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HungryNoobivore's Anime

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Shows that I have seen in their entirety.

Seen all Rating Comment
5 Centimeters Per Second (movie) Excellent (Favourite Score: 8) Shinkai's excellent portrayal of pain and longing through absence is masterfully executed. Beautifully stunning art designs for scenery and a unique ending that is likely to draw the audience into the lead's emotions, assuming that the ending is understood or interpreted correctly.
Air (TV) Good (Favourite Score: 7)
Akira (movie) Very good (Favourite Score: 7) Presents a very well developed world for its story to unfold, however, the fundamental unlikableness of the main cast can definitely put some people off. A mix of sci fi existentialism, brutal gang violence and even a bit of humour come together and form one of anime's longest standing classics that helps define the medium to the world, for better or worse.
Angel Beats! (TV) Excellent (Favourite Score: 10) The fourth series from proven studio Key, Angel Beats takes a relatively new approach to the way that Key sells its stories. Angel Beats can be described as a sort of melding between Clannad and The Matrix. The characters enter the series knowing that they have died, but are in a unique portrayal of the afterlife that resembles The Matrix and some series like Shakugan no Shana. The series is not theological per se, but it uses commonly known religious terms and phrases to help the characters relate to what seems like an afterlife heavily themed on cyberspace in much the same way that the Evangelion series applies religious symbolism to its universe. The character development is extremely well done, particularly the further into the series it goes and works in much the same way as in Clannad, Kanon or Air. The difference being, it has been given a whole new tone within a series that is not shy of literally killing off its characters and bringing them back, not to mention forcefully trudging its way through their tortured pasts. Somehow, this show manages to hold the character development to the quality of Key's previous efforts, have exciting and crisp action and fight scenes and be consistently and raucously funny. Definitely recommended for fans of Key and for those looking for something left of center.
Appleseed (movie) Very good (Favourite Score: 6) As expected from Shirow Masamune, Appleseed is set in a sci fi cyberpunk world that in itself rivals in intrigue with Ghost in the Shell. Unfortunately, the storytelling falls a little short, robbing this movie from its full potential. That aside, it is intriguing nonetheless having a world populated by humans, bioroids and cyborgs, all with their own effect on the political climate of Olympus. Worth a look in for fans of sci fi.
Azumanga Daioh (TV) Excellent (Favourite Score: 9) Left of center comedy with a slow pace makes the show relaxing to watch. Hidden depth lies past the show being full of energy, where the audience realizes that the situation is not so exaggerated and is in fact grounded in real life experiences that people experience on a regular basis. Effectively hidden from plain sight as the tone of the show covers to give the fun and innocent atmosphere that surround this series.
Azumanga Daioh - The Very Short Movie Very good (Favourite Score: 7) "Very Short Movie" translates as a remix of certain scenes from Azumanga Daioh with a new art style. Maintains the unique sense of humour native to Azumanga Daioh, but at a faster pace, The Very Short Movie serves best as a trial, or taste of the main series.
Baccano! (TV) Very good (Favourite Score: 7)
Bamboo Blade (TV) Good (Favourite Score: 7) Entertaining, if a little on the simple side. Full cast of likable characters give a light view on school life, particularly in clubs, ie the kendo club. It notably ends each episode well, giving motivation freely to continue watching the rest of the series. Character dynamics are fun and entertaining, but not very complicated, which can stunt replay value somewhat. Overall, a good series to watch.
Black Lagoon (TV) Very good (Favourite Score: 8)
Black Lagoon: The Second Barrage (TV) Very good (Favourite Score: 8)
Bunny Drop (TV) Masterpiece (Favourite Score: 10)
Castle in the Sky (movie) Masterpiece (Favourite Score: 9)
Cat Planet Cuties (TV) Very good (Favourite Score: 6)
Cat Planet Cuties (OAV) Very good (Favourite Score: 6)
(The) Cat Returns (movie) Very good (Favourite Score: 6)
Chaos;HEAd (TV) Very good (Favourite Score: 7)
Chibits (special) Good (Favourite Score: 6) Five minute special of Chobits, focussed on Sumomo and Kotoko. Simple, fun story as it should be, if a little cringeworthy, it continues the light tone that Chobits maintained throughout the series.
