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Mar 29, 2013
Can you imagine what the world would look like in a hundred years or so? Will we be living in a just and humane society, a utopia in other words or will chaos prevail and what lies ahead of us is a dystopia, a world filled with hatred and anguish? Thinking ahead of what civilization would look like in the future is difficult itself but Shinsekai yori has a rather intelligent concept of such.
Indeed, Shinsekai yori has exceeded my expectations of what I thought would be a typical anime with a fairly sensible plot and it has also lead me to believe that it is
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the epitome of intelligent animes.
I've said this before but my bases for rating anime are rather special and not commonly used, as these are my personal and subjective criteria.
1. ARTISTRY: 10/10
"Artistry is the quality that appeals to one's sense of beauty."
Artistry is an important quality in an anime. It determines the first impression. If the animation looks ugly and it does not appeal to the audience's eye, they would develop a bad impression of the anime and they wouldn't be fond of it. However, if the art, sound, and other elements that pertain to artistry are realized and shown in a nice way, a good impression is bound to develop and the audience would enjoy the anime.
It would be absurd if I would say that this anime, Shinsekai yori, didn't accomplish this. The animation itself is exquisite, not to mention the development of each character. If you compare this anime to all the other anime, you would and should realize that the plot, the character development, the animation, more or less everything are unique. It's not the typical elements you see nowadays, like a maiden in search for true love, a moe character that's very shy, or a tsundere in that matter. Each and every character had an exclusive personality and all of them played a specific role and their part.
The soundtracks as well were nice but not many songs were utilized. Well, I guess it's part of making the show appear not with a playful mood but a rather solemn and serious one. Nevertheless, the soundtracks that were used, especially the ending theme songs, are impressive.
2. INTELLECTUAL VALUE: 10/10
"Intellectual value refers to the anime stimulating thought. It enriches our mental life by making us realize fundamental truths about life and human nature."
This is the strongest focal point shown in Shinsekai yori. The way the plot was laid out and the essence of the plot itself is what magnifies this aspect.
Shinsekai yori, as I reiterated earlier, has got to be the most intelligent anime I've watched. The way the plot was set up and laid out, basing its setting on a very futuristic time and utopia, it's very interesting to see how the makers of this anime perceived what the future would look like after a hundred years or so. I just can't help to think that such a fictional story could seem so realistic in nature.
3. SUGGESTIVENESS: 9/10
"Suggestiveness is the quality associated with the emotional power shown and experienced by the audience."
Suggestiveness is a very important element in composing a good anime. The power of emotion always drives us to our conclusions as whether it is nice or not so utilizing suggestiveness of emotions is the best way to guarantee a good remark from the audience.
Undoubtedly, Shinsekai yori did a good job in keeping our moods intact. Many scenes demonstrated various moods. Happy moods, sad moods, nostalgic, melancholic, chaotic, everything. I don't plan to specify a specific scene, as I do not want to give spoilers for those who are reading this review before watching the anime.
Most of the time, though, it seems that they're overusing the dilemma situations on Watanabe Saki, creating a suspense-filled mood. Nevertheless, those were all portrayed nicely but I guess that's a point they can improve on.
4. SPIRITUAL VALUE: 10/10
"Spiritual value is the quality wherein which the show elevates the spirit by bringing out moral values which make us better persons."
"The power of imagination is what changes everything."
That one statement determines that this anime deserves a 10/10 for its spiritual value. Everything that occurred in the whole story revolves around that one quote. It's nice to know that this anime was able to manifest the plot's morals and revolve the message of the story on one concept.
5. PERMANENCE: 10/10
"Permanence is shown when a great show endures time and space. Thus, it immortalizes its maker along with the show itself."
Ten over ten. Watching this is a very memorable experience. I like how anime teaches you something valuable and engraves something in your mind and heart forever and Shinsekai yori succeeded in doing so.
While the general audience may not exactly be universal, since it does have some rather profane content, all those who watch it should have a good impression on such a well-made anime.
OVERALL: 9.8/10 or 10/10
So, overall, what's the point? This is the point. Shinsekai yori is a unique anime that is not often seen in the animes we have today. Not only that, it excels in many aspects. Shinsekai yori would serve to be a good basis and a good role model for other animes to follow. This, I believe, is a milestone of the history of anime and I can guarantee, after you watch Shinsekai yori, you won't forget about it.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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Jan 2, 2013
Ef - a tale of melodies. Can you hear that? The melody of truth.
1. ARTISTRY: 10/10
"Artistry is the quality that appeals to one's sense of beauty."
In my opinion, if I were to compare this anime to all the other anime I've watched until now, I'd say this show is unique in a certain aspect.
It's rare that I get to experience an anime wherein which the artistry and the visual aspect of anime itself moves me deeply.
