By the title itself, you've probably managed to create a simple idea of what this series is going to be about - simply "memories". However, Plastic Memories doesn't only focus its purpose on the aspect of "memories". You may discover that it also covers the importance of relationships that the characters establish. Plastic Memories is a tale set near the distant future. The story of a young man experiencing the life of work, while he struggles to fit-in his recently obtained job. As we know it, work experience is definitely a skill that is essential for our everyday lives and the overall enjoyment of it
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is another story. However, in this tale, work can be described as “happy-go-lucky”, which the characters experience the opportunity to make special bonds - possibly something you might have never experienced before with your co-workers.
Evidently, the basic premise of the story is set near the future. A world where humans coexist with android-like-humans called "giftias". At first, it may sound like a friendly atmosphere - unlike any typical dystopian story - but there are also secrets that lie behind these human-created-androids that contribute to the way their society works. The main protagonist Mizugaki-Tsukasa discovers the true nature of these androids by enrolling himself with the terminal services department, a company that specializes in retrieving the androids when they reach their final stage. Once that final stage occurs, malfunctioning kicks in and in the worst-case scenarios, psychotic levels can rise. This may sound like an interesting way to start off a psychological series; however, for this story, it's entirely the opposite.
My personal view of Plastic Memories was like watching two shows in one. In the beginning, the story led me with confusing questions: what is the writer's main focus of the story, or what are they trying to display for the viewers? What this tale lacked was generally the overall progressing of it - it was inconsistent - that was its main flaw. At times, it was quite silly to watch - at one scene - almost as if the creator was forcing me to laugh. You find yourself on loose ends, wondering what happened with the main purpose of the story. Other times, it gets too emotionally sidetracked with the romance - losing its purpose on the main event, which in this case, is retrieving the androids before the expiration date. Then you witness partial amounts of the way the TS-Department works. (I have no complaints with character development, though). Despite that, some people dig the whole romantic-comedy-genre and for this anime, they did a well-done job with it. Everything paced well. In addition, the studio, Doga Koba, did a somewhat magnificent job organizing the episodes that dealt with emotions like: sadness, anger, love, and happiness. One week you witness a sad event; the next week's episode "soothes your soul". (This method has created a nice balance for viewers that deal with an ongoing emotion).
The overall series is to some extent unique in aspects of character development. I mean, the relationship between a human and an android - is something that's unexpectedly surprising. It's strange to say the least. The characters have to constantly remember the times they spend with their loved ones (androids) and question themselves: will these memories become meaningless? This applied to Tsukasa, as he had to encounter difficulties with his partner Isla. Throughout the story, PM (Plastic Memories) took a turn towards another route, in which it focused primarily on the main character's emotions. Their interactions were by far the most memorable. I was led to multiple journeys and discovered the way Tsukasa and Isla managed to work in their environment. The jobs they were assigned with revealed new characters. Even the supporting characters have contributed greatly with Tsukasa's relationship. They weren't just some irrelevant character waiting by the sidewalk, hoping to obtain some screen time. They were quite enjoyable to watch. Some examples are: Hanada-Yutasaka and his cliché advice, Kinushima-Michiru and her overboard temper (not to forget - her tsundere personality), and finally, Kuwanomi-Kazuki and her overprotective-ness for Isla. All these characteristics were essentially helpful for the overall improvement for Tsukasa's relationship (as I stated above). Lastly, they're just simply adorable - especially the way they interact with each other. Simply watching them - is a great way to put your mind at ease. Even the smallest interaction between Tsukasa and his colleagues was quite amusing to watch.
Truthfully, I'm well convinced that the artists of this series have provided a considerable amount of effort - displaying a beautiful final-product. Although, I wouldn't say it's completely unique. The characters are given simple designs that match their personality - not too complex, though. It definitely wouldn't distract you from watching the entire length of an episode. Not to forget, I should also mention that the animations for the sceneries were amazingly and beautifully done. The animation was quite accurate. For example, the light would naturally shine like it would in reality (just to be clear, distinguishing the positives/negatives for animation isn't my expertise). Also, the scenes when the characters encounter an emotional pain; can possibly make any individual feel a sense of sympathy for them. Regardless of the typical character design, it's quite suitable for the story.
Personally, I believe that the music was somewhat the least impacting throughout the course of the series. There isn't any moment when I would try to put the efforts of remembering the last song I heard. On a positive note, the music definitely mixed well with the overall mood. The opening, including the ending songs didn't simply contain a repetitive tune, neither was it unappealing, but it managed to execute a beautiful sound.
My final opinion of Plastic Memories: it's heartwarming, it provides a rather enjoyable story, yet my anticipation for the overall plot was lacking the consistency it needed.Despite it being cliché and silly, I have no regrets watching it. Now that you have collected all this data, manage yourself some time and watch this anime. If you are someone like me who enjoys another story that contains romance (ignoring what I previously written above), and to some extent, a combination of comedy, then by all means, endeavour yourself - Plastic Memories will provide you that endless satisfaction. You will experience countless emotions. I can't convince you how much I'm pleased with the final product of this show - neither can words express how much I've enjoyed this anime. Give it a shot, it's relaxing, and perfect for any viewer that's searching for some time to waste.
Jun 27, 2015
Plastic Memories
(Anime)
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By the title itself, you've probably managed to create a simple idea of what this series is going to be about - simply "memories". However, Plastic Memories doesn't only focus its purpose on the aspect of "memories". You may discover that it also covers the importance of relationships that the characters establish. Plastic Memories is a tale set near the distant future. The story of a young man experiencing the life of work, while he struggles to fit-in his recently obtained job. As we know it, work experience is definitely a skill that is essential for our everyday lives and the overall enjoyment of it
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