I recently watched Tada-kun wa Koi wa Shinai also known as Tada Never Falls in Love which came out rather recently. Unlike most anime, Tada Never Falls in Love was never based off any manga but just became its own 13-episode anime in 2018 by Doga Kobo. If that company sounds familiar they also produced New Game!, Engaged to the Unidentified, Luck & Logic, Hoshizora e Kakaru Hashi, and that other anime I don't talk about. Tada Never Falls in Love is a romantic comedy anime and is probably one of the best romance anime of 2018. I would suggest it for anyone who likes romance anime. The ending was very satisfying as well and since I might be discussing it a little...
Summary
Mitsuyoshi Tada is a boy who has never known love. One day he is taking pictures of the cherry blossoms in full bloom when he meets Teresa Wagner, a transfer student from Luxembourg. Upon arriving in Japan, she got lost, separated from her travel companion. Mitsuyoshi helps her and brings her to his grandfather's coffee shop.
My Thoughts (******!SPOILER ALERT!******)
I enjoyed and loved Tada Never Falls in Love and it definitely reminded me of the other romantic comedy anime that I also liked. It is a trick title "Tada Never Falls in Love" because this is a romance anime. Because this came out in 2018 the Art is amazing with some beautiful backgrounds and great variety. The characters are fun, enjoyable, and entertaining to watch in every which way. Their interactions with each other was what also made this anime great and something special. Now, I really feel Tada's pain as he is in love with a girl who is engaged to someone else. That always happens to me, whenever I like someone that girl always has a boyfriend. The only difference is that girls only sees me as just a "friend" while Teresa actually loves Tada back. Anyway, I absolutely sympathize with Tada on his situation and it does give me hope as well. The ending definitely satisfied me greatly with our two main characters, Tada and Teresa finally realizing their feelings and coming together after that sense of heartbreak after Teresa's fiance calls off the wedding. The only downside was that it was 13 episodes which normally isn't a problem but this story seemed to go at a slower pace so I would've liked it to be a bit longer. Overall, Tada Never Falls in Love was a great enjoyable anime.
My Conclusion
I would give Tada Never Falls in Love 5/5 stars or a 10/10 score. It had many great qualities and at times did play with your emotions, yet was very fun and enjoyable. I would recommend Tada Never Falls in Love for anyone else who is a fan of romantic comedies.
I just finished watching Tsuki wa Higashi ni Hi wa Nishi ni: Operation Sanctuary so I will now review it as usual! Tsuki wa Higashi ni Hi wa Nishi ni: Operation Sanctuary also known as Hani Hani: Operation Sanctuary (which I will refer to it as since this is the shortest title) or The Moon in the East, The Sun is West: Operation Sanctuary originally started as a visual novel developed by August and damn those are some long titles! If that company sounds familiar they also developed other visual novels turned anime such as Daitoshokan no Hitsujikai, Princess Holiday, Fortune Arterial, and Yoake Mae yori Ruriiro na the last three of which I have reviewed or will review! I believe they are an underrated company and wish they would create more visual novels for anime. It then became a light novel written by Okada Runa. Finally, it was adapted into a 13-episode 2004 anime by Radix. There is also a 4-episode 2004 OVA as well. Now keep in mind that the episodes for both the anime and OVA are only 12 minutes so half a normal anime episode. Additionally, there is another 1-volume 2004 light novel Tohonseiso Sukururaifu written by Kano Kiichi and a 1-volume 2005 manga written by August themselves. Hani Hani: Operation Sanctuary is a romantic-comedy, harem, sci-fi anime. Now to me, this is a very underrated anime that doesn't get the attention that it deserves. I found the Operation Sanctuary to be very enjoyable and was quite satisfied in the end. I will be talking about the ending too so...
Summary
Naoki Kuzumi is a junior in high school. He lost his parents in an accident five years ago and is living with his aunt, uncle, and cousin Matsuri and being cared for by his childhood friend, Honami Fujieda. He always thought his life was ordinary, besides the fact that he can't remember what happened in his youth. One day as he is taking a nap on a bench, a redheaded girl -- Mikoto -- literally falls from the sky onto him. For some reason, she thinks he's her younger brother. Naoki's time period is a temporal shelter for those in the future, when many are suffering from an incurable disease. When she heard her younger brother Yuusuke had been taken to Naoki's time, Mikoto herself had gone back in time.
