Comments on: Anne of Green Gables Review - 87,5/100

by: daniel thomas macinnes

Sun, 07 Mar 2010 13:09:48 +0000

Thanks for taking the time to write about Takahata’s Anne of Green Gables. I’ve loved this series for years, and it’s very fortunate that a fansub community exists to help share this amazing series to the world.

Here’s an interesting question: Have you yet seen Heidi and 3000 Leagues in Search of Mother (aka Marco)? Anne has been available for much longer, and it’s only now that we’ve been able to share Heidi and Marco. I strongly urge all fans of Anne and Ghibli to see those series.

I do agree that this longer format is superior to Ghibli’s films, but that’s really a preference for longer novels over short stories. When you consider the time limitations, especially after a decade of working in television, the Ghibli movies are quite astonishing. It’s amazing how densely packed they are, and they are deeply, deeply indebted to Heidi Marco Anne.

by: Firechick

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 01:00:41 +0000

I read the book and I only saw one episode of this, but I do plan to watch the rest of it later. I just need to finish up some other anime I need to finish (my anime line-up’s been rather tight as of late).

by: AlexS

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 02:23:20 +0000

Very nice series, and basically I agree with the review, the ending is unusually interesting. The anime does have its blemishes (which probably already were in the novel), but it’s very touching nevertheless. I’m also surprised at the quality for a 70’s production.

My only comment is that Takahata Isao is one of my favorite directors: Grave of the Firelflies is a fantastic movie, and I loved Only Yesterday (but then slice of life is really one of my favorite themes in anime), thanks for letting me learn about another of his productions.

by: Lika

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 06:25:34 +0000

Kind of ironic that you’re watching this now as this year’s the 100th aniversary of the book. xD

by: Sapphire

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 22:48:36 +0000

Anne is my favorite anime character and “Akage no Anne” is my second favorite anime of all time. It’s the most touching story I’ve ever known. I first watched this anime when I was a child and even then it made me realize how happy we can be if we just appreciate the little things in life. Anne was able to give me a different perspective, even a lesson, about overcoming life’s obstacles. It also taught me the true meaning of gratitude and friendship.

I disagree with you about Anne not having any flaws. Although they’re more obvious when she is younger, even when she’s fifteen she’s an absolute perfectionist, not accepting the possibility of not being as good as Gilbert, and she’s also quite resentful for what he did, which shows that she’s not a forgiving person.

“Nevertheless, this doesn’t prevent the conclusion of the series to be disappointing”.
My English is not very good, but I think this isn’t what you meant ^^

I was surprised that you didn’t mention the soundtrack, which is beautiful and a very powerful tool in many occasions, specially during the climax.

I’m very glad you wrote this review, I really hope that it helps motivating people into watching it and also giving it the recognition it deserves.

by: L189

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 21:05:21 +0000

@Denizen: due to certain…*ahem* developments I just had to finish it before the end of the year

by: Denizen

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 18:37:51 +0000

And there’s yet another anime version in Winter - I think it’s a prequel.

by: Steve Berry

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 17:46:10 +0000

Easily one of the first “proto” slice of life shows. Great animation for a late 70’s show. And if you know Anne of Green Gables, then you know you’ll love the characters. What I found interesting about Takahata’s version is that
1) yes, it has a real sense of detailed realism– supposedly, animators actually went to Canada to do research–, and yet,
2) it really has a wonderful sense of lyricism and wonder that has been hard to catch in other versions. Anne’s flight’s of fancy as a young girl, with flowers and what not flying through the air, are a perfect representation of young childhood, and yet, utterly unrealistic. I thought it odd that you didn’t bring up this very specific and repeated sense of magical wonder.

Also, one of the neat things is that Takahata actually adds a lot to the book– there are a lot of scenes that are original to the show, and yet fit perfectly right in to the existing story.

All in all, currently my fav. WMT show. Still, I love slice of life, and you probably have to enjoy that genre to really, really get in to the show.

Nice write up!! I’m glad you reviewed it. A very underrepresented show, and a real classic.

by: BlueYoshi

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 15:06:33 +0000

Definitely sounds like something I’ll enjoy. Hopefully I can find the time to check this out early next year after I catch up with the current shows this season.

by: deadsunrise

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 12:56:41 +0000

Nice review of probably my favorite anime series. It’s slow and couldn’t fit better the “slice of life” adjective but I guess that I just enjoy that genre. Also it’s a very faithful adaptation of the book with most of the dialogs being exactly the same.

I read the book after watching the series and did enjoy it a lot. The cool thing is that there are more books that keep telling anne’s life so you can continue the series in your head.