I watched quite a few anime from the Summer season honestly, there weren't many I could really call favourites haha, but I did enjoy the Okaa-san Online isekai (nearly dropped it because of the weird fanservice with the mum and since the story is kinda all over the place but it was still enjoyable) and To Aru Kagaku no Accelerator (never enough Accelerator haha, but story was average). I've also been getting through Cowboy Bebop, and it's good but not really my thing unfortunately haha. Anywho~ these are the ones I probably enjoyed the most in the time I haven't blogged hahaha.
Genre: Slice of Life, Comedy, Sports, Drama, School
Episodes: 25
My Rating: 7/10
I remember when Free! first aired, the amount of fangirls fangirling over the guys' bodies etc turned me off, especially when there was this bias that if you liked Free! you were shallow and liked the BL connotations. Since I was a young girl, it couldn't be helped that those presumptions affected me and made me turn away from it for a long time because of my own created prejudice after that. However, after the KyoAni incident and more mentions of KyoAni works, I decided to try it out for myself and I think I can see why the show is so appealing. Tbh, it's still not my thing since the main premise is more of cute and cool guys swimming and mending their friendships. It's very wholesome, cute and an easy watch since you can just relax and go with the flow of it, I guess you can relate it to water, it's a pretty peaceful show hahaha.
Anyway, the story follows Haru, a guy who loves to swim freestyle and that's all lol. He is joined with the nice and amicable Makoto (my favourite boy!) and the childish but cute Nagisa. They've all been friends since elementary school, and at that time, they had another friend called Rin who persuaded them all to swim relay and opened their eyes to the beauty of swimming with friends in a race I guess. However, Rin left to train in Australia not long after that, and when they all meet again, Rin's this mass of...dissatisfaction with others and himself as he strives to be the best swimmer there is. So, in order to kinda motivate Haru back into swimming seriously (since he's got the skills), Makoto creates a new swimming club at the school and they aim to compete with Rin's school etc~ So yeah, plot mainly revolves around friendship and understanding the importance of forging that to enjoy swimming, whether it be in a relay or a solo race.
Honestly, the first season was pretty nice. It's cliche, it's definitely not something we haven't seen before, with guys losing motivation, losing their will to continue towards their dreams because of their past hardships etc, but the anime itself kinda knows that, so it never strays from focusing on this simple premise, and that's the best thing about it. It's nice to see them grow (mainly Rin), nice to see them have aspirations, nice to see them come together as friends and just swim together. It's short and sweet. However, I do have to say that although this is a swimming anime, you don't see much serious training or any regimens or even much focus on the swimming aspect, like it's there, but it's pretty easygoing about it? Which is one of the things I found a problem with I guess haha, but yeah, basically, watch it for the wholesome cute boys swimming and bonding rather than for the swimming itself lol. Animation is pretty btw lol.
As for the second season, I would have preferred it to be more focused on character development of the guys since it was rather weak in the first season, but instead they kinda introduced a new character called Sousuke who also wants to stand by Rin as a true rival and friend, so most of it kinda revolves around him, Rin and a bit of the others having the dilemma of what kind of career path they want to follow since they can't swim forever. As usual though, Makoto really shines through as the most wholesome and sweet guy that may be confused about his career, but he handles it well and finds what he aims to do. On the other hand, Sousuke was cool but rather forgettable imo, and Haru's dilemma was kinda nice to see since it was because of that, Rin and Haru were able to go to Australia together and bond! Speaking of Australia though, omggg, you don't know how much I was looking forward to the Sydney episode and how it just blew my expectations out of the freaking park. It was SO COOL to see Sydney animated! So beautiful and all the memories of me visiting all those places as well! Replicated getting off the bus at Bondi Beach very well and the view you get once you're off, it's crazyyy. The only unrealistic thing would have to be there being no one at the beach and there being no trash there lolll. Olympic Park was soo beautiful there too~ The train seats were so pretty! Not pretty in real life but dang did it look nice in the anime LOL. Honestly soo cute to see Haru and Rin eat at Harrys Cafe de Wheels, I only tried it a few months ago haha! But yeah, it was so cool to see anime characters I've followed for a bit going around places I'm so familiar with haha, KyoAni was definitely so amazing in animating all that, I couldn't help but keep taking photos of how beautiful the shots were to my sister and my friend hahaha.
