Hyouka

"I'm curious" There are some anime that when you see some sequence from the show, it immediately catches your attention. Indeed, when I looked up Hyouka, I was curious. Having seen it's catchy OP sequence, I was determined that this was an anime that I had to see. I was definitely not disappointed. When making a live action film, the director can tell a story through many mediums: the dialogue, the actors, and the cinematography. While the director can create visual effects, he/she is bound by the physical world. What makes anime so fascinating and appealing is a director has one additional tool at his/her disposal: the artwork. With the lift of a pen, an artist can realize any image he/she can think of. That power is extraordinary because the way you can express your ideas is virtually limitless. Indeed, the artists at Kyoto Animation were flexing their artistic muscles and produced scene after scene of artistic virtuosity. The crisp animation, the fantastic backdrops, and the amazing "theory explanation sequences" (where Houtarou, our MC, is doing his explanation of what happened in the mystery) are all part of this fantastic visual journey planned out by the Kyoto Animation artists. The sound is also very strong. The OST is composed of mostly classical music. Being a classical music fan, I appreciated their choice in using Bach's Cello Suite No. 1 as the main background music. If the art hadn't already provided a great experience, the music picked up whatever slack the art left behind. There is one piece of music they play when a new mystery arises that sounds a tad creepy and watching this anime at night made me reluctant to go to sleep. Perhaps the composer was trying to achieve a mysterious atmosphere but to me, it came off as creepy. The first OP and ED are very catchy but the second OP and ED fell slightly short. Nevertheless, they were very good. A cool fact if you did not know already: Houtarou is voiced by the same voice actor for Tomoya (Clannad: After Story) and his sidekick Satoshi is voiced by the same actor for Sunohara (Clannad: After Story)! As a non-frequent mystery watcher, I felt the story was really engaging. Basically, we follow Houtarou, a brilliant sloth, as he reluctantly joins/re-establishes the Classics Club at his school (even perhaps coerced) . Unknowingly, he meets Chitanda, a girl who also happens to be interested in joining. These two characters have really great moments together. Chitanda is a very curious girl so anything piques her interest. Reluctantly fueled by her curiosity, Houtarou sets his thinking gears into motion every time she says, "I'm curious!" We all know a great mystery is ahead of us. The types of mysteries that the Classics Club solves are very intriguing and realistic. Mainly, they are characterized by their simplicity. But when Houtarou gives his theory (and usually it’s the answer), we come to realize how we often overlook so many details. Of course, given these interesting cases, I found myself attempting to solve the cases before Houtarou can but obviously, I always lost to this great detective mind. The only negative aspect of Hyouka was that the story started off slow. The mysteries during the slow episodes were engaging but felt drawn out. In addition, the characters had close to no development in the first 10 episodes so that also contributed to the reason that Hyouka was a tad boring in the beginning. However, after those 10 episodes, the characters got much more exciting and subsequently, the story as well. Another trip in Hyouka is its romance. Although Hyouka is not in the romance genre, there is some romance in the anime. If you were brought here because of a romance recommendation, you may find yourself unsatisfied by the end. Aside from the strong art, Hyouka also has a cast of strong characters. Aside from the 4 main protagonists, there are some characters who appear but not given much development as they are only used for one or two mysteries. That means we get much more screen time for our main people! The other two characters who eventually join the Classics Club are Satoshi, a walking database, and Ibara, who is probably the most "normal" person in the entire group. The characters develop really slowly but this way, we get the immersive experience of how the character feels at the first stage before they move onto the next stage. They are very likable characters in that they have their struggles that we can relate to. For instance, Satoshi wishes to be a great detective but given that he is a "database" he is much slower than Houtarou at coming to conclusions. Satoshi's struggle is how he must reconcile the fact that he may never be as good as Houtarou. Overall, Hyouka was an enjoyable anime. Great mysteries, great visuals, and great characters. If you are a fan of mystery, this is definitely an anime for you. If you are simply into artwork, you will have no problem immersing your eyes in all the glory that is Hyouka. Thanks for reading my review! Let me know what you think of the anime! "I'm curious!"

''Hyouka: Mystery=Conan? think again!'' Hyouka is really something for me, it's not a complex mysteries shown here but there's lot of curious things to be found here. Story 10/10 The story revolves around Oreki Hotarou, laid back guy whose notable for it's motto ''i don't do what i don't have to, if have to do, i'll make it quick'', Chitanda Eru, beautiful-energetic-always curious noblewoman, Fukube Satoshi, human wannabe and a walking database, and Mayaka Ibara, baby face but dangerous one- girl. they join the Classic Club and doing lot of fun things, mostly with mystery cases. Hyouka is really KyoAni style, combination of SOL-School and moe, don't forget about that. In addition, Hyouka got ''Mystery" genre for it's central plot. So, a high-schoolers doing detective works on murdering case? no, not really, the case given is really dead simple, like ''who's steal Ibara's chocolate?'' or ''who's Jumoonji?'' But what makes it enjoyable is how Oreki and Chitanda has a contrast behavior, while Oreki is trying to retrain it's motto, Chitanda act crazily when something mysterious attracted her, and in the end Oreki is ''forced'' to solved cases Chitanda ask for. Also there was a love complex between Oreki and Chitanda, and also Satoshi and Ibara, which makes Hyouka really amuse. Art 10/10 I have to say that i'm fan of after-2005 KyoAni seris for it's stunning art, but Hyouka is another level- KyoAni efforts. the quality is movie-like, the movement is fluid and details are at their best. i have to praise KyoAni for presenting really good scene when Oreki trying to problem-solving the case.I can't say much about Hyouka's art but it was really splendid. Sound 10/10 Starting with the lighthearted OP ''Reason Behind Kindness'' by Choucho, then truly masterpiece japan traditional-feel soundtracks, sound aspect in Hyouka is really shines,especially the soundtrack that really fit the story, while also increasing the mystery feel. i don't really like the ED but it was ok. Character 10/10 I really love the way every characters develop, especially Oreki, Chitanda is get it's roll too, especially if she's so curious so badly and Oreki has no choice but to deduces the cases. Satoshi and Ibara on the other hand, had a love complex that really colors the story out of the box. Enjoyment 10/10 I personally enjoyed every Hyouka's episodes, especially in the problem solving scene, it's amazing despite the cases given is dead simple, and Hyouka succed to presenting it into a very good moment, without a forced-feel. Overall 10/10 There's nothing left i can say about Hyouka, sure i'm fan of KyoAni works, but Hyouka is different case. I don't enjoy it just because i love the studio behind it, but the story, sound, and art is really amuse me. Mystery isn't always Conan or Kindaichi, or mystery isn't always about real murdering cases, that's what Hyouka and Oreki Hotarou stands for. ''i'm curious!''

