ef: A Tale of Melodies.

In a story set years in the past, Himura Yuu is a studious and diligent young man intent solely on maintaining his top academic position at Otowa Academy. One day, he meets a mysterious girl named Amamiya Yuuko, who, to his surprise, recognizes him. Memories of a distant childhood, memories rather left forgotten... meeting Yuuko again will force Yuu to confront the regrets and sorrows of their collective pasts and presents.

In the present, Kuze Shuuichi may seem like a womanizer, but upon closer inspection, is a man who would rather be left alone. Hayama Mizuki, however, is not the type of girl who would let him be, especially after hearing the beautiful sounds of his violin performance. As Mizuki attempts to become closer to him, Kuze attempts to push her away—the tale of their budding relationship is darkened with undertones of an imminent tragedy.

[Written by MAL Rewrite]

Amamiya, Yuuko Main

Nakajima, Yumiko Japanese

Himura, Yuu Main

Toochika, Kouichi Japanese

Kuze, Shuuichi Main

Hamada, Kenji Japanese

Hayama, Mizuki Main

Gotou, Mai Japanese

Shindou, Chihiro Supporting

Yanase, Natsumi Japanese

Miyamura, Miyako Supporting

Taguchi, Hiroko Japanese

Asou, Renji Supporting

Takagi, Motoki Japanese

Hirono, Hiro Supporting

Shimono, Hiro Japanese

Shindou, Kei Supporting

Okada, Junko Japanese

Tsutsumi, Kyosuke Supporting

Tai, Yuuki Japanese

Kubota, Mitsutoshi Producer

Kananiwa, Kozue Producer

Matsuda, Akio Producer

Oonuma, Shin Director

Reviews

Dec 26, 2008

Retro8bit

Recommended

Watching "ef- a tale of melodies" is not like watching a regular anime, but more like an artistic painting come to life. It really is a unique experience!

Story: 8/10
Taking place after the first installment known as ef- a tale of memories, we now follow the tale of most of the supporting cast from the original I just mentioned. Going into this I was a bit bummed that they didn’t decide to simply go with a whole brand new cast for this, but it actually worked out quite well, as this time around we get to learn more about: Kuze, Mizuki, Yuuko and Yu. (which again ... were simply the supporting cast from the first ef series) And get a better understanding as to who they are, and also answer questions that were not answered from the original. You will be transported back and forth from the past to the present, as the overall plot can only be understood by doing so. Now watching this series you won’t really find anything particularly new here with the story, most of the events that take place are more along the lines of what you would see in a Soap Opera---in other words, lots and LOTS of drama here. Basically each of the four cast members will (or eventually) fall for one another, each having to face their own personal demons (just a medifore) in the process. Most of them are not quite what they appear to be at first, and as the story progress you get a much more in depth look as to who they are. The way it is told though, is what really makes "ef- a tale of melodies" stand out. You don’t just simply watch the story and love scenes progress like you would a regular anime. This one is told in a more artistic tone. For example: when the characters are in deep thought from a certain situation, you may see them in a room by themselves--or even see them all chained up as a black silhouette, (this of course represents that the certain character is a prisoner either to themselves, or by another) and a lot of it takes place in the character’s mind and not in the physical form. So you can’t go into this series expecting a "what you see is what you get" idea, because this series doesn’t do it that way. Setting the artistic themes aside for a moment, the situations themselves are pretty standard for a drama, which may turn off some people and give the feeling to them that the whole "medifore" idea is simply there to only cover up a more standard fared story. Which quite honestly isn’t too far from the truth, as many scenes tended to last quite long, and sometimes seemed to give a more slower pace to the storyline. Still, what it lacks in actual new material with its story, it makes up for by the artistic way it shows it. It also has a worth while ending too!

Art: 10/10
The art of this series is so rich and detailed, I would expect nothing less from the "ef" series, in fact just watching the opening scene with the paper airplane gliding along the sunset sky, is truly appealing for the eyes, as is the entire series. The character design (while nothing particularly new) is well distinct. I especially liked the eyes of the characters. The water effects that come from the ocean will seem to just glide across your screen so fluently. And the character animation and backgrounds are truly superb!

Sound: 8/10
I have to say that the sound was the weakest link for me in the anime, the opening and closing were indeed well planned out tracks (both ranging from soft and sincere, to catchy "finger snapping" tunes, " one even sung in English no less) The background music was a bit lack luster though, while you do get nice and appropriate orchestral music that plays in the back during events, nothing ever really stands out too much, with the exception of Kuze’s violin piece. The voice cast was a bit of a "hit and miss" for me too. Most of the deep males voices were nice at complimenting the artistic theme of the anime. But most of the female cast I found to be a bit on the standard side, with the exception of a girl name Yuuko, her’s was well fitting the part. Overall it was a great soundtrack, but it just didn't seem to be quite as good as the original's.

Characters: 9/10
I really liked each and everyone of the characters, nobody ever came off as annoying, or would make you feel that they tossed one in just for the sake of doing so. I was especially captivated with the character "Kuze, " he is a musician with a quite interesting past, and the turmoil he goes through is quite sad--yet exciting at times. The character chemistry was a bit rushed for one of the couples, but seemed to be pulled off appropriately at the end. Since half of this title is all about back story, you get a pretty in depth look into the character’s lives and can really connect with just who they are, and will feel what they feel!

