The days which are wrapped in the scene of summer and to pass gently
An encounter with the girls repeated in the sunlight
Summer continues to where as well
She is waiting in the air…
One of the best bishoujo game based anime ever made. And for good reason.
Made by [Key->], which also made [Kanon->] (a historical landmark in bishoujo games), Air continues on the tradition of a visual novel, where the player makes some game choices, and the rest is reading and enjoying the visuals and sound. Air is one of the most popular bishoujo game titles. In fact, it’s one of the longest during its time, and gamers are pulled into this world with magnificent settings, lovable characters and incredibly good storytelling. The original concept and story of this title is very dramatic. People who don’t know too much about bishoujo games would immediately classify them as adult-only games (because of certain content), but as I’ve said so many times, some of their stories can even rival those of actual literary novels. Air wins because of its intricate character development and storytelling. Basically, to see is to believe, so I won’t even spoil one bit of the story to you. Besides, you’ll probably be initially attracted to it anyway because of the incredible visuals.
And hell are the visuals so incredible. DVD format is seemingly not enough because the original HDTV broadcasts of this anime are really crisp and amazing. CG-like visuals, backgrounds, and character animation that pays attention to detail. And the simple beauty of all the characters really shine in this anime. It’s one of the best animations to come out on TV, that even OVAs and movies are having a hard time to compete with. What’s better is that there is no noticeable quality loss in any episode. This anime helped Kyoto Animation’s reputation as a powerful animation company in terms of having that wow-factor.
And not only the visuals, the direction of this anime is superb. Usually animators are having a hard time translating a game like this into anime. One reason is that some games have too many multiple paths and endings. Furthermore, to compress an entire visual novel into 13-26 episodes is a hard job. I guess it’s kinda lucky that Air’s story in the game takes a little bit more linear approach. The animators capitalized on that, and in effect, the anime stayed very true to its original game roots. It’s like having a direct manga-to-anime translation, only that it is a game-to-anime one. Fans are quite happy with that, especially when you have amazingly nice scenes to animate. Air has so many funny, happy and dramatic scenes that lifted all of human emotions.
The music is the same. This is quite a surprise, mostly because it wasn’t done before. Air the anime uses the original game soundtrack, and nothing else. It further recreates the feel of the game that way. The songs here, which are made by I’ve Sound, are some of the best I have heard from them, and it clearly complements the story through its lyrics. The seiyuu are composed of some prolific ones and some of my favorites. They make the characters come to life with their excellent voice acting.
The only thing bad about this is that it has to end someday, and seemingly 13 episodes (and 2 more upcoming in a few months) are not enough. But if you had watched it, it would be one of eternal memories. How good is Air? Well, let’s compare it to the real, actual air. It’s there, you breathe it, but you take it for granted. Like that, Air is one anime that may probably be ignored by some, but is actually something special.
This is a [Summer of Bishoujo->] feature
It isn’t the best show on Earth, but it’s certainly special in that it forces every tear out of you. Sob….
Yeah, right, it’s one of the best anime i’ve ever seen.. It’s so sad..:(
I also think that it´s a great anime.. but.. it makes you cry T_T
I have the complete 13 chapters, the movie and 2 OVAs, but i don’t know if there are more OVAs than 2, if you know it, please, asnwer me ^_^
matta ne!!
I’m choking back tears right now after finishing the series.. I’m kind of in disbelief.. I thought episode 13 would add something.. but it was just sort of a weird recap..
= \\ Beautiful.. I wanted more.. gahhhhhh.
People say AIR is a masterpiece. Sure, maybe, in the tiny niche of eroge/renai turned anime. Otherwise, it’s just not very good. The dialogue is hokey, the story is weak (though this is probably due to the serious condensing), and the characters are so twee it makes me want to vomit. Worst of all, the collective fan orgasm anytime someone mentions it. Watch it, then delete is my opinion.
I love this anime, its da only anime dat ever made me cry so hard…but its such a beautiful anime though.. but i was kinda hoping der was just more den thirteen episodes…watch da movie..reli sad 2..hope 2 get da OVA.
I love air it made me laugh and cry………I gust love it X_x
i watched everything in one weekend, the tv series, the movie and the 2 special ovas. it made me cry and about a week after to recover and make sense out of what happened in the end (and yes i finally understand the ending).
i searched everywhere online, looking through forums and blogs to understand the meaning behind it and questions that were left unanswered for example:
when that boy in the end says “i remembered the past” and “to them the cruel days, to us a beginning”.
those two kids were misuzu/kanna and yukito/ryuua.
it took some time for me to understand the timeline of it, but reincarnation must happen independent from time and then it made sense, and i didn’t need to cry anymore.
Well… call me a fanboy or wateva, but this is my current favorite because of it’s beautiful story and unique way of telling it. Some may get bored and stop watching if they can’t get past the first three eps though.
btw, I think the two kids in the ending are mysteries in themselves and the interpretations as to who they actually are, are best left to each individual. Oh yeah, and I could’ve done without the recap episode
In response to Uzumaki….
