This right here is a cult classic, a chef d'oeuvrea buried under erroneous preconceptions and unfounded criticism. This gem is obscured because it does not shine; it is buried because its tone is that of abyssal black. Sakura Trick pries into to the darkest corners of our subconscious, the most visceral of our cognition, the most carnal of our urges, and the most primal of our instincts. Its sublimity will ever be debated yet always remain objectively irrefutable; the fundamental insight it provides into human and perhaps animalistic nature may shape the basis of sexual psychoanalysis for millennia to come.
Superficially, Sakura Trick appears to
...
be an anime which caters to the most lowly and deprived among men; conceited critics dismiss it as such often without a second thought. As self-important as these self-proclaimed critics are, they fail to realize that Sakura Trick is indeed a trick, and they are the ones being tricked. Sakura petals, or cherry blossoms, are commonly associated with a sense of beauty and innocence in Japanese culture. As discussed by Ango Sakaguchi in Sakura no Mori no Mankai no Shita, sakura petals are often a means to enhance and stylize the atmosphere of a scene, be it melancholic, resplendent or sensual. Used famously in 5 Centimeters per Second, the sakura petals constructs an immense yet artificial atmosphere which proved successful in fooling the average fool incapable of critical analysis. What most critics fail to realize, however, is that Sakura Trick is playing them beyond this level. The entire visible layer of Sakura Trick is a euphemistic veil obfuscating the dark and uncanny human psyche which it explores; any tangible material is a metaphor for its meticulous meta-analysis of the metaphysical mentality’s pubertal metamorphosis.
As brilliantly put by Charles Baudelaire, “La sexualité est le lyrisme des masses.” In Ulysses, James Joyce subverts gender conceptions by deconstructing sexual stereotypes; in Lolita, Vladimir Nobakov delves into the abnormal perversion of hebephilia; in Doctor Glas, Hjalmar Soderberg studies sexual catharsis through murder; in Aquarion EVOL, Shoji Kawamori studies the manifestation of repressed sexuality as love. Time and again, great thinkers have demonstrated the immense potential of sexual psychoanalysis in narrative form.
Sakura Trick fulfills this potential.
The exterior plotline of Sakura Trick is straight forward - two damsels unknowingly in love with each other: Sonoda Yuu and Takayama Haruka, start high school in the same class with four other apparent lesbians. This premise alone poses innumerable questions of pertinence - most of which are problematized further and explored as the series progresses. Why are two girls romantically interested in each other? Why are there four more girls of questionable sexual orientation in their class? Were they perhaps influenced by Haruka’s and Yuu’s display of intimacy, implying a nurture over nature determination of sexuality? Do their behaviors suggest abnormalities in their amygdala activity, or is such behavior governed by the wider cerebral hemispheres? Hailed as the father of psychoanalysis, Sigmund Freud once said, “The sexual life of adult women is a dark continent for psychology.” The stringency and inadaptability of the traditional approach practiced by psychologists is to blame for this. Sakura Trick is unshackled from such rigidities - by investigating high school girls in late puberty, a time and setting in which sexuality is at its most volatile, and doing so through homosexuality rather than the vapid norm, it sheds light on the enigma which has eluded psychologists for centuries.
Perhaps most imperative and counter-intuitive of all, Sakura Trick investigates male sexuality through the scope of lesbianism. Je veux te baiser, baisez-moi! What is the sexual appeal in a couple which can only engage in abortive reproduction? When exposed to intercourse in explicit yuri, it is plausible that lust for the opposite gender can override the notion of evolutionary feasibility. Despite the lack of explicit intercourse in Sakura Trick, male viewers nonetheless experience a craving for the girls’ well-being instead of jealousy and contempt for one of them as would be rational. This paradox challenges not only the Darwinian theories of evolution, but also Freud’s theories of sexuality. He wrote, “A man's heterosexuality will not put up with any homosexuality, and vice versa.” Sakura Trick proves the exact contrary: heterosexual men more than put up with the homosexuality in the series. According to psychologist Henry Havelock Ellis, “Reproduction… is highly complex and not yet clearly understood. It is not necessarily connected with sex, nor is sex necessarily connected with reproduction.” Havelockian philosophy noticeably makes its mark in Sakura Trick; by taking hold of this anomaly in human behaviour and untangling its implications, it explores the darkest depths of our consciousness which borders between flesh and mind.
