Judging from the cover, I would never check this anime out, because it seems like one of those sappy "girly" series like "Sailor Moon" or the like. However, it was near the top on a list of best anime of all time, so I thought I would give it a try, since the summary on IMDb seemed interesting. I am so glad I did.
This anime is insanely cute at times, unbearably tragic at times, incredibly inspiration most of the time, and just a breathtakingly remarkable story. I am a 22 year old male, pretty average, and I am proud to say that this show had me giggling like a toddler as often as it had me reaching for the tissue box.
You get to know all the characters very well, to the point where you really do fall in love with them all. I saw the Japanese version, and the voice actors did an amazing job in their roles,and the animation, although nothing special, always appropriately enhanced the atmosphere of the story.
Despite it's cute look, the anime is actually pretty mature, mature enough that adults will appreciate it and not feel that they are wasting their time, and yet softened enough so that younger viewers can enjoy.
The two best things about the show are the storyline and the character development. This show is not cheesy, and it is not "girly," and it is not mystical/magical. It is not about martial arts and it is not about cool technology. It doesn't cater to a particular genre or audience stereotype. It is simply a story about a girl trying to achieve her dreams, and although the show DOES over-glorify music and conform to the cookie-cutter images found in anime of what successful and talented (and thus beautiful) girls should look look like, it the principals and concepts can be related to by anyone, including me, a rising medical student trying to become a neurologist.
Besides the image of beauty that most anime series portray that I feel is dangerous for young boys and girls to absorb (because its a stupid image to make your standard), there are a couple of other things about the story that may make you raise an eyebrow, like how angels of death can be so cute and bubbly and friendly, or just questions about certain medical decisions made in the story, or whether certain plans can ever be pulled off in real life - but that's just it, this isn't real life, it is an anime, and one purpose of anime is to take you away from the mud and grime of real life.
The only reason why I didn't give it 10 stars is because I know that as amazing as it is, the show could have gone even further in greatness. I only rate something a 10 if I don't see room for improvement. However, I love this anime better than other anime series I have seen that I have rated 10. This is my second favorite anime of all time, second only to Rurouni Kenshin.
A MUST watch for any person who seeks hope, inspiration, and something to relate you when life has you down.
