Just to elaborate on my previous post. Hadn't really watched any new anime in like 10-15 years, but decided to give it a go. Frieren is seemingly the current most popular manga/anime so started with that.
I get the meaning of the German words and why they were chosen. I lived in Germany for some years and at least used to be fluent in German. Maybe that's why it just feels a bit corny. Nevertheless a really solid show. I'll give it a 6,5/10.
Dungeon Meshi - Some people said it's better than Frieren. I don't think so. I was on the fence between "it's stupid, but entertaining" and "it's just stupid". Watched 15-20 episodes and decided that it's mostly just stupid. The worldbuilding is nonsensical and some of the problems could be solved by simple communication. But that's too much to ask from an average shonen. I'm probably just too old for this type of anime. 5/10
Natsume's Book of Friends - this one was top 10 in every "best rated anime" list. My first impression was that it seemed too soft, but what do I know. Watched 10 episodes and yeah...it's too soft and actually feels a bit hollow. Perhaps a feel good show for some, but once more I'm just not the right audience. 5/10
Mushishi - This one is pretty great. Some deeper more mature themes. Characters act and feel like real people. My main gripe is the purely episodic nature with zero overarching plot. Shows like Cowboy Bebop or Samurai Champloo still work towards a conclusion. You'll eventually get invested. With Mushishi, not so much. Because of that I'll give it a 7/10.
Violet Evergarden - A teenage female Terminator has to find new meaning in a post-war world. Could be interesting, but it's not. Seemingly every problem can be solved by writing letters. Too melodramatic. Also some weird borderline pedo shyt going on. Couldn't make it past 6-7 episodes. 3,5/10.
Bungo Stray Dogs - Watched 5-6 episodes. The art style is awful. Every character just has to look like a cute 20-something. And everybody acts like a bad caricature with all the standard forced "look how cool/weird I am" moments. Not for me. 3/10
The Apothecary Diaries - This one I actually liked. The main character is goofy and weird, but also wise. This helps her to stay alive and even succeed in a 7th century Chinese Imperial court where she ends up after being kidnapped. Instead of being melodramatic, it has a "life is unfair, but it is what it is" vibe. Realism that you wouldn't really expect. 7/10
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