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Feb 28, 2007
Story:
Obviously, the story is an enigma within itself. It takes so many different aspects from every fairytale like setting that the watchers are left with a dishevel of fantasy. It\'s an intriguing reality, this plot loves to create things new and fascinating on its own as if it has no ultimate creator such as Drosselmeyer.
Character(s) & Their Development:
Actually, I personally think that the characters grow to fine degrees in this show. I\'m not sure if it\'s because there is such an unrealistic atmosphere surrounding the plot, which in turn throws the rational reactions of the characters off-guard towards the viewers. Or if it\'s because
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of the way the individuals do mature, by dancing and learning things from that dance. In the end, either is remarkably genius.
First off, most people will decide that the people portrayed in this series have childish and predictable personalities; however, as the anime continues the majority of the audience will be surprised. Not only do they become like real figures, they take a life of their own with their deep ambition and urgent desires. As I said, quite remarkable when you as a viewer can feel the strength of a character\'s aspiration. This is a sole uniqueness that is hard to discover in any medium. It\'s certainly something the anime should be proud of.
Animation:
In all honesty, I found nothing special considering this aspect of the show. As disappointing at that sounds, the animation does have a certain yet unforgivable charm. It really all depends on the type of style a person enjoys. Personally, I found it to be cute and at some points oddly less detailed than should have been. I can\'t say it was bad, but it was more eh. Most places it was easy to tell what was a blast of sparkles from a computer program than an actual thought brought out by the creators.
However, one thing I would like to note is how well the characters are shown in climatic dance scenes. Some people might disagree with me since some movements were used previously in the show while others are simple pans; regardless, I found the style they were brought forth rather delicate, adding a wonderful yet fragile touch to the show.
Music:
It\'s ballet, there\'s really not much to say. I will admit, I liked the opening but it was so slow, I found myself fast-forwarding to it and singing with the high-pitched squeal I got along with doing as such. Much of the music is not original, it\'s merely adaptations from plays and ballets that have been shown across the world. This includes such titles as The Nutcracker or Swan Lake. In the end, it is all a matter of tastes that determines the music as well.
Obviously, the light and fluffy type of sounds fit the show to an expert tee. The movements seen in many of the scenes are incorporated to the classical soundtrack. In the end, it mixes together rather nicely. The only problem, is unless you enjoy listening to a CD that might put you to sleep then this melody might not be for you.
Dubbing/Subbing:
Yeah, I missed the dub once more. So, instead, let me talk about the subbing. While I enjoyed how different font color was used to demonstrate different characters with the fansubs, I always had a problem with the subtitles brought by the US release due to calling Ahiru the name Duck. What kind of name is Duck, literally? I know that Ahiru translates into Duck, regardless, I felt it was a rather idiotic choice. Besides that, nothing increasingly stuck out to me. Same old, same old.
Overall:
As said before me: The real gold of this show is how free it is to express its own imagination. Most shows hold back due to the public\'s reaction, Princess Tutu merely doesn\'t care. In the end, its colorful display of fiction and immense childlike plot will keep the viewer intertwined until the last wonderful episode. Feel free to bash it due to the interesting way it relates to other magical girl series; however, in the end there is too little focus on that aspect to really have that fact considered. This series is really quite grand though the ending will either have you wanting more or utterly disappointed.
I will state outright that this is not an anime for everyone. Actually, unless you tend to have a creative mind and the ability not to question a show because of its unreality then you might have problems with this series. Go out and dance a pas de deux!
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Feb 4, 2007
Story
So, what the hell is the plot?! Well, to describe it here would be a huge spoiler, so instead, think of it like this: it's much like the human race trying to keep God entertained with interesting events. It makes you think either stupid or brilliant, you decide because I'm still trying to.
