Review of Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day
Oh boy I hope you're ready for a feels fest! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Let me just start by saying that Anohana (Ano Hi Mita Hana no Namae wo Bokutachi wa Mada Shiranai) was probably the saddest anime I have seen as far as shock and cry value is concerned (my favorite is still the Clannad series of course though). Story (10/10) ------ The story starts of by introducing Menma, Jinta's friend who died 10 years ago when they were little kids. The thing is that only Jinta can see Menma and over the course of the anime, Jinta and the rest of the super peace busters grow attached to her and well...Iwon't ruin the rest of it :).
The story is a very fresh take on "slice of life" anime and actually doesn't make it's main focus about high school (shocking right!?!). It was very enjoyable throughout and even though it was only an 11 episode anime, it was able to keep a nice pace throughout.
Art (9/10)
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The art is very nice and fluid throughout and I found no real faults with it (backgrounds could've been even MORE amazing and that would've easily made it a 10/10 but amazing animation nonetheless).
Sound (10/10)
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While you really only remember the main themes of the song, the ending theme Secret Base by Zone is the best ending I have EVER heard! The ending is incorporated into just about every episode and makes that feels trip even more amazing. Normally I would've given it an 8 or 9 since the main theme is good but there isn't necessarily a whole plethora of music variation in it I wouldn't normally give it a 10 but that ED theme!!!
Character (9/10)
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The character personalities were very well done and it easily allowed the viewer to either hate or love the character (depending on how the creators wanted the viewer to perceive the character). The characters designs were also well done and the physical appearance (and animation) of the characters and whole show in general reminded me of the anime "Another".
Enjoyment (10/10)
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While some people argue that the middle episodes were a little dull; I personally found my self enjoying each and every single one, especially the last episode!
Overall (10/10)
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Anohana was simply amazing, at times it makes you feel happier than seeing the ending of Clannad and sadder than seeing the ending of Angel Beats. This anime was able to make it into my top 5 favorite animes just barely beating out Angel Beats at the last second because the last episode was simply too perfect and I was straight up bawling (yes I'm a guy...). Anyways if you enjoy a heart-warming, tear inducing, slice of life, supernatural anime this is the anime for you!
P.S.- Can that movie hurry up and get on DVD so it can be translated so I can fliipin watch it!