"Tomoya, Nagisa isn’t just our daughter, she’s our hope. So I want you to know that today on you’re part of that hope, too. So never forget that your happiness is our happiness as well. In other words, try your best to be happy, okay?"
I had watched Clannad for the first time, I was quickly drawn in. The progression through the heriones' arcs were done expertly and I had felt like it was my favorite series ever. Thene I stumbled across After Story.
(ATTENTION I am basing this rating off of genre, but I will also rate it traditionally at the end. Also be free to message me on how I grade using genres)
After I had finished the first season, I couldn't wait to start watching After Story, due to the fact that I thought Clannad's After Story could in no way match how amazing Clannad was. I couldn't have been more wrong.
After Story is a direct continuization of it's predecessor, Clannad. I must admit, the first few episodes seemed like a failed comedy relief scenario, pretty much throughout the Sunohara arc. Things get a little more interesting through Yukine's arc, and Misae's arc is actually quite strange, but nevertheless has a good impression that is left. After all these arcs are done with is where After Story really shows it's true colors.The main arc is full of happiness, surprise, sadness, anger, sorrow, hoplessness, love, and the fact that life goes on, no matter what. In fear of any spoilers, I will get right into Genre Rating:
Drama - 50 out of 50
What really makes After Story shine is it's ability to lead you on with happiness and love, only to stab you with harsh-reality and sorrow. Out of all the animes i've watched, only After Story has managed to evoke me enough to cry. Twice. Even if I re-watch it and know what is ahead, I still breakdown into tears. After Story really does have a great way of telling a story to where it is almost perfect, then burning it down with a tragedy.
Romance - 25 out of 25
The main story arc around After Story is Tomoya's and Nagisa's strong love for each other. Even when times are rough, especially for Tomoya, Nagisa helps him pull through, doing whatever she can to help. What really astounds me is how much they progress together, conforming to one another, to the point where they aren't an awkward couple like the end of Clannad, but in a comitted loving relationship in After Story. It is really touching
Slice of Life - 25 out of 25
Slice of life in some animes are usually just some guys life revolving about school, which was what the original Clannad was about. Now, don't get me wrong, I love scenarios like that, but After Story was different. It was a story of a man, working to keep his apartment, to make money for his loving wife, and to carry on as life usually does. It seems so simple, where it's is so very far from it. There are so many things going on during this process, one might wonder how he even decides to go to his job. And after he loses everything he cares for, he still continues to work, because that's life. "Life goes on" is the most painstakingly-true theme of this series, and it hit me very hard
Final score: 100 out of 100
Need I say more? Everything I've said is the most I can say without revealing any spoilers, so go ahead and watch it, but make sure you watch the original Clannad first, you won't regret it.
I am also a big believer in the final episode. The original series had fantasy and supernatural as two of it's genres, so I was hoping for something like that to come along. And besides, if that last episode didn't exist, I would have constant anxiety over what i've seen, so i'm glad it's there.
And as promised
Story - 10/10
I really can't say much more. Please, please go watch this anime. You won't regret it.
Art - 10/10
Yet again Key and Kyoto Animation make another beautifully drawn and flowing anime. Layered effects, colors that fit the mood, and wonderfully drawn characters, After Story will not dissapoint.
Sound - 10+/10
I am a music person. That is my life. And after hearing After Story's OP, I already knew this was the best intro to any anime ever. Though true the ED really smacks you in the face after experiencing emotional distress while watching After Story, it is overpowered by the amazing back tracks to it's characters and it's OP. The voice acting is incredible! They seem to mature so much to the point where if you watch Clannad again after watching After Story, you'll be confused. Trust me, watch the English Dub, it is perfect.
Character - 10+/10
The character progression in the series is spectacular, especially around the middle, where you see some dynamic changes in everyone. Watching Clannad is the best way to see the major change of personalities. Showing how people can change for there loved ones is very realistic.
Enjoyment - 10+/10
Not one anime will ever be as marvelous and well put together as this one is. I would ask no more from the series, because it stops at the perfect spot. The show is also a steady emotional climax that is waiting to occur. There could be just one, or many. It all depends on you, and I loved that aspect a lot.
Overall - 10/10
Any less should be a crime. After Story really showed my how harsh life is and not to take anything for granted. Stay true to your family, where it can be your true family and/or your friends, and you'll be just okay. Life is not a dream, you cannot awake from reality, so lead on with your life in the pursuit of happiness.
Thank you for reading my extensive review. It's greatly appreciated. Please go watch After Story. There's nothing to regret, I promise.
"Do you like this school? I really, really love it. But nothing can stay unchanged. Fun things... Happy things... They can't all possibly stay unchanged. Even so, can you keep on loving this place?"
