Ano Natsu de Matteru

Heads up, I'm writing this 2 episodes in (only 2 out so far). So take this lightly for now.

So far this is starting to get interesting. The first episode was focusing a lot on setting the story and scene for the episodes to come as expected. Episode 2 is where it starts to move along and get going. It looks as if it will be mostly based on the relationships the characters have with each other and an oncoming romance between two of them, but it does give hint to a few other plots that may be part of the main story or just go in the background. I give every series a fair chance at being unique but this keeps reminding me a lot of "Please Teacher!". That's not a bad thing since I liked that anime, but I hope this one will be even more unique.

The music is good for what it is. Most of the anime so far is dialogue so the music that is there is only subtle and in the background. The characters so far have been good. Each one has a specific personality and there aren't really any bland characters that are just sort of dead weight to the interaction of the group. Animation quality is above par. It's very detailed but in a smooth way. It's consistent and every shot is well done.

***Quick summary of what has taken place so far, probably has some spoilers***
The red head, Ichika Takatsuki, is from space in search of some scenery (a lake) that has been popping up in her memories/head. She doesn't know what place she is searching for exactly or where to look(her being an alien is the opening scene to ep.2). Due to flight issues, she ends up crashing on earth and there ends up being a human at the crash site before impact (our main protagonist, Kaito Kirishima). There was lot's of blood insinuating hurt very badly or he possibly even died(I'm sure it will explain later). The next day when he awakes, he has a faint memory of the crash (and some red hair)but brushes it off as a dream. That day in school, low and behold a red head girl transfers in. No biggie but you can tell he's obviously interested. Anyways, his friends and him decide they want to make a movie just sort of as a friendship type project. They don't know about what but they just want to make one (he's a film buff). One of the protagonists friends asks the red head if she would like to be in it (sort of jokingly) but she does actually accept to everyone's surprise. That day after school he sees her trying to fish in a stream, and kindly lets her know there are no fish in that stream and tells her where to find some (lol). So he strolls home and starts daydreaming of a sort of harem where he invites her to stay at his place. Inadvertently, he's talking out loud during said dream and she was following and listening. She gladly accepts his (daydreaming) offer to stay with him oblivious that he didn't mean to actually ask her. He being the nice guy, allows her to stay the night since she has no where else to go(all while in fear his sister might come home). She stays there, some mysterious things happen and some drama from his sister and friends about her staying there. And that's sort of where it's at now.

I look forward to more of this series and see where they go with it. This really gives me a good feeling on this series and I would recommend people to watch the episodes and keep up with the show. It may end up being one of those series you just have to see if you watch any anime. It has a lot of potential so I hope they run with it.

I hope I never forget this anime, there was so much passion. Nothing felt made up or unrealistic, there is no way the voice actors could have not felt something recording this. I have to say hands down one of the best Anime series I have ever seen. I feel like I say this a lot but Ano Natsu not only has a beautiful love story but it also has an air of excitement, action and scifi. Ive never cried multiple times in an anime AND gone back just to relive the feeling that the specific moment made me feel.

Each character feels like a main character, in 12 episodes you learn to feel for every single one of them and hate when anything bad happens to them. The level of love and passion in this anime is what everyone dreams of finding one day.

The first episode starts off pretty normal, so you won't understand right away what I mean, but this anime has a continuous theme of having a high climax at the end of an episode making you want to watch the next. Make it past the first episode and you will keep watching it, get halfway through and nothing will stop you from finishing it. I definitely recommend this anime!

At first, I didn't really like Ichika. I thought she was annoying, and it was like that for quite a few episodes. But as I got to know everyone and fell in love with each character individually, (and ship quite a few couples, even some crack couples, *troll face,*) I eventually fell in love with Ichika as well. This makes me want to live life to the fullest, for everyone I may know, can be gone in the blink of an eye, if I don't savor the moments I have with them. The end was mind blowing, and I didn't really cry until the VERY end. When Ichika was wearing that jacket Kaito's sister brought her... I burst into tears, and screamed at the top of my lungs "SHE CAME BACK! SHE CAME BACK!" Leaving odd looks gifted to me by my family members. This is probably one of my favorite animes. ♥

Ano Natsu de Matteru/Waiting in the Summer (Review with little to no spoilers)

From the producers of AnoHana comes another heartwarming anime. Tatsuyuki Nagai really outdid himself on this anime. Like Anohana, It takes place in the same summer. If you're into tear jerking, touching, heartwarming animes. Then you're in for a treat! Look at it and don't judge a piece by its cover!

