Ouran High School Host Club (Anime)

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Name: Ouran High School Host Club
Type: Anime

Official Rating: TV-14

Director: Takuya Igarashi

Seasons: 1
Genre: Romantic comedy, drama, harem, gender bender
Age Rating: 15+

Review:
When Haruhi stumbles upon Ouran's High School Host Club and breaks a vase, the boys agree to let her join the club in order to pay off her debt, not realizing that she is actually a girl.

This anime is better when you watch it with a good friend, like I did. All the characters were wacky and their personalities were intriguing. I appreciated how each episode focused on one or two of the members, digging deeper into their past, personal ambitions, and the ultimate reason they joined the club. I do think that this anime appeals more to girls than boys; my dad saw one episode and thought it was awful, to the disbelief of my friend and I. It can be a bit wacky at times, and a lot of random things happen throughout the show, but it added humor instead of irritation.

The twins were harder to understand, and incest--or "twincest" as they called it--was implied, though never truly confirmed. Despite this, the implications were uncomfortable and disconcerting at times, which is one of the reasons why I gave a 15+ age rating. There was also cross-dressing of the main character, Haruhi, and her father, who turns out to be a transvestite. There was also a lot of "dating" between the characters and the girls who were obsessed with them, but there was no kissing(other than an accident between Haruhi and another girl), which in a way made the show less of a romance and more of a comedy.

On surface level, Ouran High School Host Club is a lighthearted show about a girl who finds herself surrounded by beautiful men and thrown into many wildly hysterical adventures. The more I watched the show, the more I realized it is more a psychological anime about acceptance, inner pain, and the dramatized life of outcasts who found their place with each other.It was easy to become engrossed in this show; many heart-wrenching backstories and almost pitiable circumstances hidden behind sugar-tainted humor leave the viewer sympathetic and protective of the characters. 

Mature Content:

• Sexual References- Tamaki calls himself Haruhi's father, and calls her his "daughter", and "little girl"
• The twins exhibit a "brotherly love" that seems more incestuous than familial 
• Homosexuality- Haruhi doesn't care if she looks like a girl or a boy
• Haruhi's father is a transvestite and cross-dresses accordingly
• Haruhi accidentally has her first kiss with another girl in the first episode
• Profanity- Use of the word "damn"

Personal Note: 
Honey would be my best friend!!

W Juliet (Manga)

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Name: W Juliet
Type: Manga

Author:Emura

Books: 14
Genre: Romantic comedy, slice of life, drama, gender bender
Age Rating: 13+

Review:
Ito Muira is an aspiring actress in the drama department who accidentally finds out that the new girl, Makoto Amano, is actually a man.

This was the weirdest manga ever. I mean, I enjoyed it well enough, and it was pretty funny, but it was...weird. The plot was super simple and yet the author kept trying to make things more exciting using old mermaid legends, a random time-traveling bit, and frequent, seemingly needless competitive contests between the characters. I felt that the books dragged on across too many books, and started getting tired and bored of reading them at some points. They could easily have been condensed into 6 or 7 volumes.

As for the romance, I was more interested in the side relationships of Miura's brothers and her classmates. I didn't dislike the two main characters; they were a bit odd, yes, but I did have fun reading about their story. The problem was that their character development was a bit slow, and as people, they lacked a certain depth. In many ways, the minor characters were more interesting albeit a tad cheesy. Their actions were also predictable, even in the random scenes where nothing made any sense.

I had a hard time deciding whether to give this series 2 stars or 3, because it made me laugh more than once, and I did enjoy reading it overall, but I've read better. There was nothing truly offending about the book, but I felt the romance between Ito and Makoto progressed far too quickly when it could have been developed over a period of time across the 14 books (this would have helped the pace and keep the reader's interest a little better). And the idea that they take on the characteristics of the opposite gender is a bit disconcerting.

Mature Content:

• Sexual References- Mild sexual tension between characters
• Makoto sleeps over at Ito's house even though he is a boy without her family's understanding. Nothing ever happens
• There are several boys who have "set their sights" on Ito and want her to be their girlfriend
• Homosexuality-- One of Ito's female classmates has a crush on her
• Nudity- Some girls lift up Makoto's shirt to confirm his gender (he is wearing fake breasts and a bra) 
• Makoto unintentionally walks in on Ito while she is swimming naked
• Magic- Mermaids and mermaid lore (including magic) is used in one volume, and in another, the characters travel through time
• Profanity- Use of the words"hell" and "damn"

Personal Note: 
This might actually make a better Anime.

