Review of A Lull in the Sea

Nagi no Asukara is a whirlwind. It's beautiful and breathtaking, like the tide crashing against the sand, the sunset reflecting off the ocean's glassy surface. But it's also chaotic and brash like a tsunami wave. P.A Works has created an anime that is charming, sparkling, and can reach into your heart. Story: 8 The premise of Nagi no Asukara is 4 childhood friends, Hikari, Manaka, Chisaki, and Kaname live in the sea village of Shishishio. They are able to live underwater thanks to the layer of protective 'skin' called ena. With their school closing down, they must attend school up on the surface, where they meet newclassmates who were born and grew up on the surface. In comes Tsumugu, a child of the surface, who puts pressure on the group of friends, stirring up feelings that were trying to hide. Nagi no Asukara seems like your typical shoujo romance, but it's much more than that. It's a dramatic tale of the sea, love, and everything in between. It carefully pulls on your heartstrings and makes you relate on a painful scale. Truly, the story is well sculpted in many ways.

Art: 9
P.A Works has a way with animation. A show like Nagi no Asukara is right up their alley. They use the right colour pallets at the right time. They vibrantly set the scene. It's a sight to admire and respect. Work is put into every aspect of art and animation. The backgrounds and scenery are beautiful. A new world comes alive on screen. Animations are almost always fluid, and natural. It is everything Nagi no Asukara deserves.

Sound: 8
Nagi no Asukara actually has some really good music. The OST is soothing, and fits just where you need it. It sets an atmosphere. It's almost the opposite of a horror movie, where the music makes you feel on edge. The music flowing from the speakers is a calming tune, a dramatic tune, whatever floats the boat of the scene taking place. It has a way of making you feel like you are at home. And in a sense, it makes you feel calm.

Character: 7
The characters in Nagi no Asukara are really something. Some I liked a lot more than others, I'll say that much. But either way, I cannot help but admire the differences that make them all special, unique, and quirky. All the characters balance each other, playing off of one another, and growing and maturing because of each other. Hikari is a childish, immature boy. Manaka is a sweet, innocent girl. They help each other mature, and change over time, whether they realize it or not. Chisaki lacks confidence and self-esteem. Kaname and Tsumugu try to push her to be brave. However, not all is happy and good. What I appreciate most is that each character has their flaws. That's what makes them real. That's what makes them human. That's what makes them relatable. Sometimes so relatable that you almost cringe, because you know you are the exact same way. They're the kind of character that grow throughout the series, and for some, you can get so emotionally invested in these characters, it's like your growing alongside them.

Enjoyment: 9
Nagi no Asukara is frustrating. It's relaxing. It's heart breaking. It gives you an immense feeling of joy, and an immense feeling of sadness all at ones. It plays in tune with your emotions. It makes you laugh. It makes you cry. It makes you want to rant forever, or it makes you want to rethink your entire life. I believe that Nagi no Asukara has the ability to cater to it's audience. I was engaged right from the beginning, I was engaged throughout, and to the very end. I enjoyed Nagi no Asukara. It is one of my favourite animes of the fall/winter season. It's definitely enjoyable. For me, at least. I think anyone should give it a chance.

In the end, Nagi no Asukara is what it is. A drama, a romance, a story. What you perceive to be another child romance story changes into much more. It can be playful and safe, like a child wading pool. Or it can be as deep as the depths of the oceans. It all depends on whether you take the first step and dive into the story with an open mind. Overall, I believe Nagi no Asukara is a beautiful anime. Would I recommend it? Well, yes. I'm recommending it to you, aren't I? So give it a chance, or you may just miss out.