Gravitation
Synopsis
All Shuichi ever dreamed about was following in the footsteps of his pop idol, Ryuichi Sakuma and the band Nittle Grasper. Together with his best friend Hiro, Shuichi's formed a band called Bad Luck and they've even managed to get signed to a major recording label! Unfortunately, the studio deadlines are looming and Shuichi still hasn't finished the lyrics for any of the songs. What he needs is a little inspiration... but he's been running a little low in that department lately. While Hiro recommends finding a girlfriend, fate has other things in store for him... Walking through the park late one night, Shuichi's latest lyrics flutter away and land at the feet of a stunning stranger that takes his breath away. Unfortunately, that mysterious stranger happens to be the famous novelist Eiri Yuki, who completely crushes the young singer by telling him he has "zero talent". Now, Shuichi's so annoyed that he's managed to finish his song just so he can find and confront Yuki once again. But, are his actions really motivated by anger, or has he actually fallen in love? (Source: RightStuf)
Audience Consensus
Gravitation is a polarizing shounen-ai anime, loved by many for its comedy, music, and memorable characters, particularly within the context of its time. However, it receives criticism for inconsistent animation, reliance on genre tropes, and the potentially grating personality of the main character. The series' impact as an early BL anime earns it some leniency, but modern viewers may find its flaws more pronounced.
Strengths
- Memorable and Fun Music: The soundtrack is considered a highlight, with catchy opening and ending themes, and enjoyable insert songs that blend well with the storyline. The techno elements are appreciated.
- Unique and Quirky Characters: Many reviewers praised the characters as being well-developed and likeable. Shuichi's energy and Yuki's mysterious persona contribute to their appeal.
- Humorous and Entertaining: Many reviews highlight the comedy as a strong point of the series.
- Nostalgia and Genre-Defining: Some appreciate Gravitation as an early and influential title in the shounen-ai genre, giving it historical significance.
Weaknesses
- Inconsistent Art Quality: Reviewers noted inconsistencies in the animation, character designs, and use of repeated scenes, indicating potential budget or production limitations.
- Generic Plot Elements: Some felt the storyline was predictable and relied on common tropes. The past is considered cliche.
- Annoying Main Character: Shuichi's personality is sometimes described as over-the-top, immature, and annoying, diminishing enjoyment for some viewers.
- Poor Character Development: Some reviewers feel that there is a lack of character development.