003 4 Fruits Basket is totally original . It is sweet , funny , and totally different from what you usually see . Plus , it has a lovely soundtrack . It has all the beauty you could want from a anime and a better story line then most . I'd highly recommend giving it a try . I love it and don't know why they don't make more !
077 4 not too much difference what others have said . this dvd set is a great set to watch . it does have a little humor on some parts which is great .
034 4 What a series this is . When I first bought the box set , I had mixed feelings . I thought that the price was not worth it . Well was I wrong . This is a wonderful series . The opening theme song grabs you by being calm and not fast paced like most shows are . The story is simple but gets complex as it goes on . Every character is unique in his or her own way . Tohru Honda is a young girl of sixteen and she recently lost her mother who died in a car accident . Tohru meets the Soma family with a great and funny secret . I don't like to give away spoilers of any kind . Content wise this is more of an a adult show . It does not have sex , graphic violence , but it deals with issues such as questioning one's gender and sexuality which are topics that are covered often in anime and not in santized shows that we have here . This show can get intense at times , with character development . I prefer the Japanese version over the English since the Japanese have a great knack for capturing the drama and mature conversation that english censor with bad jokes and stupid useless comments . They also swear more in Japanese . Overall this 26 episode series will make you feel inspired , happy and cheer you up from a bad day . You just got to see it for yourself . By the way fruits basket is 13 + . It is worth every penny . This show will stay with you forever .
053 4 This Anime is one of the best I have seen its sweet ditsy free-spirited and just fun . I wont go into the plot since lets face it it sounds like Ranma but this is pure shoujo so basically the plot isn't the selling point the point here are the characters . Tohru the main character is just loveable and I will say her attitude towards housework does kind of hint back towards a less enlightened time but for the most part that is actually easily ignored as really the only other gender politic issue is the yuki fan club and they're just a huge farce . Yuki I would say is the most disturbing chacter in the series but he actually is likeable if a little aloof . Kyo is brash but fun , and shigure is just funny . The rest of the characters are in and out sporadically and need to be expierenced in order to be understood Just if you expect immature humour or endless action do Not get this but if you want something that you can just pop in an episode and feel instantly better this anime is Excellent
008 4 Entertaining , useful social skills for teens , and psychologically very deep . The couple episodes with the snake guy have a lot of sexual overtones , but nothing explicit .
015 4 How can anyone who has read this manga series be disappointed with the animated production ? Thanks to my local library I soon became obsessed with Fruits Basket and could not wait for that package to reach my door with the talking , moving version of this creative , heart-warming fantasy swirled within the real-life setting of finding who you are and those who will stand by you . What can I say ? It's just pure Tohru love !
033 4 At first I was skeptical about watching a anime called Fruits Basket . I did a little research and decided to give it a try . I am sure glad that I did . I thought that this was perhaps the best anime that i have ever seen , and I have seen alot of anime . I loved the characters that appeared through each of the episodes . Each one had a problem that they needed to work through , it wasn't all fun and games . I think you go through all the human emotions when you watch this one . . but don't worry there is comedy and some fighting for all you guys out there . . . The only thing that I did not like is that there are not more episodes .
047 4 I bought this dvd because I loved the cover , and now I can say it was worth taking a risk to buy it , is a worderful story you fall in love with the characters and you want to see it over and over , and what I loved the most is that even my daughter of 4 years old loved it and so the bottom line I hightly recommend to anybody to buy it , I bought two set , one for me and one for my sister , because she also loved the story . Maybe the reason I loved this dvd set it because I love comedy , romance and drama , and this story has it all .
048 4 If you are a fan of the manga books this series will not disappoint . Already I have watched it many times . The sweet story and the humor in it makes for a great time . Money worth spent .
056 4 This series has a humorous side that is hilarious most of the time but occasionally annoying . However , the serious side more than makes up for these shortcomings . If you are looking for a complex plot or lots of action then pass on this series . If you like an emotional , character driven story then this one is for you . Almost every episode has affirmations , tidbits of wisdom and touching scenes . And that's because the series is really about the healing process people who have suffered from tragedies , abuse , etc . go through on the road to recovery and even how to live life . This is one of those hidden little gems that , once found , sparkle so brightly in the sunlight .
058 4 When I first watched this anime I wasent really sure on what I would think of it but after watching the first episode I became Hooked ! ! I could barly sleep at nights in between watching just woundering what would happen next and the characters are truely perfection ! Trust me . . buy this and see for your self how everything works togeather to make a excelent anime .
061 4 I have all the DVDs that have come out so far and their great . This is a great series that shows that being innocence is maybe the greatest gift that you have , and simply understanding how people think and feel your greatest accomplishment . Fruit Basket shows so pretty hard times for the Soma family but it also shows how people can triumph over adversity and their hardships . This is a really romance series , not because there's a lot of kissing and stuff like that . But that you can really see the romantic natures that exist in some of the most unlikely characters . I wish that the ending of DVD four came to more of an conclusion like who the main female character ends up with , and not to mention that not all the members of the Chinese zodiac appeared so hopefully that means there is more DVDs on there way .
067 4 At first I didnt think I would like this anime . But onced I watched it I was hooked . Now i am reading the magana ; I loved it . It is a great feel good anime .
069 4 The whole series from start to finish pulls you from one end of your emotional spectrum to another . You learn to care for each and every character , no matter how annoying they might seem in the beginning . And don't be fooled because it's a shojo , or for girls series . Everyone can truly appreciate this masterpiece . I just wish there was more of it . . . .
075 4 I had a little trouble getting my shipment . I put in a call after tracking my product and found that it was delivered , but I never received my product . I put a call into customer service and explain the situation , they were very helpful and took very good care of me . On the second try I received my product within the delivery time quoted to me . There was nothing wrong with the product . I would definitely order again from Amazon , their customer care service is what more companies should strive to have within their companies .
080 4 I loved this series . The characters are great , the story line is interesting and the art is great too .
082 4 I was first introduced to this by a roommate in college . I was still not sure at the time if I liked anime . I fell in love with this almost immediately ! I now have bought this on here . It has almost everything for everyone . It has action , fighting , karate , comedy , drama , curses , not too cheery , and much more . I've watched it a million times now , and still love it and can watch it even more without getting tired of it . I also now own the manga , and it's just as good . I think people who don't know much about anime should also watch . It's kind of eye - opening for people who think anime is just kiddy stuff . Everyone should watch it at least once .
089 4 This anime is one of the best I've seen . It's heart warming and funny . I laugh everytime I watch this . It really has great life lessons and understanding of other people . Definetly a keeper .
097 4 Let me just say for a girl , I'm glad that sixteen year old orphan Tohru Honda has been living inside a tent when she meets the Sohma family , that lets you know girls can get treated like animals too but she doesn't turn into one like the Sohma does let me explain . They turn into animals when ever being embraced by a different sex when they change back into humans they show up nude . I left off one star cause I thought the animation was a bit childish .
064 4 This is probably one of the best anime's out there if you looking to have a little bit of everything wrapped into one . I bought this set based on some reviews I read about it online and not only was I satisfied I was also glad that I purchased it . The characters are amazing , the stories can range from sad to romance to funny . I was left wanting more so not only do I recommend picking up this set but I also recommend picking up the manga's from it as well because the anime only covers the first 7 volumes out of 23 and I guarantee you will want to know what happens with these characters after the anime . Also don't listen to people saying this is for girls because I'm a guy and I really enjoyed this , pick it up immediately .
099 4 OK , there's no denying it , I am attached to Fruits Basket . It is a very sweet , sentimental anime that captures your heart . . . For a while .
The story ? Tohru Honda is a cute , soft-hearted girl who lost her father to an illness ( pneumonia , according to the manga ) at an early age , and just one year ago , she lost her mother too in a car accident . Not wanting to burden her relatives , she decides to live in a tent in the wilderness and look after herself . But it does not go to plan when a freak landslide destroys her tent and results in her living with her enigmatic classmate Yuki Sohma and his older cousin Shigure Sohma . With the arrival of another Sohma boy , a thorny teen named Kyo ; all hell breaks loose when she discovers the Sohma's transform into members of the Chinese Zodiac whenever embraced by a member of the opposite sex !
As the story progresses , and more members of the Chinese Zodiac appear , ( schizophrenic cow Haru , angsty doctor and part-time dragon Hatori , weak-hearted tiger Kisa . . . ) Tohru discovers that the life of the Zodiac ain't all peaches-and-cream , and this results in more than a few clashes of personality . However , Tohru's continues to turn to her late mother's advice , and it helps her form new bonds and make new friends , and it begins look like a rice ball really can belong in a Fruits Basket after all ! ( You'll see what I mean . . . )
Sounds like fluff ? Perhaps . But Fruits Basket really is taught and emotional , bringing out very human weaknesses in its characters . In fact , it brings out TOO MANY human weaknesses in its characters , and that , I'm sorry to say , is what beats this promising anime down .
The main character Tohru , tries to stay cheerful and happy in the face of her mother's death , but what starts off as a grieving child soon develops into something of an obsessive mother-complex . Tohru constantly longs for her mother's help and advice , and is always tied to her photograph . You could argue that it's because Tohru only ever had her mother to guide her , but watching a girl who , when her friend Kyo needs her desperately , can do nothing but drag her angst-ridden body through the rain and clutch at her mother's grave , wailing in self-pity , may make you squirm in discomfort . It's true that Tohru eventually pulls through , but only barely . Another quibble I had with her was her unbearably sexist role in the Sohma house . She does all the cooking , cleaning and shopping , and she's not only good at it , she ENJOYS it . And to make matters worse , the entire Sohma family love her for it , and don't bother to help . Even with Japanese gender politics aside , there's no excusing the fact that they let a girl who's living in their house do all the domestic service for free , and spend her wages from another , paying job on buying chocolates for them . It carries an unpleasant undertone , one that says go on girls , return to domestic servitude where you belong , all the guys will love you for it ! Sure , it may not be as bad as a 1950s commercial , but it's enough to put me off the main characters .
Then we have Tohru's prospective love-interests - not that she notices them - Kyo ( the cat - yes there is a cat too ) and Yuki ( the rat ) , who are about as opposite as would be expected . Yuki is soft-spoken and gentle , but he shies away from close relationships due to abuse in his past . Kyo is foul-mouthed and violent , but people are drawn to his OTT personality and he can function as a normal person . They both got on my nerves . Yuki's unnatural swinging between self-pity and self-satisfaction , along with his role as the stereotypical perfect pupil may make viewers unsympathetic to his apparent plight . Kyo , who really gets the spotlight at the end , has certainly received more than his fair share of suffering , but that doesn't excuse his downright abusive behavior towards others . Rather than accepting Kyo for who he is , I think the writers should have focused more on getting Kyo to be a nicer person . Neither of them get together with Tohru in the end , and at the rate this anime was going , it's unlikely the viewers will care .
