Review of Tsukigakirei

Tsuki ga Kirei is far from your typical anime romance. The romance genre has what seems like a standard formula in anime: 1. Main characters meet, but something is in the way of them being together 2. They seem to get closer but obstacles keep getting in the way 3. In the last episode, they finally acknowledge their interest in each other and their relationship can begin; happily ever after. There are definitely variations like: no progress even by last episode of season or main female character dies; sadly ever after. But for the most part romance anime doesn't break from this mold. I won't spoil any of the details here,but Tsuki ga Kirei doesn't follow this formula. Sure, there are problems, what story doesn't have obstacles, but there is real progress in their relationship. And contrary to what the romance anime status quo would lead you to believe, the story is more satisfying for it.

Story and Character:

This anime is rare in that it captures the human experience artfully. The characters and story both feel real and will give many people nostalgia over what middle school romance looks like. They are initially awkward and the main voice actor and actress did not have any shortage of opportunities for practicing their awkward pauses and filler words. But rather than make the characters less enjoyable, it only added to the realism of a first romantic experience.

There is real character growth. The lead characters are forced to grow overtime as they learn how to manage the rest of their life and their relationship in tandem. The characters act in a way consistent with who they are and aren't there just to serve the plot. This is solid storytelling from the ground up.

As you watch the story progress, you relate to these beginners at love, remembering your own experiences. They are definitely not perfect people, but that just makes them easier to empathize with. And by the time of the emotional climax of the story, it's hard not to mirror Akane's emotions (You'll know what I'm talking about if you've seen it).

Art and Sound:

A lot of people may complain about the art and even I will acknowledge it wasn't perfect. Some people were frustrated by the use of cgi background characters. But I see this as a non-factor. Sure, if you look closely at characters that are not the focus, it can look a bit strange. But animes like Toradora used still background characters who were stuck in place and other animes have used background characters without faces drawn or any other number of techniques to save on time and budget.

I definitely enjoyed the music. Like all good music it adds to the emotion of the story where it can, but because there were no real standout moments, aside from the very end of the series, I have a hard time giving it higher than an 8.

Enjoyment:

I've said it many times, but I'll say it again. At the end of the day, enjoyment is all that matters. We can talk about art, sound, story, character, and all the minute details that make up any one anime, but what we remember months later is how it made us feel.

The pure and innocent romance of the two lead characters is beautiful. They explore romance through the eyes of a child; untainted by any bad experiences or baggage. They grow alongside each other learning about love, creating a little bit of awkwardness and a ton of cute moments.

If you want to see something a bit different from the typical romance anime and don't mind newbies at love stumbling their way through a pure relationship, then you'll love this anime. It is strong from the awkward start to touching finish.

Give it a watch; you won't regret it.