Emotional Rollercoaster...
This has been the ride of a lifetime... I've been on a severe anime kick lately watching things like Demon King Daimo and Elfen Lied which both had emotional pulls, Elfen Lief brought tears but nothing grandiose.
Clannad and Clannad After Story on the other hand? Possibly the greatest writing I have seen in my entire life, anime or otherwise.
I watched the ENTIRE two series' in 2 days. I could not stop.
You could tangibly feel the joy they felt, the love they shared, the friendships they gained and the struggles they endured. You also felt the wrenching pain of their anguish and at times I questioned if I could fiish After Story...
I spent nearly the entirety of the last 6 episodes in constant tears, occasionally losing composure entirely and having to pause it.
To put this all in perspective, I'm a 25 y/o male soldier in the Army, and I had my fiance of 4 years leave me during training and I cried less from that than this story. If that doesn't tell you the absolutely engulfing power of this, I don't know what will. Nothing has ever been so powerful.
The loss in some of the later episodes is so deep and painful you almost wish you could give up ANYTHING to ease their suffering, even knowing its not real you felt yourself torn apart at their sorrow.
But at the same time the levels of joy they express bring you to bliss.
Truly, even the season finales (1 Clannad, 1 Afterstory) which are basically a 1-shot alternative story, beat out most anything out there. The love is incredible, the friendship is magical, and the story is completely believable to the point you find yourself immersed.
I'd give this a 10/10 though I'd rather add endless zero's to the first number to express it's greatness. I would give anything in my life to experience the friendships they gained...
Watch it. Own it. Feel it.
You will not be disappointed.