May 3, 2015
"No matter how cold and distant people may become, on the inside something warm and precious always remains, something that never changes. To me, that’s what family is like."
The quote above was, by far, one of the most powerful and moving quotes I've ever heard in an anime. It's an interesting fact to note that the word "Clannad" is actually the Irish Gaelic word for family. So, it is no understatement to say that intra-family relationships play a major role in this series.
===Story (9/10) ===
To me, the story was unique and I felt it was a source of inspiration for the anime that came out
...
in the very recent years. The story revolves around a certain "delinquent" who gets himself entangled in the lives of several girls of his age, where he helps them realize their dreams. To me, it was a story of self-discovery and building up self-confidence by creating and fostering relationships with those around him, something which seems unlikely for a person who was an introvert.
The story in this season has a fair share of comical scenes and awkward situations but it is mainly emotion and recollection of past “nightmares” that grasp the viewer’s attention.
I haven’t read the visual novel and I feel certain events were left unexplained, most probably due to the number of episodes in the season, but still, those were minor aspects and did not have a noticeable effect on the story, as a whole.
The story is anything but a smooth, straight road rather its a rough journey with many unexpected twists and turns.
So, considering all factors, the story is quite entertaining and heartwarming and most of all, emotional.
===Art (9/10) ===
Kyoto Animation did a great job so that deserves a big thumbs up!
The animation itself was quite fluid and the character designs were done well. (Personally, I like those characteristics anime features like those big eyes and ‘moe’ stuff).
The symbolism within the art was exceptional so, overall, there’s pretty much nothing to complain about.
===Sound (8/10) ===
The opening was really good, with lyrics that pretty much evoke emotion in anyone who listens to it.
The ending, on the other hand, is something which most people would have mixed feelings about.
It’s a happy song, about a family of “dango” and it also highlights the fact that (once again) family is a key theme in this anime. But, at the same time, the ending might have affected the viewer’s “emotional balance” after certain episodes ended since it is…..well….too cute in a way.
The OSTs were phenomenal, they certainly did enhance and provide more colour (and emotion) to certain scenes so that’s a massive plus point with the sound.
===Character (9/10) ===
I believe that this anime covered the entire spectra when it came to character personalities.
You have the protagonist, Okazaki Tomoya with an introvert, carefree and at the same time lazy attitude and his partner-in-crime , Youhei Sunohara, a happy-go-lucky, comical individual.
The most notable female characters include Nagisa Furukawa, who plays the lead role as the female protagonist, Kyou Fujibayashi, Sakagami Tomoyo and Ibuki Fuko.
Nagisa’s childish behavior, kind-heartedness and sweet temperament; Kyou’s tomboyish, rowdy behavior and her “tsundere-ness” ; Tomoyo’s stern, responsible attitude along with her caring nature ; Fuko’s clumsiness and strong-will………..All this combined with “the dirty duo” is what makes this anime truly memorable and enjoyable.
With regards to character development, it is true that some characters remained static throughout the series but then they never needed any improvements, now did they?
A drastic change in character is seen in both the male and female protagonists; both of them breaking out of the shackles which kept them restrained for so long.
Since, it was a 23-episode season, you really get to know the characters fairly well and your emotions are evoked by them.
===Overall (9/10) ===
This anime is definitely worth the watch and lives upto its reputation as one of the most acclaimed romance animes and definitely leaves a lasting impact on its viewers.
The iconoclastic story and characters make the story truly memorable and enjoyable and most probably leaves the majority in tears, at the end of it.
It’s indeed a true masterpiece.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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