Sep 8, 2010
According to the director this anime was created from reports of Rwandan genocide, and is meant to serve as a commentary of sorts to the use of children in East African armies. As such, you can expect this to be an extremely depressing watch.
Thoroughly depressing to witness, yet completely within the bounds of plausibility. It doesn't leave its viewer a pitch-perfect happy ending, but despite all of the grief and torment inflicted upon the characters, it maintains a shred of hope, a promise of a distant happiness. It tackles the importance of life as being simply alive-if one is to live, then one is
...
bound to find their happiness wherever it may be. Like diminishing stars the glares of pain and regret, of suffering and the unfairness of reality are softened and dulled by the themes of repentance, of changed perspectives, of one's ability to shape the world through their steadfast beliefs. No matter how minute the effect one has towards the reality in front of them, it's enough to substantiate one's life.
My advice is not to marathon it all in one go. Despite the scant number of episodes-13 in all-the pacing of "Now and Then, Here and There" is handled precisely. Important details are revealed in key bits of dialogue, introduced at appropriate times without feeling heavy-handed. It's seamless in its execution. There is enough emotional content condensed in one episode that could easily be spread to several series of lesser stature. The setting is barren and desolate, a world hanging on the edge of existence. Its devoid of color, an indication of the hopeless lives lead in this world, of the loss of personal autonomy in the face of a mad king. It certainly sucks you into this world of hopelessness, makes you sympathize with those destined to suffer, makes you empathize with its less than fortunate characters.
With regards to the character of Shu. It's not really so much a complaint as it is an unexplainable uneasiness I have towards his character; I understand that he's supposed to represent this unending hope for the best, this notion that simply living allows reality to beget upon you some gentle respite from its cruelties, some nurturing rest from its unending trials and tribulations. Despite everything-and a lot happens here-that happens to him, he never breaks his character. He cherishes humanity to an extent I don't even see with children, and I don't know whether to fault him for his idiocy or appreciate him for his innocence.
I don't normally write reviews for anime, if at all really. But Now and Then, Here and There ranks among some of the best pieces of media I've seen that's able to twist the heartstrings of the viewer. In the end no real questions about fate and about the fallacies of the human condition are answered in concrete terms. There is an inexplicable feeling left that looms over my shoulder after its viewing. It has really made me think, to the point where I'm writing this.
Now and Then, Here and There is a cruel story with a message of positivity. It leaves an indelible mark upon the soul, and despite drenching it in sorrow and hopelessness it imparts upon it the smallest of hopes: that an almost ridiculous, unreasonable and stupid faith will be rewarded and small acts of love exist even in the direst of conditions.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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