In his essay The Sexual Abberations, Freud discusses human disposition to perversions, including hebephilia, as an original and universal disposition of the human sexual instinct which is not limited to the psychologically ill. Sakura Trick takes this theory beyond mere discourse and puts it into practice. The characters in Sakura Trick are impeccably crafted, not only in their characterization and likability but primarily in their support of the series’ psychological study. Rather than each being equipped with sexually inviting traits, some characters are simply “cute”, for lack of a less vulgar word. A certain je ne sais quoi of the girls are successful in generating not just physical, but more importantly emotional cravings from the audience.
The brilliant technique of Sakura Trick’s probing into the atavistic lust is most aptly demonstrated through the analysis of the two main characters: Haruka and Yuu. On the one hand, Haruka is characterized by her lascivious and manipulative personality, pneumatic figure, seductive voice, and red hair indicative of her prurience. In contrast, Yuu has an innocent demeanor, underemphasized curves, a sweet voice characterized by childlike tenderness, and bright amber hair adorned with flowers – all of which are suggestive of a girl in the early stages of puberty. By contrasting these dichotomous traits, Sakura Trick follows in the wake of Vladimir Nobakov and his analysis of the abominable erotic attraction to the so called “nymphets”. A range of recent research by neurologists suggest paedophilia’s origin as a deep-rooted predisposition that does not change, rather than the previous theory of causation by psychological influences. Perhaps influenced by this paradigm shift, Sakura Trick attempts what has never been done before – bringing out, in men, pseudo-paedophilic reactions to girls older than the previously stipulated plateau age of thirteen. This is achieved through the stark contrast between Haruka’s maturity and Yuu’s infantility which tampers with the viewers’ preset dispositions. The additional fact that it succeeds in bringing out such abnormal responses not only in the susceptible older population, but chiefly among the young, truly underscores the groundbreaking impact of Sakura Trick.
La peinture parle d'elle-même, il n'y a rien à dire; to describe the artistic qualia of Sakura Trick would be to describe colour to the blind, wisdom to the young, or life to the unliving. The artistic eminence of this series is utterly unparalleled. The visuals are primarily based on a minimalistic design reminiscent of Frank Stella’s later paintings, yet some of the most visceral moments of the series display a paradoxical resemblance to abstract expressionism. This visual style is augmented by subtly and tactfully altering its background or occasionally foreground objects into abstract patterns or drawings depending on the situation and atmosphere. Certain patterns such as polka dots reoccur frequently throughout the series, showing inspirations from early pop-art but crafting a style most avant la lettre. In a masterful display of expertise in art-direction, these aesthetic shifts are extremely frequent yet uncontrived and never interfere with the viewers’ immersion. This enigmatic and radical style vividly complements the metaphysical nature of the series, reinforcing its character as an original pastiche of the post-modernist movement. It is an embodiment and perfection of the ideals that SHAFT had in mind for but failed to accomplish in their shows such as the Monogatari Series and Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei.
Another of Sakura Trick’s aesthetic perks is its use of letterboxing: further cinematic flare is added to the already immersive series through the occasional framing of the video in bars. However, in an bold act of defiance and subversion, Sakura Trick makes use of white bars rather than the traditional black. In addition exuding an ephemerally fey charm, the white letterboxing holds several implications that one may only speculate on. Does it symbolize the series’ immense depth as it creates a dual-layered letterboxing on monitors which do not match its aspect ratio? Does its brightness reflect the series’ enlightening exploration of the previously unknown? Does it indicate the series’ nature as an antithesis to conventional psychology? Incidentally, Sakura Trick shows an abnormal and seemingly perverse focus on the characters thighs. In any other context, this would be plain pandering to the lowest common denominator. Nevertheless, when contextualized in sexual analysis one will realize the use of thighs as a study of fetishistic reactions to sexually inert objects. Sakura trick is sublime not only in the depth of its investigation, but also in its breadth.
