[Ended] Hanasaku Iroha: Life Unfolds, Page at a Time

While there are a lot of cliche elements in the story, each and every single character felt real and original. Throughout the series, you see not only the main heroine slowly mature, but also the life stories unfold slowly along the way. In fact, as the story progressed, less and less you're able to identify a single main character. Instead, the entire crew takes on the center stage as the main focus of the story.

I have to say, very much like Ikoku Meiro no Croisee, this is one of those series that you have to allow it to "grow" on you, because it's a very very light drama that you can only see and feel the passion when you are completely immersed in the world it created. 

Final scoreboard:

Drama: 90 (Somewhat dramatic)

Comedy: 89 (Few, but interesting)

Action: N/A

Art/Animation: 86 (Typical)

Sound/Music: 88 (Eh...)

Character: 99 (That's where this story shines)

Plot: 92 (Very well designed)

Ending: 92 (On a very good note)

Re-watch value: 60 (Maybe)

 
Overall: 90 - It's Life 
 
Recommendation: Like most slice of life anime, you have to understand and embrace what the story tries to tell you. Without that understanding, or attempting to understand them, you'll never be able to fully appreciate it.