Animecritics

La Corda D'Oro - Episode 02

2006-11-29T17:13:00.000-05:00

Kahoko Hino comes across Shouku Fuyuumi who is being bullied by Azuma Yunoki's fanclub. After Kahoko is unable to play her magical violin beautifully, the fanclub challenges her to improve her playing ability within a week. She does, of course, accept. Afterwards, the school journalist, Nami Amou, tries to get information on Kahoko.

Within her week of training, she comes across each of the specially selected students from the music section. When she comes across Len Tsukimori, she becomes compelled to play the Ave Maria.

This is the song she practices, but the question is if she will be able to play it well for the fanclub. After much inspiration from her friends and peers, the week ends and Kahoko plays her practiced piece. How well does she play? Watch the episode to find out~!

Shounen Onmyouji - Episode 1

2006-11-24T13:17:00.000-05:00

Masahiro Abe, the grandson of the great Seimei, has many troubles. Being related to his grandfather, a well-respected onmyouji, causes him much grief. For one thing, Masahiro does not have the kenki ability, the power to see spirits. And for another, his grandfather relentlessly teases him about his abilities or the lack of it. However, things start to change once he meets an ayakashi that decides to help him. His dream of surpassing his grandfather as an onmyouji doesn’t seem to be impossible anymore.

When I saw this episode, I was absolutely captivated. The animation was stunning. It looks pretty general, but the character designs were great! The voice acting astounded me too. They chose a great voice actor for Masahiro. I was not only pleased with the animation and characters but also pleased with the story. It's unique and enriching. There is so much culture and just fascinating ideas embedded in it. For me, this is my "Ouran High School Host Club" this fall.

Shounen Onmyouji

2006-11-24T13:16:00.000-05:00

Busou Renkin Episode 1

2006-11-24T00:25:00.000-05:00

[Opening Song: “Makka Na Chikai” by Yoshiki Fukuyama]

[Summary: “A New Life”]
Ever had a nightmare that felt so real you could have sworn that it wasn’t just a dream? Mutou Kazuki was in that predictament–however! It was not a dream. This “dream” ended up ending his life–but…what? He’s still alive?

We are introduced to his three friends (Okakura–big hair, Daihama–big smile, Rokumasu–glasses) -and his sister, Mutou Mahiro and it shows that they all have a close relationship with each other. Kazuki runs into some problems with one of the school’s teachers the next day and he finds that his teacher is a homunculus!

Kazuki runs into the person who brought him back to life–and ironically, it had been the girl he died trying to save! She explains to him that the Kakugane is the reason he was still alive because it replaced the heart that he lost trying to protect her. She wished for him to continue his life normally, but he made a decision to help her rid the world of homunculi and thus, an alliance is created.

Here begins the story of two “Busou Renkin” wielders–destroying homunculi and seeking peace.

[Ending Song: “Hoshiakari” by Jyukai]

[The Kuroneko’s Thoughts]
Now, when you hear “homunculus” and “alchemy”, I know a whole bunch of you are thinking “OHMYGOODNESS! FULLMETALALCHEMIST! KYAAAAA!” But no, sorry, it’s Busou Renkin! Don’t think that Busou Renkin is like FMA, however–IT’S COMPLETELY DIFFERENT!

The Busou Renkin that they wield IS SO COOL. -shiny eyes- I didn’t put a screenshot of them because YOU SHOULD GO WATCH IT

This is a really wonderfully developed story with plenty of fluffy moments as well as funny moments. As expected from the manga-ka of Rurouni Kenshin! YAY FOR NOBUHIRO WATSUKI-SENSEI!

[The Other Bloggers Say]

I would comment, except I have yet to seen it. Ehehe, I’ll watch it soon enough though…Until then!

I’ve seen it now, heh. First thoughs, super fast pacing, action scenes were okay. (Nothing can beat Bleach nor Naruto! lol..jkjk) I do, however, really like the characters! And I like how they’re upfront about the main two characters and the possible romance. Usually, in other shows, it’s dodgy and gets to the point of ridiculousness.

~Empress

Hey all!

