Anime Meta-Review
Brother, Dear Brother
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Title Info
- alias: Oniisama E...
- seen: 1-8 of 39
- type: TV
- grade: exemplary
- genre: shoujo
- Other elements of this title:
- This title is a personal favourite.
- This title may offend the sensitive.
- Series state: Can't find any more to watch.
- made: 1992
- Review created: A while ago, i'll revise it eventually.
- mod: none
Wow, this is at the intense, moody and dark end of shoujo material, and it is a very interesting place to visit. At a prestigious but elitist high school the innocent Nanako, recently arrived, is selected for membership in the school sorority club which wield's immense power and prestige. Her selection suprises both her and the student majority, leading to many stresses and pressures in both new and old relationships. Membership in this club is so exclusive, and so prestigious, and she seems so unsuited, that she becomes a target for poisonous retaliation and psychological pressure, which really must be seen to be believed. And underlying that is the possibility that she is simply being used in the devious and evil games of those within the sorority itself. One of her few comforts is writing to an ex-teacher, the dear brother of the title, which gives wonderful insight into her mind, but even this element holds more complexity than it seems. Drifting through this are three school icons, unusual students (two of whom have masculine characteristics) who seem to focus and exemplify many of the tensions pervading the school. The true power of this piece is not the plot, but the marvellously written interaction of complex characters, and the flaws and mysteries they contain. The music and animation are beautiful and fit the needs of the story very well.
The tape I saw also shows evidence of great care from the subtitlers The Electric Girls who obviously believe strongly in the material. Give this one some time to absorb you, and don't expect to be laughing too much, but this is quality material worth viewing.
The first review I've seen is from Lord Carnage but he's having none of it. Check this review for a stinging review of this `frilly soap opera'.
Words by Andrew Shelton, Web by Ticti, Last Compile: Wed Aug 5 12:39:16 WST 2009