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Sep 23, 2015
Ore Monogatari’s synopsis sounds like the most generic romance plotline one could think of. A girl is being molested on a train and a kind guy steps in to save the day, girl proceeds to fall in love with the guy; you get the picture. Ore Monogatari’s twist on this rather generic setting is that the guy is an “unpopular” and “undesirable” kind giant that many find hard to understand. As one who has watched and read their fair share of romance anime/manga, Ore Monogatari’s slightly unique portrayal of a stereotypical shoujo romance was refreshing and entertaining to watch. Rather than the whole “just get
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together already” that most romances have, instead, we watch as Takeo and Rinko’s relationship develop, how they handle their feelings for each other, their perspectives on dating and love, and how they affect the people around them.
I will start by saying that this show is a victim of many troupes of the shoujo genre, but not in your stereotypical “handsome out of reach guy falls in love with plain and ordinary girl”. The circumstances of Takeo and Rinko’s relationship are fairly different from what I’ve seen before and that alone led to many developments and situations that most romances would not have. We still have the girl who falls hard for an outstanding guy, but outstanding in another sense of the word. After watching shoujo after shoujo, romance after romance, Ore Monogatari gave me a breath of fresh air. Instead of getting frustrated that my ship wasn’t sailing, or the main characters being dishonest with their feelings, or a bunch of rivals getting in the way in an unproductive and unnecessary manner, Ore Monogatari kept that to an absolute minimum. Rather, the focus of the show lies in how much one loves the other, and how that love grows and develops as their relationship progresses.
The romance, I admit, can be overdone at times. At times it felt like I was being force-fed a spoonful of sugar due to the amount of lovey dovey stuff going on. My eyes sometimes felt like giving out due to the super sparkly aura that the show often times gives out. However, don’t let this dissuade you into not watching the show. There’s enough comedy, tender moments, a pinch of drama here and there, and even some action to try to keep things from getting repetitive and mundane (it does, however, addressed later). A big selling point of the show for me was the relationship between Takeo and Sunakawa. You’ll probably never find a better wingman in your life (so much to the point where it slightly creeps you out that Sunakawa would go so far for Takeo, but well, yeah). He supports and guides the rather naïve Takeo into growing his relationship with Yamato. However, as perfect and intelligent Sunakawa might seem, he too, is a growing high school boy with his share of problems, whether they lie with females and dating, or family issues and personal struggles.
As they often say, the characters make the show, and for this show, this is particularly true. Takeo is the lovable giant that you can’t miss; whether he’s climbing a tree to rescue a trapped kitten or helping an old lady across the street, his kind and earnest personality shines throughout the series. However, he is incredibly dense, ignorant, and overcaring which does lead to some drama throughout the show. Rinko is the super sweet girl and baking goddess, and also Takeo’s girlfriend. She always tries to give her best, especially when it comes down to supporting Takeo and whatever he does. While she does seem innocent and sweet on the outside, she, like any other girls, get jealous, worry, and has “indecent” thoughts (nothing to see here folks, this show is rated PG-13). Sunakawa is Takeo’s best friend and childhood friend; through thick and thin these two have been together since the beginning. Their personalities are complete opposites, but it’s amazing how opposites can attract. Whether it’s helping Takeo prepare a birthday plan for Yamato, or advising Yamato on what Takeo is probably thinking, he becomes a crucial part in developing the relationship between the two. We also have others who all in some way support their relationship; Sunakawa’s sister Ai who suppresses her own feelings to see the man she loves happy, or Rinko’s group of friends who tag along to group dates and encourage her and give her advice from time to time. It is hard to pick out a character who has not contributed in their relationship in some way.
The show can be extremely repetitive at times, and there are things that you can see coming from a mile away, aka the show being really predictable. I was particularly annoyed every time Takeo thought to himself “I love her”. The show does drag and stall at times, and sometimes it just seems like you’re watching some baka couple go at it doing standard couple things. I was frustrated in the middle of the season especially after how well things went in the beginning. However, try looking past that and you have a simple story of a man who never had anyone love him for who he is find an incredibly sweet girl who cares for him more than anyone. My recommendation is to simply enjoy Ore Monogatari for what it is; a slightly unconventional shoujo romance that is sweet and refreshing. Don’t try to overwatch or overanalyze it; just laugh when Takeo tries to get Sunakawa to practice kissing with him, or smile as Rinko gets flustered over the small things that Takeo doesn’t notice.
The art is “pretty”, to sum it up into one word. Everything just seems to shimmer and sparkle. However, there are times that remind you that this is indeed a manga adaptation (such as the times where small text bubbles come out with the inner thoughts of that person). I particularly enjoyed the various facial expressions of all the characters. The animation is what you would expect from an anime of this time very fluid and crisp. Yet, it has hints of cartoonish elements. The music is pretty standard romance show fare; the opening and ending theme are catchy and easy on the ears. The OP is pretty creative and fun to watch, while the ED does a good job wrapping up your feelings in a nice warm box with a bow.
