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Mar 18, 2015
We've been waiting so long, and it finally arrived. The much anticipated Free! Eternal Summer OVA. It's no overstatement that KyoAni did a fantastic job in delivering to their multitudes of Free! fans in such a fun, light-hearted 24 minute OVA.
Story: 7
The premise is simple and fun. The Iwatobi and Samezuka boys all hang out at the Samezuka culture festival. Despite it's overall simpleness, the story provides excellent ways for characters to interact with each other both as usual and unusual. The OVA gives a new breadth of knowledge in the Free!verse because finally, we see some character interaction that has only so far been
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implied, but never really seen. Such as Nitori and Makoto, Sousuke and Nagisa, etc. Not to mention, everyone had a fair amount of screen time, even more minor characters like Gou and Kisumi got at least a little time in the spotlight.
Art: 8
KyoAni has a reputation for their crisp animation. I was very please to see that the production quality of the OVA was relatively on par with the rest of the series. Often times, OVAs lack the same smooth finish as the TV series, due partly to it just being an 'extra'. Regardless, the free! OVA is rather fluid and eye-appealing, though I really didn't expect anything less of KyoAni.
Sound: 8
All the voice actors we know and love made a reappearance in the OVA. Nothing has really changed soundwise. The music is very free!esque and fitting for the mood, whatever the scene may be. All the characters voices resonate exactly as we remember them. All in all, very solid.
Character: 10
While the OVA doesn't have many important plot points, the character development is SUBSTANTIAL. Without all the conflict of a main story line, we are able to see the characters with no external forces. Really, we see them as they are. Hilarious, teenaged boys. The OVA provided a chance for each character to get some time to show the audience who they are. Character relationships are built (mainly Sousuke and Haruka), relationships are re-enforced (Rin and Rei), and some are just plain adorable (Nagisa and Momotarou). Each of the characters are special and quirky in their own ways, and we really get to see that in this OVA.
Enjoyment: 10
I love Free!. I've been watching it since the first season back in July 2013. This one extra episode reiterated why I love the show so much, and how much I miss it because it's over. For all the reasons above I loved the OVA. There were so many moments that made me laugh, that made me happy, and just the nostalgia itself was in some ways enjoyable. Free! is a great show not enough people give a chance. Sometimes, we just have to let go of the negatives and enjoy the show.
Overall (Average based on the five categories): 8.6 [Rounded to 9].
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Apr 3, 2014
Nagi no Asukara is a whirlwind. It's beautiful and breathtaking, like the tide crashing against the sand, the sunset reflecting off the ocean's glassy surface. But it's also chaotic and brash like a tsunami wave. P.A Works has created an anime that is charming, sparkling, and can reach into your heart.
Story: 8
The premise of Nagi no Asukara is 4 childhood friends, Hikari, Manaka, Chisaki, and Kaname live in the sea village of Shishishio. They are able to live underwater thanks to the layer of protective 'skin' called ena. With their school closing down, they must attend school up on the surface, where they meet new
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classmates who were born and grew up on the surface. In comes Tsumugu, a child of the surface, who puts pressure on the group of friends, stirring up feelings that were trying to hide. Nagi no Asukara seems like your typical shoujo romance, but it's much more than that. It's a dramatic tale of the sea, love, and everything in between. It carefully pulls on your heartstrings and makes you relate on a painful scale. Truly, the story is well sculpted in many ways.
Art: 9
P.A Works has a way with animation. A show like Nagi no Asukara is right up their alley. They use the right colour pallets at the right time. They vibrantly set the scene. It's a sight to admire and respect. Work is put into every aspect of art and animation. The backgrounds and scenery are beautiful. A new world comes alive on screen. Animations are almost always fluid, and natural. It is everything Nagi no Asukara deserves.
Sound: 8
Nagi no Asukara actually has some really good music. The OST is soothing, and fits just where you need it. It sets an atmosphere. It's almost the opposite of a horror movie, where the music makes you feel on edge. The music flowing from the speakers is a calming tune, a dramatic tune, whatever floats the boat of the scene taking place. It has a way of making you feel like you are at home. And in a sense, it makes you feel calm.
