Story:
I won't go into detail about the plot since you can just read the synopsis. But what it does so fucking well is that the story progresses very naturally and fluently considering the bizarre nature of the story itself. There is SOOOOO much character development in this the entire story basically evolves around its characters developing and becoming better, growing and becoming different to what they once were. It's so heartwarming as well as story dives into what it means to be loved, love and the basis of emotional attachment. It's also fucking hilarious and the humour is handled nicely as it knows when to get serious and when to lighten up, really powerful stuff to be honest. The humour is also really smart and not cliched at all, does not great job at making you laugh. Also it has excellent directing and pacing feels really good. When this anime gets serious you really feel the intensity and ssuspense. The melodrama of the love triangle is also handled really well and isn't cringy at all, you feel the real emotions of these characters and their motives. The added spin of Amanos time limit also makes it so much more intense and hectic till the end. In general, this anime does a great job making you laugh, smile, heartwarmed, cry, think and also contemplate all in the tiny span of 6 episodes, which also leads to a satisfactory ending, thus guarantees it the highest 10/10 possible.
Art:
Absolutely stunning animation and overall aesthetic. It's strange how an anime made in 1992 can look better and have more expression and emotion than most anime nowadays. The insane effort put into the hand drawn animation is apparent as you watch the 6 episodes and never does it deteriorate. Characters are fluid, everything flows really well and really lively and exciting. It's got incredible production quality. The color palette is also great. There is also those nostalgic 90s vibes and aesthetics which you just don't find anymore. The shot direction is also amazing as frame by frame everything feels really good and there's a sense of verticality and movement with the animation and characters. It's sometimes very artistic as well which is really nice. Everyone looks really good the girls look cute, the men look rigid and handsome, just overall an amazing experience aesthetically. 10/10
Sound:
Soundtrack is great and very groovy at times. Even at times suspenseful, it helps improve every scene and moment to new heights. Voice acting is also done incredibly well, clear, full of expression and emotion. Also has those 90s music beats you just dont find anymore, another key nostalgic factor. 10/10
Character:
OHH boy here is the REAL GOLD. Never have I seen anime characters with more personality, character, and invigorating expression. Amano Ai for example, is a character that basically was disadvantaged from the beginning as she was born out of a shitty broken vhs player. So her personality is sometimes rude, intimidating and careless. She goes against everything that video girls are supposed to be, like being great at cooking? whilst amano is fucking terrible . DESPITE all these flaws, she is aware of it and she is determined to improve herself for the main protagonist, she even teaches herself how to cook good food. This whole story is a metaphor for a simple person trying to overcome and persevere on with life despite all their initial flaws. It's actually fucking beautiful and really heartwarming. The characters are amazing, and really makes this anime cream of the crop. The characters all become well loved and you feel for them through the harsh and happy times as they act sensibly and aren't idiots. 100/10
CONCLUSION
This is a hidden gem among the sea of trashy rom coms out there. It's one of the best anime ever made and it sure is one of the best romances ever made. Somehow the hated love triangle concept is actually really fun and endearing in this, making it a key propeller of the enjoyment. The plot is great and the relationship bonds that strengthen over time are just really nice and heartwarming to see as they are so realistic as well and believable. IF anything needs more recognition it's this, if anything needs to be rebooted it's this. This is truly a classic and one of the best. The manga is outstanding aswell so be sure to check it out and pay respect to the og creator of the series. It's got a surprisingly deep and serious tone when it wants to get serious and the drawings are all so beautiful and detailed. It's got a type of hyper-realistic art style where characters have life like shading and surprisingly some nudity as well, as it's for mature people, which is better since it doesn't shy away. EASILY ONE OF THE BEST ROMANCES, and definitely a hidden gem that many don't even know exist, we need more anime like this seriously. There are also these animated short skits at the end of each video and they add a lighthearted touch on the story with really funny skits, a really nice cherry on top by the production crew. SPEAKING OF THE PRODUCTION CREW, HUUUUGE PROPS for their amazing effort in making this anime. Not only did they work hard but they also included personal interviews of the director and theme song singer in the end of the last episodes, both are wonderful people and director is so charming and humble, really shows you that production IG reapects these people who worked hard to make this so great. Go and watch it, it'll change the way you view romance animes forever, but remember to support the creators as well for their amazing product, like buying the manga and a few dvds so they are rewarded for their hard work.
Amazing stuff like this just doesn't come around much anymore, this is now my favorite ova of all time and second favorite romance of all time, right after Maison Ikkoku, just because that one is undefeatable. I will be buying the DVD and watching it over and over, what absolute wualitu entertainment
