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“Whenever something sad or painful happens, we try to become different version of ourselves almost to the point of forgetting our true selves, right? That’s why people like us become actors, right?”

ACT-AGE is a manga series that published on Weekly SHONEN JUMP magazine. but unlike another JUMP manga that are either battle action, sports or romance comedy series, this manga tell us about profession and its competitive career world, in this case about ACTING. Also what thing that made this series different from another JUMP manga is Act-age have genuine female MC, while almost every shonen manga have male MC. Even with female MC, this ... series is really fit to be shonen manga because its focus about acting skils, rivalry, explained "power" system and also good characterization. This series already have 2 arcs that tell us about film and stage play/theatre production.

Story : 9/10
This is story about Kei Yonagi, 16 years old female MC who just live with her 2 siblings without her parents She have a great talent about acting but also very risky to her mental state "method acting". While another MC is 35 years old Director Sumiji Kuroyama who have dream to made 1 ideal film. He finally found the actress with his qualification, that is Yonagi. Early chapter have okay setup to story like "what is acting", "first job" etc. But once this series went to first arc, it was beginning to be interesting. Great and likeable rival/partner character each arcs, interesting and unique information about acting and also what make me like this series is despite being a profession series, Act-age still can give you suspense and tension like battle manga because the struggle that our character have while made a film or stage play.


Art : 9/10
Act-age is one of great artstyle manga in Weekly SHONEN JUMP atm, and it comes from 21 years old female artist, Shiro Usazaki, her weapon while draw Act-age manga is beautiful eyes of each character. Also she draw each character expression with good detail, even from the visual alone, we can differr when characters did acting and when characters display their true selves, once again just from visual alone. Another great things about Act-age artstyle is when the manga get color page and her color drawing is really great.

Character : 9/10
Kei Yonagi is genuine female MC on shonen manga, yes she is a female but she is not melodrama character. her pure nature because she is just high school student and amateur actress made her really likeable character also as MC she really learn about her skills and also her partner in acting. Rival/partner character is also great and unique. We get power ceiling character in Chiyoko Momoshiro, top actress in her generation, and there is reason why she was top actress, also her acting method that 180 degree different from Yonagi method. Our second arc deutragonist Araya who have same method as Yonagi but more polished and have more experience, also have unique habit and also interesting backgroung. While we also have character Akira who is the son of former top actress, have parents issue and also always compared to her mother and media always treat him as "nepotism" product.

Enjoyment : 9/10
What make me enjoy the series is the tension and suspense when each character play their role. Also the struggle in film production or stage play production make the story isn't easy for MC and anothe character. Conclusion of each arcs is very beatiful and you won't expect that from acting manga. Thats why this series can survive on biggest manga magazine in the world Weekly SHONEN JUMP.

Overal : 9/10
ACT-AGE already be one of my favorite manga of all time and i hope a lot of reader will read this great series

Violet Evergarden is an anime series adaptation of the novel light with the same title from Kyoto Animation.
Source material of this series is the winner of the Kyoto Animation Award 2014 in the novel category. Given that status, this series became the most awaited anime by the community for the winter of 2018. Compared to other series of the season, this series can be said to have the best animation, something that is expected of the anime from Kyoto Animation. With the premise offered is the post-war recovery of the main character, this series becomes one of the drama series that is able to fill ... us all with feelings

STORY : 8/10
I never read the source material of this series so I judged the storyline of what was shown in the anime. The premise offered is actually interesting. Self-rehabilitation of Violet who was created only as a weapon of war without having the slightest feeling and desire. But since the Major gave the last sentence, she began to look for what the meaning behind that sentence by becoming an Auto Memory Doll. Walking to one place to another meets the client's request. The journey unknowingly begins to make herself understand the feelings of a human being. The problem of each client who wants to pour into a letter is that slowly build the character Violet for the better. Until finally he understood the loss of someone and began to understand what it means to love. From a soldier who moves only if given the command to a human being who can shed tears. An interesting premise for a drama series derived from the light that lately is mostly filled by isekai genre

DIRECTION : 6/10
This series begins its story from Violet's condition after the war and what she will do to find the meaning of the last sentence of Major. Then entering Episode 2-7 the direction of this series turns into episodic. Violet goes somewhere to answer client's request. Each episode is actually presented with the client's first point of view instead of Violet as main character. Every client has their own problems and from this problem Violet's character grows more human. With the direction of this story. Not everyone will understand how Violet character develops every episode. In fact, we will focus more on the client's problem. For example when most of us cry at the end of episode 10, but maybe many of us are not aware of the Violet character changes at that time. Episode 8-9 direction changes back to focus on the major plot. The transition from episodic episode clients to major episodes that has linear progress is poorly executed. I'm sure not everyone can understand how the story of this series if not paying attention to every sentence and scene with care. That was disturbing me in enjoying this series.

