Clannad (2007–2009) User Reviews

It will captivate your heart.

[Asuka_Langley · 9/10 · 14 May 2009]

Seeing how well the original clannad series did, I was expecting the same with Clannad After Story...but no, the creators went and gave everything they had for this sequel. All I have to say is...excellent job minaaaa!

Clannad After Story Continues right after the original series ended and it spans 10 years into the future After Story mainly focus on Okazaki and Nagisa and their lifes after school. Also we finally get some answers for most of the questions we had in Clannad. Ofcorse all the previous characters make an appearance again but I wont delve any deeper into the story.

Clannad After Story is, funny as always but above all its a drama, a drama that will definitely bring tears to your eyes, your heart will always go from happy to sad mode and visa versa...making you feel uneasy for what the future holds for the main characters.

Visuals are the same as clannad but the strongest part is music. They put a lot of feeling in the music and it goes along with the flow of the series. I don't need to say anything about the characters because Clannad is all about the character development and if a series want to create a strong character background...just take a hint from clannad.

Overall Clannad After Story is a worthy sequel that surpass even its predecessor. Prepare to enjoy this series because what After Story does... few anime series do it so good as this out there.

A tear-jerking sequel

[Tweekums · 9/10 · 9 June 2019]

This sequel to 'Clannad' starts shortly after the events in that series and covers the events in Tomoya Okazaki's life for the next seven years. We see his relationship with Nagisa develop and lead to marriage and the birth of Ushio, a daughter. There are various events which will have life changing effects on those involved. The story involves various alternate realities where we see the events play out in different ways.

I've tried to keep my precis as vague as possible as there are certain key events which shape later parts of the story which I'd rather not spoil. To use a cliché this series is an 'emotional rollercoaster'; at times it is very funny with both slapstick humour and character driven humour at others it is genuinely tear jerking... I don't mean 'there's something in my eye' tears but proper sobbing! This is because the characters involved are well developed and feel real. The animation is of a high quality throughout. Overall I'd say this is a must see if you enjoyed the first series; I wouldn't advise going straight to this as certain elements might seem more than a little confusing.

These comments are based on watching the series in Japanese with English subtitles.

Clannad

[gatlinrick · 8/10 · 31 March 2010]

This is a review of both 'Clannad' and 'Clannad Afterstory', if your wondering.

Story: Based on the visual novel of the same name, 'Clannad' tells the story of Tomoya Okazaki, a former basketball player who had been forced to quit his school team and all of basketball, and who's now going through life aimlessly. With him on this downward spiral is his 'friend' Sunohara, a former soccer player who had also been forced from his team, after he had attacked his coach; it's hard to tell what their relationship actually amounts to, though that'll be mentioned in a minute. Okazaki has to go up this hill to get to school; one day he meets this girl, who's standing along the path, who asks him if he'd go up it with her. This incident sparks a kind of chain-reaction. Okazaki develops a relationship with this mysteriously gentle Nagisa Furukawa, her family, others from his school and all of these girls who all, in normal harem fashion, fall in love with him.

Simple enough. Of course, the visual novel this is based after was developed by 'Key', and in true 'Key' fashion, the story doesn't end too happily, or begin happily, as a matter of fact. After a while, what little which has been established is fully revealed to us, like why Okazaki isn't playing basketball anymore or why Nagisa talks with him. It's not depressing. Sad maybe? It's ending isn't depressing either; it may even make you smile, while your crying manly tears (or maybe that's just me). That's not to say the story isn't fun either, in fact there's more of an emphasis on comedy than on romance, and for a harem, the humor's pretty smart. There are laugh-out-loud worthy scenes to be had, if your interested, and when I say Tomoya's living life aimlessly, I'm not saying he's moping. He's sad and depressed of course, but he manifests it by playing pranks on others; he mentally tortures Sunohara, in particular, and all with this sarcastic smile. Getting past that and going back to the romance and this whole emphasis on 'family', the whole production has this warm, genuine heart to it. Unlike with most other harem shows, this develops it's heroines (if only just enough) to all be likable instead of just setting up some caricatures to drool over. Okazaki himself defies how a male lead in a harem should be by not being a completely unlikable failure, and then comes when you try to decide the story's genre; there's romance and comedy, but then there's fantasy and tragedy thrown in, and then there's the drama-club plot that's been developing this whole time. It accumulates back to this being a very comfortable/nice show (in tone and story and it's production-style) to watch, which ought to get you emotionally involved, if only a little.

