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Jun 8, 2016
To be honest, I wasn't expecting much from this anime. Alien parasites eating the brain and taking over their host's body? Give me a break...
As I was watching though, the series grew on me and I found it quite entertaining and interesting and I'll explain why.
Story: 7
As I said I wasn't a fan of the senario when I began watching the series. At first I was impressed only by the art and that's what kept me watching. Yes, it doesn't sound very deep, but a long time passed since I'd seen such wonderfull art in an anime. After the first few episodes though, I
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was engrossed in the story. It wasn't at all what I was expecting. The story was much about one species - humans - trying to understand aliens and vice versa and that was done through the everyday life of a highschooler who was 'infected' with one of these parasites (luckily not in the brain). Of course there were killings and blood and slaughter, but just as much as it was necessary to give suspense to the story - most of the deaths were given much credit, it was not just gore.
What I found remarkable about the story was its pacing. We all have watched an anime which is awfully dull and in the last few episodes there is a thunderous bang! that tries to make up for all your lost time, everyone gets killed or everything is explained. That's not what happened here. The story unraveled smoothly and every episode was equally interesting.
Art: 10
I won't add much here, 10 is the rounded 9.5 that I gave it and this is because there was occasional CGI, which was really not necessary.
Music: 9
The music was also pretty interesting, I mean I haven't came across dubstep(!) in an anime ever before...
Characters: 7
There wasn't anything special about the characters, I'd say this was a mildy weak spot of the series. High schoolers falling in love and not understanding each other, there was a little bit of a harem as well - although I have to admit there wasn't much overreacting (phew!). What was interesting and suspensfull was the evolution of the parasites' behavior and that of the mc. The parents were given special attention too, which is very rare in anime (most mcs are missing one or both of their parents).
Enjoyment: 8
Nice job overall...
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Nov 30, 2015
The creation and use of robots has been a debating subject for decades. Many ethical issues have emerged concerning whether these machines should dominate in the production line in factories, the health sector, engineering and so on. Many assume that they carry off the jobs of thousands of unemployed people, they cost a lot in electricity, maintenance and sources in general and cause accidents due to their automatic and inflexible settings.
So, when the creation of artificial intelligence androids is brought up, the reactions vary from hesitation to upright denial. How can we pretend to be God and create human-like creatures? What if they try to
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manipulate us or harm us? What will happen if we get attached to them and substitute relationships with real people?
Well, in this anime, the androids are programmed according to the three laws of robotics: robots will never hurt humans and obey them in the first place. But what about relationships between humans and robots and how to handle and behave to a robot? Is it inferior or better than you, given it is programmed to think and behave without complexes and spite?
Story : 8
A boy whose family possesses an android starts to get concerned about its behaviour and eventually finds out that it goes to a certain place on its own free will. This place is a cafe that imposes a rule to everyone who visits it: Humans and robots must be treated equally while they are there. Rikuo - the boy mentioned above and main character - accompanied by his friend Masaki, become frequenters and meet many people (or maybe androids?) and pry into their backrounds and reasons to be there.
Art : 7
Art was fine, I found the slow-motion parts to be quite original. The only thing that bugged me was the occasional CGI. Animation was fine too, it made the robots very convincing and distinguishable when they were in their "obedient" mode.
Sound : 7
Nothing special, the episodes didn't even have opening theme. But the voice acting and effects were ok.
Character : 8
That was the best part. Every character develops nicely, both humans and androids. That was the main purpose of this anime anyway: to show as the feelings of the humans towards robots and vice versa. Rikuo is prone to feel sympathy for the androids, although he can't accept that they can act on their own. He is very curious about them though and tries to fully understand them. Masaki seems to be very strict and keeps reminding Rikuo that he shouldn't empathize with them so much. I can't say more about them, because there will be spoilers.
Enjoyment: 8
A thought provoking anime with which I passed my time very pleasantly. I also recommend it to those who like futuristic themes.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Nov 23, 2015
The title definitely indicates the feeling that you get from watching this anime. When you read it you picture something sweet, warm and shiny. This anime makes you warm and fuzzy inside with the soothing colors and design and the 'lightweight' story.
Story : 5
I'm not into romance anime and girly, pink stuff. It is even worse when shy characters that cannot confess to each other are involved. This is exactly that kind of love story. A lot of misunderstandings and difficulties are present too, which made me impatient and irritated.
BUT these feelings of frustration were easily and soon extinguished due to the atmosphere and
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funny moments. Viewing the same story from different prospects was interesting too.
Art : 10
It really took this anime to a different level. It was the main reason I decided to give this anime a shot and I wasn't disappointed. The details, character design and animation were very refreshing and sweet. It was quite original too, for example the ears stuck out (without it being ugly) and the hand movements of the male mc's friend were really vigorous and funny.
