

(wrote this after a rewatch)I haven't been hooked on a show in so long and not to my surprise, clannad stole my heart yet again. I can't explain why this show resonates with me so much, but I can try to convey why I think it deserves the 80 rating I gave it.
Comedy : As of 10/10/21, Clannad is the funniest anime I've seen/implements humour into a story the best I've seen.. All the gags and bits are pulled off so well and are never bad jokes. Sunohara is always the butt of jokes but every time its amazing. Kotomis violin scenes and attempt to learn how to communicate normally was hilarious. The Sanaes bread gag is funny. Akio in general is funny. Tomoyas relationship with Fuuko is very similar to Araragi and 8kuji, because both pairs have a banterous relationship, with constant jabs at each other despite being good friends.
Cast/Character dynamics : A constant warm pleasant atmosphere throughout the show is provided by nothing more than the fantastic cast and its dynamics. For example Tomoya + Kotomis dynamic was built amazingly. I can't name one character I think added nothing to the story.
By far the best dynamic in the series is provided by Tomoya + Nagisa. A brilliantly developed lovers relationship, done using the best trope for couples, the trope being " Two characters meet as friends, learn and gain from each other, ultimately meeting a point where they need each other to be whole". Tomoya is such a fantastic main character and his struggles being transformed because of Nagisa is so beautiful.
Narrative : Clannad is so overlooked when questioning the story and its impact. Following the same structure as bakemonogatari, we follow Tomoya as he helps a bunch of girls with their issues. Each story holds a large amount of significance and is written perfectly. The main plot point, being the theatre club/Nagisas play, is expanded upon at a great rate along with the "side plots" with the girls. Fuuko's story is a great intro arc to the series, Kotomis arc is astonishing, Tomoyos mini arc provided alot for the main cast, then the final arc which I'll call Nagisas arc was just stupendous. Such a perfect climax. Unfortunately I cried on ep 22 during the play.
Soundtrack : I've always thought this an it's common knowledge but clannad has one of the best soundtracks in anime, including After story of course. Not much needs to be said other than that every emotional moment is backed by a soothing / mood setting OST, some of them are truly magical. Also has one of the best ending songs in anime.
Animation : Something I didn't appreciate on my first watch, but my God did this show get a lot of care. The direction blew my mind, so much detail in the camera work, backgrounds, all the gags, character emotions, just everything. I am not very well educated on cinematography or production, but I know when something had real care and passion put into it. The very first scene of clannad ep 1 is just mind boggling. Well done Kyoto.
Final thoughts : This show has the perfect mix of comedy and seriousness, alongside a lovely cast who you'll never get tired of. They don't make shows like this anymore and its a shame to see.
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