Production: The music score sounds like something from a visual novel (no shock there). The opening looks like something from one as well (maybe it's the same opening as the game's; I don't know). This was produced by Kyoto animation in between making 'Lucky Star' and 'K-ON!', and it shows; it tries looking like the visual novel and that works, and the actual animation is very fluent, like everything after Lucky Star, though not so much as K-ON!'s.

Conclusion: A sometimes visually breath-taking show with simple but engaging intertwining stories and characters, who could've been forgettable but who are handled by obviously talented writers (I mean, it was written by Key, the people who did 'Air', would did you expect?).

Done Right

[briggnalle · 10/10 · 18 May 2016]

Every once in a while, you will watch an anime, movie, TV show or even read a story that kind of leaves you in a void. You start seeing things differently, you don't know what to do with yourself, and you begin to question how life works. Clannad, and Clannad Afterstory, is one of these animes. After watching Clannad I got into the sequel, and after watching it, I felt such a void because the story was so amazing so surreal, that it became one of my many favorite anime shows. What makes Clannad different from every other romantic genre, is because of this season right here. When you watch some kind of romance entertainment you get this whole bit of these two love birds trying to get together, and then they finally get together in the end, and then the story ends. You never know what happens afterwards. What makes Clannad so good, is because it doesn't just end where it did in the first season, where the two main characters get together. Instead, After Story takes us to that time in our life when graduation happens, life in high school ends, and adulthood starts. It continues the story to tell us what happens to Tomoya and Naigisa (probably spelling it wrong, but oh well). If you remember the first season, one of the many stories and sayings within it tell us of many different realities, and After Story kind of in a way explains the confusion that we were left in the end. Not only that but more new problems surface, such as old friendships, dealing with work and living on your own, etc. While the original Clannad focused on the problems at school and the importance of family and friends, the After Story focuses on the same stuff, but like I said before in that period of adulthood we all just love. It also brings out one of the most powerful messages that I think personally is the best thing to ask yourself when dealing with school, work, adulthood, marriage, friendships and relationships whatever. If what you dreamed of doesn't happen, and life takes you on this metaphorical trainwreck and continues to beat you senseless time and time again, and all of that was because of a single choice you made long ago: despite maybe having to go through it again knowing the pain and torment you will go through, would you still make that choice again? Will you do that one thing for one person, would you talk to this one, would you do anything differently to change the outcome, or would you do it all again because despite you know how it ends, you still love that person? That being said, this is one of the best anime I have seen thus far, which is big because I don't like romance anime at all. If you're not a fan either don't worry, it's not your typical chick flick. Check it out, and I can personally promise you, you wont be disappointed though. A word to the wise though, this season is more emotionally distressful than the previous due to the relevance of family, friend and romantic relationships that are not just 'oh that sad', but crushingly sad. That being said I don't care how tough you are, the only ONLY way you can watch this season and not cry, is because you have a heart like a brick. Just saying. Me being a guy, I have to admit, I was choked up on a few scenes, but in the end, I was glad I made the choice to go through and watch this show. That being said, check out Clannad After Story if you are a fan of the original, and if you never heard of this show at all, watch both seasons. It is a must.

One of the greatest anime in the history of anime. Simply Perfect

[mastermetal10071 · 10/10 · 28 April 2014]

I'm an action junkie, I usually watch anime with lots of violence, actions, etc. I have lots of favorite anime like Black Lagoon, Space Battleship Yamato 2199, Soul Eater, etc. I decided to give this anime a watch one day. After the first episode, I got hooked. After I finished watching the entire series, both first and second seasons, I was crying like a baby...no joke. I stayed up till 4 am watching this anime. I have seen lots of great anime before, but Clannad and Clannad After Story is considered my number one favorite anime of all time. It's simply one of the greatest anime EVER! It's funny, it's serious, and especially sad. This show is guaranteed to make anyone cry. If not, that person has a heart cold as stones. It's one of those shows you have to watch before you die. And this anime will stick to you forever. I'm a Clannad Man! Clannad forever!!

