finished Saikano today

[hinataoccu]

So i bought the 4 DVD's as a Christmas present for myself and finally found time to watch them. Girlfriend loved it, but personally i couldn't really get into it for some reason. I mean, it was good overall but i dunno. Something just kinda rubbed me funny about it, the way the story was told maybe? ::shrug:: Any who i was wondering if the OVA is worth buying and how it relates to the series, because after the ending i don't understand how there could be anymore. Also i would like to hear about anyone else's impressions with the show.

[ADC]

The Saikano OVA is sort of a side story running concurrently with the series (with some flashbacks). It's not great. I absolutely loved the main show — it's one of my favorites of all time — so you'll probably be just fine ignoring the OVA, I think.

That show is really hard to watch, having said all that. There are parts that just shred your heart. It ranks with Grave of the Fireflies among shows that you have to watch once, should watch multiple times, but can't work up the courage to revisit. At least, that's the way I feel about it.

[roastedpekingduck]

I've still stayed away from it because in the last two recommendations thread I made, around half of the people said that the tragedy and melodrama and was over the top and overdone that the show was kind of killed from that. I'm the kind of person who hates melodrama and prefers subtle emotions, so that put a warning sign on the series. I may give the show a try, but as of now, it's sitting in my absolutely huge "Shows to watch in the future" list.

[RayeKinezono]

If you didn't care for the series, don't get the OVA.

I watched this series just waiting and hoping that it would lighten up and turn for the better. But instead, it kept getting deeper and deeper, and then it just ended. I didn't see any real conclusions. And, it seemed to me, anyway, that to tie up loose threads, the involved characters were just killed off.

I had to take breaks and watch some more light-hearted shows just so I could work up the attention and ability to watch more. I watched it once, and I'm ever so glad that it was a rental, because I would have been really upset if I'd spent real money on it. Depressing shows are too hard to watch, and there's already enough in life to get one depressed, I don't need my entertainment doing it too.

[Suwako Moriya]

I've still stayed away from it because in the last two recommendations thread I made, around half of the people said that the tragedy and melodrama and was over the top and overdone that the show was kind of killed from that.

I'd definitely fall under the category of people who felt that way. Honestly at first I was interested in the series, but I quickly grew tired of the forced tragedy. By episode 10, I completely dropped the series. I saw no point in watching the rest as the show made it clear I'd just waste my time. All because I reached the point of thinking screw it, they're all going to *****ing die anyway

[Damo]

I watched all 13 episodes back to back, and loved it, I must have been in the mood for it as really the discs had sat on my shelves for a good while before I watched.

Though obviously if you don't like melodrama and an anime full of crying and tragedy avoid it.

it is very powrful stuff that you do have to be in the right frame of mind to watch, I doubt a repeat viewing by me will happen for some time.

// now I feel liek I'm not praising the series as much as I should as I did enjoy it. :sd:

[Ty]

The OVA is forgettable, but the main series is probably the best work Gonzo has ever done. Pretty gut wrenching storyline. This show embodies one of the things I love most about anime: taking something beyond belief and out of picture with reality (a cute little girl becoming a super cyborg weapon while trying to have a normal school life) and then selling it within a serious story and making it work. It all feels serious and believable and it takes great skill to pull that off.

[Shsway]

I haven't seen the OVA yet (not really inclined to try it out, as it doesn't sound very interesting to me). I did enjoy the TV show, if one could call that enjoyment. Despite my dislike of both leads (more scorn for her), I got into their story, sympathized, and felt just dreadful for them. Some things seem very natural about their interactions, which lent some believability to an otherwise fantastical set-up. I was struck, in particular, by the supporting cast; their concerns and how they all ended up.

The music and direction intrigued me; I love the style and sound of the OP. Ishimoda Shirou does a great job as Shuji, and the English dub done by Voice One was good, even surprising in places. Solid performances from most pf the people involved.

I'm actually kind of, sort of re-watching the show right now, so I may have more to say later.

[Isuzu Inugami]

Despite my dislike of both leads (more scorn for her), I got into their story, sympathized, and felt just dreadful for them. Some things seem very natural about their interactions, which lent some believability to an otherwise fantastical set-up. I was struck, in particular, by the supporting cast; their concerns and how they all ended up.

Decomposing?

Sorry, couldn't resist. I actually really liked Saikano as well, for pretty much the same reasons. Akemi! :(

[Suzaku Seikun]

I liked (but didn't love) Saikano, but I think you have to be in the right mood to get into the story. When you're feeling really upbeat, this show clashes with your mood so much that it's hard to get into the story and feel the characters.