The other characters all follow the same pattern . They have frustratingly difficult personalities , and most of them have suffered in their past . But once again , this doesn't excuse their actions . They really are difficult for the sake of being difficult . Some characters are a little TOO similar , Aya ( the snake ) and Ritsu ( the monkey ) for example . Despite their opposite personalities , both are long-haired , effeminate men with some serious gender-identity issues , and they both have unbelievable levels of self-pity due to problems in their past , which , once again , do not excuse their present behavior .
Other side characters also disturbed me . Momiji's mother and Hatori's ex-fiancé Kana mostly . I'm sorry , but I find it hard to believe that a woman would have a mental breakdown and reject her child just because he turns into a rabbit . People in real life suffer so much more than that , yet these characters are apparently so weak hearted that they cannot handle their problems . Kana was so convinced that she caused Hatori's injury ( even though she clearly saw Akito strike him across the face with an ornament ) that she too broke down into madness . It's not only unrealistic ; it's a lame plot device to create new and inventive ways for the male cast to suffer . One of the few bearable characters was Shigure , who has no problems in his past , he is kind and he's actually funny . Of course , in the manga , the author Natsuki Takaya found something for him to angst about as well , * sigh * . . . . .
I could go on and on , but that won't change the fact that I continue to read and watch Fruits basket , and it is by no means a bad anime . My advice ? Take the cuteness , take the comedy , take the uplifting subject matter , and leave the choppy animation and liberal amounts of human angst . It's moronic , it's self-indulgent , and it completely ruins an otherwise good anime .
3 / 5 . Add another star if you like exagerrated angst or are willing to overlook the sexism .
Advantages - Carries the uplifting message that kindness and empathy can heal the suffering of others
- Inventive , original character designs
- The music suits the mood of the anime
- Excellent English and Japanese voice-acting
Disadvantages - Unpleasant sexist undertones
- Main characters WILL get annoying
- Last two episodes plummet into ridiculous , cheesy melodrama
- The episodes and formulaic ( People arrive , people are difficult , Tohru makes a speech to klinky music and the credits roll )
- The ANGST
- . . . Why don't people just LEAVE the Sohma family ! ? I mean , seriously . . . .
001 4 The story of Ms . Honda and the strange family that adopts her is my number one anime of all , and I have now seen about a hundred of the things . From the sweet opening song through the sweet closing song , it's pure joy .
This isn't to mean it's saccharine . Lots of conflicts occur . You'll laugh a lot , and you might cry a bit . The operative word is charming . If you are not charmed by this series , you have no heart at all . Hitler would laugh and cry with their adventures .
The odd conceit is that the family has thirteen members who turn into the animals of the Chinese zodiac ( you know , year of the rat , and stuff , with the cat added to the normal 12 ) . They adopt a plucky girl who has been orphaned .
Honest , if you don't find this worth the money , send me a letter , and I'll make it up to you . This is easily the most charming anime ever created .
002 4 This is the most heart-warming and touching anime series I've ever seen . It's shoujo , meaning it's geared towards girls but anyone would enjoy watching this . There are no gun or sword battles , transforming robots , or flying demons but even my teenage son loves it because of all the funny and outrageous characters ( our favorites are Shigure , Kyo , Momiji & Ayame ) .
You meet and get to know the cursed Sohma family through the eyes of orphaned high-school student Tohru Honda . Everyone has a story to tell , some quite heart-wrenching . I was touched by all their stories . Heck , I even felt sorry for Akito !
Although I prefer to watch anime in their original Japanese , I think that Funimation did a SUPERLATIVE job of dubbing and translating these series . In my opinion all the American voice actors were excellent ! I really liked Laura Bailey as Tohru but my hat goes off to John Burgmeier who was just AWESOME as Shigure !
Only 26 episodes long , it ends a little too soon . Nevertheless , this is a worthwhile investment . BUY this and add an excellent anime series to your collection !
004 4 This is my favorite anime of all time ! I - . . . . why are you looking at me like that ? Oh I see . Yes this is a kids review . I promise that the few naughty words and stuff shall not warp my fragile little mind . ( ( If you recognize that line , you'll know why . ) ) Although I really can't say much for a lot of people my age these days . Little monsters . . . . . . . .
Anyways first I'd like you to do something for me . Look back at all of the other reviews although there aren't many . Do you see a bad review ? No . You do not and probably never will . Fruits Basket is the best I repeat and I can prove it . I lent my books to 10 of my friends . 10 of my friends liked it . : D Now my best friend is practically beating me up to sleepover and see the boxset !
When people say , you'll laugh and cry they aren't lieing . I am a 12 year old tomboy , admitting that I cried . Mostly it was because I laughed so hard but oh well ! The dubbing and animation are perfect ! I prefer the dub version because the original japanese speaks really fast and I can barely say , Hi how are you ? In Japanese without accidently saying something I'm REALLY not supposed to . . . . . . . . but that's besides the point . Yes the name sounds weird ! Forget that ! Once you read the manga or better watch this the name will become much clearer . Now I want you to do one more thing for me . Yeah you ! The one with the face ! I want you to scroll up to the top of this screen right now and buy this boxset ! I promise you will not regret it ! What ? Is that doubt I see in your eyes ? That's it you asked for it ! * Gives puppydog pout * Lol . Ok enjoy !
005 4 Definitely , Fruits Basket is a series that will capture you with its charm , friendliness , and especially , its philosophy .
Talking strictly about the series , it features Tohru Honda , a 16 - year-old high-school girl that lives in a tent at the beginning of the story . One day , while going to school , she finds out that the garden where she lives is private property , as she meets Shigure Sohma , the owner . She also finds out that Yuki Sohma , one of her classmates , lives there . At the evening of thay day , she is found in the garden by Shigure and Yuki ; she apologized and requested for additional time , but then they make a deal and Tohru becomes the housekeeper of the Sohmas as exchange of a room . At first she did not want to bother them living there , but she accept the proposal of the Sohmas . That is the base point where Tohru Honda begins to build a strong and enviable friendship with Yuki and Kyo Sohma , Yuki's cousin who appears later in episode 1 . However , the Sohmas are not a common family . Several of its members have a strange curse : when hugged by someone of the opposite sex , they transform into an animal of the Chinese Zodiac ; the animal depends on the year the cursed member was born . This fact , at first , surprises Tohru a litte bit , but then she takes it as normal . First proof of the philosophy that Tohru Honda demonstrates : Be respectful of your friends no matter what they look like !
As the story goes , Tohru Honda is always caring about others , especially Yuki and Kyo Sohma , and these demonstrations of her thinkings are the most appealing stuff of this series . She shows that one must be oneself , that one must never give up , that one must be kind with everyone without considerations . . . and so many other phrases that all together define Tohru's personality . I can say that is why Fruits Basket was in 2001 winner of almost every existent award in Japan : Fruits Basket won even more than Inuyasha , and by a considrable difference : Tohru Honda was so far the most popular character , even more that the sum of the votes for Inuyasha and Kagome Higurashi . This was the main reason I bought this box set , and after analyzing the series , I can say the same results .
About the box set itself , it is bigger that ADV thin boxes , but the discs are a lot better used in terms of content . This set not only contains the episodes but also extras about several facts such as how the anime was made , the seiyuus , interviews and curious features . However , although I understand that Funimation is serious about illegal copy , they go a little bit too far by putting seals on every side of the box set , even over the slots where you put your fingers to open a single DVD case . I ended up with a medium bag of garbage , full of seals and plastic . But this is a minimum and superficial matter , so it is not important after all ( unless you consider it ) .
Therefore , Fruits Basket , this box set , is definitely a great product by all means . The series present a great philosophy that breaks any barrier , which is doubtlessly the main reason of the success of this anime . With these reasons , you must buy this one .
006 4 Tohru Honda is a 16 - year old girl who lost her mother to an automobile accident . She lives with her grandfather , but his house is being remodeled and she wants to stay in the area so that she can go to school . Deciding she can't be a burden to her friends , she pitches up a tent in the nearby woods to live in . On her way to school , she comes across the home of Prince Yuki Sohma , who is the most admired guy in school .
Yuki and his cousin , Shigure , are walking back home one evening when they stumble across Tohru's tent . Feeling pity on her , they invite her to stay with them because of the impending dangers one might face out in the woods . Sure enough , a landslide claims Tohru's tent and all her belongings are buried . Yuki , along with some friends , clean up the area and restore Tohru's things to her .
Shigure and Yuki offer Tohru a place to live , and in exchange for her room and board , she becomes their housekeeper . Things are just getting settled in with Tohru and her new family , when wayward cousin , Kyo Sohma , comes back from training in the mountains . Kyo and Yuki do not get along . During a scuffle between the two , Tohru decides to step in and break it up . In doing so , she tackles Kyo and he turns into a cat !
So begins the adventures in Fruits Basket ( episode 5 gives the explanation of the show's title ) . Come to find out , the Sohma clan are under a curse . If they are embraced by someone of the opposite sex , they turn into animals of the Chinese zodiac ! Yuki becomes a rat , Kyo a cat , and Shigure a dog . The consequence of an outsider knowing their secret is to have their memory erased , but the exception lies in Tohru . She is trusted with the family secret and she vows that she will tell no one .
I took Fruits Basket as a very lighthearted and romantic comedy . Tohru seemed a bit too happy-go-lucky for my taste , but her sugary viewpoints seem to be just the right thing in helping members of the Sohma family cope with their particular problems . Even fiery Kyo can't help but let his guard down and talk sensible with Tohru sometimes , which is really saying something about her persona .
I was first drawn into FB by the voice acting . The English dubbing is exquisite , although Justin Cook being in charge of the VA made FB feel like a Yu Yu Hakusho reunion of some sort . Immediately , I was calling out the names of Yusuke , Suzaku , Kayko , Kurama , and Botan when it was Hatsuharu , Kyo , Tohru , Shigure , and Shigure's editor on the screen , respectively . If you are fans of the VA from YYH , then FB should be enjoyable to listen to .
Speaking of sound , be prepared to be bombarded with a lot of background music and realistic sounds . It just about drowned out the dialogue in some parts and at one point I had to put on the subtitles to find out what they were saying .
Character design is something worth seeing too . Prepare to be throttled by big eyes , especially those of Tohru . Perhaps the animators did that on purpose to really emphasize Tohru's bubbly and lovey-dovey personality . The Sohmas are all attractive , especially Yuki and Kyo , but Shigure is my personal favorite , as he is ever carefree and accepts all the Sohmas for who they are . He also likes to tease his editor and get playful with high school girls . His dialogue is quotable stuff and my sister and I like to talk in Shigure-tongue now and again .
