**SPOILER ALERT**

I've always loved that Fruits Basket isn't a story that seeks punishment at all costs. That it takes on a path more secluded, of understanding and acceptance, which can be harder to cross but so much more fulfilling in the end. 

And I find myself at loss for words. 

I truly believe that I'll bring this story with me for my entire life and maybe that's all I need to say about it. 

And now that I've finished the anime, a re-reading of the manga is in order.

**SPOILER ALERT**

I'm almost halfway through the final season and since this time around I don't feel the anxiety of rushing to know how everything's going to wrap up, I can revel in the characterisations as well as the overall writing of the story.

Like, for example, the way and time we are introduced to Rin and Kureno, who are pivotal not only in bringing certain characters' arc to their climax (see Yuki's), but also in raising the curtains to the last act of the story (see Kureno's revelation). And talking of Yuki, it was so poignant that his "confession" to Tohru came barely one episode after Kyo's realisation of his feelings, because of the contrast between the two - which would then be explained a short time later, by Yuki himself. 

Also, can we talk about the relationship between Akito and Shigure?

It's so freaking twisted and passionate and consuming, and oh my don't I live for that kind of shit. 

 Trapp Ikka Monogatari (The Trapp Family Story) is a nice anime for children and people who are fans of the musical and want to relive the story in a different format. It has a couple of nice bits taken straight from the movie, without being a replica of it.

Fourty episodes were a bit much, though. 

**SPOILER ALERT**

Fruits Basket - S02E10-11

The wheel's in motion...

 Nippon's adaptation of Little Women (both seasons), is the only one that truly understood the intent behind the novels. 

To show the crucial role of education in shaping a child into adulthood. 

**SPOILER ALERT**

Fruits Basket - S02E08-09

The moment Kyo surrenders in acceptance of his love for Tohru.

Equally beautiful and tragic.

**SPOILER ALERT**

Fruits Basket - S02E05-07

Arisa, my love.

Poor Kureno. He's been a prisoner for most of his life.

We're slowly approaching a resolution for the supposedly love triangle, which was never a love triangle to begin with.

Shigure, always manipulating everyone to get what he wants.  

 **SPOILER ALERT**

Fruits Basket - S02E03-04

Two things I was waiting for happened in these episodes.

First, Yuki and Tohru's visit to Ayame's shop - and every time he's on screen is always a pleasure. Also, we meet Mine and although we barely see her going forward (I think they even expanded on their story a little bit in the anime, but we'll see), their ship is one I have a soft spot for. 

But above all, it is introduced that Haru and Rin have a romantic relationship and oh my, how they're gonna make me suffer (again).

 The Christmas chronicles is adorable! Such a fun and quirky movie. I expected it to be rubbish, but instead I was utterly surprised by how much I enjoyed it.

Straight into my list of favourites. 

And Kurt Russell was kinda hot as Santa. THERE, I SAID IT.

 **SPOILER ALERT**

Finished with the first season.

I really loved it and I already started the second (barely two episodes in). 

Tone's going to shift rather dramatically going forward, if anyone could believe that. We've met most of the zodiac and got glimpses of their tragic past - in particular, Hatori and Momiji's, but also Kyo's (although it isn't over with him.)

We also got to see how the relationship between Tohru, Saki and Risa came to be. For me the best episodes, along with the one about Kyo's cat form. 

I can appreciate now the talent involved into mastering a story with so many characters and never make any of them feel shallow or useless - even those in the background, like the president of Yuki's fanclub.

Pretty excited to see how well they adapted the rest.

Ah, and Ayame was hysterical. I adored him. The voice actor was really good at channeling the way I always imagined Ayame would sound

 Tokyo Mew Mew New managed to fix almost everything I loathed about the original series, adding depth to the characters and structure to the story. Too bad they had to sacrifice the one thing I truly loved in order to do that. 

Still, a great dose of endorphins for lovers of majokko.

Worthy of a future rewatch. 

The amount of ridiculously cheesy Christmas movies I'm watching lately...

**SPOILER ALERT** 

Fruits Basket - S01E04-05

I believe they toned down Tohru's relatives. Granted, it's been a few years since I last read the manga, but I have this vague recollection of them being way more vicious than what it shows here. 

Like I said though, I may be wrong. 

 I'd say I was fairly surprised by how much I liked the two Sonic movies.

Is the third one already in production?

I hope so.

First, I wanted to be sure they were getting the whole thing adapted. After that, I waited for them to complete it because I don't deal well with waiting. Then it ended and they announced the spin-off movie, so I told myself that I might as well wait for that to be released too. And lastly, I wanted for it to be special, because Fruits Basket is possibly my favourite manga of all time and I wanted, no, I needed to watch the anime at the exact right moment. 

Which seems to be Christmas season, 2023. 

I'm only three episodes in and love everything already. 

 Did you ever dream of getting revenge over your bullies?

The Glory gives you a taste of that sweetness, complimented by the most astounding writing. 

The school for Good and Evil reminded me of those trashy, mid-90s fantasy movies that as a child I used to watch on television over the Christmas holidays, although with ten times the budget and somehow way less appeal.

Nonetheless, it made for a nice Sunday night.