Sep 3, 2012
-This review is mainly based on episode 1-
After watching the first episode, I knew that it would be my favorite anime for the season. It is a dark comedy which constantly creates satirical comments on society, and often exaggerations (to the point of it being surreal even in a fantasy world) are made to create more impact. Clever points are presented in stupid or cute ways, in which sometimes people can just fall in love with.
First we get the view of the world. No machinery, everything is green, and you don’t get the feeling of “Declining humanity” (in which image might be created by rubbles
...
etc). However one of the problems is quickly introduced: shortage of supplies. Food is clearly the major need of humankind from every era. This is one of the messages in the first episode, and discovering more messages from this anime (satirical ftw) is one of the fun things.
-I found the “Kokkeeeeeeeeeeeee” (“Bokeeeeee”?) by the chicken funny-
The other unique thing about this anime is the absence of names. The first dialogue we hear is from the protagonist, or Watashi, introducing herself to the villagers. We get her introduction, without hearing any names. She has stated what her role is, and may I emphasize here ‘that is all we need.’ Yes everyone including me would think why they would not give her and other characters any name (if there is any, names represent objects or there are just some simple names…examples in episodes 3-6). In my opinion, the absence of name acts only as a symbol that scenarios like this can happen anywhere in this world, and to emphasize that this anime is about the everyday life of the world. But of course everyone can interpret this differently.
Art is probably not a big thing in this anime, however there are some aspects that stand out. The background is just excellent. This way, we get to know more details about the world. This is also enhanced by the unique design of fairy-like buildings, in contrast to rubbles of buildings humans likely made. Another unique thing that I have never actually seen anywhere else is the foreground lighting. It is like stiff-layered tone to enhance the lighting…it is really interesting. Colors also support the depiction of the world and the fairies themselves; almost everything seems to be bright colored. And if we look at the characters, the colors are flat on them, however it is negated by the smooth animation.
- ( ˚ ワ ˚ ) -
Music has also done a good job here. Playful opening theme by nano.RIPE, and surreal ending theme by Itou Masumi. The background music – oh Ootani Kou (Shakugan no Shana, Another, Tokyo Magnitude 8.0) is also often playful and got a countryside feeling. And sometimes the mysterious theme played by the music box-like instrument (whatever that is) is often accompanied by satirical dialogues. If I need to comment something about some sound effects that are not appropriate yet actually create comments, I dare you to be aware of those kinds of things. Laugh at them.
Overall, it is my enjoyment of the season. Probably break away from dramas, actions or other romance comedy and get your head into more sophisticated theme and enjoy the show. I don't usually rate anime when I'm watching it, so the score might change when I am finished.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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