- Last Online6 hours ago
- JoinedDec 21, 2023
RSS Feeds
|
![]()
Jun 30, 2025
My review will be shorter than usual. I'll just touch briefly on a few points which, unfortunately, left me with a bitter taste.
I had high expectations of Lazarus. Firstly, because it is directed by Shinichirō Watanabe, who is responsible for such outstanding works as Cowboy Bebop, Samurai Champloo and Terror in Resonance - series with a strong identity, both musically and narratively. And because, with MAPPA in charge of animation, we could expect a real visual success.
And in a sense, Lazarus delivers on its promises. The animation is superb, as you'd expect. The fights are fluidly choreographed, the music is, once again, highly polished, and
...
the universe is full of appealing visual ideas. The intriguing opening story makes you want to see what happens next.
But beyond these surface qualities, I found the series frustrating. Rich in appearance, but poor in depth.
The world presented doesn't benefit from any real development. It remains an aesthetic but hollow setting. As for the plot, it seems to vacillate between several directions, without ever fully exploring any of them. The characters, though endearing on paper, lack depth. Their pasts are barely hinted at, and their character traits are barely asserted.
I had the unpleasant impression of being faced with a calibrated, almost banal production - a visually effective series, but without any real soul. And that, I think, is what bothered me most: not finding that passion, that human touch that Watanabe used to bring to his stories.
Certain elements of the story are rushed through, or even abandoned along the way. As for the ending... I found it rushed and frankly disappointing (I won't say anything about it here, so as not to spoil what little pleasure remains).
The comparison with Cowboy Bebop is obvious. *Lazarus* seems to want to recapture the alchemy of Cowboy Bebop - in the atmosphere, the music, the universe, and even through certain characters. But the result often sounds too much like a copycat, lacking the sincerity, authenticity and breath of the original work. Axel, in particular, is reminiscent of Spike right down to his body language... without ever having the same depth.
I wouldn't advise against Lazarus outright. Some may find it to their liking. But if you're new to Watanabe, I'd encourage you to turn to his previous works, which are much richer, more unique and more memorable.
Reviewer’s Rating: 6
What did you think of this review?
Nice
 0
Love it
 0
Funny
 0
Confusing
 0
Well-written
 0
Creative
 0Show all
![]()
Jun 28, 2025
What if Apocalypse Hotel were by far the best anime of this season?
(I could have said of the year, but it's still a little early to be sure.)
Like Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou, this seemingly discreet little series conceals an unsuspected richness. I could have gone on for hours about what these twelve weeks spent at Yachiyo and Ponko's side have meant to me, but here I'll try to explain, as calmly as possible, why I think Apocalypse Hotel is this season's most accomplished anime - and why it might be worth booking a room there, if only for one night.
Animation: 10
Art direction: 10
Visually, it's flawless. Despite
...
being set in a post-apocalyptic world, the series sparkles with color and vitality. The unique art direction infuses the series with a warm, melancholy atmosphere. As for the animation, it gracefully follows this luminous energy, offering breathtaking panoramas and scenes full of life. A real feast for the eyes, even for the most skeptical boarders.
Music: 10
The soundtrack is the perfect accompaniment to the series' universe: sometimes soft, sometimes cheerful, it envelops the viewer like a soft blanket on a rainy holiday. Special mention must go to episode 9, whose music moved me. This suspended, emotionally-charged moment brought sincere tears to my eyes.
A sensory experience that reinforces the feeling of being welcomed in a place apart.
Story: 10
Development: 10
Characters: 10
But the beauty of the series lies in its writing.
Through its themes - ecology, memory, hospitality, the passage of time, family - Apocalypse Hotel bets on gentleness and depth. With disarming accuracy, it explores the humanity of robots, or rather the hosts of this ruined world, who sometimes seem more human than we are. Time flows differently here. Ellipses of several centuries remind us of the quiet eternity of these characters, frozen in their duty of welcome. So don't be surprised if you briefly lose your temporal bearings: it's a deliberate, almost poetic effect.
And then there are the residents of the Gingaro Hotel.
Yachiyo, so lively and welcoming, gradually gains in maturity through contact with the galactic travelers. She learns to slow down, to enjoy silences, to savor the present moment - the ultimate luxury in a world in ruins.
