Dec 30, 2017
Angel Beats! was an anime I watched as a recommendation from my brother, because he thought it would be the kind of anime i'd enjoy. Despite knowing the basis of the plot, I found a surprisingly funny, yet serious story in this that i'm glad i experienced.
When watching the first episode I found myself enjoying the series from the start, primarily due to the writers choice of creating a lot of questions and giving no answers. This isn't my usual style as it gives no indication of what to expect. As I went on to finish the first few episodes I found the series really
...
funny, but yet with a clear (yet intentionally misleading) plot.
Typically, the anime has a baseball episode; a cliche that I know that many fans enjoy (I sure did). The most impactful episodes (particularly episode 10) really left a thought on my mind, as I believe it would other viewers. There were these powerful episodes every one in few, which seemed to keep me watching.
As for what let me down. Well I didn't know what to expect, and now that I'm finished watching I'm not even sure what i watched. Personally (as mentioned previously) I like to have some understand of what will follow, so there's some sort of logic. This wasn't the case with Angel Beats!. In someways I'd go as far as saying the more you watch, the less you understand about the plot.
The main thing for me however was enjoyability. Sure I watched the whole series in only a couple days and never once complained that I was bored, HOWEVER at no point in the series was I thinking about it after watching and wanting to watch more. A good anime would normally leave me needing to watch the next episode; Angel Beats! didn't have this same affect for me. By leaving so many questions open, I began to no longer expect answers and saw no need to be in a haste to watch more. This lack of attachment, likely due to the inconsistent plot, is what I disliked about the anime.
BREAKDOWN
Story: 8
The story is unique and usually easy to follow, its often fun and there are enjoyable moments amongst the more serious plot. As mentioned, the plot is inconsistent at times, lacks the passion to get a watcher attached, and is something that can only be watched once. The anime cannot be watched over and over and have the same impact as the first time.
Art: 9
Simply visually pleasing. Characters look sharp and there's almost never something visually unpleasing. Fantastic art for characters, objects and scenery.
Sound: 9
From a nice opening, with meaningful lyrics, to good backing tracks, Angel Beats! has it all. Only reason I didn't give it full marks was because the opening isn't something that i'd play on repeat over and over, but is still really good.
Characters: 8
Well this was a hard one. The main characters are fun and keep the plot exciting. Even the side characters give a lot to the fun of the show. However there isn't much unique in any of them and their backstories unknown, giving little insight into the depth of many of the characters. Personally one of my favourite characters had nothing explained about them, leaving me unhappy.
Enjoyment: 8
I'm just gonna say it, this anime didn't click for me. There isn't a boring moment, and i do believe almost anyone can watch this anime without complaint. But there just isn't anything to attach to. There's no lasting impressions left but while watching there is never a dull moment. I'd be lying if I said this wasn't enjoyable but it certainly isn't my favourite.
Overall: 8.5 (but for the sake of the review, 8)
The anime is great and i'm glad I watched. Angel Beats! will likely not become your favourite anime, but it may make top 5. That said I would certainly recommend to ANYONE who watches anime. There's just enough action, humour, romance and drama for all fans. I truly do recommend watching Angel Beats!.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
What did you think of this review?
Nice
0
Love it
0
Funny
0
Confusing
0
Well-written
0
Creative
0Show all