For both veteran and new romance genre watchers alike, watch Ore Monogatari if you get a chance; you most likely will not regret it. For those of those claiming that it’s repetitive, or it drags, or that it is the same crap over and over again, I will not deny that, it does in fact do all of those things. However, I try to highlight the good points of a show. At the very least, it’ll get you to laugh or say “aww” a couple of times!
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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Sep 28, 2014
One of the hallmarks of a quality slice of life show is its ability to make you forget about the real world and immerse you in their world, if only for a few minutes. You laugh alongside the characters as they do silly things, get anxious as they struggle through trials and tribulations, and then feel relieved when those problems are resolved. Barakamon does an excellent job of accentuating this aspect of the slice of life genre. Through a cast of quirky and unique characters along with simple yet powerful storytelling, Barakamon portrays the life of a man who strives to discover his true identity
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and style.
Handa Seishuu, a young but promising calligraphy professional, after reacting in an extreme manner to criticism, finds himself whisked away from modern Tokyo to a rural island for a period of reevaluation and reflection. Barakamon tells the story of Handa's time on the island, his interactions with the village folk, and the search for a calligraphy style that he can call his own. With this simple premise, Barakamon delivers a show that is light hearted, comedical, and downright enjoyable to watch. It was nigh impossible to go through a single episode without a big, silly grin all over my face.
From feeling worried for Handa's latest calligraphy contest results to laughing as he attempts to hide his embarrassment due to not knowing how to use a rotary phone, while Barakamon might be a bit slow paced, there is rarely a dull moment. Moreover, although events such as painting the name of a boat onto its hull, or participating in a mochi catching contest may seem to have no deeper meaning other than to define Barakamon as a slice of life, the beautiful aspect of this show is that everything seems to have an underlying meaning or message that helps Handa grow as a person and realize what's important in life.
It is amazing how much adults can learn from children, despite once being children themselves. Their naive and simple way of thinking and positive outlook can do wonders for an adult struggling with the more mature problems of the world. A change in perspective or a shift in thought process; sometimes that's all you need to overcome the more complex issues in life. In Barakamon, this is very apparent as you watch Naru and the other village children completely change Handa through simple actions and conversations. It was a pleasure to watch Handa transform from a hot headed, close minded, and unsociable person into someone with broad horizons and an open mindset who takes life a little less seriously while enjoying it so much more.
The characters are often what makes or breaks a slice of life show, and Barakamon's cast definitely make the show. From the scrappy and unpredictable ball of energy that is Naru, to the calm and reserved Akki, the wide variety of personalities Handa encounters on the island made the show very spirited and refreshing to watch. We have the troublemaking middle school girl duo of Miwa and Tama who are a riot to watch; Tama with her aspirations of being a mangaka and Miwa, the lovable tomboy who just wants life to be a bit more eventful. Although they tease Handa a whole bunch, at the end of the day they genuinely care for him and they, along with the other children, teach him what it means to care about others. In addition to the people of the village, we have Kawafuji, Handa's constant support from behind the scenes and a childhood friend who always looks out for him, and Kanzaki, a fellow calligrapher who idolizes Handa and serves as his rival and motivation to improve his own calligraphy further. It is amazing how Barakamon's supporting cast of characters all affect Handa in some way, and is one of the reasons Barakamon is an excellent slice of life show.
The art is lively and the animation is a bit rough, but fits the style of the show quite well. The highlights were Naru's eccentric movements and general facial expressions in depressing/hilarious situations. The music was pretty standard slice of life fare; however, the opening and ending in particular were well done and fit the show like a glove. While there is room for improvement in both aspects, there is nothing major to complain about.
Barakamon delivers a slice of life show that we've been missing for quite some time. With the amount of cute girls doing cute things and moe shows, Barakamon was a much needed breath of fresh air. A cute, endearing, and heartwarming story about a calligrapher who seeks for a style he can call his own, Barakamon is a solid pick up for any slice of life fan.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Jun 22, 2014
While there are some people who prefer solitude and independence, most people are social by nature, and they desire friends to laugh and struggle with in both the good times and the bad. Good company is invaluable, and thus it is important to distinguish who your true friends are. Genuine friendship should not rely on a relationship that is give and take, but rather a relationship based on mutual respect, trust in one another, and unconditional support. A good friendship takes time to mature and develop into an unbreakable bond, and oftentimes requires that friendship to undergo trials and tribulations. One Week Friends explores this
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concept and follows the growing relationship between Hase Yuuki and Fujimiya Kaori and the struggles they encounter as they begin to understand the meaning of true friendship.
Set in an ordinary high school, One Week Friends tells the story of Fujimiya Kaori, a girl who mysteriously loses her memories at the end of every week. What makes this situation even more complex is the fact that she only loses those memories that involve people she befriends. For this reason, she distances herself from everyone else and appears to have a cold demeanor. Hase Yuuki, a boy in her class, notices that she is always alone and resolves to become friends with her and summons the courage to talk to her.
