One of the first anime I ever watched, deep ...
921459
One of the first anime I ever watched, deep story, memorable characters/dialog, drama and pulls at the heart strings, this is a pure genius of a classic and always will be in my book.
4870497
I watched this anime 7 years ago on Netflix and final decided to own it. It real is a wonderful story with a great deal of emotional depth, few other anime's have caught me emotional like this one. The main character Kurau is a renax an alien from another dimension, they are small beings with consciousness but exist as energy. They exist as binary pairs and can only exist if there pair is with them. The two help to stabilize one another's exist. The problem is renax cannot exist in the human world unless they inhabit a body. Kurau is a human girl who accident gets possessed by a renax during an experiment conducted in a lab by her father. In the series it explores relationships. The one Kurau the alien has with her pair Christmas, her father (Kurau the human's father) as he attempts to return his daughter back to not normal and the relationship renax have with humans. The series is very good in exploring the depth of what people will due to protect what they love and the sacrifice that are made to achieve such goals. All in all Kurau phantom memory's in my opinion is one in a short list of great anime that was created in the early 2000's.
2393540
I'm not going to re-hash what other people have said, but this is the strangest anime you'll ever see.
I normally watch anime dubbed in English (yeah, so shoot me), but they found some girl who can actually talk as fast if not faster than the Japanese voice actors. I couldn't understand her half the time! I had to turn on the sub-titles and watch it in Japanese, and I still had to pause it now and then to read the sub-titles!
Anyway, one of the highlights for me was the opening song. If you like anime music, you'll love the theme from this one. Rent if possible before you buy, though.
1452617
A must see, and not just for anime fans. Though starting out one must keep in mind that the story is written as a whole with the end in the creator's mind from the beginning and you will not get a true appreciation for this work of art until you have seen the whole thing. It is worth watching a second time to appreciate that aspect. The characters are also somewhat annoying at first, but not because they are bad characters. Rather they feel human; they have their own flaws and motivations and histories right from the beginning and the anime does not take time for exposition into these, rather they let the characters and their actions speak for themselves. Since the characters are all "human" there is no go to relate-able character whose shoes you can put yourself in. This is exceptional, unique and makes for a fantastic stage for such an amazing story to take place. The world is internally consistent (they don't break their own rules set from the beginning like some science fiction) so the world feels like our own. The ending feels like the product of the characters, the world and their positions in the world when they begin. Everything follows logically from the scene before it yet it does not fall into the trap of predictability or cleche. There are some fantastic twists and reveals to be had.
549975
It really is unbelievable just how many animes derived and used something from this movie.  Obvious origins can be compared to Dragon Ball and Elfen Lied, but so many ideas were first featured in this film that later translated into full-length anime series.  Aside from setting the groundwork for future animes, this film was also one of the greatest, if not the greatest, anime film ever made (though my favorite is still Spirited Away).
The best aspect of this film, in my opinion, is the character development of Kaneda and Tetsuo, best friends in the film.  While Kaneda evolves into a more empathatic person, Tetsuo makes the most dramatic changes, from a jealous and weak individual, to an insane, angry, blood thirsty villian, to a frightened child who clearly realizes his mistakes.  Tetsuo has to be my personal favorite villian from any film, purely due to how well he is developed and the absolute human, kind-natured side to him that is apparent throughout the film.
Besides that, the movie is the orgin of anime for most anime fans, and is an absolute must-see film for anyone in my opinion, even for those who don't usually like anime.  I mean, who doesn't like an awesome story line, great character developemnt, big explosions with high intensity sequences, and a great ending in my opinion.  One of the greatest anime films ever made, and the film that really started it all for anime's popularity.
461370
I had seen the original version years ago, and I was a bit apprehensive about watching it dubbed in english. I have to say, this is a dub that I don't have any problems with. The english voice cast adds a dimension to the characters that, for obvious reasons, the original japanese voice cast could not.

This anime has it all. Characters you love, characters you hate - moments of anticipation, and moments of horror. An anime that is semi-historical, largely fictional, and extremely colorful... you need to own it. Own it forever. You are not whole without it.
2380233
I just picked up this anime from a local store and all I can say is...WOW! Therefore read on, dear friends, for thou art about to uncover a gem in thee world of anime...so says I...

I am a fan of this story from the start so my interest in this was already high. So one would think this was a match made in heaven, right? I mean what is there to think about as I enjoy anime and one of my favorite stories has made its way to the States in English. However, I have also learned that just because something is done in the way of anime, a good story one does not make. With that here are my thoughts about this first part of the anime entitled... "Romeo X Juliet".