Plenty of laughs and action ( if you're into house demolition and the occasional bout of martial artistry ) . Language is clean for the most part - no sexual slang and the majority of swearing belongs to Kyo ( because of reasons you'll find in the show ) .
Fruits Basket is not to be missed . Enjoy plenty of comedic performances , heart felt moments and have a hankie in hand for the finale . A must have in any anime collection !
007 4 I got hooked in a very simple way to this series . i went down to a bookstore with my brother I was origenaly only going to pick up a couple shonens ( fma and naruto ) but my brother would be bored and he prefers shojo ( azumungo diaho and Excel Saga ) so i though hey i've heard of this i and picked up the first volume of Furuba . i evntually read it then i read it agian . . . . . and agian . . . . . . and agian . and each time it was still fresh as if didnt know what was going to happen next . i knew it had been made in to a anime series so i rented it . . . i was floored . its a great story . when i told people about they said yhea ive heard of that the opinion i got the most was thats either extreamly cheesey or extreamly awsome . Its a good series and not a chessey as you'd expect Its fun at first kind of like a sitcom and then as you get further and further into it you discover how deep this story is ( espcially with the manga ) .
the story is alot of fun to In the anime you get to meet the cat , rat , dog , bunny , dragon , boar , cow , snake , sheep , tiger and monkey and in the manga you meet all of the chinese zodiac . i breing this up because its cool to see how the charecters personality blends with thier animals . the story contains some formula anime plot like a perverted charecter , cross dressing , guys with femnine faces , long hair , wierd colored hair and of corse high school uniforms . but it also has some less commen stuff like drama , love triangles , realist relationships , regret , death , hatered ( true hate that is ) , painful times , and alot of change and people moving on . these quirky and serious factors combine for a great show entertaning for most perople
I unlike most people prefer to watch it in english ( i tend to prefer english dubbed anime ) manily because i was insulted when i saw it in japanese.I may be crazy but yukis voice actor was so clearly a girl it hurt . He already has a girly face and has to were a dress ( funny episode ^ . ^ ) at least let his VOICE match his actual gender : P any way . the only voice i dont like in the english is ritzu . anyway this is just my opinon . I sugest you buy this great seires and make your own . we may agree we may disagree . but all i can say is its deffinatly worth it ! ! !
009 4 I'm really surprised there aren't more reviews for Fruits Basket , and I highly suspect that it's because the title is vague and possibly misleading to a lot of people . So to any skeptics out there , I say give FB a chance and you'll find out what the title means in detail . Aside from that , you'll laugh til you cry ( I did anyway ) , and you might just cry until you feel sick . Fruits Basket runs a gambit of emotions and still comes across as surprisingly realistic . Speaking for myself , I was able to sympathize with all of the characters at one point or another , even the Prince Yuki Fan Club girls , though most of the time I would have been happy to strangle each one of them . ( If you're wondering why I said that , you'll have to watch the show . ~ _ ^ )
FB's animation is really beautiful , the characters are all interesting and lovable in their own special ways , and speaking as a fan of the English version by Funimation , the dub is fantastic . There's a little bit of everything in this anime , and fans of happy endings will find Fruits Basket worth every penny . And so , in closing I'll say this : the last 3 episodes will hit you like a freight train , and if you're anything like me , you'll definitely be left wanting more . Enjoy ! ^ _ ^
010 4 The price was reasonable ( cheaper at other online stores ) , though I do not like the way they do not describe what Veridian meant , and ended up with an entire extra set of the first collection of Fruits Basket . I am happy with the delivery time , it was very quick , but the condition of the DVD boxes was uspetting . All of the center pieces that click the discs in place are broken . I am not happy about that .
011 4 Imagine if you moved in with a new family and friends . . . and found out they turn into animals when you hug them .
That's what Tohru Honda has to deal with in Fruits Basket , the adaptation of Natsuki Takaya's hit manga . And the manga adaptation is a delightful one - - while the ending gets changed , it's still charming , quirky , slapsticky and sprinkled with darker moments .
Tohru is living in the woods , with only her late mother's photo for company . Exploring one day , she wanders down to a large house , and bumps into the owners : flirtatious Shigure Sohma , and his gorgeous cousin Yuki - - the school's mysterious Prince . After Tohru becomes ill and her tent is destroyed , Yuki and Shigure take her into their home as their new housekeeper . . . especially since the place is a pigsty .
But Yuki and Shigure are keeping some strange secrets . When Kyo Sohma bursts in to fight Yuki , Tohru tries to stop him - - and the three turn into a dog , cat , and rat . Turns out the Sohma family is cursed with the spirits of the Chinese zodiac , and become those animals whenever they're hugged by a member of the opposite sex . Surprisingly , the mysterious family head Akito allows Tohru to stay with Yuki and Shigure , as long as the volatile Kyo also stays .
And soon Tohru becomes even more wrapped up in the Sohma family , and befriends many members of the zodiac . She , Yuki and Kyo must deal with crazed fanclubs , flamboyant brothers , school festivals , New Year's loneliness , Valentine's day woes , trips to the hot springs , visits to Tohru's mother's grave , and Yuki's band of loyal stalkers .
But Tohru also learns more about the curse - - the traumatic pasts that Momiji , Yuki and Kyo keep hidden , the little tiger girl who is bullied into silence , and Hatori's tragic romance . And finally Tohru discovers the horrific secret that Kyo is hiding , and the true role of the angry , violent Akito . . .
It takes a little while for Fruits Basket to get going , but after a few episodes it finds its footing and charges ahead like Kagura . Just don't expect it to really have an ending - - it doesn't end so much as stop , on a particularly moving story about Kyo and Tohru .
There's lots of romantic tension , slapstick fight scenes ( usually involving Kyo and somebody else ) , quirky comedy ( Ayame's kooky cosplay shop ) , and amusingly tongue-in-cheek dialogue ( Sometimes it feels like the whole world is conspiring to destroy my house ! ) .
But while the anime is somewhat more lighthearted than the manga , there's also a melancholy side to the story , centering on a curse that is ruining its victims ' lives . In the midst of the comedy , we get glimpses of Tohru's tragic past , the families torn apart by the curse , and the Sohmas ' isolation from the rest of the world .
Tohru herself is the most lovable character of the bunch - - she has a lot of sorrow over her mother's death and the unkindness of some of her relatives , but she compensates with optimism and friendliness . She borders on Pollyannishness occasionally , but is balanced out somewhat by her oddball friends .
And the Sohmas rule as far as quirkiness is concerned - - there's the quiet Prince Yuki , the volatile loner Kyo , and the charmingly kooky Shigure . The rest of the family is even more eccentric - - the flamboyant , charming Ayame , Yuki's prodigal brother who is trying ineptly to mend fences . Not to mention the volcanic Haru , the tragic Hatori , and half-German , deceptively cheerful Momiji .
Fruits Basket is by turns hilarious and bittersweet , with plenty of wacky antics , sad backstories and quirky characters . Delightful from beginning to end .
012 4 This anime is something really special . Really .
I don't know if I'm just gunna spew out the same facts as every other praising review does , but I think that , regardless , this anime deserves all the compliments it can get .
One reason why I love it so much ?
Its dubbing doesn't kill my ears - - trust me , this is something very new . The tones , voices , music , and sound effects are something that you take for granted . Watch another anime with bad dubbing and irritating music , and you'll see the difference ( in my opinion ) .
I originally got into this series because of the manga ( which I encourage you to buy ) . I don't keep up with the manga anymore , but recently , I've gone back to watching the anime . Know why ?
It's hilarious . And well done . And a cute story . Did I mention hilarious ? Subtle lines and character habits , not to mention the characters ' interactions kill me every time .
True , if you're not a fan of animes whose episodes end in morals , this may not be the best thing for you . The morals may be overdone sometimes , but in Fruits Basket , they are presented in a way that is cute , original , and in a way that made me , personally , start to think . Being jealous of someone else's good qualities is now translated into riceballs and plums ; kindness is now translated into different shapes and forms , i.e . a candle .
The affection between the characters is twisted , in some cases - - weak , and in some cases - - strong . Bold and stubborn personalities clash . Personal problems cause fights . Mistakes done in the past ruin their chance for a future . Outcasts , facades , protection , love , suffering . Every emotion in this anime is beautiful and expressed not just through what the character's say , but the actions they take .
There is no real romance with Tohru and for that , I am grateful . I love all the characters too much to truly be happy with just one being picked - - another surprise . And no , it's not because all the Sohma's are yummy . ^ ^
This anime is worth every star I give it . And while the manga is not over , the anime is at 26 episodes . Not too long , but not irritatingly short . I don't care how you buy it , but I hope you give it a try . This anime is not my favorite , but I do adore it enough to write a review .
Need I say more ?
Promise , I'll be fine . And I'll take great care of the house while you're gone ! You are talking to the girl who - - THE BATH WATER ! ! I LEFT IT RUNNING AGAIN ! !
If that doesn't inspire confidence , nothing will .
~ Tohru , Shigure
013 4 I Absolutely love this series . It is funny , tender , with a darkside . The storyline and animation have a dreamlike quality that is enhanced by it's excellent soundtrack . The dub is extremely excellent and the characters are all likable even dark , but misunderstood Akito Souma . Series like these are what keeps me watching Anime .
014 4 I bought this series for my daughter who is a big fan of anime . I think we have watched it about 10 times now . It is definitely her favorite . ( I think she has a cartoon crush ! ) Very nice stories about love , caring and acceptance unconditionally .
016 4 Okay , I'll admit this , I love anime . so I am slightly biased . but I know what I like , and I clearly know what I Don't like . this anime had very little of what I didn't like . . .
What I liked , was the broad rage of charc's that portrayed the weakness of humans . What most people don't understand , is that they see Tohru in constant happy mode . but , more astute readers and watchers , will notice that she uses her happy demeanor as a front . you'll see what I mean if you watch it . . .
Anways , This anime was wonderful , really it was . I found it very well thought out , and even though some parents won't like the cursing in it ( some words are bleeped for comidic reasons ) . the conversations were very close to what teens talk like In Real Life .
Now , I was able to relate to some of the charc's , and so were alot of my friends , that I forced to sit down and watched . This is what makes the anime so wonderful and diverse , it can bring alot of people together , and realize that there is always hope . and it just takes a little kindness to realize it . Even the members that are as happy as a rabbit , have had horrible things happen to them .
There are some who feel this anime delves to deeply into the human mind . but in all honesty , I Think it needs to ! the deepness of the anime is what makes it so enjoyable and relateable !
So , if you like deep , thought provoking anime's then pick up fruits basket .
018 4 I have my daughters to thank for my discovery of Fruits Basket . Without their interest in the manga and then the anime series , I probably never would have thought to give it a second glance . But I'm so glad that I did .
