|
NieA Under 7
 |
|
|
Animation - 7.7 |
|
|
Sound - 7.7 |
|
|
Story - 6.9 |
|
|
Character - 7.7 |
|
|
Value - 6.9 |
|
|
Enjoyment - 7.6 |
|
|
Average - 7.4 |
|
|
eyeresist |
(2007-09-17 00:12:02) 2007-04-02 01:05:57 |
|
| Average |
9.0 |
| Animation |
8 |
| Sound |
8 |
| Story |
10 |
| Character |
9 |
| Value |
9 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
| Niea doesn't have spectacular fights or epic quests or fan service or dozens of characters or a Big Mystery... If you need some of these qualities to like an anime, look elsewhere. This show isn't for you. Although the plot includes: (literally) alien immigrants, exams to cram for, a bath-house business to save, and a possible love interest, the show is really about feeling alone and forgotten, but getting by with a couple of laughs and a friend or two.
Niea_7 is a subtle show that you think about later. Although ostensibly a comedy, the comedy is the weakest part of the show. Like many of the best shows (or the shows I like, anyway), it's all about the feeling. The mood is downbeat and nostalgic, and very much influenced by the time it was made, i.e. the 1990s recession in Japan. Although set in the future, this show reflects present-day concerns, but also references the Japanese post-WW2 period of poverty and struggle. Some music played during the show reflects this period, but most is based on 1930s blues, thus also referencing the Great Depression. The main characters are all struggling, they are all outsiders that society has dismissed, and they live in a place where everything feels discarded or out of date. But they keep going, with a happy/sad feeling that characterises the show.
I should advise that I don't think the show really settles in until episode 4 - before that it is just trying to be a comedy. Also, you should try to watch the show in 1 or 2 sittings, as there are some continued plot elements that you will miss otherwise, e.g. the real reason for Mayuko's melancholy in the second half of the series.
On the negative side:
*The opening theme is pretty hard to get used to, though I did warm to it eventually when rewatching the show. On the other hand, the ending theme is really nice.
*The regular Indian "gag" ending was annoying and unfunny.
*They obviously ran out of time while making the last episode, so a few frames are crude animated watercolour pictures.
*And the series ended, dammit! But the ending felt natural, it didn't seem that anything was missing or cut short. Which is a nice change.
To sum up: if you think you'll enjoy a show that's slow, thoughtful and a bit melancholy (with a few crazy gags thrown in), Niea_7 may be for you. But if this all sounds like anime hell, don't say I didn't warn you!
|
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful to you?
Yes /
No
|
|
|
Wynter |
(2009-05-06 07:08:27) 2006-09-30 23:57:40 |
|
| Average |
2.2 |
| Animation |
3 |
| Sound |
2 |
| Story |
3 |
| Character |
1 |
| Value |
1 |
| Enjoyment |
3 |
| Wow. What an awful show. Niea under 7 is a slice-of-life anime, but here's the thing- there's no character or story development! So what is there? Nothing. The comedy and drama fails. It is boring from start to end- and I tried to like it.
|
0 of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful to you?
Yes /
No
|
|
|
|
| Average |
6.0 |
| Animation |
7 |
| Sound |
5 |
| Story |
5 |
| Character |
6 |
| Value |
5 |
| Enjoyment |
8 |
| This is one of those nice quiet anime that you just wish you could rate more highly, but honesty dictates here ^__^
It's a lovely slow, peaceful anime, but it lacks story, it lacks a direction and purpose. It's almost like a visit to the cinema where you're 15 minutes late for the start of the movie and you have to leave 15 minutes before the end!
Having said all that, I have still watched this through twice and enjoyed it both times, as it does have a charm all of it's own!
|
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful to you?
Yes /
No
|
|
|
petran79 |
(2007-02-13 15:25:26) 2006-07-23 14:36:28 |
|
| Average |
7.5 |
| Animation |
7 |
| Sound |
7 |
| Story |
6 |
| Character |
9 |
| Value |
8 |
| Enjoyment |
8 |
| Niea_7 objectively speaking is the worst work of Yoshitoshi Abe, but on its own it is a good anime, especially when compared to similar titles.
