Clannadia

Chi's sweet home, adapted from the manga of the same name, is an atypic anime. It comes in a atypic presentation of 104 episodes of less than 3 minutes each. So everything runs fast. It is also difficult to review.

The story here is quite simple. A lost kitten, Chi, is found and taken to live with the Yamada's who happen to live in a building that doesn't tolerate pets. Yup, that's a resume of the entire story. The viewer follow the little life of Chi who slowly become part of the Yamada's family. What the anime excels to the simplicity and humblety of the portrayed life of these beings. It is a calm atmosphere were simple things become amazing in the eyes of this little kitten from discovering the pending lace of Father's shoes, to being petted by Mother, or playing hide-and-seek with Youhei. Everything becomes a playground to discover new things. And then again, everything told with simplicity and though making this series so charming. everyone who have or had a cat can relate to the Yamada's.

The animation is quite simple. It just does not look like a Madhouse production. But the simple and easy childish look is just perfect and respect the original manga visual. So I guess the intention point is respected but as a 2008 show it doesn't look as good as other productions.

The sound is simple. Chi's sweet home is not a series to enjoy for it's sound, honestly. It excels at other things but the sound is not important here. Simple voice acting and simple music. Then again, I forgive it for the lack of soundtrack because the series focusing on warmth, cuteness and again simplicity that it does so well.

No real opening here.Nor ending.

The series truly shine in the characters presentation and developpement. The viewer get to know the kitten owners as the time than her. Their portayal, in my opinion, is brilliant.Extremely simple, but hey, you see it through the eyes of this playful adorable kitten. So it ought to be simplistic. Father Yamada is the one who wants to please this baby of a kitten (sadly he is the one who often gets rejected by her). Mother Yamada is the mother figure; she scolds the kitten when she does not behave, she feeds her and also loves to pet her. Youhei, the young son, is definetely Chi's favorite. he just loves to play with her and so does Chi as she considers him as her playing mate. Just a brilliant representation of what a cat is for his owner. And why people love cats so much. Chi ( and the same time the viewer) get to know Blackie, a bear-cat in the neighborhood who acts as her teacher. The star of the show is whithout a doubt the little Chi. She is a hell of a cat. She acts like a little baby discovering the world around her. She is so adorable, top to bottom. Her facial expressions, her simple minded ''idiocy'', her cheerfullness and her egoistic side makes her a delight to watch.

Overall, this series is made for cat's lovers and those who loves simple cuteness. You'll often finds yourself purring of hapiness as I did. Just keep in mind that it is childish, so if you don't like that genre you'll find hard to sit through those 104 episodes however short they may be. If the first season is not enough for you, there is a second season available. As I highly enjoyed the first season, I will gladly watch the second season and review it. Hoping it will be as good as the first one. This series is perfect to pass a good moment and definetely makes a day.

Note: I will try to get those mangas I was talking about earlier, but the price is...effaring.

Score: 3.5/5. A good score for an atypic slice-of-life series. I highly enjoyed it.

Next! Ah! My Goddess and my actual review of Chobits