The OVA follows Mikoto's senario.
My Thoughts
Hani Hani: Operation Sanctuary is a underrated romantic comedy that I think should get more attention. Operation Sanctuary has a very interesting concept and the last few episodes really pull everything together quite nicely. Considering this was made in 2004 I thought the art was great. Though August developed the visual novel and the anime made by them usually has some pretty underrated art. I thought the characters were a quite enjoyable to watch, cute and lovable in their own way, even though other people may have found them bland. While we see things through Naoki's perspective I also started to like Honami for her caring personality and Mikoto for her cheerfulness and optimism. Operation Sanctuary was usually a more calm relaxing anime aside from the last few episodes but it did get emotional at times. While some people found it boring I loved it for its romance aspect, art, and characters. One more quick note, the last episode is pretty much a run through of the series so the story basically ends with the 12th episode. So that last episode isn't really necessary to watch but I watched it anyway.
I also noticed Honami Fujieda looks like Haruka Nogizaka from Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu and kind of has a similar kind, loving, caring personality.
Ending (**********SPOILER ALERT**********)
As you may recall I mentioned Hani Hani: Operation Sanctuary in My Endings Rant as an anime that had a great ending. I loved it as it was as it was a sad story at times but finished it off with a happy ending. The ending to Hani Hani: Operation Sanctuary was fantastic as it seemed to tie everything in together. Probably one of the best case scenario endings in my opinion is the couple getting married and Naoki and Honami both get married in the end. Mikoto seemed to view Naoki as more of a brother and as it turned out, Yuusuke and Naoki were kind of the same person. Honami is Naoki's childhood friend and cared for Naoki and is probably what I consider the perfect wife. I think Honami truly deserved to be with him more than anyone else. I mentioned Naoki and Honami in my 2017 Valentines Day Post as an underrated couple that should get more attention so please ship them!
My Conclusion
I would give Tsuki wa Higashi ni Hi wa Nishi ni: Operation Sanctuary 5/5 stars or a 10/10 score. It was a enjoyable romantic comedy that ended great. I would recommend Hani Hani: Operation Sanctuary for those who like romantic comedies and are looking for something more relaxing and short. In the future I will be reviewing another August visual novel turned anime, Yoake Mae yori Ruriiro na: Crescent Love as well as two more romantic comedies, Gift: Eternal Rainbow and Lamune.
I just watched an anime called Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu so I will now review it! (What else would I do?) Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu or Haruka Nogizaka's Secret began in 2004 as a 16-volume light novel written by Yusaku Igarashi. Igarashi then wrote a 4-volume manga which came out from 2006-10. Then it was made into a 12-episode anime in 2008 from Studio Barcelona currently Diomedea Inc. Additionally there is a second 12-episode season Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu: Purezza in 2009. Finally it is finished off with a 4-episode OVA Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu: Finale in 2012. Additionally, there are two games: Cosplay Hajimemashita (2008) and Dojinshi Hajimemashita (2010). Also, there is a very similar 4-volume 2005 manga, Menacing Dog's (Another Secret) written by Shaa the same illustrator of Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu with a very similar story and some of the same characters. I will be reviewing the anime series as a whole. Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu is a romantic comedy anime. I did enjoy this series, though there some cheesy and awkward moments I liked the concept overall.
Summary
Hakujo Academy is a private high school with a student body filled with elite students. At the top of this list is the beautiful Haruka Nogizaka, an intelligent and wealthy girl who comes from a prestigious family, and is by far the most idolized girl at school. Yuuto Ayase is a timid boy who has the unbelievable luck of sitting in class with Haruka every day. Like many others, he admires her from a distance, never even dreaming of approaching her. But with a sudden twist of fate, Yuuto's random visit to the school library brings Haruka's darkest secret to light, one which could potentially destroy her current repuation of elegance. As it turns out, the school's most beloved princess is actually a huge otaku. This revelation marks the beginning of a beautiful friendship between these two classmates.
Purezza (Purity)
Haruka's manga and anime hobby is still concealed by her dear friend Yuuto, but Yuuto's other female friend starts to feel affection and attraction towards him, so a feelings war begins among their circle of friends. Meanwhile Yuuto tries to make Haruka happy doing what she likes the most: drawing manga, watching anime, and attending special anime events.
