Hitohira

Zeinzu-sama★ 9

Chances are, last Spring when you where watching the likes of Lucky Star and Gurren Lagann you were not watching this little gem. Hitohira slipped under the radar and went for the most part unnoticed. Although Hitohira shares the school drama format of many shows from the time, it puts an original spin on it, ensuring viewer attention. Hitohira's storyline is an interesting subject, parts of it are dazzlingly original while other parts are downright generic and predictable. Whilst the basis of the school drama genre is all too familiar, what actuals happens in Hitohira is a refreshing change, albeit a change stillconfined by the shackles of the genre. The series explores the theme of self-confidence to marvellous effect. The series has a unique pace to it, most easily identified by the event that usually ends this kind of show not actually being the end of the series. There are a few good twists in the storyline but the main problem is that they're way too predictable, and easily seen coming by anyone paying attention. Nevertheless the storyline progresses nicely and matches the episode count. The animation is of the usual standard for anime these days, adequate but not pushing any boundaries. The character designs really stand out, they're imaginative, cute and just plain likeable. The backgrounds are somewhat mediocre though. The animation style works really well with the series. Hitohira is one of the anime audio experiences, the soundtrack is superb, full of well composed and arranged piano and woodwind pieces, it suits the series incredibly. The opening theme "Yume, Hitohira" by Yuuko Asami is beautiful and credit to the series, the ending theme "Smile" by Mai Mizuhashi whilst not as good is still certainly worthwhile. Perhaps its to be expected from a series about a drama club but the voice acting mind blowing. With Kimoto Orie in particular standing out as lead character Asai Mugi, she portrays Asai's shy nature perfectly and expresses her true voice just as well. The other seiyuu's represent their characters brilliantly too but Kimoto steals the limelight. The characters are the other exceptional aspect of Hitohira, they've got interesting personalities and are genuinely likeable as a consequence, which allows the dramatic side of the series to have a much greater impact on the viewer. Hitohira is a masterclass in character development, best shown through the development of main character Asai Mugi, the changes to her personality are clearly noticeable after she overcomes each obstacle in the series and the series ends with an Asai almost unrecognisable when compared to the one at the start. The other characters aren't left out, they get their own storylines which are fully developed in a way that captivates the viewer. Hitohira is very enjoyable experience, there's plenty of gripping drama and enough comic relief to prevent the viewer being bogged down by it all. An original and imaginative little gem taht certainly justifies a watch through

MrGaz★ 7

Hitohira is another nice school based drama series where it does have it share of comedy and romance like any typical school based drama series. While others may not agree with me but this series was indeed underrated and it wasn't a mainstream series to begin with. Considering there wasn't anything special about the series, I still recommend it as its fairly enjoyable in a whole. In moving on, the central focus of this series is on Asai Mugi. As the synopsis already mentioned she transfers into a new school, has trouble speaking publicly and now she is pushed into joining a drama club. Now whena person who has trouble speaking publicly and then all of a sudden joins a drama stage acting club, you will be sure there will be some funny acts and humorous moments to entertain your viewing purposes. As mentioned before, the central focus is on Asai Mugi so great character development can be seen from here. Not only we are being entertained by her, but we get to watch and see her grow from the events she is given. We get to see how she manages to build her confidence, lift her spirits and achieve the dreams she wants. In addition, we get to see how her friends and rivals play a vital part with her learning experiences, and indeed you will be entertained in some of their activities they do. Inconclusion, if you enjoy school based dramas then this one shouldn't be overlooked. Its a funny and lovely series where, at times, there are favorable moments.