Story:

Fruits Basket is the story of Honda Tohru, Sohma Yuki and Souma Kyo. Honda Tohru is not your typical heroine, she likes to cook and clean and doesn't throw more than a lousy punch (in play only). Tohru is living in a tent in the opening scene of Fruits Basket however this quickly changes as she soon meets Souma Shigure-san and Yuki-kun who invite her to live in their house and for room and board all she has to do is cook and clean for them (yuk). Into the story soon arrives Kyo-kun and the fun starts because Tohru soon learns that the Souma family is living under the curse of the Chinese Zodiac - meaning that some of them (12 of them) change into animals of the zodiac when hugged by the opposite sex. Typically Honda Tohru would be the kind of female that I would hate to identify with, she's indecisive, somewhat of an airhead, apologizes a lot and would seem to be just simply irritating. Instead Tohru is sweet and gentle and has a nature that you warm to despite her faults (like liking to clean and cook!). She has a kind of wisdom that seems to be able to touch the heart of a problem and a gentleness that calms others. Through her or because of her the untouchable Souma clan slowly begins to let others close to them and they begin to see the outside world as not so unwelcoming a place. The two main male characters, Yuki and Kyo (both who happen to be very Bishonen) fight all the time but steadily Honda Touro calms the anger/fear in their hearts and makes each more approachable to others. Throughout the series other Souma's are introduced and each of them is somehow touched by Honda Tohru's gentle spirit. To put it simply, Honda Tohru is like badly needed medicine for the zodiac cursed Tohma clan. Fruits Baskets is a feel good story. You will laugh and you will cry. Your heart will ache sometimes and you will even have tears in your eyes while smiling with joy. Some parts are slightly violent and there is occasional suggested nudity (like when the Souma's transform back from there animal forms understandably they aren't wearing any clothing). There is also occasional Shonen-Ai (boy/boy) references but nothing is overt. I would recommend PG13 for this series...and recommend that the parents sit and watch it with their children. This series is also very suitable for teens and adults!

This story will make you wish that it went beyond 26 episodes.

Rating: 10/10

Art:      

The anime is very true to the manga.  The lines are sweet and simple.  Nothing is over-complicated.  It is a treat to watch and many of the Sohma's are very easy on the eyes.  Yuki and Kyo are especially nice eye-candy and define the term Bishonen very nicely.  However that term also fits Shigure, Ayame, Hatori, Haru, Momoji....etc.  And Tohru is cute too!

Rating: 9/10

Sound:

The opening is so sweet.  Haru has his own musical score which changes depending on if he is black or white Haru...funny.  The score definitely fits this anime

Rating: 9/10

Presentation:

At first glance the characters seem very similar, with the boys all having ultra slim builds, etc.  But as you watch it you will notice that the shape of the eye and the hair (of course)  is different for each.  Yuki has especially pretty eyes with long eyelashes, while Haru's eyes go down at the outer edge, these are small but noticeable differences...  These characters are ultimately recognizable and individual.

Rating: 9/10

Personal Note:

I love Fruits Basket.  If you go into this thinking that this is a silly girly story then you've missed something important because this story is amazing; once you begin to watch it, you get pulled in and want to know what happens next.  Yes you will laugh, but you will also cry.  Tohru is leading this clan on a journey toward growth and healing with soft words and an ever present smile.  The ending of this series will make you cry... for more.  Definitely.

9.25/10

Fruits Basket is available in North America in both individual DVD's and a complete Box set.

The Fruits Basket DVD is available in the original Japanese dialogue w/English Subtitles and also English Dubbed