Reviews for H2O: Footprints in the Sand (7.27)

Rarely before has an anime ever evoked so many passionate emotions in me throughout its run. School Days is one (not so great) example. The difference between SD and H2O: Footprints in the Sand is that I actually had something to feel good about while I watched the latter. H2O is a vicious emotional rollercoaster (pardon the cliché) of an anime if there ever was one.

And, I'll confess, I like rollercoasters.

Animation

My first impression of H2O was that it looked like a cross between Higurashi (the village in which H2O is set bears some striking resemblances to Hinamizawa, both in design and style) and School Days (mostly character design--Mika, I think it was, seems to share many of Sekai's mannerisms).

On its own, the animation is nothing special. It does its job perfectly well (but I still want to cut Henchman A's disfigured lips off his ugly face), and it doesn't try to undermine the story progression. In general, I don't like the stylistic clash CG brings to most anime, but fortunately, H2O is only a minimal offender, with the pinwheel and waterwheel bring the only memorable culprits.

Characters look great, and are easily distinguishable from one another. The girls all look good, and the guys mostly don't (save Hirose), but since we don't see many of the guys very often, it's forgivable.

Sound

Overall, I didn't mind the soundtrack, but it wasn't phenomenal either. There were a couple three-minute (or so) lyrical pieces, but only the final one was really any good. I tend to find intermission-style songs more of a distraction than anything, and that was quite the same with H2O. The instrumental soundtrack had a couple noteworthy pieces, but they were only used in the beginning, and beyond episode four, I stopped noticing anything--either good or bad. The music was, essentially, average.

The OP and ED aren't anything to write home about either. I watched them both once, and skipped both on the remainder of the episodes. I don't usually care about theme songs, though. They don't have much bearing on the series itself, and so it's more of a side note than anything.

Story

After coming off an extremely disappointing hack-job of a story with the last anime I watched, H2O was extremely refreshing. No, it wasn't perfect, but it was good enough for me.

H2O: Footprints in the Sand starts off with a couple disjointed scenes: two sets of footprints in the sand (imagine that), and a girl getting beaten up in the rain. After the OP, we meet Hirose, the blind protagonist, as well as several of the girls we'll be seeing for the rest of the series. The show decides to get everything out of the way from the get-go with a series of semi-funny blind gags involving red-faced girls, stairs, and Hirose's walking stick.

Once we're done with that, the show picks up speed and has us asking questions (and, if you're like me, fuming) by the end of the very first episode. As the episodes whiz by, we're dragged along in many directions, and our emotions are twisted and thrown about with us. One of H2O's greatest strengths is its control over our emotions.

However, one of its weaknessses is its single-mindedness. H2O's not bad for focusing primarily on one thread... it's just that it tries to spread its wings and tell us about other, related stories and falls flat on its face. While we're introduced to several potentially interesting subplots, instead of development, we're treated to a magical shoujo parody... thing (I wonder, is "monstrosity" a good enough word?) just beyond the halfway point... thankfully just for one episode.

To me, the ending of a story is a significant factor in its overall strength. Stephen King would hate me for it, but I have discarded series (and books) with great stories that trip over themselves and miss the finish line entirely (Mai-HiME?). H2O: Footprints in the Sand is not a series that misses the mark, however. I mentioned above that the show was an emotional rollercoaster. And, like any good rollercoaster, H2O is full of twists and surprises up to the very end. I would've almost certainly burst into tears if I had been watching at night, with everyone asleep, or in an empty house. In fact, I almost did, despite that. H2O had a very, very satisfying ending.

Character

Like so many anime in the romance (I reserve "harem" for extreme cases of reality distortion) genre, females outnumber males in staggering proportion, and most of the males that do exist are one-dimensional (or, sometimes, one-and-a-half-dimensional). Whatever the reason (I have my suspicions, but they're not really relevant), despite the lack of a set of compelling males, the series doesn't lack in interesting characters.

To reuse another comparison, the cast as a whole brought back memories of Higurashi--in more ways than one. However, I won't mention anything specific, to avoid spoilers.

Much to my surprise, the characters were not as passive and self-defeating as you tend to find in romances like this. I actually cheered more than once as I reached a situation that would've been hopeless in a dozen other shows and someone actually did something.

As I mentioned above, H2O tries to expand on some of the characters' back-stories, and falls short of the mark. Even so, the characters' actions are all distinct and strong baselines for understanding their unique personalities. And, yes, everyone seems to have a unique and interesting personality.

Value/Enjoyment

I'm going to combine these two categories, because I think they're interrelated enough to warrant it.

