Clannad after Story begins where its prequel left off. Tomoya and Nagisa are very much in love, Aw...
But hold it, there’s more! Unlike with many other anime of its genre After Story pretty much revolves around the couple’s relationship and how it develops over t-i-m-e. Likewise with Clannad, the beginning of After Story is divided into multiple arcs, or stories revolving around the people touching in on each other’s lives. By about episode ten however the focus shifts back onto Tomoya and Nagisa and the development of their relationship. It is this shift that may cause viewers to become unsettled or to lose interest as the traditional Clannad style slowly begins to morph into something a bit newer.
Instead of focusing on those around them the anime chooses to shift its focus onto the two main characters, Tomoya and Nagisa themselves. I think that this is only natural as life itself is something that is constantly shifting and changing. People make and lose friends all of the time and as you get older and more mature your life begins to centre on one or two of those more important people in your life and those around you gradually fade away as they begin their own lives. It is Clannad after Story’s accurate portrayal of life in all of its bitter entirety that makes it shine and why I’d implore those unsettled by the change to persist.
Clannad after Story features both new and familiar faces. Their roles might be considered more minor this time round but the supporting cast of Clannad are still as lovable and enthralling as ever. Forever adding humour where humour is needed and wisdom where wisdom is required, the supporting cast does what it says on the label. They’re the gooey, jammy stuff that holds this metaphorical ‘cake’ of an anime together and without them; it’d taste pretty darn bland.
It is during After Story that Nagisa’s true maturity, beauty and silent determination as a blossoming woman shine through. She becomes so much more than just your average school girl featuring in your run-of-the-mill shoujo anime. She’s truly an extraordinary character. Her bravery and sheer determination to overcome all obstacles despite all odds moved me to tears. Her bravery made me feel [i]ashamed[/i] for taking my own life for granted, I learnt that I should treasure every moment, every breathe as being something precious. Could you say the same for many other anime women out there? Think about that one for a moment...
Tomoya, bless his soul, is the character to go through the most development throughout the duration of After Story. Life throws everything it has in his way, every time he thinks he’s found at least a little bit of happiness another obstacle rears its ugly head but he does his best to work through them. He struggles and at some points in the story loses all hope whatsoever that his life will ever get better but it’s those around him that give him a reason to live and that too applies in real life for what would any of us be without those around us to support us. With the help of those around him Tomoya works through his troubles and comes out of the other side a stronger man.
After Story’s art follows through and continues at that same high standard set by its prequel. The background art is beautiful drawn and coloured with exceptional detail. The character design is characteristically cute for an anime of its genre, each and every one of the girls sporting a pair of very shiny and very large beautiful eyes. The only flaw I’d give the character design is that the characters never seem to age. I don’t know how young Akio and Sanae were when they gave birth to Nagisa but even after two time-skips they look not a day older than twenty. And I’d certainly expect Tomoya to look slightly more ‘raggedy’ after that second time skip! The show focuses on how the characters mature and develop, it’d be nice if we could see them age (even just a little!) too!
The only significant changes to the score of Clannad after Story are the brand spanking new OP and ED themes. Whilst the OP theme is fantastic, Lia’s voice being at its most beautiful and soulful, the ED theme was a huge letdown, especially after following on from the magic that was Dango Daikazoku. The upbeat and light-hearted song just didn’t seem right following on from some of the most heart-breaking episodes in my own personal anime history which is a shame because I’m sure that applied to a more ‘cheerful’ anime/situation the song could’ve been quite popular. As per usual the soft piano pieces throughout the show play a key part in triggering the viewer’s emotions. But the theme that really captured my heart is called ‘Farewell at the foot of the hill’. It’s the most emotionally charged piece of music I’ve ever had the delight to hear and even now I tear up whenever I hear those first few soft, subtle piano notes. As we listen to the familiar theme the impact it has on the viewer begins to grow as the violins begin to accompany the ever so gentle piano melody. The piece gathers strength as more and more percussion instruments infiltrate the piano/harpsichord melody, working together to create a beautiful story, the story of the couple’s lives so far, all the fear and pain they’ve had to overcome just to reach this moment in time, together. As the theme slowly dies away you’re left with this horrible empty feeling which, sad as it might be reflects just some of the pain the characters are going through at the moment. It’s truly an astounding piece of music I’d recommend you listen to even if you don’t watch the anime.
Clannad after Story teaches us some powerful lessons. It teaches us to treasure each and every passing moment and those that we love because life, like happiness, is a fleeting thing. As well as reminding the viewer how valuable their life is After Story teaches and reminds them of the power of hope and miracles. Giving up is just so easy to do when life deals unto your doorstep more trials and tribulations, what’s harder is having the will to continue and persevere until you come to a place where you feel all is right once more, After Story reminds us all of all of this in the most heart-breaking ways possible. For dealing with such a heavy and complex ‘philosophy’ as successfully as it has I’ve given After Story 9/10. Kudos!
