Title: K-ON! season one
Director: Naoko Yamasa
Writer: Reiko Yoshida
Music: Hajime Hyakoku
Studio: Kyoto Animation
U. S. Distributor: Semtai Filmworks, Section 23
U. S. Re-Release Date: Sept. 23rd, 2014
Format: DVD / 12 Episodes + 2 OVAs / 350 minutes
Genre: Slice of Life, Comedy
Overall Personal Grade: A-
Synopsis:
Rock ‘n’ roll may never die, but the Sakuragoaka Girl’s High School Light Music Club might not be here to stay unless would-be drummer Ritsu Tainaka can find three more members to replace the graduated seniors. Determined to see that the beat goes on, Ritsu can get a little help from her friend Mio Akiyama on bass, and together they might be able to convince choir-inclined Tsumugi Kotobuki to join on the keyboards. But even then, they’ll still need a hero, preferably of the juke-box variety with stars in her eyes.
Instead, they find Yui Hirasawa, who’s looking for a club to join and who’s never held a guitar in her life. But when Yui does pick up a beat-up six-string, it feels good in her hands, and it doesn’t take long to understand that maybe she’s finally found a place where she belongs. Because you can’t stop the music when four girls share a dream, even if it’s something as crazy as someday playing at the famous Budokan. It’s going to be a long and winding road, but if they find their passion and follow their muse, they could go anywhere!
Commentary:
The girls are back. As I stand and applaud Sentai Filmworks for not letting this wonderful series fair into obscurity with the closing of Bandai anime in North America I begin to remember how much I really enjoy the simple structure of K-On! If you have not had a chase to see this series and find yourself looking for a nice story that is about nothing more than a group of girls just having fun being friends and getting through high school.
Beyond the story line there is also the music that keep this series rolling forward. I can’t say that it is hard hitting rock or thoughtful full blooded roll, but it is happy music that will leave you with a smile. That smile is what is at the core for K-On! and keeping you smiling is the thing that this series does, I love the way that the story is developed. There is no heavy handed or over the top comic relief. It is all about watching these girls blend their personalities to make a group that anyone would want to be a part of.
Overall Grade: A-
As much as I like K-On! I still see how it could bother some who are looking for a show that gives you a solid slice of life and a coming of age story. With K-On! sticking to the simplicity of the story it does tend to drag at times. There really aren’t any heavy dramatic or crazy comedic moments that make you sit up and say yes this is what I cam for. K-On! just washes over you like a warm mild spring wind that gives you hope and a smile that reminds you of your youth or makes those high school years look like they a just plain simple fun. If there was ever a series that makes you feel good with out any pain or heavy belly laughs K-On! is it and it does it so sublimely that you just might have to watch it twice to understand what makes it not just good, but something worth remembering.
Thank you Sentai Filmworks and Section 23 for not letting this wonderful series slipping into that world of obscurity.