In a nut shell, I am very happy to have seen this anime with my own eyes. I enjoyed the art, the story telling, the way it leads you on and I found myself catching my breath a time or two because I did not see said event happening the way it did (which is VERY rare for me being 38 years young and seeing allot of not only anime but movies in general).

I found myself wanting to jump into some of the fights that happened and other times feeling like I was hiding behind a bush watching and taking in all that was happening with a smile on my face saying to myself..."They are SO made for one another.". But then again, I am a sucker for this story and while my view is tainted, I have to request that if you even remotely enjoy the story of "Romeo and Juliet", to please check this out (I feel you will not walk away disappointed...at all).

Are there things that I would have liked to see done in a manner more to my liking? Maybe, but then again, I would not have been left breathless by some of the events that happened and that is well worth its weight in gold in its own self.

I am going to give this only four stars just because I have yet to watch the second part of this (which comes out in Aug if I remember right). But as for what I have seen so far, 5 stars all the way. For the normal anime watcher it may drop a star or two but anything less then 3 out of 5 stars and I feel you are not doing this anime justice.

Romeo X Juliet is a great treat and I for one am more than happy with my purchase and can not say enough good things about this great story done in the form of anime. Now IF only someone would do a anime version of "The Three Musketeers" and done as well as this was I would be in anime heaven.
1766358
Genji's mother died when he was young, and he's been looking for her in all of his relationships with women ever since.  And there are a *lot* of relationships: I had trouble at first figuring out who was sleeping with  whom, and who was related to whom.  The Tale of Genji is full of moving  imagery and symbolism, but be prepared for a lot of beautiful, quiet,  prolonged sequences where nothing much happens.  There's even a  Kubrick-esque dream sequence at the end; as confusing and anti-resolution  as the end of 2001. :)  The music is wonderful as well, and I've never said  that about any other anime I've seen.
2293398
Regarding Escaflowne being the best, I cannot say that it IS the best. But rather, floating near the top of my top 5-10 of the many, many animes that I have watched.

There have been some times where upon finishing a series or a movie, I would get a bit disappointed that there would be no more. After watching Escaflowne, I had felt it.

It is hands down far out. The storyline had me bedazzled throughout the series. The storyline is a very, very emotional experience (though I thought that it was a bit too frustrating at times)... I would say at the same level as that of Gundam. The animation was also captivating. The artists really thought things through when illustrating the massive Guymelefs (mecha); the physics of their movement was extremely life-like, contributing to the spectacular fight scenes.

Just to give you an idea of my taste in animes, I will leave you with a list of where it stands among my favorites (in no particular order) to lt you gauge it for yourself...

- Robotech (Macross Saga/Invid Invasion)
- Gundam (MSG, SEED to name a few)
- Cowboy Bebop
- Gungrave
- Bubblegum Crisis
- Rurouni Kenshin
4881518
I got this just purely based on how well received it was in the Anime comunity (peer pressure, I know). But I don't think that any anime I've ever seen will compare to the way this one was done. It's a perfect blend  of action, drama & comedy. It's very thought provoking and very few  Anime can challange you to actually THINK about what you are watching.  Honestly, it's the most beautiful animated show I've ever seen.
4551231
Amazing anime, in the best animes of all time top 10 for sure. Incredible story, with a slow complicated start, but after a few episodes everything starts to make sense. A must have for any anime fan.

