IMHO. 'Black cat' ~ for all my hopes...

Take all Gonzo of 00s. Calculate the arithmetical mean. And then divide it by two.

Because 'Black cat' is twice as bad as I could expect.

A very mysterious MC works for a mysterious organisation that protects world peace by fighting other mysterious organisations. Then he meets a mysterious girl who changes his view of the world, a mysterious carefree man, another mysterious girl with superpowers, and of course, he has a mysterious colleague who eventually sets to found another mysterious organisation. Which is revealed to be a part of another mysterious plot. And by the way, other mysterious characters constantly flock to the scene.

This could be rather nice if the production didn't seem to be divided between different managers. One managed the mysterious part, but didn't have enough resources. Another managed the funny part and failed splendidly, because the MC starting to joke around and behave like a fool after losing an important person in a battle - no, it's not funny.

There was a good designer, though, who introduced a revolutionary idea of interchanging pictures of the fierce battle and its static outcome, jumping between the current moment and several minutes ahead. But this was the only idea he managed to introduce, it seems, as it was used several times in the show, and spoiler: it does not look very new and entertaining when it's used for the 3rd time.

Why were these famous voice actors working so hard, I wonder?

I mean, it's the kind of anime series that makes me feel that secondhand embarrassment. If anyone new to anime saw this show and started thinking anime is all trash, I wouldn't even blame him.

IMHO. 'Tokyo ravens' ~ makes me wonder if it were a wise decision to quit watching slice-of-life

I don't think there is anything in the world that would make a boy interested in shoujo genre, at least if he wasn't initially into those lovey-dovey stories. But making a shounen appealing for girls is easy, just add several comrades who are even stronger and more handsome than the main character.

It might seem that due to this, 'Tokyo ravens' is head and shoulders above other shounen series - you know, since apart from a typical harem of a shy tsundere plus a loud tsundere plus a positive girl also tsundere a bit and a tsundere loli, gathering around the main character, there is a nice harem comprised of a loyal friend, a mysterious teacher, a righteous warrior and several other types.
Is it enough to make a shounen good? Unfortunately, no. It's probably not the best idea to try outwit yourself when writing the story. Setting a premise of an adult world where everybody lies means creating a maze, but it's no good when the creator of the maze forgets, well, not the way out, but the very fact that such a way is necessary.
I swear there are other anime based on an unfinished work or simply not that allow for the ending to feel like a real ending, at least of certain chapter. Unfortunately, instead of the culmination I was hoping for - a culmination for only this section - things gain momentum up until the second half of the last episode, but if there's no time to untangle what has been messed, there's no peak as well. The crude attempt to end the chapter in a moment of romance fails in my eyes, because, I must confess, I don't find it particularly appealing when the guy only realises and confesses his feelings after his beloved get killed...  As did fail the attempt to show that there is nobody wrong or right in the real world, which is why former friends and colleagues turn into enemies and former foes can become allies... It's also too crude, you know. I bet by the end of the series nobody of those dudes fighting other dudes at full blast could say what they were fighting for. Or not fighting, as for some of them.
What a waste of nice music, especially that opening by I've Sound reminding of some of the most recognisable songs of Shimamiya Eiko, wonderful voice acting and, I'm surprised at myself for saying this, art, including the 3d parts.

And what a waste of this beautiful concept of modernXcombat onmyodo. Those spells intertwining mantras and ancient words sound absolutely magical.

IMHO. 'Suki tte ii na yo' ~ 18 volumes are not the same every time

I think I know several shoujo manga approximately 18 volumes long, sometimes a bit shorter, like 15, or a bit more than 20. I think I understand to some extent what the story would be like with such a length. And I know what one can make out of such manga creating a 13-episode or a 26-episode tv anime series.

In fact, the amount of situations to describe in every ark is not very big.

First, they get to know each other under awkward circumstances. After that, or parallel to that, the heroine starts making new friends.

Then a rival appears on her side. Then the heroine does something that changes the rival to a friend, and the former rival becomes such a supporter that she would even oppose our hero.

