ef - a tale of memories.

Weird. This anime was recommended to me. So many times. Men, women, girls, boys – they've all said the same thing: "It's great, I haven't cried like this in a long time." Maybe a hard, rock-like thing has grown over my heart. Or maybe I just didn't fall into the lap of the creators (probably my bad). But I didn't cry. I wasn't moved. On the contrary, it bored me for quite some time. Out of the entire nine episodes, there were very few moments that really stuck with me. The tenth and eleventh episodes were kind of better overall, and the twelfth... okay for a while, I had to laugh for a while. The only thing I was really curious about wasn't answered until the 12th episode, and that was after the credits, and I still found it so misleading... Actually, those are the only two characters I really liked in the whole series. Reading through the reviews, a lot of viewers sympathize with Chihiro. I couldn't care less about her. And since I didn't care about someone like Chihiro, it's obvious why ef: a tale of memories. can't reach me, why I can't like it any more than 3 stars. I liked the second storyline a bit more; it's true that while I was a little annoyed by both of the people involved, then I started to like Miyamura more and I was rooting for her because Kei seemed like a spoiled kid who selfishly goes after what he wants and doesn't mind hurting people (when it comes to sports, that doesn't bother me, but in human relationships...). But I admit – the animation was really good, it felt like I was watching one long AMV. I can definitely recommend it, because I know there are a lot of people who really liked it a lot. I liked it, too; but not a lot. I don't need to see it again. And if I had a memory that would forget things after 13 hours, I wouldn't regret it... Anyway, the verdict is: recommended. (07/11/2010)