I wrote this review with the intent of reminding myself when I look back on this
anime a few years from now.
-SPOILERS ALERT-
This anime has a lot of themes mixed in.
I was sceptical of this anime from the first five minutes, but I'm glad that
I gave this anime more time to unfold. The wait was well worth it, and it
was something I can be proud to say I watched with glee.
...
Story: 7/10
Concept is simple. A group of friends centering around the protagonist get
together often and share moments of their everyday lives. In this case,
the majority are in the publishing industry, and so we get a semi-deep
exploration and explanation as to how their everyday schedules are like, and
the troubles involved. More will be elaborated individually in the characters,
as that is the main focus of this type of anime, where emphasis is placed more
on the characters themselves, and the plot takes a background role.
One thing I want to say is that this is not just a rom-com with randomness. I find the
story to be well paced in terms of it being a 'slice-of-life', in the sense
that this is not an anime where you will feel the urge to jump to the next
episode (like shoujo animes, where cliffhangers are presented). There is an air of
'my pace' throughout every episode, where the characters aren't in life
threatening situations, but more just struggling to live and cope with situations that
nearly every adult will face. I find that fact itself calming for it fits the overall
composition of the anime, where the characters themselves do not show their inner
conflicts openly at first glance, but the cracks can be seen in time (much like most
of society).
Another interesting note is that they commonly get together and play board games.
You learn a lot of fun things well visually illustrated. It's a nice side-dish to
the struggles along the anime.
Characters: 8/10
It was refreshing to note that every one of the characters has almost something that is
relatable to the viewer watching it. As such, the audience is able to sympathize, or
perhaps even empathise with the character when moments arise. Part of making a
memorable animation i would imagine is linking the characters or situations to an
emotional attachment the viewer has. Many animes have done that better, but nevertheless,
this anime also does it quite well.
If you intend to continue reading past this, be warned for semi heavy spoilers.
"What you want, someone else always has. And usually, it means nothing to the
person who actually has it".
For a conversational based anime to work, I usually find the the following elements
recurrent: The idea-presenter/money sponsor, the silly billy /teaser, the straight man,
the innocent one, the one who goes along with anything.
This is all apparent, yet tastefully done.
The main protagonist is a siscon, and my words do understatement to his devotion.
As a light novelist, his works, lifestyle, fantasies, all revolve around that fact.
His personality can be at first impressions be a typical cranky adult, but as the
story unfolds, it is revealed why his circumstances are as they are, and how the
group got together around him. Lazy, delirious, kind, yet sometimes sarcastic,
some can label his type as the classic comfortable friend you can cut loose with.
His best friend is the total opposite. Organized, neat to a fault, and well composed
at all times, their common lines of work allow them to banter with a level of
genuineness one can only experience after years of friendship. However, despite
his systamatic approach of viewing his job, lifestyle and mindset giving him a
higher edge that most in his line of profession, he isn't happy. They are of a
stark contrast to the protagonist, and it is this polarity that attracts him, in
search of his own'uniqueness'.
The college girl is a typical early student who doesn't know where her future might
lead, what her interests are, and what she should be looking towards. She desires
to 'grow up', hoping that with age, comes wisdom and maturity in her sense of
direction. She is drawn to the protagonist because of his clarity in what he wants.
Innocent, scared of the possibilities, she hopes that sticking close to him will
shed light upon where she should put her efforts in. Along with time, familiarity
leads to deeper feelings.
The step-brother is the perfect sibling we all know. Adept at cooking, cleaning,
patient enough to wait upon your needs at any moment, and cares for the family,
whilst still having enough time to visit the protagonist nearly everyday to cook
his meals, and attend school ontop. Seemingly contented just to spend time with
the protagonist, he desires more, but as we all know in sibling / old friends
scenarios, his inability to reveal his feelings out of concern for the other party
limits his choices.
The last (main) character is the genius upcoming novelist. Bullied and harassed to the
point of quitting school, she is saved by the protagonist's words in his light novels,
one day while reading inside her room. Out of sheer passion, she starts writing her
own novels, meeting him along the way. Convinced that his words were the saving grace
of her life, she devotes her entire feelings to him wholeheartedly.
Any deeper explanation would ruin the point of watching the anime itself imo.
I would say that this anime is rather.. cruel. Each of the characters each has
unexpressed opinions or desires, but are unable to reveal them. It is this
sense of harbouring that makes the characters memorable.
Music: 8/10
The OP/ED were both soothing. Choucho always delivers.
Background music for situations were fitting, but not memorable. I wouldn't say
generic either. The point is, there won't be a time you think : "why is this music here".
I find the songs presented at key moments very well placed. Occasional shivers.
Art: 9/10
Cute and fuzzy. Not totoro fuzzy, but along the lines of oreimo, where it is easy on
the eyes, and not excessively moe to the point of umaru/hinako note at times.
Enjoyment: 8/10
The humour feels forced at times, but thankfully it isn't often enough for it
to be a concern. The ratio of good moments far outweigh the cons.
Partial nudity is a correct way to put it. You will see shapes and outlines,
but not clear views.
If you ever feel like you are being swept away by the tide of the world, just sit back
and enjoy this anime. Give it some time to unveil.
All (0)FriendsNo friend yet.
Also Available atRSS Feeds |
Jan 31, 2018
Imouto sae Ireba Ii.
(Anime)
add
I wrote this review with the intent of reminding myself when I look back on this
anime a few years from now. -SPOILERS ALERT- This anime has a lot of themes mixed in. I was sceptical of this anime from the first five minutes, but I'm glad that I gave this anime more time to unfold. The wait was well worth it, and it was something I can be proud to say I watched with glee. ... |