Sound : 8
Although I don't like that kind of music, I found myself enjoying it and it was interesting how a part of the episodes was without words, but with music playing in the backround.
Character : 6
Both girl and boy mcs were shy and problematic and had troubles with their relationships. I didn't quite like them as personalities, I just found them cute. I don't think being cute is enough though.
Enjoyment : 7
It was ok to pass an hour with. It was quite relaxing. I think that it will be admired mostly from the female audience, but I don't want to put labels on it. Everyone could enjoy its calming effect.
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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Nov 23, 2015
Wow.
This was definitely different in almost every aspect.
Kuuchuu Buranko makes you go 'what the hell??' from the very first moment. I really was a happy person after watching the first episode. Let me explain.
Story : 10
I haven't bumped into an anime about psychology again. I'm not referring to the psychological genre, but psychology itself. Every episode examines a different case of psychological problems, their cause and the remedy recommended by the therapist. Well, the therapist is not the typical one nor are his treatments - this is what adds comedic and psychedelic elements as well.
The way the cases are presented gets your interest from the
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start and as the episode advances you sympathize with the character and can't wait until he is finally cured - or partly cured. In some cases you can guess what the root of the cause is by the information you are given. The disorders are scientifically explained by a guy that pops up every now and then to enlighten you and advise you.
NOTE: you might find a few 'unexplained' scenes in the first episodes, but they are clarified later.
Art : 8
The art was undoubtedly unconventional. The characters were often replaced by real people's faces. It is not a bit confusing or irritating though, it is real fun. The realistic depiction of the nurse is also helping the viewer to understand why the patient tolerates the painful injection that the doctor imposes for every and each of the cases.
My only problem is that sometimes I found it simplistic and a little coarse concerning the characters' design.
Sound : 7
Nothing much to say here. Voice acting was fine, it reflected perfectly each character's personality. The themes were interesting too, especially the ending theme. Nothing out of the ordinary though.
Character : 8
The psychologist - and main character of the series - is an eccentric, sadistic and erratic persona, who suggests unconventional and sometimes perilous treatments to his patients. Nevertheless, he is very capable and finds the cause and remedy of the disorder right away - although he enjoys tormenting the patient before he helps him. He is assisted by a stunning nurse (the injection girl), who seems very distant and perfunctory, but in some cases she helps and empathize with the patients. The only defect is that you never get to know their backrounds.
The patients all have an interesting problem with their personality or behavior, that is either funny or depressing. The backround and the story of each case make us understand how grave the disorder is for the everyday life of the character and make us sorry for him. But the doctors always highlights its rediculousness and achieves to ease the atmosphere in a very effective way.
Enjoyment : 9
I really liked this anime. It was engaging. It was funny. It was a great way to pass my time.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Nov 16, 2015
What an underrated and unpopular anime, which became one of my favorites out of the blue. I will get to the point immidiately.
Story : 10
Here is a story about a samurai with no self-confidence, who is gradually convinced to join a gang. There is barely any bloodshed, only the everyday lives of the members as they plan their new crimes. In terms of originallity, this anime is the top of the top of the samurai/historical genre.
The purpose of this anime is not only to display the violence or the traditions of the time that it takes place. It is destined to recount the circumstances of
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each character and justify their way of life and their choices, which adds mystery and suspense to the story as well.
Art : 10
What can I say about it? I was completely taken by its landscapes, the details of nature-themed scenes as long as the town's buildings - I have never seen so detailed premises in an anime ever before. You may think that it doesn't make a difference, but it is really an eye-candy.
Characters are designed in a very special and unconventional way, too. I found their eyes and hair very interesting, and as with the buildings, it was something I've never seen before.
Sound : 8
I really liked the themes played subtly throught the episodes. What I found rather odd and not fitting were the opening and ending themes. I think they tried to combine an old era theme with modern music (like Samurai Champloo), but didn't manage to make decent pieces. It was a pity, but didn't affect the overall enjoyment whatsoever.
Character : 10
The creator of the anime just nailed it. Absolutely likeable and utterly interesting characters. If I ever got into the thug life I would choose these homies. Really.
The main character is a shy ronin, whose lack of self esteem is always mistaken for unreliability and troubles his career. He is struggling to find a master who will keep him as a bodyguard for more than a few days. But, as the story advances, you find out what a heart of pure gold he posesses. He's the kind of guy each of us would like to have as a best friend - you could always rely on him during harships or when you simply wanted someone who would listen to you and encourage you. A guy pretty naive that everyone would tease but love to have around.
He eventually explores the personalities, motives and interesting backrounds of the rest of the gang members, as he is very curious of the people who is involved with and likes to consider them as family. Their characters are not black or white, they may be thieves but each of them could give you the most outstanding lessons about honesty anyone could ever give you.
