Series Review >> The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya
The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya
Animation:
The animation is nice and fluid. The level of details on the characters are superb. Some of the backgrounds are rather simplistic, but it allows the characters to stand out even more. The character designs are done by Noizi Ito, who previously worked on Shakugan no Shana.
Story:
This is where the brilliance of the series lies. The story is told in non-linear fashion. Many of the episodes are completely out of order. Some fans may find that annoying, but in an era full of linear storylines, many will find this choice of conveying the story refreshing and creative. At its crust this series is a subtle romantic comedy that is entirely character-driven. On one side you have Haruhi, the heroine of the show who by any comparison is one of the most unique and imaginative anime character ever created. Then on the other side you have Kyon, a seemingly nonchalant, generic male lead whose personality will bore most people to sleep. However, it is this paring that makes the series work. The audience is drawn in to the story to see how a girl like Haruhi, who is obsessed with aliens and the paranormal, and who sees men as being as useful as a potato, could possibly develop a friendship with the borish, mundane Kyon.
Sound:
The soundtrack complements the mood of the story well. The ending song is great and the dancing animation that accompanies it is superb as well. The voice actors for Haruhi and Kyon did a stellar job in portraying the 2 characters. Kyon with a somewhat monotonous, listless voice which accentuates his often sarcastic comments towards Haruhi; and Haruhi with the speedy, chattering voice corresponds well to her outrageous and whimsical personality.
Overall:
Most fans would probably wish the series to be longer in order to resolve some of the unanswered questions towards the end of the series. However, The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya succeeds in where many series fail. It gives the audience something different from the ordinary, a story that convinces the audience to imagine along with the creator of the series. The series is a journey about friendships, eccentricities, and fantasy. It does not particularly have a large appeal, given its unorthodox presentation, but TMoHS is truly a unique and witty series that should not be missed anime fans.
Rating:
9.2/10
Review By : T. Sasaki (valkyriex22 @ hotmail.com)
