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After wrapping up...
I regretted not taking people's advices a few months back when theyrr having the 10th anniversary.
Wouldve celebrated eith the story, art, the characters, all of it.

This one mecha anime that I might only finish in my life.
(Sure, was thinking about Eureka Seven, but....another time)

Story=10
Whoever planned the story mustve known WAAAY too much, besides flaws in reality. Oh heck, its ALL fiction, but THEY MADE IT LOOK SMART (despite all the confusion the others made. Glad I wasnt one of em)
From beginning to end, all episodes matter to the series (except Ep16. WORTH SKIPPIN unless ur into compilations). Everyone also has a story to ... tell, and to be made as they join forces to stop the evil. Inspiration was symbolized in all episodes, even at the darkest times. After the symbolic crazy hero Kamino showed what he's got, the actual protagonist went from weak, to capable, to strong, to ULTRA strong, thanks to the heroic figure that Kamino possessed in all episodes. YES, all episodes.

Art = 10
Every. Single. Frame. Was worked hard upon. And I applaud to everyone who drew each frame by frame, because from simple layouts to battle cinematics, everything was put in delicate detail!
From the epic mecha battles, to the laser beams, to the ULTRA DRILL!!
Themes that was drawn on each episode was VERY noticeable as well! From that post-epic battle episode to the very last episode...the very last episode...whoever drew those frames should be proud that the art behind all that was very captivating to the core. Will never forget how Simon and Nia came to be.
Speaking of..

Character = 10
Everyone (including the crowds outside of the group) had all important roles to play, because they all lead to what I though was the greatest victory of their humankind. And after watching all 27 episodes, you will never forget this name: Kamina.
He possessed such strength abd inspiration to everyone he knows and loves. What broke my heart was after the first 7 episodes, the ultimate groundbreaking plot may make the story at loss, then will eventually make sense as the story goes along, thanks to his presence....at everyone's hearts.
I also like to add that Simon had gotten the most transformation throught all 27 episodes. Well done giving him that many, especially thru the very last episodes!

Overall, its a 10 from me.
Whoever still needs to watch Gurren Lagann, do urselves a favour, and get the chance. Its a captivating story, so after the first episodes, you'll fall in love with the story, the characters, the "fanservice", and the artstyle.
Will soon rewatch this in the future!
Why?

WHO DO YOU THINK I AM?!?!

A childhood movie that I've never got to watch (not taking the pirate route, either) until a few hours ago when a local theatre is celebrating with the Studio Ghibli Fest.
I aplreciate their effort to put the classics back in theatres.

So, to the movie.
As a first timer, I should be enjoying the movie before criticizing it, but u know what, despite some flaws, I actually love the story Miyazaki made a while back.

I love how it all started with a goose chase between pirates and Sheeta, until she also tries to escape from her own protection. Well, I didnt expect her to fail to escape ... by falling off to oblivion, and that's how Im getting more inerested in the movie.
After that, its all adventure, awesome comedy bits, and family-friendly chases and fights.
The layout of the whole story was well-throughout, and it all ends well in the cutest of ways. I actually love the sweet ending, Ill give them that.

I only watched the English version, so all I say is in the Englidh dub.
The VAs for Pazu and Dolly are awesome! Pazu voiced as a strong boy-turned-to-man protagonist style is very inspring, and Dolly voiced as a bad-guy-turned-to-actually-good-at-heart character was well-voiced as well!
As for how characters played their roles:
- both Pazu and Sheeta are awesome!
Sheeta as damsel-in-distress and a strong woman at the same time? Goes to show that not all damsels are useless when trapped! Even at helpless times, she can somehow escape!
I mentioned Pazu's already, but man, that guy just doesnt give up because he's already too smart and strong from the beginning. Hardworking orphan that built muscle via mechanical work. Well done, Miyazaki.
- shouldve added more story for Dolly and her family
Sure, they didnt deserve it just cuz of the chases, but hey, the kids dont care, as long as they wouldnt be ruined by them.
We get a really happy side of the Dolly family, but nevermore after they ate dinner.
It was for the sake of the story, but would love to see side characters like them to matter more with extra clips of story and all.

