Review:

 

     Maria-sama ga Miteru ~Haru~ (Haru means Spring) is a second season/series that continues from where the original Maria-sama ga Miteru left off.  The end of the year is rapidly approaching and when it comes, it will be end of the reign of the current Roses.  This means that during the next year, the current Rosas en bouton will finally be stepping up and taking their places as the leaders of the Yamayurikai.  However, this brings with it many uncertainties and painful partings for the soeurs.  As Sachiko and Yumi continue to develop their bond as soeurs, what lies ahead in their future?  And as Sakchiko and Yumi define their relationship, what will happen to Rei and Yoshino as they redefine their own?  With the current Roses leaving, will Shimako find herself left all alone without Rosa Gigantea?  As if these weren’t concerns enough, the new first year students will certainly bring with them new problems and concerns.  In particular for Yumi, who can’t help but notice a girl named Touko who seems to constantly hang around Sachiko and even calls her Sachiko Onee-sama.  Many secrets and dramas still exist within the Yamayurikai.  As they begin to surface, how will these events continue to change the lives of these girls?

 

Music

 
     After listening to the OSTs from both MariMite and MariMite ~Haru~, I can honestly say I preferred the music in MariMite.  It wasn’t bad in ~Haru~, but it’s nothing I’m going to listen to in my free time.  Once again, the romantic tones of the music blend in perfectly with the mood and timing of the show.  So while I find it hard to enjoy independently, it is amazing background music.

 

Storyline

 

     ~Haru~ is a change of pace from Maria-sama ga Miteru because it seems to have a more coherent storyline.  Each of the individual story arcs is longer and more involved.  However, it has a feel that is much like Maria-sama ga Miteru in that it is not the singular storyline that is essential, but the powerful character development along the way.

 

Characters

 
     Just like Maria-sama ga Miteru, Maria-sama ga Miteru ~Haru~ has a fantastic cast, including all of the characters from the first show.  Besides this, there are several new characters that are added and once again change the dynamics the soeur relationships.  Just like in Maria-sama ga Miteru, you are able to watch the amazing character development and ever changing interactions that are the clear focus of ~Haru~.  The new cast of characters will not let you down in terms of quality, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll like them all of the time. ^_~  It’s also very nice to note that many of the characters who did not get a lot of focus in Maria-sama ga Miteru have that chance in ~Haru~.  Some of the less influential characters in MariMite take center stage in the second show and as always, it’s awesome to learn more about them.

 

Final Word

 
     If you saw the first series, the second one isn’t to be missed.  I suppose it should really be considered more of a second season then it should a second series.  After all, they flow together perfectly and include virtually the same cast.  Incredibly impressive character development is again the central feature for this slice-of-life drama/shoujo-ai.  If you liked the first series, definitely don’t check out the follow-up, Maria-sama ga Miteru ~Haru~!

Maria-sama ga Miteru ~Haru~ rating:

 

   

 

  

  

 

  

  

 

  

 

 

 

(This review/pictures made by throughhim413)