In a sea of Moe, fanservice and violence it's nice that once in a while there is a great anime that comes out of left field with none of that and yet can be the most entertaining and enlighting stories of the year (or in this case two years). This time that anime is Time of Eve a story mostly set in a little out of the way cafe in Japan in the near future. A cafe that doesn't discriminate against humans, androids or robots and everyone is treated equally that cafe is called "The Time of Eve."
Streamed online by Crunchyroll here in the states Time of Eve is the first anime that I thought was good enough to purchase from an online store coming out to some $15 for the six episodes I think it's a pretty good bargain considering how good I thought this anime was. Sure I wish I had a handy retail DVD version but I'm happy with my downloads as well. This is definitely the future of anime I think.
Anyways back to Time of Eve, In the near future androids usually recognized by their glowing halos (status rings) are often seen as little more than house hold appliances but many are becoming more individualized and are testing the boundaries of Isaac Asimov's "three laws of Robotics. The main story revolves around the many patrons of the cafe "The Time of Eve" and their stories. The main protagonist Rikuo and his friend Masaki discover the cafe after following Rikuo's home android to the cafe they are introduced to the one rule of the cafe and that is that no one can discriminate between humans and androids.
They find the cafe rather odd since you don't know who is an android and who is a human as the status ring of the androids is turned off and the door automatically locks for two minutes when it shuts not allowing anyone to follow people back to their homes protecting their identities. The boys soon become regulars at the cafe listening to people's stories and becoming friends with the patrons of the cafe. It also shows Rikuo's maturing and growing to accept the androids including his as individuals with their own dreams and wants instead of seeing them only as tools.
Time of Eve has a deep and meaningful story and the animation is just spectacular looking it's not nearly as great as Makoto Shinkai's work like 5cm per Second but it is dang close. It just has to be seen to be enjoyed and it's a great way to break people into anime who might not enjoy the glits and glam of the more violent or fanservice rich stuff that is easy to find. Even though it says Time of Eve is a first season I don't know if there will be a second season I can hope and wish like everyone else because you know I'll be right there waiting to see it too.
Here is a trailer for the first act:
