Story & Characters
Though it's been some time since I finished both series of Honey & Clover, this anime happens to be both
memorable and enjoyable.
The plot itself doesn't seem spectacular; a bunch of students are in their last years of an artsy university, and
along with their newly-gained friend, the tiny and cute art genius Hagumi, they enjoy the remaining days of youth
together.
There is no fantasy or action involved in any of the episodes - as ordinary as the plot may seem, the characters are
just as normal. But having been used to the extreme standards of modern anime, a pastel-colored, gentle breeze such as
Honey & Clover may seem to be the perfect anime to settle down with.
Perhaps because of the simplicity of the plot, it gives room to allow the human interactions between the characters to
blossom and storytell. Ayu has always been in love with Mayama, but he's smitten by his boss, a widow unable to
open herself up. Rika, the widow, tries to keep her selfishness from holding on to Mayama, who is the only one who keeps
following her. Her friend from university, Shuuji, is a professor at the art university and is close to both Ayu and
Mayama, who attend the school. Along with them are Morita and Takemoto, the latter being the constant voice to narrate
the series.
Shuuji is related to Hagumi and has brought her from the countryside to Tokyo, where she begins to attend the university
where he teaches and meets the group, becoming close friends with Ayu and the rest. Morita and Takemoto immediately fall
in love with her, but alas, who shall she choose? And how will she deal with the talent that seems to be a curse, as
well as a blessing?
Throughout the two seasons, the series covers in an interesting and engrossing fashion on the lives of these people,
creating a surprisingly addictive storyline as well as a strong cast of characters.
Rating: 8
Art
The art is perfectly suited for the plot, although I doubt if everyone will appreciate the light colors that unceasingly
adorn the screen. Not everyone wants to see pastel pinks and greens paired with a similarily soft story. But the
collaboration is calming, and it completely fits the genre.
I also loved the character designs, which were unique in their own style. This type of art appeals to a certain portion
of anime watchers, although I'm quite sure that once you get watching, you'll come to appreciate all of what
it offers.
I'd like to mention, however, the inconsistencies within Ayu's hairstyle. In season 2, her face and hair
became increasingly different from the original style and did not fit well with the rest of the characters. I found this
very annoying.
Another section I would like to applaud would be the openings and endings. They were very unique and interesting, and
reflected upon the artistic surroundings and the characters lived in.
Rating: 8
Sound
I would not rate highly the opening song to Honey and Clover, although the insert songs are fitting and enjoyable to the
plot. The insert songs provide to be the perfect background of the emotions that adolescent love bring us, such as
uncertainty, jealousy, and the occasional bursts of melancholies.
The voice actors are well-suited to their respective characters, as many would expect. The acting does not take away
from the series, but it does little to add, as nothing stands out very much in terms of the character voices.
The OST was just as fitting as the art - gentle, soft, and slightly heart-wrenching with its own sense of beauty.
Rating: 7
Presentation
The true genius within Honey & Clover would be the way it is presented. I found myself to be very impressed with the
direction, as no episode is boring, despite the simple plot.
A series such as Honey & Clover could have very easily turned into a boring drone of an anime, but the subtle bursts
of humor as well as the realistic evolution of the characters make Honey & Clover a very enjoyable watch.
I recommend this series for its drama and purity. Its dialogue will pierce your heart by the way it delves into the very
core of growing up and the emotions that surround it.
Rating: 9
Final Verdict
8.1667 (good)
Reviewed by Rosegirl18, Dec 30, 2007
