Don't be dissuaded by the immaturity of the characters upon a first glance: despite their seeming like an annoying bunch of teenagers, things get better. We have Hikari, who starts at a low point but grows significantly throughout the show, while there are several other characters (Tsumugu, Kaname, Sayu) whose initially auxiliary appearance gives way for their gradual blossoming. In fact, I think anyone can find at least one character worth rooting for in this show. But characters aside, the technical icing is what makes Nagi-Asu the gem it is – in terms of visuals it has been one of the most gorgeous series I've seen. The creators managed to fill their work with sublime moments through a conjunction of masterful artwork, a good script and a tastefully-employed OST. Each of these is wonderfully used in a way that suffuses important scenes with true anime magic and a special atmosphere. It's a world which is familiar to us but is also unique in its own way, tinged with nostalgic, faded blue hues coating the man-made parts of the world, and a marvellous underwater life that makes for some very pleasurable watching.
The universe isn't the only thing of note. I'll warn that the relationship dynamic is quite the leviathan, with an octagon of unrequited feelings emerging that inevitably won't satisfy everyone once the end is reached – if you are a person who needs a resoundingly conclusive ending in romantic drama, this might frustrate you. However, I was always happy with how the creators explored their characters' feelings when they open up to each other, as unlike in couple-based shows there are plenty of important characters here, and all are treated with respect by the writers. An apt blend of subtleness and direct dialogue is used to let us know what people are thinking. For a good amount of the show there is a real, ominous feeling of threat as we notice that in this world, much like in ours, people have difficulty seeing through barriers imposed between communities and oppose the right of others to pursue love across them. I'll conclude that on the drama front Nagi-Asu managed to be poignant and tasteful in its execution, and is usually brimming with feels and understated, softly brilliant moments.
That being said, the effect of these was often watered down by tears. Yes, Nagi-Asu indulges too much in the trope of having girls break down in tears or start wailing uncontrollably in order to convey drama, which I just roll my eyes at most of the time, personally. This is something distinctly related to the four primary female characters of the show, who possess interesting facets but sadly end up not breaking free of the conventions of being fragile, exaggeratedly sensitive Moe maidens and therefore not feeling as real as they could. The less well-executed drama of the show usually involves them sobbing or running away, though to be fair they aren't universally bad and have plenty of good and endearing characteristics to compensate for Moe blandness – there just isn't a single one of them who breaks free of this uninspired basis, which I found unfortunate.
I'll conclude with the following: Nagi no Asukara is a labour of love that has a lot to offer, and I'd recommend it to people looking to give anime romantic drama a go. It has a strong emotional impact with potent storytelling, memorable scenes and characters who are generally endearing and evolving. The artwork, score and dialogue are all first-class. You might be let-down if you are very particular about resolution, and if a slew of brittle female characters aren't your thing. If you want to watch it, please don't write it off immediately based on initially flawed characters or their age, and eventually the waves of this world might just lull you.
8.5/10
