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!

When I watched the first episode of this series I thought it was going to be lame. After getting a few episodes in I got hooked in the story. What I didn't understand is why was there like 3 or 4 major families in this small village in an urban area like that. Also how did the Hitose family have so much power... I did not fully understand the complexity of his family. Overall this was an amazing series, and I'll probably watch it again. Although I will admit the ending is a bit upsetting for me. Cried but yet happy and sad at the same time. This teaches you to always look at what you have now and what you can have in the future never look back on things that have happened in the past.

I won't put any spoilers but this anime had a lot of twists and a very good story line, I really enjoyed it and feel that the author is a genius! I really hope to watch more anime from this author. I hope that you (whoever watches it next) enjoys this as much as I did. Yes, there is a bit of "ecchi" fanservice but it's not throughout the whole anime, so it wasn't displeasing at all for anyone to watch.

I see, the theme of this story appeared at the end of story as Hinata said. Eyes of Hirose were the one of his mind which opened when he accepted everything. Actually I didn't want Hayami die that way, but it made Hirose open his eyes. All stories from episode 1 to 11 were like dream given by real Hinata and it became clear when Hirose closed his eyes and his mind retreated to the stage his mother died. Episodes 10, 11, 12 were so cruel for Hirose, Hayami and Hotaru. It could be happier than that. Hirose was able to see Hayami each other at the hill of their memory by the commitee of Spirits at the end of Episode 12 but was it enough for her? Ending was so sad.

In this Anime, I liked Yui who loved agriculture, rice field, vegetables who was hoped to exist in Japan which cannot produce 100% of foods for whole population and depends on import from other countries at large rate. It will be difficult to find such a girl in real Japan, though.

I have to confess, when I began watching H20 Footprints in the Sand, I was expecting a very shojo/harem-ish plotline, boy finds main girl and is held up by his twenty something other love interests. Drama ensues. Boy/girl confesses. More drama ensues. Boy and girl find a way to be together and that's that. Happily ever after to you too.

Boy, was I wrong.

For starters, while this anime does contain some harem-ish things, such as panty shots which are really not necessary...unless your intention is to evoke sarcastic laughs and facepalms from the female audience, and the number of girls who are sort of vying for the main character to fall in love with them, the plotline does not really revolve around that.
Instead, we are brought into the world of Takuma Hirose, who goes to the countryside to recover his vision which he lost due to some unknown cause. There, he meets a spirit, Otoha, who calls him the "Promised One" and restores his sight, but it is only temporary.
What does he do with his gift?
He befriends people, all of them girls, except the one male, a cross-dresser, who is also interested in Hirose. Oh yes, bring on the harem-ness and the love drama. Not.
He helps his main love interest, Hayami Kohinata, to gain partial acceptance, at least from his friends, a testimonial to humanity the poor girl had been refused before Hirose came.
Hirose Takuma, the Promised One, or so it seems... The town and its people have many dark secrets that Hirose and his friends must come to terms with before they can move on with their lives.

Storyline-3/5 While very interesting and enjoyable, it was extremely dramatic. Sometimes I sat and wondered whether the creator had been a rabid hormonal teenage fangirl in the beginnings of her career. Also, there was one episode (*cough* episode 8) that did not make sense until the very end,at which point, it gained grudging acceptance, but lowered my rating of the show. And the ending. Oh yes, the ending. Besides its rushed, blurry, slightly off quality-they had to find some way to tie all the missing puzzle pieces together and give it a happy ending not one minute after absolute disaster strikes. Right? RIGHT? Sorry, I'm still traumatized by that ending.

Music-5/5 The opening and ending songs were one of the highlights of this anime, in my opinion. They were very unique and pretty, and offered a contrast to many of the dark themes that ran throughout the plot.

Characters-2/5 You can see many cliches in the bases of these characters, and I believe it was only the storyline that kept them going at times.

Animation-4/5 While rather typical of anime-huge eyes and enormous haircuts which make you wonder if anime girls ever get splitting headaches, it is by no means bad. In fact, there are many beautiful scenes- a sunny, white sanded beach, the view of a tranquil valley surrounded by high mountains, and the ever-blossoming sakura trees. (Yes, I know they only bloom in the spring....^-^ )

Overall, I really enjoyed watching H20 Footprints in the Sand. Despite its many flaws, it manages to capture your attention and leave you hanging, breathless for the next episode. The author is also a genius at manipulating your feelings towards the characters. In the beginning, I realllly hated the blonde girl, Hinata. But gradually,I was brought around to feeling sorry for her and then urging her on. It is so deft you'll never realize it happening.
This anime's not really something I plan on watching again, but I really recommend it to those who like very dramatic plotlines.

ok. this is the best anime. ever.
i love the story, in general.
usually i don't like ooey-gooey love stories, but this one really was great
the characters were amazing, the story, the music, everything was just really good. and interesting.
so if you haven't watched this already, i really do suggest you watch it. take a break from Shugo Chara and Naruto.
but it's kinda weird and confusing in some parts, but feel free to ask questions in the comments section. i did(:
there are only 12 episodes, though. i was sad when i finished, but yeah. i really do love this story,
hopefully you will too♥

WE WANT SEASON 2!!!!!!♥