Ponko, for her part, follows the opposite path: a sunny, air-headed child, she grows up and becomes aware of her role and responsibilities. She becomes, with tenderness, a motherly figure and caring headmistress.
Every secondary character - the Tanuki, the alien guests, the other hotel robots - has their own room in our memory. All are served with care, as if each deserved his or her moment by the fireside in the great hall of memories.
Of course, I'd need many more paragraphs to do justice to every aspect of this work. But I prefer to stick to the essentials, leaving you to discover for yourselves this strange and touching table d'hôte.
I only hope I've succeeded in arousing some curiosity in you, or even a hint of tenderness.
For my part, I'd like to extend my warmest thanks to the staff of the Hotel Gingaro for these twelve timeless weeks. It was an unforgettable stay, and I'll treasure the key to my room in a corner of my heart.
Yachiyo, Ponko, and all the others: thank you for this wonderful adventure.
I'll never forget you...
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
![]()
Jun 22, 2025
I can see that this anime isn't exactly a hit with fans, and I can understand why. This little series has several flaws that tarnish the picture, but it still has a certain charm. So I'm going to elaborate on a few points that might, perhaps, encourage you to give it a chance.
Animation: 9
Art direction: 9.5
Visually, the anime does well with its polished animation and distinctive art direction. For my part, I saw strong inspiration from Great Pretender, particularly in the color palette. Madhouse, without reaching the level of Frieren of course, delivers a visually sparkling series that should appeal to the widest possible audience.
Music:
...
9
Dubbing: 5.5
As for the music, there's a very pleasant jazz-funk ambience, a real pleasure for the ears. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of the dubbing... I'm not talking about the Japanese dubbing, but the French version. I'm usually a big advocate of French dubbing (be it in Great Pretender, Spriggan, and many others), but here, the final rendering sounds rather amateurish. With the exception of the main trio, the majority of secondary characters unfortunately prove the detractors of VF dubbing right. Many of the dubbers seem to be either beginners or poorly directed - which is regrettable, given the quality of the dubbing of the main trio.
Story: 6
Characters: 8
Development: 5
Don't expect much in the way of storytelling. It's more like a short episodic series, with one (sometimes two) investigation(s) per episode. The format is reminiscent of American crime series such as CSI: Manhattan, Bones and Criminal Minds. And, as with the latter, the development over 12 episodes remains fairly anecdotal. None of the characters really undergoes any significant evolution.
That said, despite these shortcomings, the characters are colorful and give rise to a number of zany situations. I can't really say why, but I found many of them endearing.
In my humble opinion, a different format might have reached a wider audience. Nevertheless - and even if my review wasn't particularly glowing - I hope I've succeeded in titillating your curiosity. Perhaps you'll let yourself be tempted by this charming little series.
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
![]()
Jun 3, 2025
There's something rather frustrating about Yaiba. It's not a bad anime. It's not insulting, it doesn't take the viewer for a fool, it doesn't even try to provoke. And that's its biggest problem.
Everything in this series seems to have been mechanically assembled: a hero with great potential, a universe of demons, companions with stereotyped personalities, and a plot built on rails we know by heart. Yaiba ticks all the boxes of classic shōnen, without ever trying to break free. It doesn't fail because it tries something risky. It fails because it tries nothing.
Visually, the work is more than respectable. Wit Studio delivers fluid animation, spectacular
...
effects and clean art direction. As for the music, it supports the atmosphere well. At no point can it be said that Yaiba is “badly made”. And yet, behind this technical quality, there's nothing that vibrates. Nothing that moves, questions or astonishes.
One senses a lack of soul, of intention. It's as if the series existed simply to meet its specifications. For those new to Japanese animation, or simply looking for mindless entertainment, this will suffice. But for others hoping for a more singular, lived-in proposition - Yaiba is likely to leave a taste of unfinished work.
It's not a question of contempt, but of real sadness in the face of such blandness. After all, you can imagine how much talent a studio like Wit could bring to bear on a more audacious work. We can also guess that there are, perhaps, artists behind this project who would have liked to go further.
But here, the result is a series whose greatest quality is to be watchable... and whose greatest weakness is to be utterly forgettable.
