Review of A Lull in the Sea

It may be biased when a horror/thriller enthusiast reviews a slice of life/drama anime. However, who is to say that there isn't another horror/thriller enthusiast who wants to try watching Nagi no Asukara? Now before I begin, allow me to describe what I enjoy in a story. I like it when death lurks just around the corner for as many characters as possible. It’s just one false step away from the snatching the life from them and they know it. I want to see characters tortured and bleeding, mentally-wise, and still persevere to the end. Don’t get me wrong, I love and adore good endings anddetest bad endings where all die or feelings are left unrequited. That’s why I dislike slice of life or drama anime that kill characters in the sweetest way possible in the end. NO I’M NOT HAPPY FOR THEM THEY’RE FRIGGIN’ GONE.

I don’t want to invest time to get depressed. What I like is when characters work and struggle for that happiness at the end. For that, I would watch.

*WARNING MAY CONTAIN SMALL SPOILERS*

Story: 7/10
*Before episode 13*
‘Yeah, yeah. Happy, happy. Oh, you love this boy, and he loves this girl and such determination wow.’
In other words, I was bored out of my skull, so much so I dropped the anime at the 12th episode. It was weeks later when I continued to
*Episode 13*
‘Yes, same substance as before, I’m sure you’ll miss each other but I don’t care. You haven’t managed to-WHAT A TURN OF EVENTS! What are you going to do now, huh? What are you going to do?’
*50 hours and 13 episodes later*
‘Hoorah! One of my ships hit the port!’ Although the later episodes touch on some darker themes, the tone remains relatively sunny. BUT THAT BIT OF DARKNESS IS DELICIOUS.
The conclusion is satisfying enough. That’s all I can say.

Art: 9/10
I’m not one to care much for art, but I suppose the background and scenery was well done, since I would consider using it as my wallpaper.

Sound: ?/10
I watch anime with low volume, in case the weird sounds the female characters make when talking cause my parents to think I’m watching porn.

Characters: 8/10
Hikari: The ‘active’ character. Keeps the story flowing but can be a dick at times.

Kaname: The ‘nice guy’ (no, he really is) whose character is presented vaguely to the audience but gets more and more solid as the story progresses. Plastic smile for at least 10 episodes until his true feelings start to seep through.

Manaka: The character who seems to exist in every slice of life anime. Curious, innocent and I skipped over bits of her monologue. (Sorry, not interested in saints like you)

Chisaki: Most conflicted character, in my opinion. Often described as composed but becomes turbulent quite a few times.

Tsumugu: The ‘stoic’ character who prefers not to drape his issues on other people’s shoulders (like Kaname, hence these two share quite some personality). My personal favorite. Bold and competent for most of the time. I’m a guy and I can say that he’s hot.

Enjoyment: 7/10
Well, it got me shipping so that's pretty good already.

Overall: 7/10
Boring first half, exciting second half.

+Pro
*Scene containing a more realistic reaction from surprise hugging your girl friend (notice the spacing) In other words, you might want to ask first :D
*No “I want to confess but then someone butts in and interrupts” scenes. The characters get it done, loud and clear.
*The final couples remain a mystery for most of the story. Really, it’s not easy to tell from episode 1 like many anime.

-Cons
*Characters running away when things get tough (Annoying, but not too bad)
*Characters occasionally making foolish, life threatening decisions