Snow White With the Red Hair (Anime)

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Name: Snow White With the Red Hair
Alternate Name: Akagami no Shirayuki-hime
Type: Anime

Official Rating: PG-13

Director: Various

Seasons: 2
Genre: Adventure, romantic comedy, fantasy, drama
Age Rating: 13+

Review:
Shiriyuki is an herbologist with unnatural red hair. When she catches the eye of Prince Raj, he orders her to become his concubine, but she flees the kingdom and meets Prince Zen. Together, Shiriyuki and Zen help each other as they try to find their place in the world.

I really liked the characters; they were all developed very well, and the backstories made sense and were interesting and added to the overall story. The animation is absolutely gorgeous--with colorful and detailed scenes. This show is well-worth watching just for that, if not the amazing overarching plot. While it isn't solely focused on romance between Zen and Shiriyuki, it is a large part of what the show is about. However, there are no inappropriate scenes and the characters' relationships develop slowly and politely. Though it is fluffy at times, it isn't so slow or unnecessarily gushy so boys can enjoy watching this show as well.

The show's concepts are thought-provoking and non-offensive. Shirayuki is a serious herboligist, and keeps up on her studies. Throughout the show, the balance between studying, work, and free-time is constantly adjusted, which I think can be a really practical lesson for kids who study too hard and forget to take care of themselves. The main characters are also very helpful to one another, and don't act inappropriately towards others. Another highlight is the fact that many of the villains are taught a lesson and many are compelled to change.

Another element that I appreciated was the morals upheld in the show. For example, it is repeatedly suggested that doing the right thing even if no one else agrees or roots for you, is always what you should do. The friendships in the show were real and genuine, and it was implied that we should see deeper into a person rather than taking them at face values such as looks, wealth, or fancy titles.

We never learn too much about any individual character's backgrounds, but their development is crucial in the show, and all of the characters are different in the end than in the beginning. Prince Raj becomes less arrogant and starts taking his role as prince seriously, Kiki opens up more, and Shiriyuki herself undergoes some serious transformations. Not only a spin on the fairy tales Little Red Riding Hood and Beauty and the Beast, Snow White With the Red Hair is a coming-of-age story with a satisfying ending and beautifully drawn characters.

Mature Content:

• Profanity- "Damn" and "Hell" and "Bitch"
• Sexual References- Prince Raj wants Shiriyuki to be his concubine in the beginning
• Violence- Some fighting scenes (no blood is shown) 
• Shiriyuki is kidnapped several times
• Umihebi slaps her prisoners and has Kadzuki held forceably under the water to make him talk

Personal Note: 
I think Obi and Raj are absolutely hilarious; they're actually probably my favorite characters. And Kiki and Mitsuhide should get together. 

Kotoura-San (Anime)

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Name: Kotoura-San
Type: Anime

Official Rating: PG-13

Director: Masahiko Ohta

Seasons: 1
Genre: Romantic comedy, drama, mystery, supernatural
Age Rating: 16+

Review:
This was a heartfelt story about Kotoura, a girl who can read minds and has been ostricised all her life because of it. When Manabe befriends her, they join the ESP club and she is suddenly surrounded by friends.

I'll start off by saying that I liked watching this anime, and it very nearly made me cry. My heart broke for the sweet Kotoura, and ache along with her when she faced the world alone. It was fun and sweet, with funny parts along with the sad, and it all turned out fine in the end. The character development was steller; I felt really connected to the characters by the time the show was over. 

There is a lot of sexual content in this anime, and I would absolutely not show it to anyone under the age of 16. While there is no full-on nudity, there are parts where it is implied, and at one point I was confused and uncomfortable with the fact that Manabe and Moritani might have had sex while drugged. It turns out that they didn't, but the suggestion was so strong, it spooked me out, especially considering Manabe's relationship to Kotoura. There were also quite a few mentions of boobs and butts, and sex appeal was quite important to Mifune. Manabe's thoughts were perverted and though they weren't too racy, I didn't think they were always necessary in regards to the plot.

The story itself was interesting and emotionally uplifting. It didn't take me long to watch at all, but I would definitely screen it yourself before deciding whether or not your child is  mature enough to handle it. It wasn't over-the-top bad, but like I said, there were racy parts and parents should understand what that looks like themselves before completely banning it. There were also supernatural abilities, like ESP, mind-reading, and seances. I don't think it should be written off completely, because there were good themes in the show and it placed a high value on friendship and accepting yourself.

Mature Content:

• Nudity- In Manabe's daydream, characters are implied to be naked, but nothing is ever shown
• Sexual Refrences- The character, Manabe, has perverse thoughts
• Characters talk about "boobs" and "butts" and their bodies
• It is implied that Manabe and Moritani have sex, but that is later not the case
• Spiritual- Supernatural abilities/magic (ESP, seances)
• Homosexuality- Manabe has several girlxgirl daydreams of Moritani and Kotoura
• Violence- In the end mystery, the "ninja" attacks several characters and corners, and tries to kill Kotoura on a roof

Personal Note: 
Okay, seriously, what is with Muroto's fish-lips? 

