Saishû heiki kanojo

Saikano was plainly put: astounding. At first when it starts out it feels like it could go along a generic storyline but it doesn't. Instead it becomes a depressing and emotionally impacting tour-de-force.

To put it in a brief non-spoiler summary, Saikano takes place amidst a huge war. Our main characters are Chise and Shuji who lived in a peaceful small town that is not affected by this war...yet. However, Japan needs a weapon to turn the tide of the war and Chise becomes this weapon

This anime successfully depicted the true site of war: not all-the-time glorious gung-ho fighting seen in some movies or video games. But the cold long days of war, filled with death and fear. While going through the series, its just character after character dying in what appears to be a World War going on.

Much character development was present as the characters grow up and move on. All the changes happening around our main character Shuji creates another depressing aspect added to the anime. Yet such things happen in real life, these parts make anime even more realistic and human.

The interaction and relationships between characters is beautifully orchestrated and human. The uncertainty and fear that troubles are main couple Shuji and Chise are those that occur in many normal relationships, and not just those that have a weaponized girl.

As characters die, the way their friends try to move on and coupe is completely natural. Again it is no surprise that this anime has been adapted to a live-action movie (released earlier this year in 2006). I have not yet seen it but definitely looks good, rather than such flops like the live action Sailor Moon.

Voice acting in both English and Japanese was well-done and full of emotions. One of the better English dubs I've watched among anime I've seen.

The pacing of each episode was great just like of IGPX which was one of the aspects that made that anime enjoyable. Episodes all feel fulfilling and keep on with the story. No filler episodes with this 13 episode anime at all. With the story never stopping with the episodes, can be a plus or a minus. Some may not get as attached to the characters as much and thats a plus to filler eps in such series like Inuyasha or Full Moon. Yet by never side stepping from the story, it makes it makes its impact just more powerful.

This is definitely a more mature-titled anime with many deep themes of violence, some sex & gore, and scenes of massive destruction. Again, this isn't a happy-go-lucky love story but about, as the tagline says, the last love song on this little planet. Beautifully animation and story is executed into the downward-spiraling waltz that is Saikano.

I give Saishu Heiki Kanojo (Saikano) a 8.5 out of 10. ~ NekoTakuto

Few minor complaints: - It's short...Maybe too short? - No explanations of how Chise works as a weapon

SaiKano is a sad, sad series. And yet somehow uplifting by the end. The message of the series really sticks with you afterwards- it's that moving.

I love the characters the most- they're all so admirable in their own ways, and they each make their own sacrifices for the sake of someone special to them. That's what it's about; loving and trying to receive love, getting hurt in a confusing and quickly changing world but still struggling to go on despite these difficulties. I'll never forget a moment near the end that made me realize that the series started off in a vastly different world. It really brings home the irreversible effects of war, and the changes that the main characters have experienced.

This series is a good mix of pathos and cute moments (mostly courtesy of Chise) not to be missed. I haven't read the manga, but as a series alone, it is quite excellent.

I can't believe that this series has such a high rating on IMDb. I reviewing the English dubbed version of the TV series... perhaps something was lost in the translation?? The dialogue is very corny... all of the characters are constantly apologizing to each other for the things that they are saying... and getting mad at each other for saying sorry all the time!! It's really quite ludicrous. And very hard to digest. Plus very annoying to watch. The premise of the story is what attracted me to it. Potentually a very engaging storyline.

Well, I have only watched about 10 episodes, and all ten were not easy to watch. Up until now, there has been *no* explanation of how the girl (the ultimate weapon) has become what she is. Some may say, the how it happened (to her) is not important, as the emotion behind what has happened to her (and how her boyfriend feels and accepts her) is what is important. But I disagree. They attempt to play on these feelings and emotions way too much, to the point where it is just boring. There in no buildup during each episode that drives you to want to watch the next episode. You watch the next one, because you are desperate for something to happen, to propel the story forward. But it never happens. Now I love a good emotional story as much as (if not, more than) the next girl... but this story is *not* emotional. It's just draining and as I said, very hard to watch. You don't get to love, or feel sorry for any of the characters. There is not attachment to them at all. Which to me is very unusual... I have watched a lot of anime, and am often drawn to the characters and feel for their situations. So I'm sure it's not me!!

I will continue to watch the series, but only because I have purchased the full DVD set... but I will only watch them when I have nothing better to watch... and only to see if it gets any better. If it does, I will revise this review. But something tells me, that this is as good as it gets. Plus I am curious to see how they are going to pad out the story for the next three DVDs. In ten episodes *nothing* has happened. A big thumbs down for 'She - The Ultimate Weapon'. Very disappointing!!

Gah... I'm surprised that nobody's actually commented on this series before!

SaiKano (shortened and commonly used form of the Japanese title) is truly a wonderful story, very well voiced, with a very moving story. Set in a potential modern Japan, at first one would presume this is 'just another' Japanese High School story, about love and relationships. Until the end of the first episode. Of course, that's a major part of it, but this is by no means the same as any other. Within the second half of the first episode, however, we are shown that a lot of violence and action is to be included, of a very moving (and sometimes graphic) nature.

It's amazing how many emotions can be stirred up in just thirteen episodes, but this manages an awful lot. A wonderful series, very recommended. If you don't mind becoming depressed for a week.

I had to force myself to watch the last few episodes of this anime just so I could be done with it. I just could not stand it by the end. If you're going to create an alternate setting for an anime, you should at least explain it. It is never gone into why the country is at war, why it was necessary to change a little girl into an ultimate weapon, or why this "ultimate weapon" doesn't just end the war immediately. Not only that, but I simply could not stand the characters. They just had no personalities whatsoever, aside from reacting to the fact that she was an ultimate weapon. Everyone treats Chisu with a sort of reverent fear, the only difference in anyone being that Shuji "loves" her for no apparent reason. The visuals are okay and the music and voice acting are decent, but in the end, it's just sadness for the sake of being sad.