Chobits (TV) Very good (Favourite Score: 7) Entertaining romcom that is made unique because of the unusual situation it presents. A young man and his girl shaped computer. This series could have easily drifted into becoming a fanservice oriented ecchi anime, and while it does have those elements, it does not stray from its intriguing story and well developed characters. Once you pass the first episode and its exaggerated(from the rest of the series) perversion within the main character and events surrounding him, the series offers hidden depth with overall entertaining characters. Well performed dynamics between the cast and the show's light tone make this anime worth watching for anyone wanting a borderline moe romcom series.
Clannad (TV) Excellent (Favourite Score: 8) High production values coupled with successful attempts to draw the viewer in emotionally enriches the overall viewing experience. Provides plenty of entertainment for moe fans, while each story arc blends together so as not to deter non moe fans. Very entertaining and genuinely funny without being overbearing and detracting from the focus of the relationships that are built between the characters.
Clannad After Story (TV) Excellent (Favourite Score: 10) More high production values in the second season of Clannad. Unexpectedly, it starts the series with three more story arcs that flesh out the supporting cast from the original series. This doesn't seem to hurt the pacing of the show and it helps give the show a very rich feel when the character base goes up. The series itself can be intensely emotional and it continues its theme of the importance of family and friends. It can affect the audience quite profoundly as it shows the importance of such things by cruelly taking it away from the characters, to great effect. For all the sadness that this series contains, it never strays from brightening the mood consistently and ends extremely and unexpectedly well considering events later in the series. Highly recommended.
Claymore (TV) Excellent (Favourite Score: 9)
Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion (TV) Very good (Favourite Score: 8)
Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2 (TV) Excellent (Favourite Score: 9)
Colorful (TV) Decent (Favourite Score: 6) Humorous vignettes until they become repetitive. Each clip puts hapless perverts in comical situations, but then they all have the same underlying motive, being PANTIES! The series even falls short there if you don't find humor in that sort of thing. It does however provide an interesting and entertaining social commentary on this particular breed of man who is utterly obsessed with seeing a flash of undies.
Cowboy Bebop (TV) Masterpiece (Favourite Score: 8) Atmospheric and sophisticated setting with intriguing characters and backstory.
Cowboy Bebop: The Movie Good (Favourite Score: 7) The style and class of Cowboy Bebop returns to this movie, making it a very cool viewing experience. The movie develops Spike's character a little further, but unfortunately, leaves the rest of the crew of the Bebop somewhat underdone, particularly if you haven't seen the series before.
Coyote Ragtime Show (TV) Good (Favourite Score: 7)
Dai Mahou Touge Omake (OAV) Good (Favourite Score: 7) A colourful delve into magical land, the home of cruel hearted Punie-chan, these omake episodes are going to be very funny to fans of the OAV. It is the same brand of Punie comedy that shows how magical land is run and what it was built on.
Darker than Black (TV) Very good (Favourite Score: 7)
Darker than Black: Gemini of the Meteor (TV) Very good (Favourite Score: 7)
Dead Leaves (OAV) Good (Favourite Score: 7)
Deadman Wonderland (TV) So-so
(The) Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya (movie) Masterpiece (Favourite Score: 10) Fantastic conclusion to aspects of the series that had not explicitly been answered. Requires viewing of the series prior to this movie, otherwise all is lost on the viewer as there are countless references and vital plot points that were introduced beforehand. Nearly three hours long, but allows much more depth into the matter that it discusses, particularly around Kyon and Yuki.
Dream Eater Merry (TV) Good (Favourite Score: 6)
Eden of the East (TV) Excellent (Favourite Score: 9) Excellent mix of comedy and drama. Eden of the East is set in a well thought world with a clever premise that remains interesting throughout the entire series. Likable characters with crisp and unique designs are a pleasure to look at, as well as some interesting animation shortcuts that also add to humorous situations, the only thing that may be missing in this package is the story that is presumably going to be concluded in the movies. Otherwise, if you don't need absolute closure, Eden of the East is a fantastic series that will also be worth a re-watch.
Eden of the East: Paradise Lost (movie) Excellent (Favourite Score: 9) A satisfying ending to a fantastic series that stays true to its overall tone. Don't expect a theatrical confrontation with Mr Outside, nor should you expect non stop action and explosions. This series was always about its compassionate and well developed characters and ties up all of their loose ends. Great conclusion to one of the best sci fi series in ages.
