I was going to add my own review but I realized that yours covered pretty much everything I was going to say. Nice.
I guess this just isn't my genre of anime. I didn't laugh, feel moved, or feel anything at all while watching the series from start to finish.
"Ok, I understand, but why should I care about that?" just echoed through my head time and time again.
I'm wondering why this is so popular, nothing actually ever happens until right at the very end. Overall this was a very boring watch.
Plot 1/10 - What plot? Art 10/10 - Very well drawn and good ascetics. Themes 4/10 - Nothing Special. Overall 5/10
Hell, I TRIED to be entertained by it and couldn't. The only thing decent was how well everything looked (by appearance).
You were a little too generous with this review...
God Less America
I agree with this review. I especially liked that this anime doesn't just stop at "will they/won't they" or has characters blushing like three-year-olds at the thought of kissing a girl. No nosebleed, thank God.
Tomoya actually underwent some realistic development, which is rare. The only thing I missed was seeing him advance in his job, but you can't get everything. (He missed a promotion once, and I was expecting to see him get another chance. Maybe later in life.)
It never felt like a harem to me, since he isn't blushing at them all and getting awkward glimpses of their panties. The girls that liked Tomoya weren't going after him very strongly either. It was clear from the beginning that he was there for Nagisa's sake, period.
Music and art were great. Personalities were great. Story advancement was done very well. Definitely an anime that stands out.
I agree with this review 100%
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Easily the best among the three Key Ani works.
Clannad combines Slice Of Life, Romance, Angst, Family, Comedy, and Fantasy in one cohesive setting. A Genre Buster if I've ever seen one.
Beware of SPOILERS!!!
Plot: 10/10
The idea of Tomoya helping Nagisa gain confidence by helping her reestablishing the Drama Club was a foreshadowing of Tomoya's Jerk With A Heart Of Gold nature, as he really acts like a Jerkass sometimes, especially towards Sunohara. He does inadvertently gather his harem in this manner, but he really shows how sincere he is in helping them.
The second season was great in showing how Tomoya matured from the lazy delinquent he was in high school into the hard-working person he was since that point. The Character Development was really realistic, as since he had a steady girlfriend, he decided to get his act straight in life.
The buildup towards Nagisa's death was brilliantly done, a Player Punch if I've ever seen one. Crying is the only option.
When Nagisa died, Tomoya showed a very human reaction: regret. His in-laws were all supportive of him during those trying times, so they'd be an example of the ideal in-laws. Tear Jerker moments abound here, and none of them were uncalled for.
Lastly, the ending fully encompasses the fantasy element of the series. While many people view it as a Deus Ex Machina Reset Button Ending, the game has this as the "True Ending," so it was justified.
Art: 10/10
Kyo Ani worked on it. Need I say more?
Themes: 9/10
The OP for both seasons and the second season ED was of superb quality. However, Dango Daikazoku felt a bit out of place IMO, although aside from being Nagisa's favorite, Rule Of Cute applies.
Overall: 10/10
Clannad is a story about life. Many valuable lessons in life can be gained from this series, as most of the dilemmas are realistic enough for most viewers to relate to. Tomoya and Nagisa's love for each other is an ideal romantic relationship. The Drama Club is a true Nakama; they've always got each other's back, no matter how difficult the situation may be. The animation is of superb quality, and the pacing was just right. One of the best series ever.