Art style was (you could say) very Ghibli, but glad the theme of the story fits with the artstyle.
Lets talk about the creativity in the movie. The landscapes, the so-called "airships" (Unrealistic but fan-fuqing-tastic) and the action scenes are WELL DRAWN!! I want to watch the movie again for the action if I wanted to!
Also glad theyve keot the family-friendly theme all throughout, because in the theater, I hear children laughing from the comedic and action scenes (if the fails and trips count as actions)

I couldn't recognize the soundtrack after I finished the film til I listened to samples on YouTube.
Recalling the events while listening to music was difficult, but every single soundtrack is amazing, and very unique for their theme. I would love to watch it again to listen to their soundtrack again just so I could properly review that aspect in the film, but I do love it all, including the theme song, sang by (Azumi Inoue?).
In fact, her theem song reminded me of the theme song from Kiki's Delivery Service!
(I guess its obvious, but I was suprised hearing the same voice!)


Overall, its an 8/10 from me. Not as high as the greatest films to date, but back in the day, this wouldve been Top 5 alongside Spirited Away!

I'm not surprised that this was highly praised after watching all of it.
Its a history movie well-drawn, well-structured, and VERY impactful.

To be honest, after watching anime, Japan and its culture, and reflecting the past, I wondered what WW2 looked like on their end.
I wasn't prepared on what to say after all those eventa that happened in these "fictional" animations. I quoted "fictional" because mind you, this was real, including all the emotions that they made after such....unregrettable moments..

Story=10
Art=11
Sound=10
Character=9
...
I...couldn't relate...to the story at all, but all of it left me reflect so much....
A beautiful, unique autobiography of Suzu Urano, growing into the world that she never imagined that it will come down as the biggest events in all of the world's history...
The story deserves the perfect 10, despite the....surprises that gave me....such sorrow...

The artstyle that they drew for this story not only FITS, but it all connects so much to Suzu. It breaks, then softens my heart to realize how much effort they drew into this....I'm running out of words of praise to the animators that made the overall theme of the story alive.

The realism that they've maintained in this story would make the past historical movies some jealousy. Depending on the mood, the background sounds and music is either smooth or timely impactful, it kept me the edge of my seat when there was none at all!

All of the characters has a role to play for our Suzu. From parental roles to loved ones, even supporting characters. All of them may have done their parts, but all of their actions always reflect to Suzu, from beginning to end.
Harumi...

I never would dare watch anime that has history in its genre, because most of them would mix other genres and lots of unrealism that I didnt bother pick up.
So this would be my first historical anime, and I thank the studios, the creator and the VAs for this story.

I highly recommend everyone to give this a watch. It's a perfect 10 from me.


P.S.
I will never forget how much WW2 left an impact to your past lives.
May we move on in peace and prosperity, and I say this truthfully as a Filipino.

A journey of a man who thinks he's never capable of having a girlfriend....when one event changed it all!
It was a blast reading it, with a few flaws though.

Pros:
-A great read for the hopeless otakus out there
Ikumi here simply couldnt picture falling in love, seeing his own status besides being an otaku. Along the way though, all he needs to do is to step up his game, and his journey just kept getting more interesting.
-a POV (Point of View) story?
The scenes drawn on Ikumi's story is all from Ikumi's point of view, making the journey more realistic because we won't read Mai-chan's point of view ... at all, which is very helping, for me.

Cons:
-The story itself is just what us loners imagine...so, unrealistic is the con here.
The epilogue resulted with what would Mai think of Ikumi's otaku side. Her reaction...iz what I would imagine if I did the same thing. On the other side, it wouldnt be as cute as what Ikumi had.

But forget the con. Its the sweetest story I've ever read in a manga.
You'll appreciate the ending too.

Another masterpiece by the man himself, Makoto Shinkai.

**Spoilers ahead, as the reviewer is expected to have seen the movie**
**Also, bear with me as Im trying my best to review. Im not good with words,
but I swear that Im trying to be as clear as possible. Here we go!**

Kimi no na wa is beautiful in every way. So much effort and dedication was put into this movie.
The story =9
Another unique story, I'd say.
Its about two young kids; a girl named Mitsuha who lives in the town called Itomori, and a boy named Taki from Tokyo. The story throughout was a journey to figure ... out their situation; how they swap bodies, what occured it, and why
Lots of comedic bits too, making the scenes more worth to watch. Like the intro part for Mitsuha and Taki....man, can't take their actions off my head.
Despite all the commotions, the story stayed strong and on-topic, so much so that it made every character matter. When the scenes introduced us the main characters, we get more lines from the friends or family, laying out each other's traits as the story goes along.
One flaw though, is that we didnt get to see action beyond Mitsuha screaing in front of her mirror. (I guess Shinkai seriously respects women)
But nonetheless, the story was structered really well

The characters =8
Besides the main characters, we have their family and friends that played great roles as they "somewhat accepted" to join Mitsuha or Taki's journey. Every character was unique and strongly resembles the settings theyre in.
For example, Mitsuha doesnt like her life in Itomori, and would rather be a boy who lives in Tokyo. Meanwhile her friend Tessie would rather stay and continue living in Itomori and work in the construction company his father is in.
Strong story + unique characters that can relate = great roles
The voice acting on each character did awesome jobs, especially the comedic bits.
As an English speaker though, I had to give more props to the English VAs for making the movie extra better! They translated the characters like it was NOTHIN! Especially the intro scenes, and the scene involving Yotsuha's response to her big sister's screaming....cant wait to own the English version on Bluray!

