Anime Reviews

 

Alternative Name:  Blast Of Tempest
Years of Released:  October 5, 2012 – March 29, 2013
Episodes: 24
Genre: Fantasy, Mystery, Romance, Action, Shounen
Favorite Characters : Mahiro
My Rating: PG-14
Grade: A

Summary: The story revolves around Mahiro Fuwa, a teenager whose sister was mysteriously murdered one year before, and his friend Yoshino Takigawa. Mahiro is contacted by Hakaze Kusaribe, the leader of the Kusaribe clan who was left stranded on an unknown deserted island by her followers, and agrees to help Hakaze in exchange for her help to find out the culprit for the death of his family. Upon learning of his friend's intentions, Yoshino joins him on his quest to stand against the Kusaribe clan who intends to awaken the "Tree of Exodus" whose power can bring ruin to the entire world.

My review: A wild collision of two Sharspear's works - Hamlet and Tempest - with a Japanese animation twist on it. There is a lot going on in the show, the story progressing quickly and goes a long way since the beginning. The is magic, friendship, cult, pain, desperation, and love in it. I loved this show so much, especially the time travel part, although I think it could have been much and much better it they would just choose the target audience more clearly and make the anime for a specific age group. It touches very serious and dark themes but from time to time characters act out of character, too immature and animeish. In short, if it wasn't for fan service, it would be a much more solid show.


Recommend: For everyone

 

Alternative Name:  シュタインズ・ゲート
Years of Released:  April 6, 2011 – September 14, 2011
Episodes: 24
Genre: Sci-Fi, Mystery, Romance,
Favorite Characters : Okabe
My Rating: PG-14
Grade: A+

Summary: Steins;Gate takes place in the Akihabara district of Tokyo. On July 28, 2010, Rintarō Okabe and his friend Mayuri Shiina head towards the Radio Kaikan building for a conference, where Rintarō finds a girl named Kurisu Makise lying in a pool of blood. As Rintarō sends a text message about the incident to his friend, Itaru "Daru" Hashida, he experiences a strange phenomenon and the people around him disappear, with no-one else noticing anything had changed. After later running into Kurisu, who is strangely alive and well, and discovering the message he had sent to Itaru had arrived a week before he sent it, Rintarō soon deduces that the 'Mobile Microwave' he and his friends had been developing is, in fact, a time machine capable of sending text messages to the past

My review: It has been awhile since I have stumbled upon something as worthy as Stein;Gate. To tell the truth, I have almost given up on the show (which ironacaly had happened with Code Geass as well) but I'm glad I haven't committed such a crime. The show starts slowly. The first ten or so episodes are just setting everything up for second half of the show, which is much much move intence and the events are happening at a lightning speed, just barely letting your brain to catch up and analyze what is going on.
 What's more, some of the names, facts, and theories were actually taken from real live. Just try searching John Titor and you'll see what I mean.
The characters, who seem cliche at first, are shining bright as you look at each of them at a new engle at each parallel world. It gets very emotional by the end of the story.
All these facts give an amazing depth that everyone who likes a good story can appreciate - anime fan or not.


Recommend: For everyone

 

Alternative Name:  Apollo on the Slope
Years of Released:  April 12, 2012 – June 28, 2012
Episodes: 12
Genre: Coming-of-age, Friendship, Music, Romance,
Favorite Characters : Kaoru
My Rating: PG
Grade: A

Summary: The beginning of summer, 1966; because of his father's job situation, freshman high school student Kaoru Nishimi moves by himself from Yokosuka to Sasebo in Kyushu to live with relatives. Until then, Kaoru was an honor roll student who tended to keep to himself, but meeting notorious "bad boy" Sentaro Kawabuchi starts to change him. Through his devil-may-care classmate, Kaoru learns how much fun it is to play jazz and finds the first person he can call a real friend.

My review: I really liked this show. Great, believable, developping characters; dynamic plot; great music; higher quality animation. Too bad there aren't much of these kind of shows out there.