My first impression of the story was that it was the ultimate adolescent girl fantasy : a teenage girl meets several boys who , when she hugs them ( usually by accident ) , they transform into animals of the Zodiac . What could be more precious . . . and nauseating ? And yet , the story that develops from this premise - - a family whose members are cursed , generation upon generation , by the Zodiac animals - - is rich in character development and has much more depth than I originally expected . This is a story of mystery and love , told with both pathos and humor .
The animation for Fruits Basket is so beautiful as to defy description . I'd be hard-pressed to find a single frame of animation that wasn't worthy of displaying on a wall in a gallery somewhere , and when such gorgeous drawings are put together in such a clever , unexpected way , the result is absolutely breathtaking . The drawing style is light and funny , or somber and muted , or bright and colorful , as it serves the story and the characters .
And what characters ! Tohru Honda is the driving force behind the story , the teenager who meets and befriends the Sohmas . Her story is a tragic one , but the brave face she puts on it and her ruthlessly positive outlook are admirable . Quite simply , Tohru has a way of looking at the world that is infectious , and affects everyone around her in surprising ways . Tohru's best friends prior to meeting the Sohmas are Uo and Hana , who make frequent appearances in the story and add a great deal to it . They go to school with Yuki Sohma ( who changes into the Rat ) , the Prince of their school with his own fan club of appreciative girls . Yuki lives with an older relative , Shigure ( the Dog ) , an eccentric writer and perhaps my personal favorite character of the whole series . Kyo Sohma ( the Cat ) also comes to live with them , and the long-standing antagonism between Kyo and Yuki quickly becomes the stuff of legend . As the series goes on , Tohru meets more members of the Sohma clan . Not all of them shape-change into animals , but many of them do , and before it's over she has met nearly every Zodiac animal . We come to know each of the Sohmas , and through them , more about Tohru as well . By the end of the show , these are characters that you can't help but care about .
Fruits Basket has a definite target audience - - adolescent girls like Tohru - - and as such , love and romance play a part . But the good thing is that romance is not the only underlying element of the story , and it's told in such a clever , charming way that it doesn't become cloying or overdone . Along the way , the story also examines love that turns to obsession , bonds of friendship , family ties , and acceptance of differences ( sometimes big ones ) between different people . This last theme , acceptance , runs through the whole series , but becomes most powerful in the last few episodes . If you think the original story of Beauty and the Beast but take away the Disney gloss and bring it back down to its classic roots , then add a background of Eastern rather than Western culture , you might be getting close to the sort of thematic effect Fruits Basket has .
These themes are all there under the surface of Fruits Basket , but the surface is a story that made me laugh out loud more times than I can count , and made my eyes mist over almost as often . And in the last episode , it made me cry openly like a little kid - - not quiet tears that slip down your cheek , but the sort of tears that hurt your eyes and make your nose feel puffy . Only the most jaded heart could watch the whole series and not be moved by what happens in the last episode . If you think that a bunch of drawings and voices put together with the right story can't pack an emotional wallop . . . think again .
Fruits Basket is funny , it's honest , it's clever , it's beautiful to look at , it's unabashedly positive , and it's an absolute joy to watch . If you're an adult and you have kids ( especially girls ) , don't pop this in the DVD player and walk away . . . sit down with them to watch it . It's the kind of thing that kids and adults can really enjoy together , and it's something that will stay with you afterwards . It's something that I think might just touch your heart , as it touched mine .
019 4 Fruits Basket is one of the few series that I've seen to the end and the ending has not ruined the rest of it .
First off , watch it in Japanese ! The dub is good too , but I like the voice acting better in the original Japanese .
I'm sure you know the premise of the story if you're reading this . Sohma family curse . . . animals of the zodiac . . . hilarity ensues .
I've read reviews that say that Fruits Basket ( or Furuba ) is demeaning to women . That's not true . I don't like Kisa , but the other women are all very strong ( ok don't count the hot spring owner . . . ) . I think of it more as a social commentary . Women can make a difference too ! Tohru is a strong girl because she can solve so many problems and remain happy in spite of anything . I feel that Natsuki Takaya was also making fun of how much apologizing and modesty there is in everyday Japanese culture . Gomenasai . . . hounto ni gomenasai ! ! ! ( I'm sorry , I'm so sorry ! )
Favorite characters :
1st : Hanajima - She is my hero ! I am learning the art of the poison waves .
2nd : Ayame - nothing needs to be said here !
3rd : Motoko - I know some people hate the Yuki club fan girls , but they are people too !
Favorite episodes :
18 - I really like what they do with the layout of the episode . Also , Hanajima is still the best !
20 - Hehe , she's apologizing to the audience . . . and then there's Ayame's store . . .
I tried to keep track , and I don't think they introduced all of the zodiac . Also , some of the characters , based on their animals , could not be in the grade that they are in . For example , how is Tohru ( a dog ) in the same year as Yuki ( the rat ) ? And how can Momiji ( the rabbit ) and Hatsuhara ( the ox ) be in the same year ? And how can the snake and the dog be in high school at the same time ?
Oh , and you can play that game with new characters . When you're first introduced to a new character , you ask man or woman ? . If you can do that in a series , it really can't be bad !
I don't think you can watch Fruits Basket and come away depressed . It's really inspiring and funny . So please watch it !
020 4 Five stars would not be enough for the wonderful Fruits Basket . Fruits Basket is a story of a girl , Torhu Honda , whose mother died in a car accident , but is now living with the Sohma family . The box set follows the story of Tohru and her new Sohma friends who are cursed by the Chinese zodiac . It's a spectacular story . I'd definitely recommend it to anyone who is depressed ; this story will cheer you right up !
023 4 I thought this was a great series ! If you're one of those people who can find action packed series draining at times , then you'll really appreciate this series ! The story is great throughout the show , and the characters develop well ( and are very amusing most of the time ) . I wish they would come out with a 2nd season or something ! ! ! ! !
I wouldn't present this series to children under middleschool-age though . Also speaking from a somewhat religious stance , there are a few questionable things in this series . There's a good amount of cussing . Plus the characters under the Soma curse are naked when they turn back to their human form ( but you don't see anything , everything that's private is covered by smoke ) . Also if you're extremely conservative , you'll probably find the sexual orientation of a couple of the characters questionable . There are also a couple of episodes that are really violent . But if you don't mind all of the above , then you will love this series ! It's so fun !
024 4 I thought this was the best series I have ever seen ! ! It is sooo funny and it just makes you want to cry at the end . I suggest you buy this box set and add to your collection .
Laura Bailey did a wonderful job providing the voice of Tohru . I just love listening to it . Kyo and Yuki really add to the story as well with their opposite personalities .
If you are ever feeling depressed this is the thing to watch . You'll laugh , you'll cry .
025 4 This series is truly classic . The kind you want to watch on a cold winter's day , curled up next to the TV with a mug of hot cocoa . As others say , it is charming . It is both funny and sad . If you are looking for a good laugh , this is your series .
This particular box set is a great value , since Funimation was kind enough to stuff lots of episodes onto each of the four discs . The dub is EXCELLENT , one of the best I've ever heard , and just as good as the original Japanese . One complaint I have is that Funimation didn't put in an extra subtitle track , so you have to turn them on when you see Japanese text that they translate .
Character interactions are truly classic , especially the fights between Yuki and Kyo . Characters grow in maturity and wounds are healed , all centered around the miracle girl Toru Honda . This is what makes it so charming , and the life lessons that are presented are certainly ones we should learn from .
This is definitely a shoujo anime . If you are looking for an action packed one , this is not your type . Its all slow and calm paced , but done in such a manner as to not bore you . I give this one 5 stars for sheer enjoyability . There is some mild language , but I'd say this is good for all ages .
026 4 I just love Fruits Basket ! Now , a lot of people might say that the main character , Tohru Honda is a bit of a Mary Sue . But I don't really see it that way for some reason . I think it's because the ensemble characters are so great and really make each other stand out .
Another great thing about this set is the anime and music . I was very pleased with this storyline because it's really different from what I normally see , not just in anime but books in general . It's one of those few shows that is a melodramatic / comedy and really works well . One minute I'm laughing my butt off and the next I'm crying my eyes out.This series really goes through a whole range of emotions and keeps you entertained .
027 4 Fruits Basket stands out among all the fluff in anime today , but it definitely requires a bit of patience to discover the deep emotions and meanings hidden among the seemingly ordinary , even derivative , storyline . After watching almost all episodes of this series , I can say without a doubt that it's one of the best anime , much better than Ranma ( shallow fluff ) , even better than His and Her Circumstances ( very good show , but a bit too self-indulgent and over-the-top compared to FB ) .
Beneath the seeming cheerfulness and wackiness of the characters , there's a touchingly sad and dark undertone which made this show so different from all others . Almost every character in this show ( including especially Honda Tohru , the heroine ) has a sad past which haunts him / her , and which he / she alone probably would never be able to bear , but through friendship and kindness to others , one can learn to live with the sadness of the past . The beautiful opening song encapsulates the theme of the show well :
. . .
Waiting with patience for the Spring
When the flowers will bloom renewed again
Knowing there's more beyond the pain of today
Although the scars of yesterday remain
You can go on living as much as your heart believes
You can't be born again , although you can change
Let's stay together , always .
. . .
If you're tired of all the fluff in anime today , you should definitely give Fruits Basket a try , and again be patient and watch at least all the episodes in the first DVD . I'm sure most will find FB to be a treasure , a breath a fresh air .
028 4 What's the most over-used word in the English language ?
Tell you in a moment .
For now , meet the Sohmas . They're not your standard family . Because of a zodiac curse , various members turn into one of the Chinese zodiac creatures when embraced by the opposite sex . So they've shielded themselves ( to one degree or another ) from the rest of the world . In the first episode we are introduced to a household with three of the male Sohma's ; Shigure ( an older cousin / writer ) , Yuki and Kyo ( both high school students ) . Others eventually join in . Yuki , being the rat , and Kyo , being the cat , do NOT get along . At all . Ever .
Enter Tohru Honda , a high school girl ( and classmate of the aloof , distant Yuki ) who recently lost her only family member , her mother whom she loves and misses . This doesn't seem to have cost her a generally sunny disposition , though . One day enroute to school she happens across the Sohma house . After they discover that she's temporarily living in a tent , they convince Tohru to accept their chivalrous offer to live with them . She insists that , in exchange , she repay them by performing housekeeping and cooking chores . Of course she soon discovers the Sohma secret , but is allowed to stay without her memory ` wiped ' , the usual practice for these situations .