Though the topic is hardly interesting. Namely an alien girl living with a poor student in a bath and almost nothing happens in the entires series. Now the best formula to make this series interesting would be to throw a lot of ecchi (it is a bath after all), slapstick humour and anything else to make it a harem anime. That would be alright for some but I'd never watch such kind of anime.But in case of Yoshitoshi Abe and the crew involved, such a boring story can indeed shine and become very interesting. The direction is excellent overall, though the story is non-existent.
The voice actors (I watched the Japanese, since I liked the NieA character) were excellent like in Ailes Grises. Mayoko's actress had leading roles in various animes like Crest of the Stars (Lafiel), Lain, Kurau Phantom Memory, Rahxephon etc, so her role in this series was excellent yet again. On par with the character she looks familiar in Ailes Grises.
NieA on the other hand...if you liked Asuka of Evangelion, you'll also like NieA. Thats right. The same voice actress in both roles. I also liked Aisha from Outlaw Star a lot so I didnt mind her voice here. In fact I found her funny for the most part and her character is in stark contrast with every character in the series. She was the only wory free person and I like such characters (I try to be such character myself though in today's society this is not recommended).
The story isnt that interesting and some little mysteries about NieA's origins and th e mother space ship are added just to fill up time. Where the series shine is in character interaction. Every character is unique and memorable with good performances, something very hard to achieve in such kind of series. I liked also the humour for the most part, especially the videogame episode.
As for the animationL: Niea_7 is also titled ''Domestic poor @nimation''. Also some other derrogative comments about the anime are inserted in every episode making it even funnier. The characters visuals are colorfull and the backgrounds as well though the animation is overall poor for 2000 standards. But with such good characters good animation isnt needed.
Music is also well used with various instruments, even from India, ensuring a pleasant musical experience, though they're sparingly used. As for the OP and ED themes. I got used to them. So enchanting was the anime that it made me like the OP. The OP animation was good though.
A more dramatic aspect would ruin the series and perhaps as a comedy this is the best work of Yoshitoshi Abe, though there are better comedy animes there. But they miss the magic of that series in some moments.
If you're a fan of Lain and the like, this is a must watch. Or else skip this title. But if you choose to watch it you will not be dissapointed, just dont expect fast paced comedy.
If you liked the anime, check also the 2 volume manga by Yoshitoshi Abe, that has a good design and the fun of the anime too. And for those who disliked NieA the manga doesnt feature her voice.
Though after rewatching it I choose the English voice actress for Niea too.
It is of the titles you have to watch twice at least to understand its magic.
|
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful to you?
Yes /
No
|
|
|
|
| Average |
9.3 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
9 |
| Story |
9 |
| Character |
9 |
| Value |
10 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
| Okay, For NieA Under 7's review, I'm gonna be a little "Stricter" than usual...
For animation, i thought it was satisfying, couldn't give it a perfect 10, but it is satisfying for a 9, The Face on Mayuko when NieA blows up the roof is AbSoLuTeLY HiLLaRiOuS!!! Everything looked smooth and clean considering it was made in 2000...
Sound, I liked the ending theme... =), but the opening theme was weird for me, i don't like songs with weird,deep voices like that.... x( ... But All the other sounds were great... Even the Indian Sounded Totally like an indian with the accent... I think the Seiyuus did a great job.. ;)
Story, A Good 9 from me, Character deserves a 9 too.... Cause I certainly think it would be better if they could give the other characters more screen time, and develop their character. Maruko's Character is Definitely Very human, You can relate her character to real life. The story is Good, But not Really enough for a 10, i think...
I Definitely Enjoyed it, It is Very Hilarious... I'm the kind who likes emotions in an animes. Maruko showed enough emotions to please me... =), no arguements there, & Definitely Enjoyed the funny jokes of the Aliens...
