Bokurano is about 15 kids at a summer camp. They are playing on the beach and end up exploring a nearby cave. They find a cavern within the cave set up with computers and meet a man who refers to himself as Kokopelli. He claims this is a set up for his game, where multiple players fight using a giant robot. To play, you must sign a contract. He convinces all but one to sign the contract. Then they find themselves back on the shoreline of the beach, thinking it may have been something they all dreamed but soon realizing they have signed up for much more than a game.
Bokurano is a deconstruction of the mecha genre... in laymen terms, it takes the robot genre of anime and does something different with it. Other mecha anime include ones like Neon Genesis: Evangelion, Power Rangers and even arguably, Attack on Titan (with a "living robot). So if you like those or other robot anime, you will probably like this one. But like previously mentioned it does use the tropes of the genre differently- also being classified as psychological, drama and horror on MAL.
Story: 9.5/10
I cannot say much without spoiling the anime but it is definitely exciting, captivating, fascinating and tragic. The unpredictable nature of the anime is what really set it apart from others I have seen. Even if you do predict something, it may seem too extreme or sadistic to go that far...but sometimes they do take it THAT FAR. Also, if you're in the mood just to watch something, this may not be the anime for you as it will take some paying attention to follow along with the symbolic nature of some of the events. But the story will definitely draw you in and keep you through the 24 episodes and have you eagerly waiting to see how it all ends. I think you can also tell this is NOT a happy-go-lucky, funny anime and so maybe not for those in a sad or depressed mood...a lot of sadness and loss in this one. The themes they portray I cannot say, again in an attempt to keep tis a spoiler free review. But I can say they touch on mature themes and really show the psychological effects and mindsets of children, and man it was at times reply messed up. My only real complaint besides the characters (which i'll mention in a second) is the ending which I did like, but I felt left some loose ends untied.
Character: 9/10
Art: 6/10
There are A LOT of main characters, 15 to be exact. Plus when you add some of the important supporting characters that are later introduced, its a lot to follow. The children definitely have some defining characteristics that set them apart from each other but it is really their backstories that will set them apart. They are heart-wrenching and at times very difficult to watch. There was not enough time for a lot of development for each one but the time they spent was, at most times, just enough to get you either sad, resentful and/or angry. Children are not always as innocent as they seem, and this anime depicted that VERY WELL. My biggest problems were that there WERE TOO MANY characters and the art/animation did not do a good job of making their faces memorable. You will definitely remember all their stories, but may have a hard time pinning a name and face to the story. They look like very average and normal children in extraordinary circumstances. Oh and I would be neglectful if I didn't mention that this anime has one of THE MOST despicable, sadistic and hateful characters I have ever seen, going by the name of Dung Beetle (Koemushi in Japanese). You'll see what I mean when you watch it. You'll either love his messed up attitude or like me, you'll despise him and hope his actions come back to bite him in the ass.
The art like I said, not great. But the fighting sequences with the robots were pretty good. I think though, what the story lacks in art and animation, it almost fully makes up for with the story.
Sound: 7/10
The opening and closing themes are sort of catchy, and the music throughout the anime does a good job at setting the scenes. They really give you emotion trying to be conveyed. The musical pieces aren't all impressive but they definitely get the job done.
Enjoyment: 9/10
Overall: 9/10
Only a select few animes impact me to the point where I'm thinking about them all day and getting swept up in the world they've portrayed. Bokurano was an anime I couldn't get out of my mind. While I was at work I couldn't stop thinking about it and when I was falling asleep its all I thought about. The story drew me in and intrigued me that much....I think most of it just came from the genuine sadness and pity I felt for the characters. Although I did have some complaints, I would still recommend it to anyone willing to watch it and must say, in terms of story, it was so close to being a masterpiece, I really struggled giving it only a 9.5/10. It is a gem of an anime and one I think will be one you will never forget.
