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: Complete, Unlicensed

Subbed by: Huzzah and Doremi Fansubs

Bamboo Blade Official Site (Japanese)

Rating: Great

Kojirou, the kendo instructor at Muroe High, is forever broke. Barely having any money for food and necessities, Kojirou is desperate to make ends meet. An opportunity presents itself one night while amidst having dinner with his Senpai, the two agree on a bet to see whose all-female Kendo team is the strongest. If Kojirou wins, he gets a year long supply of free sushi. In pursuit of his free sushi, Kojirou finally takes the club seriously, and goes on a mission to recruit new members and revive the school’s run-down Kendo Club. Bamboo Blade is about a bunch of eccentric students under an equally unusual teacher who embark on a journey that makes them discover the joy of Kendo.

Bamboo Blade is a wonderful slice-of-life sport anime filled with comedy. It maintains its lightheartedness throughout the series and really makes you want to take up Kendo! While it begins with Kojirou’s bet being the primary storyline, it quickly changes to being more about the development of the characters themselves. Many of the Kendo matches can be quite absorbing as team Muroe get more and more skilled. As time passes, the Kendo team at Muroe becomes an endearing and close-knit bunch despite the oddities in their personalities. Overall, I loved watching Bamboo Blade and can’t wait to watch the remaining episodes. Its got the right mix of comedy, action, character development and slice-of-life feel to get away from the seriousness of life and just have a good laugh while identifying with the characters.

Check out:

History’s Strongest Disciple Kenichi : Kenichi maintains the same humour as Bamboo Blade but focuses on the martial arts training of Kenichi rather than a team.

Overdrive : A heavy sports anime not quite as lighthearted as Bamboo Blade but still an intensely absorbing anime.

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

Year: 2006

Status: Complete

Subbed by: Arienai Fansubs

Hataraki Man Official Site (Japanese)

Rating: Great

Review: Matsukata Hiroko, the editor of Jidai Weekly has earned herself the nickname of “Hataraki Man” or the “working man” at work. As someone who loves her job and takes it seriously, Hiroko has the ability to transform herself into the ultimate work machine in order to live up to the standards of work she holds herself to. Her love for her job and her go-getter attitude makes her an outstanding editor but leaves her personal life in disarray. Will she be able to balance her love-life with work or is she a slave to her work as all workaholics tend to be?

Hataraki Man is a very different anime which provides insight into the high stress working life of woman who constantly deals with gender stereotypes, office politics and a crazy workload. In this sense, Hataraki Man tends to be a more slice-of-life anime. However, the most important theme behind the story is Hiroko’s challenge of managing love and work with a boyfriend who works as much as she does! I found it to be a refreshing change from high school romances and unreal monsters. The slice of reality the story offers sets it apart from others and makes it well worth the watch!

Others like this:

Rec : Another slice-of-life/ romance anime revolving around a girl’s dream of becoming a voice actress. Can Aka balance her new budding romance with her upcoming career?

Year: 2005

Status: Complete, Licensed by Ganeon Entertainment

Paradise Kiss Official Site (Japanese)

Rating: Great

Review: Yukari is just another ordinary high-schooler living her life buried in books, exams and getting ready for university. All of this changes one fine day when she is suddenly asked by a group of fashion design students to be a model for their upcoming line of clothes – “Paradise Kiss”. Yukari is reluctant at first but is persuaded to do it after meeting the charming and handsome Koizumi George. Inspired by George’s ambitions to pursue his dreams with a strong will, Yukari begins to define life on her own terms. However, as Yukari’s life is changing, she finds herself inevitably falling in love with the eccentric designer.

Paradise Kiss has the same animation style as Nana, and not to mention the similar “slice of life” perspective. I really liked the character development in this short series as Yukari begins to change her life and in doing so faces trials in other aspects of her life. Although the story mainly revolves around Yukari and George, there is a lot of character development with the other members of Paradise Kiss: Arashi, Miwako and Isabella. Their relationships, their troubles and their outlook on life and dreams also have a part to play in this story. All in all, Paradise Kiss is worth the watch – and the perk is that if you hate long animes, this one is only 12 episodes long! A must-watch if you are a Nana fan!

More stylish anime:

Nana

Honey and Clover

Year: 1996

Alternative Titles: Boys Over Flowers, Boys Before Flowers

Status: Complete, Licensed by Viz Media

Official Hana Yori Dango Site (Japanese)

Official Hana Yori Dango Site (U.S)

Rating: Great

Review: Eitoku Academy is a school for children of the rich, privileged and prestigious families. The school is ruled by the F4 – a group of boys coming from extremely influential families. Their power pretty much gives them the ticket to get away with anything! Makino Tsukushi, thanks to her academic skills, finds herself in this elite school. However, being the only poor and ordinary student there, she feels quite out of place and makes up her mind to go through school without drama or attention. However, the F4, and particularly Domyoji Tsukasa do not make life easy for her and Tsukushi finds herself challenging the otherwise undisputed power of the F4. Tsukushi makes up her mind not be harassed out of school and vows to be tough on her stance. As with high school life, Tsukushi finds herself having a crush on one of the F4 boys, Hanazawa Rui – but will those feelings get anywhere? What follows is a roller coaster ride for Makino Tsukushi in love, friendship and life in general, as she stands up for what she believes is right and in doing so influences those around – more than she realises!