It's been said a thousand times before, but this truly is the best Anime ever.

[LetsWatchSomething · 10/10 · 6 January 2013]

I have never been so moved by another film, TV series or animation in my entire life as I have been with 'Clannad'.

Prior to watching this, I had seen 'Air' which is another made by the same company. 'Air' was the first thing that had ever brought a tear to my eye, I considered myself as emotional as a stone wall when it came to watching things like films and TV series because I couldn't connect with the characters but for some reason I cannot explain, I was simply captivated by 'Air' whether it was the animation, the voices, or the story, it was incredible.

I truly believed I would never experience something greater... and then I watched 'Clannad'. Clannad is split into two parts (Series), the first revolves around Tomoya Okazaki helping Nagisa Furukawa re-establish the theatre club and as a result become better socially as they meet characters along the way, I won't divulge any further about what happens in the second part because it all builds up from the very start.

Prepare your heart for an intense emotional roller-coaster that never stops until the very end. In a lot of series, you can often find episodes that are somewhat irrelevant or weaker compared to others. Fortunately this doesn't occur in 'Clannad'. Characters are explored in incredible depth, not just the main characters either, but all of the peripherals too.

The characters are simply unforgettable, the OST (Original Soundtrack) is incredible and fits seamlessly with the entire series but 'Clannad' strikes hardest with its beautiful and incredibly touching story. I shed so many tears while watching 'Clannad' and it felt like a truly cleansing experience.

While 'Clannad' would be the first Anime I recommend to someone, the story can be quite difficult to understand in its entirety due to the unconventional subplot that is often seen in Anime that prevents them from being immediately accessible and I don't wish anyone to have a tainted experience of it by not understanding it fully. However I believe anyone that has even a decent experience of watching Anime would be able to understand it fully and appreciate it for what it truly is. A masterpiece.

Life-altering

[ethSin · 10/10 · 1 June 2009]

Season 1 of "Clannad" was very good in my opinion. Episode 9 (The wedding episode) was THE greatest and most touching episode I've ever seen in anime. While the following episodes were good, they weren't great. Still, it was a very good series for me.

Season 2 of "Clannad" surpasses even that of the first season. It's basically split in 3 different eras: Remaining school days, immediately after graduation/birth, and the aftermath. Very few anime series successfully execute such fast flow of time, but we're treated with the perfect depiction of the life of a man who met his love only to lose it very soon after.

This anime series had great drama and inspiration. Really touching story. Visuals by Kyoto Animation was phenomenal, and the music is simply incredible. All truly great masterpieces must have great music to accompany it, and this series certainly did. I personally hated the childish "Dango Big Family" song in the beginning, but the song really grew on me by the end of the series. This series really had the magic.

What really separates "Clannad" from other similar series is that it dedicates good 2~4 episodes for each of the sub-characters while developing the main story for the protagonist. This series is truly life-altering in that it makes you think what your life will be in 5, 10 years, and the value of family. Highly recommended.

Simple but stunning

[john-davis3224 · 10/10 · 13 March 2013]

Clannad; After Story's charm does not exist within the film, it exists within you. An emotional roller coaster has never been this subtle but yet so beautiful.

Clannad; After Story remains a landmark in modern anime series within its particular genre, but will it stand the test of time? Well, I'm sure that 90 per cent of people who have seen this show, say it will. But we will have to wait to know for sure.

What follows is an astounding series that will break even the most cynical persons heart and that is this series absolute driving force. Never before has a series ever made me so emotionally attached to its characters as this.

And when you can't take it anymore, this series plunges straight in to you. Driving our tears to their absolute max in this absolute phenomenon.

Cannot be topped...

[NexusHUB · 10/10 · 30 April 2010]

This series gets very close to perfection. Had a few scenes I didn't like, but overall was almost perfect.