The Characters Definitely Contributed A LOT into making this anime funny...
NieA was an absolute troublemaker, from a distance, it seeems very funny... But when i picture myself as Maruko, living with NieA, I would feel really bad.... Death could come and collect my soul any time, living with such danger... (O_O), & I would certainly hate to Live with a Greedy, Lazy, Bum Alien....
But anywayz, This anime deserves a pleasing Review from me.... I guess this anime isn't very popular, but it shouldn't be too bad... It could go up to the Top 100, at LEAST.... and who knows if it could go up to the top 15?
Everyone, PLEASE INTRODUCE THIS HILLARIOUS ANIME TO YOUR FRIENDS!!! INCREASE ITS POPULARITY!!! =) It's Worth Your Time, Definitely Very Funny... ;)
|
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful to you?
Yes /
No
|
|
|
andy |
(2007-05-21 14:44:33) 2006-03-19 09:46:30 |
|
| Average |
9.0 |
| Animation |
8 |
| Sound |
10 |
| Story |
8 |
| Character |
8 |
| Value |
10 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
| Mayuko is in an inbetween time before going to college. Her life has no real direction, and yet because she is poor, she has many logistical worries on her mind. Somehow though, there is a positive spin on all of this. It's like a growing pain that you fondly reminisce on. Perhaps it's the sense of community, or home that you feel through Mayuko, but even if her life is the antithesis of glamour, there's still something very nice and attractive about it.
Niea is a slow paced slice of life anime that doesn't involve romance or any serious conflicts for that matter. It's simply an illustration of a girl's life. Even so, Mayuko provides more than enough emotional value to the anime.
Niea_7 is very main character focused. None of the side characters get nearly the same amount of attention as Mayuko. Niea_7 works to make mayuko a very relatable character, and it did a good job of it. Her confusion about how to spend the rest of her life, and her attachment to childhood memories can easily be picked up by anyone. Unlike most anime characters, Mayuko doesn't have any extreme quirks, but she is anything but boring. Most anime characters seem to be built on a 1 dimensional personality, something like ever lasting cheeryness, saint like compassion, or a lolita fetish girlyness, with 1 layer below that develops, such as an unhealthy homelife, or a tragic past. Mayuko feels like a whole person from the start. While we do gradually learn a little more about her life, she doesn't need any "hidden depth" gimmick, nor does she need a single, character defining quirk. Her personality is plain, but the spectrum of emotions she displays throughout the series is quite comprehensive. Mayuko is moody and emotional, but without soap opera like melodrama. This makes her all the more effective as a main character.
I wouldn't title the rest of the cast as cliche, but they are simple, and quirky characters, some of whom are entertaining, and others who are lame, and drag the rest of the cast down.
The music in Niea_7 is usually an assortment of all kinds of string instruments, from blue grass banjos to pi pa solos. It's very relaxing, and a little lethargic, depressing even, much like the feeling of the whole series.
Niea_7 has grabbed me more than any other anime. I guess i have a soft spot for this concept, so you may consider this review biased. I love how niea sheds the burdens of romance and major character conflicts. Instead of trying for drama (drama in the "no more drama in my life" sense), it embodies what a slice of life series should really be.
|
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful to you?
Yes /
No
|
|
|
CyBeR |
2005-12-16 01:23:31 |
|
| Average |
5.5 |
| Animation |
6 |
| Sound |
5 |
| Story |
4 |
| Character |
6 |
| Value |
5 |
| Enjoyment |
7 |
| "Life's tough."
I believe that no other words can sum up this anime better than the statement above.
NieA_7 is simply a slice of life anime that seems like a slice of a slice of life anime. Short, devoid of any ambitions yet strangely soothing and entertaining, NieA_7 has no real strengths except for the fact that it's an anime that's hard to hate simply because of the feeling that it emanates like a divine aura about it and the lead character to whom it's fairly easy for anyone to relate at some level.
|
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful to you?
