Story- 7
You could almost write a few different reviews for the vast amount of switching between plot and setting throughout the story. Although flashbacks to the past were necessary for the connections/relationships between the characters to feel real, too often these threw me off the progression of the story. This series excels at wriggling into the mold of drama with tragedy that grips you. Conflict, breaking of trust and love triangles are all there, but the potential ends with no ambition to create a unique narrative. It hits the spots effectively, but to summarize its generic. Although to me it didn't end pleasingly, the story feels complete and is the strongest aspect to Kimi no Iru Machi.
Art- 5
The style is certainly unique, both the characters and setting. From a 2013 anime however you would expect a more refined animation, which is especially the case for the opening and the expressions which just feel lazy. The lighting sometimes seems overly bright and too contrasting.
Sound- 6
The op and ending theme are nothing out of the ordinary, the latter being quite memorable. The dialogue isn't cheesy and quite realistic for the context, which is a strong point that evades the risk of being over the top for a drama.
Characters- 5
Here is where many viewers get a bad aftertaste. The main "protagonist" - Haruto Kirishima - is introduced as a reasonably confident and isn't overly soft like many cliche dramas. A little further into the series we find out he is actually just stone cold. His obsession with his summer crush, Yuziki Eba seems to eliminate any empathy for the few likable characters who already suffer from other hardships. The only likable character for me - Asuka Mishima - gets the worst treatment out of them all. Regardless being a loyal and affectionate girlfriend, this was clearly not enough for Haruto to stop him from crapping on her trust. Yes its a drama and conflicts are crucial the development of characters, but the further we get into the episodes the less likable and just downright a*hole the pledged couple becomes. Most of these characters were quite bland and actually took some effort to remember between the overly frequent flashbacks.
Enjoyment- 6
My enjoyment was somewhat limited by the dynamics of the main roles, but each episode did leave me wanting to watch more. The writers didn't shy away from affectionate moments and emotional connections and still Haruto's obsession over Eba ruined too many opportunities to satisfy a romance that you don't resent. The story and different settings were nice and immersive, but left me without sympathy and certainly not a satisfying watch.
Overall- 6
On the surface Kimi no Iru Machi is emotional and gripping, though the sparks weren't sufficient to ignite the lack of gratifying characters. The show started with enough potential to create a successful series that may seem rushed, but as an okay drama it did not leave me with lasting appreciation.
