Story - 10/10
I will not go into detail about the storyline of this anime, but it revolves around a growing relationship between Godai and Kyoko, who both live in the same house, Godai being a tenant and Kyoko being the house manager. The story throughout the whole series was extremely compelling with emotions ranging from the deeply sad to the tremendously happy, and the great thing is that as you are going through the story, you want it to be true. One place the story does fall are the constant misunderstandings between Godai and Kyoko in which some way drive the series. These are okay in minority by the continual misinterpretation between them eventually gets fustrating. This though is made up for in the final 6 episodes of which you feel like the whole series has built up to. These last 6 episodes are amazing.
Art - 9/10
Now, I know what you are thinking, the art is washed out and old, but hold on a sec. The art may be outdated, but in no way does it minus from the experience. In some ways, the traditional style of this anime is what makes it feel so natural. The art in this is never sloppy though. In some animes you get times when the eyes are just a little bit in the wrong place and it looks weird or theres a frame when a character looks completely different than usual, but this is not the case in Maison Ikkoku. The art seems high quality throughout.
Sound - 9/10
This is a close call for me because I believe that the soundtrack in this is one of the best ones I have heard in quite a while on a anime. Kenji Kawai made some real masterpieces in this soundtrack, and the song 'Akatsuki ni kane wa naru' or 'Bells Ring in the Dawn', which is played during some of the most emotional parts of the anime, creates an effect that is extremely satisfying.
Character - 10/10
The characters in Maison Ikkoku is another place where it shines. Once again Rumiko Takahashi has created some extremely interesting and deep characters of whose development throughout the series is extremely satisfying and interesting to watch. Godai is where the main development happens with him turning from what seems like a young boy to a real man by the end of the series.
Enjoyment - 10/10
I enjoyed this series immensely (because I am a secret romantic) but also because it is so satisfying watching the whole anime through to the end.
Overall - 10/10
I believe that this story is a true classic by Rumiko, and that is one of the most outstanding pieces of television I have seen.
Hope my first review was okay and I have persuaded you to watch it :)
