"Sometimes people put up walls, not to keep others out, but to see who cares enough to break them down."
Fresh from this year's anime releases is Ao Haru Ride from Summer 2014 Anime Season! We got so many Rom-Com series this season but for my opinion, this one's the best. It will make you laugh, cry, feel giddy and you get to relate yourself as most of the scenes really do happen in real life. I remember the last rom-com anime I watched that also got me so carried away is Kimi ni Todoke. Both series are a manga adaptation and produced by Production I.G so you can see some resemblance in the animation.
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| Ao Haru Ride |
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| Kimi ni Todoke |
The story revolves around a girl named Futaba Yoshioka. During her middle shool years, she was shy and very ladylike that’s why many boys were attracted to her. The girls in their class were envied, so they avoided her. She ended up being an outcast with no friends. And because of a misunderstanding, she couldn't get her feeling across the one bye she has ever liked, Tanaka-kun. Now she wants to "reset" her image & life as a new high school student. Now in high school she is determined to be as unladylike as possible so that her friends won't be jealous of her. Then she meets Tanaka-kun again, but is now known as Mabuchi Kou. He told her that he felt the same way as she did when they were younger, but not things can never be the same again.
The story line may sound ordinary and you might say "I already know what will happen" but no. Yes, it somewhat fit in with what we call cliche but it has the twist and turns that will make you watch for more. It is not just a simple 'love story' but you can also see how friendships work and how to fix conflicts within the family. It's the drama is not heavy and every now and then you get to laugh as there are funny scenes. It is interesting, something you'll get really carried away when you put your full attention while watching and you can also learn a lot from the characters as they face their own problems. It is worth your time to watch and to recommend to your friends too. I admire the author of this anime and also Production I.G for pulling up a good adaptation.
Art: (8/10)
One word to describe this: FABULOUS. I love how the characters are drawn so closely to the characters in the manga while still able to apply their animation style. The animation is cheery, energetic and bright which matches the theme of the series itself.
Sound: 9/10
The background music complements the scenes well - enchancing the scene's emotion even during a silent moment. Ao Haru Ride's opening song entitled Sekai wa Koi ni Ochiteiru (The World is falling in love) was loved by many. It is catchy, fun, energetic and is also calm. It also has a wonderful meaning which most of the people use to sing to their loved one. I personally liked this song very much to the point that I made a cover of it (strikethrough intended, lol).
Due to copyright, there is no original copy uploaded in Youtube.
Characters: (9/10)
Every character--may it be the main or a supporting character, has a story to tell. Each of them has their own moments to shine. They are all well written and I love how the author made their character development. You can clearly see how the characters are developing into a more matured person as the series go. Tanaka-kun being able to open himself up to the others, Futaba-chan developed into a person who doesn't just think about herself but also her friends, and how the silent Murao learned to trust and treat her friends well are just one of the few examples of it.
Enjoyment: (9/10)
I definitely enjoyed this series! I didn't really expect much from it because the plot really sounded cliche, but I am thankful that I still decided to watch it anyway. I don't really watch on-going series because I don't really like waiting, it gets me too excited, and I wonder of what will happen next too much, lol. But this series! This series definitely made me watch it even during its airing period when I watched its first episode. This anime exceeded my expectation. I really wish for it to have a season two, I'll be more than willing to wait! :)
Overall: (9/10)
It is one of my favorites rom-com anime series of all time. I really enjoyed it, and it is definitely worth to watch so to those who haven't watched this yet, I really recommend you to. You'll laugh, you'll cry, and by the end of the day, you will learn something from it. ^^
I hope this review helped you somehow, till the next review!
DeeJane
Related posts you might want to see:
Ao Haru Ride
Kimi ni Todoke
Summer 2014 Anime List
