Syed Ali Qasim
This is my first Review, so I will say everything fairly with reasons for my views. Cross Ange is one of my favorite anime, Here's why:Plot: The plot is simply amazing. Once you've passed through the first 6-7 episodes, the show starts revealing literally everything you've been wondering. All part of the history is revealed and that is literally great plot writing. You never find out anything until just the perfect moment and you're left shocked. In other words, it adopted a great way of presenting the story. Yes, the first 6 episodes or so, are a bit disappointing but trust me, it gets better and better until your mind explodes. I can take in whatever the first 6 episodes offer without any problem. Cons: The ecchi content in the anime is too high, some people find it unbearable. Of course, I have no problem 'ignoring' it, but that isn't the case with everyone. So this is the point where I deduct a point from my rating. I totally disagree with anyone who has just watched 6 or even 12 episodes and tell me there are plot-holes in there. How can you know that the story has been completely revealed yet? I've just watched Episode 24 and they're still revealing bits and pieces of the story and trust me, that's the perfect moment to do so.Characters: The Voice Acting is nothing below the term "Awesome", you can literally feel the emotions without even knowing Japanese, just like other great animes. The characters are represented perfectly, for example "Hilda" being the bully at first who turns her friend. Chris is the 'left-alone' type, Jill is the smart commander that always know what to do. Salia feels herself left out too while Vivian is simply "I'm cool no matter what" type. You may find Ange to be a bit aggressive, but that is no legit reason to rate it badly, it's part of the story and the anime shouldn't be rated bad considering the behavior of a character. Cons: I did find that ecchi scenes completely unnecessary. If you take out those parts you are left with a perfect masterpiece that deserves 10/10, but unfortunately as the staff tried to push that 'stuff' into the show, it damaged the anime badly.Ange: Ange, the main character, was a princess once. She treated Norma like they're not humans. In other words, she hated them just like every other 'human'. I find this great that in a SINGLE day, she is converted from a pampered Princess into her worst nightmare, it happens all of a sudden. Everything was normal in the morning and at the same night, she had lost her mother, father, her identity, her freedom and everything else. Ange finds herself in despair, not accepting the fact that she's a Norma, the same 'creatures' that she found pathetic once, and always disobeys her orders. As time passes by, she starts accepting the fact and loses herself completely, knowing that it's all blood shedding in her life until she dies. Then she meets Tusk, who gives her hope of 'humanity' among Normas, however, she still wants to escape. When she escapes, she finds out that every 'human' including her remaining family members want her dead. She realized that the humans are not actually humans, she then develops a friendly relation with other Normas, determined to destroy the Human world. He then develops a deep relation with Tusk and there you go, till you reach the final episodes, Ange is transformed from a Princess to a Killing tool and then to a caring and daring, bold girl.Episodes:This is the part where the people get this anime wrong. I don't know about others, but I don't think to deserve to even rate or review something unless you've fully examined it. People just watch first 6 episodes and rate it poorly, not realizing that this bad rating has an overall effect on the whole show. Yes, I did find some parts violent, but they didn't bother me. The killing of characters and the 'Princess' turning into a 'Weapon' is needed to be expressed to show how Ange turns her despair into her power, it is required for the plot to progress in a specific way, to show how Ange's character develops.Artwork: This part is also a concern for me, I mean, to me, the artwork looks fabulous. It's not perfect of course, but it's as good as required. I never saw any flaw in the main characters, I can allow a little relaxation in the background or supporting characters. The mechas(robots) are nicely polished (Pun not intended), and the colors are also beautiful. Yes, the dressing and the uniforms may be somewhat pushing the show towards ecchi stuff, but overall, they're not always pushing you into the character's body.Soundtrack: I wouldn't be surprised to see great soundtrack supporting the great plot. The music is amazing. As a vital part of the story, they have inserted those "Endless songs"(It has alternate names) that provoke a sense of excitement every time you hear one.Conclusion: Overall, the ONLY thing that I found "not-good" in the anime was the insertion of ecchi scenes or whatever you call it, into a mecha based anime. It left a bad impact on people otherwise I'm ready to bet on the fact that if the haters ignore these facts, they will rate the series 8+ for everything else it has to offers. Even the show itself, after it comes out of the '6' episodes, makes you realize that while there will still be a few ecchi moments, that isn't the sole thing it has to offer. Otherwise, Everything else is great. I rate it 9/10 for such an amazing work. I expect another season if they can manage without ruining the series.
Amari-Sali
Trigger Warning(s): Uncomfortable scene dealing with clothes being ripped off and a physical examWhen the episode begins, honestly I thought this was going to be another sci-fi/ fantasy anime which cares more about showing off a 16 year old girl's body over story and depth. However, with time, it does get better. Now, whether it gets good enough for you to stick with it, look below.Characters & StoryAnge is a well-loved princess. One who seemingly is a model for department store ads, is a star sports player, and is idolized by all who know of her or meet her. However, Ange's life is sort of a lie. You see, she is amongst the minority of the population unable to use what is known as "The Light of Mana," an evolutionary trait which allows humans to use some form of magic. And with the discovery that she is a Norma, a viciously hated population who cannot use magic, she is taken away from luxury and seemingly will be placed into a life of not just being a soldier, but perhaps also someone's play thing.Overall: Stick AroundWhen the episode begins, we are presented with something very shallow. A girl fighting dragons and then us learning she is a princess who plans to exterminate Normas, even if they are babies. So with the discovery she is a Norma herself, we begin to see the show is going to offer some sort of complexity. Especially when you include her would-be brother Julio's role in her being exposed. For with him exposing her comes death, a slight political uprising, and the show certainly letting you know that while there will be a lot of ecchi moments, that isn't the sole thing it has to offer.