Another flaw though, was Taki's family side. We get Mitsuha's, but what about the loner Taki-kun's? We get to see the dad, but not much story of him or the rest of Taki's family.
Kinda puts my "importance" review to shame, but I guess some stories had to be put down til someone asks Makoto Shinkai himself.

The scenery and objects they drew in the movie.. =10
Itomori's (unfortunately fictional) landscapes and Tokyo's were greatly drawn into the anime. If youre going to watch this movie in crisp 1080p HD, you eill see how much effort the animators and drawers put into the scenes.
The lighting, the shades, and the solid structures (roads, walls, even a piece of chalk or pencil) were beautifully drawn throughout.
What got me the most was how they used sunlight to make things even spookier or more memorable. The scenes with the sunlight just....lighten up the mood of the scene.
Sure, we may have seen it in his previous movies, but I still had to say it.
**I watched Kimi no na wa bwfore watching his two other ones, like Garden of Words and 5 cm/sec**

Themes, a band, background sounds, and two different bells....=8
When I hear the 1st theme song play in the background, I was expecting this whole movie as if uts an anime episode. I mean, its AWESOME, Im trying to sing their English version now (sang by the same Japanese singer making his best English sentences)
But thats the thing. Its.....kinda distracting, ruining the theme of the story for a bit. I'm still glad that theyve adjusted themselves to fit into the scenes to summ up Taki's and Mitsuha's situation, and itll forever be in my head.
But aside the songs, the background music and natural sounds are very well done, in detail and to give a theme of the scene.
Especially the Kataware-doki scene....its been a fan favourite ever since. I will never forget it, because the theme and the story blends in as one, giving the characaters a chance to shine, then...-----
You'll understand why.


Overall, my score would be 9.
Not every story was made perfect, but if the focus was to make a beautiful story while pushing yourself to make the best scenery and making the characters memorable and cooler, it will become something more than just perfect.


Ive definitely enjoyed the ride. And you will too.
And never forget his/her name. Or you'll suffer the same pain too.

The only anime movie that's not a recap.
Its basically Episode 14 of the 2nd season, where we left off with Hayane saying "bad news" and all that.

I really enjoyed the movie overall, seeing them sing again, hang out a lil more,
But what surprised me the most is that I teared up after all that. Recall the last episodes of the 2nd season, that they will end as a group.

The importance of each girls made me remember them by heart as I finished the movie. I will never forget them all as the movie ended. I 💙 them all, each of their trait are special as ... one group. You can relate to them more if you have each of their special traits.

If you've wrapped up Season 2, again, this will clear things....up..😢.
Do enjoy the ride!

This beautiful show has the potential to become #1 anime to all of us who enjoy slice of life anime, but I also hope this would at least reach someone who's not into slice-of-life because of how simplistic the stories are.

Opening episode was an easy story to get to know the characters. We got Kotarou, which the first scenes describe him as a simple boy, with crazy friends and hints his interests. Then the camera angles to Akane, describing her as a simple girl, but somewhat more energetic than Kotarou.

Can't spoil this much further, cuz I want the review readers to enjoy the story
as ... I rate it at a 10:
Every episode is a gentle breeze. The stories are not only relatable, but always leaves a sweet outcome, either good, neutral or bad. Most of the times, I cheered for both of them to get there already!
I can't explain how they made such beautiful stories each episode, but the creator must've either experienced it himself, or seen alot of love stories that he decides to make one that is simple and relatable.

Art style at a 9:
Almost all of the drawing the animators drew were perfect for the theme of the anime. The lighting effects, how they drew the characters, and the beautiful city of Kawagoe. They even highlighted real festivals that actually takes place in Kawagoe!
(Makes me wanna go there myself one day...it'll be great ❤)
Although not all anime can have perfection. Even the BlackCriticGuy highlighted these two flaws:
-the white shading in every character. I mean, it fits with the overall theme of the anime, but its on every character, its somewhat bothersome.
-the 3DCGI extras.
I actually didnt know why they did that over drawing a few sketches of random people. Another bothersome thing, at least more than the white shading on every character.

