Review of Fruits Basket

I have to say that Fruits Basket is the show that really made me appreciate anime. The plot is well done and quite original, the dialog is funny and cute, and there are some dramatic moments that even brought tears to my eyes. Fruits Basket holds a perfect balance between comedy and drama, but there's much more to this show than just that: it has substance. Tohru's appreciation for the little things in life might even cause you to reflect on your own life and make some changes. Story-wise, the plot is manages to stay light while hinting at something darker. I have to say, itcomes to a pretty sudden end, and I personally feel that not too much was resolved. Once you finish the anime, it would be a good idea to pick up the manga, seeing as the story continues much farther in manga-format. It would have been nice if the show were longer, but I thoroughly enjoyed the 26 episodes and will certainly continue to re-watch them.

Artistically, Fruits Basket is drawn in a very cute style (the Zodiac animals are absolutely adorable), which might cause some men to shy away from it... Still, I can definitely see that the show can be appreciated by both sexes.

Sound-wise, the opening and ending are very cute and sweet. I even have the Fruits Basket soundtrack. The music, especially during Yuki and Kyo's fights and when Ayame pops up, really adds to the viewing experience. I recommend watching the English dubbed version. The voice actors did a great job of bringing out each character's distinct personality through their voices.

The characters are very well created, and each one has a firm back-story that allows the viewer to understand and sympathize with them. It's fun to see all the different animals of the Zodiac, and, trust me, each one is very memorable. From cheerful, sweet Momiji, to broken-hearted Hatori, Fruits Basket provides a wide range of characters so there's always someone the viewer can relate to.

Fruits Basket has become one of my favorite anime, and I really think it's worth giving a try... watch a few episodes and see if you like it. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!