The Sohma clan have invited young Tohru Honda into their home, even though she has become aware of the curse that afflicts the family. Tohru's personality and ability to see only the best in people has led her to being accepted almost universally by the troubled Sohma's. Yet there are still more of this crazy family to be introduced, and when will Tohru start to come to terms with her feelings for Yuki and Kyo? With welcome returns for all of the previously introduced Sohma's we also get to meet Yuki's older brother, the irrepressible Ayame, as well as the withdrawn Kisa. So many of the Sohma's have their own problems and sadness, can Tohru help them all?

Halfway point in the series and

the show still doesn't feel the need to pick up the pace of storytelling. The relaxed narrative really suits this show, for if anything this show is about character development. Tohru may be an incredulous character for just being too nice, yet still she is truly endearing and I am honestly coming to care for this girl as it is clear she will have some hard times to face. Yuki and Kyo whilst much more believable (even though they do have a habit of shape-shifting) are also in for choppy seas on the emotional front, having to come to terms with not only their own feelings but also painful memories and family strife.

Once again this show takes you on an emotional rollercoaster.

As often as you sit there going 'aaah, isn't that sweet' you get the other end of the spectrum '*sob*, why would anyone do that?' Sure this isn't a show for the action fans amongst us, even though Yuki and Kyo regularly break out the martial arts on each other, but the show does hit us where it hurts - the heartstrings. Now I've heard this show described by some as 'girlfriend anime', and it's true the wife does love this show. Yet Fruit Baskets strength is in the ability to make us believe in these characters and the problems that have beset them, and truly hope that the pain that they are going through can be eased in any small way.

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Image 3 of 3. Click to enlarge

Something that we can all relate to I think. At this point I think a mention needs to go to the English voice actors for doing such an outstanding job on making these characters pain and joy come alive on screen.

For me at least this show has been almost magical from start. The characters are great, the healthy mix of comedy and romance, and the more sombre topics of loss and grief have made this title a real winner. I not entirely sure what else to say to recommend this title to people, as I've been completely bowled over by its ability to amuse and sadden me. Said it before and I'll say it again: Stand-out Star Release of 2004!

9/10