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Aku no Hana is unique and very well executed. Now the uniqueness in style and topic is what puts off some people. This is why we get a score that looks like middle of the road, which is actually a result of the viewers being really split about it in ones who really hate it and others who absolutely love it. While, ironically, the one thing that everyone probably could agree on would be that Aku no Hana is anything but average. This is why it also makes sense to tag this as 'mixed feelings', because even though it's one of my all time favorites, ... it's just fair to accept that not everyone will enjoy this show.

If you're ready to explore a lesser trodden path and see things that are oddly ugly and beautiful at the same time, go ahead. The experience you'll get is definitely one that you can't get from your next isekai of the season kind of show.

The anime is firmly anchored in realism and all dreamy elements are clearly in the characters' imagination or poetic enhancement of the atmosphere. This is why rotoscoping, sitting between traditional animation and real life acting is a fitting choice. Sadly it's an instant hard pass for some viewers. Don't forget though that this means we're also looking at actors and acting skill and boy do they do a good job! Especially Mariya Ise (Nakamura) is incredible and not holding back a bit. Her presence dominates every scene she is in. As it should be.

Our main character (Kasuge) is undecided, wallowing in self-pity and arrogant with his feeling of intellectual superiority, so a type that makes it difficult to side with and feel compassion for. However his inner turmoil is so well explained and explored with the right amount of sympathy, that the viewer can relate.

Due to this anime having been planned as a two season run, the ending comes sudden and not very conclusive. But good thinking of the producers to actually at least include a kind of ending, because it's not looking as we'll be getting a second season any time soon.

To round up the review, the music needs to be mentioned. It's just as unique and beautifully weird as the rest of the show and therefore and amazingly good fit, but not playlist material.