Then, a rival appears on his side. He also should be a good guy essentially and even though he proclaims his love to be sincere, he officially recognises the pair and this threat also vanishes.

Since the first female rival switched sides so quickly, there should be another female rival, but even she eventually starts crying and admits her faults and becomes if not a new friends than at least something bordering on a nice person.

The heroine starts doubting the relationship every now and then, but her new friends support her and persuade her to make some new step, which she does, consciously.

She also experiences moments when the problem lies not in the rivals but in herself.

The list of possible settings also includes an amusement park, a summer festival, a hot spring resort, school trip, going to his place, going to her place and some others.

Especially touching moments are conveyed through showing objects unrelated to the conversation. Every romantic dialogue happens as a flow of sounds put upon a

or

or

I've heard that Natsume Soseki translated a character in a book in English saying 'I love you' into Japanese as 'tonight the moon is beautiful'. Well, 'Suki tte' went even further and made it an empty street, a plane trail in the sky and a toy spade in a sandbox.

It is the more disappointing considering that the beginning of the series was fast-paced and promising. Instead, even though I saw a wonderful passionate confession as early as episode 2, every new dialogue was duller than the previous, and every new character set on the path of righteousness in a pretty predictable fashion.

I must admit there was some attempt to show the inner feelings of the characters who feel insecure

and hurt each other unintentionally, even though they meant the opposite

but all of these were done in the same fast way, leaving no time for me to sympathise and feel it myself.

There was also an attempt to introduce some comedy via blunt comments

 misunderstandings

 and hyperboles

but they weren't enough. Towards the end, there were more calm, nothing-special-is-happening-and-thats-why-its-so-special moments, than the original passion or humour.

There were some recognisable melodies in the background, but I did not enjoy them particularly. The mild opening theme by Ritsuko Okazaki reminded me of Yui Makino's songs for 'Aria', except that 'Aria' could be proud of the unique style it had, and this one cannot. The ending by Suneohairwas probably at least interesting. It possessed some quality and might be usable as a background for everyday chores or make-up time.

The art was sometimes fine

and sometimes obviously lazy (have you ever seen a person speak with such a mouth as Aiko, in pink blouse?)

Here is the most important point: I thought there would be 23 episodes, but after I watched the 13th one I realised I'd been mistaken and the remaining 10 are only a one-minute shorts. This is when my score for 'Suki tte' immediately dropped.

I realised I was waiting for something... For something to happen. I was waiting all this time, all these 13 episodes, but I got nothing rewarding in the end, and moreover, even if there were more episodes, there would be nothing new to wait for, and even if I started reading the manga, there would be nothing really worth reading so much for.

I think I know shoujo manga 18 volumes long, out of which good directors and anime studios make decent anime series. I think I know how they can be filled with characters to love and stories to follow. Unfortunately, even really good seiyuus couldn't save 'Suki tte' from being only average.

At least I don't have to fear that I need to read 18 volumes.

IMHO. 'Ballroom e youkoso' ~ let's learn Japanese language and culture with 'Ballroom e youkoso'

The year of 2018 is coming closer, soon the first two decades of the new century, even of the new millennium will be over, but Japan still cultivates its favourite - your average Japanese schoolboy trying to reach the unreachable perfection in the process which is called art. Doesn't matter that ballroom and Latin dances are from the West. The Japanese will always be able to find a way to turn Western inventions into Japanese aesthetics.

美

'bi' - aesthetics

First, our AJS (average Japanese schoolboy) decides to find a big dream. It doesn't start if he has no big dream, such as to defeat an evil dragon and restore peace to a far planet in another galaxy. Or to begin ballroom dance and become a pro.

逃げちゃダメだ
'nigecha dame da' - I mustn't run away

In pursuing this kind of aesthetics he follows the traditional path of an arts craftsman. He doesn't wait for words, because he's naturally talented enough to pick it up himself by looking at his sensei.