Character: 7
The characters in Nagi no Asukara are really something. Some I liked a lot more than others, I'll say that much. But either way, I cannot help but admire the differences that make them all special, unique, and quirky. All the characters balance each other, playing off of one another, and growing and maturing because of each other. Hikari is a childish, immature boy. Manaka is a sweet, innocent girl. They help each other mature, and change over time, whether they realize it or not. Chisaki lacks confidence and self-esteem. Kaname and Tsumugu try to push her to be brave. However, not all is happy and good. What I appreciate most is that each character has their flaws. That's what makes them real. That's what makes them human. That's what makes them relatable. Sometimes so relatable that you almost cringe, because you know you are the exact same way. They're the kind of character that grow throughout the series, and for some, you can get so emotionally invested in these characters, it's like your growing alongside them.
Enjoyment: 9
Nagi no Asukara is frustrating. It's relaxing. It's heart breaking. It gives you an immense feeling of joy, and an immense feeling of sadness all at ones. It plays in tune with your emotions. It makes you laugh. It makes you cry. It makes you want to rant forever, or it makes you want to rethink your entire life. I believe that Nagi no Asukara has the ability to cater to it's audience. I was engaged right from the beginning, I was engaged throughout, and to the very end. I enjoyed Nagi no Asukara. It is one of my favourite animes of the fall/winter season. It's definitely enjoyable. For me, at least. I think anyone should give it a chance.
In the end, Nagi no Asukara is what it is. A drama, a romance, a story. What you perceive to be another child romance story changes into much more. It can be playful and safe, like a child wading pool. Or it can be as deep as the depths of the oceans. It all depends on whether you take the first step and dive into the story with an open mind. Overall, I believe Nagi no Asukara is a beautiful anime. Would I recommend it? Well, yes. I'm recommending it to you, aren't I? So give it a chance, or you may just miss out.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Dec 20, 2013
Following their high success with "Free! Iwatobi Swim Club" Kyoto Animation has done it again with the stellar fall anime "Kyoukai no Kanata". Overall, the series works with supernatural elements, such as the "spirit world warriors" and the "youmu".
Story: 8
The story of Kyoukai no Kanata is about protagonists Kuriyama Mirai and Kanbara Akihito. Students in high school, both extraordinary in different ways. Mirai is the only living member of the 'cursed' spirit world warrior clan that is able to manipulate blood. Akihito is a half-youmu, half-human, making him immortal. The story revolves around these two and their adventures, and the even mysterious "Kyoukai no Kanata"
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or "Beyond the Boundary". Kyoto Animation deemed this anime as a "slice of life" but I think it is anything but. Setting aside the filler episode, episode 6, Kyoukai no Kanata very much has a plot that is driven forward through the whole series. The plot is never really slow, and is intriguing with each episode. Kyoukai no Kanata has many different subject matter and themes that get your brain thinking.
Art: 9
Kyoto Animation has always been known for their beautiful, flawless animation and character design. None of this is forgotten in Kyoukai no Kanata. The atmosphere is set beautifully, each character's movement fluid and realistic. Battle scenes are works of art. There is never a time during the series where I questioned the animator's abilities.
Sound: 7
I am not one to pay attention much to soundtracks,. but I must say that the soundtrack work in Kyoukai no Kanata fit with the mood. The OST is well suited for the scenes they are played during, and add to the atmosphere of the scene. As well, the voice actors are always on par, and portray each character distinctly, with the correct feelings and dramatization.
Character: 8
For a 12 episode anime, I believe the main characters are developed fairly well. Mirai Kuriyama, first of all, portrays as a sweet heart in the beginning. She is a cutie with bubble gum pink hair and red rimmed glasses. Over the series, I was delighted to see depth put into her character, and she was ultimately likable. She is not the kind of protagonist that sits around and waits for things to happen. She does not rely on other people for help, and ultimately is strong on her own. Kanbara Akihito has his quirks. And it's interesting to see these little quirks in action. He has a thing for glasses, often calling Mirai a "megane bishoujo" (bespectacled beauty). As for the other characters, each had distinctions that make them different from each other. For a time frame of 12 episodes, each character gets a relative amount of screen time suitable to their role.
