Oct 13, 2016
A lot of complaints are made about the fact that the Sci-fi universe isn't explored and explained enough, and I sort of agree with this argument, as the futuristic context is a bit pointless to the underlying themes of the show. To me, the setting was only a pretext to write a story about love, the inevitability of endings and how to deal with loss. Although using robots with a 9 years life expectancy is an unusual and original approach to those themes, in the end it doesn't serve the story in any other way than giving limited time to the female protagonist. It's easier
...
to appreciate Plastic Memories once you understand the show is a romance at heart with Sci-fi elements, but it's still a shame to see all of the unexplored aspects of a narrative involving things as complex as relationships between androids and humans. I wish we had gotten a bit more of a commentary on the matter, or at least more explanations on Giftias and the reasons of their existence. The show had so much material to explore, especially considering the seriousness of the subjects it tackles, but decided to take a different path.
This is the main problem I have with Plastic Memories: it lacks focus. It has something to say, but it keeps drifting away from it, as it wants to do too many things at the same time. The concept of falling in love with someone whose end is near is tragic and compelling, but it is not properly focused on until the last few episodes: the romance is introduced in the beginning and then sort of forgotten before reappearing again, instead of being build up throughout the show,which makes it not as natural as it could have been. The show goes in all sorts of directions, often lingering in slice-of-life territory, which would have been fine if it had been well dosed. But I feel like there is too much of it; and Plastic Memories could have used this time for more relevant storytelling, such as fleshing out the main characters, adding more logic to the Sci-fi universe, finding ways to convey the powerful message that the show already has, or exploring a romance that is in and out of itself deep and complex. Not that it doesn't do these things, it just that often the more generic slice-of-life atmosphere takes the spotlight, to the detriment of the story and its impact on the viewer.
*spoilers*
However, when the show does get on track and concentrates on it's core themes it does it very well and manages to create some very touching moments, delivering emotions with subtlety and realism. The romance, although it can feel unconvincing at first, is not melodramatic and feels authentic in the end. Isla and Tsukasa become comfortable together, and as a pair they are just plain sweet. The last episode in particular is done wonderfully, as the viewer has to go trough the grueling experience of watching the couple's last day together. The show stops to wander around, and just delves straight into these characters and their emotions as they face the inevitable, setting up what is to me one of the saddest ending to anything I've ever watched. The way the two characters say their goodbyes to each other and Tsukasa's pain afterwards; it's all done extremely well, in this sort of sad but serene atmosphere. It feels real, brutal and bitter while being very beautiful at the same time.
*spoilers end*
I've got to admit, the ending did it for me; it touched me so much that I don't think I can be that objective when giving my final verdict. Because despite all of the issues this show has, to me, those last episodes make up for it. The themes are superbly expressed by the end of the story and it has emotional depth, reminding us about the reality of loss and death that goes with love and life. Plastic Memories had such an impact on me that it would be dishonest towards myself to give it lower than an 8. It does have a lot a problems regarding the execution of its storytelling, but when it works, it's powerful, and it's going on my list of anime that I won't forget.
Now I am going to go cry in a corner for a week, goodbye.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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