Looking Up At The Half-Moon

5 WORDS OR LESS REVIEW: BITTERSWEET The simplest way I could described Hanbun no Tsuki ga Noboru Sora (or simply HanTsuki) is by saying that it’s bittersweet. I’m sure that the people who have watched this would have a similar opinion. The reason why it’s so bittersweet for me is that even with the fun, happy comedic moments (a stack of porn and zebra man), I still get the feeling that something will go wrong, and it does happen. Even if it’s like that, I still think it couldn’t have gone in the better way, because if things went the way you wanted it to, wouldn’t thatbe boring (hey this applies to real life too, huh)? It doesn’t sugarcoat anything (specifically Rika’s condition) and I guess in that way, it’s realistic. As for the two main characters, I have to say Yuichi and Rika is the best anime couple I’ve ever seen. They have chemistry, and I love their individual characters. They’re both so different, but they go well with each other. Akiko the nurse was also hilarious, and I hated Doctor Natsume at first, thinking he was some sort of lolicon, but in the end I understood why he was so protective of Rika. From one shonen romance to another, Kenichi Suzumara (Kyoichi Kanzaki from Boys Be…) played the male protagonist of HanTsuki very well. I thought his voice was gentle, yet it had a hint of mischief in it, which is perfect for Yuichi’s character. Mikako Takahashi (Rika) is another familiar name for me, but her voice was different this time. Her voice was tinier (but resilient). Maybe it’s because of Rika’s loli and slight tsundere character. Visuals were okay. There wasn’t really anything that I haven’t seen before in other series, except maybe for the shiny (possibly oily) faces. It kind of bothered me that the characters looked chubby though, but I guess that’s part of the cute look they were going for. The music was okay too. It’s your typical shoujo music, except this time it’s for a shonen romance. I’m not a fan of mellow music, but it wasn’t really that mellow. The greatest strength of this anime is its story and the character interactions. I overlooked all the other details and focused on the relationship of Yuichi and Rika, and the circumstances around them. That is why I was entertained from beginning to finish.

I'm really glad I actually sat down and watched this one fully. It only took a day, but what a day it was worth. I've watched many popular romance animes such as Clannad and Konan and can say nicely that, if it wanted to, this anime could have been on their level IF not greater. There are a few things holding it back, though, which makes an unsatisfied feeling. I'll fully explain that through this review. ~ WARNING: possible spoilers ~ ~ Story 8/10 ~ The story is nice and not over the top. It's realistic which blends well for it's dramatic feeling. Our main character is sick withHepatitis A. Not dangerous but he will be relaxing at the hospital for some time. Quickly we learn our main character is the adventurous type and tries to leave the hospital numerous times for self enjoyment if the nurse doesn't catch him and tosses him back into the hospital bed. Although Yuuichi Ezaki spends time talking to his nurse and a couple of the hospital residents, he seems a bit bored at his bed-resting lifestyle even if his school friends visit him. This seems to change when the nurse brings up a girl from East Ward: Rika Akiba. Yuuichi goes to visit Rika and they slowly grow attached to one another. However, Yuuichi doesn't have too much to worry about. On the other hand, Rika is in a different situation and suffers from heart complications that will keep her from living not too long. The story revolves mostly around the evolving relationship of both these characters as they deal with each others' emotions, pasts, and illnesses. It all comes down to Yuuichi to decide for himself on what he should do if Rika will die soon. It follows a realistic pattern without things getting too hectic from the story. You will greatly enjoy the small comedy and laid-back feeling you get watching this as light drama comes in. You will ESPECIALLY enjoy the sudden random bits of huge drama out of nowhere happens, changing your view of the story or characters as soon as you find out. Dialogue and personality mostly makes this anime what it is which would be a must watch. ~ Art 8/10 ~ The art is lovely. It's not overly done and is greatly nice. Sure, you may not find breath-taking animations or art, but that's not the appeal of the anime. There isn't a need to focus on that. Even so, it does well to add in little bits and extras to atleast make it look pretty nice. Character designs are nice and background designs are also done well. ~ Sound 8/10 ~ As the mood changes quite often, so will the music. Although not major, it's small and fits greatly with the mood. It starts at the right moments, not too early or late and displays the current atmosphere of the scene. Is it playful, sad, shocking? The soundtrack goes quite well to display these emotions. The opening and ending themes are also quite enjoyable. They both fit the overall vibe of the anime and were great choices. ~ Character 9/10 ~ Characters are lovable and easy to grow attached to. Yuuichi is an average high school kid with a kind heart. He's pretty easy going and a bit of a trouble maker. You grow to like his role more and more as you learn about him and see what he does. You'll laugh, you might sympathize with him, and you might even get pissed off. However, he doesn't let down the viewer when it comes down to being his role of a nice, heroic character type. Rika is someone with the slightly stereotypical tsundere personality. Although, it isn't a self defense like most. Rika is naturally socially awkward because of her illness which causes her to act out. She can be slightly mean, judging, and harsh. However, she can be kind, intelligent, understands the idea of justice, and even honest. Her character isn't annoying and quite easy to enjoy. Other characters you will meet and sadly due to the shortness of the anime, wont grow to know too well. However, you will begin to love their roles as you like the nurse's personality, get aggravated at the doctor, root for 'Zebra Mask', and other characters. Sadly, it seems like the story doesn't dwell hard enough to get to the bigger roots of everyone so you can feel attached with every character. Some character don't even seem important at all. With that said, though, most the characters are lovable and hard to forget about. ~ Enjoyment 10/10 ~ I can't find one thing that I didn't enjoy about this anime. Everything was great. Each episode was great and the story progressed so well. Most focus will be on the characters which the story greatly works hard to display great traits of. It seems each detail, story, information, and everything else in this anime is not only important, but it's tender and loving. The comedy isn't too heavy but noticeable. The drama is consistently existent whether it's light and subtle or heavy and heart breaking. The romance isn't always there, but implied quite well. It's not extremely heavy and greatly focused on the entire time. Although, when it shows, the romance counts greatly. Everything about it doesn't feel too extreme and can grow to moments of on-the-edge suspense when things get hectic. This anime feels unique and without a doubt not feeling like a romantic cliche'. It's touching from start to finish and leaves you with a good feeling of happiness and satisfaction. You'll be constantly surprised and not expecting what will happen and what will be said which is mostly what makes this anime a must watch. Overall: Hanbun no Tsuki ga Noboru Sora is such a great anime. I didn't know what to expect when watching it. In fact, I was thinking the anime was going to be an average drama/romance. Quickly, however, I was proved wrong. It was well made and well written. Each aspect was taken well care of. What really kept this from getting a higher score you ask? It's potential. This anime has something where it could be great and offer so much but seems to be cut short from time. It was an anime that was squished into only six episodes. Now, yes, not much happens in the anime you'd think as the entire series mostly takes place in the hospital. However, seasons and time passes as you watch and characters change as they speak with one another. Things happen. It feels so....rushed, though. I felt like the anime ended before it even began. One minute, I'm developing into the beginning of a beautiful romance and then it was just over. It was a tasty dish but just too small to enjoy enough. I wanted more from the story, more development, I wanted to learn more about the characters, and just improvement all around. Not because I'm picky, but because there was SSOOOOOOO much to offer. Even though you'll watch this and feel like you didn't get enough, it's still a great anime. If you want a good romance and story, this one is worth checking out If you have any intention to watch this, give the first episode a chance. You've already finished one/sixth of the series. It's not that long. I'm sure the first episode will already have you wanting more.