CHARACTER : 9/10
Violet Evergarden is a character with the greatest development among all the characters that exist in this season. Starting from a soldier who even just to eat should be given orders by Hodgins to be a human being who is even determined not to lose the life of someone as she once did. The thing that I love about Violet's character is that she develops not because she is being advised by others, but she learns by listening to the client's problem. she began to understand a feeling precisely after knowing what problems hers client was experiencing. So after knowing facts that "facts". She understands the meaning of losing someone. The scene in episode 11 when Violet performs the "last request" of the soldier also shows how she began to understand the meaning of affection. Perhaps what she's been doing lately is naive. But it shows that Violet has changed from a heartless weapon into a human who understands the sense of losing someone.

ART : 10/10
This series is a series with the best animated quality in winter of 2018. My favorite scene of course when Violet tried to pass the lake using an umbrella. The scene really shows the high quality animation presented by Kyoto Animation. The character design and color selection in this series reminds me of the Koe no Katachi film which is also made by KyoAni. Even for a television series, Violet Evergarden has the same quality as Koe no Katachi. Each frame is well drawn so the animation runs smoothly. Details on the character design also shows the hard work of key animators in making this series. Every female character feels so beautiful and every male character feels so manly through the way key animator draws each character. The selection of colors taken fits perfectly with the theme of this series which is thought to be similar to the period after the second world war in time and technology. Plus the quality of backgrounds such as clouds and water are so beautiful to the eye. Overall, this is one of the best quality anime other than Kimi no Na Wa and Koe no Katachi

SOUND : 8/10
Maybe what makes us sad and cry when watching this series is not because of Violet's personal problems, but the client's problem. But still this series still able to make us shed tears. The existence of the soundtrack in every sad moment in this anime really strengthens the atmosphere. Without proper selection and soundtrack composition, sad moments are not necessarily can make us shed tears. It also should be appreciated is the sound effect. Especially when the scene is related to the war. The sound of weapons, bombs, airplanes or even the sound of a soldier dropped from a shot. My favorite part in terms of sound effects is when an army is shot. Everything feels so fast that we do not realize that someone has been shot.

Overall, this series provides best animated quality and also provides an interesting story premise. But direction in this series can make us confused in following Violet's journey to find his true self. So not everyone will judge the story in this anime executed properly or not. But for a drama series. This is an anime with good character development. Violet is the character with most massive development among all the characters in the winter of 2018.

This series is one of the many Slice of Life (SoL) series that emerged in the winter of 2018. Anime with the premise of Cute Girls Doing Cute Things (CGDCT) which in this case the activity is camping in winter. This series I think is not just providing cute girls with funny behavior camping together, but the most gained from this series is the comfort in watching and educational elements about camping and outdoor activities are delivered completely.

STORY : 7/10
storyline in this series is the standard story on the SoL series. No significant story progress. Background as a high school student in one of the ... areas near Mount Fuji, each episode tells about various things around the fifth main character's camping activity. There were no conflict and no drama. The journey of the story was episodic with some characters going to a camping spot, enjoying the scenery, then returning home to plan where else they will go. Some episodes do not focus on camping like activities at school, shopping to outdoor stores and others. This moment that feels strange when looking at the characters in this series in 1 episode were not camping at all.. The thing that will be more we meet is the interaction between them and the properties of each character that strongly describes Cute Girls Doing Cute Things. The interactions that eventually collect them at the last camp on Episodes 11 and 12

DIRECTION : 9/10

The thing that makes this series so up and much watched is the comfort in watching this series. This series is very suitable to watch while sitting relaxed and drinking tea or coffee. Direction in this series is designed to make the audience comfortable viewing Mount Fuji scenery or just look at the smile of the characters when viewing the scene. Similarly, when a scene cooks or eats characters, I feel like I'm watching cooking anime than camping anime. The way the narrators explain each tutorial in this series is very complete. From start to set up tent, ignite firewood, to cooking. But because it is so complete, the narrative about the tutorials sometimes feels too long. The comedy shown is also very light but able to make us laugh very fast. As an SoL anime, storytelling in this series is executed well.

CHARACTER : 8/10
Cute Girls Doing Cute Things. Of course the girls in this series should be cute especially when they do camping. No significant character development. The only character development that was presented was when Shimarin who had always camped alone could accept that camping with many people can also be fun. The rest, every character remains on his cute character from beginning to end of series. Nadeshiko is plain but incredibly hyperactive, Shimarin who seems cold but when it's smiling makes your heart touched. Similarly Aoi, Chiaki, and Saitou are honestly their character is not too embedded in my memory. Each character is supported with a very good voice acting. Not surprisingly, the existence of VA such as Rie Takahashi and Nao Touyama there.

ART : 7/10
This anime is a series from Studio C-Station. Honestly I have never heard the studio and the anime series he made. In terms of character design and light color selection is perfect for SoL anime. The character design of this series reminds me of the Blend S series in the previous season. Probably because Yuru Camp Δ and Blend S are in the same manga magazine. But in adaptation to the animation media I have more execution on Blend S than this series. Animated execution feels like a low-budget animation. Some of the scenes are featured like a slide show. Even since the opening animation we can judge the quality of this series. 3D CG in the anime also feels very strange especially when showing Shimarin motorcycle. I do not know if this is because the studio is inexperienced or it's a little budget. But other than those things mentioned above, the other part I can still receive without disturbing me in enjoying this series. Art OK but animation still needs improvement. One thing that needs to be appreciated is how this series displays every beautiful scene seen by the characters. Starting from Mount Fuji to city lights at night. All presented well. So not only the characters who are amazed, but we also feel the beautiful scenery.

