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(All episodes watched): Expect a strange, disjointed technique of storytelling, and a story closer to a teen romance than a battle-to-save-the-w This is a confusing show; a show which enjoys being confusing, and actively strives for it. Clues to the secrets behind Iriya are being rationed out in a manner which leaves the viewer always hungry for more, and the effect is to intrigue rather than frustrate. That makes it a little less confusing for me to say that I really enjoyed it. Right from the start my interest was grabbed and never let go of. The mood early on seemed sweet as Asaba and Iriya met late one night at the school swimming pool. Episode two was fun as the show took a romp down the comedy path (though even this confused me even more as to what exactly the focus of the series would be-drama? comedy? something else?). The excellent character designs and artwork were also a big plus. The tone becomes tragic towards the end; some things are never explained (the desert playground?), and not until the final episode do we get a fairly complete explanation of what's really going on. Not everything made sense to me (like Asaba's treatment of Enomoto aboard ship), but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Perhaps, however, knowing so little until so late made it difficult to completely identify with Iriya. Still, I'm surprised that a show of such quality and such a handy length has yet to be R1 licensed. P.S: Kudos for the subtle parody of Tamiya plastic models. Last updated Monday, October 06 2008. Created Thursday, September 25 2008. | ||||||||
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| Unevaluated | Forbin | # | ||||||
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Drama : Med Comedy : Low Action : Med SciFi : High Ecchi : Med I want to say Saikano light but I don't have enough info yet. The drawings are nice, more realistic. I love the part where Akiho introduces herself to Asaba's parents like it's some marriage meeting. Last updated Thursday, August 04 2005. Created Thursday, August 04 2005. | ||||||||
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| Buy | 10 | 10 | 8 | 10 | 9 | 10 | Devil Doll | # |
[Score: 92% = Buy+, Top 5 anime series and my favourite anime about War. Other recommended War animes: Seikai no Senki, Ima Soko ni Iru Boku]
For me, the background story was most important (just like in Shin Seiki Evangelion) because it glues everything together: If this story works, then the characters have a good chance to be plausible. And they do. I am almost shocked how great this series turned out to be in the end, after the disappointing second episode. This isn't just a Saishu Heiki Kanojo lite as I believed at first; while telling a similar story, it is better in almost every aspect IMHO, while not being as detailed about the romance as well as the events in the war (having only half the playing time of Saikano). So where do I put the "10" ratings?
All of the important characters are interesting and plausible, while probably not as deep and developed as in longer dramas (but their immaturity is actually essential for the story!): Fragile Iriya is acting very much according to her situation, Asaba is acting like the male audience would like to believe they're able to in his situation (only to find out that being a hero isn't that easy if you don't even know the rules of the game), and Akiho-chan... she's more than the fifth wheel as well. But why do I consider this anime to be so much better than the much praised Saikano? Because this time the story works. You'll get plausible answers for each and every important question - and there are many questions, more than you'd believe until even half-way through the final episode. Iriya's character development may be shocking at times - but you'll learn the reason for it. Enomoto's attitude and actions appear confusing - but in the end you'll understand each and every move of his. Erika's role remains a mystery - until you learn what happened before. Even Shiina will surprise you when you expect this the least. Everything is done for a reason. I've rarely ever seen an anime story with such a convincing ending before - maybe the only one being Haibane Renmei. Had the series lasted for twice as many episodes I'd asked for some more "integrated" way of answering the questions - with only six episodes they did the right thing here. I strongly recommend this short series to anyone who's interested in a heart-rending drama with action elements that still provides enough content for the brain. Just ignore the silly elements of episode 2 - otherwise you'll miss a truely great experience. I guess you'll have to take the perspective of the one character who almost dies in the end as to fully do this story justice - and you'll only be able to do so during the second viewing. Last updated Friday, June 06 2008. Created Sunday, March 13 2005. | ||||||||
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| Unevaluated | Jan-Chan | # | ||||||
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Having only seen the first episode, this series appears to be very interesting and holds a lot of promise. More later. Opening Theme: #1: "Forever Blue" by Chihiro Imai Ending Theme: #2: "Himawari" by Chihiro Imai Last updated Thursday, March 10 2005. Created Thursday, March 10 2005. | ||||||||
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Other Sites
| Name | URL |
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| Japanese Series Web Site | http://www.toei-anim.co.jp/animeister/iriya |
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