Arte

Let me tell you about how the reviewer Scalpelexis totally spoiled my enjoyment of this anime series! I kind of liked it, especially the animation which I think is beautiful, and I also liked some of the characters (especially Leo). Then, after reading Scalp's review (at the time he wrote it), I had to admit that he seemed to be absolutely sure, plus, he even knew exactly where this whole thing was heading after only the first episode?!?? What really spoiled my enjoyment of this anime series was that I got the feeling that the manga author completely neglected the fact that Asian people behave in a totally different way to Europeans because we are definitely not as overly deferential to each other. The fact that the main protagonist deals with her problems in a typical shonen style - refusing to give up, and working harder than others, because it is bound to be noticed and appreciated - does not fit me either. So thank you, my dearest colleague, if I had not read that review you posted (so it is actually all my own fault), maybe I would not have noticed all those things, and I would be now writing a mainly positive review of a really nice anime series... I would however like to point out that the manga author skillfully portrays a young woman's struggle with her place in society and shows it firstly from one perspective, and then in the second half manages to turn it around (disadvantages become advantages) from a different point of view. I would also highlight the lovely animation and respectable soundtrack. I could go on about how I found a lot of the characters quite endearing and that it actually had a nice atmosphere. However, I had to watch a lot of the episodes through gritted teeth, because I started noticing those little discrepancies, things that just did not sit right with me, so I just could not get into the right mood and completely chill out. Should I award this show a feeble four stars or a strong three stars? That is all that matters! OK, a strong three stars... 6.4/10. (2020.06.21)

[First impressions] After Vinland Saga, I was looking forward to another anime set in Europe. With a setting and protagonist akin to Akari in The Animation, as opposed to the aforementioned gondolier in Neo-Venice, young Arte struggles to make it as a painter in Florence in an era when ladies were allowed to pursue the field as no more than a form of pastime. The slight feminist undertones are understandable, but what bothers me are the typical shōnen elements. While Arte is pleasantly passionate and single-minded, she acts a bit like a clown without any reasonable self-reflection on the possible consequences of her decisions. I'm also a little uncomfortable with the typical Japanese characteristics of medieval European behavior, such as bowing with arm sweeps and/or phrases like: "I look forward to working with you!". I was hoping for something similar to Nodame Cantabile, since Arte is a bit reminiscent of Nodame, but it looks like this anime will stick to a slightly more lighthearted storyline. Edit after the last episode: First of all, my apologies to Jeoffrey for spoiling the show with my comment :-) About halfway through, I sadly thought I'd take one more star off Arte's rating not only for the inane attempt at romance, the repetitive jokes on account of Arte's antics, but mostly for the heavy wallowing in the "One Thousand and One Problems of Women in a Man's World" theme. I understand women had it tough at the time, but at the very least, the viewer expects the plot to use this ethical issue to build and nurture a payoff. Wrong. Arte doesn't use the gift of opportunity to sell female ingenuity or creativity to overcome those obstacles; instead, she tragicomically reverts back to the fundamental idea: just be a man. Fortunately, Arte picks up by the second half, and even though it doesn't devote itself much to art, it starts serving up relatively sweet stories about interpersonal relationships that, while lacking a lot of depth, are moving (the 10th episodes always tend to be the best). When all is said and done, not much happens; everything is actually nice, everyone is nice in the end, and everyone understands what’s right at the most important moments. Relatively adequate for a less intellectual relaxing movie. For 3 stars. (2020.04.05)