I enjoyed H2O. I enjoyed it a lot. However, probably the only reason I'll watch it again in the next year is if my roommate decides to pick it up, in which case I'll follow along on the adventure. Rewatching the intro in order to write this review revealed a few interesting details to me, but everything was mostly straightforward, and it's just not likely to be as interesting when you're privvy to all the surprises.

Conclusion

Would I recommend H2O: Footprints in the Sand to fans of the genre? Absolutely. Though I might be wary to mention it otherwise.

There seems to be some dissent on the comment board as to the quality of the show, but they focus mainly on the first few episodes. It may seem that way in the first few episodes, but watch it through and you're in for several treats, as well as satisfactory solutions to all of its problems.

I tend to consider myself a discerning viewer of certain genres of anime. While I enjoy a good mecha or action series, or slapstick comedy, or even ecchi, my preferences remain firmly with two genres: romance, and slice of life. So, whenever I see a new series of one of these genres come up, I'll grab it, even if I don't expect much from it. Every once in a while, I find a gem amongst the tried and true cliches.

And yes, H2O is one of those gems.

At first, I thought that it would be a pretentious show. The first couple of episodes set so many varied hooks - the blind protagonist, Hirose. The girl whose first appearance is when she's getting beaten up by a couple of boys. The quiet village that is obviously hiding something. The mysterious girl! Yeah, ok, a lot of romance (and harem-subgenre) set out a couple story hooks that end up having very little meaning in the end. However, H2O links a lot of disparate plot devices into what actually ends up being a pretty compelling story, with a final ending that evoked one hell of an emotional reaction from me.

Animation + Sound

The animation and the sound are nothing to really get overly excited about. OP/ED are both merely ok, in both visual and audio categories. If the music is compelling enough, I'll watch the sequence over and over again, but sadly, this was not to be in this show.

Artistic direction is also nothing to really write home about. There are a few interesting sequences near the end that struck me, as they fit the psychological tone of the anime extremely well. I did like the background music. It's there through quite a lot of the show, rarely with vocals, but often noticeable enough to place emphasis on the scene, without being too aggressive.

Character design was the best part of the artwork, and still, none too impressive. Hirose's got an uncanny resemblance (in my mind) to Yuuichi from Hantsuki. Hinata and Hayami, on the other hand, are both phenomenally attractive. The supporting cast is all very cutely drawn as well, but unfortunately, the series dips strongly into the harem sub-genre in one way - there's no other men in the series except as props. The henchmen A and B, Hirose's uncle, Hinata's grandfather, the village men - all of them are pretty much cardboard cutouts.

Story + Character

The story, let me say, is very inconsistent in quality. Some events are poorly explained, and some subplot resolutions are completely out of touch - the worst offender is Hinata's subplot. The inconsistency comes to a peak just after the midpoint of the series, subsides a little into a good bit of psychological drama, and then it seems as if the writers took a vacation in Maui for three weeks, came back, and wrote a completely amazing ending.

Yes. You read that correctly. Some people are going to vehemently disagree with me and say that the ending ruined itself, that the final events in the last episode were strong enough to stand on their own. They were, but the very final scene left me awestruck. It has always been my desire, as an aspiring writer, to evoke strong emotions, and H2O did that. It did that so well, in fact, that it left me sobbing - yeah, I'm a wuss. I often get watery eyes at the end of a satisfying series, and I'll sometimes shed a tear of benediction for a good one, but I've never, EVER sat there for five minutes after the series finished, crying my beady little eyes out. As unmanly as that is. Not even Saikano managed that for me.

The character growth and direction was quite a huge part of the show's strength for me. Hirose's coming to grips with his past, Hayami's dealing with her present, and Hinata reclaiming her future - all excellently done. The psychological aspects near the end were kind of pop psychology crap, but even so, it was strikingly done. The final episode, again, brought a lot of these characters home in a way that I found to be extremely satisfying.

Let me say this again, about the ending - a lot of people will claim that it's poor, that it could have stayed the way it was when Hirose and his uncle finished. It's hard to argue against that. I, personally, don't mind a slightly contrived ending if the ending is made better for it. My opinion is that it was.

Value + Enjoyment

At 12 episodes, the series is pretty short. In one way, it could have been shorter - some of the episodes were filler, lightweight filler, but filler all the same. It would have been better if some of the subplots were fleshed out more instead.

However, when it comes down to the end, the question is: was the time I spent watching this anime worth it in terms of entertainment? The answer here is an unqualified yes. I adore series that can evoke emotional reactions, and H2O did that for me in a way that no show ever has. Will I watch it again? Yes. I will. This one is going into my classics.

