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NOTE: This review covers the entire Aria franchise (except manga), including the TV series, OVA, side stories, etc. No spoilers. My opinions only.
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"Wonderful"

That is what I would say if I could describe Aria in one word.

I first found out about this series while meandering through the Top Anime page on MAL here. "Hmm, look at that. Aria? Ranked #14. Right by Mushishi and Death Note. 15k members. Guess I'll check it out." I'm so glad I did.

I'm surprised at how little discussion there is for this series. Maybe it's like Legend of the Galactic Heroes or Hajime no Ippo wherein people who have completed ... the series know that it's simply amazing and having nothing more to say. Well, I disagree with that ideology and think that there is much to say. I wish people would spread the word about this magnificent thing...

Anyways, one of the best things about Aria is that every single episode contains two key elements: 1) PLOT PROGRESSION and 2) CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT. Honestly, this surprised me at first for how consistently good it was since it has been such a long time I've seen a series do that. It's one of the reasons why I put Aria on my profile as the second of my "Favorite Anime" series; right alongside Code Geass.

Another great thing is that Aria keeps getting smoothly and consistently better as you keep watching. If I could use a metaphor: the first series (and the one you should start with), Aria the Animation is a cupcake with delicate frosting and a lovely lit candle in the center. It's such a treat. Aria the Natural is a birthday cake, maybe with some strawberries in the middle. It's a celebration. Aria the Origination is a full blown wedding cake. It's a momentous, life-changing event. I hope you feel the same way.

Fun fact: Aria is the highest-ranked G-rated series. That's right; you don't need blood, tits, and coarse language to make an awesome show.

~Feedback is appreciated, blah blah blah... enough text already.

Let me explain why this is my favorite movie. Now, this may just be me personally, but I love everything about it. I've seen it twice and I still love every second of it. I even convinced my parents to watch it and they enjoy it.

This is my favorite of Makoto Shinkai's works that I have seen so far (which includes 5 cm/s).

The story is brilliant and develops smoothly over the full hour and a half while keeping a bit of mystery in order to keep the audience interested.

I love scenery porn. The art is unmatched in terms of detail, style, and animation. They go ... above and beyond what is necessary and it might even induce a sort of sensory overload at some points. If you have seen his other works, then you will understand.

The sound is always wonderful and their are a few pieces with the violin that just melt my heart.

The characters are realistic usually and very well developed. If I met people like this in reality, I'd probably want to be their friends because they are really cool and likable.

Tons of enjoyment. More so on the second time through.

So, that's my review. Let me know what you think. Maybe something like "OMG how dare u give 5 Cm/S an average score while loving this so much. You hypocritical monster!?!"

Do profit margins give you a boner!? If so, then you will love this series. Otherwise, if you are a normal person, you will still enjoy it.

The constant dialog keeps the story going even if it is sometimes mundane or about advanced economics. I watched the dubbed version and Holo's voice sound hawt.

The OP is absolutely fantastic! The song is wonderful and the images do a decent job of representing the series. The ED is really bad, including terrible Engrish. It's just so childish. What, are we in kindergarten now?

Holo is a toned down version of Haruhi Suzumiya who just can't get enough of herself ... and sweet food/alcohol. Merchant dude, AKA Kraft Lawrence, is basically Kyon after getting a PhD in economics.

The ending isn't the best and the plot feels rushed at times. The supporting characters vary from good to mediocre and not much time is spent on any individual one.

Overall, it's a good way to pass the time but there are much better shows out there.

This is my first review and it's late at night, so give me all your harsh biased criticism and comments about Holo's nonexistent nipples and genitals.

Thank you and may God bless and watch over you and may your harvests be bountiful and tariffs low.