Welcome to Robert's Too Late Review! Today we're tackling the masterpiece that is Aoi Hana. I am a fan of *good* yuri anime, possibly to the point of preferring what is considered class-S in Japanese culture, that of friends who are less lovers, and more 'soul sisters'. Having said that, my first two experiences with yuri-ish anime was Maria-sama ga Miteru, a firm class-S, and Strawberry Panic, an over the top full on yuri. Neither of them prepared me for the beauty of this anime. It is an experience not to be missed! I'll let you guess now if Aoi Hana made the RTLR wall of fame.
Story: 10
The story is a rollercoaster of emotions, taking us on a journey through childhood friendships, to contemporary same sex relationships, to the heartache of loneliness and ending on the power of love to heal. Powerful themes run throughout, such as how/when/to whom to first approach when coming out, selfishness, pain, and even selflessness. I cannot express the story in detail without spoilers, but I know I was going moment from moment laughing, crying, and even crying happy tears.
Art: 7
I don't care for the art style. It is considered 'clean' and 'utilitarian elegant' by some, but I find the look to just appear a bit on the cheap side. I know I'm spoiled by other, more 'artsy' anime, but the simple animation did not work for me. It got the job done, but didn't rock my world.
Sound: 10
The sound of Fumi's quiet sobbing make me tear up even now as I write this. The voices are well done, and the score is appropriately hauntingly beautiful.
Characters: 10
This is what makes the show! Fumi is such a beautifully constructed character, and her overall story arc in the series is stunning. Every bit of pain, awkwardness, and embarrassment Fumi went through, I felt like I was right there with her. Every feeling of joy and moment of happiness was the same way. Akira is suitably pushy, and plays well as a foil for Fumi's inherent sadness. Sugimoto's development is fitting, if frustrating. It is the character work that makes this anime soar!
Enjoyment: 10
I was initially turned off by the simple, plain animation but I stuck it through and found love. By the first train ride scene, I was already feeling like I knew Fumi personally. Akira's brashness also fit so well within the story. The way the story really focuses on finding one's own inner strength is classic yet timeless and beautifully done.
I really cannot lavish more praise on this anime than it deserves. This holds especially true if you are like me, and Fumi as well, shy, and struggled (or are still struggling, as applies to me at times) to find your voice, and feel like you are whispering into a hurricane. Fumi is almost eerie in that I felt like, even as an adult male that she was so much like me. As I said, I wasn't a real big fan of the art, but Fumi is too beautiful to pass up, and she makes the wall, which I'm sure is no surprise at this point! It is truly a titan among yuri anime, and even among the stars in *all* anime in general. Check it out, you won't regret it!