When I first was recommended Hanbun by a friend of mine, I didn't expect much. I thought this would be your run-of-the-mill, unoriginal, stereotypical romance anime. After watching just the first episode, however, I realized that I was wrong. Story - 10 Even though the anime is a mere six episodes, the storyline and plot was very well done. What I liked about it the most was that there was not a boring, or unneeded moment; everything was there for a particular purpose. Allthough this kind of story may seem typical to some viewers, I found it to be more than that. At times it could bevery depressing, seeming that there would be no room for any happiness or comedic value whatsoever. But then I would be surprised when they could throw in funny comments or situations, while still keeping the plot intact and staying true to the original concept. Another wonderful thing about the storyline was the ending - it was both a happy and sad moment, but fitting. It answered all the questions that the viewer needed to know, and it was executed very well. Art - 10 I really enjoyed the artwork in this anime as well. It wasn't the over-dramatic, big-eyed, crazy style that you might usually see, but a more realistic, simplistic style that fitted the storyline quite well. The scenery was also well done, and as said before, was in a more "realistic" style. Sound - 9 Not much to say about it, but the important thing is that it fit. The OP and ED were touching, and were relaxing and easy to watch. Allthough the background music was nothing groundbreaking, it had its moments, and fit the anime's concept quite well. Character - 9 Every character was likeable in his/her own way - whether it be Tanizaki the crazy but caring nurse for the more upbeat, comedic moments, or the wonderful chemistry between the somewhat shy Yūichi, and the stubborn, but loving, Rika. The only character that I had trouble connecting at first was Natsume, but by the end of the show you realize that he had reasons for his actions. Enjoyment - 10 Obviously, I enjoyed this anime very much, or I wouldn't have given it such a high rating. There were times when I laughed, and there were times when I cryed. Allthough I felt this anime was very depressing at times, it was still very enjoyable to watch. Overall, this was a great romance/drama. It didn't have any excessive crap that you see in some romance anime's now-a-days, and it kept me interested until the very end (and when I mean the VERY end, I mean it. Make sure to stick around after the credits ;) ). So, if you are looking for a good romance/drama anime with no frills attached, then watch this. You won't be disappointed.

For those who are familiar with Clannad/Clannad After Story (for those who aren't, it is a fantastic romance anime) this anime in my opinion is at its level, yes it is and I am not being sarcastic or joking or f**king with you. If you doubt my opinion, its fine, if you agree that's great. Story: (10/10) -Hanbun no Tsuki ga Noboru Sora (Looking Up At The Half-Moon), you will understand what this beautiful tittle entails by watching the show, it has more to it than you might think. This anime portrayed and executed beautiful bitter sweetness and made me realize what is more important, your happiness oryour loved one's happiness. The story takes place in a small town where the protagonist and heroine are both hospitalized for some illness, there is comedy, romance with the main casts and of course the tragic/sad/bittersweet moments. At the end of the show, I have concluded that this couple maybe one of the best/best in all the anime I have seen. Art: (9/10) -The art was great nothing to spectacular but just right for this show. The characters were well drawn which brings out the show's beautifulness. Sound: (9/10) -There wasn't any amazing soundtracks or openings, but, the ending song was so beautiful, it added to the bitter sweetness and was a pleasure to listen Character: (10/10) -The relationship between the main characters was refreshing and enjoying to watch throughout the series, there was beautiful romance development and they were executed as more realistic characters. The supporting casts was also enjoyable and played helped you sympathize with the main casts. Enjoyment/Overall: (9.5/10) or Mal score: (9/10) I can only say one thing at this point, for those who want an anime with comedy/romance/tragic, watch this hybrid anime. I guarantee you will not waste your time. Keep in mind this is six(6) episodes but regardless it is still amazing.