Enjoyment may be a pivotal factor of anime-viewing for the ordinary viewer. For experienced critics such as I, however, examining a show of such depth and complexity brings only misery and agony (which true intellectuals welcome, mind you). Attempts at analyzing Sakura Trick’s implications and unraveling its messages necessitate great concentration and effort, which is further exacerbated when so much of my blood flows elsewhere than my brain when viewing this show. As studied in neuromagnetic stimulations, encumbering the brain to a great extent can be a cause for physical pain. We critics are martyrs – through our self-sacrifice we free plebeians of their ignorance and ablute them of their sins.
There have been numerous undisputable masterpieces among anime, such as the Ishihaya Tatsuya’s strikingly realistic classic Clannad or the tactique extraordinaire Code Geass by Taniguchi Goro. Sakura Trick will not join their ranks; its surface is too generic, its themes too provocative, and its messages too obscure. It will remain underground – treasured by the most avant-garde among intellectuals for its edifying if horrifying insight into the fundaments of sexuality. Philistines and self-proclaimed critics alike will shun Sakura Trick, but you can’t fault them for that. It takes boundless wisdom to appreciate its subtleties, and courage to side with the unpopular opinion. Sed domi maneas paresque nobis novem continuas fututiones. The time of Sigmund Freud’s sovereignty over psychoanalysis has passed; Sakura Trick is the herald of a new era that is to come.
Alternative Titles
Japanese: 桜Trick
More titlesInformation
Type:
TV
Episodes:
12
Status:
Finished Airing
Aired:
Jan 10, 2014 to Mar 28, 2014
Premiered:
Winter 2014
Broadcast:
Fridays at 01:58 (JST)
Licensors:
Sentai Filmworks
Studios:
Studio Deen
Source:
4-koma manga
Theme:
School
Demographic:
Seinen
Duration:
24 min. per ep.
Rating:
PG-13 - Teens 13 or older
Statistics
Ranked:
#45172
2
based on the top anime page. Please note that 'Not yet aired' and 'R18+' titles are excluded.
Popularity:
#923
Members:
261,553
Favorites:
1,517
Available AtResourcesStreaming Platforms | Reviews
Filtered Results: 70 / 71
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Your Feelings Categories Apr 26, 2014
This right here is a cult classic, a chef d'oeuvrea buried under erroneous preconceptions and unfounded criticism. This gem is obscured because it does not shine; it is buried because its tone is that of abyssal black. Sakura Trick pries into to the darkest corners of our subconscious, the most visceral of our cognition, the most carnal of our urges, and the most primal of our instincts. Its sublimity will ever be debated yet always remain objectively irrefutable; the fundamental insight it provides into human and perhaps animalistic nature may shape the basis of sexual psychoanalysis for millennia to come.
Superficially, Sakura Trick appears to ... Mar 29, 2014
At the start of the season, Sakura Trick came in strong. While there has been tons of yuri undertones in anime, characters with physically intimate relationships are still pretty rare, so seeing two high school girls locking fingers and making out was what one would consider "the bees knees", and animation segues in vain of Hidamari Sketch, and even the same DIRECTOR? Hell yeah. Sign me up. This could never get tiring, right?
Turns out, it takes a mere half a season for it to go from a novelty to a daily routine. After a dozen and half make out sessions, they stop meaning anything and ... Mar 31, 2015
Sakura Trick is a refreshingly different Slice of life show, it throws away the concept of static timelines often seen in SOL shows, there is continuity between each episode and changes in each character and their relationships, minor or major, can be felt together with the passage of time.
The show presents to us a cast of multifaceted characters and the relationships they share, not solely romantic bonds, but also the ties between friends and between sisters. What I loved most in the show was how it built on its characters. Sakura Trick avoids the use of heavy dialogue and inner monologue as a means ... Feb 12, 2015
Sakura Trick is a weird one.
