in terms of plot, which, of course it did, but the story of their relationship, the bond between the two is so fun and enchanting to reside over. I actually likened their relationship to that of one of those "well problems" that I got back in 5th grade: if you fall to the bottom of a 100 ft well, how long would it take you to climb out if each day you climbed 6 ft but slid down 4 ft?
I would wholeheartedly recommend this to any romance fan out there looking for an engaging story of what it takes to love and what it takes to be open to love. Although some might be critical of the "superfluousness" of the later episodes, who cares? Doesn't everyone ultimately wish that they could see their favorite couple from another show develop like this one and end like this one?
It's a feel good anime that never ceases to stop "feeling good."
10/10, perfect, flawless, etc.
Feedback is appreciated.
If you want to be told more in-depth of why I liked the show so much, send me a message. However, spoilers will probably be dolled out like soup from a soup kitchen. So ask at your own risk. Or if you disagree with my opinion, and want to talk about the show, I would love to have a profile-to-profile chat.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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Dec 8, 2009
This is one of the best romance animes that I've seen. If not the best, in the top 2-to-3. And here's why:
Here I am, in America, thinking that anime, manga, etc. was watched on a nationwide scale, and didn't hold any social repercussions for doing so. Well, I might be wrong. Although I don't know the social acceptance or tolerance of the aforementioned hobbies, this show's culture of Japan looks down upon the hobby itself, as well as the people who enjoy that hobby. Now, like above, in actual, real-life Japan, the mood could be quite different from what's given to us in the show,
...
but this key change of normalcy in regards to the storyline had me reeling... in a good way.
Now, if you've seen this and have read the above paragraph, and thought to yourself, "Well, it's the typical 'normal boy-meets-girl'", type of storyline. And to that I respond, yes; but how they get these isn't done through the overused plot we see so much in romantic animes. This one was different: they weren't childhood friends, (an encounter doesn't count! It had nothing to do with the progression of their relationship!) there wasn't an over-the-top ecchi moment in which they met, etc.
In reference to story arcs, the main one created in the first episode encompasses, is referenced to, and plays into, if not all, but a vast majority of the 12 episodes. The longest separate arc I saw was 2-episodes-long, which involved the final 2 episodes of the series. The lasting affect is pleasant and you walk away from each episode feeling like the story progressed in one form or another; and that's what a story should do: move the characters, plot, time line, etc. FORWARD with each passing episode - if you don't, that's when the viewer becomes bored. I, for one, was never bored. 10/10.
I want to take the art director out for a dinner and just smother him/her with gifts of gratitude. It was that good. Every character is so exquisitely drawn, especially Haruka. But where my complements will ultimately hang their hat on will be the portrayal of Yuuto.
Too many times have we seen the hero in animes be drawn as frail, insignificant, and completely shy. We see characters drawn like this because the creators of the anime want to attract more male viewers who think, "Hey! He's just like me!" Well, I feel, probably for the first time, that they captured (more-or-less), an average, high school fella. One who isn't arrogant in his womanizing abilities, looks like he could bench 400 lbs., but a guy who isn't either TOO frail or TOO weak. They somehow found one of the best balances between the two I've seen yet in a romance anime. 10/10.
I really enjoyed the voice acting. If I had to give one of those big checks you see given out at golf tournaments to the voice actor of a character in this anime, I would somehow try to find a way to split it between Haruka's and Hazuki's voice actors, respectively. A job well done. 9/10.
The characters are, and always should be (I don't know why some haven't realized this, yet), an anime's (and all forms of media, for that matter) strongest point; the most enjoyable aspect.
Here, I found a show which is so enveloped, and literally hinges on the success of the characters. Whether that be due to the fact that the show only lasts for 12 episodes may be a relevant factor, but who cares; it passes with flying colors.
Each character falls into a relative category that you unconsciously create while watching the show: "Oh, Hazuki, the soft-spoken funny one; Maki, the raunchy, over-the-top kid; etc." And it's so nice to have these characters that are so consistent with their roles that you don't get any unwelcome surprises or revelations.
