Review of A Place Further Than The Universe

It was a feeling that I've lost for a long time. There is nothing as hard as taking a first step in this universe. You'll need to muster immense amount of courage, to ignore other's judgement and to be able to embrace all the repercussions that come along after the first step. Just thinking about it is exhausting enough to trap us on the daily routine. Many of us couldn't even escape our comfort zone that we held dear to, how are we gonna do something new and refreshing that easily? Tamaki had the same thought. Like many of us, she's always wanted to travel somewhere, totrample on a journey to a destination that sounds so ridiculous that none would ever approve of. To leave everything behind just to cherish the moments draped with colourful adventure and to actually starts planning and anticipating the infinite fun and unexpected problems that will pop up during the journey.

But Tamaki was not brave enough. There are so many things to consider that it's better to be left off as a sweet sweet dream. She hesitated and gave many excuses to delay her adventure. Until she saw a girl running past her, eyes shining as if she has a far destination in her mind. It was at that one moment. Just that one moment to give her an extra push that she's never thought would be this powerful. Before Tamaki knew it, she has her goals, her eccentric friends and her courage. It was all set in motion.

Sora yori mo Tooi Basho breaks out of the frame defining "cute girls doing cute things" and jump further beyond it. It wasn't about the adventure that bonded them, not the immersive scenery of Antarctica, not the adorable chemistry of the four girls but it was the depiction of ourselves through them. They are the drive of the plot and they gave the story more meaning than it could ever ask for. They draw their own emotional context through their own story in a way that we can resonate with them and share their laughs, and cries like a baby crying to heart's content, unable to speak out the feelings at that moment. It is just that magical.

To end with a final touch, this is an inspirational anime blending with comedy, adventure, drama and most importantly, self-discovery. A masterpiece that we don't deserve. The place they are heading to was more than just the Antarctica. It's a place that seems so far out of reach, a place that we would only dream of, a place no one can describe the beauty of and a place bigger than any of us. It was, A Place Further Than The Universe.

And, I've found that feeling again. Now, it's up to you to find yours.