jupchurch

I will attempt to keep things simple and short, as brevity is the soul of wit. 

Overall impressions were very good, from the get go I was pulled in by the first two episodes. I may however be biased, as I am a jazz fanatic. The music was certainly a draw for me and it was tastefully used throughout the series. The story is like a rollercoaster, almost keeping you in suspense of what may happen next. Though the story and mainly the characters keep this show back, as the story is about nothing too specific and the characters are largelyy udnerdeveloped. So, with that said, let's get down to details.

Story

The story suffers from a major lack of purpose, as noted by the almost aimless motion in the way it chooses to progress. Though this is not enough to dampen the overall experience for anyone. If you are able to take a step back from looking for minute details you may notice a much larger mural the director is attempting to paint. The story fits very well with the "Coming of Age" tag, as it focuses on the trials and tribulations that teens are faced with as they enter adulthood. It does it in such a powerful way I may not be able to explain, but tears will flow by the last four or five episodes and certainly the wrap up.

Animation 

I am no expert in this field so I will keep this short. The animation style manages to ford the pass between simplicity and beauty. The visuals are simply stunning and the sound mataches up near perfect with the motions. Visually, it was a treat.

Sound

My main point here was made above. Motion matching the sound is of the utmost importance and this show did it near flawlessly. I am overall impressed, and of course the jazz is hopping!

Characters. 

My biggest gripe will come here. The characters are wonderful people, and you may find yourself relating to them a lot more than you expected to. But one thin really nags at my mind. The backstories for them are woefully incomplete and some characters are wholly unneeded. Such as the schoolyard bullies, almost never utilized. Brother Jun could have almost been left out as he was never a significant plot device except to add drama. 

I really do hate to bring this wonderful show down but the characters fit too many stereotypes and as as detailed as cardboard. Their trials may feel real, but their origins don't.