Binbou Shimai Monogatari

===Animation===
Toei did a pretty good job with the animation for this series. It isn't anything amazing, but it does have it's own beauty. Character designs are very nice and rather consistent, with some chibi scenes thrown in. Running scenes are done quite well too. The backgrounds are quite simple, but nicely drawn with pastel which adds a special "touch" to this series.

===Sound===
Sound was one of the stronger points of this series. A nice OP and ED, with quite catchy melodies. In addition, very nice background music was used. I cannot comment too much on how well seiyuu-s did they job, but I think that it ... was good.

===Story===
The storyline is pretty simple. Two sisters living alone in an old apartment, with their mother dead and a father that just disappeared from everyone's sight. There is no core plot, it's done in an episodic way which I think is a bit of a pity since it could have focused more on something specific. However the main theme was the relationship between all the characters. It could have used more episodes to develop the story a bit more, since we aren't given too much information on all the other characters. Myself I didn't like the occasional cheesy scenes. Not sure why, but I just didn't find them to fit well into the overall image of the series. Some light comedy was thrown in here and there just to relieve the usual drama tension. You might also want to have a tissue ready when watching this. The last episode in particular is a bit touching.

===Characters===
Since this series is only ten episodes long, there isn't much time to develop any other characters except for the two sisters. You could also say that Asu, the younger sister, can be classified as a "moe" character. She is cute (you can't deny it), full stop. Overall there isn't a big number of characters. You have the two sisters, the apartment owner, the two rich sisters and the Yamada sister's two neighbours which in overall makes seven characters. Some of them appear just once or twice through the series, but some are brought into the plot more often, but their are mainly used just to fuel the sister's story. However each of the characters are likeable, since they are all different in their own way.

===Enjoyment===
I enjoyed watching this. It's nice to watch sometimes a series that doesn't revolve around a core plot, but wanders carelessly. It's easy to enjoy watching this, because you don't have to strain your brain to start thinking over some really difficult issues that were brought up. The last episode was in my opinion the best, since it did get a bit touching and that's what I really like. However I can't see myself watching this again, maybe only the last episode.

Here there is no plot.
Here is not present kawaii.
Here there is no magnificent ending.
Even any overlooked reduction, monster, or at least pancu - and that is not present the latent abilities.
Oh, damn, despite that is the story about Poor sisters - even dramas and that is not present.
You can be shocked by it, but forgive for a spoiler - here nobody will die! Yes, yes, in an anime applying for a drama genre all remain are live. Whether well a shame?
All seems so simply. All Seems so is banal. All Seems so is smoothed.
. That we do not trust that the such can be actually ... in this mad, mad, mad world. We have got used to trust only in the bad.

And I have risked to believe. To each smile in it an anime. To each sound of their wonderful laughter. To each day that has lived near to them. And about what I am not sorry.

This anime not for all. Only for those who has not forgot to trust yet in the good. And you.. trust?

Here we go, a short review for a short show. The good in this show is that it has 2 likable main characters in the two sisters and an episodic and enjoyable plot. The one thing that is a bit annoying about the show is that it seems like they try to inject feeling into it. The moments that are supposed to be sad or tense(ish) tend to feel forced and plain weird, the exception is the last episode, but I digress.

Overall a decent show, would be better if some moments didn't feel forced.

Binbou Shimai Monogatari is a good slice of life/drama anime title.

Story: Asu and Kyou had survived quite a tragedy- mom had died and dad ran away from home, leaving both alone.
The story is a bit sad, because they don´t have lots of choices as regular kids and teens have...Kyou works to pay bills and buy food in sales. Asu cleans the house and prepares everything.
But their mother looks after them...and protects them!
And not everything is pretty and simple in their "struggle for survival"...but what is beautiful about this anime title is that even though things aren´t fine for both, as long as they´re together they ... can surpass it! 8/10

Art: The artwork is well made, graphics are pretty and simple. The colors chosen are well arranged. Simply loved it! 9/10

Sound: The background sounds are great! OP and ED are cute, to break a bit some sadness the episodes can bring. 9/10

Character: The characters are well developed even though the series is too short (10 episodes only). Kyou and Asu are very attached to each other, so people tend to see them as exagerated in their attitudes or reactions...8/10

Enjoyment: In some parts it seems the series is being too dramatic and emotional, but in general, the series is a great title! 8/10

Overall: Some might say this series is exagerated and too clichê, but I think it is just as fine as it is!
For all the reasons I appointed in this review Binbou Shimai is a must see, for people who enjoy drama/slice of life genre.

Who would I recommend this anime too, or who was this anime made for, or who can get the most out of watching this anime?

Ok, here's the picture. Imagine you're between 25-35y old. You got a job, some money, but there's always the thought in the back of your head that one day you may lose your job, end up alone with no money.

This anime is like a gentle hug, that tells you it's ok if you end up poor, because look at these sisters. They live very frugal and try to make the best out of their condition. As long as they ... have each other, their love can conquer any hardship.

Yes, sometimes they don't understand each other, sometimes they interpret their feelings or situations the wrong way, but in the end, they only have each other, and all other problems in the world don't matter, as long as they can be together and happy.

This is one of those anime where I wish my own life was more humble and that I had a pure little sister that can rely on me and that I can rely on. In a world where every hour of my day revolves around clients, how to increase profit, how to please my bosses, how to deliver better results, this anime tells me that you know what? All of the "problems" in my life are actually not problems. These sisters, poor as they are, are enjoying life way more than I am which is a nice contradiction. Gaining money won't make you happy. These girls experience true happiness every day

At least that's my take on this anime. Also read the manga. Feels unfinished but oh well, overall it's a really nice life story.

If you're watching this in 2024 or even future years, I want to congratulate you for giving it at least a chance. It's an old, forgotten anime, that I never heard about. Only discovered it after casually browsing titles.