Angel Beats Review (not updated)

Angel Beats Review

Synopsis:  Otonashi Yuzuru wakes up one night in the middle of an unfamiliar school with no memories other than his name. He is met by a girl holding a large sniper rifle, Nakamura Yuri, who tells him that he’s dead, this is the afterlife and that she leads a guerilla group fighting against fate, God and the controller of this world, the student council president who they call “Tenshi”. Yuri wants Otonashi to join her group (and to help think up a new name for it, as the team originally calling themselves the “Afterlife Battlefront” shortened to the SSS, can’t seem to settle on a decent title), but Otonashi isn’t so convinced and wants to hear Tenshi’s side of the story. Tenshi, however, reciprocates by stabbing Otonashi in the heart…

From: Nihon Review

Story: 7/10

I guess most if not all of the people who have watched this will agree that this was way DAMN SHORT. I’ll explain my point in a little bit. Over thirteen episodes, they had maybe a thousand brilliant ideas all stuffed on those 13 episodes. And they had three main characters and seventeen side characters all crammed on those thirteen episodes. The whole plot was very fast-forwarded, the pacing was very rushed, therefore making the whole story even more confusing and dissatisfying.

Thus I am left with a choice to either hate Maeda or to like an anime that was partly satisfying and partly disappointing. But nevertheless, I can never say that I hate Angel Beats, nor any of the characters that were represented. My point here is, it was great when it could’ve been a timeless piece.

Animation: 9/10

                I have no bad feeling about Angel Beat’s animation. The animation was pretty decent throughout the series except that the guys somewhat looked the same. Anyways, the concert scenes were really awesome. The setting here is just the typical Japanese High School. Nothing really bad though.

Sound: 9/10

                I guess this was one of the reasons why Angel Beats was a hit. Though I’m not really a big fan of J-pop I can say that I kinda liked some songs. The theme songs are good. The GirlDeMo’s songs were pretty decent. Certainly one of Angel Beat’s crowning glory. But as always, very far from perfection.

Characters: 8/10

This could have saved the whole show if only they were given at least one episode to tell a little bit about their wonderful story. I mean, we can’t deny that the cast is picked amazingly, from awesome TK to lovable Tenshi. And maybe they could’ve explained a little more about what really is a purgatory. As to why only teens were able to enter that specific place. Why Otonashi was there in the first place when he already died fulfilled. Furthermore, Naoi’s childhood had little connection to what he became when he entered that purgatory. His pottery background living his brother’s life to living in the purgatory as a God had no connection, if he knew his whole existence was a lie, maybe he should’ve lived again as himself instead. Of course, every one of us would like to know more about each of the characters. They are so many questions left unanswered. And so, this leaves us more disappointed and confused.

But there are also very good concepts that they used in the show. One of it is the humor. Who hasn’t laughed while watching Angel Beats is a complete retard. This leaves me laughing out loud looking like a nutcase on my computer. Who won’t laugh about TK’s English-speaking antics to Takeyama’s insistence to make you call him “Christ”. Thus giving this series more re-watch value.

Overall: 8/10

                I guess what saved Angel Beats is its humor, sound, and its very own mystery. Though I somehow felt disappointed and dissatisfied, I somehow enjoyed and finally finished this series. If it’s not clear to you, I’ll say my point once again: This was way damn short. They could’ve given a little more time to air this, and I’m pretty sure I’ll still follow it through the end. They could’ve given the characters a chance to portray themselves a little more. And to take some risks in order to give the viewers the “ugh” feeling that I’m sure will be worth in the long run.