The two mains' really shine here. Yuuto and Haruka seem to be a perfect couple and the show plays to that aspect: you know it, they know it, the characters know. There isn't a time they spend together that doesn't add a new layer to their relationship; it contains so much substance and viability that I'm extremely excited to start the next season as soon as possible. If you can create engrossing characters, that every moment spent together doesn't seem like a moment lost, means a huge success on behalf of the show's staff. 10/10.
If you couldn't tell already: I adored watching this show. A lot of romantic animes out there try to stray away from there own genre and have completely irrelevant episodes regarding some random, irrelevant secondary characters plopped together to work on helping each other how to cook. I don't care! I want as much time as possible focused on the reason I chose to watch this show in the first place: the love story! And they do such a good job of "keeping the pedal to the metal" and it's the best thing ever to finally get my prayers answered. Finally! 12/12 episodes (from what I can tell) that are majorly geared to the love story between the two main people that the love story is about. It just makes me want to send a memo to all the other future/past creators and say, "Look - this is how it's done."
The only detriment to the series is the fact that there are no confessions of love. Sure, "I'll be with you... forever", is close, it doesn't hold the same resonance in the heart's of a viewer than saying, "I love you." Although it may seem nit-picky, you find yourself waiting for the line to be uttered every time there together and it never happens is some sort of letdown. But! Thankfully this show has a second season! 9/10.
This show was spectacular. Period. I would love to defend my position over someone who, like me, enjoys romance animes more than any other genre, because, let's face it: maybe an sci-fi/action fan coming off of something like Cowboy Bebop to watch this show probably won't agree with me. Anyway, my overall grade is based on all of the previous main categories, but I'd like to leave you with one last complement of the series:
The show borrows from a lot of sub-genres out there (e.g. ecchi, harem, comedy, slice-of-life, etc.), and is so well balanced in each that the show is molded together virtually flawlessly. There are a few ecchi moments, but not too much to make uncomfortable a casual watcher, a harem aspect can be chose to be seen as present and relevant or not present and irrelevant, and there are a few comedy gems in there that got me to laugh and smile as I watched the next scene.
You can do no wrong here in picking up this series if you're a romance fan. I wouldn't be surprised if it acted like a transitory series for first-time romance watchers to get into the genre, either. It's so close to perfection. Literally three words away. I leave you with the words of an early Puritan coming to the shores of America; as this show has become something of a benchmark that all romance animes should strive for. 9.99/10.
In the words of John Winthrop: "I envision this country, a city upon a hill."
Feedback is appreciated!
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Dec 4, 2009
Any man's dream - except maybe this one's.
In regards to the episodic portion of "N.A.", it can be best characterized as a bitter-sweet sandwich: The bread surrounding the (insert lunch meat here) is insanely good; buttery, slightly toasted - not raw, but not too crunchy, and delicious. The inside is the letdown: whichever typical sandwich meat you chose, take that, and try eating it a month passed its expiration date. No. Thank. You. Sir.
Even though the story may sound unoriginal, "Oh, no one's ever thought of THAT before," because, truly, everyone has at one point. However, the creators attempt to differentiate from the typical "cast-away"
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feeling. They attempt to convey a sense of a "home away from home that's other-worldly." They might do this through the abnormally-sized produce (and other things... *for high-brow's only*), talking birds, cats, lions, chickens, etc., and the people that dwell there. But what really makes this show unique is the latter, the people. 8/10.
The art style had a very "island paradise" feeling to it. Every color seemed to pop out at you because it was so very richly colored.
The characters were drawn exceptionally well; just thinking of the way they drew Suzu (the heroine) makes me smile. All of her mannerisms are portrayed through her character so exquisitely well, that you really get a sense for the character's personality. Now, this is one of the few romance animes that I've seen be able to capture this skill that is seldom seen in a publicly-classified, silly genre. 10/10.
