Review of Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day

Anohana is a poignant coming-of-age tale that explores adolescence, grief, regret, and the bonds people can build that keep them "together" even as their lives drift further and further apart. It was by the end of the first episode that I knew that this show was going to turn me into a blubbering mess. That's how well-made this series is; it got me completely invested in its core cast in just the first twenty minutes. Then it began to flesh out the supporting characters, and like the protagonist, Jinta, most of them were struggling with the past as well, but in their own ways, andman.... It hurt to watch sometimes. Everyone has their own baggage and it's easy to forget or not see that when you get lost in your own. Luckily, Anohana highlights the silver linings and positive aspects of growing up as well, and watching the group rekindle their friendship is equally impactful too. It gets a little melodramatic for a brief bit before the final act, but with all said and done, Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day is heart-wrenching, inspiring, and an experience I won't soon forget.