Mark Fermill – Google

I've already fallen in love with it since Episode 1. It was a brave thing Marvel did, making a story that is a slowburn yet able to contain the mystery, spreading tiny bits of anomaly gradually, a totally different approach compared from all they had offered before. I love it! This is one of those shows that I was so excited to check every week. A beautiful character examination of Wanda, who was once just sidelined as a supporting character with every Marvel movie she had been part of before--now the main focus. And she definitely shines in this one! I know it's still too early to say this, but this is already the best series of 2021! I claim it.

At first I assumed it was only a light story, with its charm mostly invested on the mesmerizing visuals, and then it struck me by the end. It was like a balloon of tears you didn't realize you were holding that only needed a trigger, a single scene, that could pop it out and let everything flow away. It worked like a magic. Next thing I knew I was sobbing. I loved it so much! The only issue I have with this is that it's too short. It should have been around 60 minutes not this 46 minutes short.

It's light-hearted and beautiful. I like how the development of their relationship, from friendship to genuine love, can truly be felt. It offers sufficient kilig scenes that is realistic and is so satisfying, something that can remind you of your old high school romances, or a vision of what could have been if only one of you were brave enough. Above all, I love that this film shows everyone that love is love, no matter the gender. I hope that through this film, people would start to soften their hearts with this matter. If not, then at least this film could mark the start to the acceptance that the LGBTQIA+ community rightfully deserves.

I was dubious at the first two acts. I was constantly wondering about all the fuss on the leads' acting when all I could get is excessive cursing, beers, and cigarettes, and even drug use. I mean nothing spectacular is happening, just the fan girl's yearning and delusions. But then the third act came, and it's like all the message it has were unpacked all of a sudden. When her eyes got opened on the situation she found herself in, so were the viewers. You could clearly feel her emotions. Charlie Dizon's acting is superb! She better win best actress for this! In the end, this is a film about one's realization of self-worth, of transformation and empowerment. You'd feel weirded out about some scenes, it even went to some extent that you'd feel uncomfortable watching it, but this is the kind of film we need. It's daring yet beautiful.

This is one of the few anime that I finished straight in less than a day, and I think that is proof enough that this is a wonderfully made anime. It did a wonderful job on hooking me right away from its first episode, after everything the protagonist went through in that part, I can't help but root for him. Also the villains did great in making me hate them so much that I sometimes wanted to leap in front of the television to strangle them all. That's how effective it is. Not only that, it has the greatest character development I saw from the main protagonists.

Free! - Iwatobi Swim Club not only boasts its stunning visuals but also its captivating and touching story of teamwork, friendship, and searching for reasons and purpose. It is one of the anime that I have already heard of a long time ago and I regret having watched it only now. Still, I am glad I am able to give it a try. The last few episodes of Season 1 might not pass as a heavy drama yet it is still able to make me cry. I love this show so much!