Yes /
No
|
|
|
Zlaya |
2005-11-16 23:01:51 |
|
| Average |
8.7 |
| Animation |
7 |
| Sound |
9 |
| Story |
8 |
| Character |
10 |
| Value |
9 |
| Enjoyment |
9 |
| even though its genres are suposed to be action comedy and sience fiction, its more sience fiction drama with a light hearted atmosphere. NieA dont have the explotions or not even top notch animation but it has something but a few other animes have, a feeling of well being that's not realy easily explained. A main character who is easily related to if you ever had some hard times in your life, and no doubt one that makes you take a look at your own situation for a while. Highly reccomended
|
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful to you?
Yes /
No
|
|
|
|
| Average |
8.3 |
| Animation |
7 |
| Sound |
8 |
| Story |
8 |
| Character |
8 |
| Value |
9 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
| My quest for Niea began with a review from Animerica about three or four years ago. It intriqued me enough to actually go and buy it; I wasn't let down. Niea_7 takes your every day slice of life and combines comedy and sci-fi to the mix. The characters are easy to identify with and is able to bring a understanding to what it's like, to be a poor, strogling college student.
I really enjoyed that aspect of this anime; it managed to be original in style and approach, leaning away from the overly done, cliche of harem, ecchi, fan service that is so common today. Dont get me wrong, there is plenty of Niea fan service to make you build a spaceship. Everything was solid in this anime, except for the length of the series. I really felt like this anime could of went so much further with Niea's past and with the rest of the Enohana's characters. I suppose i will have to say, it was a appropiate length for what it was. Either way this title is a must see for just about any age.
With that said, pick this title up if you have a oppurtunity to, you will see just how under! rated this title really is.
|
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful to you?
Yes /
No
|
|
|
Kaj |
(2005-08-05 21:07:58) 2005-08-05 21:03:31 |
|
| Average |
6.0 |
| Animation |
6 |
| Sound |
7 |
| Story |
5 |
| Character |
6 |
| Value |
6 |
| Enjoyment |
6 |
| This anime is essentially a comedy. It doesn't really contain much else. Although it's not constantly making jokes such as Galaxy Angels, what they do apart from the comedy is... well, nothing, really. You could call it drama, but it's not very dramatic. Throughout this anime, nothing really happens. The storyline doesn't get anywhere, nor does the characters. So the only thing you're left with that you can pick out is comedy. And the comedy aspect doesn't really appeal to me. It's the typical slapstick, random, over the top comedy often found in anime. The only thing I found hilarious was episode 5 with the video game tournament. I guess that was only funny cos the subject appealed to me ^^.
After all this, you might be be wondering why I haven't given this horrific rating. The answer is... well, I just don't know. It possesses a kind of quiet charm that raidates from the characters that didn't allow me to hate it. It wasn't engaging, but I didn't find watching it to be a burden either, so my impression was a perfectly neutral one. Impressions don't come much more neutral than this lol.
|
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful to you?
Yes /
No
|
|
|
okoko |
2005-04-18 20:17:57 |
|
| Average |
8.7 |
| Animation |
0 |
| Sound |
0 |
| Story |
0 |
| Character |
9 |
| Value |
8 |
| Enjoyment |
9 |
| This a very unexpectedly nice series. I enjoyed every second of it. Even when characters scream the relaxed feeling about it is still there. I really have little idea why, but NieA under 7 gives me peace of mind anytime I remember it. It's not in a "get it now!!!" class of a anime, but is a joy to watch. Just like Kitano movies in a way.
|
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful to you?
Yes /
No
|
|
|
isokana |
(2005-04-02 19:27:33) 2005-04-02 19:20:09 |
|
| Average |
7.7 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
8 |
| Story |
6 |
| Character |
8 |
| Value |
7 |
| Enjoyment |
8 |
| Yay! Another series with ABe involved. Got to be good? Part of the magic is there and another isn't.
