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.

Individual Rating: Art/Animation 9; Story 8; Characters 8; Sounds 9

This entry was posted on Wednesday, May 2nd, 2001 at 11:43 am and is filed under Boys Be, Anime. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.