kailee.turcotte - 2014-10-26 05:38:47

Tokyo Marble Chocolate is a, totaling to fifty minutes, OVA series that tells a simple, yet sweet, story of love. Usually when a series is limited on run-time it's common to see consistent issues in pacing and proper, satisfactory closure. First seeing that Tokyo Marble Chocolate only had two normal-length episodes to it, I assumed this would end up being the case, but Production I.G. has done a great job many times in the past. Luckily, that talent translates to this small work as well.

As the project was worked on by Production I.G., the studio behind Attack on Titan, it isn't a surprise to note that the budget for this OVA series gave it some great visuals. The animation is good and the art style is bright and pleasant. The music is also satisfying with a classy, violin-like sound throughout, topping itself with a couple, great, vocal songs. The sound work was well done, and there was never a moment where it felt as if the atmosphere could be better presented.

That leads into the direction of the series, which I found to be wonderful and the greatest source of intrigue for this series. Being the anime is limited to fifty minutes and the story of love it tells isn't too complex, the director did a fabulous job of keeping explanations to the character's pasts to a minimum by presenting who the characters are through their actions in their current, connecting situation. Each episode covers the same situation, however, each episode shifts that situation to a different perspective of the other character's mindset. The budget doesn't take advantage of that fact too much, and there never grew a feeling that the reused art was restricting the enjoyment, as there are inclusions of new angles and completely different shots of the different characters in seclusion. Towards the direction, the director did a great job on this series and made a short, two-episode OVA memorable and enjoyable.

The characters mainly involve the two lovers who are in a conflict of trying to understand and admit their feeling to one-another, even though they are already going out. This leads to brief conflicts and confusion that restrict them from easily clearing up one-another's thoughts. Each character has a past history of failing in relationships through fear and goofy mistakes. They treat the current romance between each-other as another likely relationship that is destined to break. The series is accompanied by a few other characters with a decent amount of screen-time, but they aren't delved into. However, they are still treated in a way that makes them memorable, at least in the time upon completing the viewing.

Another character this series includes is the trope of the merchandising creature, that tends to serve as comic relief. However, in this case, it was a pleasant surprise to slowly understand that this creature actually served a direct purpose in the plot and wasn't only there as decor. The creature made its place and even made some pushes at rallying the plot forward, which could be seen as contrivances, but remembering this story is nothing too unique may lead one to be forgiving to such a thought.

This short series, Tokyo Marble Chocolate, tells a simple story of love in an interesting way that is well-presented. While the plot elements are enjoyable to an extent, the bulk of interest comes from the directing and the precise amount of time placed into each scene. Even though each episode covers the same situation, the OVA is still able to make the viewer get to know each character to a satisfactory level and is able to keep the pacing, and turn of events, to a degree that will constantly keep interest. Tokyo Marble Chocolate is a nice, little series with some good staff behind it, but is still simplistic in its story and characters, which is understandable due to the time restraint it holds.

murazik.mariela - 2014-01-31 10:18:06

"Tokyo Marble Chocolate" is a very heart warming story of a woman and a man who believe in their hearts that they can never keep a relationship going.

Today is the day that they will confess all of their emotions to each other... But, there are a few problems. One being a miniature donkey.

Based off of the eponymous manga.

This story is told in a very unique and intelligent way, for the two days this film represents.

Episode 1 is from the View point of the woman.

Episode 2 is from the View point of the man.

There are details in either that make each episode make sense, this is a very well thought out script.

There's quite a bit of humor in the episodes as well, it's very cute.

You can watch either episode in whatever order you like, it doesn't matter. I actually think episode 2 would have been a better episode to watch first.

I think the ending of the series is a bit abrupt, but that's just me.

At least the credits do provide some closure (You'll see what I mean when you see it).

The art style of this animation is very warm, and has a watercolor feel to it. Very reminiscent of Honey and Clover's style. I loved it, and it really helped create a great atmosphere for the show.

The classical style in the music fits the emotions of the characters very well. The sound effects are very well done.

The sieyuu definitely fit their parts.

Overall, very satisfying.

For a short series, the establishment of character was very well done.

Both Yuudai and Chizuru are very similar.

Chizuru has a low self esteem when it comes to relationships, and wants to break off the relationship after having a great date, because she feels like she will hurt him too the extent of it no being wroth it. Or at least that's what happened in previous relationships.

Yuudai also has a low self esteem when it comes to relationships, or, you could say has a low self esteem when it comes to anything. His past relationships show him getting scared of a, semi-pig-dog (Weird I know) animal, getting threatened by some punks and getting saved by his Girlfriend, and never having the courage to say "Daisuki" in a reasonable amount of time.

Different events that all boil down to the same conclusion.

No self confidence. Will it be mended? You'll have to watch to find out.

The atmosphere of the production is very kind, warm, comfortable as well as heartwarming.

---

If you really enjoy Josei manga, or romance anime, you will like this production. If you enjoy love stories, you will like this.

If you like anything warm, it's worth watching.

It's the kind of family production you could watch with anyone, your Girlfriend, your parents, your kids, except for maybe macho males, but everyone needs a bit of warmth in their heart. Especially when it's about something universal. Dating.

I highly recommend this production based on its great atmosphere and very unique and well thought out direction.