I don't really use anilist anymore. to be honest I find number ratings very unfun and the site doesn't really help me keep track of shows as much as it used to anymore, however, the only other review of NeiA_7 is fairly negative and I would hope to inspire some of the users of this site to watch this awesome show. (sorry if there are typos and whatnot)
- PLOT SUMMARY
Mayuko Chigasaki is an introverted cram student/part-time worker driving to get by. Mayuko lives in a Japanese bathhouse that is on the verge of shutting down, living paycheck to paycheck, she struggles to get money to eat and barely survive. The major reason for her poverty is her roommate. The freeloading under 7 alien Niea. NieA_7 tells the story of Niea and Mayuko's eventful summer, in a heartwarming and relaxing way. NieA_7 uses its 13 episode length very proficiently and doesn't overstay its welcome.
WHY I CAN SEE SOMEONE ENJOYING THIS SHOW
For starters NieA_7 is a great slice of life show. It's very peaceful and gives enough quick-witted dialogue to keep the viewer's attention. NieA_7 falls under so many categories I don't think the tags give it justice, it's a slapstick upbeat comedy, it hints at a little romance, it's a coming-of-age story, how humans bond with one and another, and it's a sad story. I feel NieA_7 has at least 1 aspect I feel anyone can enjoy.
NieA_7 also provides a more serious tone and a story that overarches throughout its 13 episodes run time. It delves into themes of finding yourself, life moving forward, and living in the moment. It deals with these topics very well, and in one of the most human ways, I've seen in an anime (despite the main premise being about aliens). Sadness is always paralleled with random slapstick moments. I hear a lot of complaints from other reviews about these seemingly erratic moments, however, it made me think after I completed the show to try and find humor in sad moments. Always look for the good in certain helpless situations.
Also, the soundtrack is phenomenal, clipped and distorted guitars in more folky ost tracks, ukuleles, really unique singing that most anime don't even try to approach with their ost's. Despite all these unique sounds, NieA_7 ost makes you feel as if you are living in the town of Edohana watching the events of the story play out in front of your eyes. Also, it has small little character themes that are super fun and always interesting to hear in the sound design. The animation although aged is also really entertaining.
There's a lot of really funny moments in this show as well, most of the alien characters are funny, but this allows me to Segway into the next section
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WHY I CAN SEE SOMEONE NOT ENJOYING THIS SHOW
Humor is subjective, and this show is riddled with a lot of Japanese slapstick humor. If you're not a fan of say FLCL's comedy side, then I do not think you will enjoy NieA_7 (Vice Versa as well, if you love FLCLs comedy I think you will adore this show)
If you are coming into NieA_7 because of Yoshitoshi ABe expecting another Lain, you will be disappointed. This show is not as mind-blowing as Lain; I wish NieA_7 wasn't connected to Yoshitoshi's name because it is a completely different type of show. To truly appreciate NieA you have to realize the similarity's stop between Yotshito's other works and NieA_7 after ABe's name and the similar art style.
There's also so choppy cuts that I can see someone viewing as jarring, however, I found them charming
OVERALL: A RECOMMENDATION FROM ME IGNORE THE NUMBER I DON'T REALLY KNOW HOW TO DO NUMBER RATINGS BUT THIS IS MY 3RD FAVORITE ANIME OF ALL TIME