2006-10-22T11:41:00.000-05:00

…Wow….wordpress is really uptown!….Long time no see everyone! And welcome to those new and not so new people I kinda know :D. Sorry I’ve been away for ages, i’ve been on holiday with my family in france and the real life as in the one outside the computer really knows how to annoy you brainless…literally…But I’m back and hopefully for good I’ll be letting you know when I’m on hols next…..the 4th of December until the 13th of Jan. After which I will have to do some serious studying for my end of year exams in hopes that I’ll get into a good college and so yes, this year will be rough but I’ll make it!!!! I promise ya’ll I won’t abandon you!! :D…..Only for a few weeks on end I hope that’s alright! Anyways phew! It’s good to be back and YAY!!! NEW PROJECTS!!!! This is gonna be fun!

Ps: Hope you all had a nice time while I was away ;)

La Corda D'Oro - Episode 1

2006-10-20T12:59:00.000-05:00

Kahoko Hino is a student that attends a high school that specializes in music. However, this high school is separated into two sections, the general education section and the music section. It is as if there are two schools, not one. Every few years, a music competition is held. Usually, the chosen contestants are only music students. But this year, a chance encounter with the school’s guardian music fairy causes Kahoko, a general ed student, to be entered into the contest. With no knowledge of music, she is forced to compete in the competition with a magical violin. And if that wasn’t bad enough, there are some people who don’t seem happy to see her in the competition.

The first episode had a fast pace compared to the manga. Though it isn’t a surprise since the first episode has to grab people’s interests by presenting the problem. I think they translated the manga to screen pretty well. The animation itself is pretty decent. The color tones are nice. Lili, the fairy, however, seems weird in certain scenes. There is a rich coloring in some of the music scenes, but Lili just seems out of place with his rather…um…weird color tones. But that
may just be because of his little fairy aura which makes it much pallid in comparison

I am actually a musician myself, so I was quite pleased that the animators made the whole deal pretty darn accurate. There are a few things here and there that aren’t realistic, but this is animation we’re talking about. I bet it was hard enough on them to get it as accurate as they did in this episode.

So far so good! The story is appealing and c’mon, bishie musicians, what’s not to love?

Other Bloggers’ say:

La Corda D'Oro -primo passo-

2006-10-20T12:54:00.000-05:00

New projects!

2006-10-19T19:36:00.000-05:00

Hey guys!

I have some news for you. AnimeCritics has decided to take on two new projects (and yes, we will be able to blog them now that we’re into the swing of school). These two new projects are La Corda D’oro and Buso Renkin.

We have also added a new member to our team. Please welcome Nyanto!

We've also temporarily moved to Wordpress. After a trial run, we will decide which blog to keep. Maybe we'll keep both, who knows? Be checking back here or our site at wordpress for updates and new reviews! :D

Let us know your thoughts!

XXXHolic Episode 1

2006-08-28T10:19:00.000-05:00

XXXHolic Episode 1

“In this world...there are no coincidences...there is only fate.”

Watanuki Kimihiro is a clumsy, slightly whiny, out of the ordinary boy. Why? Because not only does he move very strangely and use funny facial and verbal expressions, he's got the ability to see spirits. But before you stop and say “how lame,” get this, those spirits actually chase after him every chance they get due to the fact that they like the blood running through his veins. Poor Watanuki is tormented by these annoying creatures who disturb him even as he's casually walking through the streets.

However everything changes when the boy stumbles across a shop. A very mysterious shop where a woman named Yuuko lives, along with a few other assistances. She immediately deciphers his wish, for those spirits to leave him alone, and she's willing to grant him that freedom...for a price. He has to work at the shop until he's repaid his debt!

That's just the start of Watanuki's adventure into a world where nothing is as it seems, from vestal sprites to crazy cats, fox oden and befriending your enemy. It's a whole new world that Watanuki seems pulled towards, but whether for better or worse, it's what he's got to do.

An excellent series full of laughter and your daily dose of genuine horror! There's something for everyone here so make sure you get your hands on it and don't forget to bring sake and fish! It's Yuuko's favourite after all!!

I personally love this series!! And that's all thanks to the help of Empress-sama and Kuroneko-chan ^^ It's a hillarious story, yet there is always that element of suspense, dread and absolute horror. While some episodes are nice and friendly, others can really chill you! And it's excellent!! XD

Ouran High School Host Club Episode 8

2006-08-17T01:38:00.000-05:00

[Opening Song: "Sakura Kiss" by Kawabe Chieko]

[Summary: "The Sun, the Beach, and the Host Club"]
The Host Club is at the beach!!--with their customers. -_-' All of their previous plans that involved Haruhi in a swimsuit had gone down the drain because they were now entertaining customers.

