Hyouka: Motsubeki Mono wa

Eru Chitanda is once again curious! And thanks to the mystery group that made us all curious on Sundays, the series brings forth this OVA. Now grab some Hyouka and Ice Cream/I Scream because it's summer time and a little mystery on the weekends to exercise your brains can be fun. Hyouka: Motsubeki Mono wa which literally translates to Hyouka: You can't escape is a special episode bundled with the third volume of the manga. Unlike the original series however, there's some major differences. Take for example, the beginning of the scene. Less than 1 minute into the OVA and there's already a semi-fan service scenes that may some of us curious, in the way that isn't defined as "mystery". Oreki still remains with his stoic ways and unenthusiastic style while his friends are hogging all the fun. Yup, the fun in the sun at the swimming pool. With the curious Eru Chitanda and the others in their bathing suits, it's no surprise that Oreki still remains his usual style as he is described as the guy who doesn't particularly like to do anything that involves effort and if required, tries to end it as quickly as possible. Just as Mayaka states: "Swimming trunks and Oreki doesn't mix". And amen to that because it would be like mixing oil and water together. What do you get? A very unorthodox Oreki. Eru on the other hand being the curious girl that she is remains her usual self. She and Oreki's interactions in this OVA balances out their awkward moments and can be see as strangely entertaining. Luckily, this OVA isn't completely about fan-service, curiosity, and Oreki's stoic expressions. There is a bit of mystery in it. And who else better than to sum it up than our very own Sherlock Holmes, oops *Hōtarō Oreki. Like most of the previous mysteries of the series, the usage of word play becomes part of the mystery to illustrate its style in the eyes of Oreki. While usually fun and intriguing to watch, a little bonus like the ice cream/I Scream style is added in the form of fan-service curtsey of Eru Chitanda. Overall, this OVA was a fun watch and entertaining. While not a blockbuster hit, it's fun to observe the interactions between club members Eru Chitanda and Oreki-san. Both of them sparks some special bonding in this episode and in more than one ways than one ;). A mystery OVA mixed in with fan-service, fun, and excitement in the form of Hyouka is something to take an eye on. It shows that while Honobu Yonezawa (the author of the series) likes to play with the viewers' heads with his mystery genre, he can also spawn fun. The Classic Literature Club is of course all about mysteries but this OVA brings forth just relaxing animation. We all need it sometimes especially for the summer days and what better yet in the form of Hyouka. Anyways, just sit back, relax, and enjoy the show from this latest bundle of the Hyouka chronicles.

This fanservice pool episode adds nothing to the main series of Hyouka, in fact, I would argue that by heaping clichéd writing and unmotivated male gaze at boobs moments on the anime, it detracts. Not that these things are bad in and of themselves - but they're notoriously lacking in the rest of Hyouka, and they end up mixing very poorly with the rest of the series. Not only that, but the characters seem like pale caricatures of themselves. There's no reason to watch this: if you want fanservice, there are better places to get it, and if you like Hyouka, it is unlikely that this will add anything to it.

Generally when it comes to OVA's, I view them through the lens of their parent anime. This practice holds especially true with the Hyouka OVA. OVA's are judged based on their parent anime because customarily they lack the screen time to create a new story or experience, characters don't undergo any vast changes, and there are no fulcrum point events that a series rests upon. In the Hyouka OVA, the audience is given insight into what happens between episodes 11 and 12 of the parent anime. Although there is nothing ground breaking to be found in this OVA, if you enjoyed any aspect of Hyouka, you will assuredly enjoy this OVA. The OVA fits in perfectly with the rest of the series. Its animation is top notch, the sound is superb, the characters interact as they should, and it is definitely enjoyable. If there was to be a question brought up regarding this OVA, it would be, "Why wasn't this OVA just included in the parent anime?". For those that enjoyed Hyouka, I highly recommend this OVA to you with an 8/10 rating. You might just find yourself to be "curious".

WTF Is this? Frankly, I can't say as to what's going on with the people of Kyoto Animation studio as to why do they have to make an OVA which should be better off being included in one of its parent anime's episode. The only consolation here is swimsuit fanservice and Oreki who seems to be checking Chitada's vital stats since she is wearing a white bikini. Overall, this anime doesn't fare up since it still follows the usual plot and genre. There is nothing much for me to say here, so here's my rating in a nut shell............I rated every part of this 1 off OVA a "Mediocre" number 5. Since, after its parent anime ends, there gonna be a flood of reviews gonna come up and for me to rate each part of this OVA differently won't matter because a review here is like being in an episode forum, where one is simply expressing his/her opinion for a certain episode. I think I have to indicate my rating: Story: Mediocre 5. Art: Mediocre 5. Sound: Mediocre 5. Character: Mediocre 5. (I hate Chitanda) Enjoyment: Mediocre 5. Overall: Mediocre 5. Sorry bro's just my opinion, so don't hate me. PEACE MUCHACHOS!!!!!!!

