ChihayaFuru is the first verse in a poem written as
"Impassionate gods have never seen the red that is Tatsuta River" (rough translation) that happens to be one of the hundred poems used in karuta, a japanese card game.
Karuta, like I said, is a Japanese card game. It's tricky and both mind and body should work with rhythm. Yes, it is a sport, though you shouldn't erase the fact that it is poetry (-Kana-chan). Not many understand it, and it's not like it will get any famous in other countries; so if you become the best in Japan, you'll be the best in the world.
So here comes a girl who just met her passion and dream to become the best female karuta player--Chihaya Ayase; Pretty yet sometimes an airhead and acts ungraceful. At first she followed the lead of his friend Arata Wataya, after years she realize she should take a shot on being the best along with Taichi Mashima.
THE REVIEW PROPER:
Chihayafuru is unexpectedly a very nice dose of Romance, Literature, and Sports. I've never encountered an anime that have those wrapped in one, more like filling up my interests. I really like how some cards' meaning are revealed (almost) each episode, mostly glowing with love. Sorry, I'm a literature fa(g)n and I really really admire how the author mixed thrill and romance with poetry well.
In every tournament, or even just practice featured in the show is exciting, you're dying to know who would win! Their perspiration makes me sweat too, only means that "this episode's a good show!". Most of the time.
Let's get going in the other side. The love story.
In most part at the beginning (child flashback) you could notice it's themed "Ai no Tame ni" Eh lol I mean, For Love's sake. -I wouldn't like to spoil the story-
Ahh, the blooming love of youth! (why do I sound like a grandma)
It's really moving, I mean the love plot, sweet and not (so) cliche.
...(I actually feel the jealousy of *toot* if I'm in his shoes sometimes)
The lesson, or morals.. they're bunch of them! 'Determination; is always present at this type of stories, but it never gets old. 'Find your OWN dream' is what I liked the most. There are many people in this world that are lost, and are in need to find themselves to hold on to something--a goal to achieve; a dream to reach. Oh, I just said the two keywords on the next moral, reaching dreams. It's always significant in one of us. Nah silly, I'm being gay. (wait I'm a girl)
Moving on to the techincal(?) part, wtf.
Art: SUPERB! From the smooth background to animation, I can say nothing else. (and yeah the way they draw characters is awesome)
Character: What can I say? Chihaya is indeed a nice name! The characters' status, plus the characteristic, together they could be a super group! filling up the flaws of each othaaar.
Sound: Appropriate enough.
Enjoyment: HELL YEAH! ...except when the battle gets intense and I dunno what they are doing already.. and taichi's analysis kills me x.x
For people who have read this, and had their impressions, give this anime a chance, it's really great and cliches are nowhere to be found, it's not 100% love thinggies but romance here is really moving. I have yet to watch the last three episodes but look at me; I'm dying to watch more.
Thank you and have a gooood time in Chihayafuru!~
