1 of 2

Write now Article Tools

"A fairytale for the rejected."

A 26-episode anime series based on the best selling manga by Natsuki Takaya follows the adventures - or rather misadventures of Tohru Honda and the Sohma family. The Sohma family has been cursed for several generations in such a way that whenever a member of the opposite sex hugs them, they transform into the animals of the Chinese Zodiac. Tohru suddenly finds herself living with three members of the Sohma family - all males. As the series progresses, Tohru comes to disocver more and more of the Sohma family's intriguing and dark secrets.

This anime is strictly character-driven. While the plot focuses more on Tohru finding her place in the family, it does have a subplot where Tohru learns more about the Sohma curse. The writers reveal just enough to avoid confusion, but not enough to guess the ending, making it a fun watch. And, of course, a love triangle develops between Tohru and two of the younger members of the Sohma family, Kyo and Yuki.

The characters themselves are the very definition of interesting. Each character - from the main characters to the lesser characters - has their own unique characteristic: their own tic, if you will. For example, Tohru is famous for her ditzy, klutzy, lack-of natural grace. Kyo is known for his atomic-bomb-like temper that explodes at the smallest of things, while Yuki is loved for his witty comebacks and classy putdowns to the members of his family.

The humor easily makes this one of my favorite anime. There is literally no dull moment during this series. Tohru is always doing something rather embarrassing and becoming the unwanted center of attention. Shigure one of the Sohmas Tohru lives with is always looking for excuses to go to Tohru's school to see the "high school girls," while Kyo always seems to challenge Yuki (his life-long rival) to some kind of pointless fight.

The voice cast in the English anime is well done; they just seem to fit the characters' personalities. Overall, the anime is well drawn, and the animation runs smoothly from one scene to the next. Even the music - from lulling melodies in the serious scenes, to chaotic drum rhythms in the hilarious scenes, to the opening and closing songs - fit perfectly with the themes of the story.

Another favorite point of this anime is that it does have an underlying theme. While the title "Fruits Basket" seems rather random, it does have relevance to the story. The love triangle aspect is sweet, but realistic. "A fairytale for the rejected," says the tagline. As the characters grow together, the watcher will dread the fact that the series has to end.

The ending was one of those that just makes you "warm and fuzzy inside." Enough to quiet the hunger for a good ending, and enough to keep fans wanting more. The only drawback to the anime is that the anime comes to a crashing halt. The late-coming characters make one appearance, then are forgotten. Several questions are unanswered. The end in the storyline is disappointing, but by no means is it a terrible ending. Another season could have been very successful, but those in charge refuse to continue with the series.

All in all, it is a hilarious series that somehow shows the struggles we face to be accepted by others in such a way that the "moral of the story" really rings true for those that know what it's like. I recommend this anime to any fan of sidesplitting humor, lovable characters, and endearing themes.

Learn more about this author, Erica Jobman.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Anime reviews: Fruits Basket?
We want to hear your view. Write now!