Enjoyment: 10
To be honest, Kyoukai no Kanata is definitely my favourite of the season. It has been a long time since I have found dual protagonists (Mirai and Akihito) so likable. The ever present plot, the senseless fluff, the jokes, the quirks, all of it tied together had me enjoying Kyoukai no Kanata all the way through. While it depends on the person as to if they enjoy it or not, I dare say Kyoukai no Kanata is worth it.
Overall: 8
For all these reasons, I believe Kyoto Animation hit the mark with Kyoukai no Kanata. With the series finished and wrapped up, I can only hope for a second season to answer all the questions I still have. Kyoukai no Kanata is overall a superb anime that deserves a chance.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Jun 13, 2013
Gakuen Alice was one of those animes I had always heard about, and I finally thought to myself, "I should probably get to watching." And I guess I can say I'm glad I watched it. It was pretty good, fluffy, cute, yet somewhat awkwardly dark.
Story: 7/10
Eh. The story was pretty good. I'm about 77 chapters into the manga, so I must say the anime follows the first 28 chapters of the manga really well. But then after episode 22, the anime takes a turn and completely veers away from the manga. I most likely conclude that this is because the anime was ending soon, and
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there was no way to cover everything the manga had to offer.
The anime is one of those that suffer from "kid friendliness". If you read the Gakuen Alice manga, the themes are much darker and much more consequential. But you know, the anime is aimed at small children, and they're not going to show them that! Sadly enough, that is. Oh well, it makes for more of a "Yay, this is cute!" anime rather than a "Oh my God. I'm crying." anime.
Art: 6/10
Considering that Gakuen Alice was made in 2004 (and into 2005) I'm not surprised that the art is only "so-so". In it's time, it was done well enough. For now, with better technology, resulting in better art, I have to say it's just okay. There's nothing bad about it. But really nothing all too amazing about it.
Sound: 6/10
I can't really remember what the soundtrack to Gakuen was. I'm being honest. It's not very memorable. The only thing I really took from the music in Gakuen Alice was its opening and ending theme songs. The opening "Pika Pika no Taiyou" because it was very fluffy and catchy! The ending theme "Shiwase No Niji" is calming, which leaves you feeling almost like, "Well, that was fun."
Character: 8/10
I'll be honest, I think one of Gakuen Alice's strongest points are it's characters.
I'll start with Mikan. Oh man. I preceived her as a typical "shoujo anime" girl. You know the type, they're super clumsy, not very smart, oblivious, typical, and always cry and complain when something goes wrong.
Not so much with Mikan. I do believe she has her clumsy streak; and yes, she isn't very smart (she's often called an "idiot" by her whole class), but when it comes to complaining and crying. Mikan gets over it. Let me be clear, Mikan allows her problems to make her a stronger person, instead of crying and complaining to other people. She's like a shining light. Maybe at first she is a little whinny about her issues, but she is one of the first anime characters I've encountered that actually thinks to herself, "Hey you know what? This is my own fault. I'm not the only person on this universe. I need to suck it up and stop complaining." For that, I actually enjoyed her character.
Moving on to Hotaru, Mikan's best friend, who is also the reason Mikan transferred to Gakuen Alice in the first place. At the beginning, I really didn't like her. First of all, she was so cold and blunt to her best friend! Often shoving her away and showing no traces of feelings. But as the series progresses, you do see that Hotaru cares about Mikan, and everyone else. She just has trouble showing it. Hotaru is always seems to pull out crazy inventions (usually animal-themed). She's neither a character I hated, nor liked either. So I'll say she's sort of in the middle.
Next is Ruka, the cute blond boy. He is the boy of the "love-triangle" so to speak, who is polite, sweet, and everything a girl could possibly want. He first comes off as cold and inconsiderate because he doesn't want to have fun if his best friend isn't having fun. But Mikan soon brings out his true character, who is really just a sweet, slightly shy, cutie.
