Fuujin Monogatari is an example of an anime whose aesthetic is so well cultivated that its main theme, wind, is represented in every aspect. The rough, have seen it described as "draft-like," art; the music and sound design, the visuals, character designs and story-lines will all remind the the viewer of wind. Not just the idea of wind but the experience of it.
The creators of this show seemed content to be suggestive rather than overt in their exploration of this theme. This works out very well for the show, especially the way they handled the fantasy elements. As fantastical, and strange, as they are the viewer is often only able to see them moving in the background. The ordinary takes center stage, however these elements form a core to the show that cannot be ignored. It is in this manner that the anime is able to explore its main thematic material and get its message (whatever that is) across. It seems apparent that what we see is meant to be taken literally. However, FM blurs the line between visual metaphor and fantasy in the way every other allegorical anime tries to do. I think it is the most successful in this aspect. Clearly there is something this anime wants to tell us. However the creators must have felt that wrapping it up in the right package was more important than bombarding us. This works out very well for basically every second of the anime. Can't say this enough but the modus operandi of Fuujin Monogatari is subtlety and it's ingenious
.
Wind is constant movement and is evidence for the passage of time and of change. Whether it be the experience of growing up, feelings of nostalgia, looking forward, looking back, experiencing a mid-life crisis, worrying, contemplating; all of these experiences occur in time and are of time, we find all of these experiences explored in this anime. Sometimes subtly sometimes more directly. What we find is that FM may be more of a show about time than of wind. This is often portrayed in the dialogue of the series but can also be seen within the animation itself.
The series moves at a slow pace allowing the viewer to get lost in the unique art style. It is often optimistic but at times somber. Contemplative, nuanced and subtle. The characters themselves are interesting even if they only exist as another piece of the artistic puzzle. Dialogue is realistic (and just like I like it) well placed and brief. It is episodic in nature. Timelines within the episodes themselves are sometimes experimented with in a neat way, this and plenty of other small touches would be better if experienced rather than read about. The anime wants to engross you, so you better get engrossed! FM isn't an anime you can get away with watching while eating a sandwich and drinking a beer. I learned that the hard way.
I would call this a mature series. Not in the sense of its content but of its message and style. Had I watched this as a kid I don't see how this wouldn't have changed my life. Watching now I can only appreciate everything it does. It uses its intelligence to make you feel rather than think. (I had a huge smile on my face throughout the entire series)
Some other comments:
When I watched episode 7 I felt that it was prophetic of a certain kind of ending. I was wrong, though not disappointed. Also, I felt this was a very emotional anime, its subtlety is contagious so you only feel tinges however.
Instant favorite? Possibly. Worth a re-watch, definitely.
