Story/Characters:
The main protagonist this time is this young, bespectacled lad named Hachiken Yugo who is very much a city boy hailing from Sapporo. After failing his entrance exams for his chosen school he decides to enroll at Yezo Agricultural High thinking that he would have an easier time preparing for college if the academic level was a bit lower than usual. Little did he know this decision would lead him to a great journey of self discovery (Cheesy? I know... Just work w/ me here...).
It might sound no different from all adolescent coming of age dramas we've encountered but trust me it's not. It's one of the very few series where you feel the authors sincerity in the story. Arakawa sensei really put a lot of thought and heart into making this series and it shows.
Add a memorable cast of characters, good pacing, and the trademark Arakawa humor and you have yourself a real good show.The issues it tackles are things we often take for granted (Pork Bowl for example) but the way the show presents them and the conclusions it offers really hit you deep in the gut. There isn't so much heavy drama but it still manages to touch the audience. That in itself is testament to how good the storytelling in this series is.
Speaking of conclusions, the show doesn't actually present a definite one but just basically says, and I quote, "never stop trying to understand". There is no definite answer. But whatever decision you come to just be sure to face it head on. This really got to me personally.
Art/Sound:
A-1 really shows their stuff when working w/ SoL shows and Gin no Saji is no exception. The backdrops are filled w/ detail and the animation is smooth. The OP/ED are catchy and the OST is appropriate.
Overall:
A very enjoyable watch. One of the few animes that prompted me to read the manga straight away. This is one of those gems where the different elements merge to paint a beautiful montage w/out anything feeling out of place at all. The warmth and problems that accompany human relations, the farming backdrop, coming of age, comedy... All merge into one great SoL series. A definite must watch for those who like the genre.
