H2O: Footprints in the Sand

I fell in love with this anime series practically the moment I started watching it. The opening scenes of the first few episodes uses one of my absolute favorite poems, "Footprints in the Sand". From watching the first episode, I was blown away by how amazing it seemed. The poem tied in beautifully with the storyline, the opening and endings (Katayoku no Icarus by Yui Sakikabara and Kazahane by Haruka Shimotsuki) are two of my favorite songs. At the time, the graphics also astounded me since they were so clear and concise in comparison to other anime shows preceeding it.

I'll admit, the storyline isn't perfect for me. I personally didn't like the comical moments with Otoha as much as other people might. I also feel that the ending is sort of cheesy, but then again, if I ask myself: "what would a better ending have been?" I can't answer that question.

Still, for a wonderful anime series with a beautiful message, the struggles of the handicapped, the life of the despised, and the overcoming of challenges, definately give this anime a try!

Let me just start by saying this anime made me cry TWICE with the last episode alone( once during the episode and once the next morning). The only other anime to ever even make a tear fall from my eyes was myself; yourself. Now, if your into heartwarming stories, then read on.
I guess you can say it starts off with a bang. You hear one of my favorite quotes "Footprints in the sand" being spoken as a girl is beat up (for those of you who don't know this poem, please Google it. It is worth it.). After that, you get introduced to a blind, traumatized boy whom this anime revolves around. Now, I don't want to spoil the story or anything so watch the first few episodes at least.
Warning: keep a box of tissues beside you while watching the last episode. Also, if your easily embarrassed or are afraid of your image as a manly man of manliness going down the drain, watch it alone.

Definitely recommend to anyone (even those who would rather something like naruto) as a little look into the lives of those struggling can only be good. This is one you will remember for a long time after this short 12 episode series is over. ENJOY

Characters:

First of all, i would just like to point out that the characters were very well developed, even the supporting characters, such as the uncle. Although the viewers are able to delve into the minds of these main characters, i would have to say that not many would be able to relate, or even intrigue the viewer. One of the main characters, Hirose, happens to be the only male protaganist, which deems this as a vantage point for this anime, because he presents himself to be someone of a weak stature. We see in the early episodes, Hirose does not do anything to defend his relationship with an alienated girl, Hayami. Often, we see Hirose being dragged away, leaving Hayami to once again, be isolated. This continues for several episodes, dragging the rating of the anime down.


Age 'Appropriate?':

This is the part of my review where i would like to point out that this anime would have been, say, ten times better if the characters were not in fucking middle school. All right? It's hard to believe that these middle schoolers would know the true meaning of 'love,' a subject which has appeared throughout the later episodes in the anime. I would highly support the contingent, and hypothetical choice of all of the characters being at least four years older.I would say that if they were in their senior years in high school, it would have been a lot more believable.


Setting:

All i have to say is, "What the fucking hell?" In the very first episode, Hirose, the ballsackless, impotent, and young main characters appears to be blind. He is magically healed in the end of the first episode, but that's a point i'll adress later. Anyways, I have nothing but criticism for this section, because we see that the type of school he goes to is an art school. Now what the fuck? An art school? For someone who can't even fucking see? What does he expect to draw/paint with?

We also see that Hayami, the loner girl, lives on the other side of this bridge. Yes, it's literally a bridge. And out of SHEER fortuitousness, there is a waterfall right outside of an abandoned trailer (Hayami's house), which is where she takes a shower. Let's say that waterfall wasn't there. Where should she cleanase herself?

The point i'm trying to make out of the setting is that it's just horrible. A story based off of pure coincidence. The reason as to why Hirose came to the village in the first place was to heal his blindness or some shit like that. But seriously, would a blind kid be going to an art school in the first place? Horrible.

Hirose:

Yes, this section is dedicated to the main character, Hirose. What i would like to point out is that this contingent, lucky, fortuitous, unrealistic, mother fucker just happens to be a charming handesome knight, which all of the girls happen to want to fuck. One of the main aspects of any character really which absolutely rubs me the wrong way is their complexion. What are the chances that a blind boy would be handesome? Blind guys and Good complexion do not blend!!! Again, i would like to criticize his weakness, because it is not a trait any male protaganist should have. He allows himself to be pulled away, almost as if telling us he wants to isolate Hayami. He starts to grow some balls in the later episodes though. The only types of people he hangs out with are chicks. WTF??? He doesn't hang out with guys because the only other guys in the school are these 2 bullies who hang around this pretentious, spoiled, arrogant girl named Yui.

Magic:

How Hirose gets magically healed in the end of the first episode strangely doesn't piss me off as much as it does to other people. I actually happen to support that fact because it adds a lot more creativity to the story. There is a magic fairy chick named Otaha, or some shit like that, but she doesn't appear that often, nor does she use her magic often. Only Hirose can see her, and you'll find out why if you watch the anime.

