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Kurau Phantom Memory (2004) - 24 episodes
Released in the summer of 2004, Kurau Phantom Memory is the newest gem by studio BONES, most famous for RahXephon and Full Metal Alchemist. Studio BONES has built a reputation of producing very solid anime with high production values and Kurau Phantom Memory is no exception. Starring Ayako Kawasumi as Kurau, Kurau Phantom Memory is the story of an alien being, a Rynax who has possessed the body of a young girl named Kurau, and its trying to find its place in the world. The first episode of Kurau is in my opinion one of the greatest anime first episodes of all time rivaling that of another BONES production 'Scrapped Princess' and that of Evangelion. Starting off as a seemingly shoujo anime in the first half, it quickly sets the pace with fast-paced and beautifully choreographed action reminiscent of 'Ghost in the Shell' in the second half of the episode. Unlike most anime out there, Kurau doesn't rely on cheap tricks to get your attention. Even though it's two main characters are female, fan service and 'kawaii factor' are at an all time low, and this is evident from the very beginning: Kurau is a serious show dealing with more mature themes. As the story progresses, Kurau begins to discover the truth about herself and Christmas and their relationship as Rynax partners. Meanwhile we're introduced to Dag, an agent assigned to track Kurau, and Ayaka an officer of the GPO who is leading the team persuing Kurau. As the story progresses, things are not what they seem and we learn more about the history of the different supporting cast. One of the greatest strengths of the show is that the individual episodes are meticulously crafted to the point where each battle is new and fresh, and each episode ends on a cliffhanger. Even the commercial breaks are placed in exciting points, yet nothing feels contrived or cliche. Each successive episode cries out for you to watch more, and by the end of the first few episodes you are fully immersed into the world that is Kurau Phantom Memory. The voice acting, much like all productions by Studio BONES is superb, although the voice for Christmas got a bit shrilly at times. Meanwhile, Ayako Kawasumi is dead on as Kurau, creating a character that shows a deep love for Christmas and her father, tempered with a deep stoicism in her character. One of the best characters in the show is Dag, the agent who is tailing Kurau and Christmas. In many ways he represents the viewer, or at least an ideal of what the viewer would be thinking while watching the show, and the things that he says, and the feelings that he has highlight this in many ways. The animation meanwhile is somewhat average for a BONES production which is somewhat of a letdown. Although it is by no means bad, the animation style can only be described as very simple. The backgrounds are purposefully left somewhat blurry, and the character designs are very minimalist. Still the show manages to have an almost perfect blend of CG and cel animation to the point where you cannot tell which is which. The production design meanwhile, is quite eclectic. At times, Kurau Phantom Memory's view of the future is quite interesting with orbital elevators, computer displays projected into midair, and space craft all nicely done. Meanwhile it has some oddities including much current-looking technology, including current looking cars that fly instead of having wheels. Still it is quite a believable view of the future, and the small sci-fi elements such as the orbital elevators were quite appreciated by this viewer. Perhaps the strongest point of this series has to be what you hear while watching the show. The sound effects are quite subtle in the way that you almost don't notice them, but yet don't notice you're missing them as it is just right. The real gem is the music though. From the uplifting OP 'Natsukashii Umi' to the haunting yet somewhat nostalgic feeling of the ED 'Moonlight' the opening and ending songs of Kurau Phantom Memory are perhaps the best combination of the year. The background music is quite strong as well, and instead of the cheap MIDI-sounding music of most anime, we have a wide range of music in Kurau which fits the story quite well. As much as I would have liked it though, Kurau is by no means perfect. The plot which peaks in intensity at around episode 12 seriously slows down in the second half of the anime. While the ending is in no way the travesty that Wolf's Rain (another BONES anime) turned into, it was somewhat of a letdown. Throughout the story are a few somewhat unrelated story arcs, but yet the most important story; that of the main characters progresses quite smoothly throughout. Overall, the story was quite good even if the ending wasn't exactly what I was expecting. It must be stressed though that the ending wasn't bad, it just seemed like it could have been stronger especially after such an amazing series. Kurau Phantom Memory is definitely one of the highlights of the year 2004. It is in my opinion the best 2004-only anime (anime only airing in 2004) of the year. With its solid story, strong characters and character development, absolutely amazing music, and solid animation Kurau Phantom Memory has it all. Although the ending is not so strong, overall the show manages to keep the viewer mesmerized for its entire 24-show run. Kurau Phantom Memory is definitely a keeper, and I highly recommend this show for anyone interested in a really good anime aimed at a more mature audience.
**Explanation of ratings**
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