This second season to an amazing start flowed extremely well. By episode 11 of season 1 I was already amazed. That was simply filler compared to this.

The character development was done so well that I could feel every emotion the characters were having, almost as if it were happening to me. That being said, I could really feel the love between Tomoya and Nagisa. They have even more adventures through stories together in this season but by, maybe episode 10 (can't remember exactly) it shoved off the back-stories and focused on Tomoya and Nagisa. This was where the best part of the series took place.

The couple gets married, and moves in together. One line I must address is when everyone is together: Tomoya, Nagisa, Kyou, Ryou, Kotomi, and I think Sunohara, and Kyou wants Tomoya's attention. She addresses him, "Oi, Okazaki!" That being his last name. Both Tomoya and Nagisa answer, as to say they're both Okazaki, their families are merged. I thought it was sweet.

I'm not one to cry in a show or movie, but Nagisa's death, the Ushio moment, and Ushio's death ALL deserved it very well. The music accompanying each moment was absolutely flawless, especially "Snowfield" played in Ushio's death. I even felt like falling into depression at Ushio's death, it was so sad, and the acting was brilliant, and portrayed the pain VERY well.

The happy ending worked out SO well. Personally, I prefer the ending to the movie (watch it constantly) but this one was amazing as well. Besides, after all the sadness from this series, you're praying to god that something happy happens. And sure enough, it does.

This show completely changed my life, without exaggeration. It changed my whole way of thinking to something more thoughtful and deep. It gave me more morals and brightened my spirit. Recommended to EVERYONE. I do not know of one person who saw this and didn't love it. Anyone who desires a brighter state of mind, watch this. It doesn't even matter if you've read the spoilers, I watched the movie first and got the effect I should have from the series.

Be warned!!!

[sprngcactu · 13 December 2017]

Clannad will make you laugh, cringe, rip your heart out, cry like a newborn baby, then laugh again, smile till your cheeks hurt... and then you will watch the afterstory...

Simply beautiful.

[oranui56 · 7/10 · 9 November 2015]

When I first heard of Clannad. I really just thought it was another silly, cheesy, and bad romance anime. I thought people were exaggerating how sad it was supposed to be. In all honest, all though the animation is good, the art-style was a big turn off for me. I ended up giving it a try after hearing a bit more about, and I watched season 1, and believe it or not quite liked it, it wasn't perfect, but it was much better than the way I originally imagined it to be. I liked it's humor and characters, even though I thought the main love interest Nagisa, wasn't a very interesting character. The romance was also done in a way that isn't obnoxious (I tend to hate romances because of this). There was also some decently touching and slightly sad moments in the series. I gave Clannad an 8/10. Then I watched Clannad: After Story. I can tell you right away that people aren't exaggerating about it. This second season is so well done you will never forget it. Admittedly, this series as whole isn't for everyone, but if you thought the first series was at least "ok", go and watch After Story right away. I seriously watched Clannad: After Story in less than three days and I'm someone who is extremely pressed for time. Although the first few episodes are lighter in tone like the first season, you soon begin to notice the series progression to becoming a very realistic and mature take on seeing the lead couple become parents. If you've heard anything about this show, then you know that there are some sad and heart wrenching parts, one event in particular which I will not mention to avoid spoiling anything,but it really had me in tears and was very emotional and sad, yet uplifting and powerful at the same time. Another thing I like about this series is that it avoids almost all stereotypes that appear in any type of romantic film or TV series. They seem to have the need to have the main couple stair at each other and say cheesy lines for a long time, or throw in a random sex scene that isn't really necessary. Clannad never does this type of thing, it makes this series so much better as a whole. Also, I now like Nagisa, her character shows a lot more in this season. Overall this is an experience that I wish everyone could see and enjoy, I know some might not be able to get into this, but if you can in any way you just have to watch to the end. Speaking of the end, if anyone tells you it's a cop-out, don't listen, if you actually use your brain for a few minutes the ending works well and is satisfying.This show actually taught me things. It made me laugh, it made me cry, and it opened my eyes. Without a doubt a 10/10.