If you're looking for a unique work of art, you'll have to pass.
Reviewer’s Rating: 5
What did you think of this review?
Nice
0
Love it
0
Funny
0
Confusing
0
Well-written
0
Creative
0Show all
![]()
May 13, 2025
So, many will no doubt be asking the fundamental question: what exactly is this all about? Is it a classic shōnen? A wacky comedy with equally wacky characters? Or a dark tale centered around a mysterious sect? What if, in an almost dissident move, I told you that Shakunetsu no Nirai Kanai is actually a subtle blend of all three? To fully understand this statement, let's take a step-by-step look at the richness - and limitations - of this manga.
Drawing: 8.5/10
Layout: 9/10
Art direction: 10/10
As the spiritual heir to Beelzebub, Shakunetsu no Nirai Kanai builds on the great qualities of its predecessor. Tamura once again demonstrates
...
the versatility of his graphic style. He skilfully alternates moods, moving from light-hearted to much more dramatic scenes with remarkable fluidity. This visual flexibility reaches its apogee during the fights: although often brief, they benefit from striking double-page spreads, served by a nervous and efficient layout that reinforces the narrative impact.
As for the art direction, it deserves a special mention. Admittedly, the seabeds don't rival the visual masterpieces of Nagi no Asukara or Aquatope of White Sand, but the result is still visually very convincing. The marine world is abundant, with rich flora and fauna and welcome touches of realism (special mention to the regalec discreetly slipped into a panel). The immersion is successful, and the universe makes you want to explore it further.
Scenario: 7/10
Narrative development: 5.5/10
Characters: 8.5/10
Humor: 9/10
Unfortunately, it's in the background that the problem lies.
Some works, even short ones, manage to offer a rich and coherent development. This is not entirely the case here. The manga clearly suffers from editorial constraints: its rushed pace leaves little room for in-depth character and universe development. Promising figures - Same, the officers of the Anegashima police station, even the antagonists - are cruelly lacking in space to fully exist. Their stories, relationships and pasts are only touched upon, or dealt with too quickly in the final volume.
The script, though original in its structure, also seems to have lost some of its substance. You get the feeling that Tamura still had a lot to say, to develop, to bring to life. This scuttled potential is frustrating, all the more so as the manga's tone - at once comic, dramatic and mysterious - worked wonderfully well.
And yet... despite all these flaws, I was genuinely moved by this read.
The humor is perfectly measured and hits the nail on the head. The deliberately absurd tone of the beginning gradually gives way to something deeper. The marine world, the strange sect, the stakes involved in the sacrifice... all this creates an atmosphere that is both unique and melancholy.
But what moved me most were the characters. Even though they are poorly developed, they radiate a simple yet sincere humanity. Their emotions, their choices, their wounds, their impulses of goodness or sacrifice... all of this made a deep impression on me. The main quartet - Same, Orpheus, Umi, and above all the sparkling Chako - shine with a rare alchemy. Their dynamic, often funny, sometimes poignant, is the beating heart of the manga. In the final chapters, they succeed in conveying pure emotion, to the point of bringing tears to my eyes.
My review may seem imperfect and sometimes a little disorganized. But I've tried, as honestly as I can, to convey all that this work awakened in me. Shakunetsu no Nirai Kanai won't revolutionize manga, and it won't please everyone. But behind its clumsiness lies a sincere passion, a unique narrative breath, and a real sensitivity.
So, if you like hybrid stories, between absurd comedy, supernatural mystery and raw emotion, give it a chance. It may not be unforgettable, but it just might find a little place in your heart, as it did in mine.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
What did you think of this review?
Nice
0
Love it
0
Funny
0
Confusing
0
Well-written
0
Creative
0Show all
![]()
Mar 31, 2025
There are some anime that, despite their flaws, possess a sincerity and soul that make them endearing. Blue Miburo is one of them. Unfairly criticized in my opinion, it deserves our attention, if only for a moment. Sure, its shortcomings are obvious, but it also has undeniable qualities that deserve to be highlighted. In this wave of negative reviews, I'd like to offer a more nuanced look, and perhaps inspire you to give it a try.
