Year: 2008

Status: Complete

Official Special A Site (Japanese)

Rating: Great

A romantic comedy almost as hilarious as School Rumble, Special A is all about the never-ending rivalry between Hanazono Hikari and Takeshima Kei. Hikari has always been second to Kei in everything, and her sole aim in life is to defeat him. To that end, she has joined the elite private academy Kei attends, and is part of the S.A or the Special A class. The S.A consists of the top seven students of the school who have special privileges and are nothing like the ordinary high school students. Special A follows these seven in a comical story of finding love.

Alright, this show really made me laugh! Special A is first about comedy and then comes everything else. Its hilarity comes from the story which follows the exaggerated (and sometimes near-impossible) adventures of the seven S.A students. Being from wealthy families, their lifestyle at school largely consists of sipping tea in their private greenhouse. Life gets interesting with the continuous rivalry between Hikari and Kei as they engage in some of the most far-fetched challenges one can ever think of – and sometimes drag the class into it. From the beginning we are introduced to Hikari’s undying will to defeat Takishima Kei and Kei’s amazing ability to always be a step ahead. Things get interesting when Kei’s feelings for Hikari are apparent to everyone but Hikari herself!

Despite the comical situations and laughs, S.A does go on to explore each of the seven characters, their stories and how they find love. In that sense, Special A isn’t just about two people – its about all seven. And thats one of the best parts. Its got its serious emotional moments but probably not enough drama to have the viewers tearing up! Overall, Special A is worth watching. Yes its not a terribly original storyline and yes its characters aren’t terribly creative either. But at the end of the day, it makes you want to keep watching!

Year: 2005

Alternative Title: Eikoku Koi Monogatari Emma, Emma (for short)

Status: Complete, Licensed by Right Stuf International

Official Emma: A Victorian Romance Site (Japanese)

Official Studio Pierrot Emma Site (English)

Rating: Great

“Every era has its own forbidden love” (Prince Hakim) – and the Victorian Age of England was no different. William Jones is the eldest son of the wealthy family Jones, and a member of the upper class gentry. Emma is a simple maid working for Kelly Stowner, a former governess. A fateful meeting between Emma and William while William visits Mrs. Stowner, throws their worlds into chaos as they begin to fall in love. In times where the barriers of social class and wealth are strong enough to create two divided worlds, William and Emma’s love seems an absolute impossibility. Emma: A Victorian Romance follows the story of Emma and William’s love and the devastating consequences it brings to the families around it as the characters are torn between society and love.

Given the fan-service-oriented depiction that maids have in the world of anime, it is a real pleasure to watch a serious and emotionally compelling anime with a maid as one of its driving characters. Emma is a far cry from the ridiculous storylines and exaggerated body image that dominate the maid genre. Despite being a well-trodden classic love story about an impossible romance, Emma offers much more in its characters, its depiction of Victorian England, social barriers, and above all, the various layers of dilemmas that dominate the circumstances. The story unfolds encompassing a wide range of characters including William’s younger siblings who are negatively affected by his romance.

Of particular note here is the accuracy of depiction and attention to detail throughout the anime. I found this not only in the character development of William, Prince Hakim (his best friend), Emma, Eleanor Campbell and others – but also in things like a 2 minute scene where Monica’s (Eleanor’s sister) sari is correctly worn. The interplay between the characters themselves is the driving force behind the success of this piece of storytelling. I found Prince Hakim’s role to be interesting as he seemed to be the re-assuring voice, the one to challenge William thoughts, and his support in times of need – at the right times. Hakim’s sensibility on love sometimes contrasted starkly with William’s concern for society and his family’s reputation, resulting in William being tempted to surrender his love to the rules of his time.

I can write about this endlessly for such is the nature of a good story – but it is time to stop. In closing all I have to say is that perhaps Emma’s true significance lies in that the story rings true even in today’s world. Love deemed unacceptable by society always follows the lives of characters who did not expect themselves to be faced with the trials, contradictions, choices and emotional havoc they are left with. The author of Emma (Mori-sensei) succeeded in bringing this message through the story of Emma: A Victorian Romance. Afterall, ‘every era has its forbidden love’.