Enjoyment : 10
Ι was fascinated. I watched each episode with irreducible interest. I recommend it to everyone.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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Nov 10, 2015
Let's start with the fact that I am not interested in sports anime. I always thought that they will be boring for me. Yep, I am so prejudiced.
But this didn't prevent me from starting Chihayafuru - I was curious about it, because it had a really good score. So, I said let's beat the stereotype and give it a chance. Here are the results of my venturesome operation.
Story : 5
The anime follows the story of a team of kids and how they got into Karuta - a card game that demands good memory and agility skills. It depicts their passion and development as the years
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pass, as long as the bonds that form between them, because of their common enthusiasm towards the game.
Well, as I lack interest over such a subject, I didn't find it particularly appealing. Neither original to be frank.
Art : 5
The art was mediocre, I found it rather outdated as it reminded me the art of late '90s. The eyes were a little freaky with the pupils painted deep into the iris. They tried to make them look more realistic, but the result was creepy.
Sound : 7
It was ok. Nothing out of the ordinary. The themes fit nicely, but nothing excited me.
Character : 8
Most people were likeable and consistent, although there was much of character development throughout the series. It simulated nicely the coming-of-age part of the cast. The supporting characters were given special attention, too, as they grew to like Karuta and know themselves better through it. Helping each other understand themselves and their playing style was interesting, too.
What I couldn't relate to was their enthusiasm. Ok that's natural. But I found their emotional outbursts exaggerated. I almost laughed when they were shouting and crying expressing their fondness of each other or Karuta.
Enjoyment : 5
I enjoyed about the 1/4 of all the episodes - it consisted mostly of Karuta contests. I liked observing their thoughts while they played and I got a little anxious over who would win, too. That was nice. But the first 12 episodes were too melodramatic for me and no formal failure was displayed so I was losing interest. Then it got interesting for maybe 6 episodes and then it got boring again. I am a little cautious of giving 2nd season the chance to change my opinion.
Reviewer’s Rating: 5
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Nov 8, 2015
I am not an elitist, but I think this series is not for everyone. It has to be your taste and you must give all of your attention to the plot in order to understand what is happening, otherwise you will get confused no doubt about it.
The art and atmosphere is surely not something you see in anime often - they are unique and some might think childish. The story and the plot though, bring up really mature topics.
Story : 9
What if after you die, your memories can be transferred to a young and lively body and you can live on? Can you imagine what
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a world where memories and bodies can be changed would look like? What moral issues would be brought about? These are the subjects that this anime deals with. The mc is a boy who has no memories whatsoever and tries to find himself. Along the way he meets many interesting characters and learns about their stories and their valuable memories as well.
Art : 9
Childish and simplistic you say? Well I am so into weird staff like this.
There are barely any shades and colorings. The lines are apparent and the colors are bright and compact. But man its uniqueness, it really got me. Animation was also outstanding. Movement and voices were well fit, accurate and synchronized.
Sound : 10
I usually don't give much attention to the music and sounds of the anime. But this had beautiful pieces and the effects were really something. OT and ET were very well fit with the futuristic theme of the series, and the singer had an eerie yet warm voice. Action scenes and sad moments were nicely accompanied with the appropriate piece. When goofy characters were around, goofy music was present as well (something like the Super Mario for game boy music). The 'Tree song' (or else 'Chronico's melody') still haunts me.
Character : 9
Character development was another strong part of this anime. The mc is an interesting character with an interesting backstory and so is every character he meets. All of them have an interesting story to tell, which is also really touching (tears came to my eyes quite a few times). There are characters that you like from the beginning, characters not so likeable but their actions at some point surprise you in a good way or their backstories justify them and characters not likeable at all - each of them play a significant part in the story and plot.
Enjoyment : 8
If everything is excellent, why did I give it an 8? (8.5 to be exact)
The truth is that the plot twists and all those details the viewer has to memorize and absorb are too many. After finishing the series you have many questions about motives and may think that there were many plot holes. The way to solve this is to re-watch either parts or the whole series.
The series as a whole though is really something that, if you are up to these sort of anime and you have an outstanding attention span, is worth a shot. After you have sort most of the plot out, it will be one of your favourites.
NOTE: There are some 'mature' scenes, too, so you better be sure that you are alone in the room with no parents around, in order to not find yourself in an awkward position.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Nov 2, 2015
There is a thing about a few anime that are totally enjoyable in the first episodes and then they just...wither. And yes, that is the case with Gosick too.
What seemed to be a very smart and episodic anime, began to lose its charm after adding a lot of characters to the story and became a little difficult to follow.