Its good to give a rest to all that studies and 'WORK'. Thats right! Oreki is going for an actuall job today, and the rest of the guys tag along to cheer him. While everybody is having fun a sort of mystery erupts, as usual, and solve it they will. Oreki and Chitanda's chemistry gets a little more spark to it and there's good amount of jokes here. In the end, alls well that ends well and we return home :) P.S. : It's no different from the other episodes, but isn't connected to any other episode. So you can watch it anywhere between the series. Just not the end. And in the middle of connected episodes :D

This is my spiteful review of this OVA. I think that often OVA's are looked at as just "more of 'x' to consume," which I think is the wrong take to have on it. Whether canon or not, OVA's should still set out to accomplish something related to the series its about. For example, Konosuba created 2 OVA's, one of which simply showed the depth and depravity the main character was willing to go to if faced with a situation of death. Non-canon, however still interesting. Unfortunately this is a case of just "creating more" without much thought behind it. While I'm not necessarily opposed to blatant fanservice, this series makes it feel almost completely out of place. They completely had to shoehorn the MC into attending a pool, because otherwise we'd never believe he'd even go. Additionally, the focus on the love interest and her figure and beauty rivals even the late season of the show where he's had time to naturally develop his feelings for her. Past this, the "mystery" they presented was almost a joke. Without spoilers, they present you Chekov's gun almost immediately and expect you to forget about it while they make up a situation where it would be used perfectly. Rather than hiding the real solution to the mystery in the background, it comes up before the mystery front and center. Overall, nothing is inherently wrong sound or artistic wise. However, the OVA fails to capture what the main series truly is about. If you're looking to see more of characters you like, you'll be satiated. Otherwise, if you're looking to see the usual well thought out and enthralling mysteries, you'll be left wanting more.

As odd it may be, I am here writing a review of an anime, released around 10years ago now with little reception in recent days. Compared to the main series, this episode was not flashy neither was the mystery intricately woven to warrant massive praise. So why have I decided to write one, not for the 2-cour anime, but for this OVA? Firstly, this is my first rewatch and I have came to better appreciate it. Secondly, I am truly baffled at the interpretation and perspective of this additional episode. I decided to do it justice by providing context for the reader that stumbles upon this review so that more will come to recognize its value much as I have. Before transiting into the overview, I would like everyone to keep in mind that this OVA is actually an original anime. It never originated from the "Koten-Bu" novels by Honobu Yonezawa, the author of the 'Classics Club' Series better known as Hyouka. The Hyouka OVA: "What Should be Had" is a greatly misunderstood piece of work. Many simply disregard this as a 'fan service episode' and while I may agree to such a statement on an outward front, I would argue that there is much more processing psychologically and emotionally. This episode follows the previous, 2nd arc which left Oreki Houtarou dejected from his failure to 'solve' the mystery. We begin with Houtarou being offered a job at the pool. We know Houtarou to an extent and there’s no reason for him to take it up(even if it’s for money) “If I don’t have to do it, I won’t”, he has no financial struggles yet he does not react or even slide a snarky remark in his inevitable acceptance. Throughout this episode, Houtarou was emotionless and rather bland in all his actions- similar to what Satoshi once said, this represents a colourless personality. Chitanda while not being as sensitive as the other two deduced from her conversation with Houtarou that he had certain self doubt because of his abilities(due to his recent failure) and encourages him with reassuring words. His talent-crisis made him doubtful about helping his friends but Chitanda reassures Houtarou throughout all their conversations; what he does is special and he very much is special too. Additionally, Mayaka and Satoshi realizes his ‘blandness’. Satoshi points out to Houtarou his lack of emotion while Mayaka notes his lack of spirit. Regardless how lazy Houtarou is, he is still human and characterized by these qualities. Without them was the bland personality we witnessed-a colourless personality. The episode reaches its turning point when Houtarou decided to present his theory on the mystery. He lets out a sigh conveying to us that there was self-doubt. It reminds us of the burden from his failure and psychological aftermath on Houtarou. He was concerned about another failure yet he takes this step. He was becoming like himself again. As the episode draws to a close, Satoshi intends to grab himself a nice treat: an ice cream. What a coincidence as that not only reminds Mayaka but serves as a reminder and transition to the subsequent, 3rd arc where 'Hyouka' becomes relevant again. Subsequently, Houtarou had a final interaction with Chitanda and now displays his emotions that portrays his cynicism and laziness. He is finally himself again. And as a nice touch, his final remark(to the job) is the response he should have given(to his sister) from the very beginning. "What Should be Had" showed us how much Houtarou's friends value him and despite the disappointment they expressed at him in the previous arc, it did not change their respect and appreciation for him as a friend. The value of being needed by someone is an idea many propose to be essential in life. While the title is subjected to interpretation, it is undeniable that this episode acts as an important reconciliation for the group and bridges the unanswered gap in Honobu Yonezawa's novels. In this respect, the producers and director did an excellent job in presenting us a meaningful and worthwhile episode.

