Story (9): I was actually scared to watch this show because the present situation of the character Satoru Fujinuma is something I kind of attach myself to. He's become detached to the world so forth and so forth. But then I watched it and I feel like I can't have ignored this anime at all. I'll probably won't be the same person. The tension is built up well. Situations are intense whilst also providing a bit of comfort here and there. What's great about the story of ERASED is that you want to know more as it progresses. After every episode, you wish to know more and more.
Art (9): A-1 Pictures has done it again. One thing I love about A-1 is that they take the concept of the mangaka's art and further it, making it appealing. The colors, textures of each backdrop are beautiful to look at and it thoroughly feels like your in Japan. Animation-wise, there's not much action but the movements are fluid and easy and if there's a need to rush certain scenes, it's done with precision while maintaining the dignity of the art.
Sound (10): Building tension for such a suspensful anime can be quite the challenge and adding some background music or sounds amps up the scene, making it somehow haunting or in such cases, carefree. But I have to give credit for the amazing OP and ED of this show. Re:Re has actually been out since 2006 and it's such a fit to use it because the time of this anime is not necessarily set in 2016 but more in the early or late 2000s so it seemed appropriate. The ending is both adorable and sad which adds to the feel of the characters. The voice actors are amazing! I have to commend Mitsushima-san. He's not a seiyuu, and I guess that adds to the humanity of his character. Tsuchiya-san as the young Satoru, knowing that she isn't a seiyuu brought a simplicity to her performance and made everything seemed more understandable and reachable.
Character (9): There are many characters in this show but you have to take into consideration that there are only a few people involved at the whole thing in all honesty. I was so scared watching as bits and pieces started to fall into place and you somehow wish that it weren't true. Satoru is a flawed character trying to fix everything with his power. It also comes with a price yet he didn't give up and that's why I loved him. I felt like some of the characters that we came to love suddenly vanished and didn't become part of the story. I feel like the ending was rushed for any of the characters to be appreciated when they came back. That's just me though.
Enjoyment (9): It's not necessarily a show that will give you HAHA's because it's not that. It's a psychologically scarring show about how life can definitely be filled with twists and turns and we're lucky enough if we get the chance to do something about it. I enjoyed this anime very much and wished it was a few episodes longer.
Overall (9): Boku dake ga Inai Machi or ERASED is a show you have to see if you like thrilling anime. I suggest you don't read the manga or research it to get warped into the series.