A truly once in a lifetime experience that should be seen by all

[surrakdeathblade · 10/10 · 29 September 2019]

I had only ever heard of stories about shows or movies that could actually change one's perspective or outlook on life and just brushed it off as "what a joke" but after watching this not only did I discover that not only is it possible for guys to cry but yes indeed there are shows/movies that can change one's perspective for the better and this is probably the best example I have ever seen because before this show I was so very deeply depressed to the point of both suicidal thoughts and contemplating self harm because when I thought of myself all I thought was that I was a monster that had done the most horrible and terrible of deeds but after watching this and seeing how much I related to the main character I realized I hadn't done anything else that other people had done in there lives and was actually a good, decent kind hearted human being and after having my "barrier" broke down I was finally able to tearfully apologize to my mother for all the things I had done with my Brother saying "it's okay I was just as bad as you were" and my mother just hugging me nicely just saying "shh it's okay it's over now" and Since then my life has been more positive and I try my very best to look at things from a positive perspective though yes I am negative sometimes but that's just the human condition and that can't be changed but at least now I don't have suicidal thoughts or contemplate self harm so I can say is Clannad after story guided through the darkness to the light that had to be seen by me so to end all I have to say is thanks for showing me the light and saving me from myself and showing me that I am a good person never again will I tread that dark path again Thank you thank you thank you. Truly the experience was life changing in the best ways possible. If anybody has the time and/or they're an anime fan just watch this you'll love every bit of it

Charming, but too much sugar not enough spice or bitters.

[Samiam3 · 6/10 · 8 July 2017]

Japan's favourite slice of life series, Clannad rises and falls on its oversized heart and untainted emotional grace. Infused with bits of magic realism, the show is some kind of a daydream; a story where everyone wins and gets what they want at a cost of virtually nothing.

the protagonist is Okazaki Tomoya. He is unmotivated and depressed, (although he never seems that way) but things get turned around after he makes friends at his new high school. How perfect is it that all the girls in the show are drawn to him. One girl however stands out. Nagisa is an angel face with a heart to match, the kind of girl that is too impossibly perfect. The fact that she seems small enough to be his little sister is somewhat distracting once it becomes obvious that they are heading towards being a couple. What is important however is that they get along perfectly, it is everything but a forced relationship. And yet Nagissa is strangely underwhelming as a character simply because she has no flaws. She is precious, and not much else.

When it comes to art, few animated shows paint with sunlight as vividly as Clannad. This is a world where the sky is always blue in the day and golden in the evening. Even more extraordinary however is how the show has a way of summoning beauty out of the mundane; out of the flies hovering around a street lamp, or the quaint naturalism of the bakery that Nagissa's family owns, or in the elegant minimalism of a traditional Japanese bedroom.

If you are anything but a 12 year old girl, comedy goes further than drama in this series. Sakagami has the same angel face as all the other girls but she can drop kick any of the boys in the school out a window. Ichinosuke's violin playing is a riot and Nagissa's mom who is unflinchingly over sensitive about her baking is adorable.

But the problem with Clanaad is it has an ongoing feeling of sameness. Everybody is generous everyday 24/7. There is little in the way of depth or drama. The introverted Ichinosuke has a shadowy intriguing backstory that far surpasses what the show writes for everyone else. Individual scenes and sometimes even episodes play well on the grounds of charm, but the whole series tastes of too much sugar.

2D cliche boring characters

[Snootz · 3/10 · 14 January 2020]

With some 6,800+ "ratings" but only 17 reviews (most of them oh-so-glowing and in oddly-similar writing style)... one can't help but wonder if the rating system has been gamed here. Those kind of numbers just don't happen in normal IMDB reviews.

I am not an adrenaline junkie. I didn't like Transformers, and don't require action/adventure in my anime. I can appreciate slow-moving, emotional story lines as well as cerebral work. I am not easy to bore.

That said, by the end of the 3rd episode of Clannad I was bored to shutting it off. The extremely cliche 2-dimensional characters as well as a story line that makes you wonder if they're ever going to get to the main plot simply leaves the viewer cold. If they can't establish the main plot within three episodes, one has to wonder if it is any more than a one-joke story (arrogant guy keeps getting beat up by a girl).

