Damnit, I've put off this show over and over again but everytime I see a score like this I'm more inclined to finally plop down and watch it. No reason I put it off really, I just do and I usually end up watching some garbage in its stead. As for the review itself, not bad. I do like how I felt a '10' from your verbage in the art department, although more would have been nice. I just can't say "great job" can I?
Air tv Review
When he was young, Yukito Kunisaki's mother told him of a winged girl in the sky. Yukito's family has been searching for this girl for generations. Finally, Yukito's journey takes him to a small seaside town where he meets Misuzu Kamio, a girl who is eager to make friends with Yukito. Yukito ends up staying with Misuzu and her mother, Haruka, while he searches for the girl in the sky. In the town, however, there are strange occurences, and as the days pass by, Misuzu starts to have strange dreams.
What is the truth behind Misuzu's dreams and her failing health? And how is everything connected to Yukito and his journey?
The manga adapted from the game is illustrated by Yukimaru Katsura.
Story & Characters
Another anime adaptation on a visual novel/eroge. This one has a particularly touching story. It starts off REALLY slowly...for the first quarter of the series you mostly see Yukito seemingly bumbling around town not heading in any direction or achieving much, and the viewer has very little idea what is going on, or what this "winged girl" thing is about. Consequently when we are shown Kano and Minagi's special situations that are supposed to lead the viewer into thinking "Is she the winged girl Yukito is looking for?", the viewer DOESNT think that, because the viewer has absolutely no clue what this winged girl is about, so all he sees is "Okay this girl, has some really weird stuff going on...oookaaaayyy.".
Once you get past that phase though, the storyline picks up really well. It really drives you on to see whether Misuzu and Yukito can make it, to find out more about the past, the origin of the curse, and whether the curse is broken or not. The way the series conclude on a bittersweet note, yet offers hope for the future, is extremely well done. The series is just full of incredibly touching moments, if you are prone to tear, be prepared to reach for a box of tissues, especially near the end of the last story arc.
There are however, some parts that are not very well done. For example some portions of the storyline just arent explained properly. For instance its not very clear whether Yukito suceeded in breaking the curse on Misuzu at the end or whether Kanna would re-incarnate again. In the Summer arc, there are several portions that seems out of continuity with the rest, when rebuffed from their first attempt to access the mountain where Kanna's mother is kept, they seemingly have no problems whatsoever the second time going directly to her prison, even though the monks would have been well fore-warned and prepared by then.
However overall, a very nicely well done and touching plot, delivered in a fairly unique manner...particularly the way the last story arc "Air" is shown, where you can see past events with a totally new perspective.
Rating:
Art
Okay the anime is full of gorgeous scences. The scences of the ocean. The sunset scences at the train station. The lush greenery of the wild forests in the summer story arc. They are all vibrant with colour and beautiful. Its an absolute treat for the eyes. This, without a doubt, deserves a 10. It is hands down the most beautiful anime ive seen.
Rating:
Sound
Sound is extremely well done. Voicing is above average, especially Minagi's seiyuu, who played her part perfectly, Misuzu is also particularly well done.
Of note however is the music. The OP, Tori No Uta, is one of the best songs ive heard, and really fits the OP sequence and mood of the anime. So does the ED, Farewell song. Also there is the heart breaking song that is played during an extremely dramatic moment near the end of the series, and it just fits the scence perfectly(you will know it when you see it). The OST is a fantastic buy with these 3 great songs and several other great music tracks as well.
Rating:
Presentation
The presentation would be near perfect except for the awkard way the anime starts off, but once you get past that, its really really well done. The way we get a perfectly timed flashback sequence, followed by the story arc where we see old events with a new perspective, is really well thought out. At first you think Misuzu's mother just cant be bothered, then by the time the series finishes, you have changed your mind.
For such a sad story there are numerous comedy moments. However the majority of them are in the 2 bonus episodes, AIR in
summer, that expand on the feudal era's events. The 2 episodes are chock full of comedy moments, yet manage to
greatly expand the background story and are still filled with meaningful moments.
Rating:
Final Verdict
8.8333 (very good)
Reviewed by Question, Feb 03, 2007
Comments
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shoujoboy Feb 04, 2007
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Chloe Retired Moderator Feb 05, 2007
Good review, AIR definitely deserves it. The plot was slow at the beginning, but around the end it really picks up, like you said. Confusing, but good. I cried my eyes out after watching the ending >_<
The opening is one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard. Once again, good review! -
mitsukeru Feb 06, 2007
I agree, it was confusing at some points. >.<;
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Greomer Feb 20, 2007
The music was really awesome....The anime deserved it.
Nice and objective review. Except maybe the 10 in art. I believe 9.5 is better.
Keep reviewing....;) -
kanon14 Apr 21, 2007
I really agree with the Art and Sound describing. The scenes are such beautiful and amazing. So do the music! Sadness felt by me when I heard songs of the anime.
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rukasu04 Mute Member Apr 28, 2009
Nice review
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SchRita Jan 15, 2010
Thanks for the review!
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back07 Sep 16, 2012
Good review of Air
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