In conclusion: If you're a romance anime fan, odds are that you'll like this show. Highly recommended!

WOW... If only that one word could be used to describe H20... It can, but I doubt it would fit the AniDB Review Requirements.

Anyway, this is one hell of a ride. H20 is an anime that will have you laughing and crying, feeling sad and estatic, sometimes even in the same episode. Where have I said that before...? Oh yes, that is right, Asatte no Houkou, while each anime is different and offers different things, the feelings from them are quite similiar.

Animation: 8/10
The animation that you see in H20 isn't 100% the greatest that you will ever see, but it certainly isn't anywhere near the worst. Each background is nicely detailed and there is a serenity about this anime. Even with all the emotion and commotion that the characters seem to bring, looking at the backgrounds, the village and the trees... it has a calming effect. H20 recieves an 8 because not everything jumps out at you. While the girls are beautiful in their own right and are distinctly different, the boys on the other hand are pretty mediocre. There is the crazy uncle, the insane grandfather, the bland school boys... each bring down the animation because some of the school boys all look the same, just different hair color.

Sound: 8/10
The opening is nice. It is... it is... what is it? It isn't really slow, yet it isn't fast, it is rock, yet it isn't.
Anyway... the whole music of H20 compliments the series well. Neither one really overpowers the other. But, at the same time, the music isn't really that noticable... take that in a good way or bad. But I can tell you that you won't be turning the volume off ;)

Story: 9/10
Wow, what can I say about the story? It is a great story, I don't want to give any spoilers and the summary does justice summarize the plot. But it is pretty moving. The whole series opens with two sets of footprints in the sand, makes you wonder where they got the title H2O ~FOOTPRINTS IN THE SAND~ from... Anyway, it opens with those footprints and a prayer, or poem being read, and a girl getting beaten up in the rain. Which to me, was really moving. Firstly I thought the girl was really nice looking, secondly, I wanted to watch the series to find out why she was being beaten up. What you find out isn't a nice thing... Although, you hate the villagers for holding onto their petty grudges, you can understand how they feel. However, you have to applaude Hirose for not conforming to the crowd and standing up for the girl.

H20 is an interesting title. It is single minded in telling its story, yet it introduces some potentially interesting sub-plots, but it doesn't really go anywhere with it. That can be a little frustrating, but if you don't mind starting to be led somewhere and then suddenly told to turn back, this shouldn't be that big of a deal then. However, there is that ONE episode with the mahou shoujo that is easily forgettable, I can't remember the name, but it isn't necessary to the plot in anyway and can be skipped.

Through the telling of H20 and the goings on, I really connected with the characters, so if you are like me, and really start to like Hirose and Kohinata, then you will... well. Watch and find out, I won't ruin anything. One thing you can be assured of... is that the ending is a surprise. At first I hated the ending, but then... looking back, it is actually quite satisfying.

Character: 8/10
I absolutely fell in love with Kohinata, her story is sad and touching and how she still lives and tolerates everything is interesting all on its own. Then you enter Hirose who doesn't tolerate the way she is treated and stands up for her, and slowly you get some great character development. There are some unsavory characters in there that will add some bitterness to the overall enjoyment of the series. Otoha and her Grandfather are one of them, and the other is that red-headed queen with the two henchmen. However my disliking for them, they are pretty essential to the overall telling of the plot. However disatisfied it makes me.

One thing I applaud the writers of this story is how the characters act. They are unlike any romance characters before, you know the ones... they get into a situation and they become all whiney and helpless... Not here, which is really enjoyable. To see them fight and stand up for themselves... it is amazing how much that little bit can add to the enjoyment of a series.

Value and Enjoyment: 9/10
Value: 9 - Enjoyment: 9
While the series is phenominal, there are faults. Enough that bring the series down, but not much. It is still a pleasant experience that I have revisited several times. I highly recommend this series for the fans of tragedy and romance. It is a fantastic series that is really deserving of a following like Haruhi

Out of my 15 years of watching anime, this one barely rates average. Similar story style to School Days, I think School Days was better. This one is more like a Shoujo Ai with a couple pointless ecchi scenes thrown in to try to attract male audiences. Well not really ecchi, more like soft ecchi.

Story:
Quite a bit of pointless nonsence. I was thinking why this or why that. The moods of the story changes quite abruptly with poorly developed plots or twists. There were some ok parts, some funny, or some warm. Rather hit and miss.

Animation:
Artwork barely made par, I thought the characters looked weird, but passable. The background scenry was nice.

Sound:
Ok, nothing catchy.