Eden of the East: The King of Eden (movie) Very good (Favourite Score: 9) Of a high quality, The King of Eden is a highly enjoyable film, but you really do need to be familiar with the series beforehand. It is obvious that it holds the same directional qualities that Kamiyama-san showed in the series, however for those seeking a theatrical version of Eden of the East, this movie may seem a disappointment as it is viewed in much the same way as an extra long episode of EotE. However, if that is not a problem for you, then this movie takes you a little deeper into the world of EotE and naturally, sets up for the next movie, Paradise Lost.
ef: a tale of memories (TV) Good
Ergo Proxy (TV) Excellent (Favourite Score: 7)
Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone (movie) Excellent (Favourite Score: 10) Masterful compilation and rebuild of the series in HD. Keeps the overall tone intact, while highlighting the more important and relevant parts to the audience better than the series, while still maintaing subtle intrigue and symbolism. Feels slightly rushed in some parts where backstory could be fleshed out, especially for veterans of the series, but is still a fantastic movie for long time fans of the series or Evangelion newcomers. Evangelion 1.0 gives its audience a very satisfying outing for one of the most important and influential mecha anime ever and still manages to exceed many of its newer cousins.
Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance (movie) Excellent (Favourite Score: 10) If there is one thing that Director/Writer Hideaki Anno has mastered, it would be how to create a truly impactful anime, and this theatrical remix of Neon Genesis Evangelion is a prime example. Together with its predecessor, 2.0 creates a highly entertaining viewing experience for new fans and old Evangelion veterans alike. The story has been completely changed for the better and the characters are brimming with personality and even more depth than before. Add these elements together as well as a whole new take on the main characters, and you have a first rate movie that is definitely going to be worth a re-watch in it's tetralogy form.
Excel Saga (TV) Very good (Favourite Score: 7) Unique comedy that relies heavily on mocking itself and the techniques that it employs, often with great success. Disposes of any main story elements common to series, to fill each episode with satirical, slapstick and metaphorical humour from the memorable opening credits to the still comic closing theme. Can be grating, but works best in short doses.
Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children (movie) Very good (Favourite Score: 6)
Final Fantasy: Unlimited (TV) Not really good (Favourite Score: 5)
FLCL (OAV) Excellent (Favourite Score: 7)
Fractale (TV) Very good
From Up On Poppy Hill (movie)
Fruits Basket (TV 1/2001) Excellent (Favourite Score: 8) Entertaining viewing with immense hidden depth, both emotionally and mentally through the main lead and what she brings out in the supporting cast.
Full Metal Panic! (TV) Very good (Favourite Score: 7) Highly popular mecha anime that gave birth to now iconic characters in the anime world. Full Metal Panic follows a set episode structure that alternates between drama story arcs and comedy episodes. It is very apparent when each new story arc begins, which may stagger the viewing experience for the audience. The series is very effective as entertainment during the comedy episodes.
Full Metal Panic! The Second Raid (TV) Excellent (Favourite Score: 8) Third series of Full Metal Panic that follows a single story arc over the course of its 13 episodes. Disposes of the comedy episodes and focusses more on drama, even to a higher degree than the first season. A very mature anime that is of a much higher quality than its previous two seasons. Thrilling action scenes that significantly step up the level of brutality from the last two seasons.
Full Metal Panic! The Second Raid (OAV) Excellent (Favourite Score: 8) Purely comic episode that sits very well in The Second Raid, despite the contrast between it and its more violent counterpart. Humour works very well and the end keeps in tone with the characters.
Full Metal Panic? Fumoffu (TV) Very good (Favourite Score: 6) Second season of Full Metal Panic, focussed more on humour, mainly slapstick, rather than action scenes with mecha. Humour is overall good and entertaining, but can come across as immature frequently. A change in pace from the previous series drama, whilst still maintaining its identity as Full Metal Panic.
Galaxy Angel (TV) Decent (Favourite Score: 6)
Galaxy Angel A (TV) Decent (Favourite Score: 6)
Galaxy Angel Z (TV) Decent (Favourite Score: 6)
Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo (TV) Very good (Favourite Score: 9) Huge amounts of intrigue and suspense throughout the series. Is able to maintain a level of emotional attachment and blurs the line between protagonist and antagonist, which sets itself up to be an effective drama when anything happens to any of the characters.