(+) Well-done conventional character design. Nothing super exaggerated like the chibi-style in Mahou Shoujo or the large-face huge-eyes in Higurashi. (+) Good attention to detail as in befitting of a 2013 anime and consistent animation quality as far as I observe. (+) Some innovative ideas to capture viewer interest like the bizarre floating gears while Oreki(protagonist) is thinking which is somewhat reminiscent of those in OP of Stein's Gate and Chitanda's(main girl) trademark shiny purple eyes and catchphrase "気になります！". (+) Interesting characters with the coveted 'development' that is so over-hyped on MAL but whatever, it's there. Also very well-timed introduction of characters throughout the series so as not to overwhelm but also managing to add flavor when it is desired. Oreki(protagonist) impresses while managing not to be overpowered by making mistakes now and again. (+) Mysteries are well-done, well-paced, well-thought, and generally believable while managing not to be predictable. (+) Very captivating central arc and climax. (+) Almost no fan-service signifies a no-nonsense and serious approach of the producers. (-) Music is not particularly outstanding. For me, I just skipped all the OPs and EDs because they failed to interest me. BGM fits in but not really exceptional like that of F/SN, NHK ni Youkoso!, GITS etc. (-) Being episodic, some episodes tend to be a bit boring and I had to prevent myself from falling asleep in one of them. (-) In a few parts the reasoning was confusing and I had to replay to try and understand what was happening. (-) While they did faithfully stick to 'character development/growth', a point so often belabored by critics, I feel some of it was a little overdone. Just a little. Hyouka has the full potential of being more plot-driven than character-driven without having to pander to the expectations of said critics. (-) Chitanda's voice is just shrill enough to cross the line of annoyance. Sigh... (-) Some small portions unexplained even in the end. Conclusion: A very interesting episodic, detective anime with almost everything done right. It is able to combine the beauty of Byousoku and the intrigue of GiTS(just examples that occurred to me) while retaining the interesting elements of slice-of-life/high-school drama to make a very well-done piece. Why hesitate? Join the Classics Club in their adventures and immerse yourself in some of the most engaging high-school mysteries right now!

Maybe this anime will not transfer you in to the romantic atmosphere where music and romance merge into one without words, as this year's Anime Kids on the Slope, but will definitely make you smile. Only body language and atmosphere worth a lot. Sarcastic jokes made me positive all the time. Art not only nice, but just cinematographic! Yes, not all the stories were very interesting, but for the atmosphere, feelings and characters - highest rating. In a few words: charming, juicy, slow and rich series. When I heard in background slowly passing Sebastian Bach (Air on the G-string), and a stunning scene in front of my eyes, as if went back to Mushishi, I felt that something was trying to go under my skin. This combination with classical masterpieces was fantastic, probably the most beautiful anime of 2012. Anime about everyday life with a detective + mistery spices, and who could think that this work can win some of the audience's hearts. If Oreki - sleep, laziness, apathy, so the first and true friend Chitanda - movement, fire, passion, curiosity, eternal engine, bursting enthusiasm, flaming projectile. Unbelievable how it was displayed during the show. And our character Chitanda even did not noticed how magical and enchanting powers her ayes are. As a couple, they will surely suit each other, balancing on a tight string and completing each other. Theres no end to talk about the details and what is behind them and only blind can not see that this is what lies behind them - absolutely fine. They're graceful, precise and charming, like a Swiss watch. There's only one problem - the clock do not work. Those details - only the tools, but their performance should not only admire, but they have to serve something and be a part of something else. But here details - independently of each other and the story tells us as we should take it by our own. I heard a lot of comparisons. Yes, this anime have something similar to K-on, because of almost the same voice actors tram and character design, but thats it! K-on fan-service and empty, but Hyouka have characters, atmosphere and some original flow. The only anime with which I could compare - The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya. - Goodbye, peaceful days of energy conservation... - May I spend this year living a perfect low-energy life! - I dont want to see what happens if Ibara finds out her chocolate was stolen. Im not a fan of horror stories. - My low-energy lifestyle is in mortal danger. - ... Thanks who was reading and sorry for my bad English, Denis ;)

Do not be put off by its slice of life, high school tag. In my opinion, it is a hidden gem in a rather overused genre of anime. It has mysteries without horror. Mysteries without deaths, yet are no doubt as intricate as those in Detective Conan. Story: 9 The story revolves the Classics Club, that consists of the 4 main characters. On the surface, it is a typical non-competitive high school club who plays only a small role in the yearly cultural festival. Nothing will be interesting for our characters according to the club's agenda. However, mysteries are always finding them, regardless of our male lead's reluctance. The story has 3 major arcs, each requiring 5-6 episodes to wrap up its individual mystery. The resolution is important in any mystery, but the process of uncovering must not be ignored too. If the writer regurgitates everything within a single moment, the audience will be left feeling empty, confused and unsatisfied. Here, Hyouka did great by emphasizing the journey our character takes before the resolution is out. Those mysteries also do not seem out of place despite a mundane, typical school setting. Unfortunately, I am unable to give a resounding 10/10 since the remaining episodes, after the 3 arcs, are desserts with mystery toppings. The ending is also inconclusive, leaving the audience wanting for more. However, considering just the 3 major arcs aforementioned, it's definitely nothing short of a masterpiece. Art: 10 By KyoAni, enough said. Watch it yourself and be overwhelmed by the brilliant and vibrant animation this studio is famous for. Sound: 8 Between sound and story, the story stands out more. Hence, I hardly paid attention to the background music. To my knowledge, none of them feel out of place. If I have to add on, the openings and endings are superb. Characters: 8 I guess here's where the series falls slightly short. We have 2 main characters and 2 psuedo main characters. Character development is minimal and though the writer tries not make the characters question their beliefs and "motto", they remain more or less the same throughout the series. Romance is there but the conclusion is not one that the audience is expecting and be satisfied with. However, the characterization of the main leads is well written and unique as they are not confined to any overused stereotypes. Enjoyment: 10 What else can you say for a well written mystery. Within each major arc, until you reach the conclusion, you will not feel complete. Upon reaching the conclusion, you are left wanting to see more of what the series have to feed its audience. These are the motivations that push me to finish the series in 2 days. What else can I give for this criteria, other than a 10/10? Overall: 9+10+8+8+10=45, 45/5=9 Hyouka is a brilliant work that is guaranteed to satisfy its audience. Besides, it's completed and hence is all packaged nicely for you to marathon. If you are into mysteries, do check this out. Unfortunately, I am unable to find any similar anime to recommend, and hence, I am sorry if you are left frustrated after finishing it. Maybe its too unique for its own good?