Tohru is a textbook anime high school girl ; adorable , long-legged , short-skirted , and demure . With all the cooking and cleaning to be done for the guys of the house this would seem to be the perfect training ground for a submissive housewife . But ordinary Tohru has extraordinary powers that can potentially change the Sohma's bleak , closed existence ; a bottomless well of kindness , unending compassion , extreme empathy , unwavering loyalty , and the ability to gently say exactly the right thing at exactly the right time . Really , it's almost as if Star Trek's Deanna Troi were reborn . Tohru becomes the Sohma's de-facto councilor . Which brings us to the most overused word in the English language :
` Love . '
OK , maybe it's just me , but it seems like that single word is used to cover so many diverse situations it can become meaningless . Greek , on the other hand , has a number of words that can be used in place of our one like ` eros ' ( romance , sensuality ) , filios ( family , brotherhood ) , and agape ( spiritual , godly ) . As Tohru learns more about the Sohmas , she approaches them with loads of agape , and eventually filios is thrown in .
This is a refreshing change from the standard anime fare when a lead character is surrounded by numerous members of the opposite sex , leading to ` fan service ' hijinx and a romantic storyline or ending ( eros ) . But that's not in evidence throughout this series . Tohru's love for Yuki , Kyo and the rest of the clan is a growing , genuine , unconditional affection and appreciation for the people they are ( agape ) , not the boyfriend that one of them might be . And Tohru is a wonderful character , the kind of friend everyone wants , especially in high school .
As promising as that sounds , the story tends to be predictable . The first dozen episodes lean toward a gentle sitcom style with the aura of a nice , quiet bedtime story . At appropriately inopportune moments , the Sohma's are accidentally ` poofed ' into their animal forms . Amusing , yes , but after awhile it's not exactly ` filling ' .
Changes occur at episode 13 . We find that the Sohma clan is not only cursed , it also has its dysfunctional side . While this adds a good touch of unease to the story , it sometimes lends itself to characters and sub plots that are more irritating than interesting . The editor and animators also add a few new techniques to the show's mix ; perhaps they were getting a bit bored with the slow going themselves . But still , the rather saccharine base continues . Most episodes from13 to 23 are amusing , a couple feel like filler that could have been easily skipped .
A note to those who crave a more intense storyline ; you'll probably be tempted to give up after the first six or so episodes . But if you persevere until episode 24 , congratulations ! You are about to be rewarded .
Throughout the series , Tohru's soothing of the Sohma's fate and ruffled feathers is fairly effortless on her part . Just Tohru being herself is all they need to start breaking out of their self-imposed exile , to start feeling ` human ' again . She becomes completely entwined with the people she has grown to love and the family she is now a part of ( filios ) . But the tone shifts during episode 24 as storm clouds gather , literally and figuratively . Tohru must face a horrific secret that the Sohma's have kept from her . Overcoming this will require not merely doing what comes naturally , but an exhaustive effort that will break her if she fails . Or she can run away , forever losing her new family , as well as that part of herself that is the core of her being . The drama is exceptionally well played , with Evangelion overtones of what it means and costs to be human , living with and accepting other humans . For the first time , the outcome is in doubt . It is a worthy ending to an ` ok ' anime .
The music is average ; violin , piano , flute and music box stuff that tends toward the fitting and uninspired . Besides the ending theme , nothing here stands on it's own , but it is better than the mere ` background noise ' that some shows throw on the soundtrack . The English vocal dub is excellent ( kudos to the Tohru , Kyo and Shigure actors ) , but the original Japanese voices provide a better feel for the characters , especially Yuki .
Fruits Basket is a fine introduction to anime in general , or the modern ` shojo ' style in particular . Getting the whole story on four disks makes for a great value . The message is a good one ; be yourself . Be kind , compassionate , and loyal to those who surround you , especially when extraordinary effort is required . You never can tell how much you're needed by those with seemingly impenetrable or uninviting exteriors .
029 4 I was thrilled when my husband presented the DVD box set to me for Mother's Day . I found it to be an incredibly touching story . It is well written and not schmaltzy at all . Some scenes were hard to watch without having tears in my eyes . Tohru is a character that represents the values that any parent would like to see in their children : honesty , perserverance , loyalty , dedication , generosity . Being a mom of two girls , Tohru was easy to adore . I would recommend this story for any family to watch together .
( The Japanese voice actors are well suited for the characters , but unfortunately , I cannot say the same for the English dubbing . The English voices were older and harsher sounding , and did not have the same appeal . Watch it with the subtitles . )
030 4 What a freaking rip off ! ! This is the most heartwarming stick in your psyche girly anime ever . I tell you I obsessed for months over this anime fanfiction , manga , posters its the cutest most heartwarming make you feel so happy you watched it anime ever , but I bought the entire series here for $30 Best buy can get it for a similar price , what is Amazon thinking pricing this series so high ? They must be nuts . Buy it used or new off ebay . It is an awesome adorable anime that will make you so happy and have you striving to be a better person , but c'mon , a hundred bucks for this is a total rip .
031 4 First , I want to say yes , I'm a grown woman , and yes , I love this series . ( No , I'm not a female version of Shigure ) . The anime and the manga are both so wonderful , and heartwarming . Sometimes , it might get a little too sticky sweet , but it's a great series . I would like ot say , I hate the English voice cast . I recommend the Japanese with subtitles . I won't go into a synopsis , or a summary . It's pointless as other people always do that . But , the story itself is charming , and leads to some very excellent comedy scenes . I don't recommend it for small girls , because of the dark side to it , there's no gore of violence , but it's really worth watching . I also highly recommend the manga . There is so much to the stroy that doesn't make it into the anime .
032 4 Ok so you know when you are looking for a nice anime to take your mind off of everything , one which you can relax with and yet enjoy it ?
Fruits Basket is that anime I cant begin to describe this anime ! It is simply amazing , each character has its very own unique personality , each episode makes you want to see more and more , the music is nice , the situations original , some funny some heart touching but all enjoyable .
And well its the first time I find a character as strong as Tohru . You'll know what I mean when you see it .
You wont regret having bought this ( I havent and Ive seen it a lot . . . my friends also )
So there you go soo . . . JUST SIT DOWN AND ENJOY ! !
035 4 first off i should say , this is something that I wouldn't normally buy . but i said what the hey ! and got the collection for like $20 . I was really suprised too ! to my surprise it was one of the most hilarious things i've ever seen ! it is super shoujo definetly + some cool fight scenes ( though that doesn't happen too often ) as you've probably already read , the sohma family has a curse that when hugged by a member of the opposite sex , they transform into one of the animals of the chinese zodiac ( or when under a great deal of stress ) . Tohru Honda moves into the house with Shigure-the dog , Yuki-the rat , and Kyo-the cat and comes to learn of the sohma family curse by accident ! i won't reveal anymore of the animals transformations in the series , but i will say , there was no horse or chicken ( rooster ) ! sadness . i wanted to see them all . ok enough of that . . . the only thing that could have shown improvement in the series was the ending - it leaves you hanging kind of . there is a happy ending and all but i'm wondering if they planned to continue the series or what ! if they made a sequel there sure would be alot of interested people !
in all i have to say Fruits Basket is a good , funny , solid anime definetly worth buying !
* Quality : 5 out of 5 . the picture is beautiful !
* Story : 4 out of 5 . lots of filler episodes , some could have been skipped .
* Characters : 5 out of 5 . very diverse characters ! !
* Music : 4 out of 5 . i dont like the opening song , the ending song is beautiful though ! music through the episodes repeats . and Yuki's theme is a bit creepy-thats what i thought !
* Extras : 3 out of 5 . remember i did get an imported version of this - the second disc has a kaching and something gallery and the other 2 discs had two previews of other animes .
the end . now go buy it !
036 4 . . . is the second greatest anime I've ever seen . I bought the books on a whim and after that I bought the animes hoping for the same quality I've come to expect , and they sure were .
Fruits Basket is a shoujo series , meaning it's basically intended for girls . Pretty much no fanservice for the guys , but the girls are somewhat lucky if you like that sort of thing . No real action fights and junk , but there is the occasional brawl between Yuki and Kyo .
The amazing thing about this anime is that the dubbing is really excellent . The voices are very well picked for all the characters , and emotions are really brought out . The animation is also top-notch and the script and character interactions .
Overall this is an awesome series that every shoujo fan should have in their collection to treasure forever and ever .
038 4 Fruits Basket is probably one of the best anime series your going to find . It has everything an anime series would want - - comedy , humor , romance , and even some action if you consider the bickering between Kyo and Yuki action .
Fruits Basket is about Honda Tohru , a 16 year old high school girl who lives in a tent b / c her mother had just passed away and she didn't want to burden anyone with having to take care of her . Going to school one day , she happens upon the house of her classmate Sohma Yuki . When the Sohmas discover her tent they invite her to live with them in exchange for the housekeeping chores . But little did she know what she was getting herself into . When she looses her balance and grabs onto Kyo for support he turns into a cat ! The Sohmas are a cursed family - - when they are hugged by a member of the opposite sex they turn into their respective zodiac animals .
What is so good about Fruits Basket ? One we can relate to a lot of the events in the show . Though we may not have just had our mother die like Tohru did , we all go through hardship . However Tohru can be seen as such a wonderful role model . Though she has hardship she always looks to the bright side of things , never being gloomy . She is the most unselfish person for she always worries about everyone else's problems instead of her own .
Why is the anime called Fruits Basket ? Well you'll just have to watch and see for the reason behind the show's title is reveled in episode 5 when we learn more about Tohru's past and character .
Fruits Basket is an anime I would reccommend to everyone even if you generally do not watch shoujo anime . It has enough humor to keep you addicted and watching ( Shigure-san's sarcastic and idiotic remarks ) . All in all it's a great anime . . . so if you've never seen it I truly reccommend it . It's defiantly a winner to have in your collection .
039 4 I have never been a big anime fan , unless you count watching Sailor Moon back in the day , but I thought Fruits Basket was really good . A friend recommmended the series and after reading the first 3 mangas , I was hooked . I bought the entire DVD set , not wanting to read the whole manga series and I enjoyed the DVD's . Yet I'm only giving this 4 stars because the DVD series was shortened compared to the manga series . I'm NOT saying the DVD series is bad though because it REALLY was entertaining . It's just the DVD didnt really own up to the manga series . The complexity of the whole story was shortened . Other than that , the Fruits Basket story is charming , sweet , mysterious and all that good stuff . You will instantly fall in love with the story and characters .
The Story :
The Sohma family with a curse that changes them into a member of the Chinese ZOdiac when touched by a member of the opposite sex . The Sohma family has kept their secret well hidden until a spunky , kind-hearted girl by the name of Tohru Honda stumbles upon their secret and the lives of the Sohmas changes forever . Now she must keep their secret hidden or else . As the story unfolds , you'll learn the secrets many other characters esp . those of the SOhma family as Tohru encounters other members of the ZOdiac .
An awesomely good story .
