This was a great short story. It never felt rushed nor did it feel slow. Using just six episodes was perfect. The characters developed well and there was enough of it to get a nice feel for them. Some deeper developments between Yuichi and Rika would’ve been nice. Also, the series lacked impactful emotions. I felt for the characters and the situations but it didn’t really “grab” at my emotions like some series. Of course, due to this, it didn’t create any over-exaggerated drama so maybe it was for the better.

Solid job on a plot that’s been used countless times in the past. This is probably the most laid back depressing anime I’ve ever seen. I know that sounds weird, but it’s true.

Overall series score: 7.5 out of 10

*sniff* *sob*

…well, not really.

This series ended the way I figured it would. This ep was mostly sad but they did put a somewhat happier spin to the ending for Yuichi and Rika. The very last scene (after the credits) was awkward but nice. I still don’t know what Yuichi said. Sure, I can guess but I hate guessing.

This ep is jacked up. So much agony in such a short time. Plus, they just now started revealing all kinds of shit that they held off from doing for all this time… damn.

Well, the curtain is about to fall. Such a fucked up way to end this ep but I suppose it was obvious we wouldn’t know what would happen to Rika until the last episode. Strangely, I felt a bit more positive during this episode even though it was filled with unfortunate moments. I guess, while everyone on the outside was becoming more and more depressed, anxious, annoyed and troubled… Rika seemed like she was improving. Every time we caught a glimpse of her in this ep, she seemed more radiant and positive. Oh, don’t get me wrong though, I still feel hopeless.

One thing I wonder though is that I can’t quite figure out her stance on death. Either she’s not afraid of death… or she’s accepted death. Yes, There’s a difference.

Not being afraid of death means you’ll keep moving on and doing what you can. You won’t let the fear of death hold you back. You don’t WANT to die but you know you can and you won’t let that affect you.

Accepting death means you are already dead. Whatever happens, you no longer care of the outcome. If you die, it’s ok because you were ready for it anyway. If you live, that’s just an added bonus to the situation.

The similarity lies in the fact that you won’t let death prevent you from doing all that you can.

Well… one more week and it’s over. I greatly GREATLY anticipate the ending.

Since I’ve reacquainted myself with the joys of Xanga, I think I’ll blog stuff I watch/read on a daily basis… presuming I can keep it up…. and that’s one HUUUUUGE presumption.
EDIT: Oh how little I knew back then of what was to come (AND FUCKIN’ LOST).

Gun X Sword [2]

I caught the first ep a lil while back due to it’s supposed popularity but it just wasn’t that interesting. For no reason whatsoever, I gave it another whirl and this ep was even less interesting than the first one. It has the potential to be a damn good action series but it can also become something unoriginal, rehashed and boring. Due to this, I might hold off on more eps for a bit.

On the other hand Inoue Kikuko does the voice of Carmen 99 and, well, it’s hard to not at least watch a few more to check her out. Plus, this is a role that’s not usual for her and that makes me even more curious.

Decisions decisions…. to be continued!

Hanbun no Tsuki ga Noboru Sora [1-4]

You truly get that “hopeless” feeling when watching this one. Don’t misunderstand that word. Take it for what it’s suppose to mean… the lack of hope or having no hope. Many things you watch, no matter how dire the situation, you might think “Oh, but it’s gonna be alright. It’s got to.” You always grasp at something to give you that hope. For this one… I got nothing. I just keep thinking that no matter how happy the outlook seems during a scene, it’s just gonna end sad. I hate that. But sadly, it’s shows like this one that hook me hardcore-like.

Ichigo Mashimaro [1-2]

Hehehehehe… I couldn’t help it, I had to re-watch it.

This series is just too cute and too funny and too random and uh… too cutely randomly funny….ly….

Miu is just so weird and silly that I can’t help but laugh at everything she does. I can’t handle too much cuteness but I think I have a soft spot for this one. Beyond the cuteness, it has so much random comedy that I can ignore all the cuteness. Plus, it doesn’t try to be cute to BE cute, it uses it as a means for the comedy… or something like that. This is one anime series that I enjoy more than the manga. The comedy just flows better in the anime.

EDIT: Haha this is completely the opposite of what I posted in a previous IchiMashi entry. I noted then that the manga was better than the anime. How silly.