The three other ABe series have had a point in them. Haibane Renmei, Lain, Texhnolyze were all more or less weird but at least they had some story or characters to follow. NieA_7 concentrates on being weird without any point.
First I thought they would make the story out of the mysterious aliens. Sure, many things happen concerning them, but no explanations are given. At the end they're just as big a mystery as in the beginning. Even more mysterious in certain aspects. Then I hoped the characters would be developed. But even though Mayuko's and NieA's relationship is put under a lot of stress, nothing new comes to daylight. Some things are revealed but honestly I could guess them from the first episode. Everyone seems to stay the same. Even Mayuko who goes through some tough times doesn't appear much different. Maybe she enjoys life a bit more but not enough to justify 13 episodes.
Despite all this NiaA_7 isn't a bad series. The characters are all likeable and following Mayuko's life is interesting. The series has also some great comedy. The Indian guy is incredible. But when the nature of the series turns to more serious I'm left scratching my head: there's no meaning for this gloomy atmosphere. Nothing comes out of it. It's just depressing to see the nice characters being in a slump.
NieA_7: weird and funny story without a bigger meaning (or with one so complex I'm incapable of deciphering it) that occasionally shifts to an unnecessary depressive gear.
|
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful to you?
Yes /
No
|
|
|
|
| Average |
8.2 |
| Animation |
8 |
| Sound |
8 |
| Story |
8 |
| Character |
9 |
| Value |
7 |
| Enjoyment |
9 |
| NieA is a rather odd anime. On the one hand, there is very little plot, so you are not too surprised when there is no real ending. On the other hand, you come to care about some of the characters, and it is this feeling that keeps you watching NieA.
Another reviewer - maybe more than one -has commented that the plot has no beginning or ending, and that is really true. It begins in the middle of a relationship between NieA and Mayuko. That relationship is strained and briefly broken, and then it resumes, apparently without significant change. Mayuko's character has developed during the brief course of the series, and one can hope that this will make her happier, but this is so understated that you can't be sure.
So the series is a nice, peaceful, quiet, sometimes humorous look at the life of a poor young woman who supports herself at three jobs while taking care of a freeloading alien. It's neither dramatic nor exciting, but it's something to sit down with on a rainy day if you want to spend a pleasant few hours.
The major irritant is that many questions raised by the plot are left unanswered. And I don't mean questions about Mayuko's or NieA's futures, but questions about issues brought up during the series. Why was NieA a -7, and what did that mean, especially when the government didn't recognize anything less than -5? Why was she able to hear things that others weren't? What did she do during the time she was missing? Why did the spaceship eventually disappear? And so on.
The area where I give the lowest rating is for value. Possibly it should be even lower. It's not that the series doesn't have value, but packaging 13 episodes in 4 DVDs is a rip-off. Yes, I know that this is done a lot, but it still annoys me.
|
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful to you?
Yes /
No
|
|
|
|
| Average |
8.3 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
9 |
| Story |
8 |
| Character |
9 |
| Value |
7 |
| Enjoyment |
8 |
| NieA Under 7... If you've seen just the box covers, you probably have the right impression -- it's a wierd little show does its own thing, and it's mostly successful. The main characters are Mayuko, a poor cram school student, and NieA, an alien girl who lives in Mayu's closet and freeloads off of her. They live in an apartment above a bath house Mayuko's family used to own but sold after her father died. The "under 7" bit has something to do with the aliens' class or status system; its meaning is intentionally left unexplained until the end of the show. The aliens crash landed on earth a few years back, but being as they were peaceful, they soon integrated into society and everything quickly went back to normal.
Character designs are by Yoshitoshi ABe, of Lain and Haibane fame. I think they're fantastic, but I'm sort of an ABe fanboy, so take my opinion with a grain of salt. Mayuko is very plain-looking, but her appearance still shows a lot of personality. She's a very emotionally diverse character, displaying a very full range of feelings throughout the show, with the possible exception of genkiness; she is at different times tired, beat down, cheerful, strong, indecisive, pensive, furious, or inquisitive. NieA. Well, what to say about NieA? For the first 6 episodes or so, she is the biggest problem with the show -- I would say she is one of the most irritating major characters I've ever seen, period. I like the way she's drawn, but her appearance is very loud and coupled with her often-screaming voice it only makes her more aggrivating. Much later on, she gets her own story and actually becomes a half-decent character, but for the most part she's an everpresent nuisance.
