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WELL,
xxxHOLiC Rou (2010 OVA) is one of the best examples of when a deep and big story has been told in just a couple of episodes. Set a decade later, it captures an entire lifetime of waiting, memory, and quiet devotion in a handful of scenes—Watanuki running the shop alone, the passage of time etched into every frame, Doumeki’s lineage still watching over him.
The sadness and melancholy are overwhelming: empty spaces where Yuuko used to be, gentle visits from aging friends, the soft ache of eternity. Yet that very melancholy is exactly what makes Rou so powerful and moving. It doesn’t force happiness or resolution; ... it honors the pain and turns it into something achingly beautiful.
The waiting itself symbolizes the enormous, enduring love Watanuki holds for Yuuko—selfless, spanning generations, choosing to remember rather than forget. The animation still looks gorgeous, the subdued palette fits the mood like a glove, and the whole thing feels like a quiet masterpiece. 9/10 – if you can embrace the bittersweet, this is one of the most poignant payoffs in anime.

WELL,
xxxHOLiC Shunmuki is one of the best examples of how a deep and big story can be told in just a couple of episodes. In only two parts it weaves together fate, gratitude, sacrifice, and the heavy threads connecting to Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle, while pushing Watanuki’s arc forward in profound ways.
The vibes are intensely sad and melancholic—quiet longing, inevitable loss, the weight of choices—but that exact atmosphere is what makes it so great and unforgettable. It’s meditative, poetic, and refuses cheap catharsis, letting the sorrow sit and breathe.
And already here you feel the seeds of the enormous love between Watanuki and Yuuko: his fierce devotion ... to her world, his quiet resolve to protect what she built. Production I.G delivers stunning, dreamlike visuals that match the mood perfectly. Shunmuki isn’t just filler—it’s essential, heartbreaking, and elevated by its restraint. 9/10 – melancholic perfection that hurts beautifully.

WELL;
This is the first time I'm actually sitting down to write a full review for an anime I rated lower than a 7. Usually I just drop it quietly and move on, but the insane hype around Sousou no Frieren (Frieren: Beyond Journey's End) forced my hand. Everyone and their grandma was calling it a masterpiece, the best thing since sliced bread in anime form—so I caved, watched the whole thing, and... yeah, I had to get this off my chest.
Look, I get why people rave about it. The premise is cool on paper: an immortal elf mage who helped defeat the Demon King finally ... realizes she barely knew her human companions because time slips by so fast for her. She sets off on a new journey to understand mortality, regret, and all that deep existential stuff. The animation is gorgeous—Madhouse did their thing with the backgrounds, character designs, and those subtle, melancholic shots. The OST is solid too, especially when it hits those quiet, reflective moments. And Frieren herself is an interesting lead: aloof, powerful, kinda socially clueless in an endearing way at times.
But honestly? For me, it just ended up feeling... average. Borderline meh.
The biggest issue is the pacing. It's deliberately slow—very slow—and while that's intentional for the themes of time and impermanence, it dragged hard in places. Episodes often feel like they're meandering through side quests or monster-of-the-week filler with minimal stakes. The "journey" aspect is there, but it rarely builds real momentum or tension. A lot of the emotional beats rely on flashbacks to the old party, and while some are touching, others repeat the same regret loop without adding much new. I kept waiting for it to pick up or hit me with that profound payoff, but it stayed in this low-key, contemplative gear the whole way through. No big highs, no real lows—just a steady, gentle hum that never quite grabbed me.
The characters are fine—Fern is cute and grows on you, Stark has his moments—but nobody outside Frieren really sticks out as memorable or complex enough to carry the slower stretches. The world-building is pretty standard fantasy fare: villages, demons, magic spells. Nothing groundbreaking or immersive enough to make up for the lack of drive. It's not bad by any means; it's competently made and has heart. But it felt like it was trying so hard to be profound and mature that it forgot to be engaging for long stretches.
In the end, I give it a 5/10 —solid enough that I don't regret watching, but nowhere near the god-tier status the internet insists on. If you're into chill, introspective slice-of-life fantasy with beautiful visuals and zero rush, you'll probably love it more than I did. For me, though? The hype train passed me by. It was just... okay.