Ghost in the Shell (movie) Very good (Favourite Score: 8)
Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence (movie) Very good (Favourite Score: 7)
Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex (TV) Excellent (Favourite Score: 8)
Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex - Individual Eleven (OAV) Very good (Favourite Score: 7)
Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex - The Laughing Man (OAV) Very good (Favourite Score: 7)
Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex 2nd GIG (TV) Excellent (Favourite Score: 8)
Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex: Solid State Society (movie) Excellent (Favourite Score: 7)
(The) Girl Who Leapt Through Time (movie) Very good (Favourite Score: 7) The Girl Who Leapt Through Time is set around the life of a high school girl who has the ability to literally jump through time. This not only gives the movie an identifying point, but it also works the element very well, adding moral aspects to the story and moving the story itself around, providing opportunities to create unique plot twists. The movie also has several scenes that are unexpectedly emotional, a quality that is usually somewhat of a trademark of a studio Ghibli movie. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time may use sci-fi elements, but it is primarily a story following the emotional and social troubles of its likable heroine, Makoto Konno.
Grave of the Fireflies (movie) Excellent (Favourite Score: 8)
Gunslinger Girl (TV) Excellent (Favourite Score: 9) Chilling and expert portrayal of a dark situation, while constantly contrasting it with light, effectively disturbing the audience. Accurate portrayal of the handlers and the level of motivation and warmth that they are able to display.
Gunslinger Girl: Il Teatrino (TV) Excellent (Favourite Score: 9) Combines two opposing forces and focusses on both equally, blurring the line between antagonist and protagonist. Continues with contrasts between good and evil creating a thick grey area that makes it difficult to condone or condemn the actions of both sides once the fighting has started.
Gunslinger Girl: Il Teatrino (OAV) Very good (Favourite Score: 7) Essentially an epilogue that extends the second season of Gunslinger Girl. Doesn't particularly contribute much to the overall story, but provides extra background on characters previously left alone, to give a second time viewing a new flavour.
Gurren Lagann (TV) Excellent (Favourite Score: 9) Unyielding energy that forces the plot along through a huge scope. Logic takes a back seat as the characters "giga drill break" their way to the stars. Unique vibe where the cast will solve problems with pure fighting spirit rather than using their minds, which gives the show an uplifting and motivational feel.
Gurren Lagann the Movie – The Lights in the Sky Are Stars Very good (Favourite Score: 8)
Gurren Lagann the Movie –Childhood's End- Very good (Favourite Score: 7)
Halo Legends (OAV) Decent (Favourite Score: 6)
Heaven's Lost Property (TV) Good (Favourite Score: 8)
Heaven's Lost Property Forte (TV) Very good (Favourite Score: 9)
Heaven's Lost Property: Project Pink (OAV) Good (Favourite Score: 7)
Heaven's Memo Pad (TV) Good
Heaven’s Lost Property the Movie: The Angeloid of Clockwork Good
Heroic Age (TV) Very good (Favourite Score: 7)
Hetalia - Axis Powers (TV) Good (Favourite Score: 6)
His and Her Circumstances (TV) Very good (Favourite Score: 8)
Honey and Clover (TV) Very good (Favourite Score: 7)
Honey and Clover II (TV) Very good (Favourite Score: 7)
Howl's Moving Castle (movie) Very good (Favourite Score: 6)
Inferno Cop (ONA)
INTERSTELLA 5555: The 5tory of the 5ecret 5tar 5ystem (movie) Very good (Favourite Score: 6)
Kanon (TV 2/2006) Very good (Favourite Score: 8) A moe series by Key Animation. Series is very structured, which will put certain viewers off, but is perfect for fans of moe. Milks as much emotion out of each story arc as it can with great results. Each character is gradually built on until the series feels very rich by the final arc. Music could be improved, as it sounds like it was taken directly from the visual novel that Kanon was based on. Very entertaining most of the time and has the skill to execute some very emotional responses from the audience. A must for moe fans.
King of Thorn (movie) Decent (Favourite Score: 5)
Kino's Journey (TV) Very good (Favourite Score: 7)
Last Exile (TV) Very good (Favourite Score: 7)
Listen to Me, Girls. I Am Your Father! (TV) Very good (Favourite Score: 7)
Love Hina (TV) Weak (Favourite Score: 4) Unfortunately, I am unable to leave an unbiased comment on this anime, due to how much it irritated me. Sufficed to say that it has the potential to become an effective means of torture to anyone with a brain, possibly even without.
