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Nov 5, 2015
Let me just start off with saying this. I just finished this series and I feel pretty happy. Not sad, not angry, or frustrated. Just happy. I think its important to note this because when it really comes down to it, anime, no any art form is supposed to inspire feelings. These feelings are what make our lives more enjoyable and become important pieces of ourselves. This anime made me smile. So if you take anything away from this review, first take away that it is worth watching and will make you feel the spirit of adventure and kindness.
I would say the story is
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excellent. It is thought provoking, has few plot holes and leaves the viewer with a sense of mystery after each episode. This story really hits the ground running. After looking back from the first few episodes, a lot has happened. It isn't because I forgot but merely because there is so much going on that by the end, the events that happened at the beginning have tied together with the end. One another note, the story isn't complex (different than being eventful). There aren't many side stories going on and each iteration of the plot ends up meeting back to the main story. So in summation, the story is bulky but not confusing, which could be a nice break if any of you have just finished a confusing or saddening series. This anime heavily emphasizes the disputes of crusaders. The main enemy group, is a kingdom of religious warriors (this is not a spoiler). Much like in the Crusades by the Catholic Church in real life, these people are always trying to force their rules and views on their opposition. It really makes you think about what is truly right. On a side note, I have been raised Catholic so I really felt some neat feelings while watching this anime. Anyone with a religious belief, or even without one but with a belief in something, can understand the idea that "your way is the only way." It is hard to think around it. But this anime really shows you how horrible it looks when you try to force your ideals on others. Overall, great story. Nice and simple, but filling and somewhat mysterious.
The art is great. So many characters make such an imprint in your mind that you wish this series had more episodes just to see more art. it isn't what makes this series work, but it definitely doesn't hold the rest of the anime back. Some of the LARGE scale fights look a bit dinky at times but that is only because I assume it is tiresome for the writer to make never ending soldier images. The single combat is done very well, which is a big plus.
The sound actually didn't really catch my attention but the fact that I was feeling emotions from the scenes that mattered is a good indicator that the sound made a difference. I wish I had more to note on the music but it was what is was; not that bad but didn't leave a mark like others have done.
The characters and their development was what really made this anime. Not only will you fall in love with the art of many of the people, you will grow to feel for many of them. Each has their own subtle role to fill but you aren't really told what they are. Sure, you have the main character acting as a kingly figure, but everyone else is kind of on their own. Each character also changes over the course of meeting the main character, Arslan. What I find especially astounding is how well even some of the enemies tie together (I won't spoil anything but it is done pretty well). From the very beginning, the main character is exposed to all sorts of evils and treachery. He kills people but hates it, he cares for people but learns to do his duty. As the characters progress, you will question if what they do is right, and will wonder what is going on for each of them. Truly an intriguing set of characters.
Overall, I enjoyed this series with vigor and admiration. It is done well and although I grade it an 8, that is merely a baseline. It may suit people better than others but if you watch it you will surely leave it feeling happy and enabled to do good in the world.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Oct 12, 2015
Man. I really am lucky. I've been been hit with outstanding series one after another. This is no exception. If you have read my other reviews, note that this anime is pretty different from the ones I have been watching and reviewing. This is a pure romance and drama anime. No action, a decent amount of comedy, but no horror, no twisting sci-fi plot, nothing angular. Simple drama and romance. Before you guys get bored with this review please do something for me. Give this anime a chance. I say this about most of the anime I have been making reviews for but I just
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can't stop saying it. Either I'm a fool or I am just simply a lucky fool who has been struck with a good-anime spell. This anime is wonderful. Please read my review with all your might if you can. I would be grateful.
Take a bunch of string, and slowly start to weave it together. Along the way you might not know what you are doing, you might even look at what you are doing and say "what the hell is this, it looks awful." But keep going. Once you are done you realize that what you have finished looks like nothing like the simple strands of string you started out with. You have just created a strong, beautiful rope that runs sky high above the clouds. That is what this anime is like. You might doubt yourself, you might hate what goes on, you might feel embarrassed for the characters. You might give in and quit the anime, you might finish like it was nothing, or you might ball up in tears. Whatever may come, stick with it. I'll be honest, I was watching this wish mixed feelings (not a bad thing, just something to note). The story wasn't overly complex, there was not that much left up in the air. Since there was no sci-fi elements, you knew pretty much what signs meant what. The anime didn't try to hide from you possible plots. No, it gave you hints. It let you come up with your own assumptions on the spot then gave you all of your pent up ideas back in a way that leaves you stunned and speechless.
