Geekshow

I just finished up Bokura ga ita (We Were There) this past week. It always amazes me that the Japanese can make solid shows out of such simple ideas. This one centers around a girl that falls in love with a boy who's girlfriend had died the year before.

Overall, I think it's a pretty fantastic series. I really enjoy a series that can delve so deep into emotional issues, like this series does. If the only thing I get from anime is combat and comedy, then I generally won't be that into it. After all, you can get that from most American animation, and it doesn't require reading subtitles (I'm not a dub fan).

However, the series doesn't do without it's problems. The biggest problem is that the series seems like it's on fast forward. Basically, the show is based on a Manga series. So it seems like it's skipping through the story, only picking the biggest moments of the show to cover. The problem with that, is that the biggest moments are relationship problems. So it seems like every other episode, they are breaking up, or getting back together. While that's often how it is with teenage relationships in real life, it kind of wears you down after awhile.

Another issue that bugged me slightly is aspects of the animation. Now mind you, I think that they put great care into a lot of the series' animation. The characters actually change clothes frequently, hair styles change, and the character designer obviously has an eye for fashion. However, like most animation, there is a slight artifact of laziness. In this case, the characters will often be drawn with only one half of their face. Basically missing an eye and detail on the other side. It's a bit distracting, overall.

I enjoyed the series quite a bit because they do a good job of expressing a wide range of emotions from extreme happiness to extreme sadness. But the whole time they are doing this, they maintain a good sense of humor. I can't remember a single episode where I didn't find myself laughing at least once. And considering the subject matter, that is really saying something. Plus, I think it has possibly the funniest sex scene I've ever seen from a show.

My one issue is that the story continues in the Manga where the anime leaves off. However, I can't find the Manga anywhere. But still, I recommend the series to anyone into that sort of story. You can find it pretty easily on Veoh's website. A user by the name of Wiish has them posted there.

No, I haven't seen that. I'll check it out. Right now I'm trying to find some decent series that don't involve a tremendous amount of action and stuff. While I love the Escaflownes of the worl, right now, I'm looking for more Relationship related shows. I'm watching Maria-sama ga Miteru right now. I also grabbed Code Geass, Last Exile, and Gurren Lagann. Any experience with any of those?