Misc 8

Misc 7

Sakamichi no Apollon 7-9

Misc 5

Sakamichi no Apollon:

Jormungand:

And Ai-chan <3

Sakamichi no Apolon 5-6

Sakamichi no Apolon 5 -

Jeez, if it weren't for his rather quick character development arks, I would have a hard time enduring Kaoru. Or maybe it's just me forgetting that he is supposed to be a high schooler or that other people have emotions. I don't know, but he drives you crazy half the show with his moodiness.

A number of interesting wrinkles come out in this episode: Kaoru's mom makes an appearance with all the quesitons it raises, Yurika shows more interest in Jun, Jun is up to something and it doesn't look good, Ritsu and Kaoru hit a rut... keeps things interesting, I guess.

While I continue to like the show, I can't help feeling it is a mature telling of an immature tale. Is this really about teen angst? Really? I liked it much better when it seemed to be more about the stresses and strains of growing up in post-ocupation 1960s Japan and about the developing jazz scene. Where'd that go?


Rating: A-

Episode 6 continued with much of the same. Kaoru looks like he has grown up, but then pulls a "I'm an emo teenager" stunt again. The one improvement with this move (which is getting tired...really, really tired) is that we get some flashback info on why this is so troubling for him. Whatever that's worth.

Sakamichi no Apollon 3-4

More love ploygon drama. This show is still good, but is verging on cliche. And Kaoru. I don't care if you are a high schooler. Quite acting like a brat.

Sakamichi no Apollon 1-2

Nishimi has transfered schools again. Often left behind while his father works as a sailor, he finds himself with relatives in Kyushu. On his first day in class he runs into the rambunctious Sentaro and the kind Ritsuko and a music filled coming of age adventure begins.

Picking up where the best of recent Noitamina shows have left off, Sakimichi brings together great story telling, compelling characters, beautiful music and richly illustrated artwork. Just listening to the soundtrack alone is a piano-filled treat.

Though only two episodes in, I am really surprised by how good this looks. I had essentially written it off, but am glad I decided to check it out. Even though it centers on finding passions and friendship in the midst of those oh-so-uncertain years of transition to adulthood, the story telling is noticably mature - not in the "for adult eyes only" sense, but rather in that it is serious and sober while still being heartfelt.

Rating: A