May 23, 2024
To be honest, I still don't know how to define the genre, slife-of-life. I think it can sometimes be characterized by its more mundane qualities. Typically, the setting is somewhat average, the conflict of the story is more laid back, and the characters are also very average. There are obviously going to be other aspects, but those are typically what I think of when I think of Slice-of-life as a type of story. The Aria series definitely has most of the qualities, consequently, it has been tagged as a slice-of-life. I would also say that the Aria series is a Slice-of-life. But twice now (First
...
with Clannad) I have watched a show with that tag and been completely blindsided by what I found.
When I began watching the Aria series, I had some good expectations. I was hoping to see a relaxing show with a cool setting and good, heartwarming story-telling. And that is exactly what I got from the Animation. And because of that, I gave it a 9. Realistically, if I really followed what I preach, I should've given it an 8. But before I watched the show, I had convinced myself that I wanted to enjoy it. I'm not sure why, but I did. And because of that I rated even higher than I normally would have. What the Natural did, was it took what the Animation had created/set up, and began to really drive it home. The story developed. This is where I began to really get attached to Akari and her friends. This is when I began to relate to these characters. The Natural develops and develops, and by the end, I began to realize that I really have no idea where this show is going to go. However, the OVA gave me a glimpse into what I was going to see, and I loved it. As for the Origination, I was completely humbled.
I don't know what the right words are to convey this message, but the Aria series is good. Really good. And I don't mean it's good in the sense that it is enjoyable and pleasing to watch (even though it is). I mean that it is good in the sense that it fills you with happiness and is genuinely healthy and rejuvenating. It has a magical, wonderful ability to uplift you and make you want to love what you have. It shows you that the only thing that you need to be happy is your own heart, and that loving the world around you is the first step towards that. I never thought in a million years that a pink haired anime chick from a 16 yr old Japanese cartoon would help me understand that, but that's how it goes sometimes. You really never know. And because you really never know, I think that you should give this show a shot. A lot of people like this show, and fewer love this show. I would put myself in the ladder. But, what I am certain of, is that there will be something about that you will be able to appreciate.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
What did you think of this review?
Nice
0
Love it
0
Funny
0
Confusing
0
Well-written
0
Creative
0Show all