Finale
Yuuto and Haruka are looking forward to spending time together on a school trip. However, Shina finally works up the nerve to tell Yuuto she has feelings for him. This event drives a wedge between Haruka and Yuuto and forces them to confront how they feel.
My Thoughts
I really liked the concept of Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu although I do think it could have been executed a little better. For one thing we see many references to other anime, particularly Shakugan no Shana. I really love the concept of the popular girl with the a shy boy and I really wish there were more love stories like this as I am one of them and seem to fail at finding a girlfriend. Yuuto and Haruka are enjoyable to watch and they are quite a lovely couple as I mentioned in my 2018 Valentines Day Post. While I don't like the other characters quite as much they are pretty entertaining. There are some pretty cheesy jokes and some mature content and awkward scenes so this anime is strictly for older audiences. However these scenes didn't ruin the anime too much for me. Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu may look like another romantic school comedy but it is still enjoyable and not too rushed with the development in each episode.
Oh yeah and Touka Tennouji look pretty familiar to Ruri Hoshino from Martian Successor Nadesico.
My Conclusion
I would give Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu 4.5/5 stars or a 9/10 score. It has a nice concept and I would suggest anyone who likes romantic school comedy anime to watch this. While there are some "awkward mature scenes" it didn't ruin it too much for me and I still enjoyed watching it. In the future I will watch and review some other romantic comedy such as Yoake Mae yori Ruriiro na: Crescent Love, Lamune, and Mamoru-kun ni Megami Shukufuku wo! (Venus to Mamoru).
First Review of the New Year 2019! If you have been reading my blog and its reviews you may have recalled in my other reviews of several different magical girl anime I mentioned I would watch and review Mermaid Melody Pichi Pichi Pitch or just Mermaid Melody for short. Well I just finished it so I am going to review it now! Mermaid Melody started as a 7-volume 2002 manga written by Michko Yokote. If she sounds familiar she is primarily a screenwriter for anime many of which I've reviewed. The first 52-episode season Mermaid Melody Pichi Pichi Pitch was released in 2003 by Actas Inc. and SynergySP. Then we get a second 39-episode season Mermaid Melody Pichi Pichi Pitch Pure in 2004 from the same studios. Mermaid Melody is a magical girl romance anime. Again I'm a grown man who listens to rock music, works out, and used to played hockey so I'm definitely embarrassed about reviewing this girly magical girl anime but it's not the first anime I'm embarrassed about reviewing (and liking) and won't be the last. I'm anonymous to most of you reading this anyway! I got nothing to lose! Mermaid Melody has some pretty mixed reviews. I absolutely really love Mermaid Melody and I recommend this for anyone who likes music or magical girl anime. It's kind of a mix between The Little Mermaid and Sailor Moon. I will be talking about the ending too so...
Summary Pichi Pichi Pitch
As the mermaid princess of the North Pacific (one of the seven mermaid kingdoms), 14-year-old Luchia Nanami entrusts a magical pearl to a boy who falls overboard a ship one night. Luchia must travel to the human world to reclaim her pearl and protect the mermaid kingdoms. Using the power of music Luchia is able to protect herself and the mermaid kingdoms from a growing evil force.
Pichi Pichi Pitch Pure
After the final battle against Gaito, Sara had given her life to remain with him. The sea world is now at peace, but only with six mermaid princesses.
While Karen, Noel, and Coco have returned to their kingdoms, it should be time for Luchia, Hanon, and Rina to do the same. After all, Tarou Mitsuki is leaving for Germany, and Kaito Domoto is heading to Hawaii. Luchia is devastated, and when things couldn't get any worse, Kaito is lost at sea! Worst of all, a strange angel named Michel has appeared, wanting the mermaids to join him. But on the lighter side, Sara's spirit tells Luchia of Sara's successor, a young mermaid named Seira. The mermaids are in for another adventure!
