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Reviews
Paradise Kiss (2005)
Beauty in its most simplistic (and outrageous) forms.
As far as I'm concerned, Paradise Kiss was one of the best Shojo anime I've seen in a long time. Despite the length of the series, it manages to tell an in-depth story about Caroline's struggles to find herself.
The art is beautiful, the costumes inspiring, and the story completely draws the viewer in. I watched it as it was released and could barely stand to wait the week between episodes.
One thing I really enjoyed about this series, and many anime in general, is the fact that it doesn't have a fairy-tale ending. It reflects reality in that sense. The characters touch each other's lives, and when they part ways they are all better people, more content with who they are. In one light it's tragic, in another it's beautiful.
As far as I can see, the anime follows closely to the manga, so do expect too many deviations.
If your interested in something similar, I'd strongly suggest NANA, both the live action movie, and the anime.