Highly recommended
828086
Yup I gave this 5 stars, deal with it. Yes, this show has horrible animation. Very bad, I agree completely, especially considering when it was produced. However, the I felt was one of the most wonderfully complex and multi-layered stories I have come across in an anime. I've never put too much emphasis animation, although I do enjoy great animation direction, but I can overlook it in some cases including this one. I wish more anime fans could do that instead of being obsessed with how technically advanced the animation is. Obviously this isn't for your run of the mill, immature anime fan who just wants an instant pay-off with flashy animation, instantly relatable characters, and spoon-fed plots. This anime I felt is good because its based on very good source material, and that is why I give it 5 stars. These 5 stars I give less for the producers of the anime and more for Shotaro Ishinomori and Kazumu Hirai who were two of the most brilliant and creative minds that crafted some of the most wonderful stories in fiction. Ishinomori, in particular I consider one of the 3 most important manga-ka in history. This anime is based on Ishinomori's interpretation of Kazum Hirai's Genma Taisen novels. I'm not sure which ones though, since no information is available on them in English. The Genma Taisen series of novels is reportedly incredibly long, having started in the 60's and still ongoing today. The story is said to be one of the most complex and multi-layered sagas ever put to word. This anime relates one of the chapters it this story that follows the lives of the twins, Loof and Jin. I won't go into spoiling the story for you, but subtitle of Eve of Mythology is a good one, because I do believe this is a grand story of mythic proportions. Obviously though, this wasn't the best execution of this story possible with the very badly executed animation, but I still appreciate it much. Perhaps, they had very little budget for animation, but I am grateful I got to witness this story because the Genma Taisan novels and manga probably have a very small chance of making it over the US any time soon. You could defiantly argue it wasn't great, but giving it one star and completely writing it off is just immature and disrespectful. I also feel complaining about the style of the character designs is utterly idiotic. These are the original style of the character designs from Ishinomori's manga. Ishinomori was an apprentice under Osamu Tezuka and his character designs are very similar to Tezuka's. This is the style that all other character designs, including your favorite shows, evolved from. Despite the flawed animation, I enjoyed this show a lot. I suggest picking up the cheap 4 disc collection, which at some places can be found for as low as $23. Also check out Harmageddon which was based on the same series of novels and manga that Genma Wars is based on. However, Harmageddon may be more to the liking of most otaku due to the brilliant animation direction of Rintaro.
970783
Look, I am just going to say this I have seen a lot of anime in my years, and this one I loved....I can't quite place my finger on why i love this series and the characters so damn well, but you really do feel for the characters and the story, I saw the description on amazon and decided to try it out by streaming it on the web...I knew instantly that this show was a lot more than what meets the eye. my only qualm with this show, is the lack of information on making a second season, which i pray that there is one...so please support this anime so they will get off there asses and make it already! from the beginning of the show to the end will have you really wanting more and more. This is truly an amazing work of art
1652183
Lain is the deepest anime i have ever seen, there are lots of points of view and wise saying that makes you think a lot, even after you finish watching it, it just stays in your head and you cant stop thinking about it!. its very interesting and superbly drawn. ARE YOU SICK & TIRED OF THOSE SHALLOW ANIMES WITH ALMOUST NO PLOT AT ALL?!!! GET THIS DVD SET NOW!!! WITHOUT THINKING TWICE,
p.s: it reminds a bit "the matrix"
+the artwork boxset is amazing!
1613121
This is a beautiful series, the best anime I've ever seen and I've seen a lot of it.  If you've never watched anime before, this is really the perfect series to start with, and disc 1 is the perfect DVD.
The first 4 episodes are good in their own right, they introduce you to the main characters, the style and feel of the series, the ubiquitous sense of humor, the sci fi futuristic back drop.  These first four are not stunning and appeared to depict an episodic series which was interesting and entertaining but perhaps without much background and mythology.
Then I saw the 5th episode "Ballad of fallen angels" and I was shocked.  It is such a stunningly gorgeous episode I was caught completely off guard.  It was the episode that introduced elements from spikes past heretofore unknown to us.  You become aware at the level of thought and depth of the series, that the characters all have intricate and detailed histories that still affect them profoundly.  In fact that turns outs to be a reoccurring theme throughout the series, how none of us can truly escape our pasts.  Another strange metaphor that continuously reoccurs throughout the episodes is spikes reference to life being like `watching a dream', I'm not sure why that image is used but it could perhaps refer to eastern mysticism and Buddhism where waking up from the dream of life and seeing what is true is an often used metaphor. My sense of the show completely changed when I saw this installment, I became curious as to what all the images and references to spikes past meant.
The last scene in the episode, spikes 'fall from grace' from the spires of the beautifully drawn cathedral, is maybe the most artistic thing I've ever seen in any entertainment genre.  From the dual with his nemesis Vicious to the mysterious and somehow sad images from his past flashing before his eyes to the moody piano sonata, this scene and this episode remains my favorite in the entire brilliant series.
If you watch this DVD, you'll know if the series is for you after you watch the 5th episode.  If you watch the entire series prepare yourself for the saddest ending you could imagine.  The ending is more tragic than the Shakespearean tragedies you might have read in high school or college.  A tear dripped down my face when I had finished the series, and I'm a manly man so that speaks to how very sad it is.  I really can't recommend `Cowboy Bebop' any more highly, see it if you can... you won't soon forget its beauty.
826124
We watched it together, and it was a very good and heartfelt anime. A good choice for people who want more character development and fewer explosions and yelling of attack names in their anime. :) A nice series.
290805
This is the first anime I have seen based on a subject I think is interesting. I tried to watch the whole thing in one day. I have a favorite scene in a episode I like to laugh at.