Review of Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day

Great show. I REALLY enjoy slice of life anime in part because it gives the story time to show the culture and the environment. Ironically AnoHana is weighted down by its gimmick. Menma is an out of place super-kawii character in an otherwise down to earth cast of likeable characters. If they wanted to keep the whimsy, Menma shouldn't have aged; but that would diffuse the human-ghost sexual tension. Despite all that, I teared up at the end. So the story/plot devices work, just sad to see the characterization of one of its central character dictated undoubtedly by market research to appeal tothe Love Plus demographic.

Recommended with some reservations.