The twins, up to their usual antics, challenge Tamaki into a game that involves finding Haruhi's weakness. The prize? Pictures from Haruhi's middle school days, provided by Kyouya.

As the day is ending, two guys starts hitting on a few of their customers who were enjoying the view on a large rock and Haruhi rushes to help them. However, being a girl and much smaller than them, she is pushed off the side of the rock and Tamaki dives in after her to save her.
The mood is bitter between Tamaki and Haruhi. Will things be worked out between them? And is Haruhi scared of anything at all??

[Ending Song: "Shissou" by Last Alliance]

[The Kuroneko's Thoughts]
I had no idea how to end the summary without giving too much away, so I ended up copying IceQueen-san's reviewing skills and ended my summary with questions. (Gomen nasai, IceQueen-san!)

Anyway, I LOVE THIS EPISODE DUE TO KYOUYA REASONS. I also like how Tamaki just saved Haruhi without hesitation. I dislike the ending though..poor Tamaki T^T

[The Other Bloggers Say]

Ouran High School Host Club - Episode 7

2006-08-16T18:49:00.000-05:00

A Tropical Paradise. That’s what Haruhi finds as she meets again with the Host Club, or rather, was captured by the twins and Tamaki and forced to enjoy Kyouya’s Tropical Garden.

One bathing suit coupled with an explosive nosebleed later, Tamaki and the twins have a water gun fight. Banana peels come into play as Tamaki accidentally slams into a button that turns on a rather intense drain of water that pulls Hunny away. Not even Mori can save him.

The Host Club sets off to find Hunny in the tropical jungle Kyouya calls a ‘pool,’ and eventually Haruhi and Mori go off in search of him on their own. Kyouya calls his own personal police force to find Hunny. Unfortunately, he never informed him Mori and Haruhi were alone in the forest.

When Mori and Haruhi are confronted with the police, Hunny swings in Tarzan style and saves the day.

Figures. It’s always the little ones that pack a powerful punch.

About Raserei Hojo

2006-08-14T02:44:00.000-05:00

Here I am! ^_^ I am Raserei Hojo, freshly turned sixteen years old. I love Ouran very much, so I started FRoP because Lunar was running behind schedule! Speedy subs, mostly accurate translation, and a lot of supporters! Yay FRoP!

My father is from Cuba and my mom was from America. So that makes me what? >_>; Lation? I don't know. Anyway, I don't have an accent. n_n

This year I will be taking German II, which I am very excited about. I've been working on my German all summer. My German class cheats off me, and even cheered when I walked into the room on exam day (they thought I was sick!)

I love anime, especially shounen-ai and shoujo animes. They rule! Ouran is my number one, and Loveless, Meine Liebe, Revolutionary Girl Utena, Sukisyo, and a ton of others ALL come in second. I love anime! ^_^ Makes me happy!

I go back to school in...two days. Pity me!! I'll be a Junior though. ^_^ Keheheheh. <_< I saw the Freshmen too. They looked sooo confused. It'll be fun next year ^_~

Anyway, that's about it! I hope to be a helpful member of Animecritics! ^_^

xxxHolic

2006-08-14T02:06:00.000-05:00

Summary:

Episodes:

Ouran High School Host Club Episode 6

2006-08-09T12:18:00.000-05:00

It's another fine day at Ouran High School for the Host Club, but that is all about to change when a boy named Shirou decides to drop by. His asks Tamaki, the "King," to teach him how to attract girls! Tamaki is so blown away by the request – and by being called King – that he instantly agrees, making the boy observe his little rituals with the female clients.

However Shirou happens to be extremely sharp, smart and a little bit of a rascal, earning him his new title, "The Naughty Elementary Host." He notices and comments on all the little flaws the Host Club has, annoying and irritating quite a lot of the members of the club.

But he finally gets tired of the Club's antics and leaves. However, noticing something amiss, the Host Club decides to investigate, resulting in a tirade of crazy and very amusing events.