Lucky Star (TV) Very good (Favourite Score: 8) Light comedy that relies a lot on the audience relating to the characters. This is also dependent on the viewer having at least some experience or knowledge of otaku culture as it is often a topic of discussion and humour in this series. A vivid art style and colour scheme, Lucky Star is often entertaining to watch due to the simplicity of the jokes combined with the well suited "unamused" or sarcastic expression that fit the style so well. Will often drivel into irrelevant nonsense, but that also works to the humours advantage and also the overall tone of the show. Often compared to Azumanga Daioh as being in the same league.
Magical Witch Punie-chan (OAV) Good (Favourite Score: 8)
(The) Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya (TV) Excellent (Favourite Score: 8) High production values. A unique concept that has characters from outrageous and unique backgrounds follow a character that is for all intents and purposes, a god in a school setting. This gives contrasts between atypical school anime and sci fi with hints of romantic intrigue. Characters provide musings of "what if" scenarios while the audience creates their own from the knowledge given in the show.
(The) Melancholy of Haruhi-chan Suzumiya (ONA) Very good (Favourite Score: 7) Entertaining spin off of The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya. Haruhi-chan Suzumiya sports a new art style and a great sense of humour that may not stay entirely true to the original characters, but sheds new light on them in comic situations. Great for fans of the series and a good chance to see the main cast in a new and believable way within the new scenario.
Midori Days (TV) Good (Favourite Score: 7) A good comedy and light romance, but rather simple. It is essentially a teen romance/drama. The concept behind the show is undoubtedly different, and the story is touching, but the show could possibly have fleshed out it's characters with some deeper development. Entertaining and good for some light romance, akin to Chobits, but if you want depth, you may consider looking for a different show.
Millennium Actress (movie) Excellent (Favourite Score: 8) Very unique narrative structure that will definitely prove difficult to follow, but for those who can, they will enjoy the variety that Millennium Actress provides in developing the past of its characters and building on ones that initially appear to exist simply for the purpose of getting the story started. The art style is typical Satoshi Kon and his storytelling style is definitely present, whereby the movie will give you the narrative, but it will not explicitly explain it to you, leaving the audience no option but to follow the story and work out many of its elements for themselves. As such, this is not the ideal introductory anime for newcomers, but veterans will love how unusual and graceful this movie is.
MM! (TV) Very good (Favourite Score: 9) Very funny. Can often be crude and dirty, but ultimately has a valid and heartwarming motive behind the creepy facade. Each of the main characters has a significant sociological ideosyncracy that is approached in a comical and often touching way (i.e. the main character is a "super masochist", the heroine is a severe androphobe, another has a god complex etc). The series as a whole is bound to offend at least a few people with its habit to stray from politically correct views on some generally accepted norms within society, however, it must be kept in mind that the character's actions and motives are driven by their desire to change their habits for their own reasons, and not to fit into society's image of what is accepted. Overall very dynamic and fun.
My Bride is a Mermaid (TV) Good (Favourite Score: 6) Utter fluff, but it is well aware of it's limitations and doesnt try to be something that it is not. Definitely unique from the yakuza mermaid angle, but the romantic plot is somewhat derivative. Not that it matters. The purpose of this show is to provide laughs by the barrel and succeeds, particularly in the second half of the season. The only times this show slows down is to make note of the relationships between the characters, otherwise, it just keeps chugging along at it's hyper pace. Very funny. Don't expect much else.
My Neighbor Totoro (movie) Excellent (Favourite Score: 8)
My Neighbors the Yamadas (movie) Good (Favourite Score: 6)
My-HiME (TV) Good (Favourite Score: 6) Initially disappointing, but the quality of the story and characters drastically picks up in the second half. Fair amount of character development that leads into many of the characters eventually being killed off, making the second half not only darker, but more effective in it's emotional sequences. Unique, but not fantastic character designs make each character easily identifiable, and the well thought out fight scenes (if usually a little abrupt) involve a lot of destruction, making this series effective to a shonen audience. My HiME does contain a lot of fanservice, particularly at the end of EVERY episode, but it perhaps comes on a little too strong and will often taint the show and end most episodes making the viewer think of the series in a more immature light.