For starters, if you dont enjoy yuri at all, it wont reccomend you to try this one out. The main focus is yuri fanservice after all. There is a story with romance, BUT, the way it is executed is poorly most of the times. So again dont like yuri?! SKIP THIS! Now, I said it was a yuri fanservice, so what can you expect, if you do enjoy yuri like myself?? Every episode is divided by 2 mini episodes, most of the times, each has a different kind of mini arc story going on. And for the most part, in each of ... Nov 4, 2014
Something that I find fairly interesting about Sakura Trick is the title itself. What comes to mind when "Sakura Trick" is uttered? Sakura, which is a flower with a lovely shade of bright pink, and trick, a fake-out of sorts, which may contain mischievous undertones. What was the inspiration for the name of this title? Every time I see this title, I can't help but feel like I'm about to stumble upon a beautiful disaster, or a "sakura-colored trick," if you will. Of course, the term "trick" can also be defined in other ways, but for the purpose of stating an argument, the previously stated
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Jun 13, 2015
Story: perfect, from the beginning to the end. Each episode bring the same enjoyment, and we follow the story step by step. Haruka and Yuu make us feel plenty of feelings.
Art: beautiful. Sound: the OST is wonderfull, I can't stop listening to the opening. Character: Haruka and yuu are just perfect, and the other characters are really good too. Some are funny, some are serious, but each of them has his own story. This is not only about the main characters, this is about their whole life, including their relations with their friends and family. Enjoyment: In first I ws only watching a funny yuri, but once you ... Mar 28, 2014
Romance and comedy comes together quite well! This is a rare occasion that I've watched a "yuri" genre series. But this series is a lot more than just that. Friendship, caring for one another, and being there for one another is what I got most out of this series. Sure it's nice to see cute girls kissing but this series does a great job of not focusing on that. The kisses are well placed so that the story itself is not interrupted. It's a great story! The art and music are fantastic, and the character development is superb. It's very cute, and also leaves you
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May 6, 2014
II think the yuri animes that I have watched and I know have bunch of people in one place that are lesbians. Those animes are so unrealistic to the extent and it makes me grin in amusement. They exclude straight people right off the bat and fully focus only in the yuri part. Sakura Trick has a realistic touch that might happen to some of the people around their ages, or even older.
The storyline is fairly good; the slice of life comes in and realistic in some ways. We see high school student’s daily lives and ups and downs can be seen in this anime, ... Apr 13, 2014
My love for this anime is endless!
It's filled with fluff and moe characters who look at least 5 years younger than their actual age, like so many other animes, but still it manages to set itself apart. What I really like about this anime is the fact that a romantic relationship between two girls is not seen as completely normal, because this gives it a more realistic touch, unlike animes like Strawberry Panic! where literally everyone is a lesbian. The anime nicely balances the 'oh, nobody should know, since we're both girls' and the general development of one's first romantic relationship, like 'What should I expect ... Jan 18, 2016
It has lesbians in it, but they didn't fuck hard enough with their blurry parts in the first episode so i would give this a 12.1 on the richter scale. i like the part where the yuri and the have no but japansese cartoons are very ok when they have chinese subtitles and russiandub at the same time in korea. how long do i need to make this i can't even think of anymore words i know, so heres a funny joke- hector is mexican 9/11 lesbians fishcats. ok still more words so heres the review
story- what, i thought this was hentai outstanding 10- art, not ... Jun 4, 2014
Sakura Trick is a yuri anime from this year, started in January finished in March. The manga it's based on was written and drawn by Tachi and the anime version was handled by Studio Deen. Studio Deen has done several yuri series/ series with heavy yuri content before. Including Maria sama ga Miteru, Yamibo and Simoun. So far, none of these series have been bad, although some have come closer than others. That being said, Studio Deen has done some pretty egregious anime in other genres. Such as Kore wa Zombie desu ka. Still, they do have a pretty good record so I'm cautiously optimistic
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Feb 24, 2015
~A personal journey into the world of forbidden love, buried under a pink veil~
On the surface, Sakura Trick doesn't seem like the kind of anime to have many unique or redeeming elements. Its vibrant, predominately pink colour scheme and slice of life presentation will impress nobody from a glance. With the further belittlement of the Shoujo and Yuri tag associations, its no wonder that few come to appreciate Sakura's delicacy. A lot of Sakura's strength is in its simplicity. It is an uplifting representation of Shoujo, that ironically plays no tricks. Its straightforward almost to a protesting, influential extent, and it exposes the genre from a ... May 26, 2015
I somehow came across this anime after finishing Aoi Hana... I wanted to give it a watch but I gave up on this show very easily. It just isn't for me.