The story gives you a new look into the lives of child musicians. Drawing on our weak sides, and pulling from the depths of your childhood mind, the story brings to light thoughts that you might not have ever felt before. The themes are so simple but so beautiful. The story makes you feel like you are a child once again. I know not everyone has had the same childhood, in fact its impossible if you think about it. But there are somethings that you never lose from that time in your life, no matter how much you try to forget. Honesty, forgiveness, love, struggle, triumph, hate, despair, death. These things are all introduced throughout your life. Some learn certain things sooner than others but that is what makes each person special. This anime lets you into someone's life and lets you enjoy these experiences once again. The story is not lacking in any way and presents you with everything you may want from a drama anime.
The art is different. The artist responsible is clearly on a different level. Just the facial art has a unique clarity to it. I'm not going to spend too much time on the art, but just take away that there is nothing I find wrong about the art. It is a spectacle to watch and plays a great part in making this a great anime.
The music, however, is steps above the art. Probably due to the fact that this is an anime about musicians, I would say it is justified to be so. The music just takes your breath away. It blends a combination of classical piano music with modern piano blends. The music really is what makes this anime tick. From the story, to the characters, this anime is really one giant recital that you are all invited to. The characters invite you to listen as they make their mark on your heart. I am not saying that each character has a theme song or anything, but merely that the characters are blended together by music. I find it very hard to describe the characters as well so I suppose I will sort of lump that category in this one because of how well the music works with the hole thing. The characters are cute, lovable yet at times annoying or nonsensical. That is what makes this anime fun and heartbreaking at the same time. Back to the music. As usual I am listening to the soundtrack as I write this review. Like I have said in a few other reviews, this music track really rocks your soul. Its so heavy, sad yet hopeful. I feel like falling asleep because I fear if I stay awake with this music I will fall into a pit of despair. The music is just so damn moving. If you don't like classical music or piano music, still give this anime a try. You may find yourself writing down the names of the composers.
To sum up, this anime is special. I probably haven't fully given this anime its due with this review. I am still a little hazed and filled with emotions from finishing the anime. I may end up changing this review a little. So check back. First off, thanks for reading this. I really want you to give this anime a chance. It may seem annoying at times but I really felt like the ending of this anime was just done so well that I forgot about everything that I didn't like while in the middle of the series. If I had stopped at the 3rd or 4th episode from the end I would have given this anime an 7,8 or 9. Now it is undoubtedly a 10. Put this anime on your must-watch list. Please. It is spectacularly well done. Thanks for reading and enjoy!
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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Oct 11, 2015
PLEASE READ THIS!
Read this because this anime deserves attention that I have a duty to bring to light. If you don't want to read any further, take away at least this. This is a masterpiece of action/adventure. Even if you don't like these categories, this is still a must watch, as it contains elements of many other genres including comedy, thriller, sci-fi and mystery and romance.
Now comes the review that I believe you all should read (just take a little time out of your day and I would really appreciate it):
What a hidden anime. No one I know talks about this anime. None of
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the other anime lovers I know have seen or heard of this series. I don't know why but, man, what a shame. I'm sure it has been watched and appreciated/hated by many people but I don't think this anime has the credit it truly deserves. The description of this anime isn't really that catchy, the title art looks kind of odd and it is not in any of the top slots on most sites (none that I have seen, although it isn't that low on the scale, it definitely deserves a higher standing). But this anime will surprise you in every way possible. While I am aware plenty of people disagree, I disagree with them. I am not saying this is better or worse than anything out there (doing that is rude and does disservice to all anime). But I am (know that I mean no disservice to the other anime out there in any way). This anime does not disappoint. There are so many anime out there that are outstanding and deserve a 10 that I haven't written about. I am simply writing about anime I have just watched.
Every part of this anime should receive a 10/10 score. The story. Ha. Ha. Ha. Yeah. It's good. Its very good. While you can probably draw some tangents to other anime (as humans its what we naturally do), the story rapidly adapts and twists so well that you never have any real need to draw these connections. You are simply never given the chance. Now when I say that is twists, I am not saying it is a confusing story at all. Well it is. That is the beauty of it. The story provides a stable foundation, a premise, a goal then it starts to move forward. While it feels like a straight path, in retrospect, you see that you have really been pushed through a maze that you could not have foreseen. The story is so simple but it utilizes plot bends, and good story-telling to round out this anime into one that gives you a sense of belief, sorry, loss, hate, forgiveness, despair and any other emotion you can think of. It is not a dark anime, but I wouldn't say it dismisses that black abyss. It simply acknowledges that will always be dark parts that are needed. The story is done very, very well. You never feel like anything is lacking. If you want fan-service, you got it. Action, done. Loss, take it. Happiness, definitely. Embrace this anime to its fullest, and you will be taken for a ride that only comes once and awhile.
