Let's be honest, when I first saw this anime listed on MAL, the title and the poster with all the angsty looking boys kinda gave me the wrong impression, but maybe that's what was needed for me to discover this hidden gem of an anime. Watching this anime was like a riding a rollercoaster of emotions and for the first time in ages I found myself yelling at my computer in fear or excitement for the characters as the story progressed.
The story is about not about the type of "boys love" that the title led me to believe but its the type of boys love that makes you all warm and fuzzy inside -- a story about trust, betrayal, forgiveness, loyalty, and knowing that even though life throws you some fucked-up shit your true friends will always be there to take that shit with you or help you kick its ass. Set in the backdrop of post WWII Japan, similar to that in Grave of the Fireflies, the war and its end had taken its toll on its citizens and its repercussions exhibit themselves in the Japanese youth. The pacing is excellent as well, not too long and not too short. I'm surprised that the producers were able to fit a good amount of material in 26 episodes without me feeling like they were dragging the story at all.
The use of a darker color palette was very appropriate in that it helped set the dark tone and the bleak world that the boys were living in. The color scheme also sort of gave it a historic feel for some reason, felt like I was watching Rurouni kenshin. The music, specifically the intro song "You're not alone" by coldrain, which had a style reminiscent of the type of music I listened to in my high school days, I felt captured the teenage angst portrayed by the characters, while preaching lyrics of hope and perseverance. Yes I had to download the song and listened to it many times.
The characters are truly what make this anime special. The 26 episode length does an almost perfect job at developing each character and telling their stories. I can't even explain without spoiling... you just have to see for yourself. Its like you become part of their little group as you watch more and more... you will cry (and/or yell at the computer) when when bad shit happens to them or when someone tries to screw them over, you will cry when their hearts are broken, you will cry when they cry manly tears of happiness. I don't think I can cry for another year. And that's how much I love these characters. The evil baddies are EVIL and YOU WILL HATE THEM.
*Also on a side note --- An-chan and Mario are total hotties, for those of you who appreciate a little man candy.
This anime surprisingly plays up a few different themes -- has a little bit of sports, a little romance, a little bit of music, etc, which made it entertaining to watch. Together with its gripping story, amazing cast of characters, and satisfying ending, I think people should give this anime a chance. Sure there's a lot of adult themes explicitly illustrated to help tell the story (You will likely be disturbed with the amount of violence and sexual abuse), I think that it was necessary to get you (or me at least) to really sympathize with the characters. But with struggles and obstacles, you really get to see the characters shine when they overcome them with a little help from their friends.