I see an OVA as an extension to its parent series. An episode to not only promote the parent series, but to remind the fans what the parent series was like, and what watching it was like. The Hyouka OVA, I think, does this well. Chitanda Eru once agains says the magic words: "Watashi, kiri nanimasu!" and Oreki Houtarou solves another mystery. I won't give this OVA higher than an 8, however, partly because the solution to the mystery is relatively obvious in comparison to the regular series, but everything else is very much like the original Hyouka. The characters don't act unusual in comparison to the parent series, the art and sound are still great, and I still enjoyed it.

The Hyouka OVA is alright in context but massively confusing outside of it. The OVA takes place between episode 11 and 12 and ideally should be watched there. Watching it after the main anime or watching it without knowing the context can leave you very confused about the way characters are acting. The story is not amazing. There's just one minor mystery which was obvious from the start and had pretty poor argumentation and logic behind it contrary to the rest of the anime. This was probably done for the sake of fanservice but it felt like poor taste. The characters are the same AS LONG AS you keep the end of episode 11 in mind when looking at Houtarou. There's some minor character development for him but not enough to warrant watching this OVA if that's all you'd be watching it for. The animation and sound are the same as in the main anime. The animation remains conservative, even though the OVA can probably be labeled as fanservice, which is nice since the main anime was also like that. Overall the OVA is best watching in context or with context in mind. It doesn't add a lot to the anime but it can be fun to watch if you like the anime.

Hyouka: Motsubeki Mono wa is the short little side story which is exactly as you would generally expect. Considering this is only a single episode, I will try to keep my review concise. The story is rather simple, and it's your basic 'high-school club which goes to the pool episode', but with a little touch of Hyouka on the side. It manages to slip some mystery and discovery in there, something the original Hyouka was profound at doing. The animation is still as good as you would expect, whilst the soundtrack is still quite forgettable. Overall you will enjoy this one if you enjoyed the original Hyouka, just don't expect anything ground-breaking.

Not your average fan-service episode. I went into 11.5 guessing that it would be one of those "beach day" episodes, and that it would actually take from the show, since I believe thus far (I'm watching in order) the show is made very well, so a cheesy fan-service episode would just disappoint me. I'm glad to say that that wasn't the case. While I do believe it was meant to be a fan-service episode, I think as far as fan-service goes, the ED alone is more provocative than the contents of this OVA (the spa episode as well). Some reviews state that this episode took away from the anime, but it actually does add to it, in my opinion. It was done well and doesn't seem out of place from the show. The animation was done beautifully, and to my surprise- the dialogue was impressively well written. There were interactions that had callbacks to earlier moments, showing that there was actual thought put into the episode. The "I'm curious" mystery was what lost the most points, for being a bit cheesy. Not surprising, though. You're not missing much if you skip this episode. Some moments could be interpreted as character development for Oreki, but nothing special (reference intended). Watching this episode definitely wouldn't hurt, and you may be surprised by the quality.

Best viewed as "Episode 11.5", this episode does a lot to flesh out the series, and should not be look at as a standalone, even though that is sort of how it was marketed. It lets us finally see the mysterious traveling big sister who introduced out protagonist to the classics clubs with her wish that he carry on her tradition. Then it shows some character development as he overcomes his melancholy disposition and comes to a higher social energy level through interaction with the Classics club and reflection. Also, it stays away from the cliche of excessive fan-service. For better or for worse, it is hardly any more ecchi than the main series. Yes, they are swimsuits but there isn't the over-the-top in-your-face boobage and such like that you would expect from a typical swimsuit episode. Rather, the characters are true to their nature in the series. If you are a fan of the main series, then you really should watch this right after #11. It will make so much more sense that way!