The art. While it isn't particularly the BEST part of the anime, I am still giving it a 10 because of what it brings to the anime. This ties pretty deeply with the characters, but the art is a different. The main character is cool looking and done very well. But, how do I describe it, its like what I said at the beginning. Look at the cover art on any description of this anime. It doesn't stand out very much but I'm telling you, get into this and you will see that the art is fantastic. It is pretty, bright and in general just cool looking.
The sound. For most of the anime I review, I generically like the music. This one is no exception. No. It is an exception. I REALLY like the music. Like I always do, I listen to the soundtrack while writing this. It is pretty incredible. I say that a lot but this one is more so. I feel pure emotion just emanating from the sound. No matter if it is sad, happy or tragic music, all of the music in this anime is just captivating. Do any of you listen to soundtracks of anime? Not just the openings/closing tunes but the actual soundtrack on you tube or wherever you find it? That is what I do. And do any of you ever skip certain parts of the soundtrack because you don't like it, or it sounds too odd on its own? I do that a decent amount, even if I like the music very much. I haven't skipped a sound. That is how well done this music is. The music alone makes me feel like I am re-watching the anime. It is just so damn beautiful.
The characters. Hehehehehe. Now here is where it gets real fun. The characters are incredibly vibrant and well balanced. I feel like many anime shove characters in there just to fill a role like "the smart-one", "the strong one", "the dumb one", etc. While at first it did kind of feel like that (when I say at first I mean for like 3 or 4 minutes), the story does a great job at giving you more information about the characters that leads you to change your mind. When the "tough guy" character is introduced, and I was like "oh here we go again, another character who is just simply strong and will stay plain and creepy for the whole show" I was super surprised after 2 minutes later. You will fall in love for all of these characters, whether you like it or not. So I recommend, like I always do, go at them with an open mind. You might hate some characters for awhile. That is all planned. Trust the story and enjoy it all. Now don't go assume things from what I am telling you now. Don't try to code how they will turn out because that MIGHT make you a little disappointed. Dive in and enjoy what happens!
Enjoyment and Overall impression. What a bad anime, no enjoyment whatsoever couldn't you tell from my description (in case you are wondering, that was sarcasm)? In all honesty this is a once in a generation anime. You will never be able to re-make it because it is done so well. This anime is so great because it leaves you wanting more, giving some hints on a future of the characters, while at the same time grants you closure on the things that are important. This anime deserves a watch, no matter who you are or what you like. It will make your blood boil and your heart beat out of your chest. Give this a chance and you will not be disappointed. Thanks for reading if you got this far. I really appreciate you taking the time to read it. Tell your friends about this anime. I really want to see more support for anime like this, and maybe even continuations of such good anime. Like always, enjoy!
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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Oct 5, 2015
Damn. Damn. Damn.
Well done. Finally an anime with something decently different and exciting.
I am pretty happy with this anime. Before I get into talking about the specifics, let me just say that the overall impression of this anime at first wasn't anything that great. However, right away this series dives right into a world pretty unique that just grabs your attention.
Usually I would point out a section of the anime that deserves less praise, but with this anime I really felt that doing that is unnecessary. The story, which is the downfall of many anime, did not lose its touch. Many
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series get a good start but then really flop, hence why people become disappointed. Noragami does not slip up one bit. It continues to add to the plot, not only holding my attention more but strengthening the bonds made with the characters. It is pretty rare that a story can tie well into the character's essence but I would say this does a fine job.
The art is stellar; really one of the best parts of this show. It is sharp and clear, as well as vibrant and colorful. Each fight scene, which doesn't come too, too often is just action-packed and stuffed with great moves. All too often the action feels stale after awhile but the style was so jumpy and all over the place that it really gave each fight its own flare. The monsters are all super colorful which really brings power not only to the fighting but to the story as well. I would really recommend this anime for the art alone. Thankfully, the other parts are all pretty awesome as well.
The music was very spiritual while still managing to be modern and cool sounding. The elements of the Japanese deities can be felt through the different sound-bytes and tunes that glimmer through the story. This music really makes you feel the main character's feelings. For having such diversity in its moods, I would say the music plays a large part. As music usually does, the music sets the stage for each change of pace. And let me note, there are quite a few in this anime. From lighthearted, comedy to intense battles, threats, evil auras and despair, the music changes each time. I really thought the sound brought the art and story into the realm of a great anime.
