Review of Waiting in the Summer
Imagine every cliché in the romance genre ever done, now multiple it five-folds and you'll get 'Waiting in the Summer' the anime. You've must have been an angsty teen to enjoy this or perhaps a legally blind romantic fanatic. Its flaws and lackluster characters can't seem to carry the anime's weight. We start our story with a film-maker, Kaito, going every day to school recording things and scenes. while having a love interest known as Kanna - yet he doesn't acknowledge her in this way. Moving on at the end of the day, he finds himself at a bridge were a catastrophe occurs. Almostcosting him his life and having to live with Ichika from now on.
When it comes to the animation, it's splendid to watch; over-top with an amazing color-palette. Every character is so neatly drawn out, each being memorable in there own way. Someone could be the main character in a different anime entirely. The music is fitting the overall slice of life theme of the anime as well.
My problems start to stem from these segments they play in their minds. Were they think one character is thinking in this manner; when it doesn't even seem to fit the personality provided beforehand. Furthering the issues is the interactions each play with one another. Another example was when Kaito was with hanging out Nanami. Before Kanna caught wind of it; thus seeing the two made Kanna jealous, leading to having these awkward and cringe-worthy interactions. This octagon love triangle doesn't assist the anime; the fact remains these characters are oblivious and ignorant, it makes these characters non-likable and unbelievable. Anytime anything happens with these characters someone always happens to be there, being there to move the plot. It is as if they have tracking devices. Any time some event, confession, or heartbreak occurs, there's always a third party watching from the sides. Just so you can sympathize with them. Having one drama appear out of nowhere and wanting to sympathize with other members of the group even though they hold no screen-time.
This anime didn't have much going for it. It didn't do anything new, nor did it do a good job at doing what's already considered the norm. It had flat characters that feel even more flatlined in its story.