Instead, he trains as much as he can, because perfection just doesn't fall down from the sky randomly, it falls down on those who try hard.

He couldn't be, because it's physically impossible!
But, who cares.
努力
'doryoku' - effort, striving

There are times when he may face obstacles, but this only makes him stronger. While in the beginning of the anime the pace wall well-balanced, the further into the series - the more rise-and-falls, sometimes as much as twice or thrice in one episode. By the end of the series, there was a tiny feeling in me that I got tired of all those 'oh no what am I doing?' changed by 'oh now I see what I am doing'

The Japanese value positive thinking and strong spirit, I'm not even sure if not more than people in other countries, because it helps to maintain social balance. So,
諦めない
'akiramenai' - I won't give up
and
頑張ります
'ganbarimasu' - I'll do my best

But he wouldn't be picked up by so many outstanding people and wouldn't be able to meet so many wonderful people if he were not a nice guy. There are not nice people in this story, but they move forward traditionally, while our AJS is special. 'cause he's a nice guy.

優しい
'yasashii' - kind

Finally, he reaches the level of general recognition, which is usually shown in the face of an artist. Skills are important, too, but it seems the Japanese can read it on the face, first and foremost.

…の顔になる
'... no kao ni naru' - to have a face of ...

All this accompanied by the usual explanation of the situation and the Hero's techniques by other people, just like any decent shounen would do.

With some background information for those who still don't get it, 'cause it's a professional work with respect to the real sport.

技
'waza' - technique

And the main side of a sport anime... the art.

Wonderful. So many muscles on the screen, so many organs gripped and stretched by so many people. I kind of feel uncomfortable. Plus, I've seen real ballroom dance competition with my friend participating. It's supposed to be beautiful, you know?

It's supposed to be beautiful!

Moreover, the director of the series was responsible for key animation in such graphically wonderful masterpieces as 'Wolf's Rain', 'Kaze Tachinu' and 'Paprika'.
It took me several episodes to adjust to this style of showing human body. At last I understood that this is just a hyperbolisation of this sport, so I have to accept it as it is. And you know, sometimes they managed to create something really proportional, stylish and wonderful.

And we must accept it as it is, too, that the budget is not indefinite, so they had to sacrifice some movements for the sake of beautiful stills.

Despite all these shortcomings, I have watched it through and I don't regret. No, this is not enough... I liked it. I loved it, yes! The more I think about this anime, the more I understand I found that rare gem that will shine in my memory for years.
First, the characters were given enough depth to love them, including even the average, ordinary, 100-times-seen-already main character. Now he behaves like a shounen-hero, next moment he is a normal human being who starts to jump like a kindergartener when he receives a phone call from his favourite teacher.
Second, this is the humour for me. I like people who can think of two kids creating a dance while looking into each other's eyes and making a saying on the sand with their movements.

 And third - the music, the music!

This is the second song in my life I cannot sing myself because when I start I feel so overwhelmed that my voice doesn't come out, and even when it does I choke with tears because the music is so beautiful. The first one is 'sayonara solitia', if you care.
I've never heard about this composer before, Yuuki Hayashi, but when I checked his works list I felt almost ashamed he wrote osts for mainstream anime like 'haikyuu' and my hate-list #1 'Diabolik lovers'. Wait, was there any music in it?
When I think about the modern Russian music industry, I feel it's a great problem that we don't have good composers, even though good singers do exist. In Japan I guess there is no problem with composers, be it a composer who uses a full symphonic orchestra or a DJ experimenting with digital sound. Even if this anime were completely no good and useless, I'd give a gold medal to the composer.
What a shame he didn't compose the OPEDs too. While background music industry in Japan will never fade, good solo singers and groups seem to be absent. Both Unison Square Garden and Komatsu Mikako may have tried to create something suitable, by giving their respective songs rhythms of two ballroom dances, but as songs those both failed. Not a minute more I would listen to them than it takes to view the opening or ending one time.
But I daresay I have good, discerning ears.
Was it me?
Am I still so weak in listening comprehension that I cannot understand all words as soon as I hear the line?
Or was it the voice actors' level of ability?
It swear it's the latter. It's like the new generation of voice actors have not passed their exams in their voice acting school, at least not the articulation​ class, even though emotionally they were all very good at breathing life into their characters. And I must confess, even my favourite, my lovely, my dear Okamo-san was pronouncing his lines too lazily. Sometimes I had to stop and rewind and to listen to their lines again to finally hear all the words. Sometimes I couldn't do it even after several times, and gave up. I consider articulation as good when all words are pronounced so clearly that I can hear all of them even if I don't know some. Here I failed to understand the lines not so much because there were new words, but because of the strange manner of speaking.
So, this is not an anime to learn Japanese by listening. But this is an anime to learn about Japanese language and culture, ballroom dance world, but before that - about several people with their interesting lifestyles, principles, dreams and adventures, all of them worthy of admiration and respect.
They are cool