My Hyouka's Opinion Story : 8/10 Hyouka is in the mystery genre, and as such, it uses these familiar settings in order to set up its stories. By this I mean, not only is there a new, peculiar mystery to be solved each time, but viewers are given more and more insight into the main characters, their motivations, and their relationships to one another—hidden bits and pieces of the characters’ personalities are revealed, and prior events and twists, which viewers were not aware of, arise to wreak havoc on their perception of what they thought they had previously understood. Hyouka is thus a show that actively reciprocates its audience’s feelings and thoughts, constantly keeping them guessing in a playful manner, and at times, in an unexpectedly dark way as well. The first character we are introduced to is Oreki Houtarou—a lazy guy who prefers an unconventional “gray” life as opposed to the stereotypical “rose-colored” one of his fellow peers. After receiving a request from his sister to join the Classics Club, lest it be shut down, Oreki travels to the clubroom and discovers a girl, Chitanda Eru, standing at the window and looking out over the schoolyard. Art : 9/10 Brought to viewers by the staff of Kyoto Animation—famous for providing “in-your-face” dramas (Clannad, Kanon, Air), and cute high school girls doing cute high school things (Lucky Star, K-On!)—, one would not expect something so … subtle and complex. Part of the reason for this may be the fact that the show is originally based off of Honobu Yonezawa’s series of “Classic Literature Club” novels, as opposed to following the popular trend of adapting from light novels. Since the former is a medium that places emphasis on prose, instead of illustrations as in the case of the latter, it lends the author greater capability to delve into his characters’ psyche. And in a show that is as character-driven as Hyouka, the novel’s structure of story-telling is apparent. Sound: 7/10 Didn't hear that much about soundtrack while focusing on the story.butsurely it has good OP and ED in Part 1 neither Part 2.Well at least it makes me refresh after continue each of episode which is hard to understand quickly Character :10/10 Perhaps even this may not impress the veteran anime-watchers because learning a new side to a character is a common feature of all animes. Hyouka, on the other hand, is a show that consistently brings up new and different information about each character, making it difficult to pin them down as any particular “type” (the most notable to mention, in terms of his development, perhaps being Fukube). Even the characters themselves are often surprised, not only with some of the choices the others make, but with some of the choices they make themselves. The method of “showing” and not “telling” is also an impressive feature of the show, for, while there are brief instances when characters’ thoughts are narrated, the writers of the show don’t belabor the descriptions of characters’ emotions to the point where it becomes tedious, or employ “deep” metaphors for the sake of creating a “dramatic effect.” Each character brings to the table their own unique emotional baggage, and while their feelings do occasionally slip out from behind their attempts at stoicism, direct conflict where characters are soap-operatically yelling and venting their thoughts to one another never occur. Enjoyment : 8/10 >For veteran anime watchers: It is definitely worth checking out; if not for the story, then at least for the style itself as it is very unique. You will discover a show that is very different from your typical run-of-the-mill high school anime, and if you’re a fan of thoughtful, realistic suspense stories, then it will be a solid viewing experience. >For non-anime watchers: This show may be a difficult one to tackle especially since it requires so much of the viewer’s attention. I would suggest watching a few animes belonging to similar genres before trying this one out. Death Note is a great place to start in terms of a detective/suspense show, despite how much of a polar opposite it is from Hyouka, and a couple short high school animes to familiarize with certain tropes would help as well. Afterall It depends on your education about Japanese and culture which will help you to understand how the story goes on. Overall : 9/10 The only issue which some viewers may have is the enigmatic nature of Chitanda Eru. Part of the reason for this is because we are constantly viewing her from Oreki’s perspective—a character who often thinks he has Chitanda all figured out, but who constantly finds himself surprised the more he discovers about her. On the one hand, it makes Chitanda an interesting character to observe, but on the other hand, viewers may feel that she is ironically a “characterless character,” and point to it as a fault of the show. Such an opinion is difficult to comment on objectively, so I will leave viewers to decide for themselves. "I don't do anything I don't have to. What I have to do, I do quickly." RECOMMENDED

I accidentally came upon this anime and the description I read (and a spoiler-y review) convinced me to watch it. After the first episode I was instantly charmed by the artwork which reminded me strongly of K-ON, animation, soundtrack and the story line. It's a slow paced anime so I hoped that the exposition will take time and it will end in a bang. My theory of course was incorrect because the anime was segmented into three main story-lines that were not of equal footing. Personally I thought that if the anime ended after the first ten episodes it would have still remained a good anime. The first story was so good that anything following it just seemed to fall flat and the character development was very slow. I suppose it's possible to read into it but I expected something more on the character level of the anime. However what really got me into this anime was the feeling I got while watching this anime. A strong sense of strangeness and other-ness wrapped around the existing world, something similar to xxxHolic and Sayonara Zetsubou-sensei, even 24 Club manga, where you have a feeling you will fall on your head any moment. I enjoyed the intelligence of the main character and his interaction with his best friend. How the anime was set up, I expected something more sinister however, something we don't get even with the abundance of jealousy and loneliness present. The ending is in the same level of disappointment. It's anti-climatic and completely unrelated to the main-plot of the anime, the mystery, as if it was forgotten in favor of the subplot. I can't say that I don't like how love is presented in this anime, rather normally considering other anime with a few exceptions, but exactly because of that it should not have been the main focus. Truly a disappointment to the anime that started very good then kept falling and dragging out until I had to fast-forward a couple of times just to see something happen. Overall, I enjoyed many separate aspects of the anime, however nothing can compensate for me being bored by it especially considering it's supposed to be a mystery anime.

The title Hyouka is the classified works of the Classics Club that is hinted to be filled with mystery that has filled a ruckus in the school's history and past. Is the main plot worth it? If you have to ask me, I don't even know if this really "is" the main genre as the anime's pace was just "too" early that the upcoming episodes turned into some random mysteries and really had nothing to do with the title "Hyouka". An anime that is entitled under the main genre "Mystery" -- with a tang of romance and character development. The anime just didn't mixed well. The series in itself was something I've been anticipating during the Spring of 2012. The summary felt weird and a lot of expectations were growing in my head about the Hyouka Mystery... but then my expectations didn't match up and it turned mandatory to watch the last few episodes. The last episodes didn't felt like a Mysterious anime anymore. Story: 5 Is there really a story in Hyouka? The anime's pacing was just too fast that the main climactic plot of Hyouka was soon finished within 5 episodes. Soon after those episodes, the anime's main mystery was just left aside and the Classics Club started to solve more mysteries -- thus losing the importance of the title "Hyouka". The next few episodes were just inconsistent as the anime takes the "mystery" genre of the anime into a character development by the far end of the series. I also don't get why there is no Romance genre in this anime as I know there is -- for a bit. The whole mystery, character development with a bit of romance just didn't mesh well. It was just all scattered. "What is the main agenda of the anime? I don't really know." Art: 9 Despite its deformed story, the animation was flawless. Seeing Chitanda Eru's long hair falling gracefully was spectacular. The animation had a resemblance of K-ON! and Kokoro Connect and it definitely didn't disappoint me. What is much better than the animation? The color combination! Truly one of the best color combinations out there. Sound: 7 The anime changed it's OPs and EDs during the half of the show -- like every other series. I definitely love the first half OP and ED because of how the upbeat opening song suddenly ends up softly with a good harmonious song. The second half of OP and ED was good but the 1st half was much better. The soundtrack though was something I wouldn't consider a memorable one. The voice actors/actresses have remarkably done well in their positions. The anime picked just the right people for this anime -- most especially Oreki and Chitanda. Character: 7 Four different people together in one club. I can't seem to hate anyone in the anime. The surprising act of the anime is that they tried to develop the "true" personality of these characters "only" at the last few episodes. It was a risk that failed. They could have done this somewhere in the middle of the anime and still continue with the main genre of the anime -- Mystery. Enjoyment: 6 I enjoyed solving mysteries with Oreki but then after every episode I would just ask myself -- where's the main plot? If the anime was just something that would solve random mysteries and not on the most important one -- then why can't they just not title the anime "Hyouka" then? It's more mind-bobbling that most of the viewers more highly anticipating about Oreki and Eru's relationship while I was here just waiting for its main idea. What affected me the most about the anime is the drastic change of the mystery anime into a character relationship development that I can't seem to know why they even did that. The ending seems to be perplexed with no mystery at all -- making it look like they ended it into a typical cliché ending. Concluding my enjoyment and expectations at a full drop. Over-all: 6 Giving a title to an anime is important. It gives the viewers an impression or a curious thought. Hyouka just didn't seem feel right to have the title for this anime. If the anime has to live up with the title then they should have named this anime "The Classics Club and their Mysterious Adventures". If they titled the anime "Hyouka" then they should have used that title as their basis of the story. The mysterious adventures just went bizarre even to the pointless of things -- everybody just felt curious while I was still holding to the feeling of what's the point of it? Hyouka didn't felt right with my expectations. This anime is just one of those "Feel Good" animes or just for pure enjoyment. Despite the numerous number of flaws in the anime. Hyouka is one of those take a break and just watch this random anime.

