Back to _Kozue's Profile _Kozue's Profile

An Underrated Masterpiece Hidden Beneath Unconventional Skin

Overall Rating: 10

Story: 10
Art: 10 (Read Below)
Sound: 10
Character: 10
Enjoyment: 10

... Let's get the obvious out of the way first: the rotoscoping. Yes, it's different. Yes, it probably put off 90% of the potential audience within the first five minutes. And honestly? That's a damn shame, because Aku no Hana is, without a shred of doubt in my mind, one of the most powerful, uncomfortable, and psychologically raw anime experiences I've ever had. It's criminally underrated, largely because of that visual choice.

This show isn't about flashy action or escapist fantasy. It's a deep, unsettling dive into the messy, often ugly, reality of adolescent awakening, alienation, and the suffocating pressure of small-town conformity. We follow Kasuga, a kid obsessed with Baudelaire's "Les Fleurs du Mal," who makes one impulsive, shameful mistake. This mistake becomes leverage for Nakamura, a classmate who embodies pure, chaotic nihilism. What follows is a descent into a bizarre, codependent relationship built on exposing the "perversion" lurking beneath the surface of normalcy.

The story is phenomenal. It's paced deliberately, letting the tension and awkwardness build to almost unbearable levels. It captures that specific teenage feeling of being utterly alone, misunderstood, and disgusted with oneself and the world. The dialogue feels real, the situations are cringe-inducing because they tap into genuine anxieties, and the exploration of taboo desires and societal hypocrisy is handled with a maturity rarely seen.

The characters are the absolute core. Kasuga isn't always likeable, but he's tragically relatable in his weakness and confusion. Nakamura is one of the most compelling and terrifying female characters in anime – not because she's a "yandere," but because her worldview is so radically different and destructive. Saeki, the initial object of Kasuga's affection, represents the "normal" ideal, but even she isn't just a simple trope. The rotoscoping, believe it or not, enhances them. It captures subtle facial expressions, awkward body language, and a grounded realism that makes their psychological turmoil feel incredibly potent. It makes them feel less like anime characters and more like people – flawed, uncomfortable people.

Now, about that Art. I'm giving it a 10, not because it's "pretty" in the conventional sense (it often isn't), but because it is perfect for the story being told. The unsettling, sometimes "ugly" visuals perfectly mirror the internal ugliness, the anxiety, and the suffocating atmosphere the show cultivates. It denies you the usual anime aesthetic comfort, forcing you to confront the raw emotion head-on. And here's the crucial part: I genuinely, wholeheartedly believe that if Aku no Hana had been animated in a more traditional, commercially friendly style, it would be universally lauded today as one of the most important and influential psychological anime ever made. It would have reached the wider audience it deserved, and its themes would have resonated far more broadly. The bold artistic choice, while brilliant in context, ultimately became its commercial downfall and relegated it to "underrated" status.

The sound design is equally masterful – minimalist, atmospheric, using silence and unsettling ambient noise to incredible effect. The infamous ending theme song is a perfect, chaotic encapsulation of the show's soul.

Aku no Hana isn't an easy watch. It's deliberately uncomfortable, challenging, and will likely make you squirm. But it's also profound, deeply affecting, and brilliantly executed. It's a story that sticks with you long after the credits roll. If you can look past the unconventional visuals (or even learn to appreciate them for how they serve the narrative), you'll discover a true, forgotten masterpiece of psychological horror and drama. It deserved so much more recognition.

Final Verdict: A demanding but rewarding 10/10. Watch it if you want something that truly challenges you.

Alright, so I just finished watching "Look Back" today at Ayala Fairview Terraces and I've gotta say, STUDIO Durian knocked it out of the park with this one (i believe that this is their first anime adaptation, which is fucking amazing). It's a faithful, beautifully crafted adaptation of Fujimoto's one-shot manga that manages to capture all the emotion and nuance of the source material.

What really impressed me was how STUDIO Durian translated Fujimoto's distinctive art style to animation. They nailed his loose, expressive linework and the way he uses negative space. The character animations are subtle but incredibly effective, especially in close-ups where you can ... really feel the emotions playing across Fujino and Kyomoto's faces.

Sticking closely to the original story was definitely the right call here. The pacing feels perfect for the runtime, allowing those quiet, introspective moments to breathe while still maintaining the emotional punch of key scenes. That twist... man, it hits like a ton of bricks. What's incredible is how they handled it in the anime - with complete silence. It's a bold choice that pays off in spades. The absence of sound in that moment is deafening, perfectly capturing the shock and emotional gut-punch of the revelation. The way the scene plays out visually, with just the characters' expressions and body language telling the story, is masterful.

And the soundtrack? Man, it's fucking depressing. There are a couple tracks that give me chills every time they come on.

I don't throw 10/10 ratings around lightly, but "Look Back" absolutely deserves it. What makes it truly exceptional is how it achieves such a powerful impact through its simplicity and realism. The characters feel incredibly authentic, and every scene is grounded in a way that makes the story resonate deeply.

If you haven't watched it yet, do yourself a favor and check it out. Just... maybe have some tissues handy. The realistic portrayal of its characters and events, combined with that twist, creates an experience that's going to stick with you long after the credits roll.

11/10. would watch again if i could.

10/10 - Steins;Gate blew my mind (and probably messed up my sleep schedule)

Just... wow. I don't even know where to start.

First off, the story. It kinda starts slow, not gonna lie. I was like, "What's with this weird dude talking to himself on the phone?" But man, once it kicks into gear, it KICKS. The whole time travel thing? Freaking brilliant. I lost count of how many times my jaw dropped.

