Kiznaiver is a show that uses a plot device one would normally associate with quite an intricate plot/mystery type anime, for a completely different purpose, which I believe is the source of much confusion. Kiznaiver's plot is character development. That may sound like a strange description for a plot, and it rarely is pulled off well. However when push comes to shove I honestly think that the entire point of the show, essentially the shows 'plot', was simply to create some characters and show how they/people bond. (as the show itself so often said). People complain that the plot seems directionless, especially in the first few episodes and they seem to miss that the reason behind that is it is introducing characters, the 'plot' seems to be lacking because the show is focused on building beautiful characters. It even points out the 'stereotypical characters' that it uses because that is half of the point of the entire anime (the ending basically summarises why they choose to use such "Stereotypical anime characters".
I'm not saying Kiznaiver was perfect, in fact I took a few days break around the middle of the show. However by the time I finished the show I was so connected to the characters and loved the way they all brought an individual perspective to the philosophy of the show. And all with incredibly well thought-out backstories that explain their personalities.
For those people who love concise, 100% complete explanations for everything in a show, you will struggle with Kiznaiver. Even the process of becoming a Kiznaiver is completely unexplained, (MILD SPOILER) you go through a quick surgery and boom, pain shared with everyone else who has that surgery. That's it, no more explanation. And I like that, it would be completely pointless info-dumping that wouldn't have contributed AT ALL to the character development.
I could continue raving about various aspects of the show that I think were misunderstood but I shant bore you any longer. All I can say is that I feel Kiznaiver set out to accomplish a goal of a story focused around a group of three-dimensional characters using a unique plot device to get across a philosophical point and show how important it is for human beings to bond together, even through the painful times (Maki? Anyone)
And to the producers of Kiznaiver I say BRAVO! Mission accomplished you did a beautiful job.
I mean common, episode 11, the scene with Kacchon and Hisomu!!! I just sat back and thought "Wow, I love these characters so much" It felt so NATURAL to me, and I was just like, yea, that's what friends are for. AND THAT WAS WHAT KIZNAIVER WAS ALL ABOUT. So I think it deserves all the praise I can give it. (buzz buzz buzz, splash splash splash.... buzz, buzz, splash splash :) :) :)
