I'm honestly quite sad to see that most of the top reviews for this show aren't good ones because I completely differ. I realized many people who gave this show a low rating seemed as though they really didn't understand the show much. I shall begin with why I gave this show a bold 10, trust me, I will explain myself.
Story:
Orange deals with very taboo topics that are easily a hit or miss in this society. Topics such as depression and suicide can either be done very well and effectively or totally turn people away. In my opinion, Orange hits a complete bullseye. The way in which these topics are explored isn't too overwhelming but not too little, it was just right. We were shown enough to understand Kakeru's pain and suffering, but also enough to see how his group of friends saved him from that suffering. I found the theme of regret and wanting to save someone from their pain very powerful and enough to hit me emotionally. The idea of sending letters to your past self does seem far-fetched, but that's not really what the show was focusing on. The show's purpose was to depict the way in which many people hide their pain from others, other people never really take notice or don't do much about it, then hate themselves and regret so many things once that person is gone. Seeing this play out in an emotional roller coaster ride of a cute and cry-fest show made me click the 10 so quickly.
Art:
I actually enjoyed the art for Orange. It wasn't particularly beautiful or anything, but it had its own style that I liked.
Sound:
WOW the OST for Orange is so underrated. The opening is so good and the OST is so calming, I honestly suggest having a listen.
Characters:
WOAH this is where I will go off. I've seen many reviews trashing the characters because they didn't act "realistic enough". I think this was literally one of the most realistic portrayals of characters I've seen. Beginning with Kakeru, his depression and suicidal thoughts and actions were done very realistically. As a high school student myself with a similar friend group, I very much understand why Kakeru hid so much from his friends. When you're with your friends, you don't want to be in pain. Your friends are a place to forget your troubles and laugh it all away. This was the case with Kakeru, however, you can only hide so much until you eventually can't take it anymore. This explains Kakeru's sudden outbursts and why he always ran away or pushed his friends away. Kakeru was trying to deal with all of his emotions on his own which resulted in him letting out his pent up anger at himself on others, choosing to run away from his problems instead of facing them and not wanting to hurt or burden his friends with his own issues, thus pushing them away. In my opinion, Kakeru was a very realistic character who acted realistically. He was so troubled on the inside, dealing with so much regret and pain and guilt and blaming himself for everything that we as watchers can't help but honest to God cry. The simple ways in which you see his pain, from certain lines to clutching his mouth as he tries to cry silently by himself is enough for the story to deserve a high rating. The story handled its topics very well and very effectively, leaving the audience feeling the same pain the main character does.
Other characters like Naho, sometimes she didn't make the right decisions, like never really speaking up or lacking confidence at certain moments when she seriously needed to be confident. However, it was all a part of her shy and modest personality. This again, is realistic. Naho says herself in the show that it's easy for someone from the future to tell someone in the present to act a way that's different from your usual self to prevent something from happening, but that it's actually really hard to change a personality. You're already doing the best that you can in the present. However, we see Naho gradually forget about what Kakeru thinks about her and rather do things for his own sake, even if it meant hurting him or having him hate her. The others were also very supportive which may have been a little too perfect, although, considering they had their fair share of regrets, wanted to make sure their friend who they miss dearly can hopefully choose to live and literally had letters instructing them on what and what not to do clearly explains why they were all so kind and supportive towards Kakeru, making sure he lives.
Enjoyment:
Orange made me laugh, smile, get angry, scream, cry and everything else in between. Seeing Kakeru go through what he's going through and seeing him choose life, despite living being so painful for him, is not only satisfying but inspirational. This anime was an eye-opener for me, as in you never really know what somebody's going through, and how sometimes the little things you do or say can change somebody's life. It was also a thorough lesson about regrets, how we should also try to live life in a way wherein the future, we don't stand there and say "I wish...". It teaches us that it's important to look out for the people you care about, as you can lose them to something you didn't even notice before. Hope, happiness, belief, the many positive things you get from this anime left me in tears. It was beautiful to see this ragtag group of 5 come together to save their beloved friend who believed death was the only way to be alleviated of his pain, regret and sorrow. To see the manner in which they alleviate this pain for Kakeru is something that gives me hope for people who suffer just like him.
Overall:
Orange is great, just goddamn great. Looking for something short, sweet with a side of emotion and crying? Orange is perfect for you. Watch it.
