Back to ddmareo's Profile ddmareo's Profile

After long years of wait, we finally get to see the continuation of arguably one of the best shounen in these modern days, Bungou Stray Dogs. After watching the fourth season throughout, I came to the conclusion that it still retains the quality of the previous seasons, which is an impressive thing since most of the time, it is hard to have this level of consistency. As a long-time fan, I'm thoroughly contended.

The fourth season started off with the backstory of the Agency - how it was first formed. Basically, the first three episodes or so follow the story of Fukuzawa and Rampo, from their ... very first encounter to the creation of the agency. I was enthralled that the fourth season begins like stated because now we get to know in detail who was involved in the creation of the agency, how it was made possible, and why it was first initiated. And the fact that the fourth season begins with Rampo, one of the characters in which I've looked up to besides Tanizaki, made it even more fascinating to watch.

Not only Rampo and Fukuzawa, but the backstory of Yosano was also later revealed along the way. With that being said, we will get to know how and why Yosano decided to join forces with the Agency. And not to mention, the relationship she has with one of the members of the Hunting Dogs.

The rest of the episodes, however, are basically fresh contents that serve as the continuation of the previous seasons. The story carries on with the problems that were not fully resolved in the first three seasons. What is praise-worthy about it is the fact that they were able to do it with the same pacing and delivery that we are familiar with.

Besides the content of the story, the rest are completely similar, if not the same as the previous seasons. The animation and sound that were presented in the fourth season were no different. I mean, why would they change something that had nothing to be fault in the first place?

All in all, the fourth season of Bungou Stray Dogs successfully came out as the sequel that I have hoped for. The overall quality of it is on par with the previous seasons, if not slightly better due to the amount of excitement entailing around the story. The only downside of the fourth season is that we didn't get to see Dazai in action and last but not least, the infuriating cliffhanger that the season had left for us.

At first, I wanted to give Hyouka a try, thinking it would contain romance of any sort. I also came for Chitanda Eru.

However, after watching the show for quite some time, I was on the edge of being disappointed. I never expected Hyouka to be this mystery-heavy. To be honest, it was not exactly what I'd been looking for in a show. If I knew from the start that Hyouka will turn out to be like this, I would never even bother to watch it in the first place.

All that aside, I do think that the problems I have with Hyouka aren't exactly the ... case for everyone. I'd have to admit that the story of Hyouka is very well-written. Judging from the first few episodes, the mysteries presented were lively and humorous. However, as the episode progresses, the story gets more complex and deeper by a large margin, or even dark at some point. It was seriously intense to watch, but it has meaningful features that left me astonished.

Due to this approach to the story, sometimes Hyouka reminds me of the infamous Oregairu. Both are the type of shows in which I spent more time thinking about the story than actually watching the show itself. Not to mention, both also revolve around the main character with similar natures.

I think the part where Hyouka really excels is within the animation. Seriously though, I would expect nothing less from Kyoto Animation. For an anime that's been out for almost a decade, the animation was really magnificent and beautiful. I'd go as far as to say that it's on par with recent shows nowadays, if not better. The art style is no slouch either, especially if we count what Kyoto Animation did to each of the characters' eyes.

I heard that the director of the show along with the other staff has died in the fire accident. May they rest in peace. We are greatly honored to be able to witness one of your biggest creations, Hyouka.

All in all, I genuinely think that Hyouka is overall a great show. The reason I'm not giving it a higher score is that it didn't turn out to be what I expected at first. However, with that being said, if you already know what Hyouka has to offer beforehand, you will surely enjoy watching it way more than I do.

You should just try not to repeat the same mistakes, shouldn't you? I think that's what it means to regret.

Tada said that, but ironically he is the one who falls into the same pit twice. He was sure that he regretted the first one, where he didn't get to say anything before his parents had left him but then came Teresa, whom he fell in love with on the first encounter. Not knowing that it was Teresa's last day in Japan, Tada once again didn't get to tell what he really felt for her.

Tada Never Falls in Love reminds all of us that ... we should not take things for granted. Say what you want to say to your loved ones, do what you want to do with them, and cherish it with all your heart. Because you won't know that your special one might vanish right before your very eyes.