My Thoughts
It is a guilty pleasure anime of mine and while I'm embarrassed to say it, I loved Mermaid Melody. As you may have guessed this anime was inspired by the original story of The Little Mermaid by Hans Christian Anderson with differences though. I know there are mixed reviews on this series but I really enjoyed it. Luchia must retrieve her pearl but also falls in love with Kaito as well. She cannot tell Kaito or else she'll turn into bubbles so Kaito has to figure it out himself as he is in love with both the human Luchia and mermaid Luchia not knowing they're the same person at first. I definitely loved the characters in Mermaid Melody. We have seven mermaid princesses from different parts of the seas. To me Luchia, Hanon, Rina, Kaito, and Hippo are unique and lovable in their own way. The other characters have some interesting qualities as well including some of the villains and while some may find them a bit cheesy I was pretty entertained by them and found them very interesting, cute, and lovable. I kind of wish we got to see more of Seira in the second season. I also enjoyed the music to Mermaid Melody as well as I felt it fit the story and really was a mix of emotion and Luchia's so cute with her looks and voice. Seira's song, "Beautiful Wish" really did shoot many people through the heart. While it's sad it also gives you plenty hope and courage!
Also, "Kibou no Kane Oto (Love goes on)" really gave me the nice warm, fuzzy, hopeful, optimistic feelings that a romantic magical girl anime should give you! This reminds me of the ending songs in any childhood flick (usually by Disney) that comes with the happy ending.
Romance Aspect (***************SPOILER ALERT***************)
Romance plays a major part in Mermaid Melody and there are some major themes about love and hope in the story. Of all anime I watched Mermaid Melody definitely has the most kissing (excluding ecchi and fanservice). I know there are 91 episodes total but, I mean there were probably at least 11 kissing scenes with Luchia and Kaito alone and 14 total in the series, IDK I lost track! First, we have Luchia who likes Kaito but he does not know the human Luchia and Mermaid Luchia are the same. Once, Kaito realizes Luchia is both the mermaid princess and human he knows he can love Luchia regardless. I mean it was pretty obvious Luchia was the mermaid as there were some pretty clear signs. In the second season we are given a love triangle along with Kaito having amnesia in the mix. However, our mermaid princesses do not give up hope. While I did not mention it in my Valentines Day Posts of 2017 or 2018, Luchia and Kaito are definitely the OTP of Mermaid Melody. Additionally, Hanon likes a much older Taro Mituski but in the second season begins to fall for a slightly younger boy Nagisa Shirai. Rina also has her love story with Masahiro Hamasaki. Even Hippo too falls in love with Yuri while in his human form. While Luchia and Kaito are guaranteed a happy ending, we are unsure about what will become of Hanon and Nagisa's romances but hope for the best. However, I loved the way the story ended as well and I mentioned Mermaid Melody in My Endings Rant as a good ending. It left me very satisfied with a warm fuzzy feeling that the ending of any romance anime should give you.
My Conclusion
I would give Mermaid Melody 5/5 stars or a 10/10 score. While there may have been a few kinks it did not ruin the anime for me at all and I just loved it so much that I couldn't give it anything lower than 5 stars. I would recommend Mermaid Melody for anyone who likes magical girl, music, or romance anime. If you liked The Little Mermaid or Sailor Moon then you'll probably like Mermaid Melody too. I will be watching and reviewing another magical girl anime Nanatsuiro Drops in the future so keep enjoying my blog!
Recently I finished and reviewed the original Cardcaptor Sakura series and said I would do the recent Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card next. Well I finished it so I will review it now! Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card, also known as Clear Card-hen in Japanese, was a 2016 manga that is still ongoing following as a sequel to the original Cardcaptor Sakura manga written by the wonderful manga artists, CLAMP. In 2017 we got the 27-minute OVA that was where we left off on the original Cardcaptor Sakura manga and our first look into Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card. Recently in 2018, Madhouse Inc. released a the 22-episode Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card anime. Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card follows the events of the manga more closely than the original TV anime series but still acts as a sequel to both the anime and manga. I was really looking forward to this anime and I liked it overall. After almost 20 years we get to see more with Cardcaptor Sakura.
Summary
With all of the Clow Cards recaptured and changed into her own Sakura Cards, Sakura Kinomoto now enters her first year at Tomoeda Middle School. After her initial day of classes, Sakura reunites with her love Syaoran Li, who informs that he is permanently moving back to Tomoeda. Much to her surprise, it even turns out that Syaoan will attend the same school and it seems as if Sakura's life is heading in all the right directions.