WELL,
xxxHOLiC the Movie: A Midsummer Night's Dream (xxxHOLiC Movie: Manatsu no Yoru no Yume) is a stunning standalone film that perfectly captures the eerie, dreamlike essence of the series. At around 60 minutes, it follows Watanuki, Yūko, and the crew as they're drawn to a mysterious auction in an old mansion during summer vacation. What starts as a gathering of obsessive collectors for rare "items" spirals into something far stranger—disappearances, shifting realities, and a clever unraveling of the mansion's true secrets.
This movie nails what makes xxxHOLiC special: supernatural intrigue, deep themes about desire, consequences, and human nature, plus that signature mix of whimsy, creepiness, and ... subtle humor. Production I.G delivers breathtaking visuals—CLAMP's intricate designs come alive with gothic atmospheres, fluid animation, and inventive spirit depictions that range from haunting to poetic. The pacing is tight and focused, building tension masterfully to a mind-bending, satisfying close that feels self-contained yet true to the franchise's philosophy.
The characters shine in this condensed format: Watanuki's frantic personality bounces off Yūko's enigmatic calm and Doumeki's stoic reliability, creating great dynamic moments amid the escalating weirdness. It has some loose connections to Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle (best if you've seen that movie too for full CLAMP context), but it stands beautifully on its own.
Minor downside: Its short length means some elements resolve quickly, but it never feels rushed or incomplete.
I've rewatched the series leading into this, and the film still impresses every time—gorgeous, intelligent, and quintessentially xxxHOLiC. For me, it's a 9/10—one of the strongest pieces in the whole franchise. If you enjoyed the TV seasons, this is essential viewing and a highlight of the supernatural anime genre. Highly recommended!

WELL,
xxxHOLiC◆Kei is the captivating sequel to the original xxxHOLiC, picking up right where the first season left off. Kimihiro Watanuki is still stuck working for the enigmatic witch Yuuko Ichihara in her wish-granting shop, paying off the "price" to rid himself of his annoying ability to see and attract spirits. This time around, the series shifts from mostly standalone episodes to a stronger sense of continuity and overarching plot threads, making it feel more connected and purposeful while still delivering those signature supernatural case-of-the-week stories.
What stands out most is the deeper character development—Watanuki matures noticeably, moving beyond his initial frantic, over-the-top reactions to a more ... introspective and capable version of himself. Yuuko remains as mysteriously wise and teasing as ever, dropping profound life lessons amid the chaos. The supporting cast, like Doumeki and Kohane, gets meaningful moments that add emotional weight. The blend of eerie supernatural encounters, philosophical undertones about fate, desire, and consequences, and occasional humor keeps things engaging without ever feeling preachy.
Production I.G delivers gorgeous visuals once again—CLAMP's distinctive art style shines with fluid animation, atmospheric backgrounds, and creative depictions of spirits that range from creepy to whimsical. The soundtrack fits perfectly, enhancing the dreamy yet unsettling vibe.
Sure, it's only 13 episodes, so some arcs resolve quickly and it doesn't dive as deeply into the manga's bigger mysteries (or its ties to Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle) as fans might want. A few middle episodes feel a tad slower compared to the strong bookends. But overall, it builds beautifully on the first season's foundation, offering more depth, better pacing in the long run, and that signature xxxHOLiC mix of the profound and the absurd.
For me, this is a solid 8/10—a worthy continuation that improves in focus and character growth while keeping the magical, introspective charm intact. If you loved the original, Kei is a must-watch; if you're new, start with season 1 first.

WELL,
xxxHOLiC (the original first season, often considered the prequel to xxxHOLiC◆Kei) is the enchanting entry point into CLAMP's supernatural world, and I've rewatched it twice before sitting down to write this review—just to soak in all the layers again.
It introduces us to high schooler Kimihiro Watanuki, cursed with the ability to see and attract spirits, who stumbles into the wish-granting shop of the mysterious witch Yūko Ichihara. In exchange for her help removing his "affliction," he becomes her reluctant assistant, handling bizarre client wishes that involve spirits, curses, fate, and the consequences of desire. The series is mostly episodic at first, with standalone supernatural cases, ... but it weaves in subtle ongoing threads about Watanuki's growth, his relationships, and hints at deeper mysteries (including ties to Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle).
The atmosphere is spot-on: eerie, dreamy, philosophical, with Production I.G's stunning visuals bringing CLAMP's elegant, intricate designs to life—those fluid animations, haunting backgrounds, and creative spirit depictions are chef's kiss. The soundtrack adds to the whimsical-yet-unsettling vibe perfectly. Watanuki starts off hilariously frantic and tsundere, but his development feels earned as he learns from Yūko's cryptic wisdom. The supporting cast (Doumeki, Himawari, Mokona) adds charm and emotional depth without overwhelming the core duo dynamic.
And speaking of dubs: This prequel is an absolute must-watch in English dub because of the incredible duo of Todd Haberkorn as Watanuki and J. Michael Tatum as Shizuka Dōmeki. Their chemistry is electric—Haberkorn nails the exasperated, high-energy comedy while still hitting the vulnerable moments, and Tatum's calm, deadpan delivery contrasts perfectly, making every interaction hilarious and heartfelt. The rest of the cast (Colleen Clinkenbeard as Yūko, etc.) is top-tier too, but that Watanuki-Dōmeki banter elevates the whole thing.
Minor gripes: Some episodes feel a bit formulaic early on, and it doesn't fully resolve the bigger arcs (that's for later seasons/OVAs). But it sets up everything beautifully with profound themes about choices, consequences, and human nature.
For me, this is a strong 8/10—a mesmerizing, rewatchable blend of supernatural mystery, humor, and introspection. If you're diving into the series, start here (dub recommended!), then jump straight into Kei. Essential viewing for any CLAMP or atmospheric anime fan.