This would have been fine as a Shoujo Ai, but the mix of ecchi, fantasy, drama, and comedy just wasn't right. Just trying to be too many things at once.

Anime's based on visual novels are sometimes ok and sometimes bad.
Take for example H2O:Footprints in the Sand,a anime that sure should have been better.
Its a story of a blind boy trying to get cured from his blindness by meeting girls.

Animation and Art:
The animation looked kinda nice because how stylish it was during the sad parts of the anime.
Sometimes the animation was a bit slim at the times but it really hold that well.
The art was perfect and clean especialy how the characters look,its well done and nice to look at.
The landscapes looked very great and fitted the anime perfectly.
Sound:
The OP/ED sounded relaxing and the lyrics to those were pretty imagintive.
But the music in the anime...well lets just say it was good.
There was happy,sad and creepy songs in the anime that holded a big tempo in scenes the song fits the most.
The voice acting was well performed.

Story:
The story......was very sad.
Its about of a young boy named Takuma who is blind and lost his mother,he moves to a village where he meets Otoha,a girl only he can see and so started his adventure.
It was emotional,deep, tragic and romantic but gets a bit dissapointing later on.
Its well writen and no misstakes.
Character:

Takuma:The main character in H2O,a blind boy who lost his mother and became lonely,very cerative male protagonist.

Otoha:The girl only Takuma can see who is very cheerful to him,nice and friendly ghost girl.

Hinata: One of the girls Takuma meets,looks attractive and cute.

Hayami:Another girl he meets,the tsundere of the anime.
Great and good-looking characters the anime has.
Value:The anime is just over 12 episodes that will make you laugh and cry at the same time.
H2O is a ok anime to watch but the final episode may dissapoint you even if you like it,you will cry hard at the 2 final episodes.
Of course it was okay but the ending felt a bit weak and slimish.

If you want a tear jearker then watch H2O.

The overall story is about a boy named Hirose Takuma who lost his mother when he was young and has since become blind from the trauma. He goes to live with his uncle in the rural countryside to try to recover from his "illness". There, he meets a
magical fairy named "Otoha" and two girls Hinata and Hayami, who are caught between a nonsensical family war over village control.

This anime seems to be an average harem anime at first. However, a second look reveals a flawed attempt at introducing many innovative, but poorly done, aspects to the genre. Though sometimes the characters are entertaining and the story decent, the overall plot line and confusing ending all but destroy what this anime could have been. This show fell way short of what I was expecting.

Animation:
Green. I know that the setting is a rural village but the entire color palette leans unnaturally towards green. Otherwise, animation quality is average for a modern show. I don't particularly like how some of the characters are drawn but it isn't bad overall.

Sound:
This is one of the better aspects of the anime. The OP is refreshing and the entire BGM encompasses many Irish-fluteish sounding tracks. Note that the majority of the voice talents for this show are new. The only exception is the main male character who is voiced by a girl (his voice just doesn't sound right the entire show...). Overall, not a bad job but better VAs would probably have brought out the characters more.

Story:
This is a painful downside of this series. There are quite a few plot twists in this show but they also happen to be predictable. Yet, they manage to pull of the twists in a way that feels unnatural and rushed.

Add on a rushed ending that doesn't explain much of what happens (one of those fast forward by 5 years) and well you've lost me. This show definitely had potential but the execution crushed all hopes of its success.

Character:
Though the characters all have quite a bit of depth to them, there are many aspects that don't seem to fit quite naturally.

First of all, Hirose is supposedly blind and has been blind for years. However, once he meets the fairy Otoha, she magically grants him the ability to see. The kicker is that once he starts seeing, the others don't notice anything at all and act as if he could see all along. The explanation for this comes late in the show though I still don't think it is a satisfactory reason. Hirose seems to be the typical nice guy but late in the show he acts somewhat erratically and seems to lose his head.

The other characters seem slightly more coherent, though Hayami Kohinata and Hinata Kagura still have a few holes in their storyline by the end of the show.
Despite these holes, the two girls are dynamic characters that grow with the show. However, the rest of the villages are like sheep, just going with what the village leader thinks. This is a detestable situation if you ask me and giving supporting characters a brain wouldn't hurt too much.

Value:
There are a lot of pointless beatings of poor Hayami and a lot of random fan service (to supposedly cancel out the beatings?). I personally watch for the plot line and developments between the characters. While the first half of the series does a fairly good job of introducing the characters, the latter half butchers it with half-hearted developments and horrifically executed plot twists. Viewers beware, you're probably not going to like where this series is going. I summarize this by saying that this is one of the few animes that I actually wiped off my computer w/o archiving.