Wednesday, October 2, 2013

The Story So Far: Part 1



My Favorite Anime of All Time!
Words cannot describe how much I love His and Her Circumstances. This series was responsible for turning me on to shoujo (girl's) anime, and I still believe it is the finest example of it's type yet made.

His and Her Circumstances is the story of Yukino Miyazawa, a high school student who prides herself on being the number one student in every way. But this is only a facade. She is really just putting on an act, secretly putting all of her energy into seeming like she is the "perfect student". Her world comes crashing down when Souchiro Arima joins the school. He quickly begins to give her a run for her money, and becomes her competition. But soon, she realizes that she actually has feelings for him, and... well I don't want to spoil the story.

His and Her Circumstances was created by Studio Gainax, who needs no introduction. As it was directed by Anno Hideaki, fans of Evangelion will note constant references to that series, usually hilarious, despite how completely...

Not at all what it seems - and more.
HIS AND HER CIRCUMSTANCES is usually described as a romantic-comedy with the story revolving around two overacheiving High School Students. Sounds sappy, sentimental, and common, right? Well it's not. And it's not just for girls - the creators of the action-scifi anime NEON GENESIS EVANGELION created this animated drama.

First of all, the pacing is frenetic and HILARIOUS. You'll find yourself laughing at every episode - but what's the most amazing thing is: 1. It's funny because it's true. 2. They still are able to stop the comedy to show the drama (and sometimes they can do it without stopping the comedy). It makes you laugh and I'd be surprised if you don't shed a tear or two, either (yes - even the guys).

It's also an insightful and realistic tale of growing up and finding out what love is as they follow the characters through all the phases of relationship. From the first time you realize you like them, to the friendship, to the first kiss, even to the first sexual...

Now that's relationship
Beware: Karekano (the series nickname in Japan) IS NOT your usual romantic anime. Gone are the silly relationships between the likes of Belldandy and Keichi, or the excess of sugar of the likes of Miaka and Tamahome, so this is a title that is different from what both shoujo and shounen anime fans are used to watch. Thankfully.

While a shoujo series, Karekano can be easily watched by both shoujo AND shonen fans, as there's something for everybody. What makes it so different? First, the relationship between Arima and Yukina is something that you would expect to see in real life, both of them look perfect on their own way until you get to know them better, so you see that they're just regular humans, living a regular life on a regular city. Just like you and me. No girls coming out the TV or descending from heaven, or pretty boys that saves the girl who just fall in love for her. Even the characters are not depicted as God's gift for beauty on earth, so that's a change.

After...

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