Animation: 5.5 | Art direction: 7
From a technical point of view, Blue Miburo suffers from a number of clumsinesses. As the Maho studio's first 24-episode project, it shows a certain
...
lack of experience. The animation lacks dynamism, particularly in combat, which is often reduced to still shots accompanied by visual effects designed to simulate movement. Many dialogue scenes are limited to field-versus-field, reinforcing the impression of rigid staging.
This observation is all the more striking when comparing the anime to its source material. The manga benefits from an assertive artistic style and far more dynamic drawings, particularly during confrontations. Paradoxically, the latter appear more fluid and impactful than in the animated adaptation.
But it's not all doom and gloom. If you can get past the technical limitations, the world of Blue Miburo has enough charm to keep you interested. The historical ambience, supported by creditable art direction, fleshes out the story and lends a certain authenticity to the narrative.
Music: 8.5 | Dubbing: 8.5
The soundtrack was a pleasant surprise. The soundtrack, composed by the legendary Yuki Hayashi, is particularly effective. Although it doesn't rival his most memorable works, such as My Hero Academia or Karakuri Circus, it strikes a chord at just the right moment. Those who already appreciate her style will immediately recognize her ability to play with emotions, particularly through her poignant violin flights. Personally, I felt this emotional impact on several occasions, and I think other viewers sensitive to her work might feel the same.
The dubbing, meanwhile, is another of the anime's strengths. Umeda delivers a convincing performance as Nio, while Azakami imbues his Hijikata character with an authority mixed with an underlying gentleness. A special mention must go to Tsuda, whose performance, though more discreet, manages to give her character depth. These vocal performances play a key role in the emotion emanating from certain scenes, particularly those in episodes 1 and 4, which made a particularly strong impression on me.
Scenario: 7 | Characters: 9
The story of Blue Miburo oscillates between two distinct tones, borrowing as much from the codes of shōnen as from those of seinen, without ever clearly choosing sides. This mixture creates a certain confusion: should it be seen as an initiatory tale focused on action and adventure, or as a darker, more introspective fresco? This narrative hesitation can disorientate the viewer and weaken the impact of certain key moments.
However, as the episodes progress, a sincere attachment to the characters develops. Despite the clumsiness of the script, the benevolence that emanates from their interactions and the trials they go through make the whole captivating. I won't give away too much of the plot, but you should know that if you accept the story's shortcomings, it can be a highly enjoyable experience.
A special mention to the Blue Wolves, or rather, the Shinsengumi, who won my affection. Hajime, Okita, and especially Kondō and Nio, have become fellow travelers over the weeks, and I've really enjoyed following their evolution.
I'm aware that my opinion won't be shared by everyone. Many will point to Blue Miburo's weaknesses, and these criticisms are not unfounded. However, behind its clumsiness, the anime conceals a sincerity that makes it unique. It's a story that, despite its imperfections, can deeply touch those who know how to approach it with kindness.
I hope I've aroused your curiosity and, who knows, inspired you to try this adventure. Perhaps, like me, you'll discover a work with obvious flaws but undeniable charm.
P.S.: I'm delighted to learn that the sequel to the series will be animated in 2026. I'm looking forward to seeing Nio and his companions again, and hope that the animation will benefit from the improvements it deserves.
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
![]()
Mar 30, 2025
Discovering Tasokare Hotel without knowing the original game was an experience as singular as it was immersive. Few anime explore a similar concept, Death Parade being one of the few works to come close. While the latter dwells on profound moral dilemmas, Tasokare Hotel prefers to immerse us in unique slices of life in their own way. Let's take a closer look at the various aspects of this anime.
Animation: 7 | Art direction: 9.5
Technically, Tasokare Hotel doesn't shine with spectacular animation, but it does its job effectively. The element that really stands out is its refined, immersive hotel aesthetic. The muted atmosphere of twilight, combined
...
with a soft, bewitching color palette, gives the hotel a strong visual identity. Special mention should be made of the idea of the faces reflecting the characters' pasts, which adds an intriguing symbolic dimension.
Music: 9.5 | Dubbing: 8
Tasokare Hotel's soundscape is a real success. As a lover of jazz, I found the OST particularly remarkable, lending the whole a nostalgic yet intimate aura. Although most of the tracks are not unforgettable, Rico Sasaki's Meitei stands out for its warm atmosphere.
