The treatment of 3-gatsu no Lion is a crime in the anime industry: it’s criminally overshadowed by inferior big-budget money grabbing shows that exist solely to provide short-term entertainment. 3-gatsu is no longer even close to being in this category: in fact, it’s no longer even just a show. It’s a beautifully crafted and extremely well put together work of art that never ceased to amaze me for the duration of its 44 episode runtime.
During my time with this show, I experienced nearly every possible emotion that I have ever felt, but dialed to the max. From blinding rage, to shedding bittersweet tears. Pure happiness, to soul-crushing sadness. I felt it all, and more. This is all thanks to its incredible cast of characters: Rei, a disturbingly relatable, sincere, and believable main character. The three Kawamoto sisters and their grandfather that serve as the family that he never had. Every single one of the characters in this show are well thought-out and brilliantly executed human beings that have their own backstory, motivations, and shortcomings. Even the “antagonists” in this show are well fleshed out so viewers truly understand and relate to where they are coming from.
Endless, elegant metaphors and imagery plague the show, supported by beautiful Shaft animation. Every single frame is a painting, every single screenshot is a wallpaper. Whether the metaphors are outright stated, such as the “burnt fields”, or hidden throughout the course of the show (the opening sequences becoming brighter and more colorful as Rei progresses on his journey in depression), they are always beautiful and a joy to witness. The amazing soundtrack, rather than be hidden behind in the background, is brought to the forefront during important scenes that really conveys a sense of raw emotion and power that can bring the strongest of wills to tears. For me, the soundtrack of a show is incredibly important. Without a decent soundtrack, a show lacks any impact. 3-gatsu has one of the most phenomenal soundtracks to date, with scores that match their respective scenes perfectly.
For me as a viewer, 3-gatsu is nearly as perfect a show as one can possibly achieve. It’s pure, raw emotional storytelling supported by stunning, colorful animation and heartbreakingly sweet soundtrack is as good as it gets in the entertainment sector. It was a heartfelt and lovely experience watching Rei on his emotional journey and undergo subtle changes throughout the series, and ultimately overcome his depression little by little with the help of those around him. While I believe it to be underappreciated by the masses, I am extremely glad to be one of the few that experienced this masterpiece.
Score: 100/100