This is a summer story of Hyouka, Oreki's sister found a job for him that He doesn't spend so much energy. One more time Chitanda became curious and all the group tried to solve this new mystery. There are some funny parts along of this episode, so if you had a chance don't miss the oportunite to watch it.

Ah, Hyouka OVA. A true masterpiece of the anime world, a shining beacon of intelligent storytelling and artistic excellence. Just kidding, it's just another anime about high school students. The style of this anime is simply gorgeous. The animation is fluid and vibrant, and the attention to detail is truly breathtaking. From the lush scenery to the intricate character designs, everything is beautifully crafted and a feast for the eyes. Overall, my enjoyment experience with this was one of pure delight. It's a beautifully crafted anime that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant. If you're looking for an anime that will challenge your mind and warm your heart, then this is the one for you. 8.5/10, highly recommended.

(SPOILER WARNING) Too make this review short, there's nothing really happened to this Episode 11.5 and it is not carried over what happened after the Film Project. But, there are some important details on this OVA... besides the obvious fan service of the characters depicted in this one. First of, Houtarou has gotten into a side-job as a lifeguard in a local pool, for 5000 yen (US$5), thanks to his older sister's offer. Which is the first time we'll see Houtarou busts his ass for a while after shutting himself inside his house doing almost nothing. So he had to do it. Besides, it's just a one-time job and he can actually get paid by sitting only at the umpire chair. So, as Houtarou finally accepted this offer, the rest of the club wanted to see the surprise turn of events as Houtarou finally works in the sidelines. Second, Houtarou's older sister, Tomoe, finally got home after her trip from India. And recommends her younger brother to do sidelines for a while. We also see how close the two siblings were in this episode like the other main episodes that was shown on the series. Third, there are some hinted relationship development for Mayaka and Ibara. Yes, they were already been revealed and developed on the other episodes as well. And, chronologically, here on this OVA, a little tease of what to come for them as Houtarou wants Mayaka to be carried by Ibara for the sake of the investigation. Speaking of the investigation, in this OVA, they just investigate the "lost" earrings of a woman that could be around the public pool. If they haven't found it, there might be an accident waiting for them to happen. Which is a predictable investigation to me as it was already hinted earlier in this episode that the kid once "Ice Cream" and Chitanda noticed that the woman's white "earrings" got missing overtime. Hinted that she carried her child with an ice cream on his hands and did not intend to put a hit of an ice cream to his mother's right earlobe. Overall, yes, as expected on other OVAs, Chitanda's silky-white... err... swimsuit is DEFINITELY you shouldn't want to miss!!! Forget Mayaka... If I wish I would have a chance to get crushed by Chitanda's white thighs, I'm surely going to be in the heavens. But besides that, the story is... ehh, it's alright. There's little to no character development here and it's just a simple fan-service episode. Is it worth while to watch? Not Really, there's nothing really much happening on this episode... But still watchable though.