Recommend: For everyone

 

Alternative Name:  Hataraku Maou-sama!
Years of Released:  April 4, 2013 – June 27, 2013
Episodes: 13
Genre: Comedy, Parody, Romance
Favorite Characters : none
My Rating: PG-13
Grade: B

Summary: The Demon Lord and one of his generals, Alciel, escape Ente Isla through a portal to modern Tokyo, Japan after being confronted by the Hero Emilia Justina and her companions. However, due to the lack of magic in the modern contemporary world, both the Demon Lord and Alciel change into forms representing what they would look like if they were human. In order to survive, the Demon Lord takes a part-time job in a fast food restaurant named MgRonald while Alciel serves as his houseman. One day, the Demon Lord, who now goes by Sadao Maō, meets a girl who is actually the Hero Emilia, who now goes by Emi Yusa. The story then unfolds and explores the personalities of each of the characters and their moral values. More characters show up from Ente Isla and they too face the new world dilemmas, often comically.

My review: This one was pretty funny. There was nothing extraordinary, no original idea, or something I've never seen before, but I found myself enjoying the show.

Recommend: For everyone


Where to watch:     RUS  Here                                          ENG Here 

 

Alternative Name:  Sukitte ii na yo
Years of Released:  October 6, 2012 – December 30, 2012
Episodes: 13
Genre: Romantica, Shouje
Favorite Characters : Shion
My Rating: PG
Grade: B-

Summary: Quiet and unassuming Mei Tachibana has spent her high school years without making friends or getting a boyfriend because of a childhood incident that left her believing that people will betray each other sooner or later. When she encounters a popular boy named Yamato Kurosawa, he becomes interested in her, and it is through their tentative friendship and blossoming relationship that Mei ultimately begins to branch out and befriend others.

My review: I don't watch shouje very often but one day I was in the mood and I stumbled upon "Say I Love You." It wasn't terrible, but I have seen a much better pieces. There are a lot of romance anime out there and there are much more worthy shows to enjoy. However, if you are into Romance in general, don't miss this one.

Recommend: For Girls who love romance


Where to watch:     RUS  Here                                          ENG Here 

Alternative Name: Hotarubi no Mori e

Years of Released: September 17, 2011
Episodes: 44 minutes
Genre: Romance, Supernatural
Favorite Characters : Gin, Hotaru
My Rating: G
Grade: A+

Summary: The  story of a six-year-old girl named Hotaru Takegawa, who gets lost in a forest inhabited by a yamagami, or mountain spirit, as well as youkai. She is found by a mask-wearing, human-like entity named Gin, who informs Hotaru that he will disappear forever if he is touched by a human. Gin then leads Hotaru out of the forest.Hotaru returns to visit Gin in the forest over the next few days and they become friends despite the limitations on their interactions. Although at summer's end she must leave Gin to return to the city and her studies, Hotaru promises to return to visit him every summer holiday. As the years go by, Gin hardly ages while Hotaru physically matures and grows closer to his apparent age. Upon reaching adolescence Hotaru begins to struggle with their budding romance and their uncertain future together, while Gin wishes he could touch and hold the young woman that Hotaru has become. When Hotaru reaches high school, Gin takes her on a date to a festival in the forest hosted by the spirits. The night ends in tragedy when Gin mistakenly touches a young boy who sneaked into the spirit festival, though before he disappears, he and Hotaru embrace and confess their love for one another.

My review: That was a great short film. I loved every minute of it. It was one of those rare cases when I actually almost cried in the end. I consider Hotarubi no Mori e is one of the best romance anime out there. Touching and bittersweet.

Recommend: Recomended

Alternative Name: Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun, The Monster Sitting Beside Me
Years of Released: October 2, 2012 – December 25, 2012
Episodes: 13
Genre: Romance, Comedy
Favorite Characters : Kenji
My Rating: PG
Grade: B+

Summary: My Little Monster focuses on the relationship between Shizuku Mizutani, who has absolutely no interests except in studying and her plans for the future, and a boy named Haru Yoshida, who sits next to Shizuku in class but rarely attends school. After Shizuku is tasked with delivering class printouts to Haru's home, she meets Haru, who immediately greets her as a friend, starting their new relationship.