Year: 2006

Alternative Title: Toki wo Kakeru Shoujo or TokiKake (for short)

Status: Complete, Licensed by Bandai Entertainment

Toki wo Kakeru Shoujo Official Site (Japanese)

The Girl who Leapt Through Time (U.S)

Rating: Awesome

One fateful day, 17 year old Makoto Konno mysteriously avoids a fatal accident with a train only to realise that she has the ability to leap through time. Ecstatic with her newfound power, Makoto uses it to get perfect grades on tests and to indulge in pudding before her sister gets it. However, as Makoto uses it to undo undesirable incidents and avoid a confession of love from her friend, she begins to realise the adverse effects her leaps have on those around her.

Toki wo Kakeru Shoujo starts out being light-hearted and unassuming with Makoto’s tomboyish character and her innocent (and perhaps naive) excitement at her newfound gift. What really gives life to the story is the treatment of characters Makoto, Chiaki and Kousuke and what their friendship means to Makoto in light of her new power. Mamoru Hosuda’s creativity in directing the film lends the story layers of complexity intertwining Makoto’s innocence with the more serious consequences of time-travelling. The transition from a light-hearted comedy to an emotionally serious piece is seamless and keeps viewers invested from beginning to end.

Needless to say time-travelling is not a new concept in the realm of storytelling. Despite its well-trodden storyline, the genius of Hosuda’s direction perfectly complemented with visuals and music make it a piece of first-class storytelling. Embedded in Makoto’s story is our own dilemma of having regrets. I can honestly say that I have more than once wished for abilities like Makoto’s to “fix” things of the past. Through Makoto’s story comes the clear message that things can never really be undone and apart from the unforeseen consequences of meddling with time, there is always the question of whether we’d really be better off or not.

Without giving away too much, I shall venture to say that I found the ending of the movie perfect. The movie left me with a nostalgic longing for the innocence of school life coupled with a feeling of content – and a bit of sadness that it was over. In short, a masterfully woven storyline balancing the carefree school-life and the greater questions of past and present make Toki wo Kakeru Shoujo an uncontested winner.

Year: 2007

Status: Ongoing

Subbed by: Eclipse Productions

Shakugan no Shana Official Site (Japanese)

Rating: Yet to be rated

Shakugan no Shana II takes off from where the first season left off. After the last clash between Bal Masque and the Flame Hazes, things have more or less returned to normalcy. However, the Bal Masque still have their eyes on the Reiji Maigo carried by the Mystes – Sakai Yuuji. In the meantime, Yuuji vows to fight by Shana, and to do that trains to be stronger and control the power of the Reiji Maigo. Amidst the threat of the Bal Masque and the inevitable love triangle at high school, the mysteries of the Reiji Maigo come closer to being revealed.

The second season brings about some interesting new developments and furthers the plot. While the last season left off with little attention on the romantic aspect of Shana and Yuuji’s relationship, season 2 spends much more time on the question. While I found the first half of the series to be interesting, I also wanted to see more action. Fret not – its not all about love in this season! The action soon begins to pick up with the storyline coming back around to the confrontation between Bal Masque and the Flame Hazes.

The first season really had me hooked to it since the story plunged right into the crisis scenario. The second season doesn’t quite do that since it starts off much slower taking on the high school-drama character rather than the action-packed-world-on-the-edge-of-doom feel. That said, although a little later in the game than expected, the series does deliver some good Flame Haze action. For those of us who were wondering whatever happened to Shana’s feelings for Yuuji, this season offers some sort of closure. All in all, if you watched the first season, you probably want to get your hands on this one!

Alternative Titles: Lunar Legend Tsukihime, Tsukihime

Episodes: 12

Year: 2003

Status: Complete, Licensed by Ganeon Entertainment

Tsukihime Official Site

Rating: Alright

Tohno Shiki is far from the average high school student. An accident at a young age has left Shiki’s past a complete mystery even to himself. Moreover, Shiki possesses the eyes of a Shinigami – an ability to see the lines of death of anything. Shiki’s routine life takes a turn for the unexpected when he suddenly experiences an urge to kill and using his ability, kills a female vampire. The vampire, Archeid Brunestud, tracks down Shiki’s help on her own mission and find and kill the infamous and deadly Roa. Shiki’s journey thus begins in using his ability and uncovering the secrets of his own past.

