lempi.kshlerin - 2015-02-21 23:57:53

Definitely one of the best anime I've ever watched! With its mixture of romance, comedy, and typical agricultural lifestyle, I really enjoyed both seasons of Gin no Saji!

bulah93 - 2014-11-18 00:04:31

I'm going to review this by category based on the given factors.

Story

This story this season follows that of the first season.  Our main character Hachiken Yugo still attends Yezo in pastoral Japan, is still learning more about the agricultural industry, and is still adjusting to his new life.  Over the season he learns more about horses through a fun and saddening arc surrounding the school festival.  The story takes a turn for the worse when Komaba's baseball team loses the National Championship and Komaba resigns himself to dropping out of high school so he can make money when his mother sells the farm.  Throughout this arc Hachiken comes to terms with the gap between the rich and the poor, as well as the reality that many farms face.

Usually animes with themes like farming aren't attractive to me.  I find them dull and lacking the all-important personal connection I feel any good story needs to make.  Gin no Saji, though, manages to make this connection very easily, through our wonderful line of characters.  For anyone who grew up in a city, they get to laugh at all the mistakes Hachiken makes and really get to relate to what he feels.  For those living in the city, they get a chance to laugh at the newcomer not knowing what they understand instinctively.  At least to me, I was able to feel the struggle Hachiken went through trying to adapt to his new environment. I think anyone would be able to make this connection and fall in love with this anime.

Animation

I will admit that there was a few month gap in between starting and finishing this anime, so I will only speak on the part that I watched recently.  Overall, the animation was very good and I saw little to no errors.  A-1 even went above and beyond with some of the natural effects such as condensation when the characters talk outside.  The issue for me, though, is that I HATE any form of unnecessary CGI.  I only saw it in the last few episodes, most notably in the last episode.  To me, the last episode of an anime is the second most important episode, and CGI will always leave a slightly more negative impression.  I understand it is hard to animate animals by hand, but I would rather see a pan over an unmoving scene than awkward looking CGI any day.

Sound

All the sound seemed pretty solid and the sound effects were in place and positively added to the scenes.  I really liked both the opening and closing for this show and the soundtrack always seemed to fit.

Character

Gin no Saji has a large cast of lovable characters all with their own unique personalities and traits.  It's interesting to see these people that many would classify as "unintelligent" and "uncultured" discuss agricultural issues that would go way over my head.  It makes them seem more real in a way.  

Another cliché in anime that I'm glad this anime broke was that of the oblivious main characters in the realm of love.  In many anime all the people of one gender are deeply in love with one character of the other, but in this anime the characters are much more aware of their feelings, and even though nothing officially happens between the main characters, the scenes give a palpable feeling of love and caring

Enjoyment

I really liked this season, but I did feel it wasn't as strong as the first.  For this reason I am giving it a 9/10.  I do, however want a third season, and that is enough to keep me content with my rating.  I think if you look at Gin no Saji and think, "This looks good", you'll probably like it.

gberge - 2014-04-15 03:31:33

If you haven't read my review of Season 1, you can find it here: http://hummingbird.me/anime/gin-no-saji/reviews/5574 This review is written assuming you have read the first, so check it out if you have the time, but it's not absolutely necessary. Also, this review contains spoilers for Season 1.

Silver Spoon Season 2 continues the tale of Hachiken, a boy who ran from his city life to attend an agricultural high school out in rural Japan. Although a shock at first, he has adapted to this new way of life and made many friends in the process. This season expertly explores the relationships Hachiken has with his friends and family, while also focussing on how his school life is affecting him. Both of these serve as great avenues to tread as the story moves on.

In my review of season 1, I praised Silver Spoon for it's realistic and down-to-earth nature; clearly a lot of research has been put into it, and that becomes apparent through the setting and the plot. The characters, too, are extremely realistic and likeable, and I found myself feeling a range of emotions as I followed their lives throughout this season. I cheered at their triumphs, laughed at their interactions, felt the blows of their failures and sadness. I fell deadly silent during the serious moments and really wanted things to work out.

It's funny, because I'm quite sure that Silver Spoon reflects the reality for a lot (or at least a few) people living in Japan, at to an extent even people outside of Japan. It deals with very realistic situations and life problems, using extremely likeable and empathetic characters as a means to keep us attached and engaged. The characters are the key, and they are executed and developed perfectly.

Like last season, our two main characters are Hachiken and Mikage, who receive the most attention. I particularly liked the development of their relationship, even though it suffered at the hands of cliché teen romance tropes at times. The fact of the matter is, I really care about these two characters and I want to see them succeed.

As these two are our mains, the relationships they have with other characters are also explored. A mysterious plot-line involving Komaba is hinted at in the first episode and leaves you wondering until later in the season. Komaba's relationship with both Hachiken and Mikage is tested and explored through this plot-line, and I must say I got quite wrapped up in this plot thread.

The final relationship that I wish to mention is that of Hachiken and his father. Man. The scenes between these two are possibly the best in the entire series so far. You can really feel everything going on between them, and you can't help but hang off of every word that is spoken. The set-up from season 1 really has a strong pay-off here.

All of the characters from the previous season return, and although they still don't get as much attention, that is fine. If even one of them had disappeared, I would have been a little upset, because they are all quite likeable and add something of their own to the series.

The animation quality for season 2 neither degrees nor improves in comparison to season 1. That's absolutely fine, because it is good enough (and with the great story and characters, who cares what it looks like anyway?). It doesn't need to be any better than it is, and combined with the unique art-style, it is quite charming.

All that really needs addressing in relation to the sound are the new opening and ending. They're good! I'd say they are about on the same level as those for season 1, although, as usual, they take some getting used to after you've settled on the first two.

In short, the second season of Silver Spoon is fantastic; an outstanding continuation of an already excellent series. The story being told, the characters involved, and the setting all just work so well together. It does at times take pages from other shows with similar themes or plots, using classic tropes to extend certain elements, but it's alright. It's done well and only makes me want more.

So hurry up and give me more! Bring on season 3!