The supporting characters are great, with exception of the other aliens, who are just aggrivating as NieA. I'm particularly fond of Chiaki, Mayuko's school friend -- she's the one with the glasses in both of the above pictures. She provides an excellent foil both in personality and appearance for Mayuko. Her outfit is trendy, she's upbeat and outgoing -- everything Mayu's not Razz. Mayu's childhood friend Genzo is also fun to watch; he's very large, quiet, and gruff-looking, but he has an obvious crush on Mayu and struggles to hide his awkwardness around her. Kotomi, the lady who owns the bath house, is a really good character, and something of an anime rarity -- you don't often see a 40-something woman given this much spark and personality.
The animation was decent, but there are many low budget moments, i.e. still shots, times when the characters are drawn kinda sketchy, etc. I didn't really mind this; NieA is the sort of quirky show that really should be low budget.
If you have a taste for slow and winding in a good way type plots, you'll really enjoy the story. Mayuko's experiences are very real and tangible. There are some pretty long stretches where almost nothing happens -- sometimes the show will spend like a minute just showing Mayu sitting on the bus, or panning around the town while you hear crickets chirping. It's a very reflective sort of story. This isn't a bad thing -- the slower moments of the show are intentional, and fit very well, and it's never as agonizingly draggy as something like Night on the Galactic Railroad. Also, the pacing of the individual episodes is excellent. Each one feels nicely individual and finished on its own, but still leaves you wanting to know what happens in the next one. The story's overall resolution leaves a bit to be desired, though -- it has an "and life goes on as usual" kind of ending. Little to nothing seems to change as a result of the events in the story -- the two potential romantic subplots are left almost completely undeveloped, and we're left with only some vague ideas about Mayuko's plans for the future. It's almost like they took the slice-of-life bit a little too far and used it as an excuse to cop out, as so much anime seems to, on the ending. The resolution isn't a complete disaster though; it does fit well with the story, and while some plot elements are left hanging, the philosophical ideas of the show feel nicely completed.
The biggest problem with the show is the slapstick humor. It sucks. It's loud, obnoxious, and not funny. Maybe Japanese folks get a kick out of this kind of thing, but I didn't, and I don't think I know anyone who would. I'm not an anime comedy hata' either -- I laugh till I hurt at silly stuff like Azumanga Daioh or Nadesico. This is not to say that the show is entirely un-funny; some of the more reasonable jokes in it are very good -- I laughed out loud several times. It just degenerates into pure idiocy on a too-regular basis. The aliens' group meetings are a nightmare to watch.
Which brings me to the final point -- the dub is actually better than the subtitled version. I am like the biggest sub nazi alive; I HATE dubs. But the english voice acting on this is pretty good, and NieA in particular is a thousand times less annoying. I think it may just be a matter of intelligent localization; really low-brow humor can be a bit culturally specific. Funny-stupid for one group of people is just stupid-stupid for another.
Edit: I forgot to talk about the music! It's good, wierd, and fits the show perfectly. The opening theme and ending theme have really stuck with me -- the former is sung by some guy who sounds like he's 80 years old and hasn't had a glass of water in about as long. I had an "ick" reaction to it at first, but it really grew on me.
In short, if you enjoyed shows like Haibane Renmei or Someday's dreamers and can put up with the obnoxious humor, you'll enjoy NieA Under 7. Its quirkiness is at times charming and at others grating. It's definately not a show for all tastes, but it's not supposed to be. It's such a curiousity of a show I'm surprised so few people have checked it out. If you do decide to watch it, I hope you'll post your impressions; I'd really like to know what other people thought of it.
|
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful to you?