However, when Sakura goes to sleep, she encounters in her dreams a mysterious cloaked figure and finds herself surrounded by transparent cards. Waking up in fear, Sakura is shocked to see her dream has come true, with the Sakura Cards having turned clear. Continued dreamlike encounters with the unknown enemy and her gaining a new magical key sets the stage for Sakura's latest adventure!
My Thoughts
After the original CCS we get a sequel to see how the story progresses and where everything goes. CLAMP and Madhouse have both come a long way and we get some pretty great art in Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card that is modernized for 2018. Additionally, in the English dub we get Monica Rial and Jason Liebrecht from Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle reprising their roles as Sakura and Syaoran. It has a similar story with collecting new cards but with new elements in the mix. Like I said in my previous review on CCS we have many of the same lovable characters along with some new ones. What I particularly like is that we can see the progression and maturity of our characters, mainly Sakura and Syaoran. Speaking of them we see how the relationship with our OTP progresses even more. We get some great moments between Sakura and Syaoran as a couple and even still I like most people just can't enough of these two as a couple. We are kind of left off with a cliffhanger in the end which made me curious. So I would've liked to see more of this anime, probably a movie like the original CCS or another series in the future, however, the manga is still ongoing so I will probably read the manga to find out how the Cardcaptor Sakura series goes on even more.
My Conclusion
I would give Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card 4.5/5 stars or a 9/10 score. I liked the anime and it was nice edition to the original classic Cardcaptor Sakura series. Like the original it was romantic and unique with some new elements added. The only thing is that I would've liked to see more added to the series like a movie or another season as I like most fans just can't get enough so I probably read the manga. Next I will be watching and reviewing another magical girl romance anime, Mermaid Melody and later Nanatsuiro Drops, so stay tuned!
As may have read in my other reviews of magical girl anime and Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicles, that I would watch and review Cardcaptor Sakura and Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card Arc. Well I finished the original series so I will now review it. Cardcaptor Sakura also known as CCS or Cardcaptors in English, started as a 12-volume 1996 manga written by CLAMP. If they sound familiar it's because they are a great group of manga artists known for works such as Magic Knight Rayearth, Angelic Layer, Chobits, xxxHolic, Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle, and Kobato. Then it was made into a 70-episode 1998 anime series by Madhouse. Additionally, there are three specials and two movies: The Movie (1999), and The Sealed Card (2000). Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle, which I previously reviewed, features characters of similar looks and the same names with a similar story. Also, Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card which came out recently continues the story but I will review that separately. There is an English dub for the original series but it sucks because they censor things out which pretty much changes the story (except for the 2nd Movie) so I watched the subbed version and would strongly recommend watching the subbed version for everyone else. Cardcaptor Sakura is a magical girl romance anime that has some coming-of-age conepts in it as well. Because I'm a grown man who works out, played hockey, and listens to rock music, I'm embarrassed about reviewing this girly magical girl anime but it's not the first review on a girly anime I'm embarrassed about reviewing (and liking) and it won't be the last, so I got nothing to lose! Cardcaptor Sakura was a very popular classic magical girl anime winning the Animage Grand Prix for best anime in 1999 and is still very well liked today. I believe it and CCS is fantastic and probably one of CLAMP's best works. Oh yeah I will be talking about the ending and the second movie so...
Sakura Kinomoto is a 10-year-old fourth grader, until one day, she stumbles upon a mysterious book containing a set of cards. Unfortunately, she has little time to divine what the cards mean because she accidentally stirs up a magical gust of wind and unintentionally scatters the cards all over the world. Suddenly she awakened from the boo, the Beast of the Seal, Keroberos (nicknamed Kero-chan), tells Sakura that she has released the mystical Clow Cards created by the sorcerer Clow Reed. Each of the cards possess powers, and because they like acting independently, Clow sealed all the Cards within a book. Now that the Cards a set free, they pose a grave danger upon the world, and it is up to Sakura to prevent the Cards from causing a catastrophe!
Appointing Sakura the title of "the Cardcaptor" and granting her the Sealed Key, Keroberos tasks her with finding and recapturing all the Cards. Alongside her are her best friend Tomoyo Daidouji and rival, friend, and eventual love interest, Syaoran Li. With Kero-chan's guidance, Sakura must learn to balance her new secret duty with everyday troubles of a young girl involving love, family, and school, all while she takes flight on her magical adventures.