For a typical high school boy meets girl slice of life show, the story is nothing special; in fact, the whole memory loss of only friends concept is quite farfetched and unrealistic, even for an anime show. However, looking past that fact, the show is quite adorable and heartwarming. From watching Hase slowly help Fujimiya overcome her condition to laughing as Shougo scolds a hopeless Hase, One Week Friends does a good job of making you smile and induces a rather wide range of emotions. It is slow paced and mellow, but that adds to its charm and the relaxed environment of the show. The small amounts of drama are handled well without getting out of hand or being needless. Disregarding the unrealistic aspect of the show, the characters themselves are quite realistic and are characters that are relatable and likable.
Hase represents our typical awkward high school boy. While slightly airheaded and bad at studying, he does have a kind heart and has the patience and persistance needed to befriend someone like Fujimiya. However, he is human, and this is made apparent when he struggles with the problems that arise due to the complexity of Fujimiya's situation. He is quite selfish, becomes easily jealous, and can be immature at times, yet gives it his all and has a genuine desire to befriend Fujimiya and wishes for her happiness. Hase is appealing as a male MC for this reason; his personality is realistic and basic.
Fujimiya is our innocent and earnest girl whose biggest dreams include doing fun things with her friends. It is hard to imagine how incredibly lonely and depressed it would be having to purposefully ignore everyone while in reality you want nothing more to befriend them. She decides to shoulder her problem by herself, and doesn't want anyone else to get hurt because of her illness. While she appears mean and unfriendly, she's actually a cheery girl who has an affinity for math and cooking. Hase helps her slowly open up and become more confident in herself, and to not be afraid to make more friends.
Surprisingly, the supporting characters are fairly well developed and come into their own as the show progresses. Shougo is Hase's voice of reason and a guy who never seems to care much for anything. Extremely blunt and logical, he isn't afraid to speak his mind. He's constantly helping and advising Hase, and while he treats it as a bothersome task, he always seems to come through with solid counsel. For someone that seems unmovable and aloof, he is unusually helpful as he also helps Yamagishi Saki, an old elementary school classmate of his. A forgetful girl who is clumsy and often teased because of it, she sees Shougo as a reliable person who could take care of her, and her relationship with Shougo is unconventional but interesting and adorable to watch as they deal with their feelings for one another.
While there are hints of it, romance is not the central theme of the show. It can be easily seen that Hase doesn't consider Fujimiya as a simple friend, but the show doesn't emphasize it. Shougo and Saki's relationship is also clearly not just being casual friends, and while you get the feeling that there is something more between the two, the show is quite subtle and indirect about it. I'm sure that many people want to see Hase and Fujimiya together, or Shougo and Saki together, but dating and romantical relationships is a much more minor aspect of the show. Whether you don't mind or consider it frustrating, there are still many more enjoyable aspects of the show.
The show, being an adaptation of a 4-panel manga, has a quaint and delicate art style. Everything seems relaxed and the art reflects that feeling. The character designs are simple and fit their personalities quite well. The opening and ending theme songs are vibrant and mellow, and are nice to listen to. Being a typical slice of life set at a high school, the music and art both follow the standard conventions of the genre. No complaints about either art or sound, but nothing that deserves a commendation.
One Week Friends takes a delicate subject and an unusual setting and turns it into a nice slice of life high school story that may just make you laugh and smile. While the premise of the show is a bit too convenient and unrealistic, the charm of the show lies in its character development and tender moments. The show addresses a basic yet essential aspect of life that is present in most of us and presents it in a nice and heartwarming way.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Jun 12, 2014
Hyouka isn't your typical mystery show with elaborate murders/thefts, or intricate schemes and traps, or intellectual battles of incredible depth. Instead, Hyouka gives us a more relaxed take on the genre, mixing elements of high school life with light mystery cases. These mysteries are better described as unusual circumstances or situations that leave an explanation to be desired. Hyouka follows the activities of the Classics Club, their involvement in various problems and situations, and the daily lives of its members and their relationships. From deciphering the meaning of the word "hyouka" to figuring out why all students who shopped at a certain store were called
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to the school office, there are a plethora of puzzles the Classics Club takes upon themselves to solve. While it may not be the most event-filled or action packed show and can be considered dull at times, Hyouka's charm lies in its ability to be clever along with an interesting and likable cast of characters, and how their individual personalities and talents interact with one another as they tackle various mysteries.
The first member of the Classics Club is Oreki Houtarou, who at first glance, appears to be a simple unmotivated high school student with little to no aspirations other than getting through life in the most cost efficient manner possible. However, he is quite intelligent and has a knack for logical deduction and reasoning, although he isn't fully aware of it himself. He joins the Classics Club due to the request of his older sister, and treats it as simply another task he has to complete, but as a result gets more than he bargained for. However, as the type who won't do something unless he absolutely has to, what possible motivation would he have in putting in the effort to solve these mysteries when it conflicts with his very nature?