The last of the characters I'll discuss is Natsume. Oh Natsume. I'm a sucker for his type of character, but I'll try not to be biased. Natsume is the typical bad boy. He's rude, cold, and even slightly perverted (he loves to call Mikan "pokadots" because that was the pattern of her underwear when she first met him). But bless his soul, he has a very tragic past, and is quite frankly very strong to deal with the amount of pressure, ridicule, and emotional stress forced onto such a young child. After all, they are only 10 years old. He has a very short temper, and when he gets angry, he's very reckless. However, as he gets acquainted with Mikan, he starts to soften up, if a little bit. He always puts other before himself, often inflicting more trouble to himself to save others. His heart is in the right place for sure. I'm not going to go much deeper than that, so that I don't spoil the story.
Enjoyment: 9/10
Gakuen Alice had me cooing over the fluff, laughing with all the jokes, and biting my nails during the suspenseful parts. At first I was kind of wary about it, because the first few episodes are kind of slow. But in the end, I sure did like it!
Overall: 7/10
All in all, not bad. Better than average, but definitely nothing special. Gakuen Alice was basically everything a shoujo anime is thought to be, and that's neither a good or bad thing.
As to if you should watch it, I recommend it as a lighthearted anime to watch between darker animes. But really, you could watch it all on its own too.
Enjoy!
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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Jun 4, 2013
The Yumeiro Patissiere anime is what led me to read the ongoing (at least, awaiting English translation) Yumeiro Patissiere manga. And I have to admit, I find the manga to be quite better.
Story: 9/10
I think that the story of the manga is much more directed in the manga than the anime. This is mostly because the plot seems so much more realistic, while the anime pushed what was possible and basically allowed main character Amano Ichigo anything she wanted.
Not so much in the manga. Ichigo must actually strive to reach what she wants, and sometimes it results in failure, which is only normal. This gives
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the manga the feeling of realism, which allows you to relate to it better. After all, Amano Ichigo of the anime seems to be able to do anything. And quite frankly, it disheartens me a bit because I know I could never be like that.
Manga Amano Ichigo is easier to relate to.
Likewise, the romantic themes of the series shine through more prominently and importantly in the manga than in the anime, which is obviously an added bonus.
Art: 8/10
There's not much to say about the art besides the fact that it is very clean and well done. The manga art differs greatly from the anime, which is perfectly fine. If anything, the manga pays more attention to little details and character quirks than the anime does, because the more little details, the harder it is to animate. For that reason, I think the addition of these little details and clean, easy to look at, art gives it a deserving rating of 8/10.
Character: 9/10
Like I said in the story section of the review, Ichigo and a lot of the other characters are a lot more realistic in the manga than the anime, which makes them easier to relate to. They are also given more character development, which leads to further ability to attach to them.
Enjoyment: 10/10
There's nothing better than a supernatural themed manga (the idea of sweets spirits counts as supernatural, doesn't it?) that centers around the fluffy idea of sweets making, hard work, dedication, and lots of romance to go around. Definitely something worth waiting for as the chapter continue to be released in English. I personally love it very much!
Overall: 9/10
Averaging all the scores together gives me the score of 9/10, which I deem appropriate for the Yumeiro Patissiere manga. Sweet and fluffy, just like a baking manga should be!
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Jun 4, 2013
As an OVA to Yumeiro Patissiere, which I think takes place sometime during the first season, I found it to be quite enjoyable, showcasing a different side of Yumeiro Patissiere.
Story: 8/10
The OVA is only about 7 minutes long, which doesn't leave much room for an intensely complicated plot. Simply, Team Ichigo (Ichigo, Kashino, Andou, and Hanabusa) and their sweet spirits are stranded on a deserted island. The OVA is simply full of comedy, fluff, with a smidge of romance. Perfect for a lighthearted OVA, in my opinion. Thus, giving it a score of 8 for the enjoy-ability and simplicity.
Art: 7/10
The art of the OVA is
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similar to that of Yumeiro Patissiere. Fairly basic, nothing special. Nothing particular that stands out immensely. The colours and use of tropics was a fresh change though, I must admit. The sunny atmosphere set up by the artwork was quite nice. The one thing I have a problem with is the fact that Ichigo and Vanilla go snorkeling in the coral reefs and can breathe while being completely submerged in water. That doesn't make any sense! Just a simple mistake such of that in the art design of the scene bugs me.
Sound: 9/10
The OVA again, uses tracks from Yumeiro Patissiere, except for some of the more tropical sounding themes that aren't including in the anime. Then again, I could be mistaken. However, as usual, Yumeiro Patissiere brings forth happy, bouncy music that can help boost the atmosphere so much more.
