Reviews

My main problem with this anime is how damn frustrating the female lead is. Mei, who, while shown to be quiet and reserved from the beginning, also has moments where she can be fantastically brave and kick-ass (the round-house kick, sticking up for Asami, sticking up for Aiko and helping Nagi with her problems). I dislike her development throughout the series as it is not smoothly done. Initially it is understandable to be nervous about starting new relationships with people as she has avoided forming connections almost completely throughout her life but later in the series when she is frustrated with her situation with Yamato, or confused about when he is upset over something, instead of simply asking "have I upset you/what is the matter" and resolving the issue she is constantly having long-winded, sighful inner-monologues and basically has to wait until someone tells Yamato how she is feeling because she is entirely incapable of doing it herself. By the end her consistency is the problem with her character going too regularly from being glad to have finally made friends to being mopey and passive about whatever her new problem is. Aiko says it best when she tells her to stop pussy-footing around. The voice actor, at least in the english dubbed version, was far too forlorn.

My critique of Yamato's short comings are less harsh because, while he should be more understanding of the way his behaviour makes Mei feel, and that he should show more trust, he does have to deal with trying to decipher every single thing that Mei thinks as she is basically a mute. Goddamn I would just have enjoyed the show more if she weren't so meek. (sorry)

Otherwise, I don't mind this anime. While it comes off as a bit preachy at times with the whole "we should all take care of each other/everybody has problems" shtick that pops up in almost every episode, where at the beginning someone is being a really nasty person and it turns out that is because they have their own inner-demon, then everyone is friendly by the conclusion.. at least the message is a good one. I also like the way the story doesn't stick to the usual formula of taking almost the entire season (if not several) for the two main characters to get together, instead with their relationship starting almost immediately (however, I would like that aspect more if, like I said, their relationship wasn't so frustrating).

The supporting characters range from mildly entertaining (although, they all have faults), to just plain awful. Aiko is probably my favourite of the supporting cast, as she shines in the moments where her blunt way of speaking helps to resolve problems. Seriously, her calling-out other people's BS is great. Unfortunately, she is also one of the characters that has a friendship with Mei that does not really make sense. She was absolutely atrocious to Mei in their interactions at the beginning of the series. Even with the back story supplied, I can't really buy their best-friendship (even though I am glad it eventuates). Nagi is another of the characters who I like. However this is mainly because her interactions with Mei are some of the few times in the series where I like her. They have a good connection as they both had difficulty with making connections with people they could trust and rely on. I thought it was very sweet. Although, again, Nagi has a very bratty personality at times which is irritating, though, refreshingly accurate.

The animation is quite pretty in this anime and all the characters are well drawn. Likewise the music does a lovely job of carrying the mood of the scene to the audience.