Another year is coming to an end and that means it's another edition of the
Secret Santa anime review. Seems like I am on a long streak of reviewing science fiction anime and this year it's no different.
Time of Eve is an original net animation (ONA) which streamed back in August 2008 through September 2009. The first time I heard of it was actually when they screened it in New York City in 2010. During the subsequent year, the screened the film version of the series which has some added scenes. This review will only be of the ONA series. Time of Eve also had a
kickstarter for funding the international dvd/bd release of the movie which made 10x the original proposed goal.
"Are you enjoying the time of eve?"
Time of Eve is about androids and their relationships with humans. It uses a very interesting vehicle to explore these relationship by using a cafe with a simple rule where humans and androids can't discriminate against each other. The main focus of the series is on the characters. The human characters slowly discover that androids are more than just robots, they might as well be very human as well with personality and even emotions. There is even a scene that tongue in cheek references to Blade Runner. All in all there are many snappy dialogues and unexpected twists that kept me interested despite the show having almost zero action...we except for...
I am so sorry...
Where I found the show really shines is in its use of cinematography. Instead of jumping from shot to shot, it transitions the shots very well which is very unlike other anime I've seen. In addition, for an ONA, it has a very good soundtrack that even has an insert piano piece played by the protagonist. Overall the series is a very entertaining package it's really no wonder why it won so many awards. Thanks to my secret Santa for the recommendation.