Curiosity kills the cat. In Hyouka, curiosity is one harmless puppy. It is important to note that Hyouka is an anime with borrowed elements from the mystery genre and the slice of life genre and it never totally devotes itself to one side. The anime plays out with both genres seamlessly like the classical music theme of the anime. Nobody dies, there are no murderers and the cops hardly ever gets involved with the cases in Hyouka. It's light-hearted tone is derived from the fact that each mystery solved doesn't really make much of an impact to anyone involved in it. It is just a bunch of high school kids solving little mysteries that happens in school, such as the case of the locked Geography room and the case of the blunder of the Maths teacher. At times, it seems as if the anime is unnecessarily extended with fillers. A case could have been put to a satisfying end in under 3 episodes but in Hyouka you get 6 episodes and some people may be put off by the slow pace. Characters sit around and discuss the cases giving theories and dispelling them. Even as the mysteries are being revealed and solved, there are little intense moments that may fail to grip the hearts of hardcore mystery fans that hails from the Detective Conan series. Hence, if you are a heavy mystery fan, this may not be the anime for you. This is a mystery anime that does not forget its slice of life genre. THE STORY is based upon several cases which the 4 main characters: Oreki, Satoshi, Chitanda and Mayaka comes across in their first year of highschool life. Though each cases are really of little importance in general, it is impressive to see how much deduction can be put into these little 'insignificant' cases which makes Hyouka worth watching. For example, an entire episode based upon deciphering what a short 5 seconds announcement by a teacher blew my mind. The level of detail covered in that one episode and the theories that built upon theories baffled me. How did anyone manage to think up of all of that? I'll not post any spoilers but the attention to every small details that comes back to become a huge clue in the end of each cases shows that Hyouka is a well thought out thinking-men's anime. Despite its small mundane mystery, Hyouka manages to make solving each of them fun and enjoyable. -8/10 THE ART is incredible, and completely fitting of Hyouka. It has incredibily detailed backgrounds and each supporting characters are memorable and you can really see the effort spent in making each little detail stand out. The sunset-painted classroom is a pleasure to see and really sets the mood for Hyouka. Furthermore, its abstract art that comes alive when theories are being made are creative and has a distinct taste to it. All I can say is it is the art in Hyouka is thoroughly enjoyable, and helps make the anime an enjoyable experience. -9/10 THE SOUND is paired up wonderfully with the beautiful art. I find the OPs and EDs of the anime soothing and sets the tone well. I hardly skipped any of them. Most notably, the Cello Suite was one of my favorite tune in the entire anime as it is just so elegant and moving, almost as if describing the pacing of Hyouka. I love it. -9/10 THE CHARACTERS in Hyouka were all unique and fun. I especially enjoyed Oreki Houtaro's energy conservation lifestyle and always marvel at how he manages to solve each case even though he is basically a sloth in human skin. Chitanda Eru, at first glance seems to be a typical ditsy ojou-sama, always curious, always looking forward to Oreki's deductions and answers. At first, I found that to be rather annoying, especially her "I'm Curious" phrase which made me peeved. However, there would be no story without her striking Oreki's match of motivation to solve the case. I grew to like her eventually. Satoshi Fukube is almost a generic cheerful character and he makes watching the anime fun. Without him, Hyouka may become really dull. And he dresses up as Saturn and inspires to be a Quiz King. That's all it takes for me to like him. I'm actually most interested in Mayaka Ibara, especially in how her character will develop eventually. She shows the most emotion, the counter-opposite of Oreki and I am really looking forward to how her relationship with Fuku-chan will unfold. -8/10 ENJOYMENT wise, I love Hyouka. I do, I really do. It's a welcoming change of pace for me who was indulging in action anime all this while. Hyouka is funny, smart and intriguing. The ending to each cases never fails to surprise me as the twist and turns takes me for a ride down to enlightenmentown. It's slow pacing is a merit to its story and character development which makes Hyouka an interesting watch. -8/10 OVERALL, I was a little disappointed that Hyouka ended in a rather anti-climatic way. I am really looking forward to a second season. As a whole, Hyouka may not be top anime of the year material, but there certainly is potential in becoming my favorite anime. It's the most pleasant and relaxing anime I've seen in a while, and it comes with its own share of emotional dispute that is seen in a slice of life anime, not forgetting to solve the mystery at the end of the day. I believe that Hyouka can inspire to be a little more, as it tends to stay in the safe area. Not that there is anything wrong with that, but it may make for a more interesting experience is Hyouka deals with slightly more controversial cases instead of always sticking to common everyday curiosity cases. Also, I'm secretly interested about Oreki's sister. Please show more of her (face!) in the next season! I am curious!

