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There is some stunning artwork in this show, it has an inspiring opening title sequence, and there is an educational element which takes you through some interesting philosophical concepts - at least, there was in the fansub I watched (Shinsen). If you are someone who likes very much to read into things, to analyse them and pull them apart, I have no doubt that this anime is already or is soon to be in your favourites.

And the series presents us with two likeable, believeable charecters in the gorgeous Real and the naiive Pino, who are well-voiced and in the case of comedy relief Pino, given ... all the best lines.

However, as unpopular as it may make this review, I couldn't possibly overlook the huge plot holes and "unfinished" feel to the series. Charecters are poorly developed, the animation starts to cut corners as the series goes on.
Without revealing too much, the last episode is called "Deus ex machina" - lit. "God from a machine" - a latin phrase describing a plot device used to turn hopeless situations into happy endings.
After remaining faithful for 23 episodes, the viewer is left feeling several things - confused, unsatisfied and betrayed among them.

The plot is poorly paced, and many episodes seem... worse than out of place. Completely unnecessary. I drew the conclusion that when the original script was written, the producers thought they'd have 2 seasons, or at least a normal 26-ep run. This was not so, and the anime suddenly jumps from a drawn-out journeying arc, full of semi-filler eps, to its conclusion.

Nevertheless, the sheer beauty of the series keeps your eyes on the screen. The graphics are far from the anime conventions, and ultimately, the impression made on you by them is what will remain with you after watching.

I just completed this adorable little one-shot, and as it took me somewhere in the region of 6 minutes to read through, I can definitely say it was worth the time. Although you shouldn't be expecting a literary epic when you take on "Suki" to Ienai, the timeless tale of unrequitted love perhaps doesn't need much backstory.

As someone in a similar situation (minus the whole brother complex!), I can say that it touched my soul a little, and made me nod with a knowing feeling, "that's exactly how it is", at the suffering of the little sister in the story. That's why I enjoyed it ... as much as I did, likewise anyone who has a crush on someone who is seemingly out of their league will appreciate this one-shot.

But despite this, viewed critically this manga will not stand up to much. The art is very much what you would expect from a clichéd shojo manga, with little flare to it, and many panels are just plain screentones. There is little attention given to detail in the drawing or the plot, this is almost a concept or a girl's thoughts as she is lost in fantasy rather than a story.

However, I'll go easy on it as it is so very short (and rather cute), and settle for a 5. There are most definitely better shojo one-shots out there, but you could do worse than a timid little romance between a young girl and her brother.