Story:
The story is about the everyday lives of five friends. And when I mean everyday I mean hardcore everyday. There are exciting occurrences like buying stuff from vending machines, eating lunch and making photocopies (I'm not shitting you, this really happens). And yet, despite the uneventful storyline, this show becomes strangely addictive. Perhaps it is the innocence and sweetness it exudes, perhaps it's the nostalgia of the happy schooldays you never had or even the ideal picture of friendship it presents. Whatever the reason, it is a very captivating story despite the detail that NOTHING HAPPENS! There is no conflict, no angst, no drama just a series of sweet little nothings. Sometimes, that is just what you need.
Characters:
Twins Yuuta & Yuuki: are a pair of lazy deadpan overachievers who love trolling people. At first, I did not much take to them because they were strictly reactive and passive characters. Yet, in the end they prove to be the source of some extremely snarky comedy moments.
Kaname: is the exemplary, rigid student with a fetish for older women. His function is to be the straight man in many of the funny moments.
Shun: is a totally girly boy who is gentle, kind, sensitive and loves baking and the colour pink. He provides the group with emotional support and he's also my ideal wifey…oh, wait, I wasn't supposed to say that out loud. Ahem…moving on.
Chizuru: is the outsider that eventually becomes a part of the group. Many think he is an annoying, hyperactive brat but if you think about it his character is really necessary. He is the epitome of an energetic, active character. This is a quality none of the other characters possess, hence he is needed to balance things out.
So, there you have it. At first glance the characters appear overly simplistic yet as you continue watching you see a wonderful fleshing out process. In the end you feel as if you actually know them and would really like spending time with them.
Animation:
Nothing stellar and often sub-par. Yet this is not a show that requires flashy visuals so it makes no difference really. There is a lot of empty space, pastel colours and soft movements. Very soothing to the eye; it's like eating cotton candy actually.
Sound:
The sound was so discreet I don't even remember it being there. I mean, there must have been some sound but for the life of me I can't recall any of it. Well, maybe I was just so focused on wanting Shun for my pet. Oh, wait, I wasn't supposed to say that out loud…
OP: A sequence of small moments to introduce the characters matched by a simple, bubbly little ditty.
ED: A sequence of static pictures (stills: the budget anime's best friend) matched by a simple, cute little ballad.
Overview:
This anime is basically worth a 7 but I am giving it +1 for the frequent, random shots of freaky cats.
Will this show appeal to most people? No. It is too slow and uneventful. But if, on the other hand, you are fond of slice of life, sweet innocence and soothing lassitude you will like this. I certainly find myself looking back on it fondly and might actually want to re-watch it someday.