I'm going to preface this review by saying I am probably not the sort of person this anime was made for. In terms of the typical male-focused coming-of-age/first love stories, I'm probably pretty far from the demographic that it'll hit home for! It's a strange thing to compare it to, but the Disney-Pixar movie Brave likely had a similar effect on its audience - some people just lack the life experiences that make it easier to relate to the story and characters. STORY (3/10) Hyouka being a slice of life, it was never going to have a particularly complex story. Even so, I felt that the lack of consistent pacing and character development actively prevented me from fully enjoying the series. The story is by far the weakest aspect of Hyouka - it's not quite long enough as an anime to get away with dropping arcs significant to the main characters and coming back to them later, but it does this anyway. Pseudo-'filler' arcs all follow the same theme of Chitanda being impressed by Oreki, and Oreki becoming more interested in Chitanda, with the (not particularly interesting) mysteries serving as a means to that end. Chitanda is curious, Oreki tries to avoid her, Chitanda is a bit dense, Oreki is dragged into the mystery and solves it, Chitanda is impressed and maybe gets up close to his face, they both blush, Oreki is now more interested in Chitanda. The result is a story whose pieces are actually better enjoyed individually than as a whole. Pulling out the arcs with actual character development in them, watching those, and treating the fillers as OVA material might add to the enjoyment factor a little? ART (9/10) As ever, KyoAni knows how to make an absolutely gorgeous show. The character designs are simple but distinctive - little details like Chitanda's hair's unmistakeable rounded silhouette and Oreki's morning hair make them memorable. Even side characters benefit from this treatment! the attention to detail is fantastic, moments of relative quiet allow viewers to notice small accessories, fleeting expressions and background animation, and as ever KyoAni has the nostalgic, historic school setting down to a fine art. The second opening and Oreki's theories and daydreams are vividly animated, especially the moments depicting how he is captivated by Chitanda - those had me partially conviced that the series has elements of magical realism woven into it and that Chitanda does in fact wield a sort of bewitching power! SOUND (7/10) Wonderful music choices throughout, the Bach cello piece especially is used to great effect and helps give the series its nostalgic and somewhat magical feel. Actually, there's quite a bit of Bach in this series.. In terms of original soundtrack, the OPs also align really well with Oreki's character development, with the first being slow (almost lethargic) and the second along with its video tying in with some of those themes of Hyouka's mundanely magical atmosphere. The EDs are fun but a little less good, largely focusing on the girls pining over the guys, being adorable and looking into the camera with huge doe-eyes. Voice acting was good quality and fit the characters. All the voices were suitably expressive, though maybe not as distinctive as the characters' visual designs! Perhaps I'm being a little harsh in this section, but I weighted it towards the original soundtrack slightly and the OPs fitted so well with Oreki's character development that I was hoping for something better for the girls, or even anything for poor Fukube.. Regardless, a score of 7 is still really good, and subjectively I definitely go back and listen to the soundtrack sometimes! CHARACTER (4/10) Pretty much everything said in the story section applies here. A slice of life's story is only really as good as its handling of the characters, and Hyouka is a fairly weak in this area. the characters were actually likeable, though! the main flaws were in how they were handled throughout the story, and how at times they could become a little tropey. Fukube is pretty interesting and could use more screen time; Oreki is an albeit, more nuanced, look at the standard apathetic male protag; Ibara is a textbook tsundere childhood friend; Chitanda fits neatly into the manic pixie dream girl archetype and takes a good while to develop outside that. I did enjoy seeing Fukube, Oreki and Ibara go about their respective hobbies and excel at them, and I wish Chitanda had had more of her personal interests and hobbies depicted outside of just sort of.. Being Oreki's motivation. It's implied and stated throughout that's she's pretty book-smart but lacking in the life-smarts department, but the focus is largely on the cutesy-ditzy aspect of her which sort of makes her stand out a little less as a character for me. And her more serious moments exploring her devotion to her family nearer the end are fascinating and I'd have loved for more of the series to touch on that! ENJOYMENT (3/10) Eck, sorry Hyouka fans. This just didn't do it for me.. I think if I had picked out the specific episodes to watch that were suggested to me and ignored the others, I would've enjoyed it a lot more. As it is, this series took me literal years to finish because of how generic the fillers felt.. This section is always so so subjective though, so don't take this as an absolute 'I do not recommend this anime' OVERALL (5/10) While the visuals and the sound were stunning, Hyouka's stories and characters left me wanting more, in a bad way. The pacing really killed it for me. I think perhaps I'd feel differently towards this in movie format with some of the filler cut out, as I really enjoyed Garden of Words which is also beautiful but slow!

if Sherlock and Kyon had sex. the person that will be born will be the main protagonist of this show. Story and Character Meet Oreki. A weak slow guy that wants a normal boring life who isn't interested in romance or what you so called "spring time" when you get in high school.Oreki believes and lives with a code that everything he does should be done as little effort and time as he can. but this guy has something on his sleeves. when he's doing something, rest assured that it is close to perfect. And that was tapped by a girl name Chitanda. A girl who's curiosity is on the top that he makes Oreki solves and explain simple things but in the end things gets more complicated and Oreki doesn't like spending too much time on that kind of things because of his nature. but, in the the end he can't avoid being played by the hands of the girl named Chitanda so Oreki solves and answers Chitanda's question as little effort as he can. but sometimes it doesn't end that way. Good thing we have some back up to help our main protagonist. We got Oreki's best-friend Fukube who is really good at memorizing things. and last but not the least we got Ibara. Fukube's and Oreki's childhood friend. For me Hyouka is interesting because of the mystery that they solve. unlike any other mystery shows or novels. the mystery that is being brought here seems rather simple and normal. no mystery murders and such. but what will really surprise you is how a simple or rather plain problem or mystery can be so interesting and the answer that you will get is quite astonishing. if you like Solving things and Mystery shows. this is the right show for you. : )

"Jokes are to be made on the spot, so too misunderstanding to be dispelled right away" I think there's some misunderstanding about Hyouka's plot. It's not your average flashy anime for sure, I assure you. To say there's no plot would be unfair to the creator because there's one in fact. To avoid spoilers, I won't mention the plot; the hint is the characters themselves. Then again, this is my opinion. Story - 9/10 It's not flashy as I said before but there's a subtle advancement of characters. Relationships were strengthen, bonds were connected and the characters developed. A hint, after you finish watching all the episodes... compare Oreki Ep22 and Oreki Ep1. There's a huge difference. Enough with the characters... now to the story. I pretty much enjoyed all the 'mysteries' the author had written. It got my head spinning at times. You'll start to predict the answers along with the characters themselves at some point of the anime. Admittedly, I only managed to guess a few of the episodes right... In short, people who SOLELY like action animes like Naruto and Bleach probably won't enjoy this as much. Art - 10/10 Kyoto Animation really nailed this! The graphic is superb IMO. No complaints whatsoever. Sound - 10/10 I freaking love the soundtrack! I think it's one of the aspect that sets the mood of the anime. I'm trying to find it though... Another reason that drawn me to this anime was the VA. I love Satou Satomi voice acting in K-on! so in Hyouka. She managed to flesh the character perfectly. Not to mention the 1st ED song was so good!! Characters - 10/10 The characters is the key to any story no matter what. In Hyouka, the characters is really life-like and believable. The best thing is their correlations! Each character complement the other's. Enjoyment - 9/10 I can't give a full score because I found myself yawning a lot in one episode... Overall, Hyouka is a generally nice anime in my opinion. There's a storyline divided with a few arcs throughout the anime along with interesting knowledge. You might learn something from watching this anime... p.s. This is my first review. I don't really know how to write one so I blatantly followed the guidelines.

To tell you the truth when I first heard of Hyouka it didn't interest me in the least. I mean the synopsis made me think it would turn out to be a historical drama or something with a lot of flashback but I was wrong and really happy to be. From the first episode It glued me to my screen. First the Story: 9 The good part of this story is that it's not to forced for a mystery anime. I mean, you see how conan just walk in the street and encounter a murder case... This one is not exactly like that. 1. The "case" are just minor incident in a high-schooler life. No death, no kidnapicking, etc... 2. The perpetrator always have good reason. And no real evil intention. 3. About all the case have some reality in them. It's possible for all those case to be around you but you're simply not aware of that. And that's because of Chitanda Eru that Houtarou is always obligated to solve case that he would'nt bother with normaly. The art : 9 Well the chara design is alright. I like the expression of all the characters and the colors are good. The animation needs special atention as it's really great and fluid. Just watch the opening^^ Character: 10 It's the selling point of this anime. All the characters have their own personality and evolve with the episodes. The way that satoshi is jealous of Houtarou for being special or the way Houtarou try to deny his ability are all really well made. it made me feel closer to the characters and learning about them from the beginig to the end was a great pleasure. Overall: 9 I really recommend it to all those people who had a bit of hesitation about picking it up. You won't be disapointed.

