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Review Summary: The first two episodes are horrible, but stick it out. Trust me. Don't give in to the negative review hype and just give the show a chance. You might regret it, or you might end up falling in love with it like I did! Hopefully once you read this review, you can understand the multitude of low rankings, yet also understand how it gets high rankings too. (Shout out to those who stick it out!)

Full Review: This Anime is very similar in design to that of "Love, Chunibyo, & Other Delusions!," with the exception that the powers in Charlotte are reality and not ... delusions for these high schoolers. Unfortunately, the first episode is entirely miserable and the 2nd episode isn't much better. They literally turn people off within the first 5 minutes. Trust me, it took me 3 times watching the first episode to get through it. I cringed, and here's why...

In the first episode, you really get the worst possible impression you can imagine for not only the main character, but for the entire plot of the series. What you see is a delusional guy who uses his power to possess people's minds to cheat his way to the top of the schools he attends, and to get into a prestigious high school. So first you think, "great, this is going to be one of THOSE Anime." On top of this, he nearly kills a girl just to get her attention so she'll start dating him after he saves her life, or so he hopes will happen. Right away you think, "Really? What kind of Anime is this with this sort of idiotic main character? This is nothing like what was promised in the show bio...." Towards the end of the first episode, you meet more characters and immediately you see that there is a bigger story here than is eluded to during the first half of the episode. When you watch the second episode, you get an even clearer understanding of the direction of the plot and Anime series as a whole. And this, folks, is how this Anime went from a 3 to a 9 for me.

Once you hit episode 3, the rest of the episodes just flow and are seriously amazing. The story takes unexpected turns and really becomes a much better developed show overall, both character- and story-wise. You honestly just have to get through that one excruciating episode, learn what kind of person the main character is, and learn how he thinks and reacts to situations, and then you're good. Once you get through that, you'll meet some amazing characters and go through some heartbreaking moments throughout the story's journey. If it weren't for that horrible start, this story would probably get a 10 from me.

Honestly, if you're on the fence and aren't sure because of the top reviews and rating, give it a shot anyways. People ripped this series a new one, and it was already on my list to watch, so I just binged it. I don't regret it at all!

This series gave a great foundation to the plot for the first half, and then was fast-paced in the 2nd half, as is typical in a 12-13 episode series. However, I felt the build-up and twists that come in the second half are really not that bad. If you think back on the story and how each action ... lead to where you end up, it really does logically make sense. But, you need to view it as a game progression and as if you're watching the video for a game versus watching an anime based on a webcomic or manga. Game construction is very different than other stories, yet also similar, and that is reflected in an anime production of it. If it didn't reflect that construction and concept, it wouldn't be bringing the game to life.

Overall this series reminds me of a Final Fantasy/Kingdom Hearts RPG kind of game and the story really reflects that in its simplicity and progression. Just like those types of games have different endings based on your decisions and game completion, this series gave that sort of an ending. You come so close to top completion, only to fall short at the end and get the ending you didn't want because it's not the happily ever after you pictured for the characters. (I'm looking at you FFX-2....) So with that in mind, you can understand the storyline, the pace, and the train of actions behind every development.

In short, this is an anime based off a game. Keep in mind you're watching game progression turned anime and you'll have a better experience watching this series. I really hope there's a Season 2 as it sets it up really well for another season!

I personally enjoyed this gag series! Each episode has a different "disorder" they talk about, and although you do learn some valuable information, it's honestly just 5 minutes of hilarious puns and innuendos that have no real purpose. The Psychiatrist Ryou is easily overshadowed by the Kangoshi sisters who act as his nurses throughout the episodes. Whether it's themselves or their grandfather, they're always causing trouble and miscommunication for the Doctor! Though each episode is only 5 minutes long, there are 20 episodes packed full of laughter. Once you start watching, it'll be hard for you not to sit through the whole season! I highly ... recommend this gag series if you're looking for something light and quick to watch between series. It's a great filler to pass the time when you just want a good laugh!

~~~~PLEASE READ IF YOU HAVE ALREADY WATCHED THE ORIGINAL TWO SEASONS OF ROZEN MAIDEN~~~~

This review is to shed some light on the direction of the anime as it is very different from the original plot and story, but it's so good and I don't want people to be discouraged by the first episode like I was!

I really loved the original story of Rozen Maiden. It was so addicting and I was completely on an emotional roller coaster, especially once the Alice Games really started. When I saw that they had made a new anime of it, I assumed they were doing what they did with ... Sailor Moon and doing a new release that condensed Seasons 1 & 2 into one season. However, I was mistaken. This Anime takes that story and rewrites the Alice Games into an alternate reality. The creativity is amazing with what they've done to the story and I won't go into detail because it'll ruin the whole anime. It's better to watch this plot develop as you watch for the first time!

When I watched the first episode, I was angry. I didn't understand what they were doing, and I didn't understand why things were happening as they were. I also went into the series thinking it was a condensed version of the original though, so that has something to do with it for sure. You get no character development on the Rozen Maiden dolls you meet in this episode, and you feel no connection to what happens in the first episode unless you have seen what happens in the original and know their relationships and personalities. It's a shocking and confusing first episode for sure.

However, when you watch the second episode you begin to understand more clearly as you switch and start following the life of some other guy in university who works at a bookstore. Pay attention to his name. When you hear the name and see what he finds, everything begins to make sense. It's in this episode that the series plot and direction become a little more clear. As you go into the third episode, there's no doubt what the direction is and you'll look back on episode one and see why things happened as they did and what it all meant in retrospect.

So in short, don't be discouraged by the first episode. It's a great series that puts a new spin on Rozen Maiden and is full of the characters you know and love, just in a new storyline. In later episodes you get glimpses of the original story and you get more character development that complements what you learned in the original story. You'll really enjoy it!

I personally did not like this "movie". It may have the same characters, but it's TOO fast paced and the story line is pretty horrid. I mean, you MAY like it if you've never seen the Hana Yori Dango anime series, but if you've seen it, you'll be HIGHLY disappointed in this movie.
Yes, I know it's supposed to be set in a new time and theme, but they could have done a LOT better job on it -- the story line wasn't half as good as it could have been. They also should have spent more time on it instead of only giving it ... a pathetic half hour :/
Therefore I simply warn you: If you want to watch it, go for it, but don't expect anything and get your hopes up, except a movie that dishonors the anime.