Review of Blue Period

I love the first episode of Blue Period. It has one of those hooks that resonates with you rather than intrigues you. You listen to this one line that comes at just the perfect time for the main character. It's the exact encouragement that you wish someone had given you when you first discovered a passion of your own and thought about pursuing it as more than just a passing hobby. It was at that point that I knew I would be sticking around for the whole season and likely beyond. After that first episode, focus shifts to the struggles of pursuing art as a potentialcareer ... starting with prep school for admission to university art programs (specifically the cheapest, yet most competitive university). I'm not at all equipped to judge the accuracy of how things go, but it certainly felt real. I was so invested in Yatora's success at this point that everything seemed interesting. I love the amount of detail given to the different aspects of painting: themes, compositions, techniques, materials, and creativity. I love how Yatora starts to learn these things -- one after another -- and struggles here and there to pick them up in ways that correspond to his character. As an example, his studious nature leaves Yatora with a narrow focus and less freedom to express himself … or have fun with the artwork, which results in uninteresting paintings. He eventually overcomes this by taking a step back and trying something new. But it isn’t long before he gets back into the high output studious work and hits another wall because of it. It’s a one-struggle-after-another type of situation, and it’s so endearing to see Yatora work through them all.

Putting Yatora aside, the side characters also have their own struggles to overcome. Ryuuji faces resistance from home for who they are and their choice to pursue art school (just because it's art school) and struggles with the art program they've chosen because it is more an inherited goal than a passion of their own. Kuwana has to face comparisons with her sister, who was so amazingly talented and got accepted as a first-time applicant (it isn't common), and other forms of self-mutilation. Yotasuke dislikes the restrictions that are placed on him in classroom and exam settings and also faces judgment from his mother for his lack of social skills. There are several more minor characters that have their own struggles. One girl that was in Yatora's class had attempted the admissions exam three times … and had a heartbreaking moment where she had to admit defeat. She had decided to go work for a bookstore instead. It's brutal to me because I always think about what if I had chosen a different path from the one I’m on. What if I chose to pursue something I was a much better fit for over a field where I can much more easily make a living? Well, this is the sad truth, it might not have worked out, and I’d be in a much worse situation for having tried. But it never had the chance to work out because I never even tried. I never took that leap. It makes me feel so much envy. I hate myself for not having the courage that these characters have … for not having faith in my own capabilities. And something about seeing these characters fight for their dreams just lights me up.

There is one obvious criticism to make though: the adaptation itself is a bit weak. I find myself wishing that a more established studio could have taken this on. The animations look a bit unnatural and lack fluidity. And sometimes the perspective in the framing or the characters' faces just looks off. At the same time though, I very much appreciate the voice acting and the OST, so the anime still has some merits. The writing is also strong enough to carry a show with low-to-mid production values. Don’t sit on this one just because of the ‘meh’ animation.

So, what more is there to say really. It’s a really good show, one that I feel is a little underappreciated based on the MAL ratings (I normally rate lower than the MAL consensus). I’m a bit conflicted as to whether I should eventually try the manga or hope for a second season, but regardless, I want to stick with it for the long haul (as I said in the beginning). I’m hoping you all will give it a shot if you haven’t already. Thanks for reading.