Diamond Daydreams Shoko / Akari - Active Anime

• Media Source:Active Anime
• Reviewed By:Kae Ellis
• Review Date:07/21/06
• Read the original review click here

"This series will appeal to someone who enjoys romantic stories with a realistic spin."

DIAMOND DAYDREAMS: SHOKO / AKARI (VOL. 3)

Diamond Daydreams Volume 3: Shoko/Akari shares with us the lives of last two of the six young women highlighted in the series with a heart-warming wrap-up episode.

Shoko Saibara is a successful host of a radio show in Hakkaido who offers up advice for the lovelorn who send in faxes or e-mails. Although happy with her career on the surface, Shoko questions her purpose as her personal life falls into turmoil. However, thanks to the overwhelming responses from her fans and some unexpected help from a new friend, she realizes that she?s not just sitting and talking to a microphone.

Akari Harada is a cheerful young student who has a part-time job at a confectionary while taking of her widower father. On the surface her father is a drunk and a dreamer, causing Akari no end of trouble even though he is hiding a secret. On an afternoon with her father Akari finds out the importance of dream as she re-connects with her father and a friend.

As a wrap up to the series, all six women, plus Minoru Jinjugi (the T-shirt guy/running gag), return during the winter festival to make an appearance in the climax of the show. Will these people who overcame their personal challenges gain the blessing of seeing the Diamond Dust?

EXTRAS:
As with the previous disks of Diamond Daydreams, the long list of extras starts within the episodes themselves. The eye-catches that appear during the episode mid-points show not only the principal character but also an actual picture from the region highlighted in the episode. Extras include voice outtakes with the japanese cast, several behind the scenes specials and several specials including a travelogue highlighting the locations shown in the episode eye-catches.

IN SUMMARY:
Although, this series has the same feelings as a variety of hollywood romantic comedies it distinguishes itself as different by not going for stereotypical ?happy ending.? After all, happiness is what you make of life. The stories show the women live, learn and love through their experiences, just as we travel though our lives. This series will appeal to someone who enjoys romantic stories with a realistic spin.

Posted on Friday, July 21, 2006 (Archive on Monday, August 21, 2006)