And what have we here? Haruhi's gay? Renge's performing another one of her personality changes? And wait...there was a piano in the Music Room?

A very cute and sweet episode, full of laughs and even a few "awws." As the rest of the episodes, this is one NOT to be missed ^^. ENJOY!!

Other Bloggers' Say:

I loved Tamaki even more in this episode because he knows how to play the piano (yeah, I spoiled it right there...>.>) but it's really touching and makes you wanna hug Shiro ^^ +kuroneko-chan+

The person who does the voice of Shirou is the same person who does Naruto! ^__^ That's a plus for me! She's an amazing voice actress. Yes, a girl does their voices! ~Empress

Happy birthday, Empress-dono!

2006-08-08T03:11:00.000-05:00

I don't know if I'm allowed to post this (if I'm not, feel free to delete it for me since I'm lazy or just PM me on the FRoP forums about a gazillion times and I'll delete it...eventually xP_ but since Empress-dono was the one who started this awesome animecritic blog and got all of us together:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, EMPRESS-DONO!

Thank you for gathering us all together and creating such an amazing site :3 I made more friends thanks to your brilliant idea and you have no idea how much I love you for it ^^ Please have a happy, happy birthday! x3

Other Bloggers say:
Happy Birthday Empress-san :) We love youuuuuuuuuu :). Your so great hahaha I don't know what to say =P. Enjoy your special day ^.^ -Miso
Happy Birthday sweetie!! :D Awww yay!! BIRTHDAYS!!!! Well, congrats my dear and I hope you have a GREAT day!! ^^ - Rex
*Cries, going all sentimental and 'squealy' on everyone* I was so surprised and happy when I checked out the site and saw the post! Thanks sooo much everyone! Much Love to you all! <3 Empress

Ouran High School Host Club Episode 5

2006-08-05T20:30:00.000-05:00

[Opening Song: "Sakura Kiss" by Kawabe Chieko]

[Summary: "The Twins' Fight"]
Nobody could tell the Hiitachin twins apart, not even their parents. The game "Which one is Hikaru?" could never be won among the designators. Haruhi thinks that the game is stupid and doesn't understand why they're so popular. After they explain, Tamaki shows up completely flustered because the twins had posted a nude picture of Haruhi naked. (Enter: Tamaki's strange daydreams...) She asks them what she is to them and they reply bluntly, "Our toy."

At the mention of "toy", we are introduced to the Black Magic Club's president: Nekozawa Umehito who likes to carry around a puppet named "Beelzenef" and is afraid of light. He introduces the Beelzenef voo-doo doll and is then picked on by the bored twins. They force Haruhi to play the "Which one is Hikaru?" game and she guesses correctly and explains that Hikaru's actions are more evil than Kaoru's. This results in a huge fight between the twins.

Finally, they were getting so out of hand that Haruhi decides to stop them. But they find out that it was a ploy all along to get rid of their boredness.

[Ending Song: "Shissou" by Last Alliance]

[The Kuroneko's Thoughts]
Although I'm technically a Kyoya fan, the twins are adorable in this episode :3 They were extremely convincing (even convinced me too >.>) and their relationship is unique. Not to mention we were introduced to Nekozawa-senpai! YAY x3

[The Other Bloggers Say]

It was a fun episode! ^_^ The only thing I was disappointed with was the color of their hair. I thought it was sort of weird. Reminded me of cotton candy...Mmm... But other than that, I liked the bickering scenes. ~Empress

Saiunkoku Monogatari Episode 5

2006-08-05T20:24:00.000-05:00

[Opening Song: "Hajimari no Kaze" by Hirahara Ayaka]

[Summary: "Hard Work Beats Talent"]
This episode starts out with Shuurei missing a variety of her possessions. Then Ran Shuuei and the Emperor spoke of the source of the poison that he had taken for Shuurei's sake in the previous episode. They also mention that this same possible source was also the source behind the stealing of Shuurei's possessions.

Shuurei meets Ran Shuuei's younger brother, "Ran Ryuuren" who was strangely and flashily dressed (and couldn't play the flute to save his life.) Ran Shuuei shows up and explains that his brother is the type that can sneak in anywhere before Ryuuren just disappeared. Shuurei tries to be friendly with him and it's revealed that Ryuuren was a genius.