040 4 Tohru Honda , a young girl , interacts with various members of the Sohma family , and has mildly interesting adventures as she explores their different personalities . Honda-san fills in various emotional needs that each character lacks as the episodes progress . She obviously brings the family closer together-the artwork is well done , and the English dubbing is decent for a change-including the music , although you can still pick up the feelings by paying attention to the subtitles with the original Nihongo voice actors . This anime was unique to me because it really attempts to draw your emotional state into the story , and has many feel good moments . I would have enjoyed it a little better , but the ending of the series following Honda-san's trial leaves you without really knowing the long term resolution . You just have to assume that everything worked out as the ending disrupts the pace of the story and characters that you get used to . So I can't give it a 5 star rating because of that .
I should probably add that I have NOT read the manga .
041 4 It is difficult for me to describe why I love Fruits Basket so much . There is the mystery surrounding the Soma Family and their curse . The characters that are so human in their emotions and problems , yet the Somas have their animal characteristics seamlessly blended in . The character's personalities are not one-dimensional . . . they are shaped by their experiences . Momiji is an excellent example . He seems young and childish for his age , but through the series you discover he has a mature , philosophical side , odd in one so young . The show makes you think about human interactions , about how one person can make a difference , about who you are , and who you want to be .
There are many other examples of how the plot , humor , tragedy , characters , animation , and theme all appeal to me . The biggest testament to this series that I can give . . . is that it makes me feel better . When I am stressed , upset , depressed , or just feeling out of sorts , I watch Fruits Basket to laugh , cry , and relax . It sounds hokey , but I end up with a warm feeling inside .
I highly recommend this anime , and the associated manga . It appeals to people of all ages and genders as you can see by the many reviews here . Enjoy .
042 4 I love this anime not only because of the originality of the story but also because the characters are all so different and lovable in their own way , it just makes you want to hug em ' all . . ( well maybe not all of them , but most ) .
The story I thought it was very original , because it's about this girl : Torhu Honda who suddenly finds herself living in a tempt in the woods after her mother died and she decided to not trouble her grandfather . Now , a regular person wouldn't care living with their grandparents , but Torhu is the extremely nice , sweet girl that's always apologizing . At a first glance her personality might seem annoying and just plain stupid , but actually is not so bad when mixed with the other dif personalities on the anime . She is the main character , because of her many things happen in the anime , you'll see . She then meets the Sohma family ( don't know if that's how u write it ) and starts living with them .
So far is not interesting at all , now here comes the good part . This family has the curse of the chinese zodiac . Which means that they transform into the animals of the zodiac when hugged by someone of the opposite sex , or when they're feeling weak or sick . So the story revolves around Torhu meeting all of the members of the family and basically changing their lives . She is the only person outside the family that knows their secret and that means she is in a dangerous position , given the fact that the head of the family ( a guy named Akito ) has a history of being violent and traumatizing the family . . . so who knows what he'll do to her ?
It's a SUPER FUNNY anime , it makes you pee your pants from time to time . . and it has mild romance between 2 of the characters and the girl . Every character is hilarious and it's really an anime you will want to watch more than once !
The ending of the anime leaves you wanting for more though . . they don't quite explain everything and they leave you in the air . Some questions are not answered , to some people that's fine . . but to other people ( like me ) who just want more , there's the manga ! ! Characters that do not appear in the anime , do so in the manga . As well as things never mentioned in the anime .
GREAT SERIES ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! totally worth your time ! ! !
045 4 This is what started it all for me ! the manga and the anime are almost exactly the same with few diffrences in the plot ! the only sad thing is it end too soon ! the last 3 episods always make me cry ( well actully everything makes me cry at some point ) ! I'd have to say that my favorit episode is . . . . ahhhh no I love them all ! ! ! ! overalll this anime is good but some of the voices are alittle odd ( atleast to me . . . )
this is the toching story of thoru honda a girl who's mother recently died in a car crash . this serise about how she came to live with the sohmas . . . . . who have a secret curse that when ever there huged by someone of the oppisit sex they change into one of the 12 animals of the chinese zodiac .
if u've read the books you'll love the anime . . . . and if u havent read the books they're a MUST on u'r reading list
I agree with the 13 + ratting . . . . although it is probly suitable for younger kids ( depending on your veiws on things ( like language ) . . .
046 4 This is the first anime I ever saw in my life , and at my old age of 19 : ) I didn't think I'd get past the first few episodes , but to my luck and good fortune , I did watch them and I loved it .
Fruits Basket is about a girl Torouh Honda , who is orphaned and gets to live with the Sohma family . They are cursed by the Zodiac and they turn into zodiac animals whenever hugged by a member of the opposite sex .
It's a romantic anime , and like other costumers have said , you'll laugh a lot , and cry a little , perhaps more if you're like me . It's one of the best animes I've seen , although I've watched many after it , I'm sure anyone who watches it will enjoy it . The english dub is amazing , the voices are perfect , even better than the Japanese . I was very happy with the box set , as it looks lovely , ( has many pictures on it ) and keeps them together neatly . Also , you'll very much enjoy the extras on the dvd's , they're really nice .
I only wish there were more than 24 episodes !
049 4 Fruits Basket is the story of Tohru Honda whos mom died and she was living by herself until she met the Sohma family and changed there lives and hers forever . This is an amazing show which i have no problem admitting honestly made me cry in more than one of the episodes ( especially towards the end and Momiji's and Hatori's stories ) . If this anime doesnt make you cry laugh smile or move you in someway i honestly think there is something wrong with you , it has all the elements that makes a great anime . Its only 26 episodes long and im readying the manga too which is just as good if not better than the show so pick it up and find out that a riceball really does belong in a fruits basket .
051 4 Fruits Basket is my favorite DVD . I've watched quite alot and this is a funny , wholesome cartoon .
I'm still hoping i can see them grow up . Maybe Tohru , the main character , will fall in love with one of her long-time friends . That's just the romantic in me . Overall , I like it .
Nothing sexy or something that shows the kid's body as soft porn like other anime . Just funny .
052 4 Yeah ! Fruits Basket is one of the BEST anime I have ever seen ( that's saying alot ) . It's about a girl Toru Honda who has discovered the Soma family's deepest secret . When hugged by a member of the opposite gender they change into one of the animals of the zodiac . It also tells how Toru survives all the hardships that have befallen her , and all the great times Yuki , Kyo , everyone had together . It is very funny and it's all for a GREAT price . I think the best part is that it's really believable . It really seems like it could happen . I promise you won't regret ever having watch it . What are you waiting for ? ? ? Go buy it already ; )
Also , if you've read the manga before and have never seen this , be warned that this anime stops VERY early .
055 4 Yes , I am one of those people that saw this series before reading any of the manga . My opinion about manga used to be that it was too expensive to collect entire series and I would rather just watch the anime . However , I eventually realized that some manga does a much better job of telling a story than the corresponding anime does - this series is one such example .
All things considered , the Fruits Basket box set is value priced . When this series first came out the DVDs with just a few episodes on each were around $40 , but getting the whole box set of 26 episodes is a much better deal .
I think there are enough reviews to tell you what the story is , so I'll just tell you what I think about it .
THE GOOD :
* The story is pretty original .
* It is full of likeable ( and even loveable ) characters . I like Momiji ^ _ ^
* The psycho Prince Yuki Fan Club was pretty funny , and it's one of the few things I believe was actually done better in the anime version .
* It's a good show to watch if you just want something entertaining that you don't have to think about too much . It's undeniably adorable .
THE BAD :
* They constantly show flashbacks of things that happened or things people said like 2 seconds ago . It almost insults watchers ' intelligence sometimes because you already know the point they're driving at . I mean , come on , we don't need a recap of something that JUST HAPPENED .
* I agree with some other reviewers who said that Tohru's character is not ever really developed . She starts out the same way she ends up .
* The ending was waaaaaaay too soon , and I found it extremely unfulfilling . It doesn't go all the way up to where the manga ends ( heck , at the time this review is being written the manga isn't even all out yet . ) So you don't really get to see the actual ending , it only goes partway .
* Some of the episodes in the middle are repetitive and tend to drag a bit . Formula : A new person appears , they don't like the idea of Tohru , then they meet her and end up liking her like everyone else . Yuki and Kyo fight and someone transforms at some point . The end .
Again , I really encourage everyone to read the manga for this series . There are so many important plotlines that aren't even mentioned , or are merely hinted at in the anime . There are so many more things explained , and it is given a lot more depth in the manga . It's hard to explain , but it really is very different . So watch if you like , but please , read also .
057 4 Tohru Honda is recently orphaned and lives with her grandfather . But her grandfather's son's family is moving in , so he needed to expand the house . Unable to stay there while the expansion is being done , and not wanting to be a burden to her friends , Tohru lives in a tent . As if the girl doesn't have enough trouble , she works very hard at a job that's for adults . Tohru is struggling , but she is content .
Things turn around , though , when classmate ( and most popular boy at school ) Yuki Sohma turns out to be living nearby . As in , in the same woods . Not wanting him or his cousin , Shigure , who is a novelist , to worry , she simply tells them she's just living nearby . She gets a fever and the cousins learn of where she is living , and offer to have her stay at their home . Tohru , in exchange for staying there , would do the housework . Tohru soon learns by bumping into hot-tempered Kyo Sohma that the Sohmas aren't as they seem . They realy turn into the 12 Chinese Zodiac Animals , and the Cat , who was left out , when they are hugged . Tohru accepts this , and is allowed to stay at the home after Shigure talks with the head of the family , Akito . Tohru gradually meets the other cursed family members , and realizes that there are deep , dark secrets buried inside each one of them . . .
Fruits Basket is a heartwarming tale of the struggles of being different , the hope to go on , and much more . Comedy , drama , and fantasy make up this series . I love this anime , but I give it only four stars because I find the manga much better , for the anime left out many details . FUNimation , though , is holding a crane-folding activity at their conventions , though , in hopes of getting a second season to the anime with more information from the manga . If you go to a convention , please fold one so you can get the full experience of Fruits Basket on DVD !
059 4 Up until a year ago , I've never seen a single episode of Fruits Basket . After reading so many positive reviews and I decided to rent it from rentanime.com and I must say I was totally blown away . The animation and the story are excellent and the voice acting from both the English and Japanese VA's are exceptional . I was planning on purchasing the entire 4 volumes , but when I heard Funimation was releasing a boxset , I immediately had to get it . The box itself is gorgeous , with various pictures of the Sohmas , Tohru and her two friends , Ansa Uotani and Saki Hanajima throughout the box . Inside , there's a huge picture of Tohru with almost all the Sohmas in their animal forms . Kyo is eepecially funny in his cat form .
This boxset is a must have for all fans and at the low price of $79.98 , you save over $24.00 . Instead of buying the entire 4 volume DVD individually . So what are you waiting for , go and get it ! ! !
