Toaru hikúši e no koiuta

I wish I could give this series a higher rating than two stars because the first few episodes had me hopeful. The story presented an engaging setting in a semi-fantastical environment (although don't expect any meditative contemplation in the air like in The Sky Crawlers). The characters, while not groundbreaking in the anime world, were portrayed well within their limitations. Unfortunately, my hopes were shattered after the fifth episode when it felt like the potential of this series vanished into thin air. By the halfway point, it became clear that the creators had lost their grip on the plot and struggled to push it forward. The fragmented narrative and intertwined plotlines were mishandled, with crucial plot twists happening seemingly in passing. The so-called "finale" occurred a few episodes before the actual end, leaving no real surprises for the audience. The conclusion lacked closure and any sense of catharsis. It's truly a shame because the creators had the potential to do so much better. The main and supporting characters were mostly likable, the setting of the story was intriguing, and the music and artwork were generally well done (though there were occasional poorly drawn faces in the background). However, all these positives felt meaningless when the story ultimately led nowhere. I find myself yearning for a more successful continuation, and I can only give it a slightly higher two-star rating. (23.01.2015)