Hana Yori Dango has a lot going on in terms of its storyline. Although a long series, it manages to stay away from becoming the stereotypical soap opera. The story itself revolves around Tsukushi and how she understands deeper and more emotional side of life – love, friendship, jealousy and being tough in an elite and intimidating world. I loved watching the anime despite the bad and repetitive soundtrack – but thats what you get for watching a 1996 anime in 2007! The character development of Tsukushi, Tsukasa, Rui and many other characters was great and added real depth to the story. It’s really one of those animes thats not afraid to be emotional and real. Watch it!

More roller-coaster high school romances:

Peach Girl

Kare Kano

Bokura ga Ita

Year: 2003

Status: Complete, Licensed by Ganeon Entertainment

Mahou Tsukai ni Taisetsu na Koto Official Site (Japanese)

Someday's Dreamers Official Site (U.S)

Rating: Great

Review: The story is based in normal, present day Japan – with a slight difference. In today’s world there are two kinds of people living – those who have the ability to use magic (Mages) and those who cannot. Just like anything else, magic is considered a service and the Bureau of Mage Labour receives many requests from people for the use of magic – for pretty much anything under the sun as long as the request is approved. (Yes, bureaucracy exists even in this world!) The power of Mages does not go unregulated, and Mages are forbidden to use their power without prior clearance.

Kikuchi Yume is the 17-year old daughter of a famous mage. Filled with dreams and hopes of using her magic to help people, Yume makes her way to unfamiliar city of Tokyo to intern under the well-known (and charming) Mage Oyamada Masami. The anime follows Yume’s trials and tribulations as she learns more about a Mage’s power and the trouble that comes along with it. In her journey, she disovers the true meaning behind being a Mage.

This a wonderful slice-of-life anime. The characters in the story are well- developed and Yume’s journey – both personal and magical bring out the challenges, the problems and the many unanswerable questions that come along with being a Mage. There are certain threads of tragic pasts and romance left unresolved. I loved watching every minute of this series and would highly recommend it!

Year: 2006

Status: Complete

Alternative Title: We Were There

Subbed by: The Triad Fansubs

Bokura ga Ita Official Site

Rating: Awesome

Review: Bokura ga Ita is a compelling drama about the budding, but complicated relationship between two high schoolers: Takahashi Nanami and Motoharu Yano. Yano is the most popular boy in school with most of the girls in class forever in love with him. How can Nanami (or Nana, for short) resist? In the time it takes them for feelings to be mutual, Nanami uncovers Yano’s painful past – Yano’s girlfriend Nana died last summer in a car crash while she was with her ex-boyfriend. Despite the feeling of betrayal and pain, Yano still loves his ex-girlfriend and has trouble moving on. Can Yano get over his feelings to make his relationship with Takahashi succesful? Or is it really Nanami who is obsessed with the past and needs to come to terms with it? Amidst confronting the past, accepting faults and mistakes within each other, Yano and Nanami try their hardest to make their love work. Will they be successful, or are they headed for tragedy?

Bokura ga Ita is a surprisingly deep and serious anime and lacks much of the comic relief provided in Lovely Complex and Kareshi Kanojou no Jijou. Here, each and every character beyond just Yano and Nanami develop well with their own unique personalities. This anime is often laced with sad moments contrasted with a deep personal insight that comes frighteningly close to reality. Strong, deep and personal – I highly recommend Bokura ga Ita. (I also recommend you keep an emergency pack of tissues – just in case…)

More emotional dramas:

Honey and Clover I and II: A wonderful series that offers much of the same emotional depth as Bokura ga Ita. However, rather than focussing on one couple’s relationship, Honey and Clover I and II follows the love and lives of a group of art college students.

Lovely Complex: The top pick in a the romance-comedy genre, Lovely Complex is an immensely honest and heartwarming anime with a generous serving of humour.

Peach Girl: Following the Bokura ga Ita style, Peach Girl takes a look at roller-coaster relationship ride Momo faces in high school.

Year: 2006

Status: Complete

Subbed by: Lunar Anime Fansubs

Rec Official Site (japanese)

Rating: Great

Review: Rec traces the ‘accidental’ love between Fumihiko Matsumaru and Aka Onda. Fumihiko Matsumaru is an ordinary salaried employee at a company who, while being stood up by his date at the movies bumped into Aka Onda and ended up going to the movie with her instead. Aka aspires to be a voice-actress and idolises Audrey Hepburn. On returning home, the two find that they are neighbours. That very night, in a stroke of fate – or rather fire, Aka’s apartment burns down and with nowhere to go, Matsumaru takes her in. Fate continues to work as the very next day Matsumaru’s project idea at the company is accepted and Aka is hired to be the new voice actress for the character. In this sudden turn of events which brought them together, will Matsumaru and Aka find something special between them or will their ambitions and differences get in the way?

Rec is a cute anime with a short but interesting storyline. The best of part of Rec lies in the fact that it is not long enough to have an overly convoluted plot and neither is it short to the point of being abrupt and incomplete. It is a short and sweet story about how fate brought two people together and the rest was upto them to figure it out. Aka finds it hard to balance her ambitions while considering a relationship with Matsumaru while Matsumaru faces the same dilemma on his end. The anime has its comical moments brought out in each of the characters and yet retains the depth of the storyline. It’s a good romance anime without the emotional depth of the grand canyon – and boy don’t we all need a break sometimes!

Check out more like Rec! You might like:

Hataraki Man: Tends to be a more slice-of-life anime and deals with Hiroko’s challenge of managing love and work with a boyfriend who works as much as she does!

Kareshi Kanojo no Jijou: Kare Kano follows a similar theme as Rec in being about the realistic side of love where the couple have to deal with obstacles of work, school and careers to maintain their relationship. Kare Kano does have more comedy and romance than Rec though.