(*WARNING* May contain minor spoilers)
"Erased" would fall in the genre of psychological mystery full of thrills and small hints here and there. Every shot is important and every scene has meaning. In its completion, this anime is definitely a masterpiece, however it does have it's pros and cons.
For Pros: This anime is stunning not solely for its animation, graphics, and sound but for its plot. Everything ties together and everything has a reason even when said reason is undefined and vague. The plot did its utmost prioritizing to fill in as many holes as possible to make a fabulous story that will leave you sitting at the edge of your seat.
*PS. If you are the type of person that hates cliffhangers then this anime isn't for you. Every EVERY episode ends with a cliffhanger and it will have you going mad until you watch everything in one shot...
*Ps.ps: That's what happened to me. I regret nothing.
Not only the plot but the characters where AMAZINGLY done. They were down to earth and real. One of the things I really liked was Satoru (the protagonist) emotional and mental development. From the beginning he is somewhat shackled but when push comes to shove is able to make quick decisive choices that are very bold, this character only shows itself during his "Revival" moments, however halfway through the storyanime those shackles are thrown away and he completely embodies his bold and daring qualities which I find more than a little bit attractive (which is conflicting because he's a 29 year old in an 11 year old's body - but whatever he's cute/hot).
Anyway The Cons: (*WARNING THIS CONTAINS SPOILERS read at your own discretion..)
Sooo, there are some holes in the plot and some unrealistic BLAH they use to make the story go on. What's not like the overall total stands out. This is just like that. For those who haven't scene it, I won't outright say but Katagiri Airi's explanation about her family situation and reason why she is placing her faith and belief in Satoru was completely ridiculous! I mean common! That was just not well thought about and quickly added in, I felt no sympathy and couldn't take it seriously. *Breathes deeply and exhales* Moving on.
So, Satoru has this strange supernatural phenomenon that he calls "Revival" happen to him. Now, I don't mind much that he does but it's never properly explained why however it is hinted on (this is not a major con but it's still a hole in the plot nonetheless)...
Next, and this might be a biggy or might not be for some but with every great protagonist there has - HAS - to be a great antagonist. Yes, as a villain no one is going to say anything about the methods and techniques this kidnapper/murderer uses HOWEVER I think this anime got too carried away by the actions of the villain rather than the villain itself. When the said villain is confronted and begins the famous monologue of why they do said actions - this villain simply falls short. All I can conclude is that he was insane to begin with but this is never fully explained which is why it disappoints.
Other than that, the villain wasn't integrated deeply enough to create that "WOW! IT WAS THAT PERSON!!?! NO WAY!" moment which I sort of wished they had, however the scenes were still creepy so I think it's alright (even though they're obvious...).
Overall, this anime was intense and just about every amazing I've been searching for in anime/manga and I'll continue this search till I get tired of it (LOL not happening). However, if you get disturbed my psychological and/or emotional things and get disturbed easily then this is definitely NOT for you, but those of you who don't mind but in fact get off from it (you strange people) then this will have you're heart pumping!