Tokyo Mew Mew (Anime)

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Name: Tokyo Mew Mew
Type: Anime

Official Rating: TV-Y7

Director: Mia Ikumi, Reiko Yoshida

Seasons: 1
Genre: Magical girl, romantic comedy, superhero
Age Rating: 12+

Review
Ichigo Momomiya along with five other girls, are mysteriously infused with the DNA of endangered species that gives them special powers and allows them to transform into the "Mew Mews." Along with maintaining a job at a cafe, the girls save the earth from aliens and protect the public from evil.

An unbelievably cute show about a girl and her four friends. Though it's a bit different than the manga because of length, it has more detail and there are 52 episodes as opposed to 9 books. This was the first full-length anime I watched in Japanese with subtitles, and I absolutely loved it. I couldn't stop watching it! It was funny, touching, and engaging. There was never a dull moment, and I loved all of the characters' quirks! All of their personalities were so different, and yet went together so well. 

I do wish the metamorphosis didn't take so long, and the fight scenes can drag a little bit because of it. It was unnecessary to go though each girl's transformation each time there was a battle. There were also references to evolution in retrospect to the endangered animals each girl represents. As long as the viewer understand this from a Biblical perspective, it is a minor issue. Aside from these things, I believe that this show would appeal to everyone!

Along with the characters being fun and cute to watch and get to know, there is fighting and romance, but it isn't overdone, and it isn't scary or offensive. The only thing I didn't appreciate was how young Ichigo was to be "falling in love" with a boy. Still, they kept it very polite and respectable and appropriate. I feel so bummed that there is only one season! Like Fruits Basket, Tokyo Mew Mew quickly earned a special place in my heart. I will definitely be showing this to my own children one day.

For more on Tokyo Mew Mew, click here.

Mature Content:

• Sexual References- Kissu kisses Ichigo against her will, and calls her "his toy" and refers to her as "mine," "kitty-cat," "honey," and "sweetie-pie"
• Evolution- References to the way endangered species have "evolved"
• Violence- Non-intense battle scenes (there is no blood)
• Magic- The Mew Mew team possess magical powers they use to fight aliens

Personal Note:
PUDDING IS SO CUTE I CAN'T EVEN

Tokyo Mew Mew (Manga)

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Name: Tokyo Mew Mew
Type: Manga

Author: Mia Ikumi, Reiko Yoshida

Books: 9
Genre: Magical girl, romantic comedy, superhero
Age Rating: 11+

Review:
Ichigo Momomiya along with five other girls, are mysteriously infused with the DNA of endangered species that gives them special powers and allows them to transform into the "Mew Mews." Along with maintaining a job at a cafe, the girls save the earth from aliens and protect the public from evil.

The reason I didn't give it highers stars is because personally, I liked the anime more; it had a better detailed story and each of the characters were given more face time. It was cute and similar to the show, but because of the length it went at a faster pace than the anime, and the character development and storyline was abrupt and didn't flow as well. I also didn't really like the idea that Ichigo was so young and claiming to be "in love" already, and though the show didn't make her that much older, it did make her older than in the books.

There are so many funny elements in this book--like Ichigo's awkward personality, and the way she always fumbles around Aoyama. I will say that the authors do a superb job of staying in the age-range. All of the characters delightfully act their age. Still in the process of developing maturity, while feeling awkward and strange during the process of it. They each deal with their newfound powers in a different way, and I found it very realistic and relatable.

I didn't feel as connected with the characters in the manga as I did in the show. Still, I loved the characters and their quirks and personalities. The fighting is fast and doesn't get too violent and is not scary, which is really nice. The romance is done in a polite way, and the couple only kisses once at the end. They do say "I love you" a lot, but it is sweet and unoffensive. This manga is great for girls.

For more on Tokyo Mew Mew, click here.

Mature Content:

• Sexual References- Kissu kisses Ichigo against her will, and calls her "his toy" and refers to her as "mine," "kitty-cat," "honey," and "sweetie-pie"
• Evolution- References to the way endangered species have "evolved"
• Violence- Non-intense battle scenes (there is no blood)
• Magic- The Mew Mew team possess magical powers they use to fight aliens

Personal Note:
You should read the manga before watching the show, otherwise, it's just not as good. Take it from me, who read one book, then watched the show and couldn't really get back into the books. 