Shuurei invites Ryuuren to her home but is caught by Ryuuki who gets a bit jealous. They go out and after a bunch of random and hilarious events Ryuuren and Shuurei become friends.

[Ending Song: "Saikou no Kataomoi" by Tainaka Sachi]

[The Kuroneko's Thoughts]
Ran Ryuuren is a really misleading character but he's as good-looking as his brother (without his crazy clothes and bad flute playing xP) And Ryuuki tries hard to win Shuurei's love but keeps doing it the wrong way ::laugh:: Ganbatte, Ryuuki! x3

[The Other Bloggers Say]

This was a really cute episode. I especially liked how we get to see Ryuuki somewhat jealous of Ryuuren. ~Empress

Ouran High School Host Club Episode 4

2006-08-05T20:17:00.000-05:00

It's another day at the host club with Haruhi continuing to carry out the role of the 'natural host.' During the day, the host club members notice a new girl looking in on them. Of course, Tamaki welcomes her with his usual flamboyant ways. However, this girl, not being easily moved by Tamaki's antics, rejects him and leaps into Kyoya's arms, claiming to be his fiancée. The host club soon learns that the girl's name is Renge. She has transferred to Ouran from France because of Kyoya who looks exactly like Renge's favorite character in a video game. Because of her obsession with Kyoya, she eventually establishes herself as the female manager of the club. When she undertakes a huge project, Renge soon comes to learn an important lesson with the help of Haruhi.

This episode was great fun. It was pretty faithful to the manga, which is a bonus. The whole satire on fangirls is hilarious. And I cannot stop stressing the fact that the animation is really wonderful. The opening scenes of the host club in their kimonos were great. I really liked the animation, the special effects (sparkles, and 'blur' patterns), and the colors. There is a "generic" anime look/style in the anime industry. However, Ouran has this totally unique style. You just won't get it unless you watch it. I should probably go check up on the names of the animators since I like this style so much…

Other bloggers' say:

We were introduced to Renge-kun in this episode...and she's crazy. ahhaha~ I especially liked the part when Kyouya smashes the camera with a rock ;) Ah...me and my Kyouya otakuness xP +kuroneko-chan+

Saiunkoku Monogatari Episode 4

2006-08-05T17:01:00.000-05:00

It's Spring, the time for new life, new plants...and for Shuurei and Ryuuki, new discoveries about the people around them. A deeply and utterly furious Shuurei storms in on the three highest ranking men of the palace, the emperor's advisers, demanding that she leave the palace immediately because she had been fooled into thinking Ryuuki was a hopeless emperor. Realizing that to be untrue, and feeling totally fooled and embarassed herself, she requested her payment as well as her leave. However, Adviser Shou wouldn't let her go that easily.

It was then, in the library with her father, that she discovers the abused and painful past of her "husband." Ryuuki had been beaten and bullied by his mother and older brothers. The only brother who was kind to him was Prince Seien, who was later exiled.

Feeling sympathetic and compassion for the lonely Emperor, Shuurei decides to stay just a little longer. However, things are not as they seem, especially when a competition is held and Ryuuki and Seiran fight against each other. Just where did Prince Seien go? And what's this? Seiran and Ryuuki are seeing each other? And of all people to serve the tea at the competition, why did it have to be Shuurei's father?

A very comical yet serious episode. This is sure to bring some frowns and laughs to everyone! ENJOY!

I loved the actions scenes...even though they were 3 seconds long, lol. I wish there were more. I mean, c'mon...wouldn't you want to see these guys fight? ~Empress

I thought this was a good episode :3 Even though there's not as much fluff in this one, you get a feel of the development of character and it's intriguing ^^ +kuroneko-chan+

Ouran High School Host Club Episode 3

2006-08-03T01:27:00.000-05:00

Ah, Spring, the time of Cherry Blossoms, tea and unfortunately for the Host Club, Physical Examinations. The episode starts off with pretty scenes and lovely colours of the new season of life. The Host Club is entertaining their guests in the courtyard, where our poor Tamaki finds out that he spends such little time with his beloved daughter Haruhi compared to the twins who spend a lot of time with her due to the fact that they're in the same class together.