Is the plot really something original and grand, or is it just a random pebble in a random pond sitting in a random hole in the ground? I can't even begin to understand which. The whole show had me watching, somehow and someway, but I didn't actually like anything I watched until the
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last episode. It also doesn't help that the episodes are shown out of order to confuse matters, and if there wasn't enough confusion already with data, closed space, and bunny-waitresses! Was the propose of the show to make me ponder in delightful wonder or was it to make me pound my head into my desk until my brain’s oozed out?!
Character(s) & Their Development
Actually, this one is a lot harder to place for this series. The cause of this is because the episodes are out of the order, so that means the development is as well. When you watch, the people you see seem to remain as they are, somehow growing in front of you without the audience even taking notice. It's as if a sneak attack tries to occur while you're sitting there listening to the attackers get in position.
Anyway, enough comparisons. First off, the characters are weird. You won't find many of them at your school besides a group of Kyons'. Everyone else is meant to be funny, hyper-active, and completely anti-typical. This isn't a bad thing because it fits the shows wacky style; regardless, it takes away any realism that they are attempting to display. Or so I thought…
The real secret here is that, by placing the episodes in a jumbled mix, we are treated with getting to know the characters. Thus, making us ready for the supposed ending (aka episode six instead of fourteen). This makes us much more comfortable with the change witnessed. I'm sure you could watch the show in order, but it might appear rushed in some form or manner. The characters do grow, and this is painstakingly apparent once you get use to their mannerisms.
What overall surprised me, but fit just right in the puzzle that is this series, was the bonds the characters make. I didn't really notice how close they all turned out to be until truly thinking about it. The real gold to this though is if the center of it all is Haruhi or Kyon? On first thought, you might think it would indeed be Haruhi because that is the reason everyone is there; however, the one everyone tells everything to is Kyon. So which is the center of this drizzled mess? That's another theory that only really the audience can decide.
Animation
This was the bombshell for me. Usually, I don't pay much attention to the looks of a show; regardless, The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya had such a fluid and lifelike style that it couldn't be denied even with eyes closed. I was truly surprised to find simple movements exaggerated for the viewers pleasure. Not many shows out there could get away with this without being called overly cute, but this one does with flying colors.
How odd it seemed in the beginning, but turned into one of it's strongest points. Then again, everything about this show is odd. Very odd. Anyway, it's colorful and has a cheerful display of complex movements in one bundle. If you're all into how good a show looks, then watch Haruhi for that. However, I wouldn't recommend doing that with any show, but whatever you enjoy best.
Music
Once again, another subject I don't pay much attention to; however, as soon as I can I'm planning on finding the soundtrack to this anime. It is, very bluntly, funky fresh. The opening is poppy, entertaining, and worldly (along with a psychedelic, colorful, banza during the opening theme). The ending has the same feel along with dance moves from your favorite characters to make you listen and watch. Not only that, I was a bit surprised to find interesting music inside the show as well. The battle scenes really shine with their techno twists.
Dubbing/Subbing
There was truly nothing special with the subbing in my opinion. The translations, I thought, were pretty nice, and some of my favorite parts of the show have an added oomph. Yet, besides that, the subtitles were… nice. I never really saw anything particular that stood out.
Overall
This was all around interest. Was it enjoyable? I think. Was it bad? I'm not sure. I was left with a lot of questions on how I felt about the show. It's popularity told me to stay clear, but because of that same popularity I opted to watch it anyway. I recall though, in the first episode, I shouted WTF seventeen times in a twenty-three minute timeframe. I assume since the beginning was nothing of what I expected, no plot of any kind introduced, I decided to stick with the rest to see what would become of bunny-girl-waitress-time-traveler-something-or-another.
The next few episodes actually bored me. In all reality, only the last two or three episodes got me entertained again. The ride to the end wasn't enjoyable for me, it was a trek I didn't feel up to taking unless it was to force myself. Maybe it's because I couldn't immerse myself into the strange rules this show threw at me. I might have been thinking far too much to actually sit and have fun with what was being shown to me. If that's the case, then my judgment was misplaced. Or maybe I just truly couldn't get into it. Maybe it just didn't interest me as much as others.
