Kimi ga Nozomu Eien is a 14-episode anime series. It is loosely based on the dating sim video game of the same name, which is out in Japan for the PS2, but is much less sexually explicit that the game. It is also currently unlicensed in the United States, but because it is one of the more popular fansubbed series, it seems likely that it will be licensed in the near future.
With its background, it is not surprising that Kimi ga Nozomu Eien is a romance anime. It starts off rather slowly, with the first episode focusing mainly on character development. However, it soon becomes much more exciting, and after several episodes, is downright intense. Watching this show is almost an exercise in emotional masochism for a viewer who cares for either of the two female lead characters, as Takayuki, the male lead, waffles between the two, unable to decide which one he likes better, and, unwilling to hurt either, deceives them both.
And the characters, to make matters worse, are generally appealing. Some may find Haruka irritating, but they overlook her good nature and her remarkable determination in the later episodes. I, on the other hand, found Mitsuki to be the less appealing of the two female leads, as she places herself on the lower moral ground by liking her best friend�s boyfriend, and yet, by the end of the series, I had changed my mind, because she displays realistic emotional turmoil and guilt over her actions. Takayuki is the worst of the three, despicably indecisive chiefly because he tries to be so kind.
Some of the minor characters serve to lighten the mood through comic relief. There are also comedic shorts attached to some of the later episodes, which feature two of the characters, drawn super-deformed, commenting on the actions of the others through short skits, much like the �Welcome to Lodoss Island� segments in Record of Lodoss War: Chronicles of the Heroic Knight. This provides a much-needed relief from the seriousness of the bulk of the series, but it may be too little, too late.
In spite of the intensity of the series, however, it remains a very gripping, touching, and, moreover, entertaining watch, assisted greatly by high production values. The animation is beautiful � very clean, with warm, realistic backgrounds. The music is unsurprising, typically pop-y, but well-done for all that. The story, unfortunately, is a little far-fetched. However, it is not really a problem, because Kimi ga Nozomu Eien is so well-executed other wise.
The voice acting, nicely enough, fails to grate on the ears, and shows emotion as well, often heart-wrenchingly complementing the characters� facial expressions.
As you may be able to tell, this is one of my favorite anime series, and yet, I would not recommend it to the easily depressed, nor to those who become bored easily by a lack of action, for there is next to none. Also, I would recommend that this show be rated PG-13, for sexual themes (no sex on screen, but several times, it is quite strongly implied, or even mentioned openly).
Story: 8/10 � far-fetched, but gripping nonetheless
Characters: 8/10 � agonizingly likeable
Animation: 9/10 � some of the prettiest ever in an anime TV series
Music: 8/10 � predictable, but excellent
Voice Acting: 8/10
Overall: 8.2/10 � worth a watch for fans of romance anime.