From the looks of the forums, there are people out there who can't stand this. Whether that is because they thought it was unoriginal, or didn't like the characters, I don't know. But to me, this was inspirational. It made me think more about my own life and ambition than anything else. Im not exagerating here.
Although Clannad was great, I didn't feel like this until I begun After Story. Infact, I didn't like the main female character, Nagisa so much. Thought she was a bit of extra at times from the first series. But this was different. From the beginning of the show, even for other character's arcs, I began to feel more connected with the show. But, when the real AS began, the show really displays why it is (currently) the top anime on MAL. It wasn't realistic. It was naturallistic. To me (and hopefully others), it felt as though KyoAni wanted you to be in the shoes of Tomoya, feel what he feels, love what he loves, become him.
*WARNING* POSSIBLE SPOILER ALERT *WARNING*
You feel him as he tries to comfort Nagisa through the hardship of her illness. His struggle to life after graduation, the way he feels about his father, right up to the time he comes comforts him. The why he feels what Akio and Sanae feel and the essense of what life is in the city he lives.
But, it's pain that he is caused that is possibly the most heart poundingly beautiful thing that can be seen by the eye for those with a soft soul. Episode 16 is quite possibly greatest TV scene that I've witnessed in my lifetime. The way that the story is told, starting with Clannad then After Story just makes that episode so breathtaking that I thought about it for hours on end (I even got in trouble at work for it). I may change my mind in the future about this, but thats how I currently feel.
Episode 21, while not quite to the standard of 16 (although understandable if you'e watched it), is still heart-breaking and reflects from Tomoya to the viewer.
However, the story is told so well throughout that come to the final episode (technically 22) you understand the development of the girl and the junk robot, and whats its led to. Tomoya got his wish of a world where everything was perfect. It was stunning to watch. And then the feeling hits you. "I've just watched a master-piece in story telling."
*WARNING OVER* POSSIBLE SPOILER END *WARNING OVER*
The story telling is sublime from start to finish. I wouldn't have watched the whole series in three days if I wasn't that enthralled. Every character has a part to play in making this what it is. A love story for the ages, and this is coming from a lover of all things action.
The music in the anime sets everything up beautifully. Dango is the trademark of the series because of how beautiful it is. Other music, including English sung parts, are perfectly fitting for the feel of the scene they accompany.
At the time of writing this, I have not seen Kanon (2006) or Air, so I can't really compare it to them as it stands. But that doesn't stop me feeling any different for the time being. I will be sure the watch them in due course though.
There is only two things which I didn't like about this series. First, the two extra episodes, 23 & 24, were OK but not necessary. I enjoyed the series so much I was happy to watch them. Secondly, the EP. TORCH was not a great choice. The OP was very good and appropriate for the series. TORCH wasn't. Especially when used in the episodes mentioned above (in the spoiler).But thats nit picking.
Im considering watching the whole thing again in a few series time. Im that attached to it. You can call me soppy, OTT or whatever about this review, I simply care about what I feel, and want to share it with those who feel the same. So if you don't like what I'm saying here and Un-H it. Think of those that you know who could love this and share it with them. Im hopeful of it being licenced so it can be spread further.
Please don't discard this if you wasn't a fan of series one or don't want to have to go from the start. It really is difficult to describe the atmophere, the awe, the magnificence of this anime. It really is one of those 'See it to believe it' things.
As long as you have a sensitive side, this will stay with you for a long, long time. I know it will with me.