060 4 This anime series is one of my favorites between my 200 DVD anime collection without any doubt . . . Ya it is realy a fruits basket ! You'll see all different tastes in this anime romance lovestory comedy & . . . with its wonderful music ( Specially the songs , both japanese original one & the English version ) there's nothing been left . The show is about a mysterious cursed casted on Sohma's family that makes them converted to animal forms by being touched by opposite sex & . . . ( I'm not going to tell the story & ruin your chance by experience it yourself ) ~ . O
The only thing that bother me somehow is the lack of extra stuffs in these DVDs everything is great , the quality of sound & picture but it can be better . X.X
I wish this anime could be longer than 13 episode but . . .
Anyway if you are an anime fan & you are not just looking for those complex titles you don't understant even 1sec of it so just take the basket & start your journey through the Sohma's world .
063 4 This review is from :
Fruits Basket Box Set ( Viridian Collection ) ( DVD )
This is probably one of the best anime's out there if you looking to have a little bit of everything wrapped into one . I bought this set based on some reviews I read about it online and not only was I satisfied I was also glad that I purchased it . The characters are amazing , the stories can range from sad to romance to funny . I was left wanting more so not only do I recommend picking up this set but I also recommend picking up the manga's from it as well because the anime only covers the first 7 volumes out of 23 and I guarantee you will want to know what happens with these characters after the anime . Also don't listen to people saying this is for girls because I'm a guy and I really enjoyed this , pick it up immediately .
065 4 This review is from :
Fruits Basket Series Box Set ( 2004 ) ( DVD )
Fruits Basket is the most attractive and adorable show I have ever seen . It is about human troubled emotions and problems and how friendship , love and acceptance can heal them . This what makes it a great show full of lessons ; besides the great humor in it that leaves you light-hearted and happy . I never get tired of watching it over and over again . The characters are beautiful and so enjoyable , the background setting is wonderfully drawn , and the music is so touching . It is the kind of anime that everyone should see ( please don't miss it ) . However , this is not the end . The anime stops where Tohru accepts Kyo and sord of heal him . but the novel goes on to where their relationship developes to a happy ending . I can't wait until they complete the series !
This Box set contains the 4 chapters , each inside it's own box . It is so beautifuly designed and quite handy . I love it !
066 4 Fruits Basket is the most attractive and adorable show I have ever seen . It is about human troubled emotions and problems and how friendship , love and acceptance can heal them . This what makes it a great show full of lessons ; besides the great humor in it that leaves you light-hearted and happy . I never get tired of watching it over and over again . The characters are beautiful and so enjoyable , the background setting is wonderfully drawn , and the music is so touching . It is the kind of anime that everyone should see ( please don't miss it ) . However , this is not the end . The anime stops where Tohru accepts Kyo and sord of heal him . but the novel goes on to where their relationship developes to a happy ending . I can't wait until they complete the series !
This Box set contains the 4 chapters , each inside it's own box . It is so beautifuly designed and quite handy . I love it !
068 4 This review is from :
Fruits Basket Series Box Set ( 2004 ) ( DVD )
The whole series from start to finish pulls you from one end of your emotional spectrum to another . You learn to care for each and every character , no matter how annoying they might seem in the beginning . And don't be fooled because it's a shojo , or for girls series . Everyone can truly appreciate this masterpiece . I just wish there was more of it . . . .
070 4 Fruits Basket is an anime series based on the Sohma family who has been cursed . They have the zodiac curse upon them making certain members of the family transform into the animals of the zodiac ( including the cat ) when they are embraced by a member of the opposite sex or when they are under a great deal of stress . The three main zodiac members in the series are Shigure , a writer and the zodiac dog ; Yuki , the rat ; and Kyo , the cat who has a curse worse than anyone can imagine . This certainly makes for an interesting time when Tohru Honda , a high school girl and classmate of Yuki . Tohru has a very positive outlook at life and comes to live with these three Sohmas by accident after her mother dies in a car accident . She becomes the housekeeper for the family and also seems to be the only one that can keep Yuki and Kyo from fighting ( well , fighting a lot anyways ) . She comes to know the Sohma secret and becomes immersed in the family's life . Tohru also brings a kindness into the family that everyone of them has been lacking while simultaneously changing everyone of their lives in the process ; she is the light in the Sohma family's dark curse .
Exceptionally well written anime series . I was really upset when it ended and I wanted it to keep continuing .
071 4 Fruits Basket is one of the best anime series to come along in a long time , and it helps that it goes over well with both girls and guys .
Combining comedy , drama , a little romance , and a slight darker edge , Fruits Basket becomes an instant favourite for all those that watch it . The characters are endearing and the story deals mainly with interacting with others and overcoming hardships in order to move forward in life .
If you haven't watched Fruits Basket yet , this is a must-see ! You'll laugh , you'll cry , you'll feel as if you really got something out of watching it , and the DVD release was magnificiently done . . . . what more can you ask for in an anime ?
072 4 This review is from :
Fruits Basket Box Set ( Viridian Collection ) ( DVD )
Well . . . . I didn't know what this series was about , I never read the managa's I hardly even looked at it . But I wanted to watch something new . And boy did I . This series is sooo conflicting yet , emotional , and hillarious ! Wow , I just got hooked after the first few episodes . I reccommend this to anyone .
073 4 Well . . . . I didn't know what this series was about , I never read the managa's I hardly even looked at it . But I wanted to watch something new . And boy did I . This series is sooo conflicting yet , emotional , and hillarious ! Wow , I just got hooked after the first few episodes . I reccommend this to anyone .
074 4 This review is from :
Fruits Basket Box Set ( Viridian Collection ) ( DVD )
I had a little trouble getting my shipment . I put in a call after tracking my product and found that it was delivered , but I never received my product . I put a call into customer service and explain the situation , they were very helpful and took very good care of me . On the second try I received my product within the delivery time quoted to me . There was nothing wrong with the product . I would definitely order again from Amazon , their customer care service is what more companies should strive to have within their companies .
076 4 I don't normally read anime , but this particular one just caught my eye one day and when I saw that it had been made into a show , I quickly snatched that up , too .
A story about a young girl who meets this mysterious family and quickly learns that everyone in the entire family turns into animals from the zodiac , when touched by a person of the opposite sex .
A unique story line that keeps you waiting to see what happens next . My only disappointment was realizing that the show was made when the book series was about half-way through . So , you don't get to see the actual book ending ( which was my favorite part ) . But , if you have never read the books ( or even if you have ) it's still worth checking this out .
078 4 Mild enough for most children and deep enough to ensnare adults , it may be called a puff anime but don't let that fool you . Although the series was never finished ( seriously who cut this ? ) it's still amazing and has earned a spot on my coveted keeper shelf .
079 4 This anime is certainly not without its flaws . . .
1 ) Tohru Honda is not very well developed and can even get on my nerves for being so happy and optimistic all the time . . .
2 ) Sometimes , the episodes come off as cheesy . . .
3 ) It is an angsty series . . .
4 ) It can be hard to understand why the Sohmas do not just leave their dysfunctional family . . .
5 ) The middle episodes are formulaic / boring . . .
6 ) The ending is not really an ending . . .
These are counterbalanced by . . .
1 ) . . . but most , if not all , of the other characters are well-developed - they have decent back-stories that we gradually learn and they gradually change .
2 ) . . . but the general messages about fear , acceptance , love , etc are relevant and meaningful .
3 ) . . . but the angst is generally an understandable reaction to the circumstances . Also , this series is about mainly about teenagers , perhaps the most angsty section of the population .
4 ) . . . but in the real world , it is hard for the abused to leave their abuser . This is intensified by the fact that the family is cursed .
5 ) . . . but there is a large cast of dysfunctional family members . Heck , we don't even meet all the Zodiac members ( b / c of 6 ) . . . but given the story told , everyone would be disappointed if we didn't meet some of the zodiac members .
6 ) . . . but this is because season 1 was written alongside the manga and stopped partway through the manga . Perhaps there will be a season 2 , but if not , the manga is now fully finished ( in Japan and the USA ) and you can always pick it up to find out the real ending .
Overall , this is a very sweet anime and well worth your time .
083 4 This review is from :
Fruits Basket Series Box Set ( 2004 ) ( DVD )
Imagine if you moved in with a new family and friends . . . and found out they turn into animals when you hug them .
That's what Tohru Honda has to deal with in Fruits Basket , the adaptation of Natsuki Takaya's hit manga . And the manga adaptation is a delightful one - - while the ending gets changed , it's still charming , quirky , slapsticky and sprinkled with darker moments .
Tohru is living in the woods , with only her late mother's photo for company . Exploring one day , she wanders down to a large house , and bumps into the owners : flirtatious Shigure Sohma , and his gorgeous cousin Yuki - - the school's mysterious Prince . After Tohru becomes ill and her tent is destroyed , Yuki and Shigure take her into their home as their new housekeeper . . . especially since the place is a pigsty .
But Yuki and Shigure are keeping some strange secrets . When Kyo Sohma bursts in to fight Yuki , Tohru tries to stop him - - and the three turn into a dog , cat , and rat . Turns out the Sohma family is cursed with the spirits of the Chinese zodiac , and become those animals whenever they're hugged by a member of the opposite sex . Surprisingly , the mysterious family head Akito allows Tohru to stay with Yuki and Shigure , as long as the volatile Kyo also stays .
And soon Tohru becomes even more wrapped up in the Sohma family , and befriends many members of the zodiac . She , Yuki and Kyo must deal with crazed fanclubs , flamboyant brothers , school festivals , New Year's loneliness , Valentine's day woes , trips to the hot springs , visits to Tohru's mother's grave , and Yuki's band of loyal stalkers .
But Tohru also learns more about the curse - - the traumatic pasts that Momiji , Yuki and Kyo keep hidden , the little tiger girl who is bullied into silence , and Hatori's tragic romance . And finally Tohru discovers the horrific secret that Kyo is hiding , and the true role of the angry , violent Akito . . .
It takes a little while for Fruits Basket to get going , but after a few episodes it finds its footing and charges ahead like Kagura . Just don't expect it to really have an ending - - it doesn't end so much as stop , on a particularly moving story about Kyo and Tohru .
There's lots of romantic tension , slapstick fight scenes ( usually involving Kyo and somebody else ) , quirky comedy ( Ayame's kooky cosplay shop ) , and amusingly tongue-in-cheek dialogue ( Sometimes it feels like the whole world is conspiring to destroy my house ! ) .
But while the anime is somewhat more lighthearted than the manga , there's also a melancholy side to the story , centering on a curse that is ruining its victims ' lives . In the midst of the comedy , we get glimpses of Tohru's tragic past , the families torn apart by the curse , and the Sohmas ' isolation from the rest of the world .
Tohru herself is the most lovable character of the bunch - - she has a lot of sorrow over her mother's death and the unkindness of some of her relatives , but she compensates with optimism and friendliness . She borders on Pollyannishness occasionally , but is balanced out somewhat by her oddball friends .