As for the dubbing, it's all very convincing, even if Neko's speech impediment may annoy some. Each character benefits from a meticulous interpretation that reinforces their identity.
Scenario: 8.5 | Characters: 9 | Universe: 10
Where Tasokare Hotel stands out is in its narrative and its universe. Unlike Death Parade, which encourages moral reflection, this anime takes a more human and societal approach. Each episode unveils a new, often poignant story, highlighting the doubts, regrets and sufferings of its protagonists. Among them, the journey of the idol who wants to break free from the oppressive world of showbiz made a particular impression on me.
The characters are engaging, although their development is limited by the 12-episode format. The hotel manager, in particular, proves fascinating. As for the universe, it establishes itself as a more oppressive, tormented version of the Death Parade setting, reinforcing the hotel's own between-worlds feel.
But where the series surprises is in its radical change of tone with the appearance of the sinister Osoto Masaki. Whereas the story had settled into a gentle melancholy, his arrival introduces a new tension, upsetting the balance of the narrative.
The conclusion of the story leaves several crucial questions unanswered. What became of those murdered in the hotel? Has Neko's journey in episode 12 altered reality to the point of erasing the events of the series? If she saved Haruto and Ruri, they should never have arrived at the hotel, which means that all the other guests would not have been helped... Unless the Twilight Hotel follows a temporality of its own, independent of the real world. So many questions that are not explicitly answered in the anime, giving this ending a taste of unfinished business - unless the game completes these grey areas.
To conclude this review, Tasokare Hotel remains an immersive and poignant, if rather atypical, experience. Its unique universe, strong themes - sickly jealousy, hypocrisy, the quest for meaning, self-sacrifice - and refined art direction make it a series that amply deserves our attention. During these twelve weeks, it has captivated me, and I can only encourage you to push open the doors of this hotel.
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
![]()
Mar 26, 2025
The rebirth of the blue phoenix
Here we are at last. The series' most memorable arc offers us the best season of its animated adaptation. Having already expressed my love for this masterful work many times, I'd now like to explain why this fifth season is, by far, the most accomplished and best realized, and why you should absolutely watch it.
First of all, I must admit to having been somewhat biased in my reviews of the previous seasons. With hindsight, I realize that there were many imperfections. In fact, it's not impossible that, in a few years' time, I'll be able to discern certain flaws in
...
the Blue Night arc that escape me at the moment. But to date, it seems undeniable to me that this fifth season represents the pinnacle of what Blue Exorcist has been able to offer in terms of animated adaptation.
Animation: 9.5 | Art direction: 9.5
As I mentioned for the previous arc, this season marks a clear improvement in terms of animation, staging and color palette. Technically, it surpasses not only the third season but also the fourth. Voln, which had become accustomed to integrating 3D for imposing creatures (zombies and Gedoin in season 3, Hashiro's true serpentine form in season 4), seems to have reviewed its policy of using CGI. Here, its use is almost non-existent, limited to a brief appearance during the confrontation between Yuri and the Aztec statue.
Particular care has also been taken with the visual rendering. The character design has been refined, and the animation of the fights - particularly the confrontation between young Rin and Shiro - is much closer to the dynamics offered by A-1 Pictures in season 2 than to the frozen shots of the Illuminati arc. The result is much more fluid, placing it in the upper middle range of this season's anime (I'm thinking in particular of Sorairo Utility). After so many years of waiting and two technically lacklustre seasons, this conclusion is more than satisfying.
Music: 10 | Dubbing: 10
In terms of sound, Blue Exorcist has always been a benchmark, and this season is no exception. Special mention goes to the legendary Megumi Hayashibara, known for her iconic roles as Faye Valentine (Cowboy Bebop), Musashi in Pokémon, or Hakumen no Mono and the Shirogane line in Voln's adaptations of Ushio to Tora and Karakuri Circus. Her interpretation of Yuri is simply remarkable. Here, she adopts a distinctive vocal timbre, almost maternal in its gentleness, as if her voice glided through the air to envelop our ears with infinite tenderness. Unlike her usual roles, where her timbre is immediately recognizable, here she manages to surprise, delivering a performance of unsuspected subtlety. Her interpretation alone lends a soul to this season.
