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Phantom Memory KURAU
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Animation - 8.9 |
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Sound - 9.2 |
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Story - 8.6 |
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Character - 8.2 |
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Value - 8.6 |
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Enjoyment - 8.6 |
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Average - 8.7 |
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| Average |
8.3 |
| Animation |
8 |
| Sound |
8 |
| Story |
8 |
| Character |
9 |
| Value |
8 |
| Enjoyment |
9 |
| Kurau Phantom Memory is probably the most schizophrenic representation I have ever witnessed in japanese animation. Not that it start with some real motives, but mainly because it represents the real nature of schizophrenia. It came from the idealisation of our dreams and Kurau perfectly fit in the picture. She’s waiting for this person who could bring some sense in her restless existence. She’s doing stuff without any concern about her, she’s totally careless until the time she will meet this person… and that person, you will understand why it’s so schizophrenic, is none other than herself, a perfect representation of herself but younger. It’s a common feeling from peoples living in their imagination and wishing for consideration. The only persons who can love these peoples like they wish to be love are themselves. Kurau Phantom Memory starts with that in mind, a desperate person waiting for a desperate miracle. This miracle eventually occurs. The story begins at this point and brings back some memories for putting into context the events of the first episodes. It’s simply stunning to see such representations coming straight from the mind of someone as screwed as this.
What I really mean is that it’s a representation from someone living in her or his mind. What is probably so touching is maybe that it represents the deepest truth about our existence, our wish for mutual understanding and this perfect harmony that we seek without ever being able to reach it. This representation can only be possible with yourself. Being able to comfort and share your own pain with someone else that understand every of your feelings without having to share any words. This is what I call a schizophrenic rendition.
The first episodes and the last bunch are easily unforgettable, but the middle ones don’t render the same level of quality. This anime could have been made in 16 episodes. It would have been such a masterpiece if it would have stayed on the initial impact. Instead, we get a bunch of fights that are easily forgettable and a story without much impact except when we get to face our dreams with reality.
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akai-chou |
(2006-09-09 07:17:42) 2006-08-21 13:36:46 |
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| Average |
9.3 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
10 |
| Story |
9 |
| Character |
9 |
| Value |
9 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
| To be honest i was't that sure if i should finish watching this anime at the very beginning. The story felt somehow loose and the emotional factor (the crying stuff etc.) seemed a little bit too strong.
BUT! After following the storyline some episodes further i got more and more involved; and the crying, which was rahter alienating at the beginning, felt, especially in the last 4 episodes, very natural and was very touching.
Animation was neat, though it was sometimes not very detailed or the surrounding seemed sometimes too sterile. But there are a lot of highlights, that's for sure.
The soundtrack was perfect! The whole expirience might have turned out much worse without the extremly atmospheric music. There were only few moments when it felt a little bit too corny but that's fine with me. OP and ED were also great. Especially the ED was at times very very intense; when the last cliffhanger-scene merged with the ED ... man!
As already said characters appeared a little bit whiny at the beginning but this changed very quickly: at the point when the story started to develop and characters were more explained. And shortly i was totally absorbed in it. ;)
Well i can understand why some might be bothered with all this crying. But i definitley know that people might also be moved to tears ;). Well, it's a very emotional anime, maybe it is too much, maybe it's not ... you have to decide that for yourself.
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| Average |
5.7 |
| Animation |
8 |
| Sound |
8 |
| Story |
6 |
| Character |
3 |
| Value |
5 |
| Enjoyment |
4 |
| This show is one big failure at what it was trying to do. Characters just cry and at the end, there was just miles of crying. It was just really painful for me to watch. The factors that contribute to its failue at an attempt to be a tear-jerking drama is it's slow pace, characters that don't develop well, and terrible script.
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petran79 |
(2008-01-14 19:54:36) 2006-08-12 15:28:22 |
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| Average |
6.8 |
| Animation |
7 |
| Sound |
7 |
| Story |
5 |
| Character |
7 |
| Value |
7 |
| Enjoyment |
8 |
| (AnimeYuki fansubs. Though not of the best translations, I cant complain anyway)
One of the few animes I finished in a single day without skipping a second. The best work involving animation by Studio Bones so far.