Tamaki's jealousy wave gets moving. But Kyouya interrupts him, incidentally mentioning that the Physical Examination is coming up and that Haruhi will be found out...meaning Tamaki won't be able to even spend the little time he had with her anymore! The club immediately figures out a plan to keep their Princess from being discovered - Mori using ohtoro as blackmail - and a sequence of hilarious plans ensues.

Tamaki cosplaying as Haruhi? Mori and Honey becoming doctors? And what's this? Tamaki's worst nightmare manifests as Haruhi gives him the evil glare! And who's that perverted doctor on the loose, and what does he want with Haruhi? It's another full, hilarious episode of mishaps and Tamaki's amazing drama.

An episode not to be missed! Especially for all of you who want to see half naked bishies! ^_^

Other Bloggers' Say:

I must say that the ending result was really attractive for the Host Club. Haruhi's a lucky girl ;) I'm jealous xP +kuroneko-chan+

I drooled when I saw the twins and Tamaki have half-naked...^_~ ~Empress

Another great ouran episode. The Tamaki cosplaying as Haruhi part was pretty funny and the "count off" scene made the Host Club seem like sailor moon characters...only wearing suits instead of sailor outfits? lol. -Miso

Saiunkoku Monogatari Episode 3

2006-08-01T23:10:00.000-05:00

Ryuuki has now accepted his role as emperor. He and Shuurei study together for the good of the country. As time passes, however, Ryuuki becomes more and more aware of the special connection that his consort shares with Seiran. In order to get closer to Shuurei, he decides to visit her during the night. Shuurei, believing that Ryuuki is a gay, allows him to stay overnight in her room. These overnight visits continue to the joy of many courtiers. However, Shuurei finally realizes the truth about Ryuuki after an incident involving poisoning.

This series has been absolutely wonderful so far. It will appeal to many of those intellectual fangirls out there. There are a lot of politics in it, which I was quite pleased with. The ending of this episode was an awesome clincher! Watchers no doubt will find the episode ridiculously cute and worth fawning over (thanks to the actions of Ryuuki and Shuurei) while laughing at the same time.

Other Bloggers' say:

I thought the ending was funny and cute. Trust Shuurei to be so innocent and intelligent at the same time ::laugh:: and Ryuuki to be so adorable too ^^ +kuroneko-chan+

Saiunkoku Monogatari Episode 2

2006-07-31T15:36:00.000-05:00

[Opening Song: "Hajimari no Kaze" by Hirahara Ayaka]

[Summary: "A Frog in a Well Knows Naught of the Ocean"]
Shuurei goes to visit her father along with "Ran Shuuei." As they drink tea and eat buns, they talk about how poor the Kou family is. Shuurei scolds "Ran" for eating too much and spilling crumbs like a child. "Ran" says to her father that she's a bit like a nagging mother.

Shuurei finds that the rumors about the Emperor liking men more than women were true. She intends to study hard and asks for a teacher. During that time, she finds that the Emperor has never been outside the palace walls and takes him out into the town.

After a day of eventful events, they return to Shuurei's home and there, she reveals that their home looks so worn out and they were poor because of the struggle for the throne eight years ago. She tells "Ran" that she was at the palace to support the Emperor and tells "Ran" to please relay the message back to the Emperor. She says that she will be at the palace archives the next day and wishes the Emperor to join her.

[Ending Song: "Saikou no Kataomoi" by Tainaka Sachi]

[The Kuroneko's Thoughts]
I love this episode! It shows the deepening of the bond between the Emperor and Shuurei and it's heart-warming and may even make you cry. (And that was a horrible run-on sentence) It's a really sweet episode :3 The opening and ending songs are also beautiful x3

[The Other Bloggers Say]

I was really use to Shuurei's look in the first episode. But upon seeing her "consort" look, I think I like her better dressed that way...XP ~Empress

I have to agree with everyone on this; the music is beautiful all throughout the episode! But what amazes me most is the art, it's gorgeous! This was definately a heart-warming and very sweet episode. ~ Rex

Saiunkoku Monogatari Episode 1

2006-07-31T14:30:00.000-05:00

Another story, another beginning and a new cast of wonderful characters. The episode begins with a little twist, the telling of the history of a Kingdom in China. It is here that we meet our main character, Shuurei, a pretty but poor girl, as she struggles to earn money for herself and her family. She is as kind as she is skilled, having quite a high status as her father works as a Librarian in the Emperor's Palace.

