Review of given

To me Given is a masterpiece and here is why. (Spoilerfree review) Given tells the story of letting go of the past and opening oneselfs to the future. It beautifully does this with music for Mafuyu as it is difficult for him to express himself. With Ritsuka a great counterpart is made that is challanged by Mafuyus attitude towards him, music and his past. This sets up for a pure love story between the two that never takes too much space in the anime. Given never forces the narrative of a straight guy turning gay or a gay guy questioning himself or his partner over his gender.It lets love grow slowly and naturally which makes this pure love so enjoyable to watch.

Given is not a joyfull anime as it touches sensitive subjects such as sudden loss of loved ones and self blame and hatred as a result of that. Even with the sad aspects of the anime it is not a typical sad love anime, that makes you wonder if your main characters will ever find their happy end.

Given builds up the curve to a highnote perfectly and gives enough time afterwards to cool down and get a lighter mood. it doesnt end aprubtly and doesnt demand multiple tissue boxes from the viewer.

The only downside is, that the real end is laying in the movie thats released in 2020. So up until then we still need to wait to see the story conclude and run out.