Review of Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day
(I already wrote this review last year, just so you know. I just wasn't able to post it back then.) Dealing with the loss of a loved one isn’t easy at all. We may not realize it at first, but there is this unquestionable beauty in death that in the long run would shape us into a better individual. Whether it is a friend or a family member, the death of the ones whom we hold most dear is just another steppingstone towards a new chapter. Their seeds become the fruit of those who come after them. However, there are some who look at death asan ordeal, a morbid perception. Everyone has his or her own ways of coping with their loss. Eventually, they change – sometimes for the better, but sometimes for the worse. We don’t understand the concept of death until it comes knocking at our door.
If there was one anime that shows how powerful the effect of death can have among the youth, it would be “Ano Hi Mita Hana no Namae wo Bokutachi wa Mada Shiranai” or simply “Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day”. It was written by Tatsuyuki Nagai.
The anime is about 5 childhood friends who drifted apart after losing one of their playmates, Meiko Honma or better known as “Menma”. Because of this, they became the kind of people whom they never really imagined to be now that they’re already teenagers. Jintan Yadomi, the de facto leader of the Super Peace Busters (the name of their group), decided to live his teenage life as a recluse. However, the spirit of an older-looking Menma came before him on a summer day, telling him that she wanted a wish granted. Thus, Jintan found the resolve to reunite the group once again.
I have to admit; Anohana is probably one of the most emotional animes out there. I was moved by how deep the message was and the bonds each character shares. I enjoyed watching every episode without getting bored. It was very riveting in its own unique way. The character development was consistent throughout the series. The animation is up to snuff, as well.
If there was one thing that I really appreciated about this series, it would be the soundtrack. I love how the music was in tune with the emotions and situations in the episodes. It displays a certain vibrancy in which you’ll find yourself at the edge of your seat. It was very powerful that it even brought tears to my eyes. The opening theme, “Aoi Shiori” by Galileo Galilei is a perfect fit to the mood of the series; the same goes for the ending theme, “Secret Base (10 Years Later)”, which was performed by Ai Kayano, Haruka Tomatsu, and Saori Hayami. The way the next episode preview blended into the credits was exceptionally unique. I haven’t seen other anime ending themes work that way.
On the other hand, what struck me the most in the series are the characters – the tight bond each of them shares. When we examine them individually, they portray the typical teenagers nowadays. However, there are times when they would have this serious knack for annoying me – the way they express their emotions and feelings and the constant “love polygon” that never ceases to frustrate me until the end. But I was glad that they were able to move on. That’s what this show is about anyway – being able to continue living your life to the fullest despite the obstacles that hinder your way. Being an original anime production, it somehow brought justice to the message. It made me think about the symbolic meaning behind it because, like I said, it has a very deep message.
Overall, Anohana was worth the watch. It is an epitome of an original anime with a solid plot line. I recommend it although I suggest you have a tissue paper by your side while watching.