The story was a fairly decent one but at times it didn't know what it wanted to be or what direction to go in, switching genres and putting them into scenes that wouldn't necessarily mix well together. Then adding different story layers to an already jumpy one makes the story aspect of the show harder to enjoy and overall making it an anime that you might want to drop, but don't let the flaws of the story stop you from watching because the story is not bad, it just doesn't know what be and when to be it at the right time.
The characters I feel are what saves the show from its somewhat flawed story. There are a flurry of main and side characters that you will come to love and enjoy watching through this 12 episode anime. One thing I think this show does well is giving the characters time to develop by sometimes dedicating and episode to the development of one or two characters as well as the relationship between 2 or more characters. It adds something to the story to make it worth watching to see how these characters interact and make it through tough situations they are in. Akihito Kanbara is a great main character as you see him develop and cope with the conflicts that happen throughout the story along with Mirai Kuriyama who develops alongside Kanbara. Even side characters are enjoyable although not getting as much development(obviously).
The art is something that doesn't even need to be mentioned because as I stated before this is an anime that you can clearly tell has a big budget, and whats a better way to show that to the viewer than to flaunt amazing, and fluid animation to the viewer in each episode. Along side those Moe moments that tend to make you go "awwww" inside your head. The art I can say is pretty damn good.
The music itself is not something that you will be remembering a week after you complete this show and it might be something that might not have even stuck out to you, but that's just how I personally felt. Other than the very catchy opening song the music is just there to add to the mood of the show and won't be very memorable.
Overall you shouldn't let the flaws of the story keep you from watching this big budget, well animated show that has a flurry of fun, enjoyable, and well developed characters. Although there is nothing too great about the story or music, the pure enjoyment I got from the characters and art makes this well worth watching through even if it is only once.
Kyoukai no Kanata gets a 8/10