Mysterious Girlfriend X (TV) Very good (Favourite Score: 10)
Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (movie) Excellent (Favourite Score: 7)
Neon Genesis Evangelion (TV) Excellent (Favourite Score: 9) Powerful story about growth through repetition. Effective use of imagery, shocking or otherwise to an extreme degree hits home to the audience and emphasizes how fundamentally broken each character is. Historically important mecha anime that spawned various offshoots into pop culture including movies, memorabilia and the birth of Ayanami Rei as an iconic character within anime to this day.
Night Raid 1931 (TV) Very good (Favourite Score: 7)
Noein - to your other self (TV) Good (Favourite Score: 7)
Nyoron! Churuya-san (ONA) Good (Favourite Score: 7) Amusing collection of 2 minute episodes revolving around supporting character Churuya (Tsuruya in the main series). Humour is derived from seeing Churuya subjected to various torments from the main cast of the Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya. Overall, very cute and amusing, especially to fans of the main series.
Ōkami-san & Her Seven Companions (TV) Very good (Favourite Score: 7)
Ouran High School Host Club (TV) Very good (Favourite Score: 6) Works as a light comedy, but the novelty of the homo-erotic jokes soon wears thin. The series every now and then feels like it is trying to delve a little deeper into character development, but never gets very far, even up to the 20th episode and beyond. This unfortunately waters down the whole experience and overall, it feels quite weak. The series would arguably worked better if it abandoned any efforts at something that it is no good at and focussed on giving more laugh out loud moments, perhaps with a little more variety. Still, it provides some light fluff to entertain you for 25 minutes, but there are simply better shows out there that fulfill both comic and effective drama roles.
Pani Poni Dash! (TV) Good (Favourite Score: 6)
Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt (TV) Very good (Favourite Score: 5)
Paprika (movie) Excellent (Favourite Score: 7) Excellent Satoshi Kon movie that explains very little and expects you to keep up with the story, giving more space to allow the unique narrative to unfold. An almost seamless blend of traditional animation and CG, Paprika is also a visual spectacle with its heavily fantasy themed visuals. At times, quite amusing and consistently thought provoking, Paprika is a great addition to your collection, particularly if you are a fan of Satoshi Kon.
Perfect Blue (movie) Excellent
Phantom ~Requiem for the Phantom~ (TV) Excellent (Favourite Score: 9)
(The) Place Promised in Our Early Days (movie) Excellent (Favourite Score: 7) Contains Shinkai's signature portrayal of a single characters longing and self narration that builds on the story while creating an atmosphere that is unique to his films.
Planetes (TV) Very good (Favourite Score: 7)
Please Teacher! (TV) Good (Favourite Score: 8) Although the fanservice and ecchi humour can at times be overbearing, at heart this romantic comedy still has its depth and interesting social dynamics between the characters. The totally unique situation the series presents may be enough to keep you watching, but the series, particularly the first few episodes can come across as B grade. The series does portray an interesting concept that is uncommon within anime, whereby it focusses on the need to move forward in life, rather than living monotonously. The main driving force behind the series however is the growing relationship between a student and his teacher as husband and wife that is remarkably well done and can be recommended to those who enjoy romcoms and can stand a little fanservice.
Please Teacher! (OAV) Good (Favourite Score: 7) Significantly more risqué than its parent series, this OAV oversteps the the line from Please Teacher and tries to produce all its laughs from exploiting the characters in uncompromising situations. Amusing, but a total turn off to anyone who doesnt find humour in sexual content.
Pom Poko (movie) Very good (Favourite Score: 7)
Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea (movie) Very good (Favourite Score: 7) Unmistakably a Ghibli movie, Ponyo presents a snapshot of the character's lives and allows the audience to take away from it the things that are relevant to each individual, albeit in a fantasy situation. Because of this, Ponyo can succeed as a kids movie, whilst still able to entertain adults. Ponyo gives a lighthearted adventure with very natural and likable characters that still maintain the depth to be able to effect the audience on an emotional level in several scenes in the film. The animation is smooth and crisp, and the art style differs from other Ghibli films, going for a more bold colours and stylized backgrounds, particularly for water. A must for Ghibli fans.