 but kind inside

and hot

 right?

Oh my god yes I will...

'Sore de mo machi wa...' ~ not all yoghurts are equally good

I always say to myself: take a breath and count to ten. In other words, watch at least a couple of episodes before deciding whether to drop. Maybe the initial part is not the best in the series, maybe there will be some improvement, or maybe it's the case when the last episode justifies it all...

story and characters

Shimbo Akiyuki is good... when you see his work for the first time. He seems stylish when you watch other works of his. And then - BAM! - you see a work where his style looks completely odd and does not fit. And you think - how could I appreciate it so much?
This is what it looks like - 'filming' a pot where the characters are reflected instead of the characters themselves,

or traffic lights and beautiful sky which are supposed to create a special atmosphere obviously,

meaningless phrases of an unrelated to the story raccoon in the place which divides the episode in two for the sake of inserting TV ads,

 and 'stop-frames' showing how blue the sky was at that very important moment,

which is all very good but so extremely far-fetched and inaccessible to my simple mind.
Well, every girl has a right to be what she is, even if she only can talk nonsense and drivel about.

No, she does not.

Well, sometimes I kinda laughed at that.

Or at some moments that only a certain group of fans could understand
the original phrase: 宝塚ごっこかしら？

But sometimes I did not.

 Well that's probably because you're wearing shorts during times that are faraway from summer

However, the main reason would be, to be honest, the fact that the heroine was one of those who...

and the other characters just weren't attractive enough. Except for the granny-main, probably.

voice acting
Except for the granny-maid, because she was voiced by Sakurai Takahiro, and that WAS funny.

However, the rest of seiyuus were a sad sight sound? to look at listen to. Why does it often happen that you find something you like and then it turns out the author/creator/performer etc. is no longer active... I am speaking about Yazawa Rieka who quit her job as a voice actress. Her voicing of a boyish girl was just wonderful and one-of-a-kind.
On the contrary, listening to the main character by Omigawa Chiaki was a torture. If there were a prize for the most unattractive voice I'd give it to her.

My dear, this is a phrase I want to say back to you.

music
The OPEDs were bright and original, but I didn't really notice the background very much. In other words, nothing to listen to after you've finished watching.

graphics
has always been good in Shimbo's works, and I have nothing to complain because there are smooth lines and vivid colours, moreover used wisely to create exactly that impression that the director wanted, from what I can understand from watching the anime. However, it didn't manage to make up for the other aspects that I disliked.

subtitles
were just a bit leaving much to be desired. leaving just a bit to be desired? ohhh.

because active and passive voice should not [be] confused. right?

conclusion

you know, I did my best to count to ten. Better to say - twelve, since there are 12 episodes. However, there is a good way to decide whether an anime was worth watching or not. Would you want your memory to be erased so that you could watch it again as if anew? Considering 'Sore de mo...', I know I wouldn't. I have no urge to watch further, no 'aftertaste', no impression. And even though I still respect mr. Shimbo, not all yoghurts are equally good works directed by him deserve high praise