Review of Stars Align

Just like how some people may perceive Orson Welles' The Magnificent Ambersons as an unfinished product with lost potential due to studio interference, Stars Align finds itself in a similar predicament. Stars Align became the victim of production issues when its originally intended 24 episode run was cut down to 12. Even though it only tells half a story and there are countless unresolved plot points, it's undeniable that what was presented from Kazuki Akane's vision was masterful. The fluid animation during the tennis matches, Akane's delicate handling of topics such as gender and sexual identity and domestic violence, the boundless empathy for his largecast of characters, the heartwarming camaraderie between the cast, the amazing soundtrack, etc.. all allow me to look past the abrupt ending and appreciate this work of art for what it is