Yes /
No
|
|
|
xxnn |
(2004-10-03 12:30:40) 2004-10-03 12:29:21 |
|
| Average |
5.8 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
7 |
| Story |
5 |
| Character |
5 |
| Value |
5 |
| Enjoyment |
4 |
| Ok, i watched this very early when i had just turn into an anime fan, so my review might be a bit bias. (fans change as they learn to watch more diverse animes, you see)
This anime is boring, and pales in comparison to Haibane or Kino. The episodic plot doesn't work as well and the atmosphere doesn't seem right a whole lot of time. The character designs are too simple and don't fit in the picture nicely. Though, animation is still good. The OP song is horrible imho, but i have known some who loves it =/
This series doesn't have the extra 'boost' to capture your heart and make you glued to the tv till the end of the show. It goes round and round and doesn't explain much. Ending doesn't reveal anything new either. This is quite a pointless show to me.
|
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful to you?
Yes /
No
|
|
|
|
| Average |
9.7 |
| Animation |
10 |
| Sound |
9 |
| Story |
9 |
| Character |
10 |
| Value |
10 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
| This really is a fantastic, underrated show, but clearly not for every viewer, from the creator of Lain. If you only like ecchi or simple shows, this is not for you.
Abe Yoshitoshi's character designs are awesome, and as you watch this slice of life show, you really feel as though they are alive, and not just cardboard cutouts put in place for the sake of some absurd plot. The artwork and animation is simple but beautiful, rather than special-effects-smack-you-in-the-face good. This show flows like a French New Wave film, maybe a Godard or Chabrol movie rendered in tv format. And animated.
Through the seemingly small and insignificant things that happen in the characters life, you see first of all, that all of them leave lasting impressions, just like events in your life that may not have bowled you over with their significance when they happened to you but that stay with you as pleasant or not so pleasant memories.
The plot is more like a background, where aliens landed on earth but instead of it turning into a life and death cataclysmic event, these stranded aliens are treated like.. well aliens. Of the immigrant kind. This whole show could be seen as a metaphor for immigration but seen through the eyes of people who are used to their country and way of life rather than through the eyes of the aliens.
All the characters are deep and complex and rather than delve into the inner workings of each, the show is content to simply give you a glimpse of their depth. You are left to wonder if you really saw something deeper about them or if it was just a momentary fluctuation from the day to day persona they don to get them through life. I loved the simple moments in this show, such as when Chie-chan goes shopping with Mayuko and you get to see first of all how alien Toyko is to Mayuko, and also how much Chie wants Mayuko to be her mother. When she jokes about it, it's almost a little sad.
This entire show is a little melancholy, from the soundtrack (which is subtle, sad and moving) to the characters who struggle to make ends meet. But their is joy in their struggle too, and triumph in their small victories, like the first party at the little restaraunt or the month when the bath house breaks even for a change.
This show is not really about alien invasion, maybe its about the meaning and stuggle of life (or is life's struggle also it's meaning?), the concept of class distinctions in modern times, of the hidden depth in people around you that you only know superficially, and about change and growing up. But it can just be enjoyed for what it is. Watch it one episode at a time and give the episode time to brew in the back of your mind.
I'm going on and on, so I'll end here, but this show really won me over though I was reluctant at first. As an adult watching anime it's refreshing to see something that's intelectually stimulating.
|
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful to you?
Yes /
No
|
|
|
|
| Average |
7.5 |
| Animation |
8 |
| Sound |
7 |
| Story |
7 |
| Character |
8 |
| Value |
7 |
| Enjoyment |
8 |
| Alomst like Haibane. Begin with mystery plot, slow-motion till the end. Even that, I would say Haibane is 2" better. Cuz this anime had no ending, and still end in stupid way. We all "hope" that NieA was somekinda of special alien that can do interesting thing.. but it turn out she just stupid, lame, suck freeloader alien. The whole thing was just start when the show end. Good thing i'm can watch pointless anime and won't get mad... or else it would ruie my mood for sure.
