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ローゼンメイデン 
I'm slightly disappointed with the pacing of this final episode. I just think it's a little bit abrupt. It feels as if they didn't bother to explain how the situations goes from seemingly bad in last week's episode to really good, which is this episode. Oh well, apart from that, this is actually a good episode. I think whether or not one likes the final pairing, the series did a good job in conveying the devastation that a person might feel when he/she is on the verge of losing a loved one. It's unfortunate that Yuuichi doesn't have much chemistry with Ayu although Ayu did look a lot better with a longer hair. Overall, this is actually a much better series than some people are willing to give credit for. I think the trick is to get pass the first 6 episodes because the real meat of the story doesn't begin until around that episode.
What an impressive episode. It's hard not to be moved by this one especially if you remember what has transpired thus far. Having said that, there are several downsides about the episode. The first thing that comes into my mind is the amount of flashbacks included in this episode. I feel that the animator try to pad out the series so that there are 24 episodes in total. Oh well, in general Kyoto Animation has done a good job in condensing the story into 24 episodes. I guess it's inevitable that they have to resort to some flashback at some point in the series. I am just hoping that this is because they've got everythign neat and tidy in episode 24. I would hate to see what has been an enjoyable and neat series to be messed up by incomplete plot holes.
Hmm, the animation in this one is quite a downgrade in comparison to the last few episodes. There were even few minutes which takes place in the darkness. Plot-wise, there isn't much of a development until the last few minutes where the writers decide to unleash the revelation about Ayu as well as a rather shocking re-appearance by another character. At any rate, it seems I was completely wrong about Ayu. Although now that I know her condition, I can't help but wonder how she'll be able to be the default girl for Yuuichi. Anyway, as I mentioned before, next week's episode will be titled Finale, so I can't help but wonder if this will indeed be 26 episodes instead of 24. As a side note, I can't get over how cute Piroshiki looks. I've been smitten by the cat ever since I saw it but its cuteness completely won me over in this one.
February 22, 2007 | 
37 Comments
I have to say that the way Kyoto Animation approaches this arc is pretty interesting. I think most people are aware that Ayu's arc is not complete yet but here we are at the start of another arc. I suppose this is mostly because Ayu and Nayuki's story has that crossover feel to it. The thing is, with the way things are, there's a likelihood that some viewers will think that Ayu's arc has ended and Nayuki is the last girl available for Yuuichi. Come to think of it, it must suck to be Yuuichi since it looks like the girls that he like are practically dropping like flies every couple of weeks. And judging from the end of this episode, it seems the casualties are not limited to girls that Yuuichi like. If I were Kitagawa, I'd steer clear from Yuuichi from now. That guy seems to carry a lot of misfortune with him.
February 16, 2007 | 43 Comments
I have to admit that I'm still not used to the idea of Yuuichi and Ayu but I really like the mystery that surrounds Ayu's character. I am also impressed with the animation and I think the quality of the background painting have improved a lot in the past few episodes. I think it started during Shiori's arc and continues up to now. I guess this is because the animators have been saving their budget for the last few episodes. Anyway, with only 4 more episodes to go, I am starting to wonder if this will indeed end with Ayu and Yuuichi as a pair. Especially after what happened at the end of this episode. On the other hand, it could be argued that the writers simply want to focus on Nayuki first before returning the story back to Ayu during the last 2 episodes.
February 8, 2007 | 54 Comments
Shiori: gone but not forgotten should be the subtitle of this episode. I still don't understand why Yuuichi doesn't just call up her house to find out about her condition. Although he may not like what he hears, at least it's better than being uncertain about her condition. Speaking of condition, what was Shiori's actual disease? I can't remember of it being mentioned during her arc. Oh well, it looks like we're not going to get any answer since this is already Ayu's and Nayuki's arc. At any rate, it feels a bit strange seeing Yuuichi on a 'date' with these two. It's probably because I never really saw them as potential love interest for Yuuichi but now I have to get used to this fact. It's just that his relationship to them seems more has this brother/sister vibe that it's hard to imagine him going out with them.