The Sealed Card (Fuuin Sareta Card)
During the Summer holidays, Sakura and her class are preparing to present a play at the annual Nadeshiko Festival. The unexpected arrival of Syaoran (and Meiling) give Sakura the courage to finally reciprocate her feelings. But as the cards begin to disappear one by one, Sakura discovers a single card still remains. One with power equal to all hers... It is during this summer that Sakura faces her final battle.
My Thoughts
Words alone cannot describe how amazing Cardcaptor Sakura was as a classic magical girl romance anime. While it has similar qualities to other magical girl anime it is very unique in it's own way. While I liked the artwork and designs, the characters and story is what truly makes Cardcaptor Sakura memorizing. Each of the characters are truly interesting and lovable in their own unique way. There is some great character development as well. What I really love is the way the story progresses as we Sakura mature and grow along with the other characters like Syaoran and Meiling. Along with the main plot of Sakura capturing the clow cards we also get some good subplots, mostly love stories and the progression of relationships throughout the series. Overall, it was a very enjoyable anime. While I liked Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle I enjoyed Cardcaptor Sakura more mainly because of its ending.
The Sealed Card (Fuuin Sareta Card) (********SPOILER ALERT********)
I love it when a series ends with a movie and The Sealed Card (Fuuin Sareta Card) did a fantastic job of ending the classic original series (I know Clear Card came out recently). Here we know that Syaoran has finally confessed his love to Sakura and as he and Meiling are visiting we see Sakura trying to do the same in return. The movie just had a rush of emotions and the ending to the sealed card really gives you the best feelings about the fate of our main characters. Sakura confesses her feelings toward Syaoran thinking Syaoran has forgotten her. Syaoran then replies he loves her too. The town is restored and Sakura leaps across the clock tower with her "I love you" confession into Syaoran's arms. The movie cuts to the credits but a movie poster released shows Sakura made the jump. The endings for CLAMP series are usually great (with exceptions). The manga ends with Sakura confessing before Syaoran moves away. Syaoran returns to Tomoeda later and Sakura reunites with him saying they will be "together forever." I cannot describe how satisfying that was for me I also l mentioned Cardcaptor Sakura in My Endings Rant as a great ending. It was so good I had to watch it again to take it all in.
Couples/Relationships/Shippings
Probably the one thing everyone loves in the series are the romances and love stories we get from CCS. We see Sakura and Tomoyo's friendship and how they are best friends who are like sisters with one another. Tomoyo supports Sakura along as well as Sakura's friends particularly Syaoran. Along with the main Sakura and Syaoran romance, we also get a few love triangles. Also, we see Sakura (and Syaoran) having a simple innocent crush on Yukito but they eventually have stronger feelings for each other. Meiling likes Syaoran and is a rival for Sakura, but eventually Meiling comes to terms and realizes Syaoran likes Sakura the most. Finally, our best #1 OTP Sakura and Sayoran. While they start off as rivals at first, we see their relationship progress. Syaoran seems as a cold emotionless rival for Sakura at first, but begins to warm up as Sakura's warmth, sweetness, kindness, and soft feelings bring out Syaoran's soft sweet side. Sakura doesn't notice at first but after Syaoran confesses, she is unsure of her feelings for him at first but realizes she loves him too and eventually returns his confession. In the Clear Card Arc we will get plenty more moments of love. Sakura's cute, Syaoran's cute (according to fangirls) and together they are probably the most adorable couple as I mentioned in my 2017 and 2018 Valentines Day posts. I've never met a single person that hated them as a couple and I like most people just can't get enough of this couple. While a few of us did wish they kissed, keep in mind they are at most 13 years old so they'll have plenty of time. If they did kiss it would probably be the greatest event to happen in the history of anime apart from them getting married.
My Conclusion
I would give Cardcaptor Sakura 5/5 stars or a 10/10 score. Cardcaptor Sakura was a great classic that I would strongly recommend for anyone who likes, classic anime, magical girls, or romance. It was an enjoyable series that had a unique way of tugging on your heart strings and emotions. I am really looking forward to watching Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card, that recently came out in 2018 to see where things go from here. I will also be watching and reviewing some similar magical girl romance anime Mermaid Melody and Nanatsuiro Drops. More girly anime I'm embarrassed to review (and like)!
