Anime UK News :: Review of Fruits Basket #4

Anime Quick Information

Title:	Fruits Basket #4
UK publisher:	Revelation Films
Genre:	Drama
Studio:	Studio DEEN
Type:	TV Series
Director:	Akitaro Daichi
Year:	2001
Running Time:	2hr 30mins

Average Rating: 8.85

Paul's review

Paul scored this with 9/10. Disagree?

Fruits Basket #4 is one of the few UK releases I've approached with a real sense of enthusiasm and anticipation; up to this point, the series has just been outstanding - seamlessly merging razor-sharp humour and dramatic storylines without ever needing to resort to the kind of typical 'fan-service' (big breasts in your face) lesser anime would constantly fall back onto. It’s noticeable how the Fruits Basket creators show great confidence their characters, helping them to develop and shine over the course of the series.

So does this, the dramatic final volume of Fruits Basket, envelope that potential and deliver an enthralling conclusion? Come on; were you ever really in doubt?!

Before reaching the inevitable climax of the series, we are treated to a series of stand-alone (and novelty) episodes focusing on many of the characters outside of our core three heroes (Kyo, Yuki and Tohru). These are essentially the comic-relief episodes before the main drama with Akito (the 'evil' head of the Sohmas) really kicks in and are notable in their attempts to tie-up previous loose-ends.
We finally get under the skin of the 'bunny-boiling' Prince Yuki fan club, witness Yuki and his brother Ayame making peace with each other and even have time to meet a new member of the Sohma family - Ritsu, arrogant and jealous older brother to the victimized Kisa.

Indeed, I found these episodes rather jarring, constantly expecting some serious development for the final few episodes, when instead being treated to more of the same 'zany' fun you could associate with the earlier episodes of Fruits Basket.

I can't help but feel that perhaps a few of these stand-alone episodes could have been left untold, and instead used to further our understanding of the crazed personality of Akito - a seemingly important figure in this 'arc' of the series who has only seen cameo appearances right up until the final three episodes.

When we finally do reach the Fruits Basket finale, it felt (predictably) emotionally draining yet uplifting at the same time. Its strange to see Tohru physically and emotionally shaken, losing grasp of her invincible optimism.

I'll admit that some of the scenes from these episodes reminded me of the TV ending of Neon Genesis Evangelion, deconstructing the mental state of our teenage heroes and exposing their true, inner most fears.

Fruits Basket doesn't end with fireworks, we aren't given any real closure on any of the characters- but do we even need it? Such is the strength of Fruits Basket; we are simply watching a bunch of kids go through a particularly insecure and strange period of their lives, learning from each other and becoming better people for it. I get the feeling life doesn't stop for the Fruits Basket characters when DVD stops spinning.

In Summary

From start to finish, Fruits Basket has been in a different class. The characters are conflicted and realistic, the story is dramatic and warm (without seeming like pure treacle) and the entire anime production is top notch - from the subtle musical soundtrack to the nostalgic, memorable character designs.

I just can't recommend Fruits Basket enough and I find it such a shame that this series has already finished, leaving everyone to wallow in its glorious shadow.

Review Information

Score:	9 out of 10
Review By:	Paul
Date Published:	Tue, 14 Sep 2004

31 responses to our review of "Fruits Basket #4"

1. Comment by Amber

fruits basket is a wonderful series and I can't wait for more of the books to come out.

Posted on Mon, 4 Jul 2005. Amber rated "Fruits Basket #4": 10 out of 10.

2. Comment by Jo

If i could rate this any higher than 10 i would be here all day trying to count to the highest no in the world, this anime is one of a kind. Its a short anime conisiting of only 26 episodes but it really is worth watching if your the "cute" kinda anme fan.

Posted on Tue, 5 Jul 2005. Jo rated "Fruits Basket #4": 10 out of 10.

3. Comment by Kumiko-san

Fruits Basket is the best anime i have ever seen. Everyone I know who's seen has fallen in love with it. It is very romantic, funny and dramatic. It's really entertaining and it's got a really good story line.

Posted on Fri, 19 Aug 2005. Kumiko-san rated "Fruits Basket #4": 10 out of 10.

4. Comment by Red XIII

The last volume is definitely the weakest of the four, mainly because the manga continues the story beyond this whilst the anime had to provide some sort of conclusion. The first time I watched this I felt frustrated that we didn't uncover more about the darker aspects of the curse, however, second time around I was prepared for this and able to enjoy it for what it was. And, aside from the feeling that a little more filler than usual was used to stretch out the last few stories, as well as the two new juunishi having slightly annoying personalities, this is still an enjoyable conclusion to one of my favourite series. If anything ever deserved a second season, then Fruits basket does.

