Aria the Animation
Hazukashii
Serifu Kinshi!
by Isaac
October 14, 2006
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 Sir! Yes Sir!
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With a Studio
"Ghibliesque" magic, Aria reminds us why it is that children find such
wonder and amazement in the world. Just as Isao Takahata, Hayao
Miyazaki and the other talented Studio Ghibli directors, Junichi Sato
succeeds in creating a feeling in film to which we all can relate to as
human beings. Aria's relaxing qualities, enjoyable atmosphere, and
familiar situations encompasses a series that anyone can sit down to
and appreciate.
Years into the future, on the planet Aqua, formerly known as Mars, is
the city of Neo Vanezia. Within the watery city of Neo Vanezia, much of
the traveling is done by gondola. Professional Gondoliers, known as
Undines, employed by one of the several companies of the city act as
tour guides, escorting people throughout the city. The Aria Company,
smallest of the three companies, is home to the Undine in training:
Akari Mizunashi.
Aria begins moving slowly and curiously, accompanying Akari through Neo
Vanezia as she discovers the hidden beauty of Aqua and the amazing
people that inhabit it. The slow pace, rather than enticing sleep,
relaxes the viewer, letting them calmly be absorbed into the story to
experience the emotions alongside the characters.
Training exercises and chores are among the typical tasks for Akari as
she strives to become a professional Undine. Akari quickly forms a
close group of friends with two other Undine-in-training Alice and
Aika. Together, they experience how training and daily life can be a
truly rewarding experience, as they work to become as skillful as their
charismatic mentors Alicia, Akira, and Athena.
The further we journey with Akari, the more people we become acquainted
with. Friendships with other undines, customers, and various others
teach Akari not only about the world of Aqua, but also reveal to her
more about herself and her own true feelings. Each episode, ending with
some sort of realization, leaves a placid and content feeling, similar
to ones of a Studio Ghibli movie (Totoro, Ocean Waves).
While the cutsie pet antics get old and somewhat annoying after a
while, there isn't too much else in Aria that feels lacking or out of
place. Certainly, if you start watching in a mood for hard-core action,
or dislike relaxed paced shows, then you will come out disappointed;
that however, will be your loss. Just sit down, relax, and let Aria
sweep you up in its comfortable flow, and it will undoubtedly lead you
on an enjoyable ride. |
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| Director: |
Junichi Sato
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| Genre:
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Sci-Fi/Drama/Slice of Life
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| Episodes:
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13 TV Show
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| Released:
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10/05/2005
12/28/2005
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| Production: |
Aria Company
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| Links:
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ANN
Profile
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