Reviews

This was a beautiful dramatic story of what it might be like if somehow one could have a second or third chance to change history and undo a terrible tragedy in one's life. Anyone who has suffered the trauma of tragic loss has no doubt obsessed over the ideas explored in this story. It gives you the opportunity to see how something like that might play out "in real life" for someone if somehow the gods granted one's wish to go back and get involved in helping someone in need that we originally turned away from.

One thing I loved about this story was Satoru's love for and trust in his mother. Unlike many teen- or child-centered animes, the adults are very much a part of this story, and no one more so than Satoru's mother. I found this refreshing after watching so many animes where the kids basically live in a mostly parent-free world.

I think this story teaches a lot about empathy for others. It has a lot to say about showing compassion and understanding for people who don't follow or fit molds of "normal person" very well, and about children who are struggling with the demons of physical or emotional abuse at home and isolate at school and so don't have many friends. Although the ending of the story didn't turn out the way I hoped it would, it was a good mystery and kept me hooked all the way through. Definitely recommend as a "should watch" in the drama/mystery realm.