Review of A Place Further Than The Universe

A Place Further than the Universe is a virtual carbon copy of K-on: slice of life schoolgirls with a cute twist. About a dozen other shows also follow in its suit like pigeons at a park bench. Yet the same Hollywood type formula still somehow feels new, amusing, and refreshing. The aim is simple, a reminiscence of a time of innocent youth and the inevitable coming of age. Perhaps I don't relate at all to the exuberant and moe japanese schoolgirl, but the show's gleam and carefree comfort is enough to fill a man's heart. There's much that A Place Further than the Universe lackscompared to its many cousins, but also many aspects it excels at. In perhaps a bit of humorous irony, the once again youthful slice of life series doesn't fail to bring a unique sense of nostalgic and satisfying pondering.

Undeniably any intrigued audience watching this show will say that it was too damn short. At 13 episodes the show fails to present a complete and holistic story that carried its message the whole way through. Even the manga it was adapted from is a short and easy story that doesn't appear to aim for much. While I'm glad they stuck closely to the adaptation, in almost no other show do I feel like there should have been more episodes. Perhaps the fleeting life of the story mirrors the everyday race through flickering adolescence. The ending was pretty satisfying nevertheless.

Each episode, as short as the series was, serves a lot of purpose. The story is told through the lens of Mari Tamaki, who wakes up one day and realizes her carefree life is quickly abandoning her. Like the modern day shounen, the protagonist exhibits a reckless determination and drive to move her own story forward. She meets Shirase, a clumsy yet disciplined girl whose path to redemption has been set by her past experiences. Together along with Yuzuki and Hinata they each hold dear a defining reason to triumph over their somewhat regrettable existences. It is both uplifting and depressing; their inspiring bravery is a cruel reminder of how truly incapable we are to change ourselves or even realize our mistakes before it is too late. Yet to follow these four through the joys and hardships of young adventure is ultimately rewarding and maybe even startling to see. Every episode brings a warm and bright experience, wherein no matter the cold gripes of reality there's a comfort to being vulnerable. One day might we all become contently indifferent to the pessimism manifested by our childish insecurities.

At the lowest level A Place Further than the Universe is really a unique experience. Each character is quirky and original and is genuinely a product of her background, which can't be said too often anymore. The premise and conflict are all understandable, even if it is absurd to send four high schoolers with no survival experience to Antarctica. Even the side characters have a supporting energy of their own, especially Megumi. The opening also bops. Perhaps you watched this and thought that nothing at all was of any value to you; maybe it was for the better. But if you are anything like me, I hope you can come to terms with as childish a story as this one.