Posted on Mon, 29 Aug 2005. Red XIII rated "Fruits Basket #4": 9 out of 10.

5. Comment by Shekraze

I love this anime. I have seen it over and over and over. I just wish there were more than the 26 episodes it currently offers.

Posted on Mon, 3 Oct 2005. Shekraze rated "Fruits Basket #4": 10 out of 10.

6. Comment by mxaxnxdxixe

WEll the story is wonderful as everyone can see it but among all the volume i disliked this the most....what i dislike most is that this anime has finished but we still have questions in our minds that still haven't been answered yet...like will the junishi curse will be gone?Who does Thoru goes with in the end and many things the manga series has but the anime doesn't have...something that surprises me most is in volume 4 she picked Kyo because she was forced to or what???At the beginning till the end i always thought that she will end up with Yuki but it really shocked me on what happen i hope on the second serieThooru goes with Yuki,,tho i doubt it..

Posted on Sun, 6 Nov 2005. mxaxnxdxixe rated "Fruits Basket #4": 9 out of 10.

7. Comment by Sang

This anime was a grandslam. I love the balance of drama, commedy, and romance. I love Shigure's weird acts, Ayame's weird reactions, and Hatori's stuff. My conclusion based on clues...Tohru will end up with Kyou. Lalala...It's hillarious! I just can't stop laughing.

Posted on Sun, 1 Jan 2006. Sang rated "Fruits Basket #4": 10 out of 10.

8. Comment by megan

I love fruits basket ,I hope there will be a second season. I seen
all the episodes,I juts love fruits basket

Posted on Tue, 21 Feb 2006. megan rated "Fruits Basket #4": 8 out of 10.

9. Comment by megan

I love fruits basket ,I hope there will be a second season. I seen
all the episodes,I juts love fruits basket

Posted on Tue, 21 Feb 2006. megan rated "Fruits Basket #4": 10 out of 10.

10. Comment by aisha

i love this book, iam like so in to it god if anyone knows how to watch movies of this book plzzzz plzzz tell me thank u
bye

Posted on Wed, 12 Apr 2006. aisha rated "Fruits Basket #4": 10 out of 10.

11. Comment by tohru

TOHRU AND KYO NEED TO BE 2GETHER YUKI NEEDS TO FIND A BOYFRIEND MAYBE HARU ;)?

Posted on Mon, 24 Apr 2006. tohru rated "Fruits Basket #4": 10 out of 10.

12. Comment by megan

In the manga kyo kisses tohru, I ways so happy.(^_ ^)

Posted on Fri, 28 Apr 2006. megan rated "Fruits Basket #4": 10 out of 10.

13. Comment by Luti-chan

I love Fruits Basket! Not that I seen all the episodes in the anime nor read the manga but it makes me really happy to watch how cute they all are 2gether! yay! And aww, Kyo are sooooo cute!!! Why aren't boys in the "real" as cute as him? mwihihi ^^
well to everyone who reads this, just watch the anime it's worth it!!!
Love ya all /Luti-chan

Posted on Sat, 29 Apr 2006. Luti-chan rated "Fruits Basket #4": 1 out of 10.

14. Comment by NUKELES

I loved both the manga and the anime. I finished both and I'm wondering if anyone knows if there will be a second season or any new episodes after 26? WATCH FRUITS BASKET ITS THE BEST!!!!!!!!!

Nukeles

Posted on Sun, 7 May 2006. NUKELES rated "Fruits Basket #4": 10 out of 10.

15. Comment by hasuharu lover

tohru wrote:
TOHRU AND KYO NEED TO BE 2GETHER YUKI NEEDS TO FIND A BOYFRIEND MAYBE HARU ;)?

ok no firt of all haru is not gay!!!!!!!!! second of all ok maybe tohru and kyo should be "2gether" but there is no use in putting haru into this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and last but not least hatsuharu is mine mine mine mine mine mine mine MINE MINE MINE MINE MINE MINE MINE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted on Thu, 22 Jun 2006. hasuharu lover rated "Fruits Basket #4": 10 out of 10.

16. Comment by hasuharu lover

Posted on Thu, 22 Jun 2006. hasuharu lover rated "Fruits Basket #4": 10 out of 10.

17. Comment by Gregory

You have an outstanding good and well structured site. I enjoyed browsing through it

Posted on Thu, 13 Jul 2006. Gregory rated "Fruits Basket #4": 1 out of 10.

