The plot revolves around three characters: Kitahara Haruki, the former class rep and top-scorer, Ogiso Setsuna, the winner of Miss Houjou Prep two years in a row, and Touma Kazusa, the cool and collected genius pianist who can't seem to stay awake in class. WA2 is a love triangle - let's get that out of the way - and as such, wouldn't seem to be completely original. But the show takes a simple premise and transforms it into a rare breed of anime: a realistic portrayal of love complicated. While the story is nothing new, the way the content is executed turns WA2 into a masterful piece of storytelling which tugs at the heartstrings and left me awestruck after its conclusion.
Speaking of which, events to come are hinted at in the very introduction to WA2. This in no way detracts from the experience, but rather serves as an effective form of foreshadowing that heightens the sense of unease, the sense of impending conflict. However, unlike love triangle romance anime of the same ilk, WA2's characters share a genuine bond. Their friendship is what makes the show so painful but powerful.
As for the music, there's not much to be said. Sound is often an appropriate accompaniment for your standard fare anime, but here, it serves a deeper purpose. Not only does the narrative utilize the creation of music as a backdrop for the romance, but certain songs hold great significance that can only be understood after watching. In fact, WA2 is riddled with symbolism - picking on said subtleties is one of the most rewarding aspects of the show, and makes earlier events all the more important.
And if you've read other reviews here, you'll know that there's a sex scene. As offputting as it sounds, it actually fits perfectly in context and was executed appropriately - to reuse my own diction, it adds without detracting.
I won't go into further detail because WA2 is an anime best experienced by oneself (without spoilers, of course). The characters are relatable, lovable despite the mistakes they make, and above all else, painfully human. Please do yourself a favor and watch the show - if you're like me and the many other MAL users who have been touched by WA2, you'll love it as well.
10/10
*As a side note, White Album 2 is in no way directly related to the original White Album. The only semblances it bears are the use of the song "White Album" and the overarching theme of music.