Tsukihime opens with an incredibly intriguing plot to keep us hooked onto the series. Questions of Shiki’s past, vampires and all the rest of it are key to the storyline. However, at the same time, Tsukihime also develops the romance aspect of the story which is less well done than the mystery. It provides decent action and a progressive storyline while bringing up the tension and drama of the plot. However, one the main drawbacks of the series is that it left many questions unanswered even towards the end. As far as violence and gore is concerned, Tsukihime contains a lot of blood, violence and death. Overall, if you like vampires, supernatural plots and the like, Tsukihime will be a good watch. Apart from the awkward romantic development, Tsukihime does deliver in a great story.

Year: 2005

Status: Complete

Subbed by: C1 Anime, MDC Fansubs

Lamune Official Site (Japanese)

Tomasaka Kenji moved to a town by the sea when he was a young boy. His new neighbour was Nanami, whose room’s balcony was only a meter away from his own. The two have grown up together and come to share many memories and a special relationship. Now attending high school, the two are often teased by their friends as being a couple – but neither Kenji nor Nanami are ready to move into that relationship. Lamune traces one summer where Kenji and Nanami’s relationship slowly but surely progresses to them recognising its importance and its true meaning.

Lamune is a laidback story of love and romance – so don’t expect a lot of drama, lovers’ spats or anything for quite a bit. Given its slow pace, I found the story to be rather relaxing to the usual charged up high school love-triangle series. However, I must admit, come episode 8 I was beginning to wonder – are these guys ever going to get together? Watch it to find for yourself! The animation is bright and colourful, and the alternation between Kenji and Nanami’s childhood memories and their relationship is well done. While the story is slow, it doesn’t really lose any of the emotional depth which really draws the viewer into this series. If you’re looking for a compelling drama then this probably wouldn’t be on that list. On the other hand, if you’re looking to watch a lovely slice-of-life romantic story of the countryside, this is a wonderful one to pick.

Year: 2006

Status: Complete, Licensed by FUNimation

Ouran High School Host Club (Japanese)

Rating: Awesome

The Ouran High School is a prestigious school exclusively for the rich and wealthy. Fujioka Haruhi, although from a poor background, finds herself in the school thanks to pure talent. Whilst looking for a quiet place to study, Haruhi stumbles upon the Host Club – a club consisting of handsome guys whose job is to entertain beautiful lady customers. On her way out of this absurd club, Haruhi trips and breaks an insanely expensive vase. Since that fateful day, Haruhi is forced to join the host club to pay off the debt she owes them.

Ouran High School Host Club is a refreshingly original anime filled with comedy and drama. Steering clear of typical high school romances or supernatural oddities, this anime is literally all about Haruhi’s experience in the Host Club. The animation is bright and colourful with huge exaggerations to expressions as well as the characters’ personalities. For all the girls out there, its a real treat to watch all these pretty men flaunt their beauty and not have them tangled up in relationships all the time. Many of the episodes seem filler-like and it can, at some point, get repetitive if you’re looking for a substantive storyline. But thats not what Ouran is about. Thanks to its refreshing style and immense humour, Ouran is a great watch for both newbie anime-watchers and veterans alike!

In the quest for more hilarious anime like this, try out:

Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge: Four incredibly attractive boys are given the near-impossible task of transforming Sunako into a real ‘lady’. Both Yamanade and Ouran are about girls who are stuck in situations which involve handsome men, despite the fact that they dont want to be in those situations! Both these animes are big on the humour with small hints of romance.

Lovely Complex: An incredibly funny anime about the complicated love of Risa and Otani – the class comedy duo – All Hanshin Kyojin. Both LoveCom and Ouran are about how life doesn’t always turn out how you expect it and some accidents happen for the better! While LoveCom deals more with romance than Ouran does, they are both hilarious animes!

Hana Yori Dango: Similar to Haruhi’s circumstances, Tsukushi is also a poor girl who attends an elite school for the wealthy. However, Hana Yori Dango deals more with Tsukushi’s troubles in high school and the ups and downs of high school romance and drama.