Can't recommence this to anyone... if you happend to already got it, then watch it if you had "free" time.
|
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful to you?
Yes /
No
|
|
|
|
| Average |
7.0 |
| Animation |
7 |
| Sound |
7 |
| Story |
6 |
| Character |
8 |
| Value |
7 |
| Enjoyment |
7 |
| Really too bad about this series. My friend let me borrow his U.S. licensed complete boxset, so I was thinking he bought it because it was really good. He said it was ok, and I borrowed it. I really like this anime, and I really didnt like this anime. It was so damn boring at times, well, most of the time, and the stuff that was really interesting wasnt elaborated, or explored more. Too bad this series was 13 episodes because they could've made this better with a deeper setting that I saw at times. Really dissappointing, which was too bad also. I could see great potential. *sniff*
|
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful to you?
Yes /
No
|
|
|
De Baer |
(2005-02-04 07:01:25) 2004-02-22 12:03:31 |
|
| Average |
4.8 |
| Animation |
8 |
| Sound |
7 |
| Story |
5 |
| Character |
5 |
| Value |
1 |
| Enjoyment |
3 |
| NieA_7 started eigentlich ganz nett und die ersten 3 Episoden haben mir recht gut gefallen, es gab einige witzige Comedyszenen und Slapstick der mich oft schmunzeln ließ. Leider kann die Serie dieses Niveau nicht lange halten und driftet danach ins untere Mittelmaß ab. Die Comedy wird immer seltener und nimmt in den folgenden Episoden rapide ab worunter der Unterhaltungswert stark leidet. Da NieA_7 in erster Linie eine Serie ist die mehr alltägliche Dinge beleuchtet und sich in dieser Richtung eher langatmig und langweilig präsentiert habe ich den Slapstick des öfteren schmerzlich vermisst. Der Verlauf der Serie gestaltet sich auch noch episodisch und besitzt kaum bis überhaupt keinen roten Faden und das bisschen was sich storymäßig gegen Ende herauszukristallisieren scheint wird schnell wieder im Keim erstickt und kommt zu keinem Ergebnis. Charaktermäßig hatte ich zu Beginn noch große Hoffnungen aber je weiter die Serie fortschreitet desto eintöniger und uninteressanter werden die Figuren die dann nur noch ab und zu für den ein oder anderen Schmunzler sorgen können. NieA_7 ist mir persönlich einfach zu matt und ermüdend, es gibt eigentlich nichts was diese Serie sonderlich hervorstechen lässt. Ich bin ein geduldiger Mensch aber wenn man denkt das jetzt endlich etwas passiert was der Serie einen Schub geben könnte wird man enttäuscht und alles verläuft sich im Sande. Mit Sicherheit kein Must-Watch und auch für Zwischendurch nicht zu empfehlen, man sollte um NieA_7 lieber einen Bogen machen und sich andersweitig orientieren!
|
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful to you?
Yes /
No
|
|
|
|
| Average |
7.7 |
| Animation |
7 |
| Sound |
8 |
| Story |
8 |
| Character |
8 |
| Value |
7 |
| Enjoyment |
8 |
| this is a truely unique anime. the story is one of the most original ones since ages. everything here is subtle, but it's sooo deep once you get in the mood of this subtelity. at first, i hated the main characters, especially niea. but in episode 11, when niea temporarly disappears, i felt the same worrisom and anticipation as mauyko, the other main character. i realized by then that i am truely engaged with the carachters, including niea.
i thought the drama part in here was superb. however the comedy was a bit average, though with a bit of hilarious moments.
to sum up, this is what i call an atmospheric series. everything, from the setting to the silent music, conveys some powerful emotions on us. if you like unique atmosphers, originality, and strong dramas, then this series is gonna be very much worth it. otherwise, it'll be a nightmare. obviously, i got swept away by it.
|
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful to you?
Yes /
No
|
|
|
Site design by ecxol.net:
|
