It's time for me to review Anohana, which is, in my opinion, one of the best shows the Anime franchