subtleamberlights

One of my favourite anime of all time! Certainly the best sports anime. I just loved everything about it, but what kept me hooked was the relationship between Aoi and Eve. You didn't even need yuri goggles as their "rivalry" was crucial to the entire show. Unbelievably, it's made me interested in golf. One for the ages. 

I watched this anime at the exact right moment in my life and I appreciated it's honest approach to championing pursuing your dreams, never giving up, and making the best out of bad situations. I thought it handled the concept of grief really well, too, which was unexpected. The story might be tried and tested - and predictable - but that's by no means a bad thing when it's executed with an obvious care for its characters and concepts. I enjoyed the journey. Of course it's not a perfect anime, but it doesn't matter, I enjoyed it for what it was. 

I'm not even finished watching this as I type but I've never wanted to punch a character in the face quite as much as Nenecchi. Also, it's strayed from the first series quite a bit. It feels like no one is interacting? Or the dymaics that were introduced in the first series are falling short. I can't understand why they introduced two interns towards the later end of the series instead of doing something with the characters they have - that are all quite underdeveloped still. Meh, I just wish this was all better.  

That’s a wrap on A Certain Scientific Railgun S! A lot of this season felt like a slog quite honestly but it really pulled it back in the last couple of episodes. I wish it hadn’t separated the main four for most of its 24 episodes as their dynamic and humour and shenanigans were where it excelled. Plus the main arcs were rather flat and the villains underserved. Eh. I left it with a smile so that’s something! The OVA was fun.

This show surprised me in the best way, possibly because I hadn't known anything about it beforehand. The fact it was so dark, so uncompromising, so surprisingly poignant, made me appreciate the "magical girl" genre in an entirely new way. It wasn't perfect (some of the characters' motives were a little muddy) but I couldn't help but be in awe of the visuals, the music, the complicated story. I would like to re-watch this one day. 

I've got to admit, this isn't the best anime in the world, and sometimes it fell a bit flat, but all the same it struck a nerve with me: a bunch of protags trying to find their place - and what they want - in the world resonated to the point I was openly crying once the last episode went off. Over twenty five episodes you care for these characters, much like in Shirobako, and I suppose I was finding comfort in the themes of this show as I go through my own tumultuous year, desperately trying to find what it is I want to do. Sakura Quest will keep a place in my heart for that reason. 

It's like wearing your favourite sweater, cradling the perfect cup of tea, and eating the most delicious treats all presented in one lovely show. It's my comfort watch, and it makes me feel better. What impressed me was how well Rin was treated: she's an introvert and not shamed for it. The others respect her solo camping, and she accepts the whirlwind that is Nadeshiko into her life. They complement one another wondefully. 

I thought this anime was hilarious and I'm sad to see it go!

One of the greatest romances ever told. I was bawling during episode 23. I loved this show. It had a slow start, which is why it's a 4.5 and not a 5, but once the characters and set-up are established, it doesn't lose its momentum for a second. One that will stay with me. 

I will say this about Shirobako: you certainly start to believe and care for the characters. This wasn't an anime that I binged and I'm really glad I had the patience to space it out. I found it very comforting and engaging throughout; it even inspired me to go out and find something I'm as passionate about. Props to the studio - and I can't wait for the film!

So I'm crying about the end of this one. I found myself really routing for Oreki and Chitanda. I wish it was longer, or that more time had been spent on Oreki being nice to Eru. Yeesh, need me that second season. 

I love K-ON! with my whole heart and I miss this show every day.

This is genuinely one of the most visually stunning shows I've seen. i was blown away by Violet Evergarden, which I watched before this, but there are some scenes in this that utterfly floored me. The festival scenes for one. Story wise, it's not on par with the first season. I didn't get that emotional punch I was looking for, and some of the characters could have been fleshed out. That being said, I would love a third season because I am attached to the bad and especially Kumiko and Reino... If that ship would sail.