The animation, though not that action- paced and detailed as in Bones' previous works has nevertheless a unique visual style that brings the most out of the characters. Also the scenes involving Rynax disintegration were amazing and also some short air and space battles. The design instantly became appealing.
Also music and sfx though sparse were appropriately used, helping thus to create that unique and many times dramatic atmosphere. OP and ED themes were of the most original and influential I've heard and seen in anime.
The story lacked seriously since the focus was on the characters. Not only, as reviews here and elsewhere mentioned, Rynax entities (a very interesting concept) are left unexplained but actually very little about the GPO's true purpose is revealed. But had the producers done so the anime would perhaps be less appealing and would turn like GITS, as I thought initially while watching the first 3 episodes of KPM.
The characters on the other hand were excellent. When good voice actors (especially Kurau's) are helped by excellent visuals and animation the result shows itself. Every character, even the secondary ones, were excellent. Christmas was annoying sometimes but thankfully her facial expressions were never excessive and ridiculous.
The anime has a perfect pacing. Slow or full of action when need be and one of the best endings in anime.
As for the part where the anime turns overdramatic: if so many viewers managed to give Kiminozou the #1 spot for such a long time on the Animenfo top 200 animes for the dramatic moments, then they should also watch KPM to draw comparisons and see how drama should be applied correctly.
A must watch and one of the most enjoyable series available. Even as an introductory anime (I'd prefered to have watched this first instead of Wolf's Rain)
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| Average |
7.8 |
| Animation |
8 |
| Sound |
8 |
| Story |
7 |
| Character |
8 |
| Value |
8 |
| Enjoyment |
8 |
| I am not sure what kind of anime is Kurau. Firstly the story is all over the place. It is good, but a crucial part is not told that well. Its more of a one sided story of stuff.
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| Average |
10.0 |
| Animation |
10 |
| Sound |
10 |
| Story |
10 |
| Character |
10 |
| Value |
10 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
| I just can't believe that such great anime got only a few reviews. This is one of the first anime series I watched and it's still one of my favorites.
I think that animation was done very well, much about average, and I wouldn't change that style at all. Great vivid colors, too. Esp. physics was done extraordinarily well. Remember the scenes with that rotating ship!
Music was also above average, some very beautiful songs, and it fit the story very well.
I still enjoy this anime very much. It has great replay/rewatch value!
But the most valuable thing in Kurau is the story, that is, relationship between Kurau and Christmas. Gorgeous. It's a relationship similar as between two very close sisters, and it's beautifully told and depicted. There are some quite moving scenes involved, too, but not too much of it. Anyway, be ready for use of some paper tissues!
Everything is extremely well balanced. There's not too much of action, which i appreciate. Most anime are action oriented anyway. It can become boring.
Ending was satisfying, too.
I must say that this is one of the most underrated anime. I really can't understand that. It's beautifully executed and everything has its place. Kurau is not the most beautiful girl, but you can't not to fall in love with her. It's a proof that outside look is not everything. She has just that golden heart.
I'm giving a 10 to this anime without hesitation. I'm also asking anime fans to give this anime a try!
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Genesis |
(2006-02-13 17:31:10) 2006-02-13 03:02:12 |
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| Average |
8.7 |
| Animation |
8 |
| Sound |
9 |
| Story |
9 |
| Character |
8 |
| Value |
9 |
| Enjoyment |
9 |
| Phantom memory is one of those anime shows that havent been seen by wider audience,and its a shame since this is surprisingly good.Obviously this was created for older audience.
Animation is very similar to animation in anime "Planetes",and like in that show its hard to say how good animation is,since it is very rare kind of animation and that is the reason why it is hard to compare it other anime shows.I personally think that is is good,not top notch but better than average.Many of you wont like it,but i think its interesting and original type of animation.Acton scenes are well done,even thou there are not that much action as i expected to be.
Sound-Opening and ending songs are very good and fit this anime perfectly.There are some other good songs that can be heard throw anime,and those are very,very good songs.Worth to be in anyones collection.But negative point is that there are not that many songs and in anime that is 26 episodes long,many will definitely get fed up hearing same 5 songs over and over again.Overall,great OST.Story is very original and interesting,the problem for me was that some where in middle of series story switch from relationship between Kurau and Christmas to some other characters and problems that occur.Story and characters develope in nice pace and most of the things are explained,except what is Rinax!?But put that aside and you get great and unique story!
