Review of We Were There

First of all, I wouldn’t recommend this series if you’re not a fan of watching highly toxic relationships. Bokura ga Ita tells the love story between Yano, the most popular guy in class, and Nana, a girl who, like him, has just started high school and is looking to make new friends. The anime starts off well, with a charming and heartfelt tone. While not everything is perfect, the beginning is quite enjoyable. The two protagonists initially clash, with Nana disliking Yano for his lazy and carefree attitude. However, their relationship evolves, and they eventually start dating after the school festival. Up to this point, theemotions of the characters are portrayed realistically, and their development feels natural and well-constructed.

From this point onward, the story becomes a series of dramatic events. While some of these situations reflect real life relationship struggles, many feel overly exaggerated and coincidental, such as sudden family illnesses or unexpected moves.It’s true that teenage relationships can often be toxic, especially when they’re your first. However, the constant barrage of dramatic events, always happening at the worst possible moments, can feel over the top and exhausting.

Despite this, the series does capture the complexities of a real relationship, particularly the communication issues, past traumas, and lingering insecurities that can create cracks in a partnership.

Yano, though initially unlikable due to his behavior, is arguably the most well-developed character. He’s not perfect, but his struggles with past relationships and his tendency to lie to himself to cope with pain make him a compelling figure. His growth after breaking up with Nanami shows his determination to improve and fight for his love.

Nana, on the other hand, is a relatable character who embodies the insecurities and jealousy of a young girl navigating her first serious relationship. Her distrust and emotional struggles feel genuine, though they often contribute to the series’ excessive drama.

It’s true that teenage relationships can often be toxic, especially when they’re your first. However, the constant barrage of dramatic events, always happening at the worst possible moments, can feel over-the-top and exhausting.

The soundtrack effectively enhances the emotional tone of the series, and the animation, while dated, suits the style of the story. The character designs are simple yet appealing, adding to the overall charm of the anime.

In conclusion, Bokura ga Ita is not a bad series. It features well-developed characters who feel like real people, though the excessive drama can be overwhelming. If you enjoy intense, emotional stories with flawed but relatable characters, this might be worth a watch. However, if you prefer lighter or more balanced narratives, this might not be for you.