My review:
Sweet little story. There are many of those out there and for me My Little Monster doesn't stand out much from the rest of similar shoujo anime. But I'm not implying it in a bad way, God forbid. Those types of shows deserve to exist. And I do enjoy watching them from time to time, when I need to relax and just enjoy the sweet romance without over thinking about deep storyline twists and deep meanings behind them. Nice watch.



Recommend: Recomended

Alternative Name: ParaKiss
Years of Released: October 13, 2005 – December 29, 2005
Episodes: 12
Genre:  Drama, Romance
Favorite Characters : Miwako
My Rating: PG-16
Grade: A

Summary:  Yukari is a pretty-faced high school senior that studies dutifully for her university entrance exams. She cannot find meaning in her repetitive life and feels that she has not truly lived at all. As a student at a prestigious high school, she begins with a snobbish attitude towards the fashion design students. After she is scouted by Arashi and "kidnapped" by Isabella, her attitude towards them begins to change to one of admiration for the students' passion and drive.

My review:
Actually this one turned out much better than I thought. I should've expected it from Ai Yazawa's work, creator of Nana. Great, realistic story about finding out who you are, about finding your goals and dreams, and about love of course. I also loved it because it reminded me a lot about the time I wisited Tokyo with its glamor, great fashion, beautiful people. Great show.




Recommend: Highly recomended

Alternative Name: Reaching You
Years of Released: October 6, 2009 – March 30, 2010 / January 11, 2011 – March 30, 2011
Episodes: 25 / 12
Genre:  Romance, School Life, Slice Of Life, Drama
Favorite Characters : Ryu
My Rating: G
Grade: B+

Summary: Sawako Kuronuma, called Sadako by her classmates for her resemblance to the character from The Ring, has always been feared and misunderstood because of her appearance. There are rumors that Sawako can see ghosts and curse people. However, despite her appearances, she is a sweet and timid girl who longs to be able to make friends with everyone and be liked by everyone else. When her idol, popular boy Kazehaya, begins talking with her, everything changes. She finds herself in a new world, trying to make friends and talking to different people and she can't thank Kazehaya enough for giving her these opportunities. Slowly, but surely, a sweet love blossoms between the two as they overcome circumstances and obstacles that stand in their way.



My review:
Sweet sweet anime. The way it intended to be must I add. Very light-hearted, naive, innocent, and touching. Even though it was a little slow I still liked it.




Recommend: Yes

Alternative Name: The World's Greatest First Love
Years of Released: April 9, 2011 – June 25, 2011 / October 7, 2011 – December 23,2011
Episodes: 12 / 12
Genre:  Comedy, Josei, Romance, Yaoi
Favorite Characters : none
My Rating: R
Grade: B-

Summary: Onodera Ritsu, a literary editor, resigns from his father's publishing company, due to his coworkers' jealousy of his success, claiming that he is simply riding his father's coattails. He applies for a position at Marukawa Publishing, but instead of his preferred department of literature he is placed in the infamous shōjo manga department, Emerald. He initially considers resigning, especially because he finds his new boss, Masamune Takano, intolerable and unnerving from the very beginning; however, Takano inadvertently convinces Onodera to stick with the job by calling him "useless," his pride forcing him to stay in order to prove his worth. Later, Onodera learns that Takano's old family name was Saga, an older schoolmate from high school that Ritsu fell in love with and confessed to.


My review:
Well, where should I start? It was painfully obvious from the very beginning that Seikai-ichi Hatsukoi is going to resemble Junjou Romantica a lot. The storylines are intertwined together so that the characters from Junjou had their own air time which I actually liked. But that closeness of those two is also became a disadvantage. Even though Seikai can stand on it's own as independent show, everyone is going to compare it to Junjou Romantica and that's where it'd doomed to lose. Junjou had original style, humor, and was a great hit among fans. Seikai looks like a mare copy, trying to achieve the same success but that's just impossible. You can't just use the same tricks from Junjou and make it work. That is my opinion on the subject. But in any case you you are yaoi or shounen-ai fan you should definitely give it a go.