Puella Magi Madoka Magica (TV) Excellent (Favourite Score: 8)
R.O.D -The TV- Very good (Favourite Score: 8) Progressive story, excellent characters, fanservice aimed at fans of the OAV, superb voice acting, fantastic soundtrack and a somewhat drab art design. R.O.D -The TV- is a unique series that combines emotional attachment to the characters, general character development and well thought out action scenes to a very high degree.
Read or Die (OAV) Very good (Favourite Score: 6) Although riddled with plot holes (most are resolved in the series), Read or Die gives you a short and sweet visual spectacle that may lead you into watching the series. Its animation is top quality and the voice acting is decent, but the story itself leaves a lot to be desired. It is recommended that you watch this before the main series as it will provide you with a new base of fanservice that will make -The TV- much more entertaining when Yomiko and Nancy appear on screen as well as show the contrast between the heroes of the OAV and the villains of the series.
Redline (movie) Good (Favourite Score: 6)
Royal Space Force - The Wings of Honnêamise (movie) Very good (Favourite Score: 7) Unique movie that grows on you once you have finished it. Artistically beyond it's time and also important for fans of studio Gainax, as it is their first work, also the reason why Gainax was created in the first place. Royal Space Force follows Shirotsugh, a man who looks for his reason to live or his place in the world while also following him around the launch of the first rocket into space. The movie gives a commentary on Shiro's life and his efforts to become a better man and gives the audience a thought provoking view into one man's self discovery whether he is finding his spiritual center or failing to the carnal desires present within him. The Wings of Honneamise is worth watching and will leave either a satisfied feeling within it's audience, or simply will put some people to sleep.
Rumbling Hearts (TV) Very good (Favourite Score: 8) Not without its flaws, but this series can be very enjoyable if you are in the mood for a poignant romantic drama. Can be compared accurately with She, The Ultimate Weapon. Rumbling Hearts plot may seem like a standard drama, but the core focus of the show deals with real life difficulties for people who have experienced loss, and the lasting effects that it has, particularly for those who surrounding them. The characterisation does have some minor flaws, but overall, the cast are portrayed realistically, if not at times, excruciatingly irritatingly due to the effects on their state of mind from the tragic circumstances that befall them.
SaiKano: Another Love Song (OAV) Decent
Samurai Champloo (TV) Very good (Favourite Score: 7)
School Days (TV) Good (Favourite Score: 6) I generally think that it is a bad idea to have the main protagonist to be so unlikeable, but fortunately for School Days, it is mostly carried along by its two heroine. School days is a love triangle - boyfriend/girlfriend hybrid, and quite a good one at that. It is however, frequently difficult to watch. Those who have seen other love triangle anime like Rumbling Hearts for example, will find this very familiar, especially since both series have a tragedy fetish. This series, even this genre isn't really something that I would recommend to newcomers into the world of anime. For a romance, it has a very oppressive atmosphere. It does have frequent fanservice, allowing it to be classed as an ecchi title but overall, it is still very dark. This however is intentional, and as such, combined with the norm for the genres, the show achieves all of the goals that it lays out for itself. It is quite well made, but ultimately, will still difficult to watch, even a second time through.
School Rumble (TV) Decent (Favourite Score: 5) Although School Rumble has poor art quality and often annoying and clueless characters, it still manages to be very entertaining. Given the style of comedy that this series presents, it was a surprise that the characters would grow into different roles by the end of the series, however, for people who watch anime for the character growth, School Rumble is still not recommended. Essentially a light comedy, but some unnecessary and irrelevant plot twists, clueless characters and irritatingly poor artistry ruin an otherwise funny show.
(The) Secret World of Arrietty (movie) Excellent (Favourite Score: 7)
Sekirei (TV) Very good (Favourite Score: 8)
Sekirei: Pure Engagement (TV) Very good (Favourite Score: 8)
Shakugan no Shana (TV) Very good (Favourite Score: 7)
She, The Ultimate Weapon (TV) Excellent (Favourite Score: 8) Emotional tragedy that forces you to follow unquestioningly as it progresses through an impressive scope for a half season. Totally surprising and artistic ending that ends the series on a softer note.