Symbolisms. These are underated elements that are unseen to some people in the naked eye but I tend to look at each show's symbolisms and imageries, as these hold a
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secret yet an immense meaning behind them. Symbolisms appeared all over the anime, which is one reason why I like it. Masks, concealing your true identity, indeed a parasite that eventually becomes a part of you as it isolates you from your real self and lives you a life of a fraudulent person. Keys, a symbolism pertaining to the key that opens new doors, new doors in life. Paper airplanes, they soar through the vicinity of the endless horizon, aiming not only high but also forward amidst the sky. Indeed, this series held a bunchful of symbolisms and each one had a distinct and incredible meaning.
The songs used in this anime are also absolutely beautiful. “Music is what feelings sound like,” and I believe that the feelings felt in each and every song were portrayed to the utmost perfection. A big commendation to the song, A Moon Filled Sky. The violin's tune and melody along with the lyric's message, with them combined, they are able to form a song that brings about feelings of happiness, melancholy, nostalgia, pain and love all at once. Songs like this bring me to tears and bring me to LSS.
The set-up of the plot, finally, was also plotted out nicely. The story was indeed unique and not cliché. Each series featured multiple stories of a couple's story towards their journey of reaching one another and they were able to balance out the interest of each story.
2. INTELLECTUAL VALUE: 10/10
"Intellectual value refers to the anime stimulating thought. It enriches our mental life by making us realize fundamental truths about life and human nature."
Who wouldn't learn anything after seeing two seasons that foretold true love, pain and anguish of separation? ef - a tale of melodies. was packed with fundamental yet unrealized truths about life itself.
Every conflict each character faced through, every action each character did, every consequence each character faced is already a realization of the fundamental truth that goodness begets goodness.
3. SUGGESTIVENESS: 10/10
"Suggestiveness is the quality associated with the emotional power shown and experienced by the audience."
Wow, I was moved throughout the whole course of the series, both of them, especially this sequel.
Practically, every wavering scene moved my heart. When conflicts appeared and in consequence, caused sadness with each presented couple, when an answer that could solve the problem appeared and eventually did and then they fell happily ever after. In all these moments, strong emotion built up inside of me, I almost wanted to cry but I didn't, as if I did, I would be interfering the flow of the show.
The very fact that I forced myself not to cry in order to waver the feelings in my heart more while watching the show already raises a 10/10 for suggestiveness, no doubt.
Intense emotions, emitted both in the scene and on the audience's point of view, that is the true epitome of suggestiveness.
4. SPIRITUAL VALUE: 10/10
"Spiritual value is the quality wherein which the show elevates the spirit by bringing out moral values which make us better persons."
I consider the spiritual value of the show the most among all the other aspects. If I learn something out of it, if I'm able to change myself for the better thanks to a show, that show deserves a 10/10 for changing an individual's life.
"To keep on dreaming... that's the first step to making a dream come true."
This show led me to realize that miracles do happen, dreams do come true and that nothing is impossible. All of them had a simple way for them all to be true and that is to never give up.
Life. Oh yes, it is undoubtedly going to be one hell of a journey. You're going to experience loneliness, anguish, despair and all other painful moments at some point in your life but in the same time, you will experience the greatest feelings you will ever have such as love, happiness and joy, as featured in this show. Everyone in the story had a happy end with an everlasting shine, nevertheless of all the painful experiences they've went through.
This show gave light to life, despite this world's cruel society, with all the corrupt officials, merciless murderers, deceiving friends. The show singlehandedly inspired me to look at life in a much greater aspect than I had seen it before. I am just pumped up with inspiration and motivation to strive for the best right now so I can live my life to the fullest after watching such a masterpiece.
5. PERMANENCE: 10/10
"Permanence is shown when a great show endures time and space. Thus, it immortalizes its maker along with the show itself."
I'm not gonna forget this show for a long time, I can guarantee that. After all I've learned from the story, there's no way I'll immediately forget it. The moral messages shown throughout the series, those words will soon turn into actions of kindness in my case. I keep in mind that if I learn something, I will always apply it into action to further engrave the message into my mind and into my life.
OVERALL: 10/10 or 10/10
My overall score may seem a bit exaggerated but what I grade it is true. ef - a tale of melodies. is one of the most magnificent masterpieces of anime I've seen in my whole history of watching anime. If you were to hear my opinion whether this is worthy enough to watch, all I can say is that it won't be a waste of time and that you won't regret watching it. Infact, if you're not watching it yet and you are reading this review, you better stop reading and start watching and I bid you happiness as you watch the series where you indeed can and will hear the melody of truth. ;)
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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Jan 1, 2013
Before I'd like to start my review, I'd just like to give a few reminders.
First of all, a happy new year to everyone! I hope everyone had fun last year and will have fun this year. For this year, I decided that in my new year's resolution, I will start writing reviews in the anime I've watched, primarily those which have struck me with awe. In other words, this is my first review so please be easy on me. Secondly, I apologize if my review may seem long as, reiterated, it's my first time and I tend to pour myself out on stuff like this.
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Lastly, we all have subjective opinions so let's not start arguments over my review please in the case that I pull up something controversial.
I have a different grading system when I rank anime compared to the standard one given so with that being said...
1. ARTISTRY: 9/10
"Artistry is the quality that appeals to one's sense of beauty."
