As an animator for 5+ years I think you should take a step back and realize how difficult animation really is. this anime is hand drawn, unlike some of its modern competitors. As such it is a splendid example of the human form. The characters all exhibit the typical exaggeration of proportion that anime has capitalized on, but this makes the character's movement all the more fluid. Modern anime is aided by digital art and remastering before release. This anime had no such help and is still one of the better ones out there.

As for other factors:

The story is deep and you need to watch closely to understand all that is transpiring. Some newer show simply give you a premise and then bombard you with action. This anime doesn't do that.

The characters are great, but you may miss some minor details if you don't understand some of the things they say. A simple word used in a different context builds a new meaning for the word and the character.

Overall:

Great anime, classic art style from the animation to the music. Don't take my word for it. Watch it and attempt to comprehend the meaning of each episode. (show less)

After watching the episodes of this series, I just want to write my personal review because I don't know when I will finish with watching this one..because I don't have the desire to do that. I think this anime is overrated. it's anime but it looks like some old western rubbish cartoon. I love Yoko Kanno, but her music in this anime sounds very monotonic and cheap. Characters are not very good developed and they are so non charismatic and non interesting. I didn't catch what was purpose of main storyline, I didn't like side stories neither.
It have not enough actions, or Sc-Fi moments, or comedy, so I haven't felt particularly entertained at CB. (show less)