Every time I decide to re-watch "Hyouka", I feel like I'm revisiting a place full of memories and magic. This anime has a never-ending appeal, and every time I watch it, I discover something new that makes me fall in love even more. *A Curious Mystery* From the very first episode, I was immediately mesmerised by Houtarou Oreki's lazy yet brilliant character. When the feisty Chitanda Eru came into his life with all her curiosity, I couldn't help but feel curious about every mystery they faced. Each puzzle, both simple and complex, is presented in such a clever and enthralling way. The way Houtarou solves the mystery with sharp logic kept me glued to the screen, trying to guess before the answer was revealed. *Characters with Depth* The relationship between the characters in "Hyouka" is one of the aspects that I enjoyed the most. Houtarou, who initially seemed indifferent, began to open up and show deep emotional development. Chitanda, with her big eyes always sparkling with curiosity, always manages to make me smile. Their interactions, along with the clever Fukube Satoshi and the stubborn yet caring Ibara Mayaka, felt so natural and deep. Each character has a background and motivation that makes them feel real and relatable. *Awesome Visuals and Sound* Kyoto Animation's animation never fails to mesmerise me. The details of each background, the colours used, and the smooth animation make each episode a work of art. The background music is also very supportive of the atmosphere created, adding depth to each scene and making me even more immersed in the world of "Hyouka". *Soothing Atmosphere* There's something very calming and nostalgic in the way "Hyouka" portrays everyday life at school. While it is full of mystery, it also provides many quiet moments that allow me to feel a peaceful and reflective atmosphere. Every time I watched, I felt like I was in the same world as the characters, feeling their excitement and challenges. *Meaningful Life Themes* Besides mystery, "Hyouka" also presents deep and relevant life themes. Self-discovery, relationships with others, and the meaning of every action are some of the things I often ponder after watching. The anime manages to convey these messages in a subtle yet powerful way, making me reflect on my own experiences. One of the elements that makes "Hyouka" even more interesting is the subtle yet meaningful romance between Houtarou Oreki and Chitanda Eru. The romance between Houtarou Oreki and Chitanda Eru in "Hyouka" develops naturally and subtly, adding a rich dimension to the story. Although there are no explicit declarations of love, their relationship grows through daily interactions and solving mysteries together. Chitanda, with her boundless curiosity, influences the apathetic Houtarou to be more caring and open. Houtarou's subtle moments of sweetness and thoughtfulness towards Chitanda, as well as Chitanda's admiration for Houtarou's intelligence, showcase the realistic and deep dynamics of the romance, making this anime all the more enthralling and worthy of repeat viewing. Conclusion : Watching "Hyouka" is always a refreshing and satisfying experience. Every time I re-watch it, I discover new layers in the story and characters that make me appreciate it even more. "Hyouka" is not just about solving mysteries, but also about life's journey and personal growth. That's what makes it so special and never makes me tired of watching it again and again. The romance between Houtarou Oreki and Chitanda Eru is one of the elements that makes "Hyouka" so captivating. Their slowly developing love story, full of sweet moments and complex dynamics, gives the story a rich added dimension. Their relationship illustrates how two people with different personalities can complement each other and grow together. This is one of the reasons why "Hyouka" is so special and always worth watching again.

I feel compelled to write a review for this anime since it's just what I wanted for the summer! It's not fast paced nor one of those surreal, fantastical, crazy psych-warfare works but its take on realism, deductive reasoning, and emphasis on the importance of culture and self-discovery makes it really worth checking out. Hyouka, to me, is all about finding out the life that one wants while living it. As obscure as that may sound, it talks about a few high school kids transforming from being conservative and self-serving (in their own ways) to proactive and reflective. While on the micro-level it explores the life adventures of these students, it subtly touches on greater topics beyond what you see, such as societal pressure, political influence on education, and responsibility of knowledge, etc. How these aforementioned are hinted throughout the show is simply exquisite and beautiful. As expected of Kyoto Animation, the art is poetic and just right down to every detail to support the plot and establish the atmosphere of the show. The characters design is above average and not too exaggerated to retain its realism. The entire show is as real as daily life can get, which is great in its own way. Great job on Satomi's part to make a slightly-on-the-edge-of-being-annoying character sound cute and almost likable. What I love the most about this show is the subtly in almost everything yet having emphasis at the right place/time like a prose or a song. That being said, there's still a right amount of dissonance in which the characters struggle at one point or another. Well, life doesn't come without its turbulence. Also, I really enjoyed the way it toys around with the audience by not giving too many hints away so there's always a push to finish each episode and no reason to scream "imbecile" at the screen. Although there are so many great things about Hyouka, the way it divides into several mini plots makes the show sometimes really fun to watch yet other times kind of slow and plain. I guess life is sort of like that, which makes this directive layout reasonable, but this takes away the hook factor and renders my rating down a notch. I would totally recommend this for anyone; it's a great show to go in between heavy psychological and action watch lists. I know that many don't find this type of anime to be their cup of tea (since that's how I started out), but I find this one to be better than some of the other Kyoto works such as Kanon or Clannad. You'll definitely like it (at least most parts of it) so give it a shot.

This is my first ever written review on MAL, and I decided to do it on Hyouka. There are tons of other anime out there that are probably better than this one, as one could be opinionated about his/her perspective. I'll be frank, there are series we all may view as a Masterpiece, but it feels unrealistic to single one out of all the others. When I say it's a 10, it's OUTSTANDING. I know this may not be a 10 in a lot of people's books, but it is in mine, and I would like to review about it. Art: 10 Fans could tell a lot of money was poured into budgeting for the art, and that's where it contributes the quality of it. It's KyoAni, and they've made works of incredible artwork, and this is no different. The pictures are of bright colors, and great details. It's not just the characters themselves, but the environment surrounding them that is quite the amazement of how it's near the levels of being realistic in some scenes of the anime. It's simply outstanding. Character: 10 The main casts revolve around the Classics Club members, and each of them have their unique ingredients that contributes to spicing up the story. They all can't stand alone individually, since we would never see their true colors unless they are amongst each other. The traits that each character has are what makes the story interesting, and they are what is driving it. Other than their traits, it's the romance that's just there that hits me the most. It's obvious there are characters in any series fans feel they should already get together. When they just simply don't do that, it stirs up fan's reactions to bring themselves to be piqued at the drama of being why not?! why isn't THIS happening??" Story: 8 I give the story an 8.5 as I feel there are some missing gaps I feel are present. Don't get me wrong, the directing of the transitioning from each episode to the next are done quite smoothly. I like to look at it from outside the box, and I view some minor inconsistencies. In every episode, there's a new mystery to solve because a certain one's curiosity. After that mystery is solved, they move onward to the next in a snap just like that. It's not as though there isn't any plot, since every other episode, the characters reference back to the previous ones in respect to relate their current dilemma. The other thing I feel at odds of whether I like it or not, is the main plot overall. The dislike factor I have is what is the goal the story is driving towards? But in opposition to that, I like how the way things are like that since it opens up to endless possibilities of new mystery cases. The most obvious theme any viewers see that progresses Hyouka is... What is it? "...I'm curious!" ô.ô Sound: 10 If I recall correctly, every background tracks or song was outstanding at the right timing of its cue. When there are good times, positive-toned tracks are played. When there are dark or serious moments of the anime, the right tracks for that atmosphere is played off greatly as well. Overall: 10 I don't know about you all, but I've enjoyed this serious tremendously. A lot may dislike how a mystery being this in a school environment, meaning they may not be as intense or serious as mysteries seen in darker-toned genres that include some sort of action-packed moments or a horrendous death. I look at the way this series played its cards of being a mystery genre, and they have hit it off very well. So what if it's 4 high school students making some drama out of the things they encounter. THAT'S THE BIG DEAL! Not only do those mysteries just come out as that, but there are some serious plot twists in those mysteries, and they are what brings my attention to Hyouka as being outstanding. Thanks for reading my first MAL review, and being able to read it all as how I wanted to express my thoughts about the series.