Overall: 9/10
ef - a tale of melodies is a truly satisfying experience if you can appreciate it’s approach in things. It's debatable as to whether this one surpassed the original or not. It can at least be said however, that this is truly an outstanding sequel! If you prefer a simple and casual romance themed anime then it would probably be best to avoid this one. As many of its extended medifore scenes may tend to drag out and frustrate some viewers. But if you’re an anime fan with a taste for the arts, or perhaps looking for a new way of viewing a romance title, then this series is for you. ef - a tale of melodies is not spectacular in what it shows...but how it shows it!

Side Note: If you are interested in watching this title, I would recommend watching the prequel first. As some of the original main characters from the first make an appearance here, and the whole overall story can only be understood fully from both sides.

Reviewer’s Rating: 9

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Jan 17, 2010

Wilio

Mixed Feelings

Ef- a Tale of Melodies is somehow an unnecessary sequel. Unnecessary in a way the first season didn't let any hole for a new season, as I felt it was complete and didn't need to go on. Even tough, I was still thrilled to watch A Tale of Melodies since its predecessor was absolutely beautiful. Perhaps, it would be as beautiful or as interesting.


Sadly, I could only dream about it.


The story is presented in the same pattern as Memories, at this point the viewer shouldn't be confused in the way it's made. While most of the cast are back, they actually switch roll in ... a sense that the main characters of the first season would become the support cast and vice versa. The most drastic change some can feel while watching Melodies is that is darker than the first season and perhaps darker than someone would Imagine. And here's the problem, both of the story arcs were dark and yet they both failed to have a sense of suspense. SHAFT was successful in creating a blend of suspense and romance in the first season(Notably the ending of the Hiro-Miyako) and thus the reason why A Tale of Memories was very good. One could think that A Tale of Melodies would be a parallel. Well, Shaft didn't succeed this time.While the stories had a premise start, As darker these story arcs were, they also felt more cliché, more unbelievable and sadly more boring as it was getting to its end.

I also have to point that ending didn't have the same expectation as the first season. While A Tale of Memories felt completed, the ending of a Tale of Melodies is left with the feeling that there's still something more to tell which can leave an unsatisfying feeling for the viewers.

Nothing can't really be said against the art except for some of the characters design that really felt bland or been done before. Truly amazing backgrounds and sunset. The SHAFT art, which consist of high contrast, simple colours, black and white and so on is also magnificent as it played a key role in the most important scenes.

A Tale of melodies did deliver a great cast, no doubt about that. Yet, the series still suffered from few characters who weren't developed enough and made them quite uninteresting(Notably Nagi, who even though she's a supporting character, still had an important role). Another problem that can be regarded is the quality of the dialogues. The series did have some good dialogues, yet a lot of them were predictable, silly and also cliché.

I have to admit, enjoying the series was quite hard. While I admit Melodies had beautiful moment and memorable SHAFT scenes, it still suffered from long scenes where all it did was turning around the block(Not getting to the point).

In overall, A Tale of Melodies could have been a great sequel there's no doubt about that. We hoped for something as good or better, but it isn't the case. Like I said, it had a premised start and the only element needed was a good execution. This element was never included.

Beside, most of the fans of first did like this one. I guess I wasn't in the majority. So go on, flame me.

Reviewer’s Rating: 6

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Jun 24, 2024

rogue1982

Not Recommended

I actually made my account on myanimelist because of this anime. I wanted to share my views after seeing it all.

Having watched Tale of Memories, I went into this one with high expectations. And, unfortunately, was let down.

'Tale of Memories' was the first anime after 'Clannad' to actually move me, both 'Air' and 'Kannon' failing in that department (I only saw the latter two after Clannad, and they felt pale in comparison). However, 'Tale of Melodies', in my opinion, went the wrong way. It OVERLOADS you with stylistyc art and does not deliver on the story.

If you split it into two stories, neither ... brings any joy from watching.

The back story is borderline awful, dark and twisted. One of the characters is so despicable and horrid that you wish only the worst kind of death for him. His resolution felt extremely out of place. The drama in the story was also very much forced and out of the blue.

The 'contemporary' story is not any better. Actually, what story? Looking back, there hardly is a story to begin with. 95% of it is just fancy art stylings.

Possibly the worst thing about this anime is that it almost ruined some of the characters from 'Memories' for me. Luckly, in the end, they were 'spared'.


Bottom line is: If you liked 'Tale of Memories' for its art only, go ahead and watch 'Melodies'. There is plenty more of it in the sequel (almost to the point of annoyance). If you liked 'Memories' for the story, the characters and the feelings, 'Melodies' will disappoint you. Don't expect anything remotely close to the touching story of Renji and Chihiro in this one.

Reviewer’s Rating: 5

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	Poll: ef - a tale of melodies Episode 6 Discussion ( 1 2 3 4 ) angel999 - Nov 10, 2008	195 replies	by wizdom224 »» Sep 3, 2:13 AM
	Poll: ef - a tale of melodies Episode 12 Discussion ( 1 2 3 4 5 ... Last Page ) aidouca - Dec 22, 2008	257 replies	by KaiserVonGogureo »» Jul 2, 11:10 PM
	Poll: ef - a tale of melodies Episode 11 Discussion ( 1 2 ) slayer545-sama - Dec 16, 2008	88 replies	by KaiserVonGogureo »» Jul 2, 11:03 PM
	Poll: ef - a tale of melodies Episode 10 Discussion ( 1 2 3 4 ) slayer545-sama - Dec 8, 2008	198 replies	by KaiserVonGogureo »» Jul 2, 6:06 PM
	Poll: ef - a tale of melodies Episode 9 Discussion ( 1 2 ) slayer545-sama - Dec 2, 2008	86 replies	by KaiserVonGogureo »» Jul 2, 5:59 PM