Genre: Bitter Romance
Episodes: 12

note: review is kinda long so please pleasure your ears while reading my review with the ED theme by Yanagi Nagi herself. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lix8dwfjvek
I put effort and time into scripting my reviews! Thanks for reading!

[Story/Plot]

It starts of with our protagonist Kaito Kirishima, a highschooler, spending the night to test out his new camcorder. Having a peaceful time, a blast shot down from the sky hurling him to his death, In the nick of time being saved. He wakes up in his room with a misty vague memory of what happened the past night. In school the next day, a new foreign girl joined the school. Laying his eyes on her, he wanted to find out more of her. Every summer his clique films a movie for the school festival. They used it as excuse to help Kaito hook up with the new girl for their own love reasons...

[Thoughts on plot]
Well the anime goes through a love triangle, Slowly, it evolves into a love pentagon. Tears are shed in the making. The anime makes use of "Filming" into building up the relationship of each individual. At first, I was quite hesitant into watching the anime due to the character design but i was wrong, like i said, we shouldnt judge a book by its cover. The anime would seem to be sci-fi, but it is not directed to that format. It's
romance theme is planted to tell the audience that no matter where you come from, how far away or close, falling in love is achievable.

[Pros]
If you've watched an anime directed by Tatsuyuki-san, you'll notice that he blends his animes with the EDs. It is a great impact to the anime because the music bleeds out emotions into the anime. With this creating an emotional experience that will tickle your little heart. Tatsuyuki-san outdid himself by carefully picking out his artists for the OP and ED. The anime too has a very strong story plot, i couldnt find anything im annoyed with like other animes ive watched. Each individual is given equal and suffice screen time to develop their feelings for each other. The romance for this anime isnt just directed to Kaito and Ichika. The other cast members too has a taste of bitter love. When someone is loved, the others get hurt. This chemical chain reaction cannot be found elsewhere.

[Cons]
It's really hard to find a con in this anime. I just cant put my finger onto it. Maybe because there were little to no adults to this anime. Its just highschoolers.

Critic's Rating

Story - 9
Character Dev - 8
Music - 10
Artwork - 6.5
Entertainment - 10

OVERALL JUDGEMENT!
(8.7/10 STARS)

Overall, its an anime that anybody would love. They even have a casting member called "Lemon Yamano" ♥

What kind of anime for you is waiting in the summer?

~LemonCurry

Ano Natsh de Matteru has what you're looking for, when someone mentions classic anime fun in a new story. A good, light romantic comedy of cosmic proportions. This one has fun with aliens, beach-wear and friends making a film - all done in the best ways.
And if you're one who likes love triangles, the relationships here will offer you something more closely resembling a love pentagram! There's even a cute little creature that is filled with uber-kwai-ness for those who can't resist that type of element in their anime.

I normally blow off anything involving big chested alien girls; its usually not my thing. But Ichika Takatsuki is really lovable and not a total bimbo. I wanted more time with the series and that is the only reason I wouldn't give it a 5 star. I needed a little more adventure! The love stories are good! There is a little bit of conflict which really made is a little more real and in the end friendship prevails over all and it is really heartfelt and strong.

I really enjoyed this series. As others have said, the story line is dramatic and interesting. There is some magical/super advanced technology used, but not too much to overly-distract from the central story. While I did enjoy the development of each of the characters' romantic interests in each other - and the resulting competitive clashes, I give this story deductions for the following reasons: The romances began before enough character development was done, so the audience did not fully understand the motivations of the lead characters before the affinities began shifting. Also, while the girls' feelings were explored in great depth, the boys personalities were portrayed much more one-dimensionally, with not nearly enough character development for the viewer to full understand the why they made the choices they make. Four stars.