Character: 7/10
The characters are very similar to how they are in the anime. In fact, they are showcased just that little bit more. Andou seems to have a sort of 'moment' with Ichigo that can only show that at that point there is some feelings contained inside his otherwise calm personality. Hanabusa seems to shine with his narcissism; while Kashino displays some streaks of bashfulness and some of his "angel" like qualities often seen in him. Ichigo is clueless as usual.
Enjoyment: 9/10
Despite how short the OVA is it really had me laughing; which was the whole point, which makes it that much more enjoyable. While the whole thing doesn't have a particular striking story and is very similar to the essence of the actual anime; it is quite enjoyable as a quick watch or maybe even just a rewatch to brighten up your day. If you love Yumeiro Patissiere, it'll definitely bring a smile to your face!
Overall: 8/10
All in all, there's not much to say about the OVA, considering this review is quite short compared to the ones I've written for both Yumeiro Patissiere and Yumeiro Patissiere SP Professional. However, is totally worth the 7 little minutes it takes up. Perfect for anyone looking for a quick shot of cute fluff or a fanatic of Yumeiro Patissiere :)
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Jun 4, 2013
Sword Art Online is one of the most controversial animes of 2012, and I think it's obvious why. There are many reasons people treat it very highly or very lowly, but I think in the end, it just matters as to what kind of person you are and what is it that you enjoy.
Story: 8/10
I think Sword Art Online has a good premise. The idea of being trapped into a video game is an interesting angle to take, though I'm sure it must have been done before. Many people look lowly on Sword Art Online because of it's story, but I think that it's fine.
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It's not amazing to the point where it needs a score of 9 or 10, but to me very well deserves a score over 7.
I think the story has a specific effect on you because of the kind of person you are and what you like. Let's be honest, Sword Art Online is very concentrated on romance. While this anime has a "shounen" like label, it does have very "shoujo"-esque characteristics to it.
This is either a good or bad thing, depending on who you are. Most people think Sword Art Online's story line is very weak because of romance, because other than that, nothing really happens. Which in itself is sort of true. But I mean, if you are one of those people who is a sucker for romance and fluff, the anime is quite enjoyable. It all depends on your personality. If you're looking for an extremely action-packed fighter anime, it definitely isn't the first choice. However, if you're looking for a romance anime that doesn't choke you in frills and ribbons, this is definitely somewhere to go.
Art: 9/10
I think that A-1 Pictures did an extremely well done job with the art and animation of Sword Art Online. The style of drawing is fairly typical, but it is executed very well. Designs are done crisply, cleanly, and are attractive to the eye. Likewise, backgrounds and little details are drawn to detail, which is appreciated and adds to the overall atmosphere of the anime. Particularly, battle scenes in Sword Art Online were positively breath-taking. It was those scenes that you really felt a rush of adrenaline, no doubt fueled by the almost flawless battle animations.
The only downside I think to this anime was the drawing of the girls of the anime. Do all the girls need to show much cleavage? Even more so, do all of the girls need to have to be so... "well developed", so to say? With the exception of Yui, who is a child, all the girls basically band together to make up an insane amount of over-exaggerated, tiring eye candy.
Sound: 9/10
The sound of Sword Art Online was done very well. Paired with the art, it makes for an unforgettable experience. The soundtrack of Sword Art Online matches with every scene that they are put into, helping to establish the atmosphere along with the artwork.
In total, Sword Art Online has 2 opening themes and 2 ending themes, both with an obvious stronger winner.
The first opening theme "Crossing Fields" by LiSa is breath-taking. It has a tremendous build from the verse to the chorus and no doubt takes great skills to reach all the high notes that make it so much more powerful and energizing. It captures the essence of the video game "Sword Art Online" very well.
The second opening theme "Innocence" by Aoi Eri is not so much so. The second arc of the anime is very less 'tense' so to say. For that reason it fits with the opening. Though, it is definitely the less memorable of the two opening themes.
