If only anime is real.. if only the idea in this anime is real..
I recently lost my father. My mom, my sister and me were very sad and devastated, which is why I can really relate with this anime.
Simply put, Ano Hi Mita Hana no Namae wo Bokutachi wa Mada Shiranai is an anime about death of the loved one (a really close friend, in this anime), and how they deal with it. People say 'time will heal' but in some cases, if you still have guilt, regrets or 'unfinished matter' you won't really move on, which is the theme this anime is taking on. I won't say further or I will spoil... so... let's go to the review.
Story 8/10
This anime has very good idea. It is very relatable, for teenager growing up, and especially for those who have lost someone important in their lives.. However, as the story develops there are several things that makes me go 'ehh??' (read: awkward) and some rather unnecessary lines / dialogues. I'm pretty sure there are some other reviewer who wrote in detail these small flaws that prevent this anime from being perfect. But overall, it is above average. It is very good.
Art 9/10
The art, I always like A-1 Pictures productions because often the shows they produce are very good, the same applies to Anohana (too tired to wrote the entire longgg title ahaha). It is smooth and color palettes are pretty and suitable with the theme. Background are beautifully drawn as well. Being an original anime without any source from manga / light novel, I find the character designs good as well.
Sound 9/10
Seiyuus are perfect!! I'm sure you notice there are notable and renown seiyuus in the cast. Their voice acting here is very good, surely making you feel. The OSTs are good, although I don't particularly remember any tunes, but matches the show. I mean, it supports the scene, doesn't feel out of place. Opening song is catchy but just okay.. (that's preventing me from giving 10/10) but the ending song.. mannn it just gives me feels. Instant favorite. And I cried really badly in episode 10 because of this song.
Character 9/10
There are different characters to represent different ways people deal with loss.. from friend's side and family's side. There are various characters: character who is totally 'gone' - becoming hikikomori (although I'm curious whether Jintan started it recently or already longg ago, it's one plot hole that I didn't really catch), some cannot forgive themselves, some are trying to move on by focusing on different things and make new friends (but not necessarily good and true friends), etc. You will know when you watch, it is very clear. They have sides that are appealing and will earn spot in your heart, and relatable.
Enjoyment & Overall 9/10
I like this anime. I watch this to pass time and because people say is good, and I totally agree, it is VERY GOOD ANIME. It also makes me reflect on myself and my family. Besides the character interactions and plot, I keep watching because I want to know and learn how in the end they can deal with this loss and truly move on. Another good slice of life anime.
If you want to watch a short yet very good anime about friendship, teenage love and loss / death that gives you feels, I highly recommend Anohana to you.