Story: 10 | Characters: 10
I won't go into the narrative details here, as all the interest lies in Kazue Kato's sublime writing. This season demonstrates the extent of her talent, and it's clear that she has gained in mastery and experience. The themes are dealt with in great depth, and the arc centered on Shiro and Yuri brings a more adult dimension that is particularly welcome.
Without giving too much away, Shiro and Yuri are among the most striking characters in the series. Shiro is universally loved, while Yuri is more divisive. Some, including me, admire her kindness, sacrifice, devotion and benevolent smile. Others, on the other hand, reject some of his debatable choices. But the 2 of them, through their shared trials and tragedies, help Rin to evolve, mature, reconcile with his past and realize his own worth. This initiatory journey culminates in a poignant final episode, which closes a circle begun fourteen years ago by A-1 Pictures.
In conclusion, and having detailed all the elements that make this season the best of the adaptation, I'd like to express my gratitude to studio Voln. Despite the challenges and ups and downs of this new adaptation, they never gave up and always sought to improve their work. On behalf of all the fans, and from the bottom of my heart, thank you for this season of exceptional quality. We are deeply grateful.
This adaptation is coming to an end, at least for now - only God knows what the future holds. But this conclusion leaves me with a taste of nostalgia. These weekly rendezvous had become a precious habit, and their absence will leave a void. Blue Exorcist is a work dear to me, both in its manga and anime versions, and knowing that it's coming to an end saddens me. But who knows? Maybe one day we'll have the privilege of seeing Voln's animated sequel.
Until then, and for the last time in this review: Voln, thank you so much for this wonderful gift.
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
![]()
Mar 23, 2025
This is it. This is the end... The end of Insomniaques, the end of an era of happiness, sweetness and love. And it's terribly hard for me to have to say goodbye to this story, to these characters who have accompanied me all these years. Yet I have no choice. I have to turn the page, accept this state of affairs, however painful it may be. But one thing remains: as long as this love continues to shine, I want to pass it on. To make you understand why Insomniaques is, in my eyes, the most beautiful slice of life there is.
First, let's talk about
...
the artwork. Insomniaques is a visually stunning manga. Perhaps not in its originality, but in the unique atmosphere it exudes. An atmosphere so gentle, so natural, so real that I couldn't contain the explosion of emotions it aroused in me. Every panel, every drawing, seems designed to immerse us alongside Magari and Ganta. Everything is so well orchestrated: the cutting, the dialogue, but above all those expressive silences. Ojiro-sensei has perfectly understood that words are not always needed to convey the essential. He offers us a talkative silence, where every pause, every breath of the manga finds an echo in us. As for the rhythm of the story, it's like the ocean: sometimes capricious and tumultuous, carrying us along in a whirlwind of events, sometimes calm and soothing, letting us savor the candor of these moments.
And what about the story itself? Words fail me to express everything it made me feel. This strikingly pure tale exudes a rare warmth, humanity and sincerity. It envelops us in a reassuring benevolence, like a warm blanket on a winter's night. Far from contenting itself with a classic high-school romance, it speaks to us with delicacy about much deeper themes: the fear of abandonment, illness, death, all those anxieties that haunt us. But it never lapses into pathos. On the contrary, Insomniaques is comforting. It whispers that all will be well, that the future, however uncertain, can still hold bright days ahead.
These themes touch me directly, and that's what made my reading so moving. This manga doesn't just tell a story, it speaks to us. It dives deep into our souls, finds that sensitive spot we thought was well protected, and touches it with disconcerting gentleness. Ojiro doesn't speak to a general audience, but to us, young adults going through the same torments. And rather than burden us with tragedy, he reaches out to us. It tells us that we are not alone.
This is the first time a manga has made me cry. It's not easy for me to weep over a work devoid of music or voices, and yet... Insomniaques manages to do just that.