Shuurei's best friend Seiran, a very kind and gentle man who has been living with Shuurei and her father after they took him in, makes his entrance. We learn how he feels indebted to Shuurei for looking after him all these years. The story takes a turn as a very important man, the Emperor's adviser, comes and visits her home, offering her five hundred gold coins if she would do something for him.

Thinking of her family's well being...and a little bit of her own, she immediately agrees, despite not knowing the task. However when she finds out, she gets the shock of her life! The episode leaves the watcher in suspense the whole time and there are plenty of laughs along the way.

More characters make their appearance and they will later prove to be much more than just workers in the palace! This story will keep you wishing for more.

Other bloggers' say:

I was introduced to this anime through LJ browsing and I'll admit that the only reason I got into it was because the art was beautiful. After watching the episode though, I loved the music, the plot, the everything. ^^ It's really worth watching! +kuroneko-chan+

Shuurei is one of the most original heroines. She's actually smart! ~Empress

It's a very nicely done episode. It gets you hooked and makes you want to know what happens next :) This anime is of course tailored more towards the female crowd but guys can surely enjoy it too =P - Miso

Saiunkoku Monogatari

2006-07-31T13:45:00.000-05:00

Summary:

Shuurei is a pretty but poor girl, struggling to earn money for herself and her family. One day, the Emperor's adviser, comes and visits her home, offering her five hundred gold coins if she would do something for him. Thinking of her family's well being...and a little bit of her own, she immediately agrees, despite not knowing the task. However when she finds out, she gets the shock of her life!

OP: "Hajimari no Kaze" by Hirahara Ayaka
ED: "Saikou no Kataomoi" by Tainaka Sachi

Episodes:
1-There is Always a Backside to a Good Story
2-A Frog in a Well Knows Naught of the Ocean
3-The Wise Eagle Hides His Talons
4-Casting Pearls Before Swine
5-Hard Work Beats Talent

Ouran High School Host Club Episode - 2

2006-07-31T13:29:00.000-05:00

It's Haruhi's second week as a member of the Host Club. When she enters the Third Music Room she finds the once regular room has turned into a tropical paradise! Getting over this rather odd change of scenery Haruhi is approached by her new customer, Kasugasaki Kanako. Kanako isn't the simple girl she seems when the Host Club discovers that Kanako is actually engaged to Suzushima Tohru! The Host club sets a plan in motion during the dance party that will either bring this troubled couple back together, or damage it beyond repair. During this episode Haruhi learns more about the host club, learns to ballroom dance, and even gets her first kiss!

Another very well done episode. You get a glimplse of Tamaki's seemingly non existant deep side when he attempts to bring Kanako and Tohru back together. The variety of clothing drawn in this episode is really pleasing to the eye and differs what you get to see in episode one, much more colorful ^.^

My favorite scene was the scene in which Haruhi receives her first kiss, it's something you totally would not expect, absolutely hilarious =P

Other Bloggers Say:

This episode put me to tears. It was really touching! shh...don't tell anyone I was moved, lol. ~Empress
Tamaki must really regret trying to interfere in Haruhi's kiss ::sweatdrop:: +kuroneko-chan+

Ouran High School Host Club - Episode 1

2006-07-31T13:25:00.000-05:00

Haruhi is a scholarship student at Ouran High School, a school for the rich. One day, she stumbles upon the Host Club and accidentally breaks a vase when Tamaki, the club president, starts flirting with her, thinking she was a male. She ends up being caught in a rather large debt, 8 million dollars to be exact. So in order to pay off this debt, she starts working for them, doing chores and running errands. In the club, there are six other members. Each of them have a distinct style that appeals to the girls who have designated them. The six hosts are Tamaki, Kyoya, Hikaru, Kaoru, Hunny, and Mori. Eventually, Tamaki decides to make her a host as well, not knowing that she is a girl.

Opening animation was great. You hardly get such detailed, beautiful work. Great voice acting too. And in the beginning, the fact that Tamaki even considered to host a 'gay' person was hilarious.

