The main character Takao Kasuga starts with a desire to be different. He reads books not because he finds them interesting, but to fantasize that he is someone others cannot understand. He is pathetic. He also has a crush on his classmate Nanako Saeki. He embarrassingly calls her his muse, his angel, his goddess. If the anime just ended with the first episode, he would forever stay a whiny, delusional idiot beyond salvation. However, thanks to his relation to Saeki and Sawa Nakamura, the third main character, he discovers a thing or two about himself.
Sawa Nakamura is the avatar of change. She flouts basic conventions and values of society. She has the role of a catalyst. Without her, wimpy Kasuga would never dare to stand for what he believes or even openly voice his thoughts. Nanako Saeki, the last main character, has her enigmatic side as well. Together these three undergo an experience they wouldn’t do if they were alone.
The art style is not beautiful. It adds realistic features to character designs which naturally make them uglier. But more facial details enrich the characters’ emotional reactions. The background is also more detailed. Realistic details, such as cracks, and other imperfections of the real world emphasize the desire to break free from everyday life.
I watched Aku no Hana because a friend said it was deep. Actually, there’s nothing deep about it. What moved me in the end was how it honestly tries to face the dissatisfaction with our everyday life. It tries to find a way out, something better. But it does not find any meaningful solution. Avoiding ordinary everyday life doesn’t necessarily translate into a better life experience. Characters struggle to reach beyond the mundane but beyond does not promise a tangible alternative. Nevertheless Aku no Hana offers a great perspective to reflect on our everyday lives. That is why rather than enjoyment I felt uneasiness when watching. The anime was constantly attacking individuals’ beliefs that they are unique. At the same time, it was not sure what its answer to the problem was.