The characters are captivating, holding my attention and making me really feel for each mistake or triumph the characters had. This anime really knows not to shove too many faces into your head and focuses on a few at a time. Due to that, you really connect and feel like you are a part of the team. There were a few times where I wanted to cry along side the characters. I won't waste your time explaining what I liked about the characters. See for yourself. This anime is definitely worth seeing. It did not leave a giant void in my mind about some horribly unforeseeable ending, nor does it lose my interest once finished. I want a second season but at the same time I am content with what was made. Isn't that odd? That can't be true very often. Anyways, this is a must see anime. Enjoy!
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Sep 30, 2015
To start off I'm just going to mention that this series currently has a 2nd season and I am writing this review after watching both seasons. They are pretty similar in style but I will say that I think I enjoyed the 2nd season slightly more.
Man, I've been having great luck in the series I've seen. Let me get this off my chest. This was a superb anime. I enjoyed it thoroughly. Lets look at the story. Out of all of this anime's elements, the story was probably the least prominent but it is still very strong. A generic comedy/drama about kids in high
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school dealing with problems. However when I was watching it, out of the many anime of this type, I did not feel like this anime was repeating anything from the others. Either it does a good job of blending it or simply had good ideas, but the base line is its story felt unique and exciting in its own way.
The art is very heartwarming and pretty. The character art is done so well that I wish I could just frame some of the looks and actions made. Each person has a fair amount of detail which really etches the characters into your mind. I really liked this anime if for no other reason than for the art. That being said, the art wasn't even the best part.
The music really plays its part well. Like good music does, this anime utilizes music to influence each emotion that needs to be felt. If there is a comic moment, the music will let you know. If something bad happens, you will hear it through every vein in your body. When something touching or profound happens, just the music alone will bring you to tears if you allow it. Not only is the music strong but it is very different each time. Sure, it has a theme part that you can kind of fallow sometimes but most of the time each piece of audio pleasure has some different spin on it which makes for an exciting anime.
The characters are also really well developed. Sure, I can see why some people might want more from them but there is a limit to how far you can get due to it being partly comedy as well. If the comedy was just a side, then maybe the characters would be given more time to be loved but I don't think that was essentially necessary in this anime. The main character is different than most male leads you will see. He doesn't shriek when a girl talks to him, he is entertaining and has very deep things going on when he speaks or thinks. The other characters are also very lovable and endearing.
Overall, I had a very enjoyable time with this anime. It made me feel sad, frustrated, happy but most importantly, it didn't let me down. A lot of anime you will start watching and you will, a lot of the time, be disappointed with how the main character acts. In this anime, this is not the case. Sure you might be mad with their decisions from time to time, but you are always justified and never cheated with cheap, continuous dialogue that makes no impression on the actual story. Each problem has some visual impact on the story and each character. I recommend this anime very highly for anyone just looking for some lovely time to spend in the wonderful world of anime.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Sep 28, 2015
This is a hard one. I'll be upfront. I both loved and hated this anime. I can't/won't spoil anything but let me just say this anime has a very frustrating story line. It has an insane amount of potential. It starts off by lightly keeping your interest with a pretty cool idea about humans and special abilities. But then after a little while it starts to really try to find a steady pace. I almost felt like I was being shoved into multiple rooms. Each room was new and awkwardly different but I just wish it stuck with one. Now let me say that just
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the experience of being pushed around whilst still keeping the characters and basic story format is something to behold and not in bad way. I can see why some people might watch this anime and throw a tantrum halfway or all the way through. I can see why some people would want to worship this anime. In one word I would have to characterize this anime as BOLD.
I already explained a bit about the story but let me just add a few final thoughts. Overall, the story is what will make or break this for you, reader. I recommend this anime but I also recommend you take a deep breath and maybe get your mind ready. Now, let me reiterate, I don't mean this meaning that the anime is super weird or anything, it isn't. The story is just pretty BOLD.
The art holds a steady 8 for me. It isn't the most extravagant I have seen but it still manages to hold me closer to the character design more. This is not an anime I would watch only for the art. If you do you might not be too impressed. But again, its not bad. Its just not up to some anime's standards.
The sound I would say is very well done. It manages to keep you sort of tied down in all the hustle and bustle of things. I am starting to realize I should specify the type of music that this anime uses because each sound is different for each person. If I had to name an anime that it sounded like I would name Angel Beats (although not quite as good). The music that is uses is like futuristic, melodramatic, lyrical/soft rock. Even if you don't like rock or that sort of music I would still recommend this anime. The music really works with the story and art.
