Noragami
Video: Noragami Original Opening
God of Calamity Yato has always wanted a shrine to call his own, but due to financial circumstances is unable to build one. To see this dream come true, Yato offers his services to those on the Near Shore, otherwise known as the human world, for five yen per job. When Yato one day is performing a job on the Near Shore, he saves a young human girl named Hiori from getting hit by a bus. Thankful, yet unsure of how she survived, Hiori returns to her normal life until she discovers that she has the ability to leave her human body and see Phantoms that plague the city. But for the human world to be safe these Phantoms must be destroyed and only Gods, such as Yato, have the power to do so.
Why I began this series: I had heard many great things about Noragami and that it was currently still airing its second season. Due to its high popularity and substantial fan base, I decided to start it.
What I liked about the series: For some reason, I find it hard to sum up my enjoyment of Noragami in words. There were many aspects of Noragami that I both particularly enjoyed and found very different from many of the other animes I've seen thus far. The first was its concepts: while its Gods vs. Deamons (or in this case Phantoms) was not particularly new anime material, the way Noragami centered on it through its characters and other plot lines was very well done. Throughout the series, its characters were extremely well developed in addition to being both relatable and memorable from beginning to end. What I found most enjoyable however about Noragami were the personalities of these characters and how these personalities affected the series tone from episode to episode. I particularly loved the series frequent comic elements, mainly provided by Yato and his regalia Yukine, and how their placement made watching the series both easier and more enjoyable. Additionally, the English Dub for the series was near perfection and the opening theme song was and still is extremely catchy.
What I didn't like about the series: The only main issues I found with Noragami was its beginning pacing and introduction to some of its characters. It took me a few episodes to really get into Noragami, but once I did I was in it until the end.
It's an odd one, Noragami, but I've often found those kinds of things to be the most wonderful. I would recommend it to every anime fan as it is a series that will both leave you wanting more and a series you should see just for the sake to have seen it.
Kimi ni Todoke (2010)
Video: Kimi ni Todoke Original Opening
Sawako has always had trouble making friends due to her "scary" name and appearance that somewhat resembles a monster in a popular Japanese movie. To make things worse rumors have spread around school, saying that if they look or speak to Sawako you will be cursed for eternity. When Sawako one day helps a young boy named Kazehaya find the High School her life is turned upside down, as she makes her first friends. Sawako is thrilled to have made friends, but is shocked when she discovers Kazehaya is the newest member of their class. In just a few days Sawako has made friends and spoken to a boy, but as time goes on and Sawako learns what friends do, will romantic feelings bloom between Sawako and Kazehaya?
Why I began this series: I started this series a while ago but had put it aside eight episodes in. Having recently decided to finish up all shows on my "In Process" list, Kimi ni Todoke was the first one I wanted to finally complete. And now, I have.
What I liked about the series: I am a sucker for Anime Romantic Comedies, and Kimi ni Todoke is a perfect example of an anime Rom-Com done right. What originally drew me into the series was its simple story line, its characters, its voice actors and especially its unique animation. The series overall focuses on the subtle yet budding romance between Sadako and Kazehaya, as the two go about their everyday lives inside and out of school. Things are made even more interesting when Sadako makes her very first friends and starts to learn and realize that she doesn't have to be alone and that life can be fun. Perhaps the series simple plot and incredibly relatable story line is what made Kimi ni Todoke so enjoyable from start to finish, alongside its incredibly memorable and distinct characters. With the exception of one particular character, I fell in love with the entire cast of the series and found myself many times either rooting for or yelling at the characters as situations arose. The other two factors that drew me in were its Japanese voice cast and the series overall look and animation. I have not seen many animes in the original Japanese but I cannot imagine Kimi ni Todoke done any other way. The voice cast was simply brilliant, with each voice perfectly fitting the character and bringing both the romantic and comedic elements of the series to life. Also brilliant and different was its animation, very raw and simple instead of the usual "high definition" animation I am used to seeing.
What I didn't like about the series: The only thing with the series that I took issue with was its pacing. While anime Rom-Coms are not the fastest paced series and their slower pacing is used for immense amounts of character development, Kimi ni Todoke many times felt very, very slow.
Kimi ni Todoke is a classic, and I would highly recommend it to any anime Rom-Com lover
Snow White with the Red Hair (2015)
Video: Snow White with the Red Hair Original Opening
Once upon a time, there lived a young girl named Shirayuki who lived in the kingdom of Tonburn. Known for her blood red hair and post as an herbalist, Shirayuki spent her days creating remedies and medicines for her fellow commoners with illnesses and ailments. When Shirayuki one day is scouted out as a possible wife for the selfish Prince of Tonburn, Shirayuki flees her country and travels to a neighboring kingdom. The following day, Shirayuki unexpectedly meets a young man named Zen who offers his help in her travels. Lost and alone in a distant country Shirayuki accepts Zens help, but is there more that meets the eye and will Shirayuki's destiny be forever changed by their meeting?
Why I began this series: I had been looking through KissAnime's lists of series, and found Snow White with the Red Hair. The next day, I found the first four episodes Dubbed and I began it right away.
What I liked about this series: This was my first true dive into Fantasy anime, and I loved it. From the series story, to its characters and its animation I was immediately immersed in its magical realm. A story just somewhat similar to Snow White, Snow White with the Red Hair took everything I was expecting and turned it on its head in a beautiful new way. It's simply story and focus on its characters made this fantasy one I couldn't wait to see more of and a series that I would fall deeply in love with. The shinning star of the series however is its characters - all starting with its spunky female heroine, Shirayuki. In many anime series the female leads either are not strong or particularly independent and end up relying on the male protagonist to help or "save" them, but this was is no way the case for Snow White and the Red Hair. Shirayuki is one of if not the best anime female role models I've encountered in quite some time and her attitude and actions made her memorable and reminded me of myself in some ways. Opposite Shirayuki, Zen was another character I fell for both in looks and personality. The two as a pair seemed unstoppable and I quickly found myself rooting for them throughout the entire series. Additionally, the supporting cast made lasting impressions and added much to the series as a whole. Since Snow White with the Red Hair is a Fantasy anime, it goes without saying that its animation was simply beautiful and an anime I could look and get lost in for hours on end.
What I didn't like about the series: Absolutely nothing - this series was pure bliss
Snow White with the Red Hair is an incredible, romantic, fresh anime that has become a new favorite. I would highly recommend it to all anime fans, especially those who love a wonderful love story.
Hotarubi no Mori e
Video: Hotarubi no Mori e Trailer
When a young girl one day becomes lost in the forest, a strange spirit comes to her aid. As the girl reaches out to him, his face hidden by a mask, the spirit explains that no human can touch him or he will disappear forever. The two agree never to touch and the girl decides that each summer as she comes to visit her uncle they will see each other. Years go by, and the young girl and spirit grow closer, still having never touched each other. But their friendship and happiness hangs in the balance, both knowing that one day, Gin will finally disappear. Forever.
Why I watched this: I had been meaning to watch this movie for a while, and I finally did it.
What I liked about it: While this film was very low key, the points made were beautiful. First, relationships do not have to be based on physicality. Second, love is natural; something that grows over time and cannot be forced. Third, beauty can be found in all things. And finally, love will conquer all things. This films message was beautiful, and left me in many, many tears.
What I didn't like about it: The only two things I wish this film had was a well done English Dub and a longer run time. If it had been longer, the two main characters could have grown more and the pacing of the film might have been better overall.
An extremely beautiful film that will leave you in tears, I highly recommend it.
