Review of Fruits Basket

Wow...Just...wow. Might not sound very sophisticated, but that's the word to describe this anime. As one of the first animes I've ever watched, Fruits Basket will always hold a special place within my heart. The overall story, art, character development and drama of this anime makes it a true Anime Classic on my shelves - and I feel no shame in saying that! So Fruits Basket revolves around Tohru Honda has been living in a tent since her mother dies in a car accident, but ends up living instead with Yuki Sohma, her school's "prince", along with his relatives Shigure and Kyo. But Tohru soon discovers thatthe Sohma clan has a secret of it's own: certain members of the family are possessed by the animals of the Zodiac, so whenever they are hugged by a member of the opposite sex they turn into that animal. Tohru promises to keep their secret and vows to somehow break the curse, and she may just end up healing the Sohma clan members in other ways as well...

At first glance the plot may seem ridiculous, but when you start watching it you realize it goes a lot deeper than that. Does Fruits Basket have its hilarious comedy scenes? Yes. But it also has its intense, dramatic moments that will leave you in tears. It is a Dramody, through in through - however it's more drama and comedy, focusing on the characters' past and how the curse has effected their future and their life.

Did I cry in Fruits Basket? Yes. In my opinion the manga is much more emotional than the anime, but the anime still stays true to the manga, so it's still something to great watch. I do recommend reading the manga first however. It will always be superior to the anime, even though the anime itself is truly amazing.

Now I loved the Character Development in Fruits Basket. These cursed people have broken pasts, and I love how it emphasizes that without stripping away the personality. You feel a real connection to the characters, and when you feel a connection you end up feeling what they feel; that is good writing and directing, right there. The characters are damaged, and the anime isn't afraid to show that. Don't worry, I won't spoil anything for you. I'll just say that after what these people have been through, you'll look at your own troubles and, even for just a split second, be grateful for what you have.

The art is pretty good too. I love the style, and the way the people are drawn. To me its like any typical anime-style - yet it's also very unique too.

Is Fruits Basket a heavy, intense drama with some comedy thrown in? Yes. Is it a romance anime with a love-triangle? Yes, but the romance is only a side-story. It mainly focus on the characters and their growth.

Overall, go watch it if you love intense dramas with developed characters. You won't be disappointed.

~Sparrow