Well, dude, all I have to do is look at your username and see why you think Air isn’t great. 😛 Another Naruto fandick, eh?
HEY!!! YOU! UZUMAKI-BOY/GIRL/WHATEVER GENDER YOU ARE!!!
I am SERIOUSLY OFFENDED!!!! You don’t know good work when you see it!
hah…
hey, I was wondering…
wouldn’t it just ruin THE ENTIRE series if Misuzu just lived a normal life in the end and nothing happened and she just becomes a PILOT at the end of the series??
THAT WOULD RUIN THE WHOLE SERIES!!!! O_O o.0
ok, I know I probably sound like a complete loser right now but I had a friend that asked me that…
“What if she just becomes a pilot at the end of the series?”
and I was all like” O____O
OMGG!!! NOOOOO!!!!
but then, yeah, I saw the end of the series and I was all like:
WHEW! I’m SO RELIEVED!!!
guess sitting there and watching the first boring eps actually paid off…
so yeah, AIR is like, definitely one of my fav animes now….
it’s just it’s probably not popular because noone had seen the whole thing, because the intro is really boring and confusing, y know?
oh, and agreeing with Cloud^…I could ALSO have done without the ReCap…
I just wish there was MORE to the series!!
i aprove with misuzu. Im also greatly offended. Air is a masterpiece. but i disapprove with some of your comments. the first episodes where amazing the only episodes that i didnt love(its still great) is eps about the winged being. I also wanted a happy ending. It would good if misuzu was reincarnated like what happened to tohno. BTW if you didnt liked the first episodes you should try the movie.
I recommend to watch and keep this anime. 🙂
Well… Nothing to say… I cried from the beggining to the end… It shows how hard the life can be… and how unpredictable we can be…
My favourite anime serie… and the most beautiful… =)
It just repeats itself. It is strange where they change the modern scean to before time. I was really confused about the curse thing. And how come those two children know something about Misuzu and know what is going to happen. That was just random. They made a excuse so that people watch it again.
There is too much confusion in the series. I greatly affend not to show this ever again! It has strange parts in the OVA’s too. It should never show it on all the way AMERICA, AFRICA, ATLANTICA, EUROPE and ASIA.
(of course except for Japan)
Ok sower people, STFU! I completly disagree with your sower attitudes! This is my favorite anime. It rules and I love it. Everything in it is perfect.
The boy said it because HE is Yukito. Yukito wished himself into that little child to make that girl who happens to be the next victim of the curse live a happy life. Since that happened, he keeps his memories of when he was Sora, so that is how he knows what their fate is. Haloe, I agree, kickass and best all the way.
I understood this anime when I was told about it and it has the best plot I have ever seen in an anime. Sorry you hated it Ison, It was too awesome.
Air has way to many intricate plots, themes and far to much charecter development to be understood the first time you watch it. I had to watch it 5 times and i still see new stuff every time. i plan on watching it again too.
To-Ison = I don’t think it’s a good idea to include ASIA in that list, you don’t seem to have an idea that most of the ASIAN countries are FAITHFUL and RELIGIOUS. If you don’t get what I mean then that’s too bad for you.
To-Ison = I don’t think it’s a good idea to include ASIA in that list, you don’t seem to have an idea that most of the ASIAN countries are FAITHFUL and RELIGIOUS. If you don’t get what I mean then that’s too bad for you.
I’m an ASIAN person, that’s why I love it.
One of the best anime shows i have ever seen. I still have to watch the movie but i can watch it over the summer. I hated the recap. They should have added something instead of it.
Air is excellent and definitely a Masterpiece. I can’t believe that they fit so much information into just 13 episodes without cutting out crucial information needed to understand the storyline. Its shocking that they succeeded and also kept their artwork beautiful…normally after a while the artwork gets a bit sloppy in many animes. That definitely does not occur in Air.
Another thing that amazes me is the music. I love all types of music but even I have to admit that occasionally Japanese music can be jarring, after all I speak a different language! And it can be startling when your singing the lyrics and it clashes with the rhythm of the original Japanese music. That doesn’t happen with Air’s soundtrack, it adds depth and meaning to the storyline.
If your confused about Air make sure you read the song lyrics and it’ll help clarify what’s going on. There was a purpose in seeing the 1000th summer from so many different perspectives. Each perspective adds more information, giving a greater understanding of the characters in the show, building to a finale which is staggering.
Also those two kids on the beach in front of Misuzu and Yukito were Misuzu/Kanna and Yukito/Ryuua. Air is not sad if you get the ending….
Here’s what I think…
Kanna died but part of her soul, Misuzu, was reincarnated still under the curse of the monks. Uraha and Ryuua married and started a family line dedicated to ending the curse of Kannabi. Each descendant through the years would meet the reincarnated Kanna, and decide whether to leave or use their magic (all of it) to help save Kanna. Uraha realized that sooner or later a descendant of theirs would hold enough combined magic to free Kanna from the curse. When Yukito and Misuzu met there was almost enough magic. When they decided to stay together, no matter what, they stopped the curse from continuing on to the next reincarnation. And Misuzu’s “final dream” was to be with her mother and make her proud that was the catalyst that started this entire series. When she accomplished “her final dream” she died because completing her dream was the only thing keeping her alive. Her mother understood that in the end which is why she let Misuzu keep trying even though she knew she would die as a result.