As you may recall I reviewed Maison Ikkoku previously and said that I would watch and review Kimagure Orange Road next. Well I just finished Kimagure Orange Road or KOR so I am now going to review it! Kimagure Orange Road started as a 18-volume 1984 manga written by Izumi Matsumoto. In 1985 a 25-minute pilot known as Shonen Jump Special: Kimagure Orange Road came out. Then in 1987 it the 48-episode TV anime series was released by Studio Pierrot. Addtionally, there are also an 8-episode 1989 OVA series and two films, I Want to Return to that Day in 1988, and Summer's Beginning in 1996 which ends the series. I will be reviewing the entire series as a whole. Like Maison Ikkoku, Kimagure Orange Road is also a slice of life, drama, romantic comedy. Maison Ikkoku was very popular and probably the more liked than Kimagure Orange Road. While I did like Maison Ikkoku, I actually liked Kimagure Orange Road even more and I will explain why. On the whole, Kimagure Orange Road as a series was absolutely fantastic and I loved it. Oh yeah I will be talking about the ending so...
Summary
Kyosuke Kasuga, age 15, moves to a new city and becomes enamored by Madoka Ayukawa, a beautiful girl around his age. Kyosuke also must try to avoid breaking the heart of Hikaru Hiyama, Madoka's best friend who's a year younger than Kyosuke and fell in love with him. Also, just to make things interesting, Kyosuke and his family have various powers (teleportation, psychokinesis, hypnosis, time travel, personality transference) which Kyosuke desperately tries to keep a secret, though some of the other family members have no such qualms against using their powers in public.
I want to Return to that Day (Ano Hi ni Kaeritai)
In the events after the TV series about 3 years later Kyosuke and Madoka are close to graduation. Madoka tells her feelings to Kyosuke and Kyosuke must now decide on the girl he loves.
Summer's Beginning (Soshite, Ano Natsu no Hajimari)
Kyosuke now 19 receives a phone call warning him of oncoming cars but he doesn't listen. He is hit by the car and because of his telepathic abilities is sent three years into the future. His 22 year old self is lost in Bosnia and believed to be dead. Kyosuke must find his 22 year old future self and restore himself, the 19 year old, to his correct time. Along the way he reunites with Hikaru who is now a professional and famous dancer. Madoka is also there, distraught over both Kyosuke, the 22 year old going missing and Kyosuke, the 19 year old, getting hit by the car.
My Thoughts
Kimagure Orange Road was a fantastic 1980s anime series. The art for the anime is pretty good for an 80s series. The music in the anime is excellent and pretty much matches the theme of the anime. There is a very interesting love triangle concept that becomes the main focus of the series along with its coming-of-age concept and both those make it very interesting. To throw something extra, Kyosuke and his family have special powers. I love the characters and each one of them is lovable and unique in their own way. While Maison Ikkoku was more popular, I actually enjoyed Kimagure Orange Road more even though I still like Maison Ikkoku. It's because I liked the characters in Kimagure Orange more, plus I found Kimagure Orange Road a little more interesting and exciting.
I don't really have much to say about the first movie but I'll give my insight to the second movie.
Summer's Beginning (Soshite, Ano Natsu no Hajimari) (*****SPOILER ALERT*****)
I love it when an anime series ends with a movie and most of these ending movies are great. Summer's Beginning (Soshite, Ano Natsu no Hajimari) was no exception and did an excellent job of ending the series. Here we are several years into the future with Kyosuke, Madoka, and Hikaru as adults. It was pretty well made and I love how we get to see our characters maturing and what they look like several years older. Likewise there is definitely more mature content in this than the TV anime series. It was an interesting concept but we get to see how our character's lives have played out and how they have grown. The ending to the movie was great, and more than satisfying for me. After watching it I can assume that Kyosuke and Madoka are married or probably going to get married.
My Conclusion
I would give Kimagure Orange Road 5/5 stars or a 10/10 score. Kimagure Orange Road was a fantastic classic romantic comedy and I would recommend it for anyone who's a fan of classic anime or romantic comedies. It was enjoyable to watch from beginning to end and gives a very interesting perspective on romance, particularly love triangles.