I'm happiest when you're happy

The show also reminds us that we should not force our feelings on someone of our love interest. It won't bring happiness in any way, it will only cause pain and suffering for both sides. Charles, who was chosen to be Teresa's fiancé, had shown that pretty well. Knowing that deep down Teresa has feelings for Tada, Charles willingly broke off his engagement with her.

I will never forget the love I had for you

The ending of the show really caught me off guard. I thought at first that after Tada confessed his feelings for Teresa, their mutual feelings for each other would not go anywhere, as Teresa is a princess that needs to be married to Charles. But in the end, luckily Charles canceled the marriage and at last, Tada and Teresa got to be together without any boundaries between them.

I thought I have watched all ghibli movies, then I realized that studio Ghibli has so much more in store. Starting from Howl's Moving castle to Spirited Away, I've fallen in love with them. In fact, ghibli movies are what jumpstart me to know more about the anime realm. Thanks to them, now I know how anime could bring me different emotions that I have never felt before.

The story is great and all, and it retains the classic Ghibli style of movies, a fantasy filled with romance. But no, this show is not about a castle that can move on its own, it's about ... a castle that floats in the sky, Laputa. The story introduces us to two main characters named Pazu and Sheeta, which Sheeta has a glowing stone that has been passed down to her from her ancestors and it holds many mysterious powers. Chased by the Pirates who seeks her powerful stone, she was forced to jump down from an airship where she was kidnapped by the Army, who also aims for the stone. Luckily, she was saved by her stone upon landing and was taken by Pazu for care.

Pazu is a hardworking boy who goes through the same fate as Sheeta, who had lost both of his parents. His father once told him that he had met Laputa, a castle that floats between the clouds in the sky, and his father even managed to capture with his camera a glimpse of it. But no one except Pazu believed him, that's why Pazu has dreamed for a long time to go see Laputa for himself, to prove that his father's great discovery is not a laughable matter. And finally, at last, he could actually pursue his dreams, as both he and Sheeta discovered that Sheeta's stone came from Laputa, the land of dreams. The stone could lead them to a world that no one would believe had existed for a long time.

As much as I love Ghibli movies, I won't lie to myself and give Castle in the Sky above the 'great' scheme, let alone the masterpiece title. I would probably rate it higher if I watched it as a kid, or simply came back to the movie as an adult to reminisce my childhood memories. Why?

First of all, the story. I might get canceled for saying this but as I had come across several Ghibli movies beforehand, I think that the story of Castle in the Skye holds nothing special by all means. Predictable and boring are the two words that can summarize my thoughts on this show. Yup, I said it, but I'm pretty sure that this won't apply to all of you, especially if you haven't encountered even a single Ghibli movie before. Simply said, Castle in the Sky is nothing special compared to the other movies of the same studio.

However, you might be wondering, why would I rate this show 8 when I don't like the story? Well, it's the scenes and soundtracks. As a movie that came out decades ago, the scenes shown are fantastic and beautiful. Also, Ghibli has never ceased to impress me with their choice of soundtracks. It's so amazing that for many reasons, has sparked heartfelt emotions within me. Well, I wouldn't expect anything less from Ghibli.

All in all, I think Castle in the Sky is overall very good. But as much as I loved Ghibli movies, I have to say that this movie falls behind the other movies of the same studio, just a little bit. Anyway, I would say that the anime is worth the watch, especially if you're new to Ghibli.

"I don't regret what I did for him that day. As for what I said to him that day, I have nothing but regrets. Because 'creepy' somehow turned into 'love'."

To be honest, I was going to rate this show a 6, and no it's not my fault for doing so. The premise of the anime is just plain weird and cringe. I was going to drop it right away, but I'm glad that I stayed. It's one of those shows where you're not interested at a glance but as you go on, it's so great that you will regret you hated it at first.

Love ... always comes as a surprise, even in the most unthinkable way, and Ryou Amakusa has experienced that. His very first encounter with the main heroine, Ichika Arima, was at a station, where Ichika managed to save Ryou as he was about to fall off a stair unconsciously. Later, he finds himself in love with her after they met for the second time.