Enjoyment-yes i did enjoy it a lot,but still i somehow felt that this anime had more to offer and someway it didn't.something was missing to make it almost perfect.Phantom memory is probably one of better shows in 2004 and needs to be seen.
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| Average |
8.2 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
8 |
| Story |
8 |
| Character |
8 |
| Value |
8 |
| Enjoyment |
8 |
| Upon finishing this anime, it is hard to find any blatant problems in this anime. Everything looks great, presented great, and the story is original, but for some reason I find it hard to give me this anime big thumbs up.
I think my problem with this anime lies perhaps in my expectation. I love studio Bones... at least the animes I've seen from them (mostly action). they always seems to have perfect balance between detailed story telling and butt kicking action to never let the anime slip into boredom. I for some reason expected the same of Kurau, which is entirely my fault because Kurau in itself is not an action series. It's drama about certain beings who are persecuted and used, and people who share inseparable bonds.
Having said that the story telling in this anime is very through. At the end I don't think oyu are gonna have much questions about story itself. Only things I questioned was "What the hell actually is Rynax?" I would've really like to know. I mean sci-fi animes create bunch of stupendous reasons to explain most improbable things anyways, they should had something up to give us some clue as to how we can understand these alien creatures. Only thing we do get to know is that These creatures somehow were created or brought by Kurau's father, they need a "pair" to live, and that they like to live in a wide vast world.
The story itself is very original. I don't think I've seen something remotely close to this. If anyone who read this ahve please don't hesistate to e-mail me so I can be enlightened. What this anime doesn't managa to do with its unique premise is its pacing. now having said this, this anime doesn't have fillers of sorts. This anime is well organizd in its own right, but perhaps organized to broadly. If this whole series were were tightly compacted into 13 or 14 episodes I think this anime could be much better even if it had to leave out to things. this in its nature is very slow and tranquil. Hints of real emotional drama only kicks during the second half of the series and first half is mostly about running away.
Also another flaw is its ending. the ending is perfectly timed and not rushed, but a bit anti climactic. You will see what i'm talking about but I have no idea why the director used a certain format one the last episode which made it that way. It just made the last episode choppy and way too still. Emotional drama was lesson by this and I personally think it hurt.
Perhaps directors intention was to limit the emotional drama. Afterall this anime is very tamed emotionally for the most part except between Kurau's love for Christmas.
the characters are.... well main characters are not what makes this show but the side characters. I absolutely loved Dr. Amani's role in this anime as a science suffering from self-guilt. Doug is a nice addition and Ayaka really adds a nice dimension of personality with her own past as well. Of course Kurau is a very original character all viewers can sympathize and understand, but Chrismas eventually got annoying (part of it was her voice actor).
Animation? Well I think I can ask more from Bones, but this is good enough I would say. Background animation is clean and the designs are superb. character designs are well-done in a very stylish manner. Action scenes, though rare, was not bad. The special effects with all the lights were pretty.
Music was rather low key. The opening was quiet song as was the ED. I like the intro at first, but it really is not what I would listen to everyday as I walk to my classes. the background music never forces the mood, but never really emphasize the mood when it has to.
Well I have said enough. this anime is original, and well made, but it just is too slow. Everything is way too still in this anime. For some anime this format works, but I don't think it did for this. Perhaps I was expecting a faster paced action type drama, but this is a slow paced tranquil drama about the Rynax and its struggles. I found this anime enjoyable, but not enthralling. If you ahve the patience, like I did, to go through a very slow paced anime I say go right ahead and watch it and you will have a good time watching. If you don't this anime might not appeal to you as much.
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1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Buddah |
(2005-07-22 21:14:38) 2005-07-19 21:57:31 |
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| Average |
9.5 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
10 |
| Story |
10 |
| Character |
8 |
| Value |
10 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
| It also seems like like this anime is being underrated by some people, but its alright, it is all about opinion anyway, but personally, I loved this anime, especially the inseperable bond that Kurau and Christmas have together as it builds stronger when the more deeper it gets into the story. The sounds are excellent, especially the opening theme, "Natsukushii Umi" by Akino Arai, I love that song. The character design, I thought, was okay, even though I thought they could have made Kurau at least a tad bit better looking than that. The animation throughout the series was smooth and enjoyable to watch. The story I thought was impressive; basically about 2 girls who are runaways and are considered threats because of their Rynax power, that itself got me interested into watching this.
