May 11, 2015
I rarely write reviews for the shows. It frequently stems from the fact that I think poorly about my writing; That people won't read it even if I try. Even when I've tried few times, it was a failure. So, how many times do we fail in our lives, even if we try? And do we ever stop failing in life? The answer is no. But we can always try, and the circle of failing and getting up is what makes our life a wonderful experience, albeit sometimes depressing and mellow. This is what NHK is all about.
It's show which does not refrain from
...
showing dark, disgusting side of every person, since every single person on this planet had to grow up at some point. This growing up is often a cocktail of drinking, smoking, watching porn until morning, wasting time and money on video-games, and rarely a ride full of pleasure. By showing this dark side, this anime presents itself as a novelty in world of slice of life genre where characters often lead perfect, untroubled lives.
STORY: I've put the highest possible score here. You wonder why? I've already told that this anime is novelty, and I'm sticking with my opinion. I've watched only thirty-four anime shows in my life, and yet I can see that some patterns are being used again and again. Cute girls leading cute lives, fairy-tale romance, moe humor or fanservice, rinse and repeat. I repeat, this anime shatters every possible stereotype which there is. Aside from a bit of fanservice, story is dark, focusing on a mind of shut-in called Tatsuhiro Sato, who tries hard to make something out of his life, failing miserably all along the way. On the way he meets anime otaku Yamazaki, strange girl called Misaki and atop of that, there is his old love, Hitomi. Story is having an excellent pace, with a satisfying resolution, and is unlike anything that I've ever seen.
ART: Animation in this anime isn't all that great. Somewhere around episode four I was "this" close to dropping it because animation quality looked horrifying. But, most of the times it's fair enough, and with the topic which show covers this animation does its job. The thing I liked most is the total lack of censure, especially later on, which greatly enhances ever-present feeling of reality.
SOUND: I adored the opening, ending, even songs inside of the anime were great. Every song goes along with story, lyrics often portraying states where characters are in. Emotional scenes are often enhanced by emotional OST's, but all in all it can't be compared to musical masterpieces like Monogatari. It's great, but it's not something you will download and listen when you finish. Sound effects and everything else is great.
CHARACTER: This is where show shines most brightly. Every single one of characters in the show went through the hell. It almost looked like author enjoyed torturing them, just to make them appreciate the fact that they are alive when everything ended up. And because of those sufferings, everyone shows outstanding progression. From Satou, who gradually accepts reality of the world, to Yamazaki who settles down, all the way to Misaki and Hitomi. I don't want to spoil, so I will let you see for yourself.
ALL IN ALL:
I've enjoyed this show - this might be the best show that I've ever seen. To me, it topples down even a masterpiece like Steins;Gate, because it covers the topic that we're all related to: shameful, scary, horrifying process of growing up.
In the end, I will recommend this show to every anime fan. Unlike other shows, this show does not sugarcoat life, giving it grim but accurate description. And, if you realize that you've grown up just a little bit after watching it, then this anime fulfilled it's purpose.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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