(Taken from my Instagram post series) The Sound of Hyouka: Hyouka’s soundtrack is perfect, everything from the music to the foley is handled with such a ridiculous level of care that it not only stands out as an exceptional soundtrack, but also bolsters every other aspect of the production. While the soundtrack as a whole may be truly exceptional, what stands out the most is the score. Hyouka’s score consists entirely of orchestral music, using many already existing, and well known classical pieces. Needless to say, the mystery/detective genre has a long history with classical music. This may be because of the long history that the genre has, or it may be because somewhere along the line, somebody realised that classical music perfectly fit the tone of a mystery/detective story. Either way, the use of classical music in Hyouka is absolutely fantastic. Not only does it contribute to the overall tone of the show, but it also serves to immerse the viewer in the world of Hyouka, hence the viewer develops a much more personal relationship with the characters and the situations that they are put in. Hyouka is the perfect example of how important it can be for an audiovisual piece of media to have a score that is tonally reflective. I’ll also note that during Hyouka’s more emotionally impactful moments, the score always brilliantly compliments the breathtaking animation that is present. I mentioned previously that Hyouka’s soundtrack bolsters every other aspect of the production, this is a prime example of that. To depart from the score, another key aspect of Hyouka’s soundtrack is the carefully constructed foley. Seeming as Hyouka is a Kyoto Animation production, it should be no surprise to anyone when I say that Hyouka’s foley and also ambience are nothing short of masterful. Hyouka’s soundtrack is full of small details, be it the rustling of a character’s clothes as they move in their chair, or the quiet sound of someone clicking their pen on the other side of the classroom, the audio department of Hyouka considered it all. This serves to, once again, immerse the viewer in the world of Hyouka, and therefore grow closer to the characters. In conclusion, Hyouka’s soundtrack is one that, through careful attention to detail and an overall understanding of music, is able to immerse the viewer in the world of Hyouka, and even elevate every other aspect of the production. The Rose Coloured Life in Hyouka (Part 1): At the very core of Hyouka is the idea of “the rose coloured life.” Studying, falling in love, developing meaningful relationships, all of these ideas fall into what Oreki considers to be the rose coloured life. The single most important aspect of Oreki’s character progression across the course of the series is his departure from being directly opposed to this idea, to accepting it. However, Oreki’s journey is not a simple one, nor is it a linear one, it is a long and arduous journey, and perhaps the single greatest aspect of Hyouka’s narrative. No scene exemplifies Oreki’s stance on the rose coloured life more perfectly than the very first scene in the entire show. (See the second slide.) Oreki is surrounded by his fellow classmates, and also the falling petals of a nearby cherry blossom tree. Oreki clearly stands out from every other element in this scene. What is largely a bright and cheerful scene, courtesy of the fantastic colour design, is very apparently disturbed by the presence of one Oreki Houtarou. Oreki is bathed in a much darker colour palate than the rest of the characters on screen, I would interpret this as Oreki’s own cynicism towards the idea of the rose coloured life coming to life and bathing him in a colour palate that is directly opposed to it. This is successful in both cluing the audience into the general demeanour of Oreki, and also serves to immediately distance him from the idea. The point in which Oreki’s demeanor towards the rose coloured life is explicitly shown to change is the opening scene of episode five. Satoshi has already established Oreki as being grey earlier on in the show, a colour that is directly opposed to the rose colour. Grey has also consistently been a thematic counterbalance to the rose coloured life. Oreki, a character who has always wished to be as far away from being rose coloured as possible, admits in this scene that he is in fact, “tired of being grey.” Oreki’s self admittance to this is crucial as it represents his desire to change. It serves as the starting point for Oreki’s gradual progression into the rose coloured life, and therefore also normalcy. Part Two: Having expressed the desire change, and to depart from being grey, it is only natural for the narrative to push Oreki towards his goal. All of Oreki’s progression throughout the course of the series comes to fruition in the final episode of the show, more specifically, the final scene. The most obvious thing to point out is that the entirety of this scene is bathed in a gorgeous rose colour, clearly reflecting that Oreki has finally embraced the rose coloured life that he was once so averse to. In the first scene of Hyouka, I mentioned that Oreki was bathed in a much darker colour palate, as opposed to the environment and other characters, however, this scene is very different. Oreki is no longer bathed in the darkness that was his cynicism towards the rose coloured life, he is now bathed in a rose colour, the colour that symbolizes the rose coloured life, the colour that Chitanda is also bathed in, the colour that the environment around them is bathed in. This is a perfect example of showing and not telling, through the use of strong colour design, this scene is able to perfectly reflect the culmination of all the character progression that oreki has undergone across the course of the series. I say that Oreki has finally embraced the rose coloured life, however, this is merely my interpretation. Oreki has made a tremendous amount of progress in these 22 episodes, however, he still has not reached the rose coloured life that he desires. Hyouka shows us an illusion of Oreki confessing to Chitanda in this beautiful rose coloured environment, before cutting back to reality, to show us that this did not really happen. What this serves to do is tell the viewer that while Oreki may not have reached the rose coloured life yet, he will in the near future. I greatly appreciate this as it allows the audience to have a clear understanding of the trajectory for Oreki in the future, and also ends the show on a very optimistic note, the perfect ending. Oreki Houtarou’s character arc in Hyouka is one of my favourites in all of fiction. It could have been shown in a much simpler way, but the addition of the idea of the rose coloured life reflecting his character progression was a very nice touch, and the greatest aspect of Hyouka’s narrative. Satoshi as "Shocking Pink": Oreki is not the only character in Hyouka whose character is explored in relation to the rose-coloured life, Satoshi Fukube is another fantastic example. While Oreki may be described as grey by Satoshi (a colour that is not meant to be demeaning in anyway, but like any other colour, one with different shades, if Satoshi wanted to insult Oreki then he would have called him colourless), Satoshi describes himself as “shocking pink.” While shocking pink may seem close to rose-coloured, there is a very important distinction which recontextualizes Satoshi’s entire character. Rose-coloured is sincere, a colour with heart, whereas shocking pink, while being a shade of pink, and therefore closer to the rose-coloured life than grey, is all about shock value. Satoshi being shocking pink is another way to say that all he has is his initial impression, and after that he is a surprisingly hollow person. Hollow is the perfect way to describe him, as Satoshi is obsessed with gathering and consuming information, even going so far as to call himself the “human database.” However, i…