I wasn't willing to invest any more time in a "wonder if it's going to get any better" venture. Wasted too much time on such films that no... didn't get any better. I am highly suspect of the glowing 9 & 10-star reviews here... and that there are so very few (almost non-existant) negative reviews. Unless the story and characters made an almost miraculous improvement in episodes 4 and onward, this is a "spend your time on better anime" production.

This Isn't Anime, It's Poetry.

[Komoesc · 10/10 · 2 February 2014]

I didn't know what to expect when sitting down for the first time to watch Clannad. I heard quite a few good things about the show since it was released and so I finally decided to watch it.

After the first episode I was hooked. This isn't your traditional anime. It is more like poetry. From the first episode I pretty much knew that I wouldn't regret spending my time with this show. Little did I know, it was much more then that.

As the show progressed I realized that it wasn't simply a teenage drama, it delved into some really emotional themes, especially in the second season (After Story). Clannad pulls at your heart at every chance it gets and when you're down and you think you can't take any more it kicks you again.

The animation style was beautiful as well, it gave a euphoric feel to the entire show. The character design was rather bland but being based off a graphic novel the character design was spot on. The thing that annoyed me most was that there were three characters all with purple hair and it took a while to learn who was who.

Clannad has had a weird emotional impact, one that I can't really explain. All that I can say is that it was beautiful, emotional experience. It was poetry. It wasn't simply another good anime, it was in a league of its own.

I highly recommend that you watch Clannad and Clannd After Story but be prepared to feel emotions you have never felt with any other anime or TV series before.

The Best Without a Doubt

[burtonislame · 10/10 · 14 April 2012]

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.

Just can't get enough of it

[avichalag · 10/10 · 3 July 2013]

IT is best anime series i have watched.

It surpasses most of the anime and even the TV shows.

This anime excels in conveying each and every emotion of the characters where most of the TV shoes, movies and other anime fail to do so. It will make you happy, joyous, then sad then again joyous. You can actually feel the love shared by the main characters Tomoya and Nagisa which makes you wish that it were you. But it doesn't end there this series will play and twist with your emotions and you'll feel that LOVE is the strongest emotion. Just watch the anime and the world becomes a lovely place and full of hope. No other movie or any storyline has made me cry this much.

Clannad: After Story

[lostcinematheq · 10/10 · 22 May 2021]

Don't watch lightly, because this show will change you and make you realize what really matters in life. I can certainly say it changed me forever.

A true masterpiece

[alex-radu-gorcea · 10/10 · 23 September 2013]

There's almost a melancholic beauty to the way Clannad: After Story presents itself. It's very realistic, yet spiritual. It doesn't hold back on showing you the hardships of growing up, but there's almost a soothing quality to it. It's all got to do with the way they handle the atmosphere. The pacing is fantastic, which is amazing considering the story line spans the better part of seven years in twenty-two episodes.

The series in general is a metaphor for growing up. In the first season the drama is often accompanied by humorously childish moments. It was a simpler and, for lack of a better word, happier time. In Clannad: After Story, the humorous moments mostly serve as means of nostalgia, for the characters to look back at the simpler days. But it's made very clear that those days are long gone. Nothing gold can stay, and it's time to look to the future. It's mature, it's realistic.

Another good show I was pleased to see

[NewOCFan · 10/10 · 9 September 2013]

After watching Angel Beats, I didn't know if anything could top it. But I had heard of Clannad and already was hearing about how devastating it is and I finally decided to see it. Again, the music and the animation was good, especially for the intro. Except, I had a hard time getting used to how their eyes all looked. I found it actually creepy. My other problem with Clannad was it has a very slow beginning but thankfully picks up the pace. I was also so used to the female characters in Angel Beats being really strong that I wasn't used to seeing Nagisa always crying but that only lasted for at least half the show (when counting After Story as well). Aside from that, the show was alright. It's Clannad After Story that's where I find the story really begins. The stories though of the other characters Tomoya helps out are really well done like Fuko's and Nagisa's and Kotomi's and it's a very happy ending by the last episode for everyone. Until Clannad After Story.