February 2, 2007 | 29 Comments
What a good episode to watch after a hard day at work. The animation in this episode is as beautiful as last week's. Having said that, I think the ending is a bit inconclusive. If it's viewed as it is now, I would say that this is another sad ending similar to Makoto. However, I seem to recall reading a spoiler about her fate in one of the comments and that is completely different from this one. So now I wonder if Kyoto Animation decides to take an entirely different route from the game. Either way, not everything about this episode is depressing. I think the dancing sequence between Yuuichi and Kitagawa is hilarious and reminds me a bit of Hare Hare Yukai. I get the impression that the dance is just something that Kyoto Animation for Suzumiya Haruhi fans. It makes me wonder what Kyon would say if he ever spots Yuuichi doing that stupid dance.
January 25, 2007 | 19 Comments
Technically the episode is awesome. The animation and design for the episode is probably amongst the best the series has seen so far. However, story-wise this one feels a bit flat. There aren't that much comedy to be found and the plot doesn't seem to be moving at all. My guess is the episode is meant to show Shiori enjoying her life with Yuuichi prior to her demise but I don't feel that it's as strong as when Yuuichi did it with Makoto. On the plus side, it was a good idea on the writer's part to connect Shiori's current plight with Yuuichi's memory of Makoto. Although this apparently doesn't happen in the game, it would have been strange in this version if Yuuichi doesn't feel a sense of deja vu when he heard about Shiori's condition. I also like that instrumental piece that always gets to be on the background everytime someone has a sad or tragic revelation. I hope that will be included in the soundtrack.
January 19, 2007 | 30 Comments
I'm sorry for the late entry for everything today. I've had one hell of a busy day at the office and probably won't get much done until 2-3 hours later. Sometimes I get lucky and can find the time to screencap things but not today unfortunately. Anyway, this is probably the first time the series really feel like a dating sim game. All of the scenes where Yuuichi goes out with Shiori for some reason feels more in-game than Yuuichi's scenes with the other girls. By the way, if you play the game, can you still date the other girls and still get the girl that you want towards the end? Because that's the impression that I get from this anime. Although it's clear which girl Yuuichi will choose, that doesn't stop him from interacting and flirting with other girls like Shiori.
January 12, 2007 | 27 Comments
What an impressive episode. I think the ending for Mai's arc feels very satisfying in different kind of ways from the ending for Makoto's arc. I think the most pleasant part of this episode was when I found out the revelation behind the ghost/apparition. At a time like this I'm glad that I haven't seen the series before because I don't think I'd be as surprised if I had seen the series beforehand. The only annoying thing about the episode is that the ending feels abrupt. I think the writers should have shown what happened to Sayuri but I suspect this will continue right through next week's episode. This means, however, that there are only 11 episodes left. I wonder how many episodes the writer will use to cover Shiori's arc. Would there be enough episode for both Nayuki and Ayu once her arc is over?
I can never understand why some people want to use Pachebel's Kanon as theme song to their wedding. I always think the song is a bit depressing and sad even though it's also very classy and sounds very good. This image gets reinforced even more after I started watching anime, especially Neon Genesis Evangelion. Watching Shinji, Asuka, and Touji falling into their depression while the song was playing felt like I got dragged into their depression as well. The same thing can be said here with its use as a background for Sayuri's past. Although one can say that the song celebrates life, I feel that the song also symbolises death. As much as I love the song, I feel that I need to hear something a little bit more upbeat after hearing this piece or else I'd be feeling down the whole day.
December 29, 2006 | 31 Comments
This is a bit of a disappointment after last week's dance party. I thought some scenes look a bit sparse this time around. Thankfully the fight scenes still look quite good and fluid as usual. It helps that Sayuri's screen time has been increased this time around. Unfortunately, Yuuichi seems far more interested in Mai than in Sayuri. Not that it really matters since the default girl will still be Ayu. I do wonder how Kyoto Animation is going to show that Yuuichi is more interested in Ayu than the rest of the girls when so far he hasn't shown any interest in her. This episode is a good example where if he has a choice, Yuuichi prefers to spend more time with Mai than he does with Ayu. Or is this an exceptional case because this episode happens to be within Mai's arc and therefore Yuuichi's action always gravitates towards Mai?
December 21, 2006 | 19 Comments
The most impressive moment in this episode was when Mai and Yuuichi starts dancing while Tchaikovsky's Once Upon A Dream/The Sleeping Beauty Ballet plays in the background. This is basically the same song that Disney used in their famous animation movie, Sleeping Beauty. Does this mean Mai's story will follow Sleeping Beauty's story closely? Even if it's not, my appreciation of the series has gone higher because this song happens to be one of my favourite classic composition. Speaking of the dance, I am very grateful that Kyoto Animation altered Yuuichi's character design. I don't think the previous Yuuichi character design would have work as well for the ballroom dance sequence. In this version, however, it's not that difficult believe that Yuuichi is a smooth ladies man who can charm his dancing partner quite easily.