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0 of 0 people found this review helpful.
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|
| Average |
9.7 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
10 |
| Story |
10 |
| Character |
9 |
| Value |
10 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
| One of the greatest animes of 2004 without a doubt. Granted it isn't for everyone since it is somewhat slow moving.
Characters i feel are very well developed and likable and contrary to what some other reviews are saying i think that the characters are anything but "cardboard cutouts". Each characters has his or her own reasons and backstory which are all fleshed out well throughout the series.
Opening and endings are extremely good and match the series well in terms of atmosphere. The more subtle score inside the episodes is also nice.
Overall i would say that Kurau is a must see if you like a good story.
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polde |
2005-05-21 16:00:00 |
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| Average |
10.0 |
| Animation |
10 |
| Sound |
10 |
| Story |
10 |
| Character |
10 |
| Value |
10 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
| This is the first anime after Serial Experiments Lain that got me totaly caught up.
Story is simply wonderful. Slow paced (), even though there is a lot of action. Last scenes could be done without so much sugar and happyness, but that is the only bad thing that I can say about this anime.
Reading reviews a lot of people I saw that some people were expecting father to be the solution. Wrong, being pathetic as he was is the only way he could be. He couldn't stop Rynax from happening, he couldn't control it after, and he couldn't stop the flow of ending. He was a simple bystander and the only thing he could provide was support during the story and nothing else. In real life one would really feel pathetic when involved as he was, lost his daughter and he couldn't do nothing.
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0 of 0 people found this review helpful.
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| Average |
7.8 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
9 |
| Story |
8 |
| Character |
7 |
| Value |
7 |
| Enjoyment |
7 |
| The animation is very well done on this one.Very smooth very clean, character design is not too bad .
The sound is pretty good.
The story is interesting enough but I feel something is missing.
Character development is weak.It doesnt feel deep , I dont feel any connection with the characters.Not like other anime character where you are completely drawn into the character that you feel happy when they are happy and so on.
Value wise-not worth buying.
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Canas |
2005-02-26 15:31:18 |
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| Average |
9.0 |
| Animation |
8 |
| Sound |
10 |
| Story |
9 |
| Character |
8 |
| Value |
10 |
| Enjoyment |
9 |
| Personally, I really enjoyed this anime and watched it all. The music is fantastic especially the ending theme "Moonlight." It focuses on the relationship between Kurau and her pair. And it also talks about this type of energy that has a conscious of their own. If you could compare it to something, compare it to the human soul. It has no physical appearance but it's just an entity. Well these soulish type of energy is called Rynax and they tend to get extremely lonely and as a result, depressed. I guess a theme could be love, since everyone needs it and without it life would be much harder. Well this group, of course, tries to hunt down the Rynax to use them for power. I really liked some of the fights or events where the Rynax people used their powers. It was very nice. The animation is pretty good, although Kurau looks like a man. She is supposed to be a bomboy though.
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0 of 0 people found this review helpful.
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| Average |
9.5 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
9 |
| Story |
9 |
| Character |
10 |
| Value |
10 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
| I have seen all 24 episodes, and really enjoyed this anime. Humans who possess a form of energy are being hunted down by the global police. Most of the story concerns the two main characters, Kurau and her pair, Christmas, trying to evade capture. There are some plot twists toward the end that would be spoilers, so I won't say anything about them. The ending wraps a number of things up in a generally positive fashion.
Kurau and Christmas are both sympathetic characters, and some of the supporting characters are also good. There is considerable suspense in most episodes, and the story keeps your attention (I watched the last 13 episodes at one sitting).
The scenery is beautiful; my only quibble with the animation is that the characters' faces - particularly Kurau's - sometimes are rather distorted, particularly in side views.
The music is good too. The whole thing is something that I will keep and watch again. And probably even get the US edition.
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0 of 0 people found this review helpful.
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| Average |
9.7 |
| Animation |
10 |
| Sound |
9 |
| Story |
9 |
| Character |
10 |
| Value |
10 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
| Wow.. I usually never review animes, but this one had a really profound effect on me. The character development is very good and realistic, and the animation is also very good. Each episode is done nicely so that it contributes to the plot, and the storyline never lags. Although the whole experiment/supernatural beings theme may seem cliche, Kurau really deviates from the norm. Even though the ending is slightly predictable, it's still an extremely fitting end.
