Full Metal Panic!

My friend reccomened this to me aaaaaages ago but I only just picked it up. As the name suggests, it's a Shonen mecha. The very opening scene is a couple of soldiers in 'arms slaves' (Robot suits) blasting tanks apart to save a pretty girl. Is their anything more Mecha than that?
But it seems to then lose it's mecha title for the next 4 or 5 episodes. Sousuke, one of the Mithrils top soldiers, is set an important misson: secretly guard Kaname Chidori, the seemingly ordinary High School girl. To do this, Sagara Sousuke must transfer to Chidori's High School, while his comrades - Kurz Webber and Melissa Mao - follow her around in slightly more invisible methods. But the problem is, Sousuke has never attended High School. How was he supposed to know that carrying guns around school is against the rules? As such he becomes known as the military geek.
However, when Mithril defeat the enemy base does Kaname need her body guard any more? But Sousuke still has a school trip to attend and it's a good thing he does as well becasue as it turns out the enemy ended up hi-jacking the plane to kidnap Kaname. The Mecha returns, tanks everywhere, Slave arms fighting face-to-face and explosions EVERYWHERE! Sousuke has been ordered to protect the hostages over Kaname, but what about all those memories of Kaname? It's a heartwarming tale of over-coming challenges for your friends/lovers/mission objective.

There are some MAJOR flaws in the plot though. When Sousuke first transfers to Kaname's school as the total dork Kaname seems to develop some secret feelings for him.... But for what? For running into her with a gun, stalking her and being caught with her panties? But it's a Shonen, it just needs to include a pretty girl.
Other than that I think it's pretty good. I'm no Mecha nerd, but this anime has a nice split of military scenes and high school life! The fight scenes are very well animated and the people really come to life! They really are pretty!
The Sound track is gorgeous! Dramatic orchestral tracks to highlight intense fight scenes, beautifully bringning up the anime to very climatic scenes! It's amazing!
But, if I am to ever watch this anime again, if I'm ever to go anywhere NEAR this anime again, it will HAVE to be the sub version!! The dub is horrific!! It made my ears bleed and ruined the vaguley romantic scenes.
So basically: the character design is fun and quirky; the animation is very well done; the contrast of School and Military is perfect but the plot is flawed! I think it's a good anime, very typical Shonen. Definitely reccomend it to boys!

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