December 14, 2006 | 37 Comments
It feels a bit weird seeing Yuuichi looking happy again in this episode but at least the writers still made an attempt to show that the characters still remember Makoto. Judging from the way this episode unfolds, it does appear that the next arc will deal with Mai first before any other girls. The other girls are featured equally in this episode but in comparison to their story, Mai's was given more focus. As a side note, this series is one of the few which will remain on air even during the Christmas period. I assume the TV station has a tight schedule which must be adhered to so they can air a brand new series as soon as this one is over. Oh well, it's not like I have many series left during the Christmas period.
December 7, 2006 | 30 Comments
This is basically a good episode which concludes Makoto's story. While the episode is sad, I was surprised to know that it's not as depressing as I thought it would be. I think this is because Makoto looks miserable throughout the episode that the ending feels like a release for her. I also get the impression that Key, or in this case, Kyoto Animation, didn't intend this to be an all out sob-fest that everyone else seems to expect this to be but something that is a lot more subtle. I think this is the reason that the ending feels uplifting despite everything else that happens in the episode. This is also a showcase of Yuuichi's true character and what he's willing to do for someone that he cares about. Having said that, I wonder how important Makoto is to him in comparison to the rest of the girls. By the way, I won't put any kind of joke on the picture rollover since it seems kind of inappropriate to do it.
November 30, 2006 | 40 Comments
This episode is quite depressing and it's not even the conclusion for Makoto as I originally thought. It looks like the writers really are going in for the kill and try to squeeze as much tears from the viewers as possible. To make things worse, I happen to be one of those people who really like animals so this episode was a bit hard to watch. I'm not even excited to know that my guess about what actually happened to Makoto when she was a fox turns out to be correct. I keep thinking if there was not other ways so that chibi Yuuichi didn't have to do what he ended up doing. I know a couple of friends who live overseas and took care animals and when they have to go back to their country, they either choose to take the animal with them or ask someone to take care the animal. But then again, they are adults who know what to do and have the power to do whatever they want. I'm not sure the situatioin was the same for Yuuichi 10 years ago.
November 24, 2006 | 29 Comments
I'm sorry if things are a bit late in the next few weeks because I'll be busy preparing an application for a scholarship at a graduate school. Although my chance is small, it'll be awesome if I can get this but that means I have to spend a good time writing the application. Anyway, this is a good episode which finally reveals everything there is to know about Makoto. I'm glad that my guess turned out to be correct but I'm not looking forward to next week's episode. Makoto has been my favourite character thus far so I can't believe that it'll end this way. Animation-wise, the episode is a bit middle of the road this time around. Kyoto Animation clearly tried to preserve their budget and decided to use their usual static stills and long shots technique in this episode. Thankfully there are equal amount of eye candy scattered around the episode to make sure that the episode doesn't look like it is composed entirely of static stills and long shots.
November 17, 2006 | 37 Comments
This is another enjoyable episode for the series and I think it's largely due to Makoto. Of all the girls that have appeared thus far, I think she's actually my favourite. I am glad that she seems to get more focus and time than the rest of the girls lately. Come to think of it, the amount of screen time that a girl gets does not necessarily correspond with the quality of story that she gets. For example, Nayuki appears a lot in almost every episode but she barely gets interesting storyline while Mai doesn't get that much screen time but seems to have some interesting storyline. The only exceptions to this are Ayu and Makoto who get good amount of screentime and interesting storyline.
November 10, 2006 | 27 Comments
I'm sorry for the late entry but this week has been a bit hard for me since I have to catch up not only with this blog, but also with work. Having said that, I'll try my best to ensure that I don't get left behind too far from the current schedule. I think by next week I should have most series on schedule. Anyway, it's kind of nice to see this after a hard day at work. Having said that, I am starting to wonder if this really is going to be 24 episodes series. It seems the majority of the plot starts to fall into place. Even Ayu's narration is starting to become really clear. Animation-wise, this episode is still as good as the previous five, which is a testament to Kyoto Animation's ability to divide their series' budget evenly for each episode. Although since Kanon doesn't have many action scenes like Suzumiya Haruhi, I guess it's not that difficult to keep the budget down.
