Art/Characters: I really love the art style of this show because of how natural it feels. There is no over the top hair or out of line characters, but it really feels like there are real people on the other side of this animation. That being said, I really enjoyed watching the emotion that came over the characters when it came to the really sensitive parts. The emotion here isn’t even over the top, and that is really fantastic to see a character show that kind of genuine emotion. The characters themselves are really great as well. Naho, the lead has a lot of dynamics, but I must say she can be a little infuriating at times. Kakeru is very much reserved in his actions and is having a hard time fitting in, but his amazing friends are happy to help with that. Suwa is someone who we only get glimpses into his life and I wish I could have seen more when the story began to unfold. Hagita is the stereotypical “glasses-guy” but he has some interesting things to point out from a unique perspective. Finally, Takako and Azusa are a pair that really are just playing off of each other. While each character seems to have a counterpart, these two definitely stick to each other.
Music/Sound: The music that we hear peppered throughout this series really fills the air and makes the mood great. There were a few parts where I wish the music was a bit stronger and things could have just gotten louder, because that would really have made a better impact. The sound in general made a huge impact, however. There were some scenes that were conveyed almost entirely through sounds rather than images or words, and it speaks volumes when you don’t even have to show something happen and the world holds its breath wondering what will happen next. The opening song is definitely one that I will listen to over and over again because of how catchy it is, but it will always bring a somber happiness because that is the true nature of the show.
Story: Naho Takamiya receives a letter on the opening ceremony day at her high school. She begins to read and is quickly confused because of the letter’s contents. Apparently the letter is from Naho herself, ten years into the future. When the letter begins to predict things that are scary accurate, she starts taking it seriously and reads closer; a new transfer student will be joining them on day one of classes, Kakeru Naruse, from Tokyo. The letter tells about the amazing friendship of this transfer student and how she actually has a lot of regrets regarding him. Then a stinger hits when she reads that ten years, Kakeru is no longer with them. The Naho of that future time begs that she keep a closer eye on Kakeru. The story continues and there are a lot of twists and turns and it really comes out to be an emotional roller coaster that I can’t seem to get enough of.
Personal Reflection: Sadness. That word crossed my mind at the end of nearly every episode of Orange. Now I am not saying that the show is absolutely bathed in sadness, but the story itself really is one that is somber in nature, but the motives of the characters are pure and that is amazing. To be given the information that your friend isn’t around ten years later; it’s sobering. I think of if I was given a similar opportunity to learn that kind of information and how would I handle it. Well Naho and her friends really do absolutely everything that they can do to make sure Kakeru stays with them. I am being intentionally ambiguous for a reason, so please don’t think to much about that and just watch if your interest is perked. There are a few plot holes that don’t get fully answered, and sometimes Naho can just drive me insane because SHE WON’T JUST DO WHAT SHE KNOWS IS RIGHT. Excuse me, lost my cool there. Overall Orange is a show that gets you to feel things. I mean, really experience joy and sorrow in an amazing way that I have not felt in an anime for quite some time. I wish Suwa was developed more as a character, but luckily there was a movie announced, Orange: Mirai, which tells the entire story from the perspective of Suwa, so I am highly anticipating that. If you love dramatic, true romance stories and realistic art, then you will absolutely love Orange.
Overall Rating: 9/10