The two kids on the beach building the castle were Misuzu/Kanna and Yukito/Ryuua. The boy said something like, to them the cruel days and to us a new beginning… The only thing I wish they had made a little different was Uraha was reincarnated as Yukito’s mother, note the resemblance between them. I hope she isn’t reincarnated again as his mother because I think they deserve to be together all at once like in the beginning.
BTW this is directed to Tenzin (who commented above me); I am so glad someone else understood Air as well, and got the ending!!
Can’t wait to buy the Air TV Season & Soundtrack!!
~*~IT’LL BE WORTH IT!~*~
To anyone else if you got a different take…. Air it. (sorry had to do the pun ~*~ Gao ~*~) I always like reading other’s opinions because maybe you caught something I missed or vice versa. Ja ne, Shenna
OH MY GEE!!!! THEY’RE DUBBING IT!! THEY’RE DUUUUBBIIIING IIIIITTT!
I’ve seen the first two episodes in English and it was Okay, but I don’t really like Kano’s voice.
And I understand the ending completly.
See, Misuzu is the reincarnation of Kanna, and in the summer arch, Uraha pointed out that Kanna was being cursed. Well, with all of the reincarnations dieing because they never found a way to break the curse, 1,000 summers after Kanna died, Misuzu took on her curse.
The curse was that whoever was brought close to them, they would both become sick and eventually die… That’s why The reincarnations where always alone.
Well, Yukito came along and broke the curse by not leaving Misuzu; He cured her loneliness. Seeing how much Misuzu was suffering and reflecting on all the time he left her alone, he put his heart into the doll like is mother said to do when all he wanted to do was save her…. “If I could relive my life, I would, this time with Misuzu forever.” He says,
Thus, he turns into Sora, who is always with her. Misuzu grows sick, because Yukito is with her. All she wanted to do was find happiness and escape from being alone; Yukito fulfilled that goal, and that’s why she dies smiling in her mother’s arms, who also helped in curing her illness. The other reincarnations never broke the curse because they were always alone..
Seeing Misuzu escaped from living alone, She broke the curse and she is the last of the un happy reincarnations, Setting Kanna free. The kids at the end are the reincarnations of Misuzu and Yukito, and they are no longer sad.. They’re happy.
Thus the quote, “To them, cruel days, and to us, a new beginning.”
Get it? The plot is so wonderful.
I took a more tragic view on the storyline, so far no one presented the ending as a complete tragedy.
When Yukito sacrifices himself to help Misuzu, the effect allowed her to survive longer and weakened the monk’s curse.
Sora from beginning to end is a reincarnation of Ryuya but he can’t recall his memory from his past life until the very end of anime until he is mature.
The young couple at the end is another pair of winged beings that was created to pass down star’s memory. Since the girl wants to go to beyond the sky and the boy remembers planet’s memory. He knows about the reincarnation cycle of Kanna and Ryuya thus the part “To them, cruel days”. Since they are new winged beings, “and to us, a new beginning”.
Kanna’s duty as a winged one is over when she died but the curse of monk is eternal until it can be weakened enough by Kunisaki’s bloodline of sacrifices. I felt the ending was just another cycle of the story from before, a cycle of lonliness and Kanna’s reincarnation dying each time until curse is lifted.
Anyway above is just what I think about the story that’s different from haloe12 and Shenna, they have a good analysis of the story.
Dam this show sucked so much!
NOTE THE ONLY REASON IT SUCK IS ME AND 12 AIR FORCE friend GOT IT AS AN JOKE THE GOT HOCKED THE AND ALL OF US CRYED AT THE END. So sorry but it realy piised me and my friend off a BIT!!!
But my 3 Vol. say the there is an forth dice with all new tails. does any one have that on the dice to.
It is new like 2-3 weeks old. Date Feb,7,2008
ho just to let u all know the U.S. AIR FORCE aren’t a bunch of baby one one friend never cry s .
I agree with Dawn more in this one. There is no indication that the curse is actually lifted, especially since Sora is still going after Kanna to bring her back. There is a shimmer of hope in that Misuzu at least died happily, so Kanna can go on with her memories and thus perhaps break free of the curse one day.
And in the end it still all doesn’t matter one bit for poor, grieving Haruko who lost her beloved daughter. I cried mostly for her in the end.
SO! let me make this clear to myself…
the two kids at the end of the series were
reincarnations of Yukito and Misuzo? Hmmmm…. why wre they reincarnated before they were both gone? This is quite confusing…i need more explainations…-.-
Air TV is hands-down my favorite anime. To me, there’s nothing that can compete with it. The story, the art, the music… everything about it is special.