BECK
Episodes: 26
Genres: Slice of Life/Drama, Music
Aired: Oct 7, 2004 to Mar 31, 2005
Producer: Madhouse Studios

I had been told a few times over the last few years that I should watch the series BECK.  Now that I’ve finally given it a chance realize why I had gotten so many recommendations for it. The story is really very heart touching.

Story: The story centers around a 14 year old boy named Tanaka Yukio (Or Koyuki). He is one of the most pitiful sad middle school boys you’ve ever seen. He has no life goals, no real friends, no real talents, is a wimpy crybaby, and listens to sappy Idol pop-music to heal his sad little heart. Basically he’s Shinji from Evangelion… except no one is asking him to save the world… so he’s basically alone. After a strange turn of events he runs into a talented American Raised boy guitarist by the name of Ryuusuke. Ryuusuke is good with the girls, is good looking and confident, can cuss people out in English, stands up to gangsters, and most of all… is amazing with the guitar. Koyuki practically worships the very ground he walks on; Ryuusuke represents everything he wants to be.

Ryuusuke probably realizes Koyuki’s admiration and hands down a guitar for him to practice on. He eats sleeps and breathes with his guitar. Even though he makes Ryuusuke hate him, is picked on by bullies, and his childhood crush leaves him forever… he puts his whole heart into the guitar. He befriends Ryuusuke’s younger sister Maho who believes in his talents and gives him confidence. Eventually Koyuki joins Ryuusuke’s band Beck. Even though his guitar skills still have room to grow, everyone finally realizes that even though Koyuki has a weak character, he has a really strong heart that shows itself with his singing voice and guitar playing.

As the story progresses, Koyuki really starts to grow past his awkward boyhood into an independent man with the help of his friends, his teachers, his lover, and his own determination. By the end of the story I think its hard not to be really attached to his character. I don’t want to spoil the ending of the series, but I was almost moved to tears at what Koyuki did at BECK’s big live; even though the end felt rushed I felt that Koyuki’s solo was amazing enough to be the conclusion by itself.

Pros:

• Great Music- And if you’re into rock they make tons of references to real life music artists I don’t know xD.
• Great Story.
• Good Characters.

Cons:

• The Engrish will grate on your nerves at time.
• The story pacing is off… The beginning is really slow and the exciting end is rushed xD.
• Needs MORE songs xD~ they replay a lot over and over.

In conclusion here is my favorite song: