I am a big fan of anime(and animation in general), right from almost anything Studio Ghibli, Akira, Ninja Scroll, Castle of Cagliostro and Ghost in the Shell to Sailor Moon, Cowboy Bebop, the animated Miyazaki anthropomorphic Sherlock Holmes series and this(have for a while been interested in Naruto). This show, The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, is wonderful, and I highly recommended the movie The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya as well, a film that doesn't disrespect its show in any way. The animation in the show has a beautifully ethereal quality, yet darkly atmospheric when needed. The character designs are quirky and quite unique with telling facial expressions, you get that a lot of this sort of depth in anime and I love it. The music fits perfectly with the contrasting moods, powerful in places and soothing in others. The writing is always intelligent and smart, with fun, intensity and poignancy in the mix as well. The storyline has so many clever ideas and told in a way that is accessible to anybody, with plenty to amuse the younger audience and the sharp intelligent writing of the dialogue and story will leave adults satisfied as well. The characters and engaging and never come across as obnoxious or under-written. The title character is in particular an interesting, well-developed and in a way complex character. The voice acting is appropriately dynamic if more in the Japanese version rather than the dubbed(it is good to have an English dub for those new to anime or this show, but I find in dubs that feels on the stilted side in comparison to the Japanese version). Overall, a really wonderful show. 10/10 Bethany Cox
