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Full disclosure: I'm picky to the point of exasperation when it comes to anime. (As a woman, fanservice drives me nuts.) But I liked the dubbed version of this one so much I now own the full series. Yes, it's a slow burn. And yes, Naho can seem a little timid, especially when viewed through the American cultural lens. But that's kind of the point. We wouldn't be able to really see her growth as a character if she didn't start out that way. And that's what this anime is supposed to focus on: how our choices either encourage our growth as human beings or stall it. Romance is certainly a part of this, but it's not all of it, which is why it plays the role of a subplot in this anime (as many have griped about). Great balance, fantastic music, very respectful handling of sensitive topics, and yes, cute couples (without a hint of fan service in sight if you watch the dubbed one). I docked it a star only because there is one mild innuendo, one (relatively innocent) comment about how short some girls' shorts are, and (in the dubbed version), a handful of misuses of God's name (though this is likely a translation problem). Not quite as squeaky clean as its sequel, but definitely a must-watch! (Keep the tissues handy, though.)

Note: The original subbed version does contain a joke about fanservice, which I do not endorse. This review applies only to the dub.

This film taught me, a writer, the value of pleasantly shocking your audience with an unexpected sequel. I didn't initially think the series needed one, but this film was so good I didn't care that was wrong. Though I admit the story is a little slow to start and can seem repetitive at first, make sure to watch it all the way through, because the ending is worth it. It totally blew me away. It's the only movie I've ever watched that was better than the book (which is also very good). (Bonus points for cleanliness, too. Other than the obviously mature topics present in the rest of the Orange series, there's no profanity, innuendo, etc. Anime at its finest.) Just don't forget the tissues, because it's a major tearjerker.