The plot seemed random, shuffled, and tacky to me. There were times I laughed quite a bit, but mostly it was nothing I could truly sink my teeth into. I can't say I know who to recommend this type of show to. I'm also not really sure why it's so ungodly popular (then again, I'm still asking that question about Neon Genesis Evangelion). So, if you like sci-fi you might like this anime. If you like bunny-girls with big boobs, well, this might be right up your alley, too. This show is a mixture of a lot of unsure things that will either make you scream out, "WHAT WAS THAT?!" or "Master-piece, I loved it!"
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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Jan 15, 2007
Character(s) & Their Development
Every character is based with a sterotype near the beginning of the series. The real question though is if the characters actually grow out of their set roles. After watching the whole series that's both a yes and a no. It all comes down to the fact that the manga is still going and the characters are still maturing in that format; thus, they can only grow so far in the anime without making it a new story entirely. Sure, they stay towards their first impressions but, there are a handful of episodes that explain each Host Club member and their reasoning
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behind attitude, outlook, and for joining the club in the first place.
A keen example is Tamaki and his feelings for Haruhi. In the beginning, he takes on a father role towards her and the audience is made to believe that this is only part of his nature; however, the viewers should realize that this is because of the feelings he holds for her. Even Tamaki doesn't understand it and in episode twenty-three is forced to question it. He probably can't comprehend his feelings in the end, but he seems to establish some understanding towards Haruhi. Really, characters do grow but they tend to have done a lot of growing before the show was established, and quite a few past experiences are explained through-out the episodes. Either way, the audience is given the chance to fall in love with the characters before they begin to change, which adds a nice and smooth transition.
Animation
I've found people complain at the lack of the details made towards the characters themselves. Then again, how much detail do you want on a character that's about to turn chibi on your ass? Seriously, the animators did a wonderful job at finding a keen balance between common and glorious so that when a touching moment is needed, the characters have that necessary lovely animation & while during the hyper-active moments, the characters are bouncy and have a jelly-like movement.
One thing that caught my attention after reviewing certain episodes was how detailed the background could be. I hadn't noticed it on the first run through due to how into the show I was; however, if you pay attention, you really notice how wealthy the animators attempted to make the school look. Look at the ceilings and the inscriptions into it, that's pretty damn detailed to me.
Music
I was iffy about the music in the beginning. Once I heard the first line of the opening, Sakura Kiss, I felt the catchiness; however, after listening to the whole thing I wasn't direly impressed. The ending song, Shissou, I didn't like at all. It just sounded like normal Japanese rock. I was disappointed even more when I found LAST ALLIANCE was the band who preformed it because they could have done a lot better.
Regardless, I gave the music a chance and got a copy of the available soundtracks. While watching the show I found the melody coordinated with many places perfectly, surely in the Ouran world the music full of rich violins, playful piano, and elegant harp was a match made in heaven. In it’s own way everything works... but that ending song.
Dubbing/Subbing
Since there is no dubbing released, I can't comment on that; however, the subtitles by Lunar Anime provided on their fansub were wonderfully done. Generally, I don't like to comment on subtitles because what's there to say, but what I liked was how many notes were provided to get said joke. It was also produced very nicely for the English audience.
Overall
Simply, Ouran High School Host Club is just a fun old time. It's got the wackiness to pull you into a fit of giggles, but at the same time enough character development to move along with a pretty random plot. I was going to skip this series entirely because I tend to avoid popular shows now-a-days; however, in the end I'm glad I didn't. This was certainly worth my time and I guarantee it's worth yours, too. It's hard to find a character or a part that you plainly didn't like. So, unless you're extremely nit-picky, then there shouldn't be a problem to enjoy this anime.
There are lots of laughs and pretty boys waiting for you at the Host Club so what are you reading this review for?