Their relationship was cold at first, and the reason for it mostly lies in how Ryou approaches his love for Ichika. He's creepy and would always contact her, or send her flowers every day. She sees him as bothersome. But as time goes on, it came to Ichika's mind that Ryo's weird way of conveying love has grown on her, even to the point where she can't deny that she has fallen for him.

Unfortunately, things didn't go as smoothly as expected. The age gap is the reason behind it. Ryou is a mature and hardworking adult, and so hot-looking that girls surround her like bees. Ichika, on the other hand, is a high schooler whose mind isn't that mature yet and seems like a normal girl.

What I like about this show is that it's not trying to have a superb plot and stays honest to simplicity, but that is what makes it enjoyable and heartwarming. From constantly getting annoyed to undeniably falling in love, this show has perfectly shown that along with the struggle that it entails. Resolve is needed for their relationship to work, and no it's not easy to overcome those thoughts of getting neglected by society. But Ryou has successfully proved that the age gap should not be seen as a boundary for love.

Not only that, but the comedy aspects in this show are great. It's always funny to see how cold and hostile Ichika can be when she's with Ryou.

If there's one thing that I should consider as a flaw is within the voice actor of the characters. I'm not saying that it's bad, it's just that it could be a little bit better. I feel like it's the only thing that falls behind other anime on the same page. It clearly doesn't have enough emotion, especially Ryo. Also, another thing that I noticed right away is that the voice of Ryou sounds like it was recorded with a dollar mic. Anyway, this is just a nit-pick that doesn't really impact the show that much.

To sum it up, I really like this show as a whole. Although the premise might be cringe at first but trust me when I say this, it will get better and better as you watched more of it. I can't really seem to find a genuine reason why people are putting a lot of hate on this show. Anyway, I recommend this show to all of you who are looking for a fun yet heartwarming anime at the same time.

"I hope one day you'll be reunited with the one you cherish."

Plastic memories is a popular anime known for its amazing story that will cry one's heart out. This anime is set in a world where giftias and humans live together. Maybe you’re wondering, what are giftias?

Apparently, giftias are like humans, but with determined lifespans. Once they reach their limit, they need to be retrieved or they’ll turn into a wanderer, which is a state where giftias can't control themselves anymore. If by any chance the giftias were not recovered in time, they will go berserk and bring harm to humanity.

There’s this one company ... that specializes in retrieving those giftias. The main character, Tsukasa, is placed in that work. Because he’s a human, he needs to be partnered with a giftia and that giftia is Isla, the main heroine of this series. The journey starts from here.

There’s one aspect that wins over my heart the most, which is the soundtrack, one of the most crucial factors in making this anime tear-jerking. They’re so magical that they make you want to cry by just listening to them.

Storywise, Plastic Memories offers the audience a simple yet profound narrative. However, due to this approach, the ending may easily be predictable. In my case, the ending turned out to be what I expected from the start, yet it still managed to hit me right in the feels. If you’re coming here expecting a twist, this show is definitely out of the question. But, as I said earlier, it doesn't really matter in the end because I shed heartfelt tears anyway.

All in all, I genuinely think that Plastic Memories is a very safe show to recommend, especially if you're specifically looking for a show that can make even a grown man sob.

Seiren remains a hidden gem, often overshadowed by more mainstream titles. An initial glance at the reviews and its below-average rating made me apprehensive. However, after giving it a chance, I found it to be a refreshing departure from the norm. It's a testament to the old adage, "never judge a book by its cover" – or in this case, an anime by its rating.

From the outset, one might mistake Seiren for a typical harem, but it's far from that. Instead, it offers a novel approach to romance anime, presenting three distinct romantic paths with the protagonist, each with a different main heroine. Each arc ... feels like a fresh beginning, a new exploration of relationships.

One of the anime's primary strengths lies in its ability to showcase the dynamics between the protagonist and three vastly different heroines. However, a notable drawback is the pacing. With only twelve episodes to cover three arcs, the narrative often feels rushed. Each arc's progression, from the protagonists' initial interactions to their eventual commitment, feels condensed into a mere four episodes.