Eh, okay I guess.

[emma529 · 6/10 · 29 December 2014]

If you seen my reviews around you would know that a 6 in my opinion, is average.

As a Clannad fangirl/fanboy reading that I called it average, you're probably flipping a table.

But hear me out, I have good things to say. Many but also bad things, so stay beside me fangirl/fanboy we'll get through this.

First of all, love the main character. Absolutely great character, my favorite shojo main character.

It's not because his backstory really hits home to me, because I went through a similar situation but he's cheeky and the total antihero but has a warm heart.

Very likable, actually very is a understatement, EXTREMELY likable.

However, the other characters not so much. His partner in crime is annoying and same goes with other characters.

The writing is alright, nothing too special. It's really just another slice of life which a few sad backstories and great main character.

Dunno what else to rave about really, it's average. Not everyone loves but not everyone hates it, so I do recommend it. But it you're excepting a life changing anime. Doesn't do too much of that, but it's sequel kind of does :)

can't praise this anime enough

[frattonben · 10/10 · 29 May 2013]

This anime series has everything, it's hard to explain all the emotions that I felt during the time i watched the series, one minute u can be laughing at all the funny moments but then be reduced to tears by the sadness of some of the scenes. another great feature of Clannad has to be the great use of music as you can tell that who ever decided on the music really thought about which scene would suit that piece of music best, particular the sad scenes and at the end of each episode (the Dango song which has become very since the series). Summary overall Clannad After Story is no boring carry on of a great first series but the icing on the cake, even if the story is very very sad.

before watching Clannad After story be sure to watch Clannad from the beginning as Clannad (first series is all about the character building which makes the second series more rewarding

Great but jeez, that ending.

[emma529 · 6/10 · 29 December 2014]

If you watched Clannad (regardless if you enjoyed it) watch Afterstory.

It will definitely change the outlook on the series.

Great arcs (my favorite is the underrated Yoshino Yusuke) and very great writing, a beautiful soundtrack, beautiful animation, not so amazing English dub but that's what subs are for, and good characters

--------Spoilers starts here------

But the ending, oh my god. Seriously? That was best you could do Jun Maeda (writer). Basically erase everything that happened and made all the events in Afterstory never happen.

That was horrible.

The entire series you saw a girl (resembling the main character's daughter Ushio) and a robot. It ended up tying up with this stupid light orb crap that made every time sunshine happy which brought his (later on) dead daughter and wife back to life.

I'm sorry but seriously?

I believe Jun Maeda could of done this instead and Clannad Afterstory would of have been amazing.

The girl symbolized Ushio and her bringing her father out of a depression of losing his wife, the robot is able to walk again (meaning to be happy) and live with Ushio.

There was no reason to bring Nagisa (the main character's wife) back to life. That was like giving the fan base a cookie, you don't give the fan base a cookie. You give them a series to enjoy, not this extra sappy crap. (But I do love cookies so thank you Mr. Maeda. But you should kept Nagisa dead)

The main character could of gone through so much more and so much greater character development is Nagisa never came back to life and Ushio lived.

That is one of the reasons I like the movie better, it actually does that.

----Spoiler over-----

Anyway regardless of my rant, great anime.

Time wasting

[nerdboy-36067 · 1/10 · 27 October 2020]

Dont watch this instead read its summary and watch S2 direct. S1 is just time wasting. Wasted my 30 mins. and i am regreting till date

Guaranteed to Play With Your Heart Strings

[brandonvu32 · 10/10 · 11 December 2011]

Clannad was an excellent anime and thus far is the greatest I've ever witnessed. It surpasses all else when coming to character development and the bitter sweetness of love.

Though it could be somewhat uncomfortable to watch during crying scenes for a guy, it will definitely appeal to those of all ages. The comedy is original, and the jokes are funny, but when it comes to describing what it feels like to lose the person you love, nothing can beat the Clannad After Story. The ending ties up all the loose ends that may have been left in the first season of Clannad so well that I didn't need to strain myself to try to understand it.

Clannad may be a difficult watch at first, but if you stick with it until the bitter sweet ending, you WILL be rewarded.