Still giving the Art score at a 9 because it fits so well to the story.

My Sound score = 10.
Its....beautiful. I even bothered to buy the album just cuz I LOVE all the themes. Not only it makes the anime more beautiful, it leaves a melody to make us remember. (Well, at least for me bcuz I love music and sweet things).
To add the cherry on top, the beautiful voice of Nao Touyama and the piano.....its something for me to remember for the rest of my life. ITS THAT GOOD, I swear. People will enjoy the anime more because of its sweet melody and Nao Touyama. I want to thank her for how much dedication she put in this anime.

Characters....were prefect. No flaw.
Kotarou and Akane is the anime couple that put other anime couples to shame.
Their growing love will make you reflect so much. Although the story mostly focuses on these two, their friends and family also played great roles, either as an obstacle or as life-savers.
To make things better for the other characters, some episodes adds extra comedic clips after the credits, giving the laughs after all the sweetness.
Gives a little rom-com theme to the anime overall.

Despite the tiny flaws, everything else just made up for it, and this anime still scores the 10/10, definitely the #1 anime for Spring 2017, and deserves to be nominated to be Top Anime 2017.

In fact, the whole story and the couple deserves to be the top #1 anime of all time for me, alongside Your Lie in April, A Lull in the Sea, and Anohana.
Im recommeding EVERYONE to watch this. If you or a friend just started watching anime, you WILL enjoy this.
For voice acting, I'd give it to the Japanese VAs. Their origins as actors was just perfect to the story.
Yes, there's an Englidh version already, but I really recommend to watch it in Japanese (w/subs, of course)

Oh, do also watch with you loving partner. It will be sweeter ❤❤

Do enjoy 💙💙!

WILL CONTAIN SPOILERS AHEAD!
Oh, even to people who just started watching Fairy Tail, THIS MOVIE'S CANON! I'd wrap up all episodes before watching this movie!
Otherwise, it wont make sense. But even us fans who HAVE finished, might have some questions to some surprises.
(Im terrible with remembering the movie cuz I enjoyed it overall, but here goes..)

Pros:
-The nostalgia from the beginning.
Its been a year since the last episode ended, and we wanted to hear ehat's up with Fairy Tail! And the crew is back with another mission to save Fiori, or as Natsu always say, to save his friends!
Hearing their voices again...man, its awesome seeing them ... again!

-Surprising turn of events (although this shouldnt surprise u buuuuut..)
I said THIS MOVIE'S CANON for a reason. I read other reviews in MAL, and apparently one mentioned that all actions that they put in the movie were all true from the manga, which includes Charles' "Sailor Moon" transformation (which I had to scream at the theatre, "SINCE WHEN??!?!?")
and Natsu's Dragon Form, which hopefully both will be explained when the anime premieres late next year.
(Oh, dont forget the end credits. Kinda the reason why ppl are watching the movie anyways?)
There might be more, but again, I enjoyed the movie without trying being a critic.

Cons (oh boy..):
-The story is WORTH extending 12 episodes, because...
Its all plotholes at this point.

-Many characters left out as extras, especially when Juvia, Gajeel, Levi and Lili were seen in the movie (we all wanted action to all characters... They didnt get any)
The so-called Lucky Stars may hv been OP, but when encountered again, its like a forced shutdown as "movie time is running out" as the wizards somehow finds the EASIEST of ways to beat them that they wouldve in the first 5mins of their fight..

Which made me think that
-we're used to watching filler episodes of FT fights that seeing it in movie form feels like its not enough to satisfy the whole series.

Seeing the movie JUST TO ENJOY THE FEELS is the reason why I loved it regardless.
Although my scores will be on the average because its all the same as it is in TV anime form, I'd watch it as if it was.
Its great hearing from Natsu, Happy, then Lucy, Erza and Grey, coming back together to fight more evil as the one and only, Fairy Tail.


PS
I live in Vancouver, and 3 weeks ago as of this review, a convention was held where Todd Haberkorn has a spot for signing and panels. I was in one of his panels, told him that he did a great job on his role as Natsu, and reminded us of the movie.
He was also kind enough to tell us that as Natsu, he had to scream for 8 seconds in the movie.
While watching Natsu's battles, I counted down his screams, and there was that one section, before he beats the boss, where he ACTUALLY had an 8-second scream. I immediately felt bad, but loving his dedication as he plays the role of Natsu.
FIIIIIRRREE DRAAAGON, ROOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRR!!!
(Not really the segment, but you'll find it! #HaberHints)

PPS
My 1st review! Would appreciate any feedback, yoroshku onegaishimasu!