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Plot Synopsis

No plot synopsis or other information available for Clannad

Story & Characters

The TV version of Clannad, an adaptation of the game by Key (Visual Arts), combines all the plot lines one goes through in the game, and weaves them together into a storyline that has a complete balance of drama and comedy weaved like a quilt of realism. Each of the characters comes into the story with their own issues to dealt with. Even the main protagonist, Tomoya Okazaki, has his own excess baggage as he starts a new club including the bulk of the other characters in this show.
The main characters, who have a stock character quality, drive the presentation just like when you play the game itself. You've got your slapstick captain in Youhei Sunohara, who is a frequent victim to Tomoyo fixes of his perversion and advances. You have a little insertion of Fuko intervening every now and then, after her arc is complete, to spice the rest of the episodes up. You have your tsundere girl in Kyou Fujibayashi, and your shy, unassuming, yet emotional girl in Kotomi. There is also the athletically talented, but ruthlessly brutal, Tomoyo Sakagami. And the development of Tomoya's character and the way he handles the situations of each of the female protagonists is key to the direction.
At the same time, the storyline is akin to gastronomical treasures of Europe: you savor it as you consume it. From Nagisa's illness; to Fuko's intentions to invite strangers to her sister's wedding; to Kotomi mourning the loss of her parents...the background history of each character is studied in every episode, and viewers should pay close attention to the plot devices used to weave the threads around, as well as the overall relationship between Tomoya and Nagisa.

Rating

9 (very good)

Art

"So, who did the art and in-betweens, and what have you?"
"Kyoto Animation, sir."
"Who did you say did it? I couldn't hear you."
"Kyoto Animation."
"KyoAni? You mean the same crew that did your Haruhi Suzumiyas and Lucky Stars of the world?"
"Bingo."
"Well! There you go."

All side talk aside, Clannad's biggest strengths lie in its art. The background scenes-from the streets, to the school rooms, to the shots of the sky during the day, afternoon, and night-are good use of pastels and colors to give a realistic feel to the mood of the story. Mention the words Kyoto Animation, and already it should be a rule to give the art review at least a 7.
KyoAni does not stray much from the original character designs and appearances in the game and the OVA. The hair designs have a sheer feel, and when the wind blows through (example is Kotomi Ichinose's locks), it adds a mystique to each character's charm. They sugar-coated things with the use of bright colors, but it's a small scratch.
If you know how the facial expressions and tears are in The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, and even in Lucky Star, then the expressions in Clannad should look familiar. What I find interesting is the generous use of tears when the characters have pained looks on their faces. It's an example of their vulnerability, and viewers can relate, one way or another, to what they have gone through.

Rating

10 (excellent)

Sound

The Japanese cast for Clannad is a delectable blend of who's who. For the main cast, you have Mai Nakahara (Mai Tokiha, My-Otome) doing the voice work for Nagisa Furukawa; Ai Nonaka (Kafuka Fura from Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei, Konoka Konoe from Negima!) as Fuko Ibuki; Akemi Kanda (Asuna Kagurazaka from Negima!) as Ryou Fujibayashi; Ryo Hirohashi (Alice Carroll from Aria, Konata Izumi from the Lucky Star Radio Drama, Sora Naegino from Kaleido Star, etc.) as Kyou Fujibayashi; Houko Kuwashima (Maroon from Kamikaze Kaitou Jeanne, Filia from Slayers Try, Sango from Inu-Yasha, etc.) as Tomoyo Sakagami; Mamiko Noto (Ana Coppola from Strawberry Marshmallow, Yukinari Sasaki from Girls Bravo, Aya Toujou from Ichigo 100%, Nodoka Miyazaki from Negima!, etc.) as Kotomi Ichinose; and Daisuke Sakaguchi (Shimira Shinpachi from Gintama) as Youhei Sunohara. For Yuuichi Nakamura, this would go down as one of his biggest roles yet, as Tomoya Okazaki. Among the secondary characters, the ubiquitous Yukari Tamura strikes again...as Youhei's little sister Mei.

Another plus for Clannad is the choice of situational music. The trio of Jun Maeda, Magome Togoshi, and Shinji Orito create a soundtrack for Clannad that conveys a globe of moods: from the uplifting and spirited, to the melancholy and poignant. Of course, they are not new to creating soundtrack to similar works: all three have done the soundtrack for Air, and Orito also did work on Kanon.
On this soundtrack, there are pieces that match the characters' personas. For Kotomi, you have a small chamber orchestra piece. For Tomoyo, you have one that emphasized her athletic prowess. For Fuko, you have a playful, cheerful, fun piece. The centerpiece of this soundtrack are the recurring background tracks in each episode.
The opening for Clannad is Megumeru ~cuckool mix 2007~, a remix of the song by eufonius. It's a soft, easy listen. Dango Daikazoku (The Big Dango Family) by Chata is an ED that starts off light and playful, but then expands into a holistic, powerful, yet assertively mothely anthem. The use of gongs in this song and the backing chorus adds a finishing touch to an already memorable ED.

Rating

9 (very good)

Presentation

An anime that has excellent presentation is a memorable combination of solid art and visual detail, a complex storyline that requires careful direction, and a steadfast pair of voice acting and musical composition. Even if you have not played the game itself, the TV adaptation of Clannad would be a nice substitute, because in my book, it has all the qualities of excellent presentation.
Kyoto Animation did, as always, a superb job directing each path of the game into the show, and all the members, including Kazumi Ikeda and Fumihiko Shimo, who directed the story plot and the animation, respectively, have made it their intention to raise the bar once again after the success of their prior works. With an all-star cast, a winning soundtrack, and another potent art/story blend that pays deep respect to all the paths of the game, they are well on their way.
Clannad is a show that will make you think a lot about the value of life, and after watching the first episode, you will want to see the next one, and the one after that. Those who have played the game will want to see how the TV adaptation compares to the game. And those who haven't are in for a complete treat of the entire concept of the game without any corners cut. It's something that a lot of people will enjoy. I recommend it.

Rating

10 (excellent)

Final Verdict

9.50 (excellent)

Reviewed by Hachiko, 12wk 0d ago