Recommend: For yaoi fans out there

Alternative Name: The Colors of Blooming, The ABCs of Blooming
Years of Released: April 3, 2011 – September 25, 2011
Episodes: 26
Genre:  Coming of age, Slice of life, Romance
Favorite Characters : Touru, Minko
My Rating: G
Grade: B

Summary: Hanasaku Iroha centers around Ohana Matsumae, a 16-year-old teenager living in Tokyo, who is left in the care of her estranged grandmother, following her mother's elopement with her boyfriend. Ohana arrives at her grandmother's country estate to realize she is the owner of a Taishō period hot spring inn called Kissuisō. She begins working at Kissuisō, at her grandmother's request, but finds herself at odds with many employees and customers at the inn. Initially feeling discouraged, she decides to use her circumstances as an opportunity to change herself for the better and to make amends with her deteriorating relationship with the Kissuisō's staff for a more prominent future.


My review:
Very beautifully made and easy to watch anime. I enjoyed watching Hana-Saku Iroha even though I doubt I'll watch it again. Highly recommended.




Recommend: Yes

Alternative Name: Kare Kano, Kareshi Kanojo no Jijou
Years of Released: October 2, 1998 – March 23, 1999
Episodes: 26
Genre: Drama, Josei, Psychological, Romance, School Life, Shoujo, Slice Of Life
Favorite Characters : Soichiro Arima, Yukino Miyazawa, Hideaki Asaba
My Rating: PG
Grade: B+

Summary:
Yukino Miyazawa is a Japanese high school freshman who is the envy of classmates for her good grades and immaculate appearance. However, her "perfect" exterior is a façade, a charade she maintains to win praise. In the privacy of her own home, she is spoiled, stubborn, a slob, and studies relentlessly and obsessively to maintain her grades. On entering high school, she is knocked from her position at the top of the class by Soichiro Arima, a handsome young man whose very existence Yukino considers a threat to the praise on which she thrives, and she vows to destroy him. When Soichiro confesses that he has a crush on her, Yukino rejects him then boasts about it at home. Her observant little sister Kano points out that her rivalry with him comes from admiration, causing her to rethink her own feelings.


My review:
I liked it. I only wish it to be done in a better quality than it is. That was the only thing that bothered me while watching Kare Kano. Other than that the story and characters are great. In many ways this anime exceeds nowadays romance comedies. I recommend to try it.



Recommend:
If you are in the mood for romance

 

Alternative Name: ナナ
Years of Released:  April 5, 2006 – March 27, 2007
Episodes: 47
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Josei, Music, Romance, Slice Of Life, Tragedy
Favorite Characters : Nana Osaki, Shin, Yasu
My Rating: PG
Grade: A+

Summary:
The two Nanas meet on a train by chance, both on their way to Tokyo. After a string of coincidences, they come to live together in an apartment numbered 707. Despite having contrasting personalities and ideals, the Nanas respect each other and become close friends.


My review:
Before I watched Nana I have read many good reviews on it and that made me check it out for myself and I don't regret doing so. The reason I hesitated at first as you may or may not know that I am not a huge fan of music genre and punk rock in particular but once again I can happily admit being wrong. Music is a big part of Nana and it's fantastic. I like to listen to those songs over and over again. I even I have one of them as my ringtone. There are no monsters to kill or a world to save. Just regular people trying to find themselves in this world, who are working hard reaching their goals, and dealing with everyday life. It's always nice to have good friends you can count on as well. The more the story progresses the more complicated the relationship between Nana and Hachiko gets. I can admit in a way I understand Nana's feeling and I'm sure many girls will as well. There are lots of fun moments, sad moments, silly moments, and the moments of desperation you will share with characters of Nana. Let's not forget that it's Josei meaning that the target audience is late teenage girls and adult women. Just keep that in mind when you watch it. Other than that I'd say go for it. Great anime.



Recommend:
Recommended for late teenage and adult female audiences.

