A Great Series That Does Everything Right

Written by XSpectreGreyX on October 5, 2012 at 1:49 PM

AnoHana
AnoHana is an anime that everyone must see. Even if you’re not a big fan of Slice of Life Anime, you have to see this series.
AnoHana tells the story of a group of childhood friends to have since drifted apart. The group, known as the “Super Peace Busters”, consisted of Jinta “Jintan” Yadomi, Meiko “Menma” Honma, Naraku “Anaru” Anjo, Atsumu “Yukiatsu” Matsuyuki, Chriko “Tsuruko” Tsurumi and Tetsudo “Poppo” Hisawaka. By the time the series has begun, the group has drifted apart, due to Menma’s death. But one summer day, Menma’s ghost appears to Jintan, asking that he grant her wish. Jintan is understandably disturbed by this, but resolves to grant her wish as to help her pass on. However, he deduces that he will need to assemble the Super Peace Busters, and after living most of his high school life as a recluse, finds it difficult to even step out of the house, let alone talk to his now estranged friends. Hidden feelings, unresolved issues and internal conflicts make the goal all the more harder to achieve, and so, the group must work past these issues in order to allow Menma, and themselves, to move on.
Anohana’s plot, while initially strange, will hook viewers for its emotional weight, thanks in no small part to its great dialogue. This is how teenagers talk. There are many series that paint a picturesque view of high school life, or worst, over-dramatise the typical issues that teenagers face. The usual result is a group of characters that viewers cannot relate to. AnoHana does not do this, but instead barely makes use of a High School setting, only barely to justify some of their character portrayals and a few plot points and the normal issues are completely ignored in favour of one concerning friendship and mourning, which makes for a much better story.
AnoHana’s characters are a diverse cast, to the point where viewers will definitely be able to relate to at least one character. The cast feels human, in that they have their share of issues, but are not at all boring to watch, and the interactions between these characters is something great about the show, thanks in no small part to the aforementioned dialogue. The characters are well written and well developed, which sets them apart from the usual generic Slice of Life cast. These characters are complex and their actions and the reasons behind them are the same. It is highly entertaining to watch how these characters develop and respond to a situation that forces to them to confront their issues that they have held onto for a large part of their life.
The story is very well paced, cruising along at a steady pace until the end, when it rages ahead, and by that time, the audience will want it to. The story manages to throw suspense and drama into a series that could’ve easily fallen into a predictable format, but instead keeps changing, and every episode is great and entertaining for that twists it throws in and the character development seen (not told, seen).
The animation is barely worth mentioning, because, being an 11 episode series, it of course looks great. The music is minimal during the more relaxed scenes allowing for the use of everyday sounds, which create a more relaxing atmosphere, and is only used when entirely appropriate, to add to the situation.
AnoHana walks a fine line between Drama and Slice of Life, and this is ultimately what makes it so great. The calm Slice of Life scenes throw the group back to what it was like when they were children, while the more dramatic scenes ensure the plot still has impact. These intertwine into a plot that gives the audience time to take in what occurs while maintaining a plot that can make evoke an emotional reaction from the audience. Make no mistake, by the end of the series, you will feel what the writers wanted you to (I myself am proud to say I cried).
AnoHana is a show that exceeds what anyone could have expected of an 11 episode Slice of Life anime. It has a great story, great pacing, great characters, a great use of sound and incredible dialogue. Go watch this show NOW.