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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Jan 7, 2007
What's there that hasn't been said about this tale? In all honesty, Kare Kano is a love story through and through. Not to say that it lacks any other aspect besides romance but, it's the kind of show where you become intertwined with the heart more than the funny side-comments or the playful animation. The story is simply about two people in high school who meet, share common-ground, and fall head over heels for each other. Perfect for you hopeless romantics, eh?
Character(s) & Their Development
This one is certainly major for this show. The emotional interaction is at such a high level that at times, I
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was amazed at how lifelike it was. I felt I could meet each and every character if I walked around my own school long enough. It's not that their all completely realistic or even that they have no uniqueness but, the fact is that these people make you believe they exist is some space.
Yukino was certainly a character I had to keep a keen eye on. At first, I couldn't find the strength to actually like her but, by the second episode I found herself thinking the same thoughts I had just that very day. She has an extremely worrisome type of behavior when it comes to her relationship to Soichiro. It's not that she is meek but, it's that she has no idea how any of this is suppose to work because of the way she's lived her life. She was always so cheerful to her classmates, but she was distant. So far away, in fact, that no one could tell until this secret was disclosed when Yukino was not guarding herself.
She finds the relationship to Soichiro difficult at times, and yet that's only because of her own thinking. She thinks and thinks, doubting how well she can read him and be close to him. How much can she give, she really, truly wonders. A lot of the show is her ideals on her love towards Soichiro. I related to her, and at times was dumbfounded how much her very thoughts seemed like they were straight from my own mind.
Soichiro, on the other hand, doesn't get as much time to shed his concept on himself or Yukino as much as his counterpart; however, you don't need to hear his development to really know that he is changing. He becomes much more lively and socially active even though he still holds his own secrets & demons from the person he holds dear. In a way, it's a bit sad that Soichiro never comes to terms with his emotions in the anime, as he is cut off from overcoming his shadows since the show was never finished.
Animation
I've never understood completely why but, the majority absolutely despise the art in Kare Kano. As I said, I can't comprehend it since the studio had such a tight budget and because of that, I think they deserve some slack. The anime was also made in 1998, and there was a huge decline in money during that time in Japan (or something or another). Honestly, I don't judge too hard when it comes to this aspect. Story and characters are much more important to me, and they certainly come up strong while the animation is a tad weak.
Despite all that, the style has a plain cuteness while being soft. I've never had an anime where it was realistic but the style made me think: charming.
Music
The sound had to grow on me before I drowned into the youthful, playful melodies this anime has to offer. While some of it was increasingly fitting, the ending theme always had me bored. While I adored the lyrics, I could never get into the beat, but that was probably just me. The opening was certainly a gem though. I find myself singing to it even if I don't want to, it just had a perfect tune that couldn't deny the anime's own attraction in itself.
Dubbing/Subbing
Oh, I adored the dubbing in Kare Kano. The actor for Soichiro is dead-on, no question. Soichiro is more of an emotionless, hold-it-all-in type of guy and the inexperience of his actor actually aides in defining the character. Yukino had the hyper, somewhat angry, yet politeness you would expect from a role model with a weird personality. I was surprised to find the actress is really the voice of Ash Ketchem from Pokemon though.
Overall
In general, Kare Kano has a slice of the anime pie all to it's own. It's graceful in it's deliverance yet funny within it's own boundaries. The blandness witnessed is some episodes is picked up by the pure innocence of each character's quirks. This is the type of anime that is more than just a simple-minded cartoon, it actually lives and breathes like a human being that can grow and morph. It's charming and realistic in thought and action. There's little Kare Kano misses when explaining a relationship, and it doesn't miss at all the heartbeats, doubts, fears, and sadness faced with a first love. However, this show is not depressing despite situations where characters suffer; it remains optimistic.
This a show that's certain to give you that warm feeling, not for the cuteness (because, in all honesty, there isn't too much of that), but for watching the way these characters live out their lives, hardships, and accomplishments. (Last note: Pick up the manga, it ends the story and it's worth it!)
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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