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Paradise Kiss Collection
This excellent 2005 anime series, based on
the well-received Ai Yazawa manga of the same name, revolves around
Yukari, and conventional high school student who wants nothing more in
life than to get good grades and please her parents.
One day whilst walking down the street she
is accosted by an eccentric group of fashion design students, who
believe Yukari would make the perfect model for their fledgling
‘Paradise Kiss’ clothing label. Though initially reluctant Yukari soon
becomes enticed by the group’s diverse personalities and vastly
different way of life, and in the resulting transformation from shy
bookworm to savvy glamourpuss she is forced to question whether to abide
by her parents vision of what her life should entail, or summon up the
courage to follow her own dreams.
Paradise Kiss is an enjoyable and,
for the most part, artfully executed series. Its target demographic
would appear somewhat specific - there’s probably a few too many sexual
references for younger viewers, and adult anime fans might find it a
little juvenile - but by the same token it’s solid and relatable fare
for any teenage viewers interested in fashion or music (Which is to say
most of them). Yukari’s blossoming romance with George, the dashing
fashionista, is also intelligently and compelling explored over the
course of the series, and both the character designs and direction are
inventive.
Featuring all 12 episodes over two discs,
the DVD release of Paradise Kiss also boasts a number of
excellent extras, including character artwork, round table creative
discussions, promo videos, fashion designs inspired by the series and
more. At times light-hearted but never insipid, this enjoyable series
contains sufficient undercurrents of complexity to keep most anime fans
satisfied. |
