...we will meet gain, when that time comes tell me everything, what you've seen in life, what you've experienced, and what you've felt, as a thank-you, I'll make you another delicious meal. - Takae Niijima

Never did I expect that this 2024 fall season has in store a wonderful gift hidden under a seemingly 'generic' title. If not the best of the season (in its category) It is probably one of the best we had for many years. If you're looking for a heartwarming show look no further, this is the one. Did I exaggerate? rest assured, as I have prepared some critiques for it, but small compared to what they got right.

Somehow this show has close resemblance to "Sweetness And Lightning", a similar story where a father and daughter had to lost a mother figure early in their life. (you might want to check that as well)

What is this show about? As you probably have read it's about how far an idea of a family bond could be, a familial love in its purest ideals. Takae is like the sun, the warmth and the life of the Niijima's family, her sudden passing devastated Keisuke and Mai which further drifts apart the family's bond. Fast forward 10 yrs, a 'miracle' knocked upon the family's residence: It's Takae in a child body. Niijima's family soon takes turns for the better, they once again could live as a perfect family. Bentos every morning, weekend's travel, or simply chatting around the living room, all things that Keisuke could've asked for and traded for his life were granted. Takae's wish is only to see her family to move on with life, but turns out she had to stay longer until they could finally stand on their own, a Godsend reunification and a beautiful start.

See that this starts to be very sentimental, as the story brought up a significant real life emotional experience of losing a loved one. The story signals strongly that this happiness will be a momentary event, however rest assured as the writer somehow can afford to balance out during the course of the episodes. So it's still sad right ? yes it is still kind of sad but to a certain standard, and considering all factors: it is a sad end, not a bad end, hence It still counts as a satisfactory end.

Moral of the story? (yes it has) to me it's about a long lost virtue of love revisited; especially the word devotion appeared many times in the show as if it's a keyword for the show. However I'll encourage each of you to decide what is the story itself means to you, because my interpretation might not be satisfactory (it's already rich with substance). TsumaSho is an outstanding story about true love, and you'll discover even more chunks of wisdom along the way. -

Seems like a generic sad show, where is the catch? you're right, under an unskilled inexperienced author, this show might drift towards something else, it could lack of substance or something. Fortunately the author is quite a masterful storyteller, such that each plot served a reason. Even the plot twist wasn't just for show, or even worse intentionally for NTR-ing audiences. For example- there was an event where Keisuke decided to remarry which devastated Mai (she is super cute and pure hearted girl), she rejected the idea of any replacement to her mother, but in the end the reason was quite wholesome, as Kei explained the intricate plot only to 'trick' Takae to pass on (and so he didn't remarry for real). -

The key take is: it didn't try to act like a jerk towards its audience just for the sake of being different, it didn't assume we are dumb or social outcasts that can be fed any subpar reasoning or with fetish content while thinking we would still beg for it. It simply wishes to tell us, teaches us, guides us, where the end is something the story guaranteed to be worth the while. It's generous. It's simple.

Characters any good? you'll find them all are decent characters with realistic flaws, like most people are rarely too evil or too good, they are just flawed. Keisuke is an idealist hero type, Mai is an innocent introvert and Takae is the extroverted pragmatic. Isn't it adorable? Moreover, they are reasonable, and you won't dislike any of them for long. The supporting characters also played significant contributions to the story progression, as a matter of fact they were written like a living person (the good ones) it scared me,

How's the animation? animation is fine you wouldn't scratch your eyes of bad drawings or broken proportions, not as good as Mappa like animation but overall it's something good enough to get you focused on the story.

random fact: TsumaSho first debuted as a film (you can find it on Netflix) years before this anime adaptation.

The sound and music? it is done in minimal fashion and always plays at the right moment to elevate the mood, squeeze your heart or induce tears. The ending also without doubt the best that we can get. MS.OOJA - Hidamari herself, one of the JPOP Diva has graced us with her soulful music.

