Dec 10, 2008
After Story has ended. (Yes I know there is a special episode remaining but I think its safe to say that the story arc has "officially" ended.) And as promised, I'm updating my review on arguably one of the most excellent (and tearjearking ) anime I've seen thus far.
Story (Based on School Arc) :
Continues after the ending of Clannad when Nagisa and Tomoya are dating. This is all done in the space of 9 episodes. While the story is really good and fun, I just can't help it but feel that the producers rushed through the arc when Nagisa is sick. I mean, isn't there
...
anything interesting that happens when Nagisa is on her sickbed? Not that it matters, but they have the potential to show us more about Tomoya's school life with Nagisa out of the picture. Not a huge gripe, but a gripe nonetheless.
(Based on After Story Arc):
This arc tells the story of Tomoya's relationship with Nagisa as the two lovebirds starts living with each other and (inevitably) get engaged, then married. This arc is by far more serious than anything Clannad has shown us. And when I mean more serious, I mean crying your eyes out serious. After Story is NOT a tale of butterflies, sunshine and unicorns (well...there is a slight amount of them), its about the trials Tomoya has to go through when tragedy strikes him and how he fares with it. KyoAni has adapted the visual novel almost perfectly in the sense that they are able to capture the emotional state of the moment when Tomoya faces his great loss, and his eventual acceptance of being a responsible father towards his child that he has neglected for 5 years. The slight gripe about After Story is the same as the gripe I had with the School Arc. They did some time lapsing in and between episodes so one moment Nagisa has just discovered that she got pregnant, the next moment, she's in labour. Regardless of the time lapse, the story still flows smoothly enough that anyone can easily ignore it.
Art (Both School and After Story Arcs):
Still as beautiful as the original series and sometimes even more so. Nuff Said.
Sound (School Arc):
Personally, I prefer the OP and ED music on this more than the original. But feel free to say otherwise as I know that music preferences varies between one another. Oh..the OP tune got stuck in my head for about 3 months now.
(After Story Arc):
I gotta say, that I'm impressed with the some of the scores in the series. KyoAni really knows how to set the mood with the scores in Clannad. The music melds with the scene on the screen in such a way that it actually amplifies the character's sorrow/happiness. Examples of such scenes can be found in Episodes 16 and 18. There are more examples but I'll just leave them out for you to find out. On a side note, the ED music also infamously ruined the mood set by the ending of an episode so its a real shame that KyoAni didn't decide to switch the ED music for just one episode.
Character (School Arc):
Most of the characters are still here (Fuko is not seen....yet) doing what they do best. Other characters also get their background fleshed out which is cool as many shows I have watched just ignore the supporting casts. However, the characters that make me watch Clannad in the first place are getting less screentime as the School Arc ends (Nagisa and Tomoya are NOT my favorite characters btw) so its a shame.
(After Story Arc):
Even though Nagisa and Tomoya are not my favorite characters, they have been greatly developed throughout the episodes. You may even begin to empathize with Tomoya when he marches on with life even though his life has just went through hell. As for other characters...well...you'll see a lot of Akio, Sanae and Yoshino while the girls from school make more of a cameo appearence than a supporting role. Matter of fact, Tomoyo is completely absent from the arc. Fuko returns near the end of the series and that is either a good thing or a bad thing depending on your feelings for her.
Enjoyment (School Arc):
This anime has much LOL moments in the first 9 episodes. Episode 10 has LOL moments as well, but then it lacks that certain charm that makes the first 9 episodes so endearing to watch. Perhaps its just me, but I prefer an extended School Arc before moving on to After Story (again, the School Arc seemed rushed)
(After Story Arc):
This is the part where Clannad gets serious. There is a sharp decline in LOL moments, replaced instead by sad/touching moments. These moments would trigger anyone who has a heart to cry, be it sobbing or all out wailing. I never actually cried when a major plot was portrayed, but even I had trouble holding in the tears when one scene portrayed a hugely touching moment that I couldn't help but cry. Also, I'd like to point out that said scene is THE MOST TOUCHING SCENE I HAVE EVER WITNESS THUS FAR! I enjoyed it immenely, however the same cannot be said to those who think that this anime is far too emotional.
Overall:
This is one of the best anime I have ever watched. Its one of the most emotional one I have ever watched. KyoAni deserves a standing ovation for being able to recreate the visual novel without losing the emotional parts that is crucial to this anime's success. Case in point, if you like the original Clannad, you must watch this (though I'd suggest you bring along a couple of tissues). If you like emotional animes, then watch this. (Though I suggest you watch its prequel followed by this sequel instead of jumping right into After Story, since you might not be able to connect with the characters then.)
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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