November 3, 2006 | 18 Comments
Out of the first five, this is definitely the best episode for the series. The pacing is right, the transition from different character is smooth, and the comedies are spot on. I really like the fact that Yuuichi is completely evil in this one. The pranks that he pulled on Makoto is clever. The pranks also provided hints that there is more to Makoto in the subtlest kind of way. And with the revelation that Mai provided at the start of the episode, I think the theories that I have about Ayu and the other characters are not that far off. As a side note, I've just replaced the images so now they are better in quality than the ones that I originally posted here. To begin with, there isn't that annoying logo in place.
October 27, 2006 | 17 Comments
If you are waiting for Mushishi and Nodame Cantabile entries, I promise they'll get done in the weekend after Jigoku Shoujo Futakomori new entry. As for this episode, I feel it's a bit too slow in comparison to the last 2 episodes. This is basically a return to the first episode where the characters spend time doing menial chores like delivering lunch for someone or moving boxes. If you have played the game, are these 'slice-of-life' (for the lack of a better word) scenes included in the game as well? Or are they something that Kyoto Animation added to the storyline to pad the episode? I am mostly disappointed because we don't get to see the continuation of last week's cliffhanger with Mai and her sword. Thankfully, unlike the first episode, this one also contains a lot of foreshadowing and hints of future story.
October 20, 2006 | 32 Comments
I'm sorry if you can't access the site for the past few hours. Nightmare host was down as usual. I'm trying to find a new host to move to at the moment but I haven't had much success. Anyway, episodes like this one is one of the reasons why Kyoto Animation is a studio that is worth watching for. The colour pallette used in this one is stunning and gives the series a dream-like impression. I am also glad that the story starts to become interesting now that most of the characters are already introduced. I do wonder about the scene towards the end of the episode though. Is that just a red-herring or will the show actually have some monster/supernatural-slaying element to it? I am not sure how the story went in the original version but I'm glad that Kyoto Animation decides to mix the story of the girls so that the viewers get variety type of story in one go as opposed to following one story before moving to another character's story.
October 13, 2006 | 36 Comments
Maybe I'm just starting to get used to it but the second episode feels a bit better than the first one. It also helps that it introduces a few new characters that I like. The problem is, I don't think Yuuichi will end up with either of them. In addition to this, the animation quality is still as good as last week's episode. This is a good thing because there is a likelihood that the quality will remain consistent throughout the entire series. Besides, judging from other Kyoto Animation series, they don't usually have major quality issues halfway through the series. When they don't have budget, they'll just show a series of long shots and stills that last few minutes. :) Anyway, I've managed to re-written this entry as I promised the day before.
Opening Theme: 「Last regrets」 by 彩菜 (Ayana)
Download: HI-RES AVI format (creditless) (45.6MB) | PSP format (creditless) (13.3MB)
First thing first, the OP and ED are identical with the creditless version that appeared on the DVD version, except with text on top of it. Since I've already uploaded the creditless version for some friends a few months ago, I may as well use them here. I swear that they are not Karin ED! XD If you don't get the joke then I'm glad. As for this episode itself, it certainly looks pretty. It seems no expense was spared in making this particular title. Voice-acting wise, I was confused when I first heard Yuuichi since he looks a bit like Kyon (of Suzumiya Haruhi) but sounds like Mayama (of Honey and Clover). After a while, however, I simply sees him as Kyon. :D Anyway, I've just had the chance to re-written the summary so that it includes details that I left out when I wrote the it the first time around.
Opening Theme: Last regrets by Ayana (13.3MB, for PSP/Quicktime)
Kanon: Prelude is a special DVD which is released to introduce Kyoto Animation's remake to the potential viewers. Since I've never watched the previous version of Kanon, I have no idea who these characters are supposed to be. Although I can tell right away that the male character is voiced by Tomokazu Sugita (Mayama from Honey and Clover, Kyon from Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuuutsu). This promo DVD contains some of the most beautiful character, background, and animation design. It's definitely up par to other Kyoto Animation's series such as Air and Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuuutsu. I am not that impressed with the opening and ending song though. They feel a bit...flat, for the lack of better word. If I have to compare the two, I'd say that the ending song is slightly better than the opening song. Anyway, I've decided only to screencap promo 01 and 04 since the other two promos are pretty much just repetition of these two.