Arashi no Yoru ni: Himitsu no Tomodachi

I didn't even know this anime existed until I saw the movie pop up in my recommendations by a friend. Since I'm an anime fan, I immediately searched the movie on here and found out it had a tv adaptation. After enjoying the movie version quite a bit, I was wanting to check out the TV series. However, after reading a review saying it was incomplete, I was hesitant. Anime is notorious for leaving open ended endings, some will still leave you with a wholesome feeling towards the end while others will leave a gaping hole that might keep you up at night and regretful ... you ever tried. I don't like the push to manga as I don't read manga, period.

Anyhow, after much debate, I decided to give it a try. A previous review said how the series lack in many ways to the movie but I kind of enjoyed this tv series more than the movie. While the movie did give this show a conclusion, the tv series had the luxury to give you time to let it soak in. The bond between the characters and relationship that formed had more time and room to grow and shape itself. I'm also glad to say that, though the anime ended a bit prematurely, it did cover the main parts of the show and the ending was not so bad, though I was saddened it didn't continue for another 12 episodes or so.

The voice acting for this anime was perfect for me. The two main characters had adorable voices that fit them very well.

I also very much adored the CG animation. Their CG wasn't great in details, but their facial and body movements were very energetic, full of life, charismatic, and on point for me. It was one of the main reasons that made me fall in love with this, everything just fits. Perfect? No way, but the most important stuff I think they got it right.

This is a real feel good anime, it brought a smile to my face and I really needed one. Even though the anime was aimed at kids, as an adult, I appreciate the message that it was showing and there were some conflicts that show that deep down it had a more complex and thoughtful plot and message. I would definitely recommend anyone that liked the movie to watch. Sad that there weren't more episodes, but happy that it didn't get milked to the point where I hated it.