Review of Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day

“First review” ;) What would you do if your friend died and you think it was your fault? “Ano Hi Mita Hana no Namae wo Bokutachi wa Mada Shiranai” (Anohana) is about six friends [Jintan, Menma, Anaru, Yukiatsu, Tsuruko, and Poppo] who play together all the time, like all kids, have a hide out where they hang out, and they even became the “Super Peace Busters” to protect the world. However, nothing lasts forever. One day, Menma dies in a tragic accident. Ten years later, the five kids grew up and are now in high school. “Anohana” displays for us the feelings of those five teenagers who,not only didn’t forget about Menma, but feel guilty about what happened that day. They have also drifted apart and became almost strangers to each other. That is until Menma comes back to hunt Jintan (he is the only one who can see and hear her) and tells him that he has to grant her a wish that she herself doesn’t even know what it is (BTW I really didn’t see that wish coming, did not expect that at all). Through different events on the quest to finding out and granting Menma’s wish, the five friends started talking and hanging out with each other only to discover the truth behind what happened ten years ago. Moreover, each and every one of them is looking for a way for redemption and breaking free from the guilt they feel.

I think the plot is pretty unique, unlike other clichéd stories out there. The character development was good too and how all five started out hiding their true feelings and not even believing in Menma’s presence but then, gradually, started believing and sharing their emotions (even love confessions) with everybody else. The Art was also really awesome.

I really liked “Anohana” I gave it a 10, so I recommend it to anyone who likes dramas. It made me laugh, cry, and think about lost ones. In addition, it made me realize that death could strike any time and, unlike in “Anohana”, I will probably not get a second chance to do a lot of things so I should really live my life to the fullest.