Reviews

Mar 17, 2015
Preliminary (24/26 eps)
I had high expectations for this anime for two reasons: It's animated by Studio Ghibli and it's based on an awesome novel I like a lot. The anime maybe didn't live up to all my expectations, but it was a very enjoyable watch. It's a sweet and cute anime with a good and occasionally very deep storyline with enough humor and some moments that can be even frightening and cruel.

I had difficulties getting used to the CGI animation used with the characters and that was the main disappointment to me. Although after a few episodes it wasn't something that was constantly distracting me, I was paying attention to it throughout the series. On the other side, the background art was very beautifully excecuted and the forest felt fresh and real.

The series is very relaxed and for some people the slow pacing might be a negtive issue. For me, however, the slow pacing worked well. Both the characters and the watcher were given time to enjoy the nature and the atmosphere and get into the mood of the series. I also found the pacing to be nothing forced or strained - the series developed on its own momentum and nature was given a large part just as it has in the original novel.

Although the series is most of the time quite childish, the themes are mature. I was surprised how well the more serious scenes were executed. Also the way the children's feelings are portrayed is wonderfully natural and sweet.

So, overall it's not perfect and the CGI is a drawback, but neverthless it is very good and especially suitable for someone who enjoys a good storyline and atmosphere in a relaxed pacing.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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