The same is true ending themes, but opposite. I find "Overfly" by Luna Haruna to be more pleasing to than "Yume Sekai" by Tomatsu Haruka. Possibly because "Overfly" is more dramatic than "Yume Sekai" but no doubt both fit the anime as to close it off, leaving the viewer on a satisfied note.
Character: 7/10
While the characters lack an impact that's truly memorable, I think it's fair to give them an 7/10.
Kirito (aka Kirigaya Kazuto) is the main protagonist of the series. He's a person who apparently closed himself off to other people at a young age, making him sort of awkward with weird people skills. Regardless, because of this, he's a big video game player and is a very powerful player. There is not anything particularly memorable to him, but in the end I find him to be likable. While he is seen as a "lone-wolf" character so to say, he is actually very sweet underneath it all. He actually is a little bit clueless but nonetheless knows to fight for the things he loves. The one thing that bothered me was the fact that he was a chick magnet without even trying. It just didn't make sense to me that someone who was an awkward people person who hardly ever went out was so popular with people.
The main female protagonist of the series Asuna (aka Yuuki Asuna) is a character I think was a little neglected when it came to designing her character in her psychological side. Her appearance is fine, I think what just bothered me was they hyped her up as an independent 'I don't need anyone' character, only for her to fall into the trap of ending up being just another tsundere who isn't particularly special at all. In fact, she ends up just being a typical damsel in distress, rendering her simply as a plot device by the end. However, despite this, Asuna is someone who cares deeply, who has her own independent streaks.
There are many other characters to this anime who frankly don't really need to be explained, because they are for the most part sidelined, with the exception of Suguha, who is only a main character in the second arc of the anime, and she is mostly used in a failed attempt at a love triangle.
Enjoyment: 9/10
Despite all it's flaws, I enjoyed Sword Art Online very much. It had me crying, screaming, cooing and everything in between. It pulled me in to the point where I finished it in 2 days; which is quite the feat for someone like me. All in all, the anime was just enjoyable because of it's ability to relate to things I like. And I'm a sucker for canon couples; so that plays a factor into it too.
Overall: 8/10
All in all, I think Sword Art Online is a well done anime. No, it isn't the best out there, but I don't think it's right to say it's very bad either. It's right there in the middle, though leaning more to the good side for me than the bad side. It's definitely something I would watch again and is definitely worth giving it a chance!
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Jun 4, 2013
Where to begin with this? I'm not quite sure, but as an immense fanatic to Yumeiro Patissiere, I have to admit I was quite disappointed by this series. Not that it was bad. No. It's just not as memorable as the first season.
By far, I think that this majors specifically from the fact that the first season is 50 episodes. When they announced the second season, I was ready for another 50 episodes. Is that what we got? No. In fact, we didn't even get 26. It was the meager number of 13. I mean, at the end I was screaming, waiting for a preview
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for the next episode. No, that's it.
That aside, there are many downfalls to this anime, which made me a bit sad. But I think it's fair to say Yumeiro Patissiere SP Professional is simply a normal anime. Nothing about it particularly stands out to me like the first season, but that doesn't mean it's bad either.
Story: 7/10
I think the main thing about this series was the fact that I didn't find the series all too exciting. Prior to this season, Yumeiro Patissiere was focused on a group of 14-year-old teenagers who strive in competition in order to overcome rivals and win 2 years to study abroad in Paris; which they accomplished. I think the whole setting of Grand Prix events was just nail-biting torture at some point. There were moments where you really were just begging the characters to overcome their obstacles.
Not so much in Yumeiro Patissiere SP Professional. Compared to the first season, the story is very laid-back, to the point where half the series seems to just be filler. The main premise of the story is the fact that Ichigo and the gang are starting up a patissierie. To be quite frank, this premise is only important for the last 3 episodes of the anime! The 10 episodes before it center around different people and all their problems to which sometimes you just sigh and wonder when they are ever going to get to the actual point of the anime.
For that, I find it necessary to give YPP a score of 7 for their story compared to YP which received a score of 8, because it just wasn't as exciting, quite frankly.