Just personal scratch. Advised, possible spoilers. Opinion & Informal Art: 8/10 The art quality was consistent with the main show: very good. Anatomy and proportions checked out with bonus points since this episode was a swimsuit episode. The backgrounds and supporting details were really well done. Like the main show, this special episode had excellent weather details; the sky especially looked great. The general backgrounds were above average but had an attention to detail such as how it would include the "supporting family" in the distance and have them actually moving and doing things. There was attention to the presentation of the background in such a way to build what the pool complex looked like, the backgrounds weren't just random and haphazard. Character details, facial expression variety, and minor details were all there and they all looked good. Animation: 8/10 The animation was consistent with the main show too. While I wouldn't say that this special episode had any crazy impact sequences or quick motions. I thought the inclusion of very minor motions and facial expression shifts was a very nice touch and something that one wouldn't normally see. Like for example, when they were eating lunch I thought it was neat how well done Mayaka's small facial expression and gesture changes were. The small things like that are something that I find prevalent in this special episode as well as the main show which I find some of the best things about both. Overall, the animation is a cut above the rest in terms of how it handles body language and shifts between expressions and motion; although at times I agree that it could be obviously over the top, it's great animation. Characters: 5/10 The characters were the same and felt mostly the same from the main show. This special episode didn't really do much in terms of expanding upon character development so I gave this a 5 for average. Sure, it focused on the same thing as the main show which was Oreki and his self-view, self-confidence in what he's capable of, and his dynamics with a person who represents many things opposite of his current self: Chitanda, but it's the same thing as the main show so it's nothing new. Just a personal gripe I had that bugged me was that Mayaka was noticeably more crude that usual when she confronted Oreki. I know she doesn't actually dislike Oreki and that was just her way of watching out for him, but that style just isn't my taste. Plot & Development: 5/10 Likewise, this special episode didn't do much in terms of building the overall plot and didn't include anything different from the norm of the main show. It was just another 'after the same initial hesitation and eventual yielding to Chitanda's womanly charm, can Oreki satisfy the never-ending curiosity of Chitanda by spending 15 minutes on B-roll sleuthing and then finally coming up with some answer' sorta thing. I thought this special episode was nothing special at all compared to the main show so I gave this part a 5 for average. Music: 5/10 Didn't introduce anything new. Bgm was fine. Soundboard was fine. No sound design to bring up. Overall: 5/10 An average special episode that did mostly the same things as the main show. The highlights of this special episode are the art, animation, and the fact that it was a swimsuit episode.

I'm watching the series as I write this, and I'm absolutely loving it. This OVA, however, was just okay. It was kinda neat to see Oreki's sister show up after all this time, even though she's still kind of a mysterious figure. For the most part though, this was pretty skippable. Oreki's got a bit of an attitude in this OVA, and more of an attitude than usual. They never really explain WHY he's acting so weird, but they acknowledge it enough that there should be some kind of explanation. The fan service in this kind of bothered me as well. I love me some good fan service, don't get me wrong, but the boob close-ups in Hyouka just feel... wrong, somehow? I can't put a finger on why, but this show feels like it should be above that. Maybe this OVA is just their chance to let their hair down and take it easy. In the end, I'm glad I watched it. It feels like it may be inconsequential to the whole series, but I'm glad I got one last story. The wait until September's going to seem like forever!

Pool or Beach episodes are the most common content of OVA episodes you will find, regardless of the Genre. For any other genre it'd be a simple fanservice episode and with no significance to the original story. Well, in Hyouka's case, it can't be called entirely wrong. But even so, this is Hyouka, how can it go so simply. The story took place right after the Irisu arc. Intention : to clear up the jumbled state of Oreki's mind. Due to the event that happened in the previous arc, Oreki had gotten even worse from his already boring state. To clear that up, this episode had it's significance. Since it's Hyouka, it had one small tiny mystery. You shouldn't even consider it one. But it had it anyway. Thus the scores, it had it's significance, and they thought "why not throw in an OVA while we have the chance" and there you have it, Hyouka OVA.

Hyouka: Motsubeki Mono Wa is a beach episode which takes place at a pool. It follows a pretty standard pattern for the show: the main characters get together, hang out, Chitanda's curiosity is sparked, everyone looks for clues and eventually Oreki solves the mystery — you know the drill. Since it's a slice of life anime there were a few 'less interesting' parts as one would expect but the main show's 'less interesting' parts were more interesting than those in the OVA. The pacing also felt strange to me but thankkfully it didn't make the episode less enjoyable. Overall the mood of the OVA fits in seamlessly with the main series (if we ignore the fact that this is a beach episode which makes fanservice basically unavoidable). Now comes the (only) frustrating part: the mystery. When I watched the main series I was always thrilled because I could never figure out the solution to the puzzle but this OVA's mystery paled in comparison to the main series'. The solution was obvious and I was a bit bored while I waited for the characters to figure it out too. Overall Hyouka: Motsubeki Mono Wa was probably meant for light fun in contrast to the more interesting mysteries in the main series. I personally don't think it's a must-watch (unless you're into swimsuits) but I also don't want to discourage anyone from watching it of they choose to do so.

this is the 'openness' version of the anime Hyouka. with Chitanda and Mayaka in bikinis to go to the pool with Satoshi. not with Oreki, because he alternates guarding the pool. This OVA is quite surprising, because the Hyouka anime does not show them wearing bikinis or swimsuits. the original story focused solely on solving each of its mysteries. The storyline remains the same, they discover a mysterious incident which Oreki can finally solve. graphics and animations are still as good as ever. although in my opinion the story in this OVA is a bit boring, but I still enjoy it, without any discrediting elements.