Story : 7
An exchange student from Japan is transfered to the (imaginary) country of Sauville to study. There he becomes friends with an extremely intelligent but arrogant and shrewish girl, who is fond of sweets and solving complicated mysteries. Fine until now. **SPOILER** Then there is
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a plot twist, from where Victorique (the mc girl) becomes the center of attention and is hunted by political forces for her abilities. This is fine too, but only if it was another anime. I found this twist rather confusing and out of the mood. **END OF SPOILER**
Art : 9
Nothing much to say about it, I liked nearly everything about the art. The characters and scenery were designed beautifully.
Sound : 8
The OT and ET fit nicely with the story.
Character : 6
Every character except the mcs was likeable/consistent. But let's be honest, if the mcs are not, then the overall impression is not that good. Victorique was utterly antipathetical **SPOILER** and the change of character which took place at the end of the series didn't make up for it. **END OF SPOILER** I wanted to hit her, seriously.
Kujo (the mc boy) was nice in general, but so pathetic concerning Victorique. Ok, he had a crush on her, but not minding her hitting and humiliating him was just irritating.
Enjoyment : 7
A good anime to pass my time, but all those 'thorns' I mentioned left a bittersweet taste after I finished it. If only it continued the way it was in the beginning...
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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Oct 22, 2015
I like watching short anime. They are a pleasant break from anime series marathons.
They are usually more sophisticated and enriched from series, because the creator wants to pass his thoughts effectively and has no time to digress.
And if you think about it, in case the result is not satisfactory, you don't lose but a few minutes...
So, I bumped into this.
Story: 8
A young man narrates his story, about when he travelled to Europe for working and studying. There he met a girl with whom he fell in love with, but their relationship eventually became overshadowed by his business life. I got a little impatient at
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first, because I wanted to see where it was going to, but the story advanced quite well. I was moved and a little depressed at the end.
Art: 6
This anime is of a certain type, which does not appeal to me anyway. It is called 'ga-anime' and this is the definition that I found on the internet:
"A crossover between a picture book, a radio play and an anime.
The art is static but of higher level than the average anime. The images change in a slow pace carried by music and voice, with small animation tricks."
Sound: 7
Soundtrack and sounds where engaging and fitting the atmoshere of the anime.
Character: 8
I liked the way the narrator described himself and his feelings.
Enjoyment: 7
I was very interested to see what will happen next. And I experienced emotions of sadness, which in my opinion made it an effective and good anime.
Overall: 7
Such brief and meaningfull stories should be given more attention. Maybe someone who read this review will give it a chance.
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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Oct 21, 2015
NOTE: I write this review out of sheer enthusiasm for the series, which I watched pretty recently and eventually became one of my favourites.
Story: 7
Vampires try to take over an entire village. OK.
Not an original story taking into account the trend back then, but still the evolution of it tried to make it one. The story is not just gore or about how cool vampires are, but about humans and vamps try to eliminate each other.
Well, try and think how possible would be for you to convince your fellow humans that monsters exist in order to save yourself as well as them. Tricky
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huh? And this would be only the 1/100 of what it would take to just stay alive...That's what I call 'on the edge of one's seat'.
Art: 6
The most contradictory part. Well, to tell the truth, I didn't like it much. It was too kitsch for me. Also it was inconsistent - the nurse friend of Ritsuko was like a character from 'Perfect Blue' despite most of the characters looked like the average anime. Yes, some of the characters' hair and clothes were plain rediculus, BUT I did not hate it for that - try to make a character out of an entire village distinguishable without overdoing it in the design of him/her and I will call you a genius! The artist(s) did what they could do about it and I don't blame them for that.
Sound: 9
OT and ET fitted nicely, but I was completely taken by the rest of the OST. Orchestral music at its best.
Character: 8
All characters displayed consistency. Given that everyone that played a significant part to the story had to be distinct, some aspects were exaggerated. That's what made the viewer sympathize with them though.
*SPOILER*
The only non-consistant character was Tatsumi. At first he was a no-brain sadist and at the end, he showed such tenderness towards Sunako. And then when asked from Muroi why he was serving her he gave a surprisingly sophisticated reply. I mean seriously?
*END OF SPOILER*
Enjoyment: 10
I really really really enjoyed Shiki. Really. I couldn't stop myself from watching many episodes in the row every day and believe me I don't have much spare time on the weekdays. It was utterly suspensefull. Not to mention that after the end of the series I had a fucked up mind for 3 days.
Overall: 9
Maybe it is one of my favourite anime, but I can't overlook its flaws. The story had holes. Personally, I couldn't get the 'kind' and 'justified' part of vampires that the series tried to communicate - I just wanted them to disappear as they should - but that's another extended conversation. Nevertheless, it was amazing for me. I hope you 'll enjoy it as much as me if you plan to watch it.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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