The first four episodes are so skilfully delivered I was tempted to give it 10 based on them alone. The calm, welcoming, mysterious atmosphere reflected through the bartender's own personality is stunning. The way each episode has a clear story which resonates with the viewer is also incredible, all centred around the aptly named Eden Hall. The direction is refreshing, sometimes feeling like theatre sometimes feeling surrealist, but it definitely felt classy yet teased you with cocktails and customers laying themselves bare. Episode 3 is a must watch at the very least, the end is flipping gorgeous!
However, after the first four it loses its
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Nov 11, 2016
Kotonoha no Niwa
(Anime)
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My greatest criticism is that this story would be much better suited to a 10-12 episode anime. That way the particularities and ambitions of the characters could be developed and become more relevant. That being said they are good characters, the main character is quiet and serious and driven. He doesn't shout the loudest but he certainly tries the hardest at what he wants to achieve. The entire story is predictable, and the end wasn't bad as it shows that the protagonist is still only a child, but that means the plot depends almost entirely on character and character development. Unfortunately the female character is
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Nov 11, 2016
Shelter (Music)
(Anime)
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Indeed the story is lacking in depth but if it's treated as a music video, which is what it is, then it's about the same as any other out there. What saves it is good artwork, although it milks escapism and wide shots of landscapes due to the fact the protagonist is stuck in their own mind. I liked the cuteness of the girl, but not enough to justify the lack of an actual story. You're thrown into a universe that's shoved down your throat and at the end you don't know how to feel. I liked the song in that it was relaxing but
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Oct 12, 2016
Amaama to Inazuma
(Anime)
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Amaama to Inazuma is a basic slice of life, it's cute and fluffy with a few slightly serious tones.
The focus on cooking and it's ties to the mother is nice, and it's got a very relaxing feel to it. I also enjoyed learning about different Japanese dishes. It's a very soft-spoken story, nothing flashy happens and there's little progression in terms of plot after the first couple episodes. That said it still manages to be interesting thanks to the characters and the food. There's a discreet evolution in the main characters, Tsumugi is growing up and shows unrealistic but endearing maturity whilst her equally endearing father ... Oct 12, 2016
Ajin's story is clear and easy to follow, without being too predictable. In the series, the persecution of ajin is displayed in an interesting (but not novel) manner and the fights between ajins and humans are backed up with good reasoning. Plus, the way the story escalates and unfolds is addictive, introducing the characters properly, not rushing through plot-lines, making for good viewing.
The artstyle is strange, in my opinion. To begin with I found it too different, as it felt a bit more like videogame graphics, but throughout the series the art grew on me and now I love it for it's uncommon style ... |