As a story writer, one of biggest things you're taught is how important the opening of your story is. Angel Beats opens up with the main character Otonashi in the middle of a war at a...high school, fought between...high schoolers? That's not the end of it; he doesn't remember anything at all! And the girl he wakes up next to? She says he's actually dead! Bewildered and confused, he goes up to an innocent looking girl trying to get a straight answer, and you know what she does? Grows a blade from her arm and stabs him! Apparently though in this world, you can't die; you'll feel all the pain of it, but you won't die. Is that attention grabbing enough? Some have expressed their dislike of being thrown in the fire of the show's setting, yet others, like me, love it!
And that's why Angel Beats is one of the most prominent examples of a love it or hate it show. Actually, there haven't really been any negative reviews for the show, but there's a clear division between those who loved its beginning, the way it flip flops in direction, and others who dislike it. I've seen my fair share of mysteries and thrillers, and although a handful of Angel Beats methods are what you can say, cheap, the way it incorporates its quality traits like drama, comedy, and slice of life, just makes it that much greater of a show.
Even if the division of fans that don't like its odd directing, most can't deny just how dramatic it can get, how funny it can be, and how great its school life elements are. In a world that is run by technical intricate rules, there was a land mine of material that was available to the animators, and they didn't disappoint at all. The dramatic parts are sort of like your KEY based animes (Clannad, Air, Kanon); morbid pasts that are helped engineered by the supernatural, and each and every one of them have been comparatively depressing. Its comedy, man if you dissected the comedy and turned it into its own show, it would be one of the best parody animes out there. It's just way too funny. And the slice of life? I'm normally not a fan of the genre, but the slice of life in Angel Beats was just fantastic; did a great job of developing the characters and giving off that laid back sort of feel to it.
You have to wonder, how was an anime able to package all of this into a 13 episode timeframe? There have been some complaints about its time constraints, but personally speaking, 13 episodes couldn't have been anymore perfect--although it could have better explained some things towards the end. Those three genres above weren't taking turns every episode--sometimes it felt that way though--they all came together to create one product; as in the drama built off the comedy, slice of life on the drama, etc. Not to mention this is all orchestrated nicely by the mystery genre. How the anime was able to combine three genres and excel in each of them, constantly leave you in suspense until the very end, and pace itself perfectly, it's no wonder why to most, like me, it's being held in such high praise; heck it's already high on my list of best animes ever. Angel Beats is an absolute must watch. Even if you don't enjoy it, what do you have to lose, it's only 13 episodes.moreless
Show Summary
EDIT
Yuri is the leader of the Shinda Sekai Sensen, a group of humans who are rebelling against their god who destined them to have an unreasonable life. Tenshi is the chairperson of the student council (a group of angels) for the world after death and must battle against the SSS members who utilize various weaponry to even the odds against the angels harnessing supernatural powers.
Opening Theme: "My Soul, Your Beats!" by LiSA Ending Theme: "Brave Song" by Aoi Tada
 Harumi Sakurai |
Yuri |
Hiroshi Kamiya |
Otonashi |
Kana Hanazawa |
Tenshi |
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