I had always thought it was only the old fogies who had nostalgia; that eerie feeling of repetition, reminiscince, and familiarity. Sure, I've had my fair share of deja vu, but nostalgia isn't something I've experience.... until Kanon. Few animes can take such a complex, moody atmosphere and so powerfully brush it off upon the viewer. Kanon not only brought on nostalgia (a foreign feeling to me, that was quite enjoyable), but also succeeded in switching from glowing happiness to terribly depressing (and back again) at hyperactive speeds.
Kanon is the story of a somewhat angsty, somewhat rude, and somewhat agitating adolescent named Yuichi, whose parents travel out of the country, and leave him to stay at his aunt/cousin's house. However, many years ago, he had stayed there for some time, and it had left a mark deep in his subconscious which lay dorment until he visited again. Throughout points in the show, he unlocks certain memories that clue you in on his past, and its relation to the future.
Yuichi meets up with his cousin Nayuki (the first thing I thought upon seeing her was... please, god please, no incestful relationships), two hours late, and they proceed to her house. Before starting school, Yuichi is left in town to wait, where he is surprisingly bumped into by Aya, a light-hearted girl, on the run from a storeowner (who she had just stolen Taiyaki from). This relationship is the central axis to the story, and most memories Yuichi uncovers pertain to her. In the next few days, school starts and the rest of the characters are introduced little by little.
There is Kaori, the best friend of Nayuki, and her sister Shiori, a sickly little girl who Yuichi gets along very well with. Mai and Sayuri, a contrasting duo (Mai, a sullen warrior of the night, and Sayuri, a gifted, amiable girl) that befriends Yuichi, despite being in the grade above enter in a few episodes later. And of course there is Makoto, the mischivious little hellraiser who hates Yuichi for reasons she can't remember (and frankly, neither can he). The characters are a strong point in the series, as they each have a separate subplot to them that adds to the overall story; and each incorporates into the nostalgia as well.
The plot is, in laments terms, a roller coaster. Emotionally, there have to be at least 8 climaxes, and story-wise, probably about two. While the story starts out to be a realistic tale, it gradually becomes more acquainted with the supernatural (which if anything, only adds to it). Internally, all of the characters have different struggles to overcome, whether it be through friendship or battle. Regrettably the most touching, emotional, nostalgic, and intense part of the plot cannot be divulged in the least, as it would completely ruin the series (but take my word for it, it's great).
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While less important, the aesthetics are on par; the animation was fine, the music (while not remarkable) was sufficient for the atmosphere, and the voice acting was pretty good. My one complaint was with the art style; I realize animation tends to exaggerate facial features, but Kanon took it to a whole new level; Kanon exaggerated the exaggerations. While not consistent, the eyes sometimes grew to take up at least 60% of the face, while the noses had a tendency to dissapear right under them. But once you can get over the art style, there is alot to wait for you. The same thing is with Big O; most people complain about the art style, but Big O (season 2 at least), easily has one of the most comprehensive, symbolic, and amazing plots I've ever seen.
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In conclusion, Kanon is an anime one shouldn't watch for the animation, action (although there is some pretty good action mixed in), or...hentai. Kanon is an anime that compensates for its weaknesses with outstanding characterization, plot, drama/romance, and atmosphere. The nostalgia was wonderful, the ending was extremely unexpected, and the anime was wonderful. I highly recommend it; A.
*(The follow-up OVA, Kazahana, however, is probably the most pointless, needless OVA ever made; it resolves one person's feelings a little, but that's about it).
13 episodes, approximately 23 minutes each
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