The answer to that question is our second member of the Classics Club, Chitanda Eru. A veritable ball of energy, she is described as "a person that cannot be ignored" according to Houtarou. The daughter of a distinguished family, her insatiable curiosity often forces Houtarou to quench that curiosity with a logical explanation. She serves as the foil to Houtarou's personality, and pulls him out of his comfort zone and shows him how life doesn't have to be a series of bothersome tasks. A polite and talented girl who excels in academics, she joins the Classics Club to discover a certain truth.
Joining the Classics Club as our third member is Fukube Satoshi, Houtarou's middle school friend and the one known as a walking database. Jack of many trades but master of none, he encourages Houtarou to use his talents and realize his potential while hiding his own feelings of insecurity about his own abilities. He joins the Classics Club to humor Houtarou and keep him company. While on the outside he appears to be a cheery troublemaker and handyman, his issues with confidence and struggle with who he wants to be constantly worries a certain girl who's had an unrequited crush on him since middle school.
With that, we introduce our fourth and final member of the Classics Club, Ibara Mayaka. A girl who enjoys reading and drawing manga and giving her friends endearing nicknames, she serves as the foil to Satoshi's personality. Whereas Satoshi is indirect and not honest with himself, Mayaka is more straightforward and blunt, and pushes Satoshi to be more sure and confident in himself and his abilities. She joins the Classics Club due to her interest in Satoshi.
Hyouka is broken up into various arcs with a couple of standalone episodes. Other than the first arc, Hyouka does not have a set end or goal in mind, and oftentimes the plot involves some mystery the group stumble upon, and the process in which they solve that mystery. Thus, Hyouka's biggest selling point lies within the dialogue between the characters. It reveals how each character approaches a problem, and their mindset on how to solve that problem. I personally found Houtarou's thought process and logic quite clever and was a large factor in my enjoyment of the show. The mysteries do seem to lack substance and motivation, and it does become tiring to hold interest at times, but at the same time, others were clever and creative and were enough to keep me watching.
The art, in typical KyoAni fashion, is hit or miss for a lot of people. However, the fact that it is well animated and fluid means it is pleasant to watch. The animations for the deduction process in particular were impressive and creative. The music is a typical high school slice of life soundtrack. As Hyouka is fairly uneventful, the music is quaint and appropriate. I found myself watching the OP and ED every episode; they are quite creative and catchy, with some nice animations.
If you're looking for an adrenaline filled, high drama mystery show, look elsewhere. Hyouka's relaxed atmosphere and logical nature may seem to make for a boring show, but if you put in the effort to understand and appreciate the dialogue and logic, it's certainly worth the watch.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Apr 26, 2014
If I had to describe JoJo's Bizarre Adventures with one word, that word would be, without a doubt, passion. A story of young and righteous men and their fight to secure a safe future for their families, friends, and ultimately, the world. A record of a fierce rivalry between the ultimate evil and a man who serves the side of justice, and the legacy they leave behind. A tale of fleeting romance, brotherly bonds, and, of course, hot blooded battles. This is the epitome of JoJo, one of the most unconventional, interesting, and captivating shows I have had the pleasure of watching thus far.
JoJo's Bizarre
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Adventures' 26 episodes are split into two arcs, Phantom Blood and Battle Tendency. Phantom Blood tells the story of Jonathan Joestar, better known as JoJo, heir to the wealthy Joestar family fortune, and his fated encounter with Dio Brando, the son of a lowly con man, and how one ancient stone mask forever changed the fates of not only JoJo and Dio, but those who would eventually follow in their footsteps. Battle Tendency follows the life of Joseph Joestar, Jonathan's grandson and also known as JoJo, and how his grandfather's legacy ultimately involves him in a struggle to save the world from certain doom. Through larger than life battles, passionate characters, and, for lack of a more appropriate word, bizarre situations, JoJo's unique definition of the word "epic" certainly makes this show entertaining and addicting to watch.
Even in the face of insane and unconventional battle scenes along with plot that was so over the top that it could have been considered silly, the aspect of JoJo that stood out the most, that was the most memorable, and that was the show's strongest selling point was its cast of characters, heroes and villains alike. Each important character has a unique personality along with their own strengths and weaknesses, and they all give you a good reason to either cheer for them or to absolutely hate their guts. You would be hard pressed to find another cast of characters that drew you to them quite like JoJo's cast of characters.
Jonathan Joestar epitomizes the image of a true hero. He fights for the honor of his family, radiates an aura of kindness and gentleness, and protects those who are powerless. While mild mannered, he fights with the tenacity of a true warrior, and never gives up as long as he draws breath. His grandson, Joseph Joestar, while not as good-willed and honest as his grandfather, still shows genuine empathy towards his loved ones and respect towards his enemies. A fighter who relies more on his quick wits and brilliant battle strategy creating abilities rather than overwhelming his opponents through feats of strength; he utilizes the weaknesses of his adversaries and manipulates them to his advantage.
