I couldn't disagree more.
If you watch this anime for the intention of learning the key processes in the production of animation, you will be satisfied to know that it will teach you these things. Every episode, they give major notes on what part of the process they are working on, and give insightful tips on how to get better looking animations, sound design, etc.
They give enough information to paint you a clear picture of what they are trying to teach, without it feeling like an overbearing and boring tutorial.
However, you don't have to be an aspiring animator or hard core weeb/otaku to enjoy the plot, characters, story, sound design, and of course animation. The show does a splendid job of being generally enjoyable and beautiful to anyone.
By the way, this review is completely spoiler free.
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The story: is not the most unique at a glance. But, of all the anime I've seen about the main characters making anime, this one differs in that it knows what it's talking about. It takes the subject very seriously, while still making the process fun, and even very funny at times.
I won't go into the plot very much for the sake of not spoiling it, but it centers around three high school girls who want to make fantastical animations. It covers their struggles to start a club, work together, gather the necessary resources, and put in the work to make the best animations they possibly can.
It provides a realistic, yet optimistic view of how animations are made, by showing the struggles of these distinct, charming characters.
The sound: is subtly wonderful. It isn't over the top unless it needs to be, and when it needs to be, it delivers. Some sounds are so well done, you don't even realize, until you read the comments section, and find someone who did notice, and decided to point it out.
The soundtrack is delightful, being both fun and in tone with whatever is happening in the story. I personally enjoy the opening theme quite a bit, and I think the ending them is pretty good too. However, music tastes differ drastically between people, so take that how you will.
The voice acting is unique in that they don't sound like every other anime girl you've ever heard, and instead sound a bit more like real people.
The characters: are very well written, and mesh well with each other. They're just a rag-tag group of three girls with their own weird quirks who want to make really good animations. Although they may not be the most original archetypes in some senses, they are far from one dimensional. They're very relatable and realistic in their personalities and motivations. So much so, that they might even seem similar to real people you've met in real life.
People such as:
That socially awakward and weird, yet incredibly talented person; that popular and well liked person that has a grand passion for something; that one really tall and intimidating person (lol).
The characters are driven toward a goal, and they work hard to achieve it. The show doesn't hide the work they do, or make it seem easy. They show the determination of the characters by showing the extensive efforts that they make along the way.
And, of course, the art: is beautiful.
The backgrounds and settings are detailed, yet not not distracting; realistic, yet adventurous.
The movement of everything is incredibly fluid. The animation style is clearly inspired by, but not a carbon copy of, almost anything by studio Ghibli. They even make a few nods to Ghibli (but not in any way that felt like pandering).
The characters are well animated, and incredibly expressive both physically, and even just in their faces. There are compilations on YouTube of just the facial expressions of the characters, if you're unconvinced (or just missing them as you read the subtitles).
There are imagination sequences where the three main characters share in the joy of the idea sharing phase, which is one of the most fun parts of the creative process. These sequences are incredibly well constructed, and often a spectacle to marvel at.
The enjoyment: that I felt as I watched each episode was far above how I often feel from watching other shows of similar styles, genres, categories, etc.
As of the time of this review, there are only 8 episodes released out of the 12 planned, yet some episodes along the way feel like the creators could've ended the series then and there with a very satisfying conclusion. Yet, each continuation doesn't feel out of place or unnecessary.
They run through the plot at a comfortable pace, and don't linger for too long, while still not flying by too fast to keep up with.
There aren't any annoying cliffhangers, but there was always a feeling of anticipation that kept me eagerly awaiting the next episode.
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10/10
All of what I'm saying may seem far-fetched; giving this show a ten in every category. If you look at my profile, you'll see I've given out a lot of 10s, so you might still be skeptical.
However, believe me when I say that this will be by far the best anime of 2020 (despite the fact that it'll probably be overshadowed by some garbage that'll come out in December).
Regardless, give it a watch, and relax.
Enjoy the fun music and fantastical animation, be drawn into the unique and grand settings, and along the way, you might find yourself laughing at the little gags they have sprinkled throughout.
Maybe you'll even be inspired to explore your own creative outlets. I know that personally, after every episode I watched, I felt inspired to work on my own creative pursuits.
I hope you enjoy the show just as much as I do, and thank you for reading my review.