I'm curious, how this anime amazed me in which I rewatched 2 times. I'm curious, on what happen after episode 22. The end? I'm curious I'm curious. Hyouka, definitely it's a mystery show BUT not your typical mystery show. I find it difficult on distinguishing if this should be a mystery show or mystery + slice of life show. 22 episodes weren't that bad at all. So let me give my thoughts on this. The story focuses about Houtarou Oreki, a high school student and is completely withdrawn into himself. His motto is “If I don’t have to do it, I won’t, if I have to, make it quick.” Her sister who is abroad ask him a favor to join the classics club to prevent from disbanded, since he knew that it's gonna be disbanded, he might take up the favor since he is the only member to join the club and continue to conserve his energy, well not so much after discovering Chitanda Eru is in the club too, and well he might not have the change to conserve his energy since Eru curiosity is targeting towards him so that he can give his answer to her due to his good critical thinking skills. With that it goes all through the arcs on Chitanda's uncle disapperance and the School Cultural Festival and all is solved by Oreki of course. With that said, 8 out of 10. Adapted from the light novel, Kyoto Animation decided to take charge of it. Known for it's well known anime for such Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya and K-On, so why not adapt Hyouka? Turns out pretty amazing, fluidity of the animation wasn't bad, no lag, no loopholes, weird or akward animations. One thing i notice is, there aren't any facial expressions like what in K-on and lucky star have, though it may have a little comedy just little. But overall it's a welldone. Character designs is also a well done and the background and everything isn't too saturated. Basically i can almost see a little bit of realism since it has no facial expressions. Pure artwork. With that 8 out of 10. The sound was astonishing, smoothing and relaxing especially the OSTs or better known as background music . The main OST which took the piece from Bach called Cello Suite No. 1 and Orchestral Suite No. 3 are the most amazing OST i have ever listen. Most of the OSTs perfectly match the atmosphere or the situation in most Hyouka scenes through out the series. I'm truly amazed on how they pick the OST perfectly. With that i rate 8 out of 10. Chitanda is super naive and straight forward person and is very smart heroine. Though she maybe annoying with her 'curiosity' she is still entertain able, Satoshi the character whom he called himself as a database person is a person who never reveal his emotions to Chitanda and Mayaki except for Oreki, his way of talking an explaining on the problem is the most compelling in the show, Mayaka is most likely a person who is seconds away from bursting in angerness to anyone and she loves to pretend to hate Houtarou but seemingly they get along pretty well. For Houtarou, he's just a energy conserver. Rate 8 out of 10. Overall i enjoy watching this series, seeing all kinds of arcs solved by Houtarou, pretty relaxing and enjoyable to watch. Well, 22 episodes aren't that bad but the pace is rather slow but it's what they do as long as it's appealing to watch and not boring. If you guys want to watch both mystery and slice of life shows, this is the perfect combination, fair warning: slow paced but still enjoyable. With that i rate 9 out of 10. To conclude, overall rate would be 9 out of 10. P.S If you're looking for fanservice in here, well bad for you.

When asked whether or not I'm a KyoAni fan, I'd always say that I'm more or less indifferent towards them. They've got their works which I absolutely adore (Clannad, Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya) and then there are those that I can't say I'm a big fan of (K-On! comes to mind). After enjoying Amagi Brilliant Park immensely, I came to Hyouka as their next work on my to-watch list. And "color me" extremely impressed. I don't think I'll have issues with calling myself a KyoAni fan anymore. Here's one thing Hyouka manages to do right off the bat - get me interested in the shenanigans of school-going kids and their curious adventures in the domain of unknown. Usually, it'd take a lot longer for me to get invested in these characters and their adventures, maybe 3-4 episodes into the series or even more, but thanks to the extremely likable characters, things become a lot easier. The main character, a lazy slob with his motto in life being modeled around the law of conservation of energy, is a lead well done due to the fact that he's not exactly a cardboard cutout like a lot of protagonists these days seem to be. His actions, at least initially, are dictated by his energy conservation principle - he weighs in all the alternatives to settle on the one which requires least expenditure of energy. His development as a character is handled pretty well with the catalyst being none other than the female lead - Chitanda Eru, a cute but highly curious character. Her curiosity knows no bounds and she often ends up dragging Oreki, our protag, into matters that he'd rather stay away from. The mysteries that are dealt with in this show are often the product of our lovely Chitanda getting all curious about something that takes place in their everyday life and our gang that comprises of two more characters, who are nicely handled for the most part, going about finding a solution to the said mystery. Now, a "mystery" that is a product of curiosity regarding something that can happen in your normal everyday life doesn't exactly seem like an exciting prospect. At least, it didn't to me when I was thinking of getting into this series. But it'll suffice to say that they manage to pull it off somehow - making the mysteries sufficiently interesting so as to make the viewer curious enough to keep them watching -episode after episode. The show definitely does deserve credit for that. The story itself is like a loosely tied bunch of short arcs and standalone episodes. We're dealing with a KyoAni show, you know? But they're well done. The "arcs" got me invested and the standalone episodes had some good content. And each episode feels like it amounted to something so you don't come out of any episode feeling like you've just wasted the past twenty or so minutes of your life watching something that doesn't hold any weight. I'd advise against going into it expecting it to be a tightly strung story because it doesn't possess that. But the "stories" that it showcases, of our protagonists' lives, are well done and you'd probably have a nice time sitting through 'em. Extremely appealing to the eyes and extravagantly detailed backgrounds - they've long been KyoAni staples. And it is great to see they do not disappoint in Hyouka, either. Every single frame has been given careful attention and they look exquisitely beautiful. The last episode, or more specifically the closing sequence, was nothing short of stunning as far as visual presentation goes, for instance. Character animation, in particular, is extremely fluid and just fantastic all across the board. They do not disappoint as far as the OST or the music goes, either. Should suffice to say that the OST used is very fitting and compliments each scene very well. Would like to specifically mention the first OP - 'twas catchy as hell. Hyouka isn't groundbreaking. It isn't anything close to being a masterpiece. But it definitely isn't an experience I'd rather miss. A neatly done package with great animation, likable characters, stories that manage to stay intriguing throughout its run and a healthy dose of Chitanda's "Watashi...kiminarimasu!" make it a pretty good watch. Recommended watch.

If I have to summarize it in one line then it would be "If I don't have to do it, I won't. If I have to do it, I'll make it quick." or "I am not lazy. I'm just too tired to show you how smart I am". A tasteful blend of comedy, mystery, and clever play of words that leaves you wishing if only if it was an anime that was based on your life. The story is not by any means far fetched...(maybe jusssssssttttt a little, but its okay). It makes you feel a bit witty even though you already are :D The anime revolves around Oreki solving Chitanda's curiosity and........... Watch it yourself I just wanted to write a short review because I wanted to watch it again before writing anything concrete. However I think this is not an anime you should be skipping. Give it a shot i mean aren't you all tired of the same old stereotypical anime and want a bit of fresh air.