I liked the sound; it got much better as the show went on. As, obviously, it will become more dramatic and that will push the voice actors to do a better and better job to keep pace with the growing drama unfolding within the story, between characters, or in some other aspect. 7/10.
Loved, loved, loved each character in the series. I didn't feel like each was underrepresented in any way whatsoever, the proper characters were compensated with the right amount of screen time, and it's fun as hell watching very contrasting personalities clash over one man.
Sometimes, you might see a bit of repetitiveness in the actions of the characters, but each is so well done that it becomes an afterthought. One of the problems that I thought was a hindrance to the show was the fact that they got almost TOO MANY characters with TOO MANY personalities that it might have been helpful to keep a list of names, accompanied by a physical description of each character. 9/10.
My enjoyment really hinged on how many episodes there were. Usually, this kind of storyline, with these kind of characters, can get boring fast. And it did. Ere go my simile of this show being like an "okay" sandwich.
To me, they could have got MORE done in LESS episodes. Although, this is essentially a series filled with filler episodes, the episodes in the middle are borderline terrible. I was just watching some and I was thinking about something else completely irrelevant to the show; it was so boring. Thankfully, the earlier episodes and the episodes later in the series, hand-in-hand, saved the show. 7/10.
Personally, this series could have been 12-episodes-long. Easily. In the grand scheme of things, I wished they treated the VERY present harem/romance aspect more seriously. I know it's a comedy, but like most good comedies, they become more drama-filled as they reach the conclusion. And "N.A." followed that to a "T".
Although it's obvious that he ends up with ____. I still wished they could've had them be more upfront about each others' very, very obvious feelings for each other. Why not just say it? That was, granted, a very small detail, but it left the exclamation point off, what would have, pushed this show over-the-top and made all the bad episodes that left a bitter taste in my mouth seem worth it. (Although seeing ____ get jealous of the other characters fawning over Ikuto later in the series, provides that in some need somewhat, it still isn't as gratifying as the real thing.) 7/10.
BONUS THOUGHTS!
I haven't watched "Clannad" yet, but what I've read around these forums, seen that there is a sequel, and that the main hero chooses a girl after befriending many, seems like a path this show should have taken. A good, solid, preliminary story that sets-up the guy with a potential for "x-number" of girls, chooses one, and moves into a nice sequel to pleasantly wrap-it-up for all the viewers. Hence the immaculate reception of "Clannad ~Afterstory~".
Too late now, I guess.
Feedback is appreciated! Thank you!
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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Nov 27, 2009
I usually don't do reviews on OVAs that I've seen, but this one was strikingly different.
This review won't encompass grades on the story, the art (which was much better than the actual series, in my opinion), the sound, or the characters. It will focus specifically on my enjoyment and the overall grade.
If you've ever chanced upon my profile, you'll notice that I enjoy romanitc animes; most, if not all, have a follow-up, usually revolving around fanservice and the ever-apparent, girl/guy-wins-a-trip-to-a-luxurious-private-beach-for-her/his-friends-OVA. Not with this one, actually. Of course you're going to have the same basic principle of that it IS a borderline hentai rom/com/ecchi that is
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not meant for any mental stimulation. No, no. So, if you want a review on the majority of the CONTENT, check out Kanokon's panel, or this panel, each will tell you the same things about the content. Heck, even I did in my review.
I'm mainly writing this review to emphasize the fact that this truly feels, and is, a sequel. Chizuru and Kouta have gotten together and it seems like this was less than a month after they got together and end of the main series' 12 episodes. It picks up at the beginning of summer vacation and you get a sense, and are explicitly told later, that they're are dating.
It's nice change of pace compared to most of the OVAs out there that just provide fanservice, this one actually has a nice, 2-episode-long sequel to the main series and, of course is nothing substantial, but it's like finishing off a good sandwich with a swig of a cold drink. Refreshing indeed. 7/10.
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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