Anyway! Free! is a pretty average anime, as long as you don't have that many expectations, I think you'll be able to enjoy how relaxing it is to follow a bunch of guys trying to achieve simple things in high school; making friends, achieving goals in a club together and making lasting friendships together. Even if there is fear of career paths diverging, they still remain tight knit and connected, and I think it's great to see all that (even if the swimming aspect is kinda neglected loll). Apparently there's a movie and a third season but I'm kinda tired of it right now so I took a break hahaha, I'll see if I'll watch the rest XD
Given
Genre: Drama, Music, Romance, Shounen Ai, Slice of Life
Episodes: 11
My Rating: 8/10
Firstly, I don't watch/read BL but this was good. I really enjoyed it, much more than I thought. I couldn't help but give it a try when so many people talked about how this is more like a pure normal romance with some drama, unlike a lot of the other rapey vibes that other BL may have. I know that's probably biased, but I'm still kinda traumatised from the many trashy BL I came across years ago that just completely turned me off it lol, it was just so uncomfortable to read. Anyway! This anime is the type of romance I love to read/watch about, whether it be heterosexual or homosexual because its' focus is apparent, it is on the interconnected relationships of the characters, how they learn to communicate better, and also improve their band together. I started reading the manga after and I have to say, I think it's a really nice adaptation of it, and the music is really good! The song that Mafuyu ends up singing does not disappoint at all, it's actually really beautiful and I think it was done really well in the anime, I legit cried and then kept listening to it afterwards lol. Given is definitely a nice emotional ride, it's not very long either, but has really nice slice of life pacing, you can say that the band guys did quite a few mundane things, but I honestly never thought any part of it was boring. I legit binged the 10 episodes that were out hahaha, and then waited a week for the last, this is definitely one of those that are best binged imo.
The story follows Ritsuka (who is more of a cold and aloof guy) going to his usual nap spot but instead coincidentally meeting Mafuyu, who happens to break his guitar strings. Seeing how clueless he is, Ritsuka helps him out with some basics, and thus, Mafuyu kinda follows him to his band's practice studio and eventually joins even though he's rather new to whole music thing. Honestly, I thought I'd like Ritsuka more than Mafuyu, but boy was I wrong haha, I feel like Ritsuka is definitely much more normal (not actually cold or aloof lol) than he appears, so he's very relateable and great as the MC. Mafuyu on the other hand carries a deep scar on his heart, and I think seeing him overcome it throughout the story really makes you fall in love with his character. I think I really loved seeing such a normal romantic relationship (compared to all the sappy shoujo and other stuff), it's actually really realistic how they interact, how they bond, how they find it difficult to talk to the other, how they argue with each other, and how they end up reconciling. I just found it all so nice to watch because of how smooth and real it all was. The side couple is also really nice to watch because they're so cute and cool hahaha, we won't get to see their story until the movie that comes out next year, but it was still great to see how important they are to the band, and what great friends they are to be able to help guide Ritsuka and Mafuyu who are younger than them. I feel like each character really fit together to make the band "whole" and it's just so sweet to watch over the budding relationship Ritsuka and Mafuyu create without even realising.
Overall, if you're looking for a nice romance with some good drama and some good music, then I think you'll definitely enjoy this one! They also explain simple music terms and things they use in the beginning for people like me, so it really helps you to understand their lives a bit better and be able to immerse yourself in the story better. I guess, it feels just like life, the anime really recreates the daily life vibe very well imo. Definitely an unexpected favourite of the Summer season haha!
Fruits Basket - 1st Season (2019)
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance, Shoujo, Slice of Life, Supernatural
Episodes: 25
My Rating: 8.5/10
Honestly, with my crappy memory, I didn't remember anything about Fruits Basket (since I watched it as a kid), all I remembered was that I liked riceballs because of it, and I can't get the Teru Teru Momiji song out of my head lolll. So yeah, it was great to be able to experience Fruits Basket all over again as if I've never watched it, and honestly, it was great. I got teary from a lot of the back stories, and it really hit in the feels a lot of the time. However, the good thing about it is also what can be kinda bad, since there are a lot of characters and back stories, if you binge watch, it kinda becomes your daily episode of sad back stories loll, but it's still good because of how easily the stories can come close to your heart and affect you, I feel like a lot of them..even if you can't relate to their experiences, you can really relate to their feelings and thoughts, and I think that was done really well.