My critic:

• There should be an emotional break like an episode or two, just for a comedic routine, constantly pushing the gas pedal could feel suffocating to constantly squeeze your heart while watching this emotional coaster. (12 ep might not enough)
• The comedy seems to be lacking in contribution which was unfortunate, it could make the show more balanced.
• The title should be more confident in its quality, although without doubt it might sell better. (TsumaSho has a nice wording, whereas the translation 'If My Wife Becomes an Elementary School Student.' can repel some folks :D)

For you guys who had watched it and actually touched by it, by moving on just like the narrative; we ought as well... move on.

The dangers in my heart are without doubt a quality production anime, with the character's unique placement compared with other titles in the same genres. One thing it delivers quite well is the creepiness given by the character Ichikawa, and after two seasons one can't help but always feel cringe emotion which undoubtedly wasn't a sin, but not our noble goal either. Thus far, it started to become a habit of writers to 'curse' such personality flaw to every main cast of any story; just for the interest of making imperfect human-relatable characters. But don't we deep down feel that a Main Character is supposed to be the carrier of the story ? They are the only friends in this wild world of story that can guide us towards the conclusion. They promised us a gift that we will treasure for the rest of our lives if we stick around for a while, because it will be worth the while. Sadly I didn't found it.

This is meant to be a more 'mixed feelings' category, however I’m called to not resort to that and instead post this as not recommended to act as a shelter for those who had doubts why majority in favor or even whose hearts touched by this work. Generally I have a framework of thought when it comes to deciding if the work of art (in this case novel/comic/manga/anime) is worth the money & effort of the production, management and team of skilled artisans for the sake of the creator's vision. For Hayao Miyazaki, it would be a work that respects life itself and made with the artist's earnest effort and mastery. Then with Tolstoy, would be a universal art that is intelligible for simple folks and not the idle elite or few nobilities perverted taste. Then a great art would be the one among true arts that not only communicates feelings of the maker but the one who could introduce them to a sense of brotherhood between humans then enlighten their morals. Nevertheless who owned the basis of morality and standard of aesthetics itself ? certainly we couldn't bring up the concept of the divine, but to stay within the boundaries of human experiences. Hence the standard or axiomatic basis that I would like to establish here is the kind of work that those both particularly bright minds prefer to believe.

To my observation of Ichika as the MC, he definitely improved and has grown bolder at the point of confessing his love to Yamada which is not a small progress. But all time spent to hone his boldness in romantic journeys is not used effectively for other things that could improve him as a respectable student. What are good students? you all know those things. One would argue that it is the decision of the character themselves and respect that should we? Which is natural and acceptable, after all we want our Main character to have soul and grow naturally without trying to oversteer their life. But the price is we will never see him being a terrific man, there's a limit to episodes and papers, and therefore the goals to direct our audiences towards enlightenment through him will have to wait once again, or worse never came to be.

What about Yamada ? she is certainly not the main subject of the story, she is the goal that is promised given by our story carriers Ichika. Unfortunately nothing about their relationship is digging deep to what true love is (again this is subjective moral basis), you might see here and there sweet moment like how he cared for her careers and aspiration (admirable), and trying not to brought her to his social level which is his greatest inferiority came from. Yamada, on the other hand; could be said simply liked him because of his understanding and meekness, despite to me it looked more like a timid behavior. So I'm afraid when all romance is set aside, the only thing that made Yamada fall for Ichika is his 'emotional support' and cat-like behavior. So when we try to perceive it that way aren't we getting even farther from our goal and find it shallow ?

Enough of characters...

Animation what could be said, It is stellar production, fashionable if we could use that term. You will not find any deformation or boring cinematography while you enjoy the show. Soundtrack is not of a great focus, so you can say it's passable but Opening/Ending is quite good & popping. The team behind this must have been very talented and hard working to make each moment capture the attention of audiences in regards to technicality of the product.

So why is it a 7 and not 8/9 like most votes ? i would like to find middle score that will advertises the sentiment of "Regrettable", a show which direction could shoot up far to the moon but they didn't because they just didn't want to or can't; it's already popular, why bother trying harder to please strangers that eventually criticize. So I can't give it lower than 7 because it cannot simply be worse that the other worser thing i have seen. That said, it is also impolite gesture to masterpieces in this industry to give them score above 8 let alone 9. It's a special place where we should give our highest considerations of older titles that came before this, which many of them are worthy to be called Great Art (sorry to offend fine art enjoyer out there); forbid us to forget all titles those who came before this.