Year: 2006

Status: Complete, Licensed by Ganeon Entertainment

Official Fate/Stay Night Site (Japanese)

Official Fate/Stay Night Site (U.S)

Rating: Great

Emiya Shirou, the sole survivor of a catastrophic conflagration many years ago, was adopted and raised by a magician. Not inheriting much of his father’s magical skill, Shirou’s special power is to be able to reinforce materials and make them stronger. Shirou’s life is turned upside down, however, when he accidentally gets entangled in the Holy Grail war – a war that takes place every couple of decades between seven magicians and their Servants. Attacked by a powerful servant, Shirou unknowingly summons one of the strongest Servant and is inevitably drawn into this war. Will Shirou be able to survive the cut-throat battles with no magical abilities? And for what reason must he fight to obtain the Holy Grail?

Fate/Stay Night has an extremely interesting plot and storyline that really keeps this anime on its feet. The story does get more serious as the anime progresses, but this makes it more rewarding to watch. The anime is filled with action and the battle scenes alone make it well worth the watch. The character development is decent, but be warned, Emiya Shirou will most often come across as being really stupid and really annoying. Since Shirou has a strong sense of self-sacrifice and justice, there are many times when you just want to beat some sense into him and tell him quit his tough-guy act and run for his life. Thats not to say that the character development is bad – its just that Shirou’s character happens to be a moron. For those curious, yes there is a splash of romance down the line but thats all you’re getting out of me at this point. On that bright note, Fate/Stay Night has one of the most compelling storylines, is fast-paced, awesome fights and good characters. Watch it!

If you’re looking for more like this, look no further than:

Shakugan no Shana I

Shakugan no Shana II

Zero no Tsukaima I

Year: 2006

Status: Complete, Licensed by Ganeon Entertainment

Alternative Title: The Story of Saiunkoku

Saiunkoku Monogatari Official Site (Japanese)

The Story of Saiunkoku Official Site (U.S)

In the mythical land of Saiunkoku, the prestigious Kou family has fallen on hard times. Kou Shuurei, daughter of the household finds herself doing any job she can get to make ends meet. However, an unexpected visit from the Grand Adviser of the Imperial Palace who offers Shuurei 500 gold ryou for a job seems like their big break. In her enthusiasm, Shuurei agrees to it – but later finds out that her job is to be entered into the Imperial Harem and transform the Emperor into a responsible man to govern the country! Things get interesting as not everything is what it seems to be – and love comes when you least expect it…

Saiunkoku Monogatari is a really interesting series lots more than just romance going on. Although it starts off on the romantic anime note, the story delves into personal relationships, power, governance, politics and much more. The anime portrays Shuurei’s struggles as a woman in ancient times and her battle to bring progress and prosperity to the country. Of worthy mention is the soundtrack as I thoroughly enjoyed listening to it as much as watching the series. The music fits perfectly with the emotions of the characters and the historical setting. For lovers of historical anime, complicated romances, and anime with good storylines, Saiunkoku Monogatari offers all that and more. Highly recommended and looking forward to the second series!

Year: 2004

Status: Complete

Subbed by: Lunar Anime Fansubs

Official Aishiteruze baby Site (Japanese)

Rating: Great

Katakura Kippei is the playboy of his school who spends his time charming and sweet-talking his way to the ladies. One evening, Kippei returns home to find his little 5 year old cousin Yuzuyu there. Turns out that Yuzuyu’s mother disappeared trying to deal with her own personal issues and now, much to the dismay of the family, Yuzuyu is left all by herself! The Katakura family take her in and appoint none other than Kippei to take care of her from now on! Can Kippei handle making bentos and getting Yuzuyu to kindergarten on time….?

Aishiteruze baby is an adorable story of how Kippei and Yuzuyu-chan bond in their time together. Raising a child being no easy thing, let alone for a teenager, Kippei’s attempt to deal with his new responsibilities lend an amusing and endearing nature to the story. Despite its comical side, the anime does have its serious moments with Yuzuyu coming to terms with her mother’s disappearance and Kippei stepping up to fill in. While the art and music aren’t spectacular, the story and chacaracter development make up for it in my opinion. Don’t be fooled by the “lolicon” first impression or the title. Aishiteruze Baby is a really sweet anime and I look forward to discovering more like it!

Looking more like this? Check out: Mahou Tsukai ni Taisetsu na Koto