Kyoto Animation is back at it again with another Studio Key adaptation. And they did NOT disappoint with this show in the slightest. This review is of course being written well over a decade after the anime has finished airing, but I think this review is necessary for any new anime watchers that are interested into this masterpiece of a show.
Clannad: After Story is well regarded as the saddest anime of all time. In which I can whole-heartedly agree on. But don't let this broad conception, block your interest into the series. This show is one of those shows that anyone and everyone needs to
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watch in their lifetime. It is that special of a series to me and many others. It made me feel every possible emotion you can experience and emotions I never thought would come out of myself. This show changed my perspective on life and how I should NOT take things for granted and just be grateful of what I have. Nonetheless lets get into the actual review, shall we?
First things first, Clannad: After Story is a sequel to the anime "Clannad" which is one of the most popular romance anime there is. The original source material is a Visual Novel titled, "Clannad" by my personal favorite visual novel studio, "Studio Key." There is a trend of anime adaptations of Studio Key's works adapted by one of the most well regarded anime studios, Kyoto Animation. Series such as, Kanon and Air are both phenomenal series that got the pleasure of a proper adaptation. The original anime series Clannad has gotten its fair share of mixed reviews, and 1 year later we get the pleasure of a continuation of the anime series, Clannad: After Story.
Story: 10/10
Clannad: After Story is definitely watchable on its own, but to get the full experience and fully understand the amount of weight each scene has on one another, I HIGHLY suggest you to watch the original Clannad. This helps you get a better idea of what each character are like and how they act to each character. The story follows the relationship of Nagisa Furukawa and Tomoya Okazaki after Highschool. Right off the bat, it shows you the struggles that any young adult, or adults in general, can relate to. Ranging from the responsibilities you take on such as, how your reputation on your school resume affects you in searching for jobs or how having healthy friendships is a MUST to keep and maintain. There is also a supernatural element that is VERY overlooked that has been hinted over and over in the prequel. I can't say too much about it because it would be a spolier, but that element has a MASSIVE effect on the entire series.
Art/Animation: 10/10
This is where most people complain about before watching the series. The animation is great and isn't the main issue at all. Kyoto did a fantastic job on animation, as always. The art style is where the more or less complaints come from. Yes, it may look odd, but IT IS NOT THE ONLY ANIME THAT LOOKS LIKE THIS! I cannot stress that enough. I can guarantee you that art is very adaptable and is honestly not that bad! The art necessarily doesn't take away anything the series has to offer. Art is just fine and animation is as beautiful as always.
Sound: 10/10
Soundtracks in anime is what makes the scenes more impactful in comparison towards mangas or light novels. You can't get music out of books. The soundtrack in this anime is just magnificent. It makes every moment breathtaking. The opening is just iconic and gives Clannad fans flashbacks of the memories they had while watching it. The ending song is the same way. This is mainly due to the fact, that Kyoto Animation has always produced amazing soundtracks for us to experience. There is not much I can say, other than that the soundtracks are masterful.
Character: 10/10
Clannad has a pretty broad cast for a slice of life, romance, but each and every character has a role that is executed quite perfectly. Tomoya Okazaki is my favorite protagonist in all of fiction. Every decision he makes, every emotion he feels, are just so so natural and humanlike. The past that many could relate towards and the personality of a genuine person. His character development, character highlights and depth he has are just masterful. I could honestly make a whole review on him alone, but that is not what this review is for. Amazing side cast, such as Akio Furukawa (best dad in all of anime), Sanae Furukawa (best mom in all of anime), Youhei Sunohara, Kotomi Ichinose, Tomoyo Sakagami (best female character ever), Kotomi Ichinose, Fuko Ibuki, Kyou Fujibayashi, Ryou Fujibayashi, and many many others. Then there is Nagisa Furukawa, probably the nicest person I have ever seen portrayed in anime. She as well has many character defining moments and you can't seem to hate her.... at all. It is impossible. Each character has their own arcs and character defining moments, which is one of Clannad's specialties.
Enjoyment: 10/10
Clannad: After Story is my favorite anime of all time and I highly doubt anything will come close to the amount of impact this show has had on me. Every episode, every minute, every second, was just so so appealing to me. The most enjoyable piece of fiction I have come across. Besides the Visual Novel, which is even better, which absolutely blows my mind. But anyways, the most enjoyable thing ever for me.
Overalll: 10/10
Clannad: After Story is one of a kind and everyone needs to experience this. You will laugh, you will cry your eyes out, you will get angry, you will feel everything. The best romance easily and as well as any other genre it follows under. If you have not watched this anime yet..... what are you waiting for? Go and watch this masterpiece and take it all in. You may or may not experience something like this in media. Period.
Jul 3, 2021
Clannad: After Story
(Anime)
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Kyoto Animation is back at it again with another Studio Key adaptation. And they did NOT disappoint with this show in the slightest. This review is of course being written well over a decade after the anime has finished airing, but I think this review is necessary for any new anime watchers that are interested into this masterpiece of a show.
Clannad: After Story is well regarded as the saddest anime of all time. In which I can whole-heartedly agree on. But don't let this broad conception, block your interest into the series. This show is one of those shows that anyone and everyone needs to ... |
