Hotori: Tada Saiwai wo Koinegau (or, Hotori: I Only Want Happiness), is the script that won the third Animax Taisho award, and was adapted into an anime in 2005. The original script was written by Miyazaki Maya (I don't know if there's any relation to the esteemed Miyazaki Hayao though), and the anime adaptation is, if anything, a singular example of the storyteller's art at work.
The anime tells the tale of two children, a girl called Hotori, and a boy called Suzu, and the ensuing friendship and care they have for each other even though they are complete oppsites in the most basic and fundamental of ways.
The plot is very simple and straightforward, yet possesses a complexity that is truly wondrous. The pacing never gets flat or stale, and the OVA approaches the bittersweet, yet hopeful, climax with a steady, unwavering tread. The story itself is both moving and sensitive, especially in it's depiction of the two children. Nothing is overblown or overly dramatic, and the whole show has a pervading sense of calm that belies the heartache of the characters.
The most important aspect of the show is the question of what defines one's existence, purpose and place in the world - basically, what is a "soul"? It's this one simple, yet extremely complex, question that is the cause of all the joy, pain, happiness and suffering for the characters, and it's to the credit of Miyazaki Maya that the tale takes a more sensitive and innovative approach than shows like Ghost in the Shell or Blade Runner. The idea of putting the question in the hands of two children, one of whom, is losing their "soul" while the other is gaining one, raises the OVA from being simply another bland concept anime, and while there will be those who view the use of children to be a play on the viewers sensitivities, the simple fact is that Hotori: TSwK works better because the main characters are children, and thus are more open to questioning the right and wrong of things. Adults would simply add complications to an already complex question.
Visually the show looks very good. The characters are well designed for the most part, however their facial expressions are a little on the limited side. The backgrounds and settings are well realised. and there is a clear definition between the more naturalistic designs used for scenes in the greenhouse and outside the hospital, and the more clinical, detailed designs used inside the hospital and the Personality Plant. Animation is also pretty good, with the characters moving well for the most part, although there are on or two niggly little moments when something about the scene seems "off".
One thing that is truly remarkable about Hotori: TSwK is the cast. All but one of the seiyuu have played leading roles in a number of well known shows, and it's a truly remarkable coup for a script written by a complete unknown to have such talented and experienced voice actors on board, regardless of any competition wins. As one would expect with such a great cast, the acting is very good throughout the OVA, and each of the seiyuu portrays their respective characters with a grace and sensitivity that is very much in keeping with the theme of the show.
In terms of music the show is very well served for the most part, however there is one section where the track simply didn't fit the emotion of the scene. The OVA also makes good use of sound effects and silence, in particular during the opening few minutes of the OVA.
As this is a single episode OVA, one would expect there to be little in the way of actual development in terms of the characters, however this is not the case with Hotori: TSwK. The fact that one person is gradually losing who they are while another is becoming someone else entirely makes for some strangely captivating development that, while semmingly sporadic, is very much in tune with the basic question of what defines a soul. The fact that the two main characters are children also acts as a buffer for characterisation, as one does not expect a child to be a fully formed individual, and because of this the characters, especially the two leads, work extremely well in their setting. Granted there's virtually no development to any of the other characters, however this is very much a secondary consideration when watching the show.
Given that the script was written by an unknown in the anime world, it's surprising, but also pleasing, that Hotori: TSwK is as good as it is. The question of what constitutes a soul is handled very well, and while there is a similarity to other shows in certain ways, this represents a very different approach to the norm. While there is some definite science fiction elements to the series, they are downplayed in favour of a more human approach, and it's this that ultimately defines whether one enjoys the show or not.
In essence, if you want your metaphysical questions put forward in a scientific or religious manner, then this may not be to your liking (it still doesn't hurt to give it a try though).
Hotori: Tada Saiwai wo Koinegau is a remarkably simple story that encompasses a truly complex question, one that is epitomised by opposites and dichotomies, and it's to the credit of all parties involved in it's production that the show is able to impart it's message in such a clear and sensitive manner. The biggest kudos though, should go to the judges of the Animax Taisho for recognising that the original script was something a little bit special.
I'm very much looking forward to watching the other winning OVAs now, especially if they're as good as this is.
