Reviews for Kaikan Phrase (7.33) 31tx

Animation:
Overall, it's not really good but not that bad either. The art is mostly plain and common, but you have to give credits to the bishies. This show is full of hot guys, and they are pleasant to look at, eventhough they are old school bishies.

Sound:
Obviously as this is a "music" series, it has some pretty catchy songs. Personally, I like all the Jrock songs here. It can get repetitive at times, but you have to that in the music scene, you'll always have to listen to the same songs again and again in every concert. There are probably about 20 tracks or more presented in the show (OPs/EDs included), mostly by the main band, others from various bands in the series.

Story:
Basically, the 1st half deals with Lucifer trying to win the hearts of people through music. Vocalist Sakuya was a very reluctant man at first, but after much persuasion by other band , he gave in to the role. One problem down. Next they map out their plans to become professional musicians. The road wasn't easy, as some have their own personal problems to deal with as well.

We are then in the 2nd half of the series, where the focus is now on Lucifer as pros as well as the budding romance between Sakuya and lyricist Aine. Things took a dark turn as the mysterious American Ralph came to Japan and establish a record company. The battle between Ralph and Lucifer, which revealed Sakuya's past as well as brought disastrous problems to the band, was quite an interesting ride.

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I it it though, the story is pretty predictable. You have all sorts of problems thrown at your face, but they always get resolved pretty easily. The 'never-give-up' theme is played to death, and may cause much annoyance to people looking for more serious stuff like Beck. But I can say this, Kaikan Phrase is possibly the only "music" anime out there who did what a "music" anime should do: chronicles the life of a band from scratch to stardom. That is why Kaikan Phrase still manages to appeal to me. Anyone wanting to catch a rare glimpse of the rock scene in Japan should try watching this, even if it's just fiction, even if it gets cheesy and unrealistic at times. Fangirls will get the most kick out of this. If you're not one but you like soap opera-esque/melodramatic shows, you'll probably enjoy this too. If you're looking for realistic stuff like Beck, don't even torture yourself with this.

Character:
Everyone has their own stories to tell to help them grow. Sakuya as the main character underwent the most changes; the typical quiet, depressed man who found love in the end. Yuki who chose his dream over his father's chosen path for him. Atsuro who decided to stop school for music. Towa who fled his house ages ago for his career. Santa who got dumped by his girlfriend and vowed to make the best band ever without her.

Sakuya's character will probably get on your nerves in the beginning. He's cold, distant and simply cruel. After more exposure on him though, you can't help but pity him and try to cheer him on.

Atsuro's insecurities in the beginning is another headache. You would wish nothing more to slap him hard to get him back to his senses. Yuki is composed, serious and responsible; the one most girls would like. Santa is the ever optimistic drummer, whose confidence causes him more harm than good. Towa is very girly and the least developed character here, and is a mentor to Atsuro.

They are all amusing people, which makes it all the easier to root for them and share their pain and joy. It's always great to see characters striving for their dreams; it gives me a lot of motivation.

Enjoyment:
I'm glad the anime did not follow the manga, which I heard was a smutty romance story of Sakuya and Aine. In fact, I would have enjoyed the series more if Aine didn't exist. It's annoying when a girl suddenly shows up and the focus is shifted to romance instead. I would love more than anything for the series to just focus entirely on the band and its future, as it is a rare theme in anime.

In my opinion, the show should have ended after 1st half, or after Ralph's arc. The 1st half is the most exciting part of the series, while the 2nd half just lacks 'energy'. I mean, Ralph's arc is pretty fun and all, but it also got a little too repetitive by then. And the last 10 episodes or so were mostly unnecessary, even if they were supposed to bring Lucifer to a whole new level, they just made me frustrated because they presented the same problem-answer formula again, not to mention that annoying romance subplot getting fleshed out more than ever here. I had a hard time finishing the last quarter, but thankfully the series has a nice ending. A very feel-good ending if I may say.

Value:
I can probably watch 1st half again, but I would think twice going through the next half.