Shiki (TV) Good (Favourite Score: 6)
Skip Beat! (TV) Very good (Favourite Score: 7) Skip Beat! is perhaps not the prettiest anime out there, but is definitely a step ahead of the crowd when it comes to emotionally aware characters. The story arcs themselves are interesting but the character development and intelligence is easily the highlight of this series. It provides a lot of humour, light romance and well fleshed out characters, making this an accessible anime to people willing to watch Japanese dub shows. Recommended.
Solty Rei (TV) Excellent (Favourite Score: 8)
Sonic the Hedgehog: The Movie (OAV) (Favourite Score:)
Spice and Wolf (TV) Excellent (Favourite Score: 8)
Spice and Wolf II (TV) Excellent (Favourite Score: 8)
Spirited Away (movie) Excellent (Favourite Score: 7)
Steel Angel Kurumi (TV) Decent (Favourite Score: 5)
Steel Angel Kurumi 2 (TV) Not really good (Favourite Score: 3)
Steel Angel Kurumi Encore (OAV) So-so (Favourite Score: 5)
Steel Angel Kurumi Zero (OAV) Very good (Favourite Score: 7) After watching the first season all the way through, and then trudging through the series weaker second season, I didn't really expect much out of Zero. To my surprise however, Zero does away with all of the tired shenanigans and copy/paste plot devices of the previous two series and replaces them with matured and less annoying versions of the same 3 characters that have been present through the series and a genuinely interesting portrayal of a love story. It baffles me how the same people involved in creating the last two series can pull this out of the same franchise. Kurumi is no longer off the walls batspit crazy, but sincere and thoughtful. Saki no longer pursues Kurumi as some sort of taboo love interest, but rather is now the reliable, mother figure. Karinka no longer makes me grind my teeth in anger. If the show could keep up to this standard, then I would have loved to see more than three 15 minute episodes. The plot is considerably more melancholy than was previously attempted and was a most welcome addition to a series that otherwise coasted along on clichés and parody. I never thought that I would say this, but I want to see more Steel Angel Kurumi.
Steins;Gate (TV) Excellent (Favourite Score: 9)
Summer Wars (movie) Very good (Favourite Score: 7) Summer wars is an excellent movie with a great cast of characters. Dynamics feel very natural, which follows in the footsteps of Mamoru Hosoda's previous (non Digimon title) movie, The Girl Who Leapt Through Time. The directing style will be familiar to fans of TGWLTT but what is new is the fantastic story that gives a parody of today's youth and the substantial role of social networking. This is a unique concept and far removed enough to be very interesting to anyone that has had any contact with such services. What is interesting is how long the movie is able to hide the seriousness of the plot, as it is not until later that you realize what is actually at stake, drawing the viewer in and at the same time accentuating the emotional sequences in the second half of the film. Highly recommended.
Tachikomatic Days (OAV) Decent (Favourite Score: 4)
Tales of Vesperia: The First Strike (movie) Decent
TO (OAV) Very good (Favourite Score: 6)
Trigun (TV) Very good (Favourite Score: 7) Interesting blend of comedy and a moral drama, Trigun is a unique space western that is able to pull of the qualities of both genres. Sometimes abandons comedy, but replaces it with moral dilemmas that flesh out the main characters, especially their consciences. In the midst of the moral dramas, the show will then surprise you and throw a comic sequence in when you least expect it, which adds to the whole experience of Trigun. Can come across as hammy within the first few episodes, but that only lasts until you get to realise that that is the norm for the main character, thereby adding yet another unique aspect to the series. Absolutely watchable and definitely memorable.
Vexille - 2077 Isolation of Japan (movie) Very good (Favourite Score: 5) Adopts a somewhat standard narrative structure, but the show still succeeds as a sci-fi movie. Character development is non existent, leaving the show to rely entirely on its own story, which is a risky move when trying to appeal to audiences who watch anime for its mental qualities. Nonetheless, Vexille is still entertaining and works well as a sci-fi and is worth watching for fans of the genre, but do not expect much more than that.
When They Cry - Higurashi (TV) Masterpiece (Favourite Score: 10)
When They Cry - Kai (TV) Masterpiece (Favourite Score: 10)
(The) World God Only Knows (TV) Very good (Favourite Score: 6)
(The) World God Only Knows Season Two (TV) Very good (Favourite Score: 6)
Xam'd: Lost Memories (ONA) Very good (Favourite Score: 6)