I also loved the fact how they showed each host member figured out Haruhi was a girl. It was vague in the manga so this was pretty neat. So far, so good! And the artwork is superb! A really nice style! And of course, this is going to be a comedy. ^_^

Other Bloggers' say:

So it's fun for everyone!! ~Rex
You can't help but be drawn in to the hosts because they're all ridiculously good-looking ;) +kuroneko-chan+
A really great first episode for an anime, what a great twist at the ending, even though it was expected =P -Miso

Ouran High School Host Club

2006-07-31T13:21:00.000-05:00

Summary:

Haruhi is a scholarship student at Ouran High School, a school for the rich. One day, she stumbles upon the Host Club and accidentally breaks a vase when Tamaki, the club president, starts flirting with her, thinking she was a male. She ends up being caught in a rather large debt, 8 million dollars to be exact. So in order to pay off this debt, she starts working for them, doing chores and running errands. In the club, there are six other members. Each of them with their own “style” that appeals to the girls who have designated them. The six hosts are Tamaki, Kyoya, Hikaru, Kaoru, Hunny, and Mori. Eventually, Tamaki decides to make her a host as well, not knowing that she is a girl.

OP: "Sakura Kiss" by Chieko Kawabe
ED: "Shissou" by LAST ALLIANCE

Episodes:
1-You're a Host Starting Today
2-A High School Host's Work
3-Be Careful with Physical Examinations
4-The Invasion of the Female Manager
5-The Twins Fight
6-The Elementary Host is of the Naughty Type
7-Jungle Pool SOS
8-The Sun, the Beach, and the Host Club
9-The Challenge of the Roberia Girls' School
10-The Fujioka Household's Daily Life
11-Big Brother is a Prince
12-Hunny-senpai's Three Unsweetened Days

About Miso

2006-07-30T23:46:00.000-05:00

Well, what is there to say about me lol. I'm the male voice that stands out from the fangirlness of the group. I don't go gaga over the guys but depending on the anime, I might over a few of the girls :)

I'm your semi-typical asian guy, I'm not super smart, but I'm not stupid either ^.^ I am an anime fan, if I wasn't, I wouldn't really write reviews about them =P I like to work with programming and graphic arts so mabye I'll get to put a few of those skills to work here. I used to train in martial arts but that stopped not too long ago, school get's in the way... or was it martial arts getting in the way of school.... whatever xD

I hope you enjoy our reviews and mabye they will inspire you to start watching them, or in case of bad reviews, avoid them >.<

-Miso

About kuroneko-chan

2006-07-30T22:50:00.000-05:00

Truthfully, I have nothing to say about myself. >.> I'm the typical Asian--I love manga and anime, bishounens, etc etc. and I'm short. The only thing that's not typical of me is probably the fact that when I eat, I actually gain weight. xP

Ah~ I like to write stories and sing, but I don't sing well, so I sing when nobody's at home. I write constantly but I'm really lazy, so hopefully I don't get lazy watching an episode and totally forget to write the review for it ^^' I'm bad at the computer (like graphics, html, css coding, etc etc) but hopefully this experience changes that ::laugh:: I will definitely do my best to meet everyone's expectations!

It's nice to meet you all and I place myself in your care ::bow:: Douzo yorushiku!

+kuroneko-chan+

About Rex

2006-07-30T14:40:00.000-05:00

Ermm...hey everyone! This is a little bit about me. Nothing really to tell actually, just that I'm very new to all this html. jazz and stuff. I'm not good with codes so this should be quite a big learning experience for me ^_^

Anyways...I am basically NOT your average, fangirling, anime and manga obsessed girl....I'm extremely hyper and excited when it comes to anime, so when my posts sound a little...."high," that'll either mean that I've just been drinking a lot of coffee or tea or I've been watching a show...usually it's all together at the same time though XD

Anyways, I hope you enjoy the site, there'll be lots of fun things coming up soon!! Happy watching and reading!! :D

Rex

About Empress

2006-07-30T14:06:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone!

Empress here. I honestly don't know what to say about myself. I don't want to put too much information. I mean, I know whom you stalkers are. Soon enough, I bet I won't be able to walk the streets anymore! ^_~

Well, anyways, this site is actually the revised version of another site I started...lol. It went pretty bad because I was too lazy to post entries after watching each episode. You have to understand that I actually watch A LOT, heh.

My colleagues will be whipping me to keep everything updated though. I can't lag anymore or else they'll overthrow me I'm sure! XD

~Empress