The characters are pretty unique. There is a bugging little sister that we have all seen but then the two main characters are surprisingly different than other anime characters in their position. Some ways are more subtle but I think they are likable in most ways. The back-up characters are also fun and enjoyable and the creators do a good job of keeping them in touch.
Overall enjoyment I would give a 7. It was fun to watch but I feel a little shallow now that its over. I want more, but it was a pretty compact series. Now before you completely leave this page I want you to know I still highly recommend this. Anything below a 5 I recommend you watch. This anime was definitely special and deserves attention so watch it. Make your own evaluations. I'm sure you will all come to different conclusions but that's the fun in anime. Overall, watch this anime. You will feel odd afterwords, maybe a little sad or angry but just stop and think about it. Don't try to fill in all the holes, just enjoy what you just saw. I highly believe that entertainment is for just that. Sometimes it is fun to fill in small pieces or find holes but I think in most instances that only hurts the experience. Believe in experience and enjoy!
P.S - I listened to the soundtrack while writing this and after getting through a bunch of it I want to say I really do enjoy the music in this anime! Its pretty well done!
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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Sep 27, 2015
Well, what can I say. This anime leaves little left to be desired. It gracefully combines all of the parts of anime that we all have grown to love and blends it together like the many savory dishes that the show unfolds.
The story is so unique that I am sure it will continue to alter the flow of modern anime. It takes a super integral part of our everyday, mundane lives and expands upon it in the most glorious way imaginable. This is the story about cooking and yet it somehow is able to masterfully make you feel sadness, happiness, hate, and joy
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all in one show. Not only is the story unique but it is also incomprehensibly enjoyable and leaves you yearning for more.
The art is another dish entirely. I would say out of the many anime I have seen this anime takes a large piece of the cake. Most people when they say it has great art they mean it is different in a way that makes them feel refreshed. This anime takes what we are all used to and simply astounds you with it. The shear quality of the cooking scenes along with expressions, beautiful scenes and waves of colorful food is something that I simply can't ignore and talk about.
Music, in my experience, is what really MAKES an anime. It can make the most silly depiction turn your brain into a funeral and turn a foul mood into a festival. This anime uses music so well that is strums on your heartstrings. Like the food that they introduce, the music does an exceptional job at making each triumph and defeat seem insanely intense like they ought to be. However this is not the only thing that the music does in this anime. What really is beautiful about it is the shear use they have for the music. I am listening to the soundtrack as I write this review and it has so much strength and radiance that I want to just listen to it all night. I would recommend this anime even if the only good thing about it was the music (which is NOT the case).
The characters as splendid. Like many great anime, this series takes many characters you have all seen before and makes them more fierce. The usual cry-baby main guy character we have probably all seen is now a confident, eccentric young man who's motives make you want to cheer for him the entire length of the way. In sync with the art, the characters are mostly all lovable and gives off a sense of heart-warming intensity when you meet them.
As overall enjoyment I would probably give this a 9.5 but they have no such score and since I only want to save 10 for either the second season of this show (if it happens) or a truly insane masterpiece, I will leave it at a solid 9.
I had a simply memorable time watching this anime. I will most likely re-watch it again and again. I highly recommend it (although beware of a few small ecchi scenes, which are actually done fairly well).
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Sep 19, 2015
This is my first review so I think I'll just keep to the basics and cover what I thought about each categories, quickly, in a few paragraphs.
This anime, while having a similar feel to a lot of other anime out there about other worlds, comes at it in a completely different way. It was refreshing to see a lot of connections to our daily lives as well as new things that not all of us experience combined into a fantasy/new world story line. It throws small chips of comedy into some of the harsher realities of military work (obviously not all are correct but
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you get what I mean). The art was very well done with scenes ranging from lush new scenery to old, down-to-earth human lifestyle art.
The music was a nice combination of emotion-evoking but not quite as strong as certain anime. However thanks to the plot not being a drama, strong music isn't quite as necessary anyways (I'm pretty sure saying that isn't a spoiler lol). The characters introduced were superbly well crafted, bringing a blend of new personalities along with the generic, run-of-the-mill ones. Overall I enjoyed watching this anime. It was plain enough to understand and enjoy but offered some in-depth ideas. With new characters, an interesting plot-line and simply eye-catching art, this anime left me wanted a second season. I hope you watch it and enjoy!
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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