Although AIR wasn't the best in my opinion, this review is nicely done.
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
AIR, a PC game released in Japan in the year 2000, following on the success of Kanon. A wonderful bishoujo game, one that was very popular and was voted best PC game in Japan for that year and the year later. Now, Kyoto Animation brings AIR into the anime world. Did it suffer the pitfalls of bishoujo game to anime adaptations? I think not. Key/Visual Arts have learned from their previous mistakes and weaknesses in Kanon anime and have made changes which makes AIR an artistic masterpiece, one that stands for how good a bishoujo game anime can be.
(I can't give a plot synopsis, only because doing so will spoil the complex plot)
Sadly, the AIR anime tried to cram a 30,000 word story (equivalent to 3 or 4 Shakepearean pieces) into 12 episodes. Pacing became an issue towards the end of AIR, as it started to follow the Kanon "one girl, one episode, checklist" formula. Mind you, the story was a tad confusing at times, with the time leaps and the subtle hints about the "girl in the sky", but it made sense towards the end. Although the supernatural part of the story was managed a tad bit awkwardly, with its emphasis on AIR or WINGS or DREAMS.
Rating:
Art
Flawless. Detail for detail, animation and motion, Kyoto Animation exceeded all my expectations. Characters move, facial expressions are detailed, backgrounds are visually appealing. This anime`s strongest point is in its animation, and it shows, as the production values put in this area topples some OAVs and movies! Every episode I was awed at the animation. It is truely a treat for the eyes.
I remember in episode 1, when Misuzu first meets Yukito, her hair fluttering, her crouching movement , walking toward Yukito, her running to get a juice, all were spectaculously detailed.
And who cannot forget the endless AIR and Ocean imagery abound in this anime.
Rating:
Sound
Not much to say here, as they used the music from the game. Very ingenious, as it allowed them to animate scenes to blend in seamlessly with the music. Since the music from the game was already very very good, then of course the anime will use the music to the fullest extent. Tori no Uta, the OP is a masterpiece. Farewell Song sounds too much like a generic J-pop, but the insert song in the final episode made up for it with stirring vocals and fitting lyrics. All in all, the music added to the atmosphere of the anime, and enhanced the experience.
Natsukage is a highlight piece of this anime, used sparingly and for good effect.
Aozora probably made thousands of grown men like me cry at it's conclusion.
Rating:
Presentation
Heck, even if you aren`t a fan of the drama romance genre, download this anime just for its production values. Marvel at its wonderful animation, and its detail. If this anime ever gets licensed (which I highly doubt) I`ll be sure to snap it up. Now where can I find that Potato plushie...pikopikopiko.
Although the story was a bit confusing, with it's various character twists and turns, I still found this anime to be truely enjoyable, because of its mellow and relaxing atmosphere. All people who intend to watch this anime should treat it as a mature fairy tell, since there is a bit a magic and supernatural elements to the story.
I truely enjoyed AIR. It was high on my watching list, since after KGNE the year 2004 didn`t produce any good bishoujo game anime. AIR exceeded my expectation, my only gripe was its pacing towards the later episodes, but all in all it was a fulfilling experience.
Summer continues to where as well.
Under the vast azure sky.
She is waiting in the AIR...
AIR, I think is the best bishoujo game to anime conversion of the year 2005.
Rating:
Final Verdict
8.8333 (very good)
Reviewed by Maceart, Apr 27, 2005
Comments
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Ladholyman Apr 27, 2005
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LucyXlostangelwings Apr 27, 2005
Good, precise review! I have recently finished watching AIR and I agree with your views. It was a wonderful anime! ;)
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unicorn2006 Retired Moderator Apr 27, 2005
^^ agreed! I very much enjoyed AIR. a nice review you've written.
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denyse May 11, 2005
this is it anime more kawaii than it exists!!
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ZeRoGravity Aug 13, 2005
the complexity of the anime created a lot of confusion among the viewers. If the storyline wasn't as confusing i think the story could of been better. From the review i agreed, cramming a 30,000 word story in a 12ep tv series wasn't a very good idea. It was still a good watch though.
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seab Jul 26, 2007
http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/58103982/ <--- a potato plushie my friend made ^_^
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