Search - Loveless on DVD

Four and a half stars, if I could.

Michiru | New Mexico | 12/09/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Twelve year old Ritsuka is unhappy: his brother is dead and he's lost a lot of memories. One day, a twenty year old man named Soubi shows up and tells Ritsuka his brother was murdered and that he, Soubi, will help Ritsuka get revenge. Suddenly Ritsuka enters a world of spell battles as he fights to find out the truth about his brother's death, his own memory loss, and Soubi's identity.

During an interview with the main cast, the voice actors agreed that while Loveless doesn't show any sexuality on the surface, there is an undertone of eroticism. I agree. There is a constant feeling of sensuality behind the battle scenes and emerging friendships. Most obvious is the cat ears that characters sport until they lose their virginity, but there is other, darker content as well.

Most notably, Soubi is an S&M sub who wants to be, not just Ritsuka's lover, but his slave. His dialogue (asking Ritsuka to punish and scar him, talking about pain and how he wants to experience it) regularly refers to pain and control, and how much he wants both. There's also pedophilia: Two boys try to rape an older woman, while Soubi and Ritsuka have a very intense relationship.

However, none of this content is overt. It's just subtly present in bits of conversation and various drawings.

What is directly on screen is beautiful. The animation is smooth, the voice acting is perfect, and the background music is (mostly) lovely. The spell battles that take place are drawn in a fluid and artistic way that suits the story. The friendships and romances that grow between Ritsuka, Soubi and Ritsuka's classmates are interesting and walk the line between drama and humor expertly.

This anime is almost perfect. With solid technical aspects, fascinating characters, and a willingness to face controversial issues without beating the viewer over the head with them, it's an anime that can be viewed many ways. You can think deeply about the issues presented, or just sit back and enjoy the pretty pictures and sensual atmosphere.

However, there is a drawback: the ending. Though Ritsuka's social life is resolved, we never find out about his memory loss, his brother, or Soubi's real identity. This is understandable since the source manga is still unfinished, but it would have been nice to get some answers.

I highly recommend Loveless anyway, because even if you're only getting half a story, it's a hell of a story!"

I LOVE Loveless!!

JSyv | Texas | 10/02/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am addicted to anime and manga. There are tons of great series out there but I'd have to say that "Loveless" is by far my favorite series of them all. Be warned though: for people who have issues with boy/boy relationships this isn't for you-it doesn't really show anything but a lot is implied and there is a kiss or two.

The main character of the series is named Ritsuka. He's a young boy with a troubled home life. His elder brother who he was very close to was supposedly murdered. Ritsuka has learned to rely on himself and distances himself from everyone until the mysterious Soubi appears outside of his school one day. Ritsuka is pulled into circumstances, conflicts, and emotions he never could have imagined. He soon learns that things aren't as they appear. Mysteries, love, and humor abound in this series. There are also friendships, lust, and jealousy.

I would recommend anyone who hasn't read the manga to read that first as you may be a little confused about how the "battles with words" work. Even if you don't read the manga first it's still an incredible anime series. The artwork is truly beautiful and it is some of the best I've seen. The characters are unique and the voices of the Japanese actors fit the characters perfectly-they don't sound "whiney" at all. Back to the manga, yes there are a few changes to the storyline but I actually think it makes the story better. I highly recommend this series to any anime fan. (Read the gorgeous manga too! There are 8 volumes so far.)"

So awsome and hawt

Anthony Hughes | PA USA | 12/22/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I love Loveless for once in my life i read the manga before seeing the anime. Even though it was left with a cliff hanger and there were a few differences it was still perfect for anyone who reads a bad review do not listen to it buyers. the opening music is so romantic and deep. The SD theater is so Rotfl and maybe is hinting to a 2nd season i hope. If you love shounen-ai or the loveless manga get this item!!!!"