Review of Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day

***Some spoilers!!! Not much, read at your own risk*** AnoHana tells the story of how a tragic event affects others over the years. And boiiii!! What a story! Okari maeda? (I think that's her name? Too lazy to check) really hit the jackpot with this series. The show has a character driven story. The plot is relatively simple, but how the characters develop over time since their childhood to teenage remind us that time really keeps on moving and people change over time. However, no matter how people change, they would remember their fond (or in this case, not so fond) memories. These memories and emotions arewhat brings the characters back together after all going separate ways after the tragic event.

The artwork was the only place I can nitpick if I had too. The animation really suited this type of anime, but I believe it could've been better. I'm not saying it was bad by any standards but some of the faces of Menma looked weird, especially the side views. I couldn't tell if she was smiling or crying.

The series had a great OP and ED. The OP was a lighthearted song that makes us remember our childhood. The ED is usually played in a very emotional scene and although it doesn't sound sad by itself, the creators brilliantly pair it up with the emotional climax of each episode and it brings tears to my eyes every. Single. Time.

As I stated above, the characters are what really makes up the show. Not all the characters are lovable, some of them got annoying with their yelling (Menma) and arrogant attitudes (Yukiatsu). However, they were all very real characters. Although we can't relate to the characters life, but we can with their emotions. The feelings of joy, sadness, guilt, and regret are things we all experienced before. Therefore, we are able to relate to them. I can epically relate to Anaru, her one sided feelings, and how she's easily influenced and her whole "you'z a hoe" situation.

Overall, it was time well spent watching this series. Definitely watch if you like shows that can make you shed a tear or two (or bawl your eyes out).

10/10