This refers to all the technical visual things shown in the anime - animation, personalities, sounds, all of those. I'm not exactly looking at how the anime is, how it looks and all that, I'm the type of person that tends to look more on the inside rather than what's on the outside. However, even so, artistry is an important factor as it usually leaves the first impression, at least in my case.
Kokoro Connect though did very well on the artistry, I believe. The animation is fine, in fact, it's very impressive. The mood of the scene reflected well on the animation as well, which would contribute to enticing the viewers.
Not only that, the characters were nice as well. Each character had a unique personality. It's not like those cliché personalities such as the over-moe ones and the all-the-way tsunderes. Everyone had new aspects that I haven't seen before or rarely seen such as Inaba Himeko. It's hard to sub-classify her to the classifications of anime characters we have right now. Her good looks and her cool, grown-up attitude and behind those is a clumsy girl with the capability to make her look beautiful, hot and cute all at the same time is very rare in the anime world.
Another factor I'm mysteriously interested in is the voice acting. I am just so dumbfounded when I hear the voice actors and actresses expressing the character's feelings to the fullest in each dialogue they speak out. In Kokoro Connect, I'd have to say they did an amazing job in this aspect. All the characters, their feelings and their dialogues, it was expressed in such a way wherein which you are just left with amazement. This is yet another commendable aspect in terms of the artistry.
Lastly, the plot. The way the story was laid out, the way each new problem and conflict was presented, the way each problem was solved by the help of teamwork was perfect. These kinds of plots just give you the urge to continue watching more and more episodes consecutively due to its excitement and interesting turn of events.
2. INTELLECTUAL VALUE: 10/10
"Intellectual value refers to the anime stimulating thought. It enriches our mental life by making us realize fundamental truths about life and human nature."
When I watch anime, I closely keep in watch for this quality. This usually determines if I'll like the anime or not.
No doubt, I learned a lot from this anime. New truths about life itself and about us, humans. We're very powerless if we settle things all by ourselves and we need help from others at some point in life. Life works that way. Every individual should work together and united, they shall stand.
With that being said, intellectual value in this show is yet another commendable factor seen in Kokoro Connect.
3. SUGGESTIVENESS: 9/10
"Suggestiveness is the quality associated with the emotional power shown and experienced by the audience."
Let's focus on Nagase Iori on this one, shall we? Did you feel the pain Iori felt as she continuously isolated herself from the Cultural Research Club and its members? Did you feel anguish and anger or perhaps any feeling when Iori showed an antagonistic and negative behavior towards her own friends despite how nice they were to her? My main point is, the very fact that you, the audience, expressed intense emotions during those scenes is already the fact that this anime succeeded its purpose in expressing suggestiveness to the audience.
Not only did Nagase leave a strong emotional power but also practically everything shown on the show. Every dramatic moment in Kokoro Connect was intense and it left strong emotional power, leaving you astounded and moved in your heart. That, itself, makes me give this a 10/10.
4. SPIRITUAL VALUE: 10/10
"Spiritual value is the quality wherein which the show elevates the spirit by bringing out moral values which make us better persons."
I would be killing myself literally if I were to say that Kokoro Connect failed to inspire its viewers to become better persons or change their perspective on life. This has got to be the strongest point shown in the anime.
Society is cruel. Hardships come and go. At some point, you will feel like you've reached the lowest peak in your life. Yet, in the end, your friends will always be there to pull you up. The concept of friendship was indeed highlighted in this show.
"Like I care! Do whatever you want! It's your life!," as said by Inaba. A very motivational and inspiring quote indeed. You are entitled to everything you want and can do and no one has the right to bother around with what's yours.
Kokoro Connect taught me that you can't live life all by yourself. No one can. Everyone needs someone to be at their side to be with them, guide them, shoulder their pain and burden and everything else. It's a human instinct, we linger for love. This human instinct was shown on Nagase Iori, despite her persistent attitude.
5. PERMANENCE: 10/10
"Permanence is shown when a great show endures time and space. Thus, it immortalizes its maker along with the show itself."
Permanence, in my opinion, is one of the greatest qualities every anime has to focus on. Every anime should strive to leave an impact to the audience in order for them to not forget about it for a long time and hopefully recommend to their friends. It is also a pretty drastic quality, as it also interconnects and interlocks with spiritual value and intellectual value.
These last 4 episodes, in my belief, indeed succeeded in engraving a memory of how wonderful this anime is in the viewer's hearts.
The concept and idea of friendship and teamwork, I will never forget the fact on how much that was highlighted and shown during the whole course of the Kokoro Connect series.
OVERALL: 9.6/10 or 10/10
TL;DR? All in all, I'd like to say that this is a wonderful and commendable show. I would indeed recommend this to my friends if they are looking for an anime to watch. Every anime should strive to be like this one, Kokoro Connect deserves to be a role model. However, regardless of the fact that it's amazing, I still wouldn't say it's the epitome and magnum opus of shows and all that, as some shows still encompass this anime but shows as nice as this are rarely seen this days so in conclusion, I highly suggest you watch this series. You won't regret it.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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