Tragedy and Comedy do not FUCKING blend!!!:

I do not support dramatic relief AT ALL! WHATSOEVER! I came to see an anime of tragedy, so i expect to fucking get one! Let me tell you that right in the middle of the episode, usually, something really tragic happens, and directly after that, they play a small slide of silly cartoon drawings to relieve the tragedy of the scene. The uncle is mainly used to display this, and it really pisses me off. I would have had a much much much better experienceif it were sheer tragedy and NO comedy!

Romance:

I don't support middle school romance, because i just think they're too young. Although it didn't appear as much throughout the series, i would still have to disparage it because i don't think children this young would be able to grasp the true meaning of love.

Plot:

All i'll tell you about the plot is that it revolves around family ties and bonds and shit. It's pretty interesting, but very much unrealistic to Americans, which is another factor that rubs me the wrong way. I can't blame the plot, because its origin is all in all, japanese, and probably intended for japanese, but the point i'm trying to make is that most people outside of Japan wouldn't probably be able to relate to something like this and just consider it PURE Badinage.


Overall rating: 6.5/10. It seems appropriate, but i feel as if giving it such a low rating would discourage you guys to watch it. I did enjoy watching this series because it was only 12 episodes, and very short, but giving it a 7 would feel like i'm only giving it more than it really deserves. I do recommend it, because it was better than Yosuga No Sora, or at least, in my opinion.


FINAL OVERALL RATING: 9.5/10. After watching the conclusion, i have come to the realization that there is no feasible way to eximplify my liking towards this anime. The conclusion was so emotional and i just loved it. The conclusion of this anime was able to bump this anime's rating up by an entire 3. My previous overall rating was based off of watching only 10 out of 12 episodes, which i have learned, is completely unacceptable. When writing reviews, i have learned to watch the entire series before i even start. Anyways, the ending just blew me away. I didn't even have this urge to even want a second season because it had ended so well. I loved it so much. After watching the last episode, i now know why the characters are in middle school, and not in high school. I bestow this anime my utmost respect and complete veneration because it elicited me to imbue an emotion of Gen-you-ine happiness. That's how much i LOVED the ending.

At first glance I thought the title was a bit odd, but since it was based off of a visual game, it's not so unusual. I gave it a chance when I saw the description about a boy who was blind and his emotional struggle to overcome his mother's death.

The storyline is jumpy and can drive you up a wall in places with the comedy and joke placement, but it's not bad overall if you can handle some "viewer discretion advised" jokes. As far as plot goes, it's average and has the typical struggle and overcome type of storyline.

The music is lovely and has some great flute music in it, I love the dramatic touch it adds!

The characters are lovable and playful. I did not get tired of them at all, not even the annoying and mean (except the VERY EVIL ONES) side characters. The main characters relationships with each other are tied in nicely with everyone as well as the background characters. I give them five stars for making another great anime couple, Hayami-chan and Takuma-kun! Not every anime couple's story turns out amazing, but as far as romantic and heart-warming, this would be it!

I just love every bit of this anime. It will make you cry, weep, and sniffle. My throat hurt during many episodes. Don't forget to breathe during the last few minutes of each dramatic scene!

I love the story line of this anime series mostly where Hayami Kohinata is starting to build trust with the village thanks to Takuma Hirose. To me the animation is wonderful even if its 2012 compared to other anime I would say that for an old anime it still got a grate graphic.

This has been one of my favorite romance anime starting from 2011 my last favorite romance anime was "Myself; Yourself".

If you like this anime check out "Myself; Yourself" as well. http://www.crunchyroll.com/myself-yourself

personally me i dont like sad ending but this story just caught me from the very first episode and i couldnt have asked for such a wonderful romance between kohinata and hirose and i am a complete sucker for a good romance but the ending just riped me in two for how everything else was great highly recommended

This is very well put to gether story about loss and letting go of things you can't change, looking forword and not dewlling in the past.
About forgivness, "Why should the child bare the sins of the father"

All in all a depressing story with some comedy to liten the mood a bit.

I watched quite a few episodes. A girl is bullied. Call a cockroach. She is beat up. The villagers burned her parents home down. What is wrong with these people! What the hell pissed them off so much. This is just to much over the top, it is ridiculously awful.

This turns out be quite the psychological anime show. I really enjoyed it. It was hard to get into at first but once you get through the first few episodes one begins to get comfortable and settles in.

If I had compare this show to anything I would think along the lines of M. Night Shyamalan's early films like Sixth Sense (especially in regards to Hirose's condition). It's the kind of show that flows along normally then WHAM, surprise plot twist (and you will experience such with Hirose, Kohinata, and Hinata).

All in all this is a great series with some loveable (and a few very hateable) characters. A coming of age story that involves love, hate, loss, and a fair bit of tragedy. But even with the tragedy, the show sprinkles some happiness through it (I specifically think Otoha when I mention that).

Yes as cheezy as it seems I fell in love with this anime, It is one of those that just wants to make you cry and it made me cry I love this anime alot I I hardly cry for anything so I recomend it. i really do