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| Average |
5.2 |
| Animation |
8 |
| Sound |
10 |
| Story |
7 |
| Character |
2 |
| Value |
2 |
| Enjoyment |
2 |
| What started out as a solid anime became gripping by mid-story, and then turned to utter disappointment at the end.
On the surface, Kurau is an excellent and mature story. I enjoyed the elements of the global police and their jackboot tactics while pursuing the main characters, and the idea of utilizing these alternate beings to create weapons and maintain power was compelling. I was glued to the screen during the middle episodes. I vehemently hated the "enemies" in the story, and I waited to see some kind of resolution that left the protagonists happy and in peace... which is what I got by the end of the anime, but the remaining path it took to get there was so obnoxious and ridiculous that I was entirely fed up with Kurau at the conclusion.
The director has a few things to learn about the use of heavy emotional themes. During the latter half of the anime, what was a gripping and exciting show became sappy and maudlin. Clearly they were working on the premise that "heart-wrenching sad stuff draws viewers in, so the sadder it is, the more they'll like it, right?" Unfortunately, no one apparently told them that tempering the drama is necessary to maintain believability. Take Kurau's father. He was an interesting and important character... until I realized that EVERY SINGLE SCENE he appeared in, he was either crying, or whimpering about something. After I noticed that, he completely failed to be interesting or believable, and he was then totally obnoxious. Any emotional effect the writers hoped to gain with him went out the window, and I began laughing and making whimpering noises every time he showed up. It was completely over-the-top and exhaustingly irritating. Eventually my disgust with this kind of heavy-handed and obnoxious emotional manipulation began to spread to all of the characters. The "ultimate bad guy" turned out to be completely one-sided and silly. Christmas' whiny, artificial voice started bugging the fuck out of me. I stopped caring about anyone, and the final 4-5 episodes were basically a blur of people crying.
All in all, a series with great potential that failed when the director forgot how to temper emotional scenes to keep them from being sappy and overdone.
On the other hand, the OP/ED themes were great. Best thing I got out of the show.
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| Average |
9.3 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
10 |
| Story |
9 |
| Character |
10 |
| Value |
9 |
| Enjoyment |
9 |
| Kurau is characterized by its smooth graphics, well-planned background and quality character development.
The story flowed smoothly and the characters were played realistically. The excellent voice acting and believable way in which the interactions were played add to the dynamic plot.
Definitely an Anime title I would recommend to anyone.
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|
|
| Average |
10.0 |
| Animation |
10 |
| Sound |
10 |
| Story |
10 |
| Character |
10 |
| Value |
10 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
| This anime is one of the best!
Its animation is beautiful. Though as breathtaking or groundbreaking in any way. It is very different from most anime released at this time. And is definitely better than most.
The sound is wonderful, blending in perfectly with the general mood of the whole story!
The story itself is fantastic! The mystery of the Rynax and how Kurau and Christmas go about unraveling it is simply wonderful.
Character development is also superb. And not just for Kurau and Christmas, but for almost every character that they encounter as well.
The value of this anime in its story. Which is extemely captivating, such that after watching a few episodes, you would undobtedly become hooked!
A must-see of its season!
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0 of 0 people found this review helpful.
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|
|
| Average |
9.2 |
| Animation |
10 |
| Sound |
10 |
| Story |
10 |
| Character |
7 |
| Value |
9 |
| Enjoyment |
9 |
| Phantom Memory Kurau is a brilliant series. The story keeps your attention while the animation keeps you mesmerized. I dont really like the charecter design. Nothing about it really jumps at me,but on the other hand its not bad either. Kurau is a very interesting charecter. I wasnt really into any sort of Drama Animes Storylines were inportant but i just couldnt watch something with an overly important storyline....so in the end i say everyone should watch this and pass your own judgement ....
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|
Coldsun |
(2005-04-09 22:25:35) 2004-08-29 01:06:03 |
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| Average |
8.7 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
8 |
| Story |
8 |
| Character |
9 |
| Value |
9 |
| Enjoyment |
9 |
| Phantom Memory Kurau is another well-balanced work of drama and science fiction. PMK brings the same quality of animation and storytelling that Bones has become known for these past few years.
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