Boys Be

Genre: Romance
Parental Guidance Recommended
2000 WOWOW, Hiroyuki Tamakoshi, Masahiro Itabashi

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Skysenshi's Description:
Experience the ups and downs, joys and sorrows of first love and teenage romance... Six students struggle in their quest to find the perfect partner. Their only enemy is their adolescent limitations.

(13 episodes)

Too much Kyoichi >>> by skysenshi (09.26.2001)
*Sigh* those good ol' high school days... Well, actually I wouldn't know because I never had a high school romance, but it is nice to see young people falling in love while at the same time discovering their strengths. Although I think it's a bit drastic to fall in and then out and then in and then out of love over and over like it's some sort of trend that's about to go out of style tomorrow. For a change, though, this isn't your usual "shoujo-esque" anime that has some powerful butt-kicking action or fantastic other-wordly (mis)adventures. It's just a short tale about a bunch of wacky clueless kids whose main problems are probably acne, exams, and going out on dates.

I do have a few favorites but their story just happen a little later in the series. That would be Yumi and Makoto, who are probably the ugliest (but most kawaii! ) in the gang. I also like Kenjo. I found these three so amusing that I ended up slapping my bro as I laughed my head off.

The art is lovely. But of course, it wouldn't be unusual for something digitally rendered. But I do commend the artists for their vibrant choice of colors. They keep some of those monotonous moments seem a bit lively.

Now for my gripe: Kyoichi hogs up the entire series, which is supposed to be understandable since he's the main narrator. However, I can't help but be disappointed that he already has too many scenes and yet his story remains unsettled at the end.

Combined Ratings: Art/Animation 9; Story 8; Characters 8; Sounds 9

A very nice series >>> by Shunichi Sakurai (05.02.2001)

Although the intro sequence will make you doubt whether it is an anime or not, Boys Be… is a very nice series. Each introspective episode begins and ends with a philosophical quote which loosely sums up the episode's content, and it sets the proper mood. Boys Be…, while centered on Kyoichi and Chiharu, actually revolves about all seven or eight main characters and their love lives, each one unique and full of character.

The animation is good, although there's not much of real action in stuff like this. The characters and artwork are quite nicely drawn, if a bit inconsistent in some episodes (e.g. once, Chiharu looked rather masculine). Many of the things about Boys Be… make it worth watching, especially the witty dialogue, memorable characters and lighthearted, heartwarming story. Every character-from the funny pervert Makoto to the impatient Aki-is distinct and is full of personality brought out by the great dialogue.

If there's one niggle about the series it would have to be its length. Boys Be… is only thirteen episodes long, and it leaves some plot holes. Enjoy the ride while it lasts-this one's bound to leave you hankering for your adolescent memories.

Some mischievous dialogue and mature themes. Okay for teens.

There's a sequel to Boys Be… that unfortunately does not follow up on the original series.

Combined Ratings: Art/Animation 9; Story 8; Characters 8; Sounds 9