Gankutsuou: The Count Of Monte Cristo episodes 1-24 (sub, complete): This is one of the classics that I'm finally getting around to watching, and it's certainly worthy of that title. One thing to note about the visuals is that the stylization of the art does take a few minutes to get used to (as the characters kind-of move *through* the textures on their clothing/hair/etc.), but once you do it turns out to be not only unique and interesting, but absolutely beautiful, as well. <3 As for the story, well, it's a loose adaptation of
The Count Of Monte Cristo, so you ought to know what you're getting into there, LOL; indeed, the show wastes no time dropping you straight into its decadant culture and showcasing its manipulative/manipulated characters. Despite the twisted revenge plot and depressing events, though, there's still just something so compelling about this story; and while this obviously deviated from the original tale in a number of points (not only in terms of plot and focus-character, but even the setting and the Count himself), I thought it was pretty darn good on its own. Also, the message at the end to never hate anyone was quite powerful. This was definitely worth the watch.
Haikyuu!!: Jump Festa 2014 special (a.k.a. Lev Genzan!) OVA (sub): While the main cast was present on occasion, this OVA mostly focused on the Nekoma team as Lev was just getting started; and it was hilarious and adorable, just like the rest of the show. <3
Hotarubi no Mori e movie (sub): As I expected from the original creator + setting + premise, this was basically the equivalent of a rather-bittersweet
Natsume's Book Of Friends mini-story (indeed, it's very easy to imagine that it actually *is,* just with Natsume never being involved {aside from the
SPOILER: Highlight text to read: kinda-ghost boy looking pretty much exactly like him, LOL
![Grin :grin:](./images/smilies/grin.gif)
}); and, to be honest, it's actually mostly sweet (I was literally smiling throughout the entire first 35 minutes or so... *after* which I was tearing up pretty fiercely though, LOL, even knowing exactly what was going to happen beforehand...
![Sweat :sweat:](./images/smilies/sweat.gif)
) Despite the tears, this was a beautiful movie, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it (especially to
Natsume... fans-- which should be everybody anyway, right?
![Thumbs up :thumb:](./images/smilies/thumb.gif)
).