Alternative Name: Furumetaru Panikku!
Years of Released: January 8, 2002
Episodes: 24/12/13
Genre: Action, Mecha, Romance, Comedy
Favorite Characters :Sagara Sousuke
My Rating: PG-13
Grade: A-

Summary:
The series follows Sousuke Sagara, a member of a covert anti-terrorist private military organization known as Mithril, tasked with protecting Kaname Chidori, a spirited Japanese high school girl. He moves to Japan to study at Chidori's school, Jindai High School, with assistance from his comrades Kurz Weber and Melissa Mao. Having never experienced social interactions, Sousuke is found as a military maniac by his schoolmates as he interprets everyday situations from a combat perspective. He comes to relate with Chidori who realizes that Sousuke is protecting her, but he does not reveal the reasons due to orders as well as the fact he does not know why Chidori is being targeted by different organizations.

My review:
Funny, sweet, and easy to watch comedy about army maniac Sagara and a girl he needs to protect named Kaname Chidori. I had fun watching it and the interactions between main characters were very much entertaining. Did I like it? Oh, yes. Would I watch it again? Probably not. But it was definitely worth my time.


Recommend:
If you are looking for some romance comedy then it's for you.

Alternative Name: Rozario to Banpaia
Years of Released: January 3, 2008 – March 27, 2008
Episodes: 13/13
Genre: Action, Harem, Romance, Comedy, Supernatural, Ecchi, Vampire
Favorite Characters :Mizore
My Rating: PG-16
Grade: B

Summary:
Tsukune Aono is a normal high school freshman who is unable to get into any private school due to his poor grades. However, with help from his parents, he gets enrolled to a private school called Yokai Academy. When he arrives at the school, he soon discovers that Yokai Academy is a secret school for supernatural monsters and mythological creatures disguised as humans, and any human who finds out about its existence will be killed without mercy. Realizing this, Tsukune fears for his life, thinking that his admission into Yokai Academy is a mistake. His luck soon changes when he quickly becomes friends with the beautiful Moka Akashiya, who turns out to be a vampire attracted to the sweet taste of his blood...

My review:
 Monsters, vampires, big boobs, and panties. You name it. Even though I'm not a fan of ecchi genre but this one is pretty good. I had some good laugh and some of the girls weren't so bad. If you are a fan of ecchi then this one is definitely for you. And if you are not it's still worth a try.


Recommend:
For guys mostly

Alternative Name: Fuyu no Semi 冬の蝉
Years of Released: 2007-02-23 – 2007-04-27
Episodes: 3 OVA
Genre: Romance, Yaoi, Samurai
Favorite Characters : Kusaka, Akizuki
My Rating: PG-16
Grade: A+

Summary:
This three part yaoi story spans the war torn era when the Japanese turned from a Shogunate to Imperial rule and entered trade with the rest of the world (1862-1869). While the story unfolds historical dates and important figures are given while the characters give even more bits and pieces of this period during dialog.

My review:
Amazing story. Beautiful and so sad. The combination of well made animation with thought of plot which is rare to come across. Very worth watching.

Recommend:
Definitely for shounen-ai or yaoi fans

Alternative Name: The Golden Chord, Kin'iro no Corda
Years of Released: October 1, 2006 – March 25, 2007
Episodes: 25 + 1 special
Genre: Romance, Music
Favorite Characters : Len Tsukimori, Kazuki Hihara, Azuma Yunoki
My Rating: PG
Grade: A+

Summary:
Kahoko Hino is a student at Seiso Academy, one with an ordinary life. One day, Lili - the mischievous musical fairy who had blessed the original founder of the school - finds Kahoko running late to class.

Delighted that she is able to see him, Lilli grants Kahoko a magical violin, and a place in the school's annual musical competition, which many students in the music department vie to partake in.

Kahoko refuses, only to be pressed on by the fairy, who constantly nags her until she finally gives way to his pleads. She reluctantly accepts the instrument. As she practices her pieces, Kahoko is amazed that she can play any piece on the violin as long as she knows the tune and plays it with her heart. 'La Corda d'oro' literally translates to 'the rope of gold', but it is taken into consideration as 'the golden string'. Primo Passo means 'first step', while Secondo Passo means 'second step'.