Fruits Basket (Anime)

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Name: Fruits Basket       
Type: Anime

Director: Natsuki Takaya

Official Rating: TV-PG

Seasons: 1 
Genre: Romantic comedy, drama, harem
Age Rating: 12+

Review: 
A beautiful story with wonderful characters and an engrossing story. Appeals to all audiences, but probably more particularly to girls. This series follows the story of the lovable Tohru Honda during high school. The Sohma family--Shigure, Yuki, and Kyo--finds her living in a tent after the death of her mother, and offers to shelter her in their home. But is there more to this family than meets the eye?

Filled with themes of friendship, humor, tragedy, and hauntingly real characters this series is absolutely breathtaking. A lot of what gives this story depth are the important messages and thought-provoking such as "My happiness comes from the kindness of others." This is a great rendition of the manga series. It follows the plot well; the only difference being in the dialogue. For example, Shigure is referred to as a "weirdo" instead of a "pervert." This makes it more family friendly.

Other than mild sexual references and fleeting nudity, I'd say it's appropriate from ages middle-school and up. Another thing I appreciated was the clothes and the way the girls were drawn. There were no unrealistically large breasts, and there weren't very many swear words. There were times when two or more characters were physically fighting with one another, but it was always exaggerated in a way that usually made it funny. Sometimes the music would get louder than the talking, but the episodes are a nice length.

My only disappointment is that there is only one season! It doesn't even cover half the series, and the ending was different than what I was expecting. It ended well, but because it had to end in a different spot, it did change things, like the lack of romance. I didn't give it 4 stars for these reasons. Still, the voices went well with the characters, and I enjoyed watching it with my younger brother. While both boys and girls can find enjoyment in this anime, it is more aimed towards girls.

For more on Fruits Basket, click here.

Mature Content: 

• Mild Profanity- "Damn" is used sporadically, especially by Kyo in reference to Yuki 
• Violence- Akito is abusive to the other characters
• Nudity- The Sohma's are naked after transforming back into human form from their zodiac animal form, but nothing is ever shown
• Homosexuality- Momiji cross-dresses, but isn't homosexual
• Magic- The Sohma family is under a magical zodiac curse

Personal Note: 

Not gonna lie: Momiji's song is super catchy.

Fruits Basket (Manga)

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Name: Fruits Basket       
Type: Manga

Author: Natsuki Takaya

Books: 23 
Genre: Romantic comedy, drama, harem
Age Rating: 12+

Review: 
A beautiful story with wonderful characters and an engrossing story. Appeals to all audiences, but probably more particularly to girls. This series follows the story of the lovable Tohru Honda during high school. The Sohma family--Shigure, Yuki, and Kyo--finds her living in a tent after the death of her mother, and offers to shelter her in their home. But is there more to this family than meets the eye?

Filled with themes of friendship, humor, tragedy, a smidgen of romance, and hauntingly real characters this series is absolutely breathtaking. A lot of what gives this story depth are the important messages and thought-provoking such as "It's okay to feel weak sometimes. It's okay to be afraid. The important thing is that we face our fears. That's what makes us strong." The art wasn't as good as some manga, but the plot made up for what was lacking in artistic style. 

Other than mild sexual references and fleeting nudity, I'd say it's appropriate from ages middle-school and up. The romance is a big part of the story, but it is clean and sweet. Another thing I appreciated was the clothes and the way the girls were drawn. There were no unrealistically large breasts, and there weren't very many swear words. There were times when two or more characters were physically fighting with one another, but it was always exaggerated in a way that usually made it funny.

Fruits Basket is fluffy (meaning it's harmless and there are a lot of cutesy scenes), but it does start getting more intense and there are a lot of emotionally draining moments. I felt everything. Sadness. Fear. Surprise. Compassion. Love. Hurt. Anger. I can say with confidence that while I read this, and after (especially after) I felt every emotion humanly possible, and that's a sign of an amazing story. It's as if you are a part of the characters' world, and it is beautiful. 

This is the manga that changed my life. I can honestly say that they are my favorite book(s), and I've never been able to say that before because I'm an avid reader. I fell in love with all the characters, and I felt deeply connected with the main character, Tohru. Above all, I recommend Fruits Basket.

For more on Fruits Basket, click here.

Mature Content: 

• Mild Profanity- "Damn" is used sporadically, especially by Kyo in reference to Yuki 
• Violence- Akito is abusive to the other characters; she hits, locks them up, and uses hateful words
• Sexual References- Words like"pervert" and allusions to sex
• Nudity- The Sohma's are naked after transforming back into human form from their zodiac animal form, but nothing is ever shown
• Homosexuality- Momiji cross-dresses, but isn't homosexual
• Magic- The Sohma family is under a magical zodiac curse
• Intense Scenes- This manga is very emotional

Personal Note: 

 Momiji is the literal best!