Rating: Summary: Draining Review: This was very draining. At first I found ti very mockable (elements seem to constantly repeat) but as I went on, it really did seem like a journey. The preview for the last episode was just a scene of everybody posing comradely together giving you some hope... which is not to be. Its kinda like Grave of the Fireflies, where you slowly slide into despair, with it punctauted (in Grave, it was the junk food) by something. Seeing it once is enough.
Rating: Summary: Among the Better Anime Series of All Time Review: We showed (with the gracious permission of Central Park Media and US Manga Corps, of course) "Now and Then, Here and There/ima soko ni iru boku" at the anime club at NC State University, during the spring semester of 2001. Retrospectively, I must say that this series has affected my perception of the entire scope of Japanese animation in a way that few other series have. The simple art style and character designs contrasted with the depth of the world and the reality of the characters' emotions depicted in this should-be classic set a mood that will keep you hooked until the very end, and leave you with a feeling that you won't soon forget. Therefore, it garners my highest recommendation.However, a few words of caution: Many people in the club (and around the internet) either prejudiciously or prematurely decided to label this series simply as "depressing." While depression is certainly a complicated thing, I feel that classifying the show with merely this one word is neither sufficient nor just. I feel that what makes NTHT powerful is the breadth of contrasting human emotions that it deals with (hatred and love, fear and courage, despair and hope, betrayal and trust, sadness and cheer, resentment and absolution, you get the point.) While there certainly is a bleak and meloncholy tone throughout, there are also many movingly triumphant moments - the main character is, after all, undyingly optimistic and devoted. So, please... resist the urge to categorize NTHT, and simply buy it. If you expect something canned, something similar to what you've seen before (perhaps another Ranma 1/2, or Dragonball Z, or Cowboy Bebop) you'll be sorely disappointed, and you definitely won't be won over by the stunning beauty of the artwork. As you know, it is insufficient to judge anime merely by the frequency and intensity of action scenes, or its comic releif, or by the detail of the animation. In the case of NTHT, I belive that if you have an open mind, you'll find NTHT to be a deeply character driven story that's well worth your time and money.
Rating: Summary: Really excellent storytelling, and brilliant art Review: While I have yet to finish watching the series, I can say the first ten episodes are phenominal. The main character of Shu is incredibly compelling in his boyish optimism, yet the serious themes that prevail throughout, corruption of power, the gluttonous resource needs of the military, the breaking up of families, rape, greed, and the struggle to exist in a world upset by endless war elevate this to more than a boyish cartoon. The pacing of the story may be slow at times for people who grew too fond of the 90s era of Japanese animation, fast paced, lots of shoot'em up, little time for reflection TV serials. Rather this harkens back to the better developed series of the 70s and 80s, with the sophistication that has been born out in the more recent Japanese feature film animations, like Metropolis, but with a fully flushed out story. I highly reccomend this series to anyone interested in an intelligent story done with a bold sense of artistic passion and grace.
Rating: Summary: BUY!!! Review: WHY ARE YOU READING THIS!!! Quit wasting time and buy this collection. I am a avid collector of anime and these is one of my top suggestions. This is not a anime series, it is more like one giant movie. There are no "filler" episodes and their is no wavering in the storytelling. My only complant with series is that it, ENDED!!! I will say this though, if your looking for a happy go lucky anime look elsewhere... otherwise this is a must buy for any self proclaimed anime collector.
Rating: Summary: Experience this one.... Review: WOW, this whole series took me completely by surprised. I was not at all ready to be bombarded with so much violence and sadness. The first set of episodes practically ruined my night and I could not get over it (hard to believe that a "cartoon" can effect you so much). The next night, I rented the rest of the series-glad I did. The whole story is just awesome. Even though the hardships and issues the children are facing are horrendous, it really gives you a picture of how children really suffer in a world without law. Each character in this series is just amazing. You really feel for everyone of them, from the evil Hamdo to the little boy, Boo. Each situation and background just really hits home. Shu's pureness and good heart really touched me. Kabuca's (don't know if I spelled that right) horrible situation where he is forced to murder innocent people just broke my heart. Every character was portrayed and drawn magnficantly. The story is very well written. This anime is for someone who is looking to be challenged mentally and emotionally. Be prepared to see terrible images of little children suffering and people being faced with brutal predicaments. Yet, to some people this is real life. I believe it is good to know that bad things do happen, however a strong, determined heart like the main character Shu to change one world's terrible dilemma. Highly recommend to anyone who loves anime and also to those who love to experience an astounding drama.
Rating: Summary: One of the greatest Review: Wow, what can I say... NTHT hits home the meaning of hope and salvation. If you liked the Shawshank Redeption, this will just blow you away. Unlike a lot anime these days, NTHT doesn't delve in fan service, rather it focuses on issues pertinent to everyday life. It questions our beliefs of hope, survival, relationships, trust, and duty. Many moral issues that we struggle with today are illustrated in this series and add insight for all. Perhaps some segments can be come a little too morally imposing, however keep an open mind. For those that can handle sad yet triumphant dramas, watch NTHT and be handsomely rewarded. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!!! o_O;;;
Rating: Summary: One of the greatest Review: Wow, what can I say... NTHT hits home the meaning of hope and salvation. If you liked the Shawshank Redeption, this will just blow you away. Unlike a lot anime these days, NTHT doesn't delve in fan service, rather it focuses on issues pertinent to everyday life. It questions our beliefs of hope, survival, relationships, trust, and duty. Many moral issues that we struggle with today are illustrated in this series and add insight for all. Perhaps some segments can be come a little too morally imposing, however keep an open mind. For those that can handle sad yet triumphant dramas, watch NTHT and be handsomely rewarded. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!!! o_O;;;
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