Review of A Place Further Than The Universe

I want to go on a journey without a plan. Is a line I came across a lot during the show, wanting to live a youth like no other, proving others wrong with sheer willpower, or just wanting to step on untouched ice. A place further than the universe is an anime which I will hold dear to my heart. Although its a show set in the Arctic, it in itself isn't the main focus of the story. The role Antarctica plays seems to be more of a symbolistic way of illustrating each characters inner desire and problematic issues they face. I would like tothink the show is set in 3 arcs, the departure focuses on each characters individual call to action, introductions to each character, as well as setting the tone for how the narrative will play out given the first "dramatic" scene by the end of the episode 6. Next, the journey. Where the girls face their challenges both physically and mentally. Finally the last arc, ecstasy, where they arrive and their friendship is at its peak, enjoying the summit together, before finally going separate ways as stronger people.

The story itself is kind weird, it's not quite elaborated on what exactly they're doing in Antarctica like most of the time they're just lifting stuff, drilling holes or making food. I would have preferred if there were more scientific references instead of just doing stuff, but thats not the main focus so I'll let it slide.

This show reminds my of K-ON!, as they obviously have similar parallels in both the writing and character choice, Tamaki being the airhead of the group like Yui, Shirase playing the straight man as well as the person who holds the strongest connection to the overall goal like Mio, Hinata being the second airhead of the group, often playing the extraverted loudmouth who teams up with the first airhead, like Ritsu, and finally Shiraishi, who is newest recruit of the team, and feels left out at times because of their difference in age, like Azusa. As for narrative, they both follow a girl who wants to live a youth like no other, and blindly joining a club or expedition to see how far they can go. Of course challenges and past trauma catch up to them as they learn about each other and by the end of it, overcome these challenges and become stronger people as well as building a stronger relationship.

The comedy is pretty hit or miss in this show, I'm gonna be honest I did cringe a bit but overall the Moe-ness and comedic timing is quite well planned and executed.

Characters are quite well written for a type of show like this, I'd expect some cringe drama to stem from the characters, but honestly they were realistic and that was enough to have me sold. My favourite character would have to be Hinata Miyake, as I really liked how the director decided to debunk her personality and giving her a layer of depth, instead of just being loud cute girl.

9/10
Overall:
I like K-ON! But this is good too.