Well,
Monster delivers a flawlessly constructed psychological narrative. Its deliberate pacing is not a weakness but a defining strength, allowing tension, themes, and moral dilemmas to develop naturally. The story never relies on cheap twists or shortcuts—every event feels purposeful and carefully earned.

Dr. Kenzo Tenma is one of the most human and morally grounded protagonists in anime. Johan Liebert stands as a benchmark for antagonists—terrifying not through constant action, but through presence, symbolism, and psychological impact. Even minor characters are given depth, making the world feel authentic and alive.

The grounded, realistic art style perfectly supports the mature tone of the series. While restrained, it is consistently ... effective and never distracts from the narrative. The simplicity works in the show’s favor, reinforcing realism and atmosphere.

The soundtrack is subtle yet powerful, used sparingly to heighten tension and emotional weight. Voice acting across the cast is excellent and enhances the realism of the characters and their struggles.

Monster demands patience and attention, but rewards the viewer completely. It is immersive, unsettling, and intellectually engaging from beginning to end. Few anime leave such a lasting impression.

Monster is a complete masterpiece. Every element—storytelling, character writing, atmosphere, and thematic depth—comes together flawlessly. It respects the viewer’s intelligence and remains unforgettable long after it ends. An essential watch for anyone who values truly exceptional storytelling.

WELL
This anime is a paradigm of the adage that "old is gold".Indeed, the pervasive prevalence of insipid, clichéd anime, devoid of narrative substance, has become a source of profound exasperation.The present author, an ardent aficionado of "Seinen" anime, encountered this particular anime due to the fact that the protagonist's haircut, reminiscent of Leon S. Kennedy's in the "Resident Evil" series, resonated with the present author's personal predilection. The anime in question stands as a remarkable exemplar of its genre. The programme encapsulates the quintessential elements of a successful negotiation, namely meticulous preparation for unfavourable outcomes, the cultivation of superior networks, the forging of new alliances, ... and the utilisation of astute strategic thinking.

It is noteworthy that the act of negotiating itself is not the primary focus; rather, it is the art of allowing events to unfold in accordance with the other party's agenda, while disrupting this flow when necessary to gain a more advantageous position.

While the programme does not explicitly delve into the intricacies of negotiations, it does offer a comprehensive depiction of the principles and strategies underpinning successful negotiation. In the context of Anime, for instance, only two negotiations are evident, whereas in Manga, the number is approximately five, not to mention the two sequels.In terms of future plans, the focus will be on reading the Mangas.
Now watch it and enjoy it yourselves.

Well.

Everyone must know what "Zipang" means. A prosperous country in the east, surrounded by the ocean. It is the name given to Japan by the great adventurer Marco Polo.

I have always had a fable for plots that involve the alternate course of history. And this anime has it. A slight change in history in the first few episodes has a huge butterfly effect.
What does a man do when he goes back in time. Or if you knew the future events, would you use that information for your gain or to change history for the better. Would you play God or the Devil? For most characters ... in this anime, the decision they are forced to make is difficult. Given the pacifist principles under which the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force was created.
Still. This anime gives us a glimpse into how other Japanese people dealt with World War 2, from supporters to critics. From university professors to ministers.
I devoured this anime in about 4 days. Because every episode has something that grabs your attention more and more.
And now I am sure. I will read the manga. I recommend this anime to anyone who is interested in the history of Japan. And to all who are interested in modern Japanese military.
Enjoy!

WELL,
To start, I want to mention something that will become clear when you watch this show. It reminds me of the anime "Witchblade," but for men. You might also need to watch a couple of episodes first to get into it.
It is a story about two heroes who are different in many ways, including their past, how they view justice, and their attitude. One hero sees the suffering of the victim and saves them, while the other sees the culprit and punishes them. The first hero does it for reward, while the second wants recognition.Both face different odds and must decide what is right and ... what is wrong.
They work separately and as a team towards the same goal, surrounded by monsters or even worse: presidents, chairmen, and executives of a huge corporation using suffering to run a business.
To achieve justice, you need to gain power from within.
Now enjoy this anime!