I’ve watched this the first time it aired on Animax. I dropped it though, since I did not like the way the characters looked. Just this year, when I searched for something to watch, this came up.
Paradise Kiss is a story about Yukari’s struggle with her studies, her family, her relationship with George, and the most significant: her new ambition of becoming a model.
Story: (10/10)
The story was very inviting since only a few produce this type of anime. What’s good about it is not only did they attempt to provide enough ‘fashion’, it also showed us that not all the models we know became famous just by being ‘pretty’.
It had a sad ending. Really. I almost wanted to throw my laptop in mixed frustration and sadness after watching that last episode. Also, I don’t think 12 episodes are enough.
Art: (3/10)
This is exactly the reason why I didn’t watch it on Animax before. Seriously. Even I ♥ Dragonball and Crayon Shin-Chan has an even higher quality of animation than this. Cartoons would seem much more appealing to the eyes. Even if you merge all its aspects, it would still not stand a chance against the quality of animation of a fat Pikachu. It’s a 2005 anime for goodness gracious. Why is THAT like THAT?!
As much as the still shots of Tokyo that were transformed with anime-ic features looked wonderful, all the others dragged it a long way down. Here are some of the reasons why:
1) People didn’t look like they were walking. They looked like manipulated paper dolls being put to their next position slowly.
2) They had a lot pointless creatures that are pointlessly being pointless during prologues. Note that I typed that on purpose.
3) Concerning their eyes, theirs seem slightly better than those of Persona 4: The Animation’s eyes. But I’m not saying that I liked it even one bit.
4) It’s a fashion anime. Why aren’t there enough colours? Why is it that everything was so dull?
5) And lastly, this anime probably isn’t an anime. It’s just a slideshow of pictures. From the studio, to George’s driving, to Yukari’s runway appearance. Almost everything was motionless. It was terrible.
In due course, and I don’t mean to offend Madhouse Studios, its animation is a dump. It’s a failure.
Sound: (7/10)
Tommy February had a catchy opening theme. Just its title, Lonely In Gorgeous, certainly suited the show. I didn’t like the ending theme though. But I’m not hating on THE Mr. Franz Ferdinand.
Sound effects like traffic, doors opening and closing, etc., were amazing. It was really realistic. It’s like you’re hearing it in person. And the soundtrack was good, too. Even though it had a few tracks, it was okay.
Character: (8/10)
Some supporting characters that played big parts in the series were not developed well. That was really a problem. But since some of them were from the prequel (which I have not watched and don’t plan to), they must have been introduced properly there. That aside, the characters were very likeable. Like Miwako, who I think is a sl*t. Her character actually has a heart. And all the others as well. I also love how they perfectly presented Yukari’s growing relationship with all the people around her.
Now, I couldn’t say that he was my favourite, but I think Daisuke/Isabella was really the most remarkable character in the series. He was confused, came out, and was proud of himself. Or should I say “herself.” And the fact that George had accepted his sexuality way before he even came out was truly moving. Now that's true friendship.
Enjoyment: (10/10)
If you love fashion (or even think about it sometimes), you will definitely enjoy this. Especially the parts where Yukari got her first magazine debut, and the showcase.
Overall: (8/10)
Fashion. It’s rare to find an anime with this genre. Although sad, its ending was very beautiful. Regardless of its horrible animation, Paradise Kiss is one anime that will satisfy your craving for romance, comedy, and fashion.