The characters themselves are endearing, each bringing a unique flavor to the series. Hikari, the vivacious senior, is the center of attention in her class. In contrast, Miyamae, the second heroine, is introverted, finding solace in video games. But perhaps the most intriguing of all is Kyouko, the protagonist's childhood friend. Contrary to many anime tropes, where childhood friends seldom find romantic success, Seiren offers a satisfying twist in Kyouko's arc.

In conclusion, Seiren is an underrated watch that I thoroughly enjoyed. I spent a delightful two days of my summer break immersed in its world. I highly recommend it but advise potential viewers to familiarize themselves with the synopsis to avoid any initial confusion.

Love is like a cocktail, an anime in which every episode is literally about a wife sipping different mixtures of alcohol made by her husband. Because of that, the anime shows a little to no background information on how they ended up together. That's why this anime doesn't have any plot whatsoever, just a pure slice of life anime.

The wife, Chisato, is a unique one. She gets mild and wild when she's drunk, but she's honest and cute that way. Sora, on the other hand, is a very kind and caring husband. He's good at houseworks, especially cooking.

I've never watched an anime where each episode ... is only about three minutes. Since it covers thirteen episodes, it'll take you less than an hour to complete the series. That makes this anime simple, yet entertaining. I can safely recommend it for everyone who's looking for a fun but quick anime to binge right away.

"I actually realized it a long time ago. There was a place that I couldn't get into, and though I stand in front of that door time and time again, I get the feeling that I shouldn't disturb it. All I can do is peek in through a crack and eavesdrop. Actually, I realized it a long time ago. I wanted to go there. I wanted nothing more than that. That's why honestly, I never wanted anything genuine."

I know it's a long ass quote, but if you ask me why I start things off with it, I'd say because it's the only line that'll give ... you a clear view of what friendzone really is. In this case, Yui's the victim.

First of all, the reason why I'm writing a review only for the last season and not the first two seasons is because I feel like they don't stand out too much, at least for me. They lack the spice that I expected, and luckily this season serves as the final ingredient that I needed. Anyway, this season's a spotlight for Yukinon.

I won't dive into the details, so I'll just say what matters. There was this prom that Iroha wanted to hold as a graduation event, and she asked the service club for assistance. Yukinon took the approach of this matter all to herself, and not as a team. She wanted neither Hachiman's nor Yui's help. That was her chance to prove to everyone that she can do things on her own. In the end, it's not working well. You know Hachiman's a stubborn type, so he helped her anyway.

The fact that Hachiman helped Yukinon out when Yukinon herself doesn't need any of his help is a clear sign that he has strong feelings for her. He wanted to accompany her even after the service club came to its end. Knowing all of this, all Yui could do is to cry it all out from the pain. She realized that she will always be the third wheel, and will not be the main heroine for Hachiman. In the end, their relationship was rather a love triangle, and not a 'codependent' one like Haruno stated.

By the way, I was kinda disappointed by the confession. If there's one thing that I want to change then it must be the way Hachiman confessed his feelings to Yukinon. The way he did it seemed a bit lame at least for me. Instead of saying 'I love you' like how other romance anime protagonists do things, Hachiman went straight up and said 'Allow me the privilege of distorting your life'. In fact, Yukinon was the one that ended up confessing her true feelings to Hachiman. She even said 'I love you, Hikigaya' in the ending. I feel like Hachiman should be the one saying that first. Anyway, I like how he was manly enough to grab her hands. I guess even a loner like Hachiman has some good qualities too. Confession aside, I really like how the ending went. 'The person that I like... He has someone that seems like she's his girlfriend. And she's my most treasured friend... But I want to be friends with her forever'. What a badass move by Yui to end things up.

Overall, it's a decent romance anime. It's not the best, but I enjoyed spending my time watching it. I would safely recommend this for more advanced weebs out there, because I don't think this anime will be a great choice, especially if you're new to this kind of stuff. Maybe simpler anime like Tsuki ga Kirei or Horimiya will do.

