Now and Then, Here and There

[Shuji]

I've never seen this anime and have heard that it is extremely good, can anyone tell me more about it before I decide to purchase? I hear it is a bit intense in the drama area, but Im always on a lookout for any anime that gives an emotional coaster ride. (its what makes them good ) Thanks in advance!

[Bobtheduck]

*sigh*

This anime is one with something to prove... There are a number of pacifistic anime out there (such as Nadesico, one of my faves), but they've always at least given you the idea that both sides of a war have real reasons to fight, they just choose to say it's not the answer... Not so with this one...

Ok... The art in this series is very cutesy and the animation is rather cheap, giving it a very childish look. Do not be fooled... This is an R rated anime, if only due to thematic material... It deals with war, of course, and pushes pacifism by using very visceral means... No one who believes in defending themselves is ever shown in a positive light (ever... Except for Sis who beats up those who actually want to fight back... Hahaha, I couldn't help but laugh at the irony there) Besides its central message, part of shock tactics it uses involves the rape of a young teen or preteen (I forget how old she was) at least once and one time attempted... It involves the very cold murder of children, and a sort of homemade abortion attempt... This is an incredibly brutal anime...

I do not consider it a waste of time watching it, but... It was very sad, but it eventually got to the point where I was numb to all of it... I will never (I repeat never) watch it again, and the one dimensional portrayal of the other side (the non-pacifists) made me sick... So... Sorry, I can't stand this show...

[Shuji]

that sounds extremely intense, reminds me in your description of another anime ive seen that is wrong on so many levels. Elfenlied. For some reason through all the horribleness I enjoyed it though. In a rather "I dont want to ever watch this again" disturbing sort of way.

[CDLviking]

This is actually my favorite anime (as you might guess from my avatar).

It does have a certain pacifistic theme, but it does not look down on self-defense. Shu resorts to violence many times to protect himself and others, though he never seeks a fight.

It is certainly emotionally intense. I wrote the review for it for this site if you wanna check it out. The biggest downside is that the animation is a little simplistic, so don't watch it looking for eyecandy. Even the mecha aren't that interesting.