But wow...
This show deserves it.
Within the first four minutes or so I thought this anime was going to be typical Harem or some annoying romance that attempts to sway you by overly cliche one-liners and pompous ass shots, but oh how was I wrong.
**NO SPOILERS**
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Story:
The story is unique in this anime because it does something that I really don't see very often in literature these days.
Its actually a generally sad story, but the reason its sad isn't because of stream that which guides the plot; i.e., war, death, dystopia, anarchy, evil tyrant, etc., but more so the realism that reflects in how the characters develop around one another.
This anime really sheds light on the unspoken feelings that revolve consistently in any given relationship; Jealousy, Envy, Heartbreak, etc, but the best of it is that its not delivered to us the way a typical Shoujo would; using extras, realization characters, stereotypical events (The beach, Vacationing) to push the relationship forth. In fact, the relationship is merely a catalyst for the primary conflict WITHIN the main character that is that he must breach the revelation that is his true aspirations and goals in his life.
Another great thing about this anime is that the story isn't ENTIRELY about the relationship. Its about friendship, and the coalition of people gathering together and forming bonds that help bring unite them. For lack of a better phrase, you essentially watch a family be created right before your very eyes.
And let me tell you, its truly heartwarming scene indeed.
Rating: 10.
tl;dr:
Friendship oriented. Romance is not the 100% primary story element. Realistic scenarios. Realistic characters. Self-Realization. Failure.
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Art:
It guess it goes without saying that the art in this show is phenomenal. Then again, it seems almost ridiculous to even have to mention this statistic nowadays. Being that this is a modern anime, the technology used to develop this piece of work couldn't be anything less than perfect.
From a cinematographic standpoint, it was perhaps twenty-five frames a second.
The scenes are well choreographed to invoke particular emotions or thoughts at a particular scene. The lighting was realistic and pleasant to watch, details fell down to a simple swaying tree to present that the wind was breezing by. Sakura petals streamed in the luminosity of their stellar backdrops. Clouds, buildings, shadows, toning, glitter, facial expressions - everything seemed to present itself beautifully.
Chibi moments are gloriously prepared and orchestrated in comic situations and were not overused.
Rating: 10.
tl;dr:
Its a modern anime. If you don't like the art, you need to see an optometrist.
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Sound:
When rating sound I always find it necessary to comment on the voice actors work. Of the array of characters, I was definitely satisfied with all of the voices portrayed. Even accents and slang was correctly articulated by the actors. No one seemed too annoying or too bitter. The characters were well delivered to the audience.
Secondly, the OST is an excellent mix of both tragically sad and joyously happy music, the orchestration reflecting the scenes and attitudes of the given characters. It was honestly well made, and I have little argument against them.
The various ending themes and opening themes were easily rememberable and had a gleaming feeling to it.
Rating: 10.
tl;dr:
Acoustic. Piano. Depressing yet Joyful. Excellent voice acting.
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Characters:
This anime has a bit of everything. The diversity of the characters gives a bit of something to love in everyone. You have your stereotypical nerd, the glossy white haired innocent, the childhood friend clinging to romance with the male lead, the overly eccentric genius girl and her loyal companion side kick. Sakurasou no Pet na Kanojo certainly has a little bit of everything.
But what stunned me enough to give this a such a high rating was that the characters were surprisingly dynamic and realistic in how they acted, given their roles.
Perseverance through strength and friendship became the overwhelming theme of the story, and the characters somehow all coordinated around one another and aided each other in their quest to realize themselves and their futures.
The romance aspect is somewhat of a skewed triangle. While it is blatantly obvious that Shiina and Sorata are destined for one another, Aoyama still attempts at the boy, so as to give off the perspective of insecurity that she holds within herself. This helps her when she transitions to maturity, and once again reflects the overwhelming principle that friendship prevails.
Rating: 10
tl;dr:
Not too dramatized. Simple yet complex. Realistic. Love affairs. Friendship.
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Enjoyment:
Comments regarding enjoyment lie in the principle that this anime is not directed towards those that are eagerly looking for some Shoujo Romance, or some outstanding moral conclusion about life.
This anime is carefree, yet it breathes through the seemingly minor conflicts that arising during adolescence that truly impact the entity of our lives. It brushes upon realistic issues about growing up and realizing that the world is larger than yourself.
I honestly couldn't stop tuning in every Monday to watch this show. It had a pleasant mixture of comedy and seriousness that left me satisfied to the core.
Rating: 10
tl;dr:
It was a fun experience, and a proper message.
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Overall:
I would find it insulting to the author if I rating this anything less than a masterpiece. While there were things that seemed overly done and a bit exaggerated, a grand majority of this anime was flawless.
Its a shame that there are so little of these "oh so perfect" diamonds out there.
If you don't like this anime, I would honestly like you to PM me with your reasoning because you need to be enlightened.
Rating 10.
tl;dr:
Stellar anime
Great message. Great Art. Great soundtrack. Excellent Characters. Lasting appeal.
