Clover review: Exploring the depth of the story and characters

CLOVER - Clover - Comprehensive review and recommendation

■ Public Media

theater

■ Original Media

comics

■ Release date

August 21, 1999 - January 1, 0000

■Distribution company

Shochiku

■ Eirin Number

26547

■Frequencies

6 mins

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 1

■Original Story

CLAMP

■ Director

Kitaro Takasaka

■ Production

Animation Production: Madhouse

■ Story

A young veteran named Ryu F. Kazuhiko has received a request from the government. His mission is to transport the mysterious girl Suu to Fairy Park. Suu has been trained as a magician who surpasses the five sorcerers. What is the reality that she and Kazuhiko will face?

■Explanation

This is a 7-minute theatrical anime adaptation of the original manga of the same name by CLAMP. It is also a first-part fully digital music clip that synchronizes the music and the screen. It was produced as a companion piece to the theatrical version of Cardcaptor Sakura, also based on the original work by CLAMP. It is also the directorial debut of Kitaro Kosaka.

■Cast

・Shu/Maaya Sakamoto

■ Main staff

・Director／Kitarou Kosaka ・Character design／Nobuyuki Yuki ・Chief animation director／Nobuyuki Yuki, Nizo Yamamoto ・Color design／Ken Hashimoto ・Sound director／Yasuhiro Honda ・Technical supervisor／Iwa Yamaki

■Detailed evaluation

"CLOVER" is a short animated film based on the manga of the same name by CLAMP, and was released in 1999. It is known for being packed with a deep story and beautiful visuals in a short six minutes. Below, we will take a closer look at the appeal and reviews of this work.

The appeal of the story

The story of "CLOVER" is about a young veteran, Ryu F. Kazuhiko, who is asked by the government to transport a mysterious girl, Suu, to Fairy Park. Suu is trained to be a magician who surpasses five sorcerers, and her existence itself is shrouded in mystery. In this short time, the relationship between Kazuhiko and Suu and the reality they face are depicted.

The story unfolds very smoothly and has the power to draw the viewer in. In particular, the subtle changes in feelings between Kazuhiko and Suu and the impact of her abilities are skillfully depicted, making it easy to follow the story even in a short time. In addition, the truth about Suu, which is revealed at the end of the story, deeply moves the viewer.

Visuals and Music

One of the biggest attractions of this work is the synchronization of the beautiful visuals and music. The animation by Madhouse is produced fully digitally, depicting a colorful and fantastical world. In particular, the scenes where Su's powers are activated and the depiction of the fairy amusement park are visually very beautiful and have the power to draw the viewer in.

The music is also an important element in enhancing the atmosphere of the work. The first half can be enjoyed as a fully digital music clip where the music and the screen are synchronized, allowing you to enjoy the work both visually and aurally. Maaya Sakamoto's voice acting also deeply expresses the character of Suu, enhancing the quality of the work as a whole.

Director and staff

"CLOVER" was Kitaro Kosaka's first directorial work, and it can be said that it was a work that fully demonstrated his talent. Kitaro Kosaka has worked on many excellent works in his subsequent career, and it is especially noteworthy that this work was the starting point of his career. Additionally, the technical skills of character designer Nobuyuki Yuki and animation director Nizo Yamamoto also support the visual aspects of the work. With the cooperation of staff such as color designer Ken Hashimoto, sound director Yasunori Honda, and technical supervisor Iwa Yamaki, a highly polished work was born.

Comparison with the original

The original CLAMP manga is known for its deep storyline and beautiful visuals, and the anime version continues to have that same appeal. In particular, Su's character setting and the impact of her abilities firmly incorporate the essence of the original. However, because the anime version had to tell the story in a short six-minute time frame, it was not possible to reproduce everything from the original. Nevertheless, it managed to select key episodes and make a strong impression on viewers.

■Recommendation details

"CLOVER" is a work that you can enjoy a deep story and beautiful visuals in a short time. I especially recommend it to fans of CLAMP and people who like short animations. It is also recommended for people who want to enjoy the synchronization of music and images, and those who are interested in the early works of Kitaro Kosaka.

Related Titles

The movie version of Cardcaptor Sakura, which is also based on the original work by CLAMP, was also produced as a companion piece to CLOVER and is also recommended. Cardcaptor Sakura is one of CLAMP's masterpieces, and is attractive for its beautiful visuals and moving story. It is also a good idea to check out other works directed by Kitaro Kosaka. For example, Honey and Clover and Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day are also works where you can feel his talent.

How to watch

"CLOVER" is available on DVD and Blu-ray. It may also be available online, so check there. You may be able to find it on CLAMP fan sites or anime streaming sites.

■ Summary

"CLOVER" is a short animated film based on the original work by CLAMP, and is a work that is attractive for its beautiful visuals and deep story. It is also a noteworthy work as the first directorial work of Kitaro Kosaka, and you can enjoy the synchronization of the music and the screen. It is highly recommended for fans of CLAMP and those who like short animated films. You will also enjoy it even more if you check out related works and other works by Kitaro Kosaka.