SaiKano

Full Title: SaiKano
Genres: Adventure, Drama, Military, Romance, Science Fiction, Slice of Life
Episodes: 13
Uploaded By: Mavrik
My Age Rating: MA (Language, Graphic Violence, Adult Situations, Strong Sexual Themes)

She, the Ultimate Weapon. The one device that can destroy every enemy war machine and army in its path. The horror that mankind created in its madness to defend itself from itself in the most efficient way possible, absolute annihilation. As entire cities disappear in single flashes of brilliant light, her name is whispered in fear on both sides of the conflict, "Chise." However, to one average high school boy, Chise is not a thing to be feared or a device used to conquer, but a girlfriend to love and cherish. This is the story of Shuji, his girlfriend, and their desperate fight for survival, peace, and love in a world gone mad with hate.

For once, I actually really enjoyed my run through a non-humorous magical girl anime. Probably because of the death and destruction that permeates the air and lingers over every situation like a heavy blanket. I don't want to ruin the ending, but to have the anime constantly reminding you at the halfway mark during each episode that you're watching "The Last Love Song on this Little Planet" creates a far from happy expectation to begin with. In other words, know that overwhelming grief saturates this story at every given point. The horrors of war shown in a way I haven't seen (movie, anime, or otherwise) since "All Quiet on the Western Front." I do not recommend this anime to anyone searching for light entertainment, there is nothing easy about watching this.

For the rating, I believe this anime deserves fairly high marks. The atmosphere it presents is incredibly consistent throughout, and it's characters are, for the most part, very likable and realistic people. I have no problem with the main storyline, but I do think it slightly awkward the way sex is presented in the story. You'll have to watch it to see what I mean, it's hard to describe. There are scenes where characters are naked, but there is nothing visible to the audience, which I do appreciate though it doesn't really help to drop the age rating for this anime. The opening and ending credits are... okay at best... Although the voice acting can be flat at times, it's never during very crucial moments, and you might not notice it. The music fits the tone well, and the animation is, for the most part, fairly smooth. There are almost no bright colors in the palette used for this anime which means more gloom, but hey, I warned you... Not the feel good anime of the year, but well worth a watch for anyone who can handle it.My Rating: 7.6/10 (Very Good)