Art: 7/10
The art is basically the same as that of YP. Though, if I were to critic anything on it, it would be the strange way all the characters seemed to grow up. The anime takes place 2 years after the end of the first one. I find it odd how the characters look in the second season. Ichigo and Kashino look fairly untouched, all they are is just taller, with the exception of less baby fat on their faces, and Ichigo's hair being grown out. Which is fine because they are the main characters. What I find odd is the character design of Andou and Hanabusa in the second season. Both seemed to grow their hair out (which to be fair is in a different way), but it just seems so awkward.
Though I do agree, the whole point was to make them more mature. Which makes sense, because they did spend 2 years in Paris, and it's only correct that they would mature in the time, but it seemed as though the character design was almost halfheartedly done.
Sound: 9/10
I'm fairly certain in YPP, they used the same soundtracks they had used in YP, and like I said before; the OST to Yumeiro Patissiere is solid. Though, the opening and ending themes did change. The opening theme "Sweet Romance" by Mayumi Gojo (who also sang the theme song to the first season) is a nice change. It being the first thing you see and hear from the new season, it gives the feel that this anime is now centered on romance (to which it's fair to say it is) and the sound is definitely more mature, also reflecting on the time skip in the anime. The ending theme "Home Made Happy" by Primaversa was a nice fluffy way to end each episode, which was fine. Though, if I were to choose, the opening theme was much stronger than the ending theme.
Character: 6/10
Over the course of the two seasons, I think that the characters were actually stronger in the first season than in the second. Partly because some of the characters in the second season just annoyed me to no end.
Amano Ichigo, from the first season, you know her as a clumsy, optimistic, slightly clueless girl. Not so in the second season. Yes, she is still clumsy (often falling down or other ridiculous things), but the thing is she has nothing that makes her stand out. After being in Paris for 2 years, trained by Henri-sensei no less, she actually had baking talent. Her character from the first season lacked that. But for some reason, Ichigo's character seemed rather bland in the second season. Sadly enough.
Kashino Makoto stayed relatively the same, with the exception of, if it were possible, I think he got cuter. He was the only character I actually adored just that little bit more in the second season than in the first. His character is the same, that prickly, impatient, unsociable character, however, after the course of 2 years, his love for a said brunette is quite more obvious. He tends to become flustered when it is pointed out to him, and he's much more open to Ichigo in the second season than in the first season. I think what really sells it is his possessiveness over Ichigo. He gets very jealous of others when it comes to her and often protects her as if she is already his.
The other characters are basically the same for the little screen time they have. Andou and Kana are given a little bit more character development, which is nice. However, there are 2 characters that really made me angry throughout the whole series.
Johnny McBeal and Koshiro Miya.
Just when you thought Koshiro couldn't get any more annoying, she did. In fact, her and Johnny paired together were just incredible sores to the story. I'll be quite honest, it seems like their whole purpose is to be plot devices. Which is sad, because they could have at least made the plot devices likable.
Enjoyment: 8/10
I think the saddest thing of all is the fact that this anime centers around Kashino and Ichigo and nothing really happens with them. They are constantly hinted at, stressed, and you even think something might happen to them, but it never really happened. And I think that just frustrated me. Other than that, the series was relatively boring and while fluffy and cute, just didn't leave the same impression on me as the first season did.
Overall: 7/10
Averaging all the separate scores together leaves me to conclude that Yumeiro Patissiere SP Professional is deserving of it's 7/10 score, compared to the one I gave to the first season of 8/10. The series is overall decently done and is fun to watch; especially if you want to lighten your mind after watching darker themed animes. But all in all, I think fanatics of the first season will be disappointed. Much like I was. But nonetheless, it was worth the time to watch it.
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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May 29, 2013
Yumeiro Patissiere was one of those animes that even though they aren't even that great, it was enjoyable. To be fair, I'm not very picky when it comes to anime, certainly not critical with it, but in this case, I think Yumeiro Patissiere is one of those animes that you can look past the imperfections and really just allow yourself to enjoy it.
Story: 8/10
Almost no anime now-a-days has an original story line, so I think it's fair to say that while Yumeiro Patissiere doesn't have a very original or particularly strong story line, it deserves a decent score of 8, because at least it was
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easy to follow. Yes, there were many fillers, and yes, the excessive amount did get annoying at times, but some of the filler was almost like a look inside the characters' minds! Just seeing how they interacted within filler episodes shows how they act, regardless if anything important to the plot is going on.
