Review of Ranma ½

*Review contains spoilers* I will try my best to be as unbiased as possible, as this is one of my favorite animes from childhood and I just recently rewatched it (and read the manga too). Story 8/10 To me, this is a very original story as people change into other beings when touching cold water. It is somewhat annoying that the story or characters don't really develop into much and arcs are a bit recycled and repetitive. However, it is still very funny and cute at the same time despite main characters arguing most of the time. I am just sorry they finished the anime before the mangawas done, so the anime's ending leaves so many cliffhangers and unanswered questions (not that the manga really answers them but you get a bit more of information as how things might have ended).

Art 7/10
Keep in mind this is an old anime, therefore, art might bother some people. However, I think attention to detail was done in this anime and the art doesn't hurt the story.

Sound 8/10
Although this anime doesn't count with a big repertoire of music and soundtrack, I think it does a great job at using the elements they have when they do. The opening and endings are so contagious that you will find yourself singing it out of nowhere. There is this string instrument mix (not sure what the instrument is) the use when "romantic" scenes happen between Akane and Ranma so so cute and on point with what is happening that I can't help to think of it whenever I think about Ranma and Akane being sweet to each other.

Characters 7/10
There are a loooot of characters in this anime, but I still think they managed to give a distinct trait and personality to each one.
*Favorites: Ryoga, Ranma, Akane and Ukyo.
*Least favorites: Haposai, Nabiki (such a gold digger) and the school's principal. (I found whatever story where they appeared so irrelevant to the anime). I am tempted to add Shampoo into this list because I found her too annoying and too persistent with trying to force Ranma to be with her. No limits to what she would do for that purpose.

Ranma is a very smart, strong, quick learner, decided, persistent and direct character. I found it absolutely hilarious how Ranma would use his "feminine charms" to get what he wanted when he was a girl. Ranma is also very forgiving, specially towards his father (who usually tries to take advantage of him).

Akane is a strong and independent lady (although we do see Ranma always saving her form something). I do think she tends to be too aggressive towards Ranma and acted childish towards her feelings for him. I think even though it was hard for Ranma and Akane to put it to words, they did love each other and it was evident through their mutual concern over each other.

Characters worthy of mention:
I really really liked Ryoga! There are sometimes that I would have preferred Ryoga over Ranma for Akane, because he was very sweet, sure about and out-forward with his feelings for Akane. I must say he might come across as a pervert, with watching Akane naked and sleeping with her as P-chan.

I think Ukyo was the most mature and centered from the female characters. Too bad Ranma saw her as a "bro", and honestly, there was no chemistry there whatsoever.

I loved Panty-hose Taro's arc as well.

Enjoyment 9/10
As I already said, the anime itself is really light and funny to watch, specially how Ranma handles himself and uses his attributes as a girl (but thinking like a boy). Kodachi's laugh was too funny. I would recommend this to anyone that likes funny rom-coms.

Overall 8/10
I would have liked things actually happening like Akane and Ranma getting married or at least acknowledging their feelings for each other (somewhat happens in the manga) and people getting the cure from Jusenkyo. I do think the anime could have been shorter (many repetitive episodes) and that the anime should have been continued (so many good stories from the manga not included in the anime). I recommend watching the Ovas and the movies too.