Kopanda

Please Save My Earth is a very gentle yet tragic exploration of the power of destiny and personal struggle. While there is some outstanding action scenes towards the end of the 6 episode OAV, the series revolves around the development and destruction of the main characters. The plot itself is intermingled with a metaphysical look at the deceptive appearance of innocence and the desperate and destructive poison of love. While some may find the plot slow-moving, to others (more accustomed to shoujo anime) the story is very intense and involves very tragic and touching descriptions of personal dreams and even pride. Throughout the series there isan environmental sub-theme. I find myself wishing that the anime creators had included more of this element, as there was lots of content to support a more Arjuna-esc tale. However, the romantic revelations in PSME are enough to carry the series through to Excellence. The music by Hajime Mizoguchi and Yoko Kanno is outstanding, though it may not appeal to all viewers. I think it was a perfect mix of sci-fi and primitive sounds. Akino Arai's Prologue: Time of Gold Flowing is a beautiful track and has a very tragic tone to it. Please Save My Earth has the most hateable and lovable characters. If you cannot get wrapped up in this teenage romantic fantasy then perhaps a closer evaluation of your previous lives is necessary. This touching journey makes my top 10 anime without a doubt as the series took me on a journey of classical and unrivaled romantic fantasy.

Torisunanohokori

About a year ago, I was shopping for books at a local secondhand store when I found what looked like a bargain: a bin of anime DVDs for 15$. When I took them home, I watched and most of them weren't too good - until I watched Please Save My Earth. It blew me away in a way that I haven't been since I first discovered subtitled anime. I cannot believe that something that good happened to be in a bargain bin. Story: The basic premise of PSME is the tragedy of seven reincarnated researchers. Originally members of a scientificallyadvanced civilization, they were tasked to observe the earth from a base on the moon. The specific focus of the plot is how the characters interact once the tragic events which lead to their deaths come to light. A very compelling plot follows, combining elements of classical tragedy and science fiction. I would note, however, the OVA doesn't end with a climax so much as with a somewhat vague outro. This is generally one of two things: a hasty way to wrap thing up, and a contribution to the atmosphere of the show. Personally, I don't see the story marred much by the lack of a "proper" ending. Art: Detailed, but nothing really special, given the age it was drawn in. The only notable feature is that the visuals manage to be dark without being intense. Even when the scene is tragic, it has a mellow yet urgent feel to it. Sound: The ending to this show, "Toki no Kioku", is, quite literally, my #1 song in all of anime. (Beating out Forever Young, Yuuzora no Kamihouki, and Love a Riddle) It's about 3 minutes long, and it could be a lullaby, dirge, or ballad, depending on your mood. It really encapsulates both the tragic and mellow components of the show. THe soundtrack itself is the same way, a mix of easy listening and orchestral which really puts the plot away. Character: The seven scientists are well developed, and, the more you see, the deeper the bonds between them draw you in. Each character has complex emotions which play a clear role in their motives, and their visual designs fit their moods so well it's almost scary. Enjoyment: This show made me cry, and it's one of two anime that has ever actually done that. It's sad enough to be believable, but not so sad that I can't relate. I watched it for the full three hours without even taking a bathroom break. Overall: The presentation was artful, the sound fantastical, and it's short enough to fit into an afternoon. I'd recommend this to almost any anime fan.