The plot itself is basic, Amano Ichigo, a girl with no talent what so ever transfers to St. Marie, a prestigious school for sweets making, and well, of course she isn't very talented, so nothing particularly good can happen! However, learning to overcome obstacles (like the Cake Grand Prix) is what this series is all about, and that's all it really takes! There's the plot. Simple. Sweet. Easy-to-follow. It doesn't require much thought, which in itself is great, because it doesn't overwhelm your mind and you can just enjoy watching the series.
Art: 7/10
Let's be reminded that this anime is intended for the viewing of children. I watched this series about 3 years ago, in 2010 and I was about 11 or so. I loved the art at that time! It was cute, sweet, and oh so adorable. As I rewatch the series now, okay the animation isn't the greatest. Many of the frames are plainly drawn, and only the actual animate objects in the frame are in immense detail. That's okay. Your eyes are supposed to be drawn to the main point on the scene anyway. Regardless, Yumeiro Patissiere demonstrates an intensive amount of work in their backgrounds/scenery, which helps set the atmosphere and obviously the enjoyment. Sweets are animated with care, which just showcases the whole point of the anime in the first place.
Sound: 9/10
I have to be honest, the soundtrack to Yumeiro Patissiere is very well done. In my opinion of course. The OST is done beautifully, with about 30 tracks of different background pieces. The composition is very pleasing to the ear, and matches the anime correctly: soft and emotional during the slow parts, and adamant and upbeat during the intense, happy parts. The main theme song "Yume ni Yell! Patissiere" by Mayumi Gojo has an almost sparkly feeling, which suits the anime well. No less, "Ichigo no Miracle" by Sugihara Yukina is a repetitive catchy tune to close each episode.
Character: 7/10
The characters of Yumeiro Patissiere follow the same pattern most shoujo anime take. Depending on your type of anime, this can be a good or bad thing.
Amano Ichigo is they typical happy-go-lucky, always so darn optimistic, clumsy, dense heroine. She overcomes obstacles through hard-work, though sometimes it seems almost magical that she can actually pull stuff off. Like usual, she's got guys falling head over heels for her, and she can't tell. Ichigo suffers from being the ultimate stereotype of anime; which in a sense can get very repetitive and annoying.
The sweet princes are fairly stereotypical as well, though thankfully, the anime does try to get into their past and family life a bit.
Hanabusa Satsuki is the typical "prince" character, or the one that the heroine is should like more, but never ends up growing so close to the point of falling in love. He's on the verge of narcissistic, showing concern toward his own appearance. Though, he is very sweet when it comes to Ichigo, treating her very kindly, because of his self-goal to be kinder to women.
Andou Sennosuke is the second sweet prince, probably the one who's character depth is the least explored. He's calm, often trying to prevent fights. He's the typical "geek" character, but less of a geek and more of just intelligent.
Finally, Kashino Makoto, who personally is my favourite character in the series. Kashino is that prickly "jerk" character that the heroine always hates. And to be honest, it's quite obvious why. Kashino is rude and insensitive at the beginning of the series, often scolding and teasing Ichigo for her mistakes. However, his character does develop, and it becomes obvious that he plays an important piece in a 'wanted-to-be-but-didn't-work-out' love triangle.
Despite their over-stereotypical personalities, your heart can seem to connect with the characters in some way, which is the whole point of their existence. Thus, the appropriate scoring is given to them.
Enjoyment: 10/10
Okay, so maybe this is a little bit of a stretch; especially biased for me, since I watched this maybe 3 years ago and I was a child. I still am, basically. Yumeiro Patissiere was one of those animes that grew on me, partly because I had to sit on my hands and wait every Saturday for the newest episode to come out. I'll admit, Yumeiro Patissiere had me on the edge of my seat during the exciting bits, feeling empathy towards the characters, cooing over the cute moments, and overall just left me with an immense feeling of joy when I watched them. Thus, the perfect score.
Overall: 8/10
Overall, Yumeiro Patissiere is a very light, fun, anime; suitable for anyone who's just looking for an anime to watch between a dark or ongoing anime or even just as a series to watch. It's sure to make you smile at least once, so go on, enjoy it! :)
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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