Review of Fruits Basket

Fruits Basket. Where to begin. Probably one of my favorite spending experiences when I begged my parents at 16 to get me the box set from Funimation. I have never seen it anywhere, since they released the Viridian Collection. It is a decision I have never regretted. My first real anime of this genre, Fruits Basket is a heartwarming story and coming of age experience. The Story: Gorgeous animation, and vivid colors make this tale seem justified on screen. Having read the manga up until a certain point, I can honestly say this anime is well done. If you are expecting to find a great story thattells slice of life, comedy, and romance: Fruits Basket is your #1 choice.

Jokes that were in the series that did not make me laugh at 16 make me laugh now at 24. The anime ages well, and well enough for me to re-watch it now.

Tohru Honda fills my life, and makes me realize growing up can be full of experiences lush and challenging.

Kyo Sohma is my anger when I am not aware of what is going on, or what is expected of me. Or when I feel I am expected to be more than I can.

Yuki Sohma is my side that I wish to become, calm and collected.

Akito Sohma is my hate for the world, in which I realize that the dreams and fantasy are shadowed by darkness of society. And self rationalization of how I have changed.

The Art:

The characters look realistic to young Japanese girls, but I feel the show does expect skinny girls. Maybe it is just appealing. But Uo-chan is the perfect example of the American in every anime. Every anime has a Yankee, and every character seems to lighten up the situation.

Zodiac parts have Chinese art that look beautiful. Colors eye pop. Hair styles draw you in, and eyes seem intense. Love what has been done here.

The Soundtrack:

English voice actors are familiar faces, from Funimation. Subtitle tracks sound crisp, and are just as pleasant. On the box set episodes I have, there is a behind the scenes episodes that seems to be subtitled well.

Opening theme is soothing, and at first you are expecting much more than a slow song, but soon I found it fit the series. Ending song is pretty fitting too.

Songs fill scenes and fit emotions well. Nostalgia fills my mind as I hear these tracks again, years later.

Fruits Basket does stand the test of time, and for that reason-- I rate it higher than I would at 16.

The Verdict:

Fruits Basket does deviate from the manga, but it ends at a conclusive 26 episodes. It has a great ending, and gives me reason to say that I would gladly watch any other anime made by this creator because it has consistency, and powerful emotions that can relate to any coming of age story that a young adult wishes to watch.