It is rare these days to find a villain that truly embraces the meaning of evil, and one such villain that pulls it off excellently is Dio Brando. A man who will kill your dog because you angered him, steal the first kiss of the girl you're in love with, and simply physically beat you up from time to time can't be described with any other word other than evil. Treating the family that took him in after he is left penniless and alone in the world as a stepping stone to wealth and power, and taking every opportunity to trample upon JoJo's kindness and goodwill, he makes one believe that some people are simply born bad. A good villain should make your blood boil, send chills down your spine, or give you a sense of odd respect every time you see him, and Dio Brando is precisely the kind of man that will evoke all of the said reactions at the same time. The Pillar Men are the kind of villains that don't seem like evil incarnate, but their lack of empathy and desire to attain absolute power make them fine antagonists in their own right. I will refrain from describing them in greater detail due to spoilers, but they themselves will tell you exactly what kind of personalities they have; you can be sure of that.
Watching JoJo was like reading an antique comic book from the turn of the century, both in art style and literal sense. The end of each episode made me immediately load the next episode, akin to eagerly turning the page of an action comic book to see what comes next. The age old sound effects of BAM!, or POW!, or ORAORAORA! (okay maybe not that last one), make the battle scenes much more entertaining, and I found my eyes glued to the screen for the whole 25 minutes of each episode. The story is fairly well written and fluid, and they take the time to explain any inconsistencies when they arise. While the action or story can become a bit overwhelming to the point where it seems silly, or ridiculous, or unnecessary, that is simply part of the experience of watching JoJo. When you take a show for what it is, you are then able to appreciate it more; JoJo is no different.
The art seems to be, as stated before, straight out of a vintage comic book. Bold lines, action sounds, and muscular men make up 90% of JoJo's art, with the occasional beautiful woman. The animation is quite graphic, and is not for the faint of heart. There are bloody battle scenes, grotesque zombies and vampires, along with a whole plethora of other strange and insane scenes. The soundtrack is another one of JoJo's strong points. The OP for both arcs are catchy and will stay with you for awhile; the ED is "Roundabout" from an English progressive band called Yes, and suits the show very well (there are many allusions to famous music bands and icons throughout the show).
JoJo's Bizarre Adventures is not a show for everyone. If you're the more logical or rational type who dislikes anything over the top and/or unnecessary/pointless, JoJo won't be your cup of tea. However, it is definitely a show worth checking out if you enjoy action, passion, and, of course, the age old fight between heroes trying to save the world and villains who are trying to either destroy or rule it. And remember, any resistance in enjoying the show is, in Dio's words, MUDAMUDAMUDA!
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Apr 1, 2014
It is not uncommon to worry about the future. What is my purpose in life? How will I change as a person and affect both my loved ones and those around me? Questions like these are thought about frequently and many begin to come to terms with the answers to these questions in their university years. Hachimitsu to Clover, or Honey and Clover, explores this idea, mixing in romance and relationships for a nice slow paced slice of life; it tells the tale of a group of college friends and colleagues as they spend their days growing close to each other, dealing with the outside
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world and work, and coming to terms with what they want out of life and their own desires.
What makes Honey and Clover stand out from the typical high school rom-com slice of life is the fact that it takes on a much more serene and mature tone compared to the often crazy, silly, and awkwardness you might in other slice of life anime. Honey and Clover does an excellent job of drawing and evoking a variety of emotions out of the watcher. From laughing at Shinobu drive Takemoto and Mayama up a wall, to smiling at the genuine and caring Professor as he watches over Hagu, to frustration over Yamada and Mayama's relationship; there is never a dull moment. For anyone who's watched their fair share of slice of life, Honey and Clover pulls the genre off in a refreshing and unique matter and offers something new.
Honey and Clover does an excellent job of utilizing the characters' unique personalities and habits to create a realistic portrayal of everyday college life. From the crazy genius Shinobu who seems to be talented at many things but doesn't really care about utilizing it to the fullest to Takemoto, who on a whim chose to major in architecture because he liked making things with his hands, each character has their own set of problems that the series explores. The clash between desires and expectations is the overlying theme.
The drama and romance aspect of the show can be frustrating at times, but is a more accurate representation of relationships in real life. Often times in anime one can predict the flow of romance and relationships, such as who will end up with who, and the feelings and emotions come in a nice superficial box with a neat bow tie on top. However, relationships in real life are often different. Unlike in most romance and drama shows, love in real life does not always go the way you want it. It is more bitter, more mature. It can be extremely frustrating. It can be confusing and hectic. Honey and Clover does a very nice job of representing this through a solid cast of characters and exploring each individual's feelings for one another.
