Review of Koi Kaze
-Spoilers Ahead- I have just marathoned this series. It is my second time watching it, and I wanted to really study it, because in my opinion it is the best dramatic anime ever produced. The plot follows the traditional three act Shakespearean format, so this story really could be told in any number of mediums. The subject is genetic attraction syndrome, a very real condition that occurs when siblings are reunited after being separated during early childhood. This is not a story for children or even teenagers. The first act focuses on the struggles of the older brother, Koishiro, ashe begins to become attracted to his younger sister, Nanoka. As a member of society, he is constrained by its rules, which dictates that his feelings are unnatural and perverse, even though he has little control over them. The second act focuses on Nanoka's attraction, which really starts in a packed subway, with the implication that it was Koishiro's scent that triggered the genetic attraction. The third act deals with their interactions once they know the attraction is mutual. The climax is hard to watch, but realistic, and the final episode highlights the central question: what is the nature of love and how should it be defined? It doesn't answer the question, but the side characters serve to provide several angles to the issue.
The main characters Koishiro and Nanoka, are drawn to accentuate the dramatic nature of the conflict, with both a large age gap and size difference. While the art is not the strong suit in the traditional sense, it serves the purpose of the larger story. The same with the music, which matches mood changes as well. Finally, the use of wind emphasizes that Koishiro and Nanoka's attraction is like a force of nature beyond their control.
The plot never lets up, and the story left a strong emotional impression. It stuck with me after watching it, even after the second time. I think it's because of the sensitivity with which the subject is handled, and the tight plot that never lets the viewer lose sight of the disturbing, emotional conflict roiling the main characters. It is a masterpiece.