SOUND : 8/10
One of the things that make this series so comfortable to watch is the existence of the soundtrack. When the moment to see the scene will start then the soundtrack will begin to change the mood that was just normal to feel a sense of wonder something. The soundtrack in this series is also capable of supporting every conversation and comedy in this series. The whole soundtrack of this series seems very suitable to play while relaxing or maybe before we sleep. Because so comfortable every soundtrack to be heard. The opening song describes the passion for adventure or camping, but the ending song depicts the comfort coupled with the scene they are sleeping or sitting and watching the sun rise.

Overall, this series is very comfortable to watch, perfect for watching with the family at night while relaxing or drinking coffee. The educational aspect of camping and outdoor activities is well presented. There are still some problems from this series especially in terms of animation. But it will not make us lose the comfort shown by this anime.

This is my first time write a review on MAL and the first anime that i write review is Sora Yori mo Tooi Basho or A Place Further than Universe

If we see the visual and promotional video from this series, most people would think this is just another Cute Girls Doing Cute Things (CGDCT). But in the end this series went well beyond my expectation. It remains as Slice of Life (SoL) combined with the Adventure genre. But unlike the recent SoL anime which is mostly filled with comedy, romance and cute girls, Yorimoi manages to provides an interesting storyline, a good character development and ... be able to touched our feeling.

STORYLINE : 9/10
Speaking of SoL anime, generally we will not find significant story and character development, especially when it is CGDCT. What we find is cute girls with a funny behavior in doing something plus the comedy element in it. But this anime is different. The main focus in this series is friendship. Each character has its own reasons for going to Antarctica, a reason that actually makes them meet when they never knew before. Indeed this series tells about adventures of the four main characters to Antarctic. But adventure is not always about finding and reaching something. /most important thing is the experiences that occurred during the adventure. The experiences that ultimately affect them to face their individual problems. This series still has a comedic element that is light and not excessive like any other SoL series, but what amazes me is this series can make us feel sad and cry when most of SoL series is made to make the audience enjoy.

DIRECTION : 9/10
The director of this series is the director who leads No Game No Life project, Atsuki Ishizuka. Viewed from the direction, I can conclude it in a sentence. this series can make us smile and laugh at the beginning to mid-episode, then slowly touch our hearts to be able to make us cry before the episode ends. Not many series are able to make transition of the atmosphere consistently in every episode. The thing I appreciate was presence of various foreshadow elements that are executed intelligently. At first we would think it was just a conversation or a casual scene, but it was all set to amplified the story in the final episodes. I also love the way they used background sign to supports every comedy in the story. Educational elements about the importance of expeditions to Antarctica is well presented. To me, this series has an incredible direction for a SoL series.

CHARACTER : 9/10
In a CGDCT series, we usually love a character because of some things like beautiful looks, silly but cute behavior or interactions between them that are very funny. But what makes the characters in this series loved is the development of their character and how they deal with each other's personal problems. Kimari who looks the most "stupid" but always able to keep the other characters to remain optimistic. Shirase is very nervous when in front of the camera but will be a straightforward person when expressing his feelings. Hinata is sometimes too wise but full of energy in their journey and Yuzuki who can I say the smartest among them but always confused with matters relating to friendship. These things are reinforced by the presence of classy voice actress like Inori Minase, HanaKana, Yuka Iguchi and Saori Hayami who were able to play the character well.

ART : 9/10
This anime is the original series from Studio Madhouse. We all know that Madhouse is one of the best anime studios in Japan. In this series even Madhouse works very well. Character design and light color selection are perfect for the SoL series. The existence of white color as a reflection of light reminds us to Tsuki ga Kirei art. But when it comes to background, Antarctic landscape, and scenes that have many movements. Madhouse delivers the same quality as when they made the action anime series. One of my favorite scenes is the running scene on episode 2. Not only because the running scene has good animation, but the use of the background in provides the energetic atmosphere in the scene. 3D CG looks pretty neat so it does not look strange when combined with 2D images. In general, the animation in this series is executed well.

SOUND : 8/10
Sound became one of the things that made this anime good. The opening song is good, but I prefer the ending song that really describes the energy of the four main characters in this series. The thing that makes the story in this series so strong is the use of proper insert songs. Insert songs are always played towards the end of the episode and in that moment our hearts will be touched. However, because it only has 4 insert songs and is used more than 1 episode per song, there are some scenes that feel repetitive. Sound effects are also executed well.

Overall, I am glad not to miss this anime. This series is a refresher for the SoL genre that has only recently been filled by comedy and cute girls anime. This series proves that the SoL anime is not just about enjoyment and comedy, but also can provides an interesting storyline, good character development and on the one side can make us smile but on the other side can make us shed tears. If you're a fan of SoL anime but need an interesting and significant storyline. This is for you.