One last theme this show explores is natural talent and feelings of inferiority. In our world, there will always be an insurmountable gap between those of us who are truly talented and gifted, and those who are on the more ordinary side of things. Hard work and dedication can only close that gap so much. Honey and Clover shows how individuals both talented and ordinary think about this fact, and the problems that come with being on either side of the spectrum. Through the relationships of Takemoto, Hagu, Professor, and Shinobu, aspects such as expectations, guidance, free will, and desires are all laid out and explored.
The art was very simple and easygoing on the eyes. There is no flashy animation, just very basic yet powerful scenes and warm colors. The music complemented the mood being presented in each scene and was never out of place. There were lively pieces to accompany merry times and happy days, and somber tones to accentuate tension and dramatic moments.
Honey and Clover gives us a fresh perspective of the slice of life genre. Through mellow and slow-paced storytelling, the tale of this group of college students comes to life, and will make you feel as if you're living right alongside them. For those who tire of conventional slice of life romantic comedies with little to no substance, Honey and Clover might just be right for you.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Mar 30, 2014
On the surface, Acchi Kocchi looks like your typical high school slice of life rom-com filled with overused cliches such as school festivals, beach excursions, valentines day drama, and the like. While that is an accurate description of the general concept of this show, it excelled at making me laugh through unconventional and random humor, and making me smile at the sweet and tender moments the show sets up. With a cast of adorable (albeit cliche; we have the clueless male lead, the tsundere female lead, the airheaded and innocent girl, and the over-the-top troublemakers) characters, comedy that is more than often met with a
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laugh or chuckle, and some innocent and sweet romance, Acchi Kocchi sticks to the conventions of the genre and brings us something relaxing and entertaining to watch.
Based off a 4-panel manga, Acchi Kocchi follows the slightly unusual lives of Otonashi Io, a quiet and reserved guy who is for the most part clueless about many things, Tsumiki Miniwa, a shy and short girl who has trouble expressing her true feelings about a certain someone, Haruno Hime, a bubbly and innocent little airheaded girl who gets excited over the budding romance between her friends, Katase Mayoi, a electronics wizard who has a knack for coming up with schemes that often leave her friends annoyed and unamused, and Inui Sakaki, Mayoi's male counterpart in crime, and rounds out our group as the hot-headed center of harassment and jokes. We follow this group of friends as they do homework, attend festivals, go to the beach, make chocolate for valentine's day, and a myriad of other activities typical high school students do.
The comedy is best described by the title, in that it really is all over the place. For anyone who has watched their fair share of high school slice of life comedies, Acchi Kocchi does come up with some hilarious original content, and most of the punchlines hit the mark while a rarer few disappoint. From watching the rest of the group fawn over Tsumiki's affections towards a nonchalant Io to seeing Sakaki receive the brunt of a bad situation, I found it hard to wipe the grin off my face while watching the show. The romance, on the other hand, is slow and mellow. The show takes the time to set up really nice moments between Io and Tsumiki, and are more often than not adorable and sweet. For any fans of romance, the romance presented in this show is easy on the eyes and heart.
Moe is a controversial issue within the anime community; some absolutely love it while others will hate it with every fiber of their being. While Acchi Kocchi does contain a good deal of moe, it didn't diminish the quality of the comedy or the romance in any way. In fact, in most occasions, it made a bit all the more funny or a tender moment all the more sweet. Even if you're not a fan of it, Acchi Kocchi has something for everyone.
The art is cute and lively, and the characters are reminiscent of Nichijou's. It is somewhat childish, but is expected for a show of this genre. The animation is fluid and easy on the eyes, and parts like Mayoi doing some crazy stunt are well animated. The sound is bright and lighthearted, and will have you humming the OP even after the show is over.
Acchi Kocchi is one of those "don't judge a book by it's cover" series. While it may seem like a cliche moe-blob with little to no substance, it may just catch you a little off guard, and hopefully make you laugh and smile.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Mar 29, 2014
The driving force behind any action we take can be attributed to the profit as a result of said action. Whether that profit is tangible or intangible, our lives are loosely based on a "avoid punishments and collect rewards" mentality. Yet, it is strange. We sacrifice our health in order to acquire wealth only to spend that surplus to recuperate our well being. In that sense, it is seemingly irrational for us to work without pause in with the hope that our efforts will be handsomely rewarded.
However, people continue to do so, sweating tears and blood in the process. Ookami to Koushinryou, also known as
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Spice and Wolf, explores this theme with a supernatural, medival, and romantical flair. Through the utilization of cleverly written dialogues and exchanges, a memorable cast of characters, and intriguing arcs, Spice and Wolf presents fundamental financial concepts and human relationships in a witty and interesting way.
The premise of the show is built upon the relationship formed by chance between Kraft Lawrence, a traveling merchant, and Horo, a wolf deity who oversees the harvest. Under the agreement that Lawrence guides Horo to her homeland in the north, the two begin to travel together, creating fond memories, facing hardships, and of course, conducting business together.