My review:
I'm not rally into music anime genre but this one I watched with great pleasure. If was filled with great classical music I love so much. Many beautiful boys and romance. What else a girl can wish for =^_^= Very shoujo. Love it.

Recommend:
If you like classical music and romance then it's definitely for you!

Alternative Name: 東のエデン
Years of Released: January 11, 2009 – Jun 20, 2009
Episodes: 11
Genre: Psychological, Romance
Favorite Characters : Akira Takizawa
My Rating: PG-13
Grade: A+

Summary:
On November 22 2010, ten missiles strike against uninhabited areas of Japan, claiming no victims. This apparent terrorist act is referred to as "Careless Monday" and disregarded by most people. The series begins three months later, with a young Japanese woman named Saki Morimi visiting Washington D.C. as part of her graduation trip. When she gets into trouble, a mysterious Japanese man, who introduces himself as Akira Takizawa, helps her through it. The man appears to have no memory and is completely naked, carrying only a gun and a cell phone charged with 8.2 billion yen in digital money.[1] The cell phone has the phrase, noblesse oblige ("nobility obligates" or "noble's obligation" in English), printed on it. While they are coming back to Japan, they learn that a new missile attack has taken place in their country.

My review:
It got all my attention right away from the very first minute. I love the opening and animation is amazing. The plot was great(even though I need to watch it again because I feel like I didn't get it all). I'm very impressed! I want one of those phones for myself!

Recommend:
Recomended

Alternative Name: D.N.Angel
Years of Released: April 3, 2003 – September 25, 2003
Episodes: 26
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Shoujo
Favorite Characters : Dark
My Rating: PG
Grade: B-

Summary:
Daisuke Niwa is a 14-year-old boy who has a special genetic ability: whenever he sees or thinks about his crush, Risa Harada, he turns into the infamous phantom thief Dark. Satoshi Hiwatari is a student at the same school as Daisuke and the Harada twins, as well as the Commander of the police force who is heading the investigation on Dark. He is also member of the Hikari family, a clan of artists which has opposed the Niwa family of thieves for centuries.

My review:
It was a bit boring and way too slow I think. But that's in my opinion. Typical shoujo anime with elements of fantasy. It has it's audience and has right to exist. I tell you more. I know a lot of people who like it a lot. Even guys are among them which is still mystery to me but that's just me. Try it. You may like it or you may not. If you don't then just turn it off. As simple as that.


Recommend:
For girls I would say )))

Alternative Name: Sukuru Deizu
Years of Released: September 27, 2007
Episodes: 12
Genre:Drama, Romance
Favorite Characters : none
My Rating: R
Grade: A-

Summary:
Makoto Itō is a young Japanese high school student beginning his second term at the fictional Sakakino Academy. During his daily train rides to and from school, he becomes infatuated with fellow student Kotonoha Katsura; a girl that also commutes. When a new classmate acquaintance of his, Sekai Saionji, discovers his secret crush on Kotonoha, she helps introduce both of them to each other and over time they grow closer and agree to date. However in spite of her proud and triumphant matchmaking efforts, Sekai inadvertently becomes jealous of the new couple, having also developed feelings toward Makoto.
The following afternoon on her way home at the nearby train station in front of the school, Sekai finds Makoto waiting for Kotonoha to rendezvous for a date. He sits with her and reiterates his appreciation for her help, and feeling heavily indebted, offers repayment anyway he can. Though she believes he is overreacting, Sekai decides to redeem her obligation by placing a kiss on his lips as her train pulls in; quickly rushing into an open passenger car and happily bidding a dumbstruck Makoto luck on his date.

My review:
OMG. What a plot. A first a thought it's gonna be some light novel and love triangle. But I didn't expected THAT at all. The last episodes I was watching with my mouth open cause I couldn't believe my eyes. The end..oh man if I knew it was coming I would've thought twice before starting to watch this anime. Overall I can say that from the beginig till the end it kept me it front of my monitor. Good job but the end was too much.

Recommend:
Well... see for yourself.