The characters really make this show shine though. Okabe is hilarious one minute and breaking your heart the next. And Kurisu? Best girl, hands down. Smart, doesn't take crap from anyone, but still has those ... moments that make you go "awww".

I'm not usually big on visuals, but something about the way they animated this just worked. It's not super flashy, but it fits the vibe perfectly. And that opening song? Been stuck in my head for days.

The attention to detail blew me away. Like, they actually put thought into the science stuff? I mean, I'm no physicist, but it sounded legit enough to make me go "huh, maybe...?"

Look, I could ramble on forever, but bottom line: watch this anime. It's a wild ride that'll make you laugh, cry, and question everything. I'm giving it a 10/10, and I don't do that lightly.

Seriously, if you haven't seen Steins;Gate yet, what are you doing with your life? Go watch it. Now.

El Psy Kongroo. (You'll get it when you watch it, trust me.)

Rating: ★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆

"Nana" is an anime that hooked me with its strong opening, intriguing premise and emotional depth, but sadly, halfway through the series, it all went downhill. The series, which follows two women named Nana, each with vastly different personalities and aspirations, starts off strong but loses its way as it progresses.

Let’s talk about the characters first. Nana Osaki, the punk rock singer with dreams of making it big, is a character you can really get behind. Her struggles feel authentic, and her determination is inspiring. She’s the kind of character you root for because you see her fighting for something real, something she believes ... in deeply.

Then there’s Nana Komatsu, nicknamed Hachiko. Oh boy, where do I start? Hachiko is one of the most frustrating protagonists I’ve ever come across. She’s incredibly naive, almost to the point of absurdity, and her actions are often so irrational that it’s hard to feel any sympathy for her. She bounces from one relationship to another, making the same mistakes over and over again, without learning or growing from her experiences. Her dependency on men and her childish whims are exasperating to watch. Instead of evolving, she seems to regress, becoming more dependent and more unrealistic in her expectations of life and love.

Another major point of frustration is the introduction of Takumi and his relationship with Hachiko. Takumi, a member of the popular band Trapnest, is portrayed as a complex character, but honestly, he comes off more as manipulative and controlling than anything else.

What really gets under my skin is how Hachiko responds to him. Despite his obvious manipulation and the toxic dynamics of their relationship, she falls for him hard and fast. It's baffling. Hachiko’s willingness to go along with Takumi’s whims without much resistance is just exasperating. She doesn’t seem to have any critical thought or self-respect when it comes to him.

It’s really hard to sympathize with her when she accepts mistreatment and makes decisions that are clearly bad for her. Instead of growing or learning from her experiences, she remains passive and stuck in this destructive cycle. Her lack of personal growth in this relationship makes it incredibly difficult to root for her as a protagonist.

The story itself is a mixed bag. It begins with a compelling look at the two Nanas’ contrasting lives and the unique bond they form. But as the series goes on, the plot becomes increasingly unfocused. Subplots are introduced and then dropped without resolution, characters come and go with little impact, and the main narrative meanders aimlessly. This lack of direction makes it hard to stay invested in the story.

The animation and art style are decent but not particularly standout. Madhouse, the studio behind "Nana," has delivered much better quality in other projects. While the character designs are distinctive, the animation quality can be inconsistent, with some episodes looking noticeably less polished than others.

The music in "Nana" initially draws you in with its punk rock vibes and emotional ballads, which perfectly complement the series' themes. However, as the episodes progress, I couldn't help but feel like I was hearing the same songs over and over again. While some tracks are memorable, the soundtrack tends to rely heavily on a few repetitive tunes, which start to lose their impact over time. This lack of variety in the music becomes noticeable and detracts from the overall experience, as it fails to explore new sounds or enhance different emotional moments effectively. It's a missed opportunity, considering how crucial music is to capturing the essence of the characters and their journeys.

In conclusion, don't watch this overrated show. I don't get why people say this is realistic, maybe they're still kids lol.

"Girls Band Cry" is a phenomenal series that I can't recommend highly enough. From the first episode, I was hooked. It’s one of those rare shows that hits every note perfectly, both in terms of storytelling and music.

Story: 10/10

The plot is engaging and beautifully told. It’s not just about a band trying to make it big; it dives deep into the personal lives and struggles of each member. The way the series balances their individual stories with the overarching journey of the band is masterful. Every episode is a blend of drama, hope, and inspiration that keeps you on the edge of your seat. I ... cried every episode lol.

Animation: 10/10

Even though it's CGI, the animation is stunning. The concert scenes are particularly impressive, capturing the energy and excitement of live performances. Also, the character expressions are so good. They feel so lively.

Sound: 10/10

Given that it's an anime about a band, the music had to be good—and it absolutely delivers. The original songs are catchy and meaningful, adding depth to the story and the characters' journeys. The voice acting is also top-notch (even though it's their first Voice Acting!), with each actor perfectly capturing the emotions and nuances of their character.

Enjoyment: 10/10

I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of "Girls Band Cry." It’s a rollercoaster of emotions that made me laugh, cry, and cheer. The perfect mix of drama, music, and heartfelt moments makes it a standout series. It’s a show that stays with you long after the final episode.

In summary, "Girls Band Cry" is a must-watch. Its compelling story, relatable characters, stunning visuals, and incredible music make it a standout anime. If you're looking for a series that will move and inspire you, this is it. Also, if you love BTR, this is for you ;)))))