I only recently began watching anime. I used to think it was nerdy and stupid. I never realized that these shows could have such an impact. I watched a few including Eden of the East which I thought was the best I had watched thus far. Then, I watched Clannad. 'After Story' had been in my Netflix queue for some time and when I saw that they had the first one I just thought what the hell, and watched it. I loved it and thought it was fun and touching. I immediately started watching 'After Story'. I have to say that without a doubt this is the greatest thing I have ever seen. It beats all the Bergman, all the Cassavetes, all the Kurosawa I have ever seen. There is a point fairly early on in 'After Story' in which a main character dies. It was the most devastating thing I have ever seen, and needless to say I cried...lots. Never in my life did I think I would ever see anything so beautiful from anything animated. This is not just some dumb cartoon, it's full of life, and despair, but most of all, hope. Even though it is absolutely devastating it ends on a happier note. The most interesting aspect is a side story of a robot and a girl lost is a hopeless world. This story continues on from the first series which you must watch before this one (otherwise the impact will not be as great). I want to go into more detail, but I don't want to ruin it too much for anyone who hasn't seen it.
Review of Clannad
