Well, it is that in all its essence.
The thing is that this show presents itself in a very unique perspective, one which amplifies and embellishes little elements that are usually overlooked in a typical anime of its genre. What's special about this show is the experience one gets from watching it.
The story is told mainly through the eyes of Kuronuma Sawako, the main character. She's a shy little girl having a ghostly guise, constantly feared or misunderstood by many people because she resembles Sadako (her nickname) from a movie called The Ring. Being told in her perspective, we get to see first-hand of all the happenings in her life in perfect detail, her social transformation as she opens herself out to the world.
The thing I found interesting about the story is that how the season changes correspondingly with its progress. Everything starts off in spring where Sawako first met Kazehaya, the male lead. As spring is the season for new things to happen, this fateful event marks the starting point where wonderful things such as friendship, start revealing themselves to Sawako one by one. It's rather like planting a seed in the lushness of spring. Then things begin to peak in summer. Autumn doesn't seem to last long here. The last season, winter, is where all things are brought to an end at the start of a new year. In my opinion, I think this is an orderly display of plot and we can sense that time goes on with a change in season.
The pacing is set at a slow speed. No, it doesn't mean you will find fillers and the likes, this is because the show really needs that much time for it to deliver this natural feeling. All episodes link to one another smoothly except for one recap episode where I find it highly unnecessary for it to be included.
The show also includes a short arc with Sawako's friend, Chizuru getting the limelight. And it packs quite the punch for its size.
It's sad to see the end of the series, what with the sudden bringing down to a close type of ending. Though it would be satisfying hear a second season coming along.
This simple storyline is complemented with crisp, clear and vivid art which go extremely well together. Starting from the background, done with bright and lively hues of watercolor, the skies in day or night, rain or shine, blending in so well with the scene and season. The lighting is also a job well done especially on the characters and for once you don't see them pasted with the background.
And I must comment on how they pay attention to the little details. Flowers aside, they animated ladybugs and birds in the backyard, something that we rarely see in shows these days.
The character drawing is not much to brag about, it is consistent, they are drawn in such a simple manner that it is pleasing to the eyes, with modest blushes, and their eyes and facial expressions portrayed accurately as well. The chibi forms of the characters are what that made my day, literally. They are an excellent source for making a few laughs and make things look plain cute, I'm talking about Sawako with a twinkling star beside her face, and Ayane with flabby lips. Sometimes, the characters tend to swap from normal to chibi mode too much, but for me it's all right, they still maintain a fair balance of the two.
As for the environment, this is, I believe, what made the art attractive. Throughout the spring and summer seasons, you can regularly see bubbles and pentagons appearing in emotional scenes dancing about that really adds humidity and that almost visible sense of freshness you find in morning gardens with glistening dewdrops. It really amplifies the overall feel of the picture.
Sound is yet another treat in Kimi ni Todoke. The seiyuus all did a very good job to bring out the characters, all befit their roles superbly, Sawako sounds kinda eerie at the beginning, but her normal soft and shy voice can at times make your ears melt out of sheer pleasure. Her short little gasps can very well put her in the moe category. Even Pin's annoying laughing and jeering is pleasing to hear sometimes too.
The soundtrack came out to be fine, and it really enhances the mood of the environment. These quiet tones bring out the sentiments of the characters, some support a romantic or sad scene, and there are one or two that fit in just fine with the comedy. Oh and there was this particular track that made me feel like a was watching while floating in midair.
The opening sequence, Kimi ni Todoke is the best. It's like a blast of emotion that made my feelings erupt the first time I saw it. This piece has a guitar and piano version which can be heard in the anime, and believe me, the piano solo is no less than perfect in my view. The ending theme, Kataomoi is fine to the extent of ending the episode. It slowly brings you to a smooth landing after being up in the air watching for so long.
Here is the part that shines in this show, the characters. Is is also the most important aspect of the show. In Kimi ni Todoke, we have Sawako who has all the qualities of a quiet and reserved individual who, through meeting Kazehaya, gains two close friends, a rival, a lover, and her Zashiki Warashi (a spirit which brings luck) status among her classmates.
This show focuses on the various interactions between the characters and the outcome and does it masterfully. As aforementioned, they wanted to show what other shows normally avoid, which is the feelings we all have deep down inside.
The show speaks of inner sincerity, not the hard outer shells one has, and Sawako, with little experience of socializing, is a prime example of someone who exhibits pure innocence and sincerity.
Just look at her speech, albeit a little over the top and effusively grateful, she has in herself courage to stand up and speak for herself, and for others. And she really tries to do her best at that, as she kept struggling all the time to keep up with the norms of her peers.
This sense of trust and mutual affection can even stretch to the supporting cast, and this goes to show that no matter what kind of person you are, down at the core we pretty much are the same.
Another thing is, we see ourselves in Sawako that's a fact. No matter who you are and how you came to know what life is, you can always relate and see Sawako living through a similar situation as you did, because what they focus here is a general field of life's good and bad stuffs.
But as we watch this show, we can't help but feel that familiar warmth we know or used to know so well before. It's like, hey, I remember doing that or having that experience. And some of you will get a sense of relief or assurance that you are not so alone in this world, and what happened to you happens to others. For one thing Sawako here has been through the trials, got her first times, her first crush, her first real friends, her first sleepover and late night parties.
If you give your compassion knowing Sawako's tears, if you share your delight with her cheers, if you are envious for all those treasures being heaped upon her, or just shed tears with no particular reason, by all means continue to do so and let your emotions to be in sync with her. I'll be frank, I did cry while watching the show.
This is a show that requires patience, you need to entrust your time into its care, and what you receive in return is a wonderful experience you will remember for some time to come. You will be transported to another world, as simple and little as it is, and there you can feel at ease, and forget your worries, soaking in the subtle bits of details the show has to offer. Well maybe that's a bit exaggerated, but it's what I feel at least.
Overall, this is a show that is not quite the ordinary shoujo romance anime as some might expect. I think it's safe to say that the enjoyability of this anime varies according to each person. It has none of the mushy romance stuff, so no lip contact. You can even learn something from this show and recall some sweet memories from before. To put it simply, Kimi ni Todoke is an animated storybook narrated by Kuronuma Sawako, where we see and hear the story of her social transformation, a little girl stepping into society with a will to change for the better, and that has made all the difference.
It really is a special show, a show that reaches out to you.