And the Sohmas rule as far as quirkiness is concerned - - there's the quiet Prince Yuki , the volatile loner Kyo , and the charmingly kooky Shigure . The rest of the family is even more eccentric - - the flamboyant , charming Ayame , Yuki's prodigal brother who is trying ineptly to mend fences . Not to mention the volcanic Haru , the tragic Hatori , and half-German , deceptively cheerful Momiji .
Fruits Basket is by turns hilarious and bittersweet , with plenty of wacky antics , sad backstories and quirky characters . Delightful from beginning to end .
084 4 I love this anime to pieces . Its sweet , sad and hilarious . It is my recommendations that watch this series and read the Manga .
If you're looking for something a little heartwrenching , sweet and funny this is it . I love all the characters in this anime and while some people say that the characters have no depth they aren't really looking at the anime on a whole . ( Its normal for anime and manga to make fun of its characters downfalls and Fruits Basket is no different ) . Each of the characters have their own saddness and misfortune making them real .
085 4 This anime is extremely beautiful to the eyes and to the heart .
The colors and animation is perfect for the storyline . There are times when the animation gets silly , and there are times when the animation is absolutely breathtaking .
The characters are all well developed and well explored , even though some characters might only be in one episode .
The voices in the English cast are great ! The main three , Tohru , Yuki and Kyo are done especially perfectly . Tohru's inflections d a great job of crossing over the politeness of the character that may not be ' literally ' translated . Yuki's soft , but alluring voice matches his looks and his personality which I actually preffer over the female voice used in the Japanese version . Though Yuki's voice is gentle , it is very obviously a man's . Kyo's strong , forceful tone is exactly perfect for his strong , guarded , hot-tempered personality . At times when Kyo shows his soft side , his voice also softens and it really shows how deeep down that hard exterior is a caring human being . Hatori's voice is very monotonous , but I think it works well for that character . Hatori says some of the most heartwrenching things in the anime and the fact that he says them all with very little emotion just hits my heart harder .
It is very original in the sense of it's plotline .
The script is probably what draws me the most to Fruits Basket . The English translation is wonderful ! Being an American , some things didn't make sense , culturally to me when I watched the episodes with subtitles on the internet and one really misses out on the effect of watching the translated version . They did a great job and the way they worded things is very touching .
086 4 This anime is the following -
GREAT ! ! !
Fantastic comedy , cute scenes , interesting plot line .
Also many gut-wrenching tear-jerker deep scenes combined with side splitting comedy , combined with action related to strange plot .
In other words , this is the most bipolar anime I have ever watched .
HOWEVER ! ! ! ! !
BAD things !
Rather unresolved ending
Some say that things are resolved in the ending , but I was stuck pulling my hair out . Although there are rumors of a second season , nothing has happened yet so its rather frustrating to have such an abrupt ending to the series . Yet it was still also worth every penny for all the really good episodes .
Also the english dubbing is horrible , so it's worth watching in Japanese with subtitles if necessary .
090 4 Fruits Basket is so comforting from the first esp . The opening song just makes you smile . Us Anime fans get this wonderful story about this sweet charming girl and the way she just wants to make everybody around her happy . You really grow to love each charcther in their own way . Fruits Basket can make you laugh out loud also touch you .
And even make you cry .
Dubbed Anime fans like myself can relax this is one of the best cast dubs ever ! ^ _ ^ If you love anime this should be on your list to see . If your just starting out liking Anime this is a Great place to start ! ^ _ _ ^
091 4 I'd never seen this anime before and decided to check it out . It was awsome . There's alot of crazy humor in it ( one of the funniest I've seen in awhile ) , but there were alot of seriousness in it too ( actually came close to crying a couple of times ) . Overall this is just a great anime and would definatelly recomend it .
095 4 This is exactly what anime was meant to be ! Forget all that popular , childish cartoons like Pokemon and Dragon Ball Z . I used to not like anime because I thought they were childish , but I stumbled across this gem known as Fruits Basket and after that , I was cured of my ignorance .
For those of you who enjoyed this series , check out Ouran High School Host Club and Honey & Clover .
098 4 DVD navigation is great as far as I am concerned .
There are many instances when the background music drowns the conversations that I couldn't figure out what the characters were saying even after I tried to rewind it .
My biggest complain though is about Tohru Honda's character . Before anything else , I just want to make it clear that I do not hate Tohru Honda . I have been an anime lover for years and I've never hated a villain or any female anime character . I've never disliked Yanagi of Flame of Recca even when all she could do is cry and say Recca's name . I am the type who would defend Haruko of Slam Dunk with all my might because some didn't like her just because she likes Rukawa Kaede . I do not hate Rukawa's fangirls or Yuki's fangirls . I look at them like humans , with desires and longings and faults and all .
However , I am very disturbed by Tohru's character . She is so unreal . It is very obvious that she was plucked out of a girl's fantasy of being around beautiful men and being swooned over and yet very innocent about it . Now , even Yanagi and Haruko got to be surrounded by bishonens ( beautiful men ) . What makes Tohru so different is that she is so perfect , so perfect that it makes me cringe . At 16 , she is pretty , kind , goes to school and works as a cleaner aside from being a housekeeper at the Sohma house . At the Sohma house , she cleans , cooks , do laundry , wash dishes , etc , etc that you would wonder why she still has time to have friends . She smiles all the time and knows how to say the right words at the right time . EVERYBODY LIKES HER ! Are you cringing yet ? Almost every character in the anime would change their outlook just because they were touched by this kind and innocent looking girl . Take note that those characters are damaged in some way and yet they found some solace in her . Talk about ego .
Rules were bent just to accommodate her . Every outsider's memories were erased but she was spared . Why ? Who knows ? Even the heartless Akito was touched by her sentimentality . It is not clear if it was because she is pretty and kind . How would the Sohmas know that she won't betray them ? Because she is perfect !
I just didn't like the portrayal of Tohru Honda's character . What kind of anime creator would make a girl take her dead mother's picture to the hot springs so that they could bathe together ?
Not only Tohru Honda is a typical Mary Sue , she is also a typical big-eyed , short-skirted high school girl . What could be worse ?
Yes , Virginia , there is more . All the Sohmas are goodlooking ! I don't even feel bad for Kyou when he transformed into a hideous beast because I know it is still him , just a different form . What made me feel for his character is because he was so left out when he was tricked by the rat in the zodiac . And I am a cat lover !
However , parents-dying-and-brothers-not-getting-along plot are so common that it fails to arouse sympathy .
On the plus side , there are a lot of lessons that we could get . How ironic is it that for all the supposedly mature characters , a younger boy would stand out ? Momiji has probably one of the most painful and touching experiences . How can anyone not cry when he said that no matter how painful the memories were , he would never , ever choose to forget them ? Personally , that is the highlight of this anime .
Hattori is another one who had a very painful past . How tragic must have it been to be the one to erase one's memories from a beloved ?
Shigure is probably my most liked character because he is so real . He doesn't fail to make you laugh . He doesn't hide his feelings . He says things as they are and he doesn't care what people think of him . He likes teasing people and doesn't hide his penchant for high school girls .
100 4 I was very excited when I finally received this series since it wasn't the traditional samurai warrior or giant robot Sci Fi I have seen so many times before . It was going to be a breath of fresh air , or so I thought . The first few episodes were great , very mysterious . But as I reached the half way point , things got dry , really dry .
The shows became very predictable - a little bad thing would happen and Tohru saves the day . I felt like I was back in psychology class again with all the narriating of Tohru's thoughts . After awhile , the main character began to get on my nerves with her lack of personality . She was always happy happy joy joy . There were also cross-dressing men which can be fun , but there are so many in this show , they became annoying too .
What was the biggest disappointment , though , was the lack of the director's creativity with the Sohma's curse . I thought there would be a huge crazy spiel with the Sohma's changing into their zodiac animals all over the place in public . I also thought they would take advantage of their ability to change into an animal more often . At the beginning , it looked like the Sohma's could communicate or control their zodiac animals , but it turns out the animals just follow them . Even that aspect wasn't even taken well advantage of in the show ! Unfortunately for me , I have some creativity , and the show did not come even close to its full potential of crazines .
And the ending , don't even get me started on that .
I suggest you stay away from this series if you like shows that aren't predictable . I was able to predict what would happen next just like in Pokemon . This show was a major letdown for me .
Fruits Basket Series Box Set ( 2004 ) ( DVD )
And I thought Ranma 1 / 2 was the funniest . Nope , this is it ! My sister and I about died when we first started watching . This story is about a really weird family , but you get to love them the way Tohru does and never want them to change . The only fault I have is that they didn't continue to complete the manga . The ending just leaves you wanting more .
021 4 This review is from :
Fruits Basket Series Box Set ( 2004 ) ( DVD )
Anyone who hasn't seen this anime NEEDS to.It's one of the best out there.Atleast to me.Its one of the few sweet-as-candy animes that doesnt make me sick.It just makes me want more more more ! Its a great one for beginners if you wanna hook them in forever also.My own mother loves it .
022 4 Anyone who hasn't seen this anime NEEDS to.It's one of the best out there.Atleast to me.Its one of the few sweet-as-candy animes that doesnt make me sick.It just makes me want more more more ! Its a great one for beginners if you wanna hook them in forever also.My own mother loves it .
037 4 This was one of the best Anime sets I have ever seen . I saw it at a friends house and I knew I had to get it . It is so cute and funny . A good mixture of both . My little sister and I love to watch it togher all the time . If I could I would give this 10 stars .
043 4 I have the whole set of four discs and just love them . The series is touching and so very sweet . I admit even I cried a few times watching certain episodes . My favorite character in the series is Kyo Soma . I recomend it to anyone who likes sweet romance anime .
081 4 This is my favorite anime of all time with The Twelve Kingdoms running a close second . If I were going to choose one word to describe it , I would use CHARMING .
My only complaint about this series is that , like The Twelve Kingdoms , it was never completed .
I hope one day they will be able to do the rest of the series .
087 4 This review is from :
Fruits Basket Series Box Set ( 2004 ) ( DVD )
This is a fun series that I wish continued past the first season .
My kids got me started and now I am hooked .
088 4 This is a fun series that I wish continued past the first season .
My kids got me started and now I am hooked .
092 4 This review is from :
Fruits Basket Series Box Set ( 2004 ) ( DVD )
And I thought Ranma 1 / 2 was the funniest . Nope , this is it ! My sister and I about died when we first started watching . This story is about a really weird family , but you get to love them the way Tohru does and never want them to change . The only fault I have is that they didn't continue to complete the manga . The ending just leaves you wanting more .
094 4 I am an avid anime fan and have started slowly collecting many different varieties . I got a small preview of Fruits Basket from a friend and just had to buy the whole series . The product was in exquisite condition and shipping was on time . My husband and I haven't laughed so hard in a long time .
