Review of A Place Further Than The Universe
Once in a while, a peice of media is released that connects to you so strongly, that moves you on such a personal level it becomes difficult to step back and decide whether it's because you are being biased or if the artwork is truly a masterpiece. This is the predicament I find myself in currently with A Place Further than the Universe. Ostensibly a show about cute, moe anime girls going to Antarctica, something about this show told me to save it to watch with someone I wanted to have an emotional ride with. I am very glad I did so as it deliveredin spades.
The artwork of the show is honestly Miyazaki-levels of gorgeous. You would think that a show about Antarctica would be lacking in gorgeous scenery to draw. But against all odds Madhouse studios brought to life an alien world filled with so much beauty and detail I felt like I was actually there. This is even all the more impressive when you take into consideration that Japan isn't exactly known for it's harsh, tundra-like conditions that I grew up in. Everything felt so real, so genuine, from the snow to the characters' shivers to the indescribable detail on this ship.
The characters are as lovable and moe as the box art would suggest. While some characters are certainly stronger than others, every interaction with the main cast on screen is certain to instill some emotion in you. I personally felt a great deal of connection with the high school dropout Hinata. You learn pretty quickly that Hinata is a high school dropout who plans on taking final exams outside of school. However, unlike the standard dropout trope, Hinata is so genuinely pure and earnestly happy it never really even occurs to you that this was anything other than her plan all along. She's not constantly moping or depressed. Her life isn't tragic. She isn't angry. She loves herself and instills happy energy in everyone around her.
The only real issue I have with the anime is it's generally uninspired sound accompaniment. However, when your biggest bone to pick with an anime is the music could have been better than "just good" you know you've found a winner worth treasuring.
Emotionally this show got me. I am usually pretty stoic, but through the amazing writing and character development - this show of ice managed to thaw my heart and bear raw my emotions. I found myself laughing, bawling and laughing again in the course of a single episode. Few other shows have been able to move me so thoroughly. As a result A Place Further the Universe will forever hold a Place Closest to my Heart.