18. Comment by chris

good

Posted on Thu, 13 Jul 2006. chris rated "Fruits Basket #4": 10 out of 10.

19. Comment by Anna

am at book 13 and i think that kyo should be with TOHRU because they seem to know each other and the look Sooooooooooooooooooooooo cute with each other.

Posted on Mon, 17 Jul 2006. Anna rated "Fruits Basket #4": 8 out of 10.

20. Comment by animelover

I saw the anime and read almost all of the manga till 17.Hatsaharu is with Rin,Kyo is with Tohru ok and hatsaharu is not gay its just the way he acts and he is a very funny and a nice guy!!!!
I wish they air anime tv series in uk.I want more anime I want more anime.YES kyo and Toohru kiss and momoiji kureno and others get released from the curse.I don't think they r goin to be any second series cos they missed out a lot in these 26 episodes.

Posted on Wed, 19 Jul 2006. animelover rated "Fruits Basket #4": 1 out of 10.

21. Comment by anime lover

oops! forgot to rate!!!!!!!!!

Posted on Wed, 19 Jul 2006. anime lover rated "Fruits Basket #4": 10 out of 10.

22. Comment by LIS

i some what think that fact that some of them could be gay makes us keep on guessing. So what if one chooses to be with a same sex partner. It is kind of a dissapointment that there parners all end typical.

i kind wanted HARU and YUKI to be gay.

KYO for eva!!!!

Posted on Tue, 25 Jul 2006. LIS rated "Fruits Basket #4": 10 out of 10.

23. Comment by Rakka

I love fruits baskets every one i show it to loves it to i show it to some one how dose not like anime and thay loved it to

Posted on Wed, 26 Jul 2006. Rakka rated "Fruits Basket #4": 10 out of 10.

24. Comment by tenbats

good job cartoongods. oh hell yeah

Posted on Thu, 3 Aug 2006. tenbats rated "Fruits Basket #4": 1 out of 10.

25. Comment by EngYun

I love Fruits Baskey very much~ will season 2 come out? well, i happened to know that there are manga for Fruits Basket. is it true? it seems that i can't find it in my country! could anyone tell me where i could get it?

Posted on Fri, 4 Aug 2006. EngYun rated "Fruits Basket #4": 10 out of 10.

26. Comment by Clariss05

Waa! I just finished watching all the anime series. I LOVE Fruits basket!!! I so wish there was a second series! I really hope there is! I don't think there will be tho. And i also don't know weather i should read the manga as well? Would reading the manga and watching the anime spoil fruits basket for me? Someone help.

EngYun You can order manga and anime from online sites such as Amazon.com and play.com etc. =]

Why did it have to end!? ='[

Posted on Fri, 4 Aug 2006. Clariss05 rated "Fruits Basket #4": 1 out of 10.

27. Comment by Clariss05

Oh no! I forgot to rate! Silly me!

Also.. Should i waste my money buying the manga? I mean i have just wasted £60 on the 4 volumes of anime dvds. =O

Posted on Fri, 4 Aug 2006. Clariss05 rated "Fruits Basket #4": 1 out of 10.

28. Comment by XxNeko-FeixX

Clariss05 wrote:
Oh no! I forgot to rate! Silly me!

Also.. Should i waste my money buying the manga? I mean i have just wasted £60 on the 4 volumes of anime dvds. =O

Definetly. The manga gives you a much deeper look into the curse and the characters, reveling many unexpected things, also following on from the anime. I believe the anime ends in voulme 6 of the manga, which is now up to voulme 12.
Even if you didn't enjoy the anime as much as you thought you would I say read the manga!
As for the ending of the anime, i too felt dissapointed with the result. I very much hope that a season two is on its way!

Posted on Tue, 8 Aug 2006. XxNeko-FeixX rated "Fruits Basket #4": 9 out of 10.

29. Comment by featherdianne17

whoo!!!
_i love it_

Posted on Sat, 12 Aug 2006. featherdianne17 rated "Fruits Basket #4": 1 out of 10.

30. Comment by Me

Loved the Anime...
Loved the Manga (I finally finished it, a few days ago) ...
And now...
I want more T_T ... I mean seriously, you just can't get enough of it...
I love Kyo...
I love Shigure...
I love them all... *sniff* Y_Y

Posted on Sat, 19 Aug 2006. Me rated "Fruits Basket #4": 10 out of 10.

31. Comment by Emi

Love the anime, i wish there were more.
Loving the Manga. (i'm on Vol5 at the mo^_^)

Posted on Sat, 19 Aug 2006. Emi rated "Fruits Basket #4": 10 out of 10.

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