And then there's the ending. To be honest, I didn't immediately understand what it was trying to tell us. After all we'd been through, I expected to see Magari, Ganta and all the others, in one last photo, one last look at their future. I wanted to see Magari's radiant smile, the one that so marked me as I read. But there was none of that. The conclusion remained evasive, open to interpretation. For a moment, I was confused, even disappointed. Some people saw it as a tragic ending, and that idea was unbearable for me. Not after fourteen volumes filled with luminous moments. But Ojiro confirmed that it was indeed a happy ending, and it's this truth that I choose to adopt. It would be too painful to see anything else. Insomniaques didn't need a heartbreaking ending to remain moving.
I doubt many people will make it to these last lines. I'm aware that this text is long, far too personal, and perhaps simply the ramblings of a stranger on the net. But no matter. All I hope is that this bottle in the sea reaches someone. That whoever finds it may, in turn, fall under the spell of this story and be as moved by it as I was.
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, to those who took the time to read me. And forgive the length of these lines, but my heart had to unburden itself, my soul had to bear witness. One last time, I'd like to thank Magari and Ganta. For all these splendid moments, for this myriad of emotions, for this warmth and lightness that have brightened my daily life, I have only one word to say to you: thank you.
Your smiles, your existence, all of this will remain engraved forever, in black ink, deep in my heart. I'll never forget you.
I'll never forget you.
I will miss you terribly
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
![]()
Mar 23, 2025
This review will be a bit special for two reasons. Firstly, I'm not a regular viewer of sports anime. Although this genre is very popular, it has never been a major part of my viewing habits. Secondly, I hadn't watched the OVA before embarking on the first episode - which I did only after the fact. In other words, I had no idea what to expect. My only point of comparison was Oi Tonbo, another golf series that I quickly put aside, not out of disinterest, but for lack of a real attachment. Yet something about Sorairo Utility appealed to me. Perhaps it was those
...
brightly coloured posters? Whatever it was, let me tell you one thing: this series is, by far, the season's most pleasant surprise.
I certainly didn't expect to fall under the spell of an anime that, at first glance, seemed so low-key. But before going any further, let's analyze Sorairo Utility's strengths point by point.
Animation: 9
Art direction: 10
Dubbing: 9.5
Music: 10
Technically and artistically, it would be hard to find anything to criticize. Sorairo Utility shines with outstanding visual realization, meticulous dubbing and a musical ambience that is both warm and soothing. Yostar Pictures offers us a veritable feast for the eyes, supported by splendid art direction. The number of shots that can easily be used as wallpaper is simply impressive, and there were several occasions when I found myself captivated by the beauty of the landscapes.
As for the dubbing, it's impeccably accurate. The actors deliver a sincere performance that imbues the characters with an infectious energy, further strengthening the attachment we feel towards them.
Story: 7
Characters: 9
Development: 6.5
If Sorairo Utility isn't unanimously acclaimed, it's undoubtedly because of its relatively limited storyline and narrative development. The story, which is quite simple, doesn't revolutionize the genre, nor does it attempt to offer a story with multiple twists and turns. Yet this was never a problem for me. I wasn't looking for a complex plot, but rather a weekly haven of peace, like Yuru Camp.
And from this point of view, Sorairo Utility fulfills its role perfectly. Despite some weaknesses in character development, it's impossible not to become attached to Minami, Haruka and Ayaka. Their sorrows, joys, doubts and aspirations touched me deeply, to the point of feeling a certain pride as I watched them evolve in their passion. In truth, I sincerely wonder how it would be possible not to feel moved by these three heroines, who are as different as they are complementary.
Minami, with her endearing clumsiness, Ayaka, always benevolent, and Haruka, bursting with energy, form a trio as charming as they are refreshing. Admittedly, their evolution over the course of the series remains discreet, but this in no way detracts from the experience. Their enthusiasm is so infectious that it makes us want to get more involved and achieve our own personal par 3.
An unforgettable experience
I'm aware that my review may seem disjointed, but it's difficult to accurately convey everything I felt while watching this series. Sorairo Utility might seem like yet another sports anime at first glance, but I assure you it has so much more to offer. I'm sure I'll miss every Saturday spent in its company.
So, for all that: thank you, Ham. And to those of you who are reading this, I have only one piece of advice: go and discover Sorairo Utility!
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
What did you think of this review?
Nice
0
Love it
0
Funny
0
Confusing
0
Well-written
0
Creative
0Show all
|
