Fruits Basket

I am a die hard Fruits Basket fan. So when I decided to watch to movie interested to see how it turned out. I have to say that I was overall happy with what it had to deliver. For those who have read the manga, it follows the books pretty well. There are some differences and added scenes, but that is to be expected. I found myself laughing at some of the things that went on in those added scenes, or feeling that these extras scenes really fit in well with the story. For people who haven't read the manga, they should find it entertaining, a little silly but entertaining. But I would suggest that they read the manga, which even though they show is good, because its better than the book.

Wow, I am blown back with this. This Anime has really just made me feel, well I can't describe it, but I tell you what, it has all the qualities of what I look for in a good Anime or a good Movie. And really I'm impressed. After reading the first volume of the Manga series, and keeping that all in mind, I wasn't sure how I would react to this adaptation. But of course I found it spectacular. I tell you I don't think I've seen quite another story like this one. I mean it sounds like the dumbest thing on earth, but when you really start getting into it, it's just wonderful. Glad I didn't judge this book by it's cover.

Story/Adaptation:

Very nicely done. While some of the literal translations seemed a little much, and there we're certain sort of mix ups and cut outs it's really quite good. Because mind you, writing a Manga and a Screenplay are no easy tasks. Especially trying to adapt into an X amount of time for a series. So it was really nicely done. They really bring the characters out, (as is common in Shoujo) and no one really get's needlessly lost in translation. With nicely constructed duologue (Although it is easy when you have a cheat sheet) and nicely paced. Maybe it can be slow, but it doesn't bother me to much. After all this is a Shoujo/Comedy/Drama Anime so it's only natural for it to be on the slow side. And the story in General, of course I'll be treading into the Manga a bit, but it's really nice. I've only read Volume 1 but I've exceeded that with watching disc one of the DVD. I love the drama it creates, Tohru is all alone in the world it seems, but she has so many people that care for her. Two friends that are so fiercely loyal to her, it's amazing. Thoru is such a happy-go-lucky girl, but she's also very selfless. I like when characters aren't warped in vanity, that just drives me nuts when they are so vain. Even the infatuated Prince Yuki Fan Club President, has a soft side to her. Some of the other aspects I loved, strong sense of freindship. Hanna and Uoh, thoes two, just have hearst of gold. They love Tohru like a sister, and you can just tell they want to take care of her and protect her. They seem like the type who would take a baseball bat to a persons head if that person harmed Thoru.

Acting:

VERY NICE! A very superbness dub, and you people say all dubs suck. I got to tell you it's filled me with a bit of confidence for when FUNI dubs Tusbasa. Laura Bailey does absolutely wonderful with Tohru. Although her Japanese counter part is much higher, she really brings the character out well. I don't find any voices to be on the really annoying side. At least the guys sound like guys, and gals sound like Gals. (Even if Yuki is a bit of a she-male)

Original Score: Rather weak. Nice usage, but could be better in my opinion. But not so bad. Some nice movements, but the themes aren't so wonderful. But still at least there are memorable melodies in this series, as opposed to no music at all. That Piano Theme at the end of Episode 25 was, wow amazing.

Animation:

Superbious quality. What more can I say?

Overall: This has really been on my mind quite a bit lately. And it's become one of my Favorites. It's a nice shoujo even for soft guys like me. I strongly recommend it to just about anyone who is looking for a great comedy-drama b/c I enjoyed it. This Anime has just moved me to tears at times, I was bawling in the end it so sweet. It has given me just warm feelings all around So check this out, you might just like it.

Fruits Basket is truly one of the kind. The protagonist, Tohru is a highly lovable heroine and although from time to time her cheerful personality can get a bit annoying, we really see her (and the other characters) grow and evolve throughout the series. At first, it's looking just like an average high-school drama/comedy with a bit of fantasy to spice everything up, but it soon becomes clear that this anime is more, much more. It's light and cheerful, but also dark and terrifying. It can get either heartwarming or heartbreaking. It's a perfet mixture with a well-developed story that will make you care about each and every one of the charachters. The ending is perfect and really wraps everything up, it doesn't leave ou with the feeling that the series is unfinished, like with so many other animes. I highly, highly recommend watching.

I LOVE fruits basket. It's the only reason i watch TV. I love the story line and characters. They give the characters such wonderfully realistic feelings that ricochet toward you. For example, when one of the characters is sad, you feel sad too. Or, if one has feelings toward another character, you get that warm, fuzzy feeling with them. It's that good of a show. I can watch this show over and over and over and never get tired of it, ever. And every time I watch it , I either learn something or notice something I didn't before. And every time it makes me laugh, cry and feel good. I have never read the manga novels, you don't need to. If you watch the DVD series, it doesn't matter. It's just that good

After watching the first episode of Fruits Basket, I knew I had to see more. After buying the DVD's, every episode got better and better. It is such an enjoyable series.

It is funny, touching and more. Every character who comes into it (excluding the Yuki fan club girls) are likable and there is something good about them all.

Although it is an animated series, the characters seem so real and it feels as if it really happening to someone you care about.

The ending was great, even though there were a lot of problems still unsolved. This just leaves it open for another series (let's cross our fingers) or if not another anime series, it will continue with the manga.

The thing about Fruits Basket is that it deals with real life problems (except in different ways) like not being excepted for who you are or what you look like.

This series is recommended to any anime fan or even non-anime fans will enjoy it whether you're laughing out loud or feeling for the characters as they go through their pain and problems.

5/5 stars