I have now seen this series twice... Both times it has hit me. Hard.
Art:
This is the very first thing that strikes you, right from the start.
It's pretty amazing...
The animation style is constantly switching. This may be seen as simply a novelty be some, a tool to show off the animator's artistic prowess...
Yet it really isn't. The changes of style bring out what the characters are feeling to an even greater extent, and really helps keep it interesting and fresh. The attention to detail is also outstanding. The backgrounds, the foregrounds, the sea, the buildings, the sky...Especially that sky!
Characters:
The characters are also brilliantly designed and animated, and the development in every case is superb. While not always the most original characters, each is different from the rest, yet you can still identify with all of them (though some hold grudges against either one of Hiro's two love interests...).
The relationships between the characters, however, are what really make the show. Everyone is connected in some way, and they all have their own individual problems to take care of. By the end, you will be overwhelmingly attatched to at least one of the characters, if not all.
Story:
Yeahyeahyeah, love triangle, 50 First Dates, knights and princesses, etc, it's been done... I still love it.
I feel it is a 10, but I can see how others would argue differently...
I reckon it makes a big difference whether you watch this show in one sitting, or over the course of a few days/weeks. However, it is personal preference...Some prefer the continuity of one sitting, while others prefer to have some time to think about each episode before moving on to the next.
Try both. =] You'll want to rewatch it eventually anyway.
The story remains strong throughout, with a few extremely memorable and powerful events, and once finished, you will be thinking back over it for days to come.
Sound:
The sound is excellent all throughout the series - it's used to great effect, especially in the build-ups and climaxes. I recommend using headphones to experience the full effect.
While I liked the opening and ending themes (a couple are really catchy!), I don't think they suited it too well... For instance, at the end of episode 7... The sudden intro of a J-Pop song sort of spoiled the effect. However, this sentiment may not be shared by all... Plus, it's only a slight problem. It detracts from the sound rating, and not the series as a whole.
I do like how they changed the theme songs each episode, though.
Enjoyment:
As you can probably tell if you read all this, I really enjoyed this series. I laughed, I cried, and was completely connected to every character, and after seeing it again, the feelings were even greater, if anything.
This is great to watch, great to rewatch, and great to think over afterwards.
Highly recommended, for anyone - even if not a fan of the genre, as it does not just stick to the usual clichés, in any aspect. Absolutely brilliant.
10/10. Pretty much perfect. Much love to this series. <3.
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This was my first review, so any comments would be appreciated.
Cheers.
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07 April 2008 - Edited a couple of times after some feedback.