Story 4/10 Since I only watched 2 episodes, this might not be an accurate score for the story. You have 2 girls (best friends?) entering high school and this high school is closing down in 3 years. In order to remember their high school experience, these 2 girls shared a kiss (a long kiss). That's all i've seen so far and I'm not watching anymore episodes. Art 5/10 The Animation is decent but not great... ... Apr 15, 2023
It has come to my attention that there are people in this world that have not experienced the same things I have. I'm at an impasse.
After 1095 sidereal days, the 3 episode barrier for formulating one of mankind's greatest inventions (second only to the very existance of this show); the reviews, has been passed. With that, I make my grand entrance. To those whom it may concern, which will turn out to be every single one of you who is reading this review, alongside the ones that are not; it is an unwritten praxis to watch this show on the consecrated day of April, ... Jun 30, 2019
So this is the first review I write here on MAL and surely you are asking "Why do you write a review for an anime which aired almost five years ago?"
I know we have already July 2019 and Sakura Trick aired in Winter 2014, so almost five years past already. I am not a guy who is good at writing reviews or generally writes a lot. Maybe no one will ever see my review about Sakura Trick, but my intention is not to compare my review with the one's from other users. I have already seen some very good reviews about Sakura Trick and ... Oct 22, 2018
There are some animes that have a awesome story, breathtaking art and visuals, extremly well developped characters, and thoses animes are sure to be critically acclaimed as an 10/10 masterpiece must-watch anime. And thoses animes deserves it.
But Sakura Trick is something else. There isn't a leading thread to the plot. The visuals are suitable, but not great. The character do not revolutionize anything. But it's an anime that I found so enjoyable and entertaining, that never bored me, with characters that are so cute, that I must give it an 10/10. If I should summarize what this anime made me feel, let's just say that it gave my dick and ... Jul 22, 2016
Sakura Trick series is simply about everyday lives, which means the plot spins around the heroines. The school becomes the story regularly takes place. It's a lively show, the main heroines are Haruka Takayama and Sonoda Yuu who's currently a classmate and be a damn-too-good friend since Junior HS. Basically we can't ignore the present of other heroines that look really like main characters too, Shizuku Minami, Kotone Noda, Kaede Ikeno, and Yuzu Iizuka. While Yuu and Haruka (main heroines) are so lovey-dovey with each other, almost neglecting other presents, the others are steamed-up and funny. The fusion of slice-of-life, school life, yuri, and comedy
...
Mar 31, 2014
This was a refreshing look at semi-realistic high school relationships, particularly lesbian relationships. The characters were all quirky and unique, and I enjoyed each of them in their own ways. (except maybe Kotone and Shizuku) The jokes were nearly always funny, and the show did not overdo the yuri fanservice, and instead gave us genuine character interactions which made us love each of them more. This is easily my favorite Studio Deen work, and at this point, my favorite show of the winter season.
Nov 13, 2017
To be perfectly honest i don't understand the mediocre reviews on this. At the time of writing this has a 7.17 when i feel this should have around an 8-9.
This is honestly a good and funny show to watch. The group of friends we see are all fun and interesting in there own way and they all have someone that they fit really well with. But this right here could be seen as a problem. There are duo's that should be couples together but some aren't while the others are. I guess what i'm trying to say is that some are never in an official ... Aug 6, 2017
Yuri lover (and people who actually use the word shoujo ai) must watch this. Is a must watch and is in every yuri bible book. This is the holy grail of yuri. A show that has the first episode with two girls kissing. Yep, that's right, no final episode for that final kiss is there from the get go. This is Sakura Trick
So story wise, it can be sum up by the op, two girls kissing. Yeah at first glance there not much to this. It just follows two friends who start kissing each other and are perfect for each other. Their biggest problem is ... |