Many consider money and love as the two primary forces behind the demeanor of any person; the tangible and intangible reasons, if you will. It is unusual for these two forces to work together resulting in a ideal life for any person, and this is what Spice and Wolf primarily focuses on. Casting aside the aspects of the show that are based in fantasy, the conflict between the two is a very real struggle that Spice and Wolf explores. The relationship between Lawrence and Horo is far from ideal: it is tested in many ways, by adversaries that take many forms, and exhibits the fundamental concept of risk versus reward. It has been said that there can be only one great love in your life. The question is, is it the prospect of great fortune and the happiness that comes with it, or the fortune of a person that cannot be bought at any price? Spice and Wolf presents both sides of that coin.
Spice and Wolf's strength lies in the personality of the characters and the discussions about life, love, and profit between them. The merchants who act based on logical thinking and appraisal of facts; Spice and Wolf takes us into their world and shows us how a bit of cleverness and wit can go very far, and how any lack of information or foresight can cost someone more then they could ever imagine.
Lawrence and Horo make for an interesting combination to watch. On one hand, you have your wily traveling merchant who is a respectable man in his field and gets by making profit through calculations and predictions, and on the other, we have a wise wolf who has seen many a years pass and many a person met who is an expert at manipulating emotions and expectations. This duo, as expected, are able to use their talents to make a greater profit than your run of the mill peddler. However, as intelligent and cunning as they are, they are not perfect, and run into their fair share of troubles, and makes it that more interesting to watch. There is a lot to be said about a romantical relationship between a man and a deity; however their relationship does not follow the natural paradigm of such a situation. It is surprisingly ordinary, as each try to deal with their feelings for the other, and how they express their affections and emotions concerning the other.
The art is tastefully done and with accordance to the time period. From the well drawn towns that the two visit, to the scenery in the background while they are traveling; everything serves to enhance the atmosphere of a true adventure and the concept of traveling freely. The music is appropriate; ranging from lively violin pieces to somber folk songs, the tune more often than not fits the mood very nicely. Whether it's a relaxing scene in a pub where Horo and Lawrence are sharing a drink in high spirits, or it's a high tension situation between merchants, the music accompanies the scene appropriately.
Spice and Wolf weaves a tale of finance with hints of fantasy and romance in a endearing and intelligent way. For those who like a show to be stimulating, witty, and emotional, Spice and Wolf is an excellent choice.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Mar 28, 2014
Sometimes a show doesn't need to have the most coherent plot or a cast of sensible and realistic characters to succeed in entertaining its audience. These shows appeal to our emotions and excel at utilizing momentum and suspense to keep us watching and demanding more. While Kill La Kill doesn't bring us anything revolutionary or extraordinary in terms of plot development or character design, the manner in which Trigger presents and delivers the show in a way where you can't help but give it your full attention as you watch an episode. Through a mix of over-the-top fan service, exaggerated confrontations and battle scenes, ridiculous
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and nonsensical humor, all under an equally insane and, for lack of a better word, creative premise and plot, Kill La Kill brings us a show that, at the very least, will keep you entertained and amused throughout the series.
Enter Matoi Ryuuko, our fresh, fierce-looking transfer student at Honnouji Academy, where Kiryuuin Satsuki's word is law and your star rank represents your position in society. A girl on a mission to find her father's murderer, with only half of a giant red scissor blade as her clue, Ryuuko stops at nothing to seek the truth, even if it means toppling the very foundation of the Academy itself. She's not alone, however; the ever-energetic and friendly Mankanshoku Mako and her family serve as Ryuuko's beacon of support and source of the occasional pile of delicious croquettes. By fighting her way to the top of the Honnouji hierarchy with her trusted Kamui Senketsu, yet another memento of her late father, she may get the answers to her questions, and maybe, just maybe, something much more than that.
Ryuuko's character development throughout the show was nothing stellar, yet at the same time I found myself becoming angry at the reckless situations she throws herself into, smiling silly at her goofy relationship with Mako, and cheering madly for her as she defeats numerous powerful adversaries. While the whole "there's this girl who has enormous potential but is initially weak, yet later through the support of her friends and the ones that believe in her makes her a force to be reckoned with" concept is fairly cheesy, cliche, and overused, Kill La Kill makes the best of a bad situation and uses it to their advantage. Whether it's Ryuuko challenging Satsuki in a battle in which she clearly would be outclassed yet comes out even due to the support of Mako or the strength of her resolve, or it's Ryuuko getting full of herself with her newfound strength, getting overconfident, then falling to an enemy she underestimates; while scenarios like these are extremely cliche, the unique flair and style Kill La Kill adds to these situations makes it captivating and entertaining to watch.