The story follows Tohru, who due to a family tragedy and other subsequent circumstances is forced to live in a tent by herself. However, her tent happens to be in the private property of the Souma family. After explaining her situation, Yuki (one of the Soumas) decides to take her in, but it is then that she discovers their secret, which is that when Yuki and them are hugged by the opposite sex, they transform into their respective Chinese Zodiac animal, and I guess that's how Tohru's hectic life of dealing with the Souma family and her own family circumstances begins. At a glance, Fruits Basket feels like a harem, and even in the beginning, it kinda feels like it with the amount of pretty guys introduced, alongside our heroine "healing" them all with her words (that she learnt through her mother). However, I think the story is more of a slice of life drama, where everyone is struggling to cope with their different lives, their respective pasts, but they all happen to be able to meet Tohru who helps them accept themselves for who and how they are, whilst soothing everyone's (including mee) hearts. It's a sad but hopeful show, and I think the characters' stories really help to show that. The character developments of the characters alongside the mystery of the Soumas are probably the highlights of the show, and I think the characters really make it that great. There's so many, you have to like one of them! Haha. The romance is not as apparent for now, maybe aside from Kyo, but I really feel like what's forged over the episodes is more of friendship and appreciation with most of the characters, so maybe the next season will deal more with romance haha.
Anyway, I really enjoyed Fruits Basket, it's very wholesome, and I feel like I learnt a lot about how you can change your perspective towards life to help yourself and others. Tohru is an angel who is flawed, and I think it's great to see how different everyone is but still be able to get along and connect because of Tohru who follows her mother's wisdom. I also really enjoy how Tohru has great friends aside from the Zodiacs, and I think it's really nice to see how clumsy she is, but also how sweet she is. I think seeing her save others from their agony is so touching haha. Definitely a good show if you like something emotional but touching, something sad but hopeful and something mysterious but also sweet haha.
Kimetsu no Yaiba
Genre: Action, Demons, Historical, Shounen, Supernatural
Episodes: 26
My Rating: 8.5/10
Considering its' rise in popularity with one of the episodes, it's hard to not know this one haha, but I have to say, I enjoyed the anime the whole way through. I started this anime when the first episode came out and liked it mostly for Tanjiro and Nezuko's relationship rather than the animation (blasphemy, I know). However, as I watched, I did realise how beautiful the animation was, and how it really enhanced the story. When I read over bits of the manga after finishing the season, I really could see how whether it be the beginning, the training arc and others, the animation and the music really did help to make the story play out really well, I was honestly pretty hooked from the first episode haha, I can't help but love wholesome sibling relationships and shounen.
The story follows Tanjiro, the eldest son in a big family (with the father having passed away) who ventures down to the town to make money for the day, but is forced to stay there overnight due to someone telling him it's dangerous to go back up the mountain at night due to demons lurking around. As he arrives back home the next day, he sees his whole family slaughtered, with only Nezuko still having warmth, hoping that he could still save her, he decides to take her back to the village to see a doctor. However, before he can do that, he is forced to realise that his sister has become a Demon. As Tanjiro protects Nezuko from a demon slayer, convincing the latter that his sister still has her own will and won't eat humans, he is directed to go train with a former demon slayer corp guy as he trains to become a man who can protect his sister, defeat demons that are killing humans, as well as finding a cure to change his sister back into being a human.
As you can see, the premise is very simple and straightforward and I think that's the best thing about this show. It doesn't try to be especially superfluous or amazing in its' story and plot, it straightforwardly lays out that it's a typical shounen where they must defeat this villain that is causing devastation to humans, and Tanjiro must get stronger step by step to achieve that. Character designs are really pretty and unique btw, everyone looks really great and awesome. Although the animation is definitely something to die for, I have to say that the cuteness of Nezuko, as well as how sweet the sibling relationship is, is such a highlight of the show. Later, Tanjiro is joined with two more companions which honestly, I'm not the biggest fan of, but I still like their input to the story because I think their existence really highlights how much of a great big brother type of character Tanjiro is, and how wholesome but cool he is. I also really like Tanjiro's way of fighting, he becomes someone who is not hesitant towards killing demons since they kill humans, but he is also able to show benevolence and mercy to demons that have suffered a lot. I think Tanjiro and Nezuko really make the show, so it can be hard to like it if you don't like them tbh haha. For me, I love them and can't enough of them, so I'm really looking forward to the movie next year!
Overall, if you like a very prettily animated typical shounen with wholesome siblings adventuring together to grow stronger and defeat demons that are destroying the country, you'll like this!
