Plastic Memories explores on the theme of memories and what comes with it--both its positive and negative sides—as well as how it impacts individuals: the ones who are leaving behind the memories, and the ones who are left with the memories.
It focuses on Tsukasa and those he meets at Terminal Service, a company that sends their employees to retrieve Giftias (androids that looks like humans with a lifespan of 9 years) with expiration dates that are due soon—because if they don't, they can malfunction and cause problems for not only themselves, but also others, in particular to the Giftia owners and/or those close to them (to the point of inflicting harm and causing injuries). Although at first, Tsukasa seems to be passive and kind of on the side, but as the series went on, he became more and more expressive by being involved with his work: starting with getting to know the process of retrieving the Giftias, learning more knowledge about Giftias (such as their lifespan, what happens if they don't get retrieved, the relations of their owners and/or those they are close to, etc) and his co-workers, such as Isla (a Giftia Terminal Service worker who he met before officially starting his job as a staff of the main office of Terminal Service), Michiru (a Terminal Service worker who was responsible for showing Tsukasa around when he first started his job there), Kanzuki (the boss of Tsukasa, who was also the partner of Isla before Tsukasa), etc.
Besides from Tsukasa and Isla, the supporting characters also played important roles in the progression of the series. For example, the backstory of Michiru helped Tsukasa to have a good idea as to what can happen if a Giftia goes out of control. Since she was raised by a Giftia, she knows firsthand how painful it feels to not have someone you hold so dear to not be there for you anymore.
***(Some spoilers ahead; read on if you've watched at least up to episode 9.)***
Something I like about Plastic Memories was how the writers decided to emphasize memories and how it tries to highlight its concept/theme: what you can do, and should do during the time that you have with someone--especially if you (know you) don't have much time left with them. And although it's painful, you shouldn't let that hold you back from wanting to do something, because when the chance is gone, it’ll be too late to make any changes; it also shouldn’t hold you back from moving forward, and facing your days ahead, because being stuck in the past will prevent you from really living your life. This greatly reflects on Tsukasa and Isla, and their growth as characters. In episode 9, Tsukasa confessed to Isla about his feelings for her—which was largely due to inspiration from Eru’s (someone who works for Terminal Services) memories of Andie, who was recycled as a new person, now working at another Terminal Service office that does not concern themselves with the emotional needs and feelings of Giftia owners—unlike the main Terminal Service office that Tsukasa works at. It made him realize that he just wants to do as much as he can with Isla before her time runs out, despite the aftermath—as to how he’ll end up feeling and experiencing: sadness and the pain of her absence. He doesn't want to give up, and that it’s now or never—to tell her how he feels about her. That’s also what he takes from having his job—that to distant yourself form someone you want to make memories with, and just be with doesn't do anything; in fact, you’ll end up regretting not speaking up, and doing something about it when you can. Even though it'll hurt you in the end, it's better than wallowing in bitter sadness, knowing that you didn’t even try to do anything in the first place.
***(Spoilers section over.)***
Certain things that have been introduced and touched on (such as Giftia stealers, other Terminal Offices, etc) were not expanded on as much as it could have. If they were, this series could have been more layered, interesting, and perhaps even more memorable.
Overall, this series is enjoyable, heartwarming, and beautifully animated. I particularly liked the expressions that Isla showed, especially her clumsiness (which resulted in many funny incidents).
I would recommend Plastic Memories to anime watchers who likes: Slice of Life, Science Fiction, and perhaps Romance.
You're welcome to post a comment on my profile to tell me any feedback and/or critiques you have for my review; any feedback and/or critiques are appreciated.
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