Review of The Fruit of Grisaia
First things first, I am quite bias towards psychological/mystery anime which makes you really think about life as a whole. I had finished this anime as soon as it finished airing. Every week, I would wait until it came on, even waiting for it's countdown on the episode to finish before jumping straight into it. I had been waiting for an anime like this to come out which could finally meet my long list of standards.No spoilers~
Storyline: 8
I didn't know the plot line had come from a VN so my experience in this only comes from the anime. I cannot compare against the VN so I'm very sorry!
The plot line as a whole was well thought through. I do believe however, some of it was too rushed. Rather than a 13 episode anime, I think it should have been at least 24. That way, the girls would have more of a storyline, going into more depth on their background than focusing on getting to the end of it. Each girl has their mysteriousness to them which makes it appealing. However, when actually put into the light of things, it was once again way too rush. I give this storyline an 8 because it does have a lot of surprises which still makes me wonder. The events which happens brings me back to Angel Beats but it's pace is what spoiled it for me.
Art: 9
Fantastic art. I loved the drawing and the way the characters are expressed. Kind of reminds me of a modern Clannad. However, I noticed that the girl's eye lashes are sort of faded out to a red-ish pink? I don't know but that did put me off slightly. Rather than focusing on the story, I would be focusing on their eyes. It made me think it was some sort of dream-like state which I don't think I should be... I don't know... it was weird for me... But I'm really picky with my art so it's just my opinion.
Sound 8:
Haha! I really liked the opening! It has an upbeat sound which lightens up the anime just before actually watching it. It fits in well with the art especially. To me, unlike Angel Beats, it's OST is more light-hearted and less...depressing? (Is that an ok word to use?) I reminded me of those games I use to play. (Disgaea, Phantom Brave, Etc) However, when it comes to a more in depth part of the anime, it moves into a sweeter piano music and moves into a deeper sound which really steals your heart. I don't know, it really got to me in some parts. I found myself with a few tears in my eyes.
Characters: 9
The character development is very well done. Their storyline, their emotions and how it really speaks to humanity. I loved it. It really does speak to me sometimes with the questions asked by the protagonists and how they counter it. Their answers do sometimes leaves me with more questions.
Enjoyment: 8
The enjoyment of this anime is very good. I had some good laughs. I felt involved when the protagonists were in confusing and felt the need to tell them everything is alright. There are some part which for me were a bit rated M and some parts which were just not needed in my opinion. On the other hand, from what I've heard about the VN, it was a lot worse when it came to these rated M parts so I guess the anime itself had to provide for those who like those things... (Did I word it right? Nyaaa, I don't know...)
Overall: 9 (More of a 8.5 though)
I gave this anime quite high of a rating because, like I said, I'm quite bias when it comes to ratings. Though there were some parts I found unnecessary (to which I listed out throughout my review), I still found it worthy of such a rating. It has a good plot-line which was through through. Only downside was the telling of the story which could have been done a lot better. Pace is something I always nit-pick at when I watch anime. This time, there is no difference. Pace is what makes the storyline that worth while.
So, to sum it all up very good story, lovely art, lovely music, character storyline is good but can be better. Enjoyment is there and overall, fantastic.
I hope my review helps!