Overall
AIR is yet another game adaption from Key, known for producing H-games with supernatural elements and tragic plotlines. No difference here - KyoAni has made a great adaption of the game, but can it show that they excel at storytelling in addition to the already-no-brainer excellent animation and music choices?
AIR is divided into 5 arcs: 3 arcs for each of the girls for the first 7 episodes, 2 episodes for the Summer arc, and the final Air arc for the last 3 episodes. (And a wasted episode on a recap.) Each arc emphasizes on the idea of the lonely girl with wings in the sky - to save her, they must bring her happy memories in the form of the feathers that reoccur throughout the series. However they insist on talking about the dreams, the linkage between the arcs are vague, with no clear connection that is left for interpretation (and naturally, spawning the strings of bad reviews bashing if only on this aspect XD). If I didn't read up on any FAQs, I would have been confused at the end, with only the sad parts to ponder about in depression.
The atmosphere plays a HUGE part in this anime. The summeresque animation and melancholic music tracks fills their roles perfectly. CG feathers, plants, and water effects are candy for eyes as well as the LIGHTING EFFECTS for the skies and sunsets. It balances tragedy and happiness in equilibrium, and may make you want to visit the real-world location it is based on for the hell of it.
And for the record, I cried twice on my first viewing. Extremely enjoyable anime only if you haven't read on the bad reviews or can stand Key/H-game stuff.
Story
To me (and hopefully most people), the theme of the story is the relationship of the family (mainly between mother and daughter, as shown by all three girls in present-time). Yukito, on his quest to fulfill Kanna's memories with happiness, solves the problems of our heroines and tranquility to their long-lost souls. Three sorts of mothers are brought into play: dead, alive, and adapting; all wanting to just love their daughters as much as the normal population does. If time is ticking, don't take it for granted.
It's also important to have an open mind while watching - AIR deals with the supernatural and magic (girls with wings, magic feathers, etc.).
Character
The characters have SOME sort of depth, though they are mostly used for tragedy. Kano reminds me of the emo scene because of the ribbon around her wrist; she's a bit strange, too, but too bad the anime spends the least time on her. Minagi is hawt; the switch between her monotone personality to teary-eyed is a little unbelievable; the anime spent too little time on her, too. Misuzu has the most screentime of them all. Kanna can get irritating.
Please right-click and choose "Save As" instead of simply clicking on the download link
Episode 1
Episode 2
Episode 3
Episode 4
Episode 5
Episode 6
Episode 7
Episode 8
Episode 9
Episode 10
Episode 11
Episode 12[end]