"Did I become the main heroine you always wanted? Not for an audience, but for one person."

I had a lot of fun watching the first two seasons of this anime. They were great after all. But for the movie, I have to say that it's the only one that leaves me astounded and ends up being one of my favourite. As a reminder, this review contains major spoilers so I highly suggest you watch the movie first before flipping through the pages.

STORY [9/10]
This movie is a continuation from the second season, so you will need to watch the second season beforehand. Anyway, it starts ... with the timeline when Blessing Software is one step away from completing the second project, which is a dating sim game called ‘How To Raise A Boring Girlfriend’. Tomoya has to write a script for the last route, the main heroine route. While he’s at it, he has to face obstacles here and there. He’s asking Megumi for her help in scouting a new location on Saturday, but it turns out that Megumi’s birthday is on the same date. At the end of the day, they agreed to meet up at that place. Megumi is waiting at the agreed place, and suddenly she receives a call from Tomoya, saying he’s not going to come because of a ‘life or death’ situation. The famous producer, and also the leader of the circle in which Eriri and Utaha is staying, Akane, is lying on the hospital’s bed. Turns out that she’s diagnosed with a stroke, so she has to be there for one month to recover. This is surely a huge problem for both Eriri and Utaha, as they can’t progress without a leader. They come up with a solution, and ask Tomoya to be their leader for a while. In order to pay Tomoya’s favor, they both have to agree on supporting him to chase his dreams with the main heroine, Megumi. It’s hard for them to know that they’re not the ones that he chose, but what else can they do? Tomoya goes along with him being the leader, leaving his circle behind in the meantime. Megumi knows this and she’s incensed by the fact that Tomoya has more concern for Eriri's circle than for their own circle. Long story short, Megumi forgives Tomoya instantly after he returns. They kissed after that, and dated each other.

I really like how well the plot is in this movie. The development of the characters, breathtaking dramas, and glamorous romance between two individuals are aspects that make this movie so entertaining to watch. Also, I really like how this movie mainly focuses on the relationship of Tomoya and Megumi, not on the game or other characters. For the story, I’m giving it a score of nine with no doubt.

ART [9/10]
As for the art of this movie, I think that it’s overall the refined version of the first two seasons. Well, I did expect it from the beginning as the series and the movie were made by a different studio, one is CloverWorks, and the other one is A1 Pictures. Anyway, I really like the art in this movie. It’s not the best, but it’s on par with famous titles like Your Name for example, as expected from a studio that made Wonder Egg Priority and Horimiya. A solid nine overall!

SOUND [8/10]
For the sound aspect of this movie, I have to say that it’s decent. It’s not as good as other anime titles, but I enjoyed watching it anyway. The voice actors, soundtracks, openings and endings are perfectly fine together. For this section, I’m giving it an eight!

CHARACTERS [10/10]
I’m not biased or anything, but I have to say that this anime has one of the most outstanding characters I’ve ever seen. They all have different characters but they’re still unique in their own way. The progression of each character is very well presented. Also, each of them has their own spotlight, so this anime is not only focused on the relationship of Tomoya with one individual. On top of that, most of the girls in this anime are waifu materials, so pick one as you please. You can choose one of these characters: A cold, normal, expressionless girl but caring named Megumi, a tsundere childhood friend named Eriri, or a harsh but appealing senpai named Utaha. The things mentioned above are the reasons I’m giving this movie a perfect score of ten.

ENJOYMENT [9/10]
There’s nothing to talk about in this section. This movie is a very enjoyable piece to watch and it will be worth every second of your time.

Overall, I really like this movie as a whole. It’s very fun and wholesome. The superb plot, marvelous art, fine sound, and amazing characters are aspects that make this movie one step away from being perfect. Also, the dramas here are spectacular and breathtaking. For your information, I’m not into harem romance, but I feel like this anime is different in a very good way. With that being said, I recommend all of you to watch this movie as soon as you finish watching the series!

Note: There's an extra scene at the end of the movie after the credit scene. I almsot had a heart attack fr. Anyway, just watch it yourself!