I first started watching Clannad at the request of one of my classmates. After much pressuring from him, I finally decided to see what was so great about this anime. Starting it, I actually didn't expect too much. I believe that art is important in a good anime, and, looking at the pictures on MAL, it didn't seem too outstanding. Anyhow, back to the subject. The moment I started watching, I was hooked. The story flow was just utterly amazing, and though the art wasn't superb, I think the way each character is portrayed more than makes up for it. Maybe it's because I can slightly relate to the characters, or maybe it just seemed so realistic. Either way, I couldn't stop watching Clannad. It has definitely lived up to the hype I have heard of it, and was one of the few animes that I've seen so far that actually had an emotional response from me.
Evaluation:
Story: 9/10
I have very little to complain about here. The storyline to Clannad was beautiful, with every piece of the plot interlocking with the other parts perfectly. There was nothing to be confused about, and no places where, as a viewer, I felt like I was missing something. There are happy scenes, sad scenes, encouraging scenes, awkward scenes, and basically anything else you might imagine would occur in an average high schooler's life.
Art: 7/10
I think I'm just being picky here. I seem to have a very biased belief that most animes with AMAZING art are going to be the best animes to watch. In Clannad, yes, I have to admit the art was not fantastic (I dunno, it felt like their eyes were way too big). However, it was still better than average by a long shot, and, seriously, after watching it, I can say that, who cares about Clannad's art. Its story is just too damn good.
Sound: 9/10
I loved the music in Clannad. Most of what I heard were slow, usually sweet or sad songs. To me, it just heightened my viewing experience. The music was placed in just the right scenes so that they would have the best effect on a viewer, and I have to say, I am more than just a little impressed.
Character: 10/10
This is the first series that I believe deserves a 10/10 in the way they portray their characters. When I was watching the anime, it felt like I was actually in it, a part of the story, since so many of the characters seemed familiar to me. If the character didn't have a personality that resembled my own, it usually had a personality that was similar to someone I know well. Thus, it definitely made it seem more real (well, it IS a slice-of-life anime) and made it just all the more enjoyable.
Enjoyment: 10/10
Once again. I absolutely loved it. The intricate story woven in Clannad is both humorous and touching, and will absolutely warm your heart. You will cry and you will laugh with the characters, since their personalities are so realistic that you might just feel that they're all standing just a few feet away from you. Maybe, if you closed your eyes, you'd open them to find yourself in that room with them. Seriously, that's just how amazingly lifelike it is.
If I thought I had watched great animes before, then I clearly have not seen enough. Clannad showed me the true meaning of compassion, love, and the importance of friendship. Touching, heartwarming, and sincere, this anime has easily become my most favorite. If you're looking for a great anime to watch, please, oh please go watch Clannad. I promise, it will be one of the best stories you have ever seen.