Finally I will place this as not recommended for people who agree with my humble review, not to discourage you guys from watching, by all means watch and prove that it is not the case with my view. To you who understands.

I wouldn't mind you being an undead forever. Just stay here forever and spend your life as an adventurer. - Lorraine Vivie (translated)

This is a story of Rentt Faina a 'stuck in life' adult who has a dream of being a mithril class adventurer, born with no talents for years until a turn of event brought him to a presence of mythical creature in secret dungeon, and hence he met his demise. Then he got resurrected as a skeleton that needed no sleep and hunger, and began a journey to make his way towards race evolution. Helped by dear friend Lorraine, he had place to live while hiding his identity.

It might not be the best entertainment rush you're willing to waste time for, and also because everyone values different things in a film. Nonetheless, if you are the kind of idealist who is looking for sincere piece of work, then this may give you one as long as you can tolerate the unpopular parts. Aside from the interesting journey to vampire evolution, this show has intelligible characters that you'll grow fond of. Its slow pacing was also compensated by the way it fits the story just right on-time.

I know many have thought this as a generic boorish show (generic fantasy setting usually has this stereotype), let alone comprehend that this thing even has 'soul'. I think so too if it's judged from the overall score, regardless to me it passes the first very thing any work of story should have:

• Respectable characters (It's always nice to see an upright MC, or heroine)
• Logical (it's a fantasy but the assumptions and events are reasoned nicely)
• Focused plot (some trying too hard to entertain which backfires, this one stays within its scope)
• Balanced pacing (a focused plot usually balance in pacing, this show is just done in time and points are delivered)
• Interesting/worthwhile goal (staying for final vampire evolution ? I'm in)
• Hardly predictable in microscale (this show is still on the 'mild' side but not lazy, it got some moves)

What could be improved ?

Story wise, a bit of minor adjustments like a more active villain roles might give it trajectory boost, a bit of comedy, then a meticulous cleanup on any potential cringe (unintended one) moment could elevate it's classy delivery; which I think is a suitable style for this show. It could also learn one or two from Mushoku Tensei about grossness which add realistic imperfection to the story (Mushoku Tensei is a bit too much, so take just a grain). Then comes the plot, depending on what you mean by good plot is probably a series of turns that provide unexpected surprise and dynamism to the process. Unfortunately this one won't give you much that, reason is that the premise was locked from the start but not the progression itself. As a result the story progressed sensibly in which often it allows unique scenarios to arise. Nevertheless, It did still have a proper structure, although it seems not to forced the sensible plot for the sake the predefined outcome, this way you can enjoy the process naturally. (Check episode where he encounters mysterious magic item collector)

Animation quality was rushed, sometimes it breaks the acceptable biology and proportion, but on average it didn't go as far to the point it broke the flow of engagement. I'm not an expert on the matters, and many great technicalities are all over the industry which they can look into. Unless it's not about budget reasons, my advice is to go far with the animation quality because it could gives utmost positive impression which in turn makes people stay longer.

Soundtracks are great, the opening song is unique, while the ending is in the heartwarming one thanks to this talented musician Mao Abe. The rest of BGMs are nice as well, it tries to differentiate itself and fits in perfectly. It even got flamenco style as one of their instruments, I remember Bleach uses that heavily.

Characters aspect is probably the thing that actually drew me in, Rentt, Lorraine, Sheila, blacksmith guy, and the newbies are all crafted mindfully. They were perceptive and often displays complex human behavior like word restraint, inner judgment, and the ability to play subtlety with sarcasm (Lorraine Sheila intense moment depicted this when Lorraine challenged her intention). Did I say this anime has the best characters of all time? not that far, we've got many champions like Steins Gate which I think is one of greatest pieces of 2010s generation could ask for. In terms of spectrum, that stays above this one by a considerable gap, and so much great masterpieces out there we could learn from.

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Final Verdict

It's kind of 'lame' show that won't flushes your brain with dopamine and adrenaline, but oxytocin for sure.