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This review contains no spoliers.

Kita e.: Diamond Dust Drops is broken up into various 2-3 episode vignettes that follow various female characters and their lives in Hokkaido. They all center around romance.

First things first, because this anime is broken up into these vignettes it is EXTREMELY hit or miss. At times I wanted to give certain story arcs an 8/10 overall but others a 3/10. The setting of the show is probably the best part. Not enough anime are set in winter/Hokkaido. To be honest, I would skip the story arcs that you don't enjoy and watch the ones you care about ... as a mini-series.

Ultimately, I'd recommend it as a light, romance show with great art and music. It's mediocre at best as a whole but some story Arcs (Akari, Suomi and Shoko) are worth it.

I'll start by saying this. Harems are harems - you should know what you're getting when you sit down to watch the genre. Having said that, Shuffle! is pretty much everything you want out of a harem without being too predictable.

The story is pretty good overall and the characters are great. A harem without good characters is really just the worst. This show is a little more fun/light and comedy-based but it gives me Clannad vibes a bit. It certainly doesn't match Clannad's awesomeness but it's a good show if you're looking for something similar (aside from the other Key VN stuff).

There might be some spoilers ahead. Minimal at most though. I am writing this review directly in response to many other reviews that I would deem unfair. I truly enjoyed this anime.

I'm going to start with the biggest issue I have with the criticism of the show - the characters. I've seen people call many of the characters flat and boring with minimal character development. We have to keep in mind that these are 10 year old children. They aren't adolescents or adults that are going to progress in the same way.

For me, this anime starts with the beautiful directing and animation - ... some of the best I've seen honestly. It's truly stunning. I liken it to Kanon (2006) and Let the Right One In (for those who've seen that movie).

Next is the story. Probably the biggest issue people have with this anime. One thing I've seen is that "child abuse" is used as just a plot device. You can tell by episode 4 that it isn't the case. It's just one part of the story being told. It's a fairly intricate story, yes time travel has been used a lot and can be tricky. Many people pick apart certain plot holes, but the story is pretty tight and I liken it to purely opinion and nit-picking.

I'm not sure how helpful this review will be, I'll just say that upfront.

Toradora! is funny, emotional and kind-hearted all at the same time. I would recommend this anime to anyone who enjoys the genre and anyone who doesn't. The characters are relatable, likable, complex and dynamic. This show thrives on the characters but the story keeps it all together.

The story is something that can often ruin an anime but Toradora! keeps everything aligned and interesting for all 25 episodes. There is enough spontaneity to keep you guessing and enough predictable to not through you off or create plot holes

All in all, ... Toradora! gives you the certain vibe and feeling that is almost indescribable. You get so wrapped up in the story and the characters you feel a better empty after it is over. Fortunately, it's re-watch value is EXTREMELY high.