A heavily debated topic that Kill La Kill often sparks is over the concept of fan service. While your standard anime fan service will offer things such as, but not limited to, beach scenes with an irregular average guy to incredibly cute or beautiful girl ratio, a skirt flipped by the wind much to the chagrin of the embarrassed yet pretty young school girl etc etc, Kill La Kill's so called "fan service" is delivered in the form of heavily revealing battle outfits and consistent nudity with minimal censorship through light or objects. However, unlike most fan service scenes where the actual concept in question is brought to the viewers attention, Kill La Kill does a good job avoiding that. While there are parts where people ogle at Ryuuko's transformed state in Senketsu, or the Elite Four squabbling amongst themselves and telling each other to go put on some clothing, the show very well could have removed it completely and for the most part the foundation of the show would not have changed. For those who like it, all the more power to you. For those who despise it, looking past it or ignoring it will not diminish the impact the show has.
Fitting for a show like Kill La Kill, the art and sound complement the show tremendously. The artwork seems like it was drawn with vigor and the use of sharp lines and sketch marks makes battle scenes come to life. The soundtrack, in typical action anime fashion, does a very good job in matching the scene the episode is depicting. From tension-filled and ominous scenes accompanied by dark and sinister music to action-packed and flashy battle scenes with sharp and vivid background sounds, Kill La Kill does an excellent job piecing together a well coordinated story and soundboard.
Kill La Kill excels in drawing its audience in with larger than life battles, ridiculous yet clever nicknames for various special moves, secret operations, and over-the-top clothing, and fairly unpredictable plot twists and turns that evoke a wide range of emotions ranging from disappointment to shock and awe. It's a show that will be hit or miss for a majority of viewers, but one thing is for sure; it's difficult to be bored or not entertained while watching Kill La Kill.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Mar 28, 2014
*This review encompasses all four "seasons" of Natsume's Book of Friends*
There is a wide variety of adjectives you can use to describe an anime series; hilarious, dramatic, romantic, horrific, and the like. Natsume's Book of Friends is best described using the words beautiful, heart-warming, and emotional. It is rare to find a series that evokes such powerful emotions in each episode without dropping the ball for four seasons, but Natsume's Book of Friends makes it seem effortless with masterful storytelling along with a strong cast of characters.
The premise of the story is supernatural: our protagonist Natsume Takashi can see "youkai" or spirits, a trait inheritedfrom
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his late grandmother Reiko, along with inheriting her "Book of Friends", which contains the names of youkai that she had defeated and bound to her by taking their name. He then sets out to return those very names while defending himself from those who would use the book for power or personal gain. Throughout the series, he meets, befriends, and also defeats many different youkai along the way.
While the premise might be supernatural, the underlying themes present are ordinary, yet powerfully represented and explored. Humans are social by nature, but when the opportunities to socialize are made impossible, feelings of loneliness and sadness become overwhelming and consuming. Natsume's peculiar ability has always alienated him from any potential friends or companions, and as a result feels hated and isolated from the human world.
While Natsume's situation is fictional, the problem is all too real. People who have trouble talking to others, or have strange habits or appearances are often shunned and isolated as well, and feelings of loneliness and depression become quite commonplace. Feelings of being left out, of not being wanted, and being misunderstood: everyone in some point in their life have experienced these emotions, and can relate to Natsume in some way, shape, or form, and even if you can't, sympathy is something you will always feel towards him. Such a gentle person put through that kind of mental strain at such a young age can only be sympathized with.
Natsume's Book of Friends depicts Natsume's life as he struggles with these issues, and how genuinely kind and helpful people come into his life and give him the encouragement and support he needs to overcome the adversaries within himself. Through his school friends, both those who know about his ability and those who don't, he is greatly encouraged to seek out the positives in his life and to look forward to a bright future instead of his dark past. Instead of only being able to confide and rely in himself, he has trustworthy and genuine friends that he can turn to for aid. His adoptive guardians are loving and extremely caring for people that are very distant relatives to Natsume, and his relationship with them grows into something very powerful and heart-warming where he only wishes happiness and safety for the couple that he could never possibly repay.
Each episode is unique story(aside from the two episode stories) that ends in a message for both Natsume and the watcher to take to heart. Each episode evokes feelings of happiness, sadness, or suspense and was entrancing to watch beginning to end. The stories are well written and the pacing, while a bit slow, makes you savor the moments even more. There was never a dull moment; from watching Natsume and Nyanko-Sensei go at it and quarrel like two best friends, to his interactions with the youkai and seeing their stories unfold; simply put, it was beautiful and pleasant to watch.
The art is marvelous to look at. The endless creativity of the people who animated this series amazes me. From each individual spirit, to the entrancing landscape and background, to the abilities and interactions of humans and youkai, everything was crisp and well animated. The music often is lighthearted or tugs at the heartstrings. The ED for season 1 is a personal favorite.
Natsume's Book of Friends has taken a common genre and turned it into nothing short of a masterpiece. With characters that will stay in your mind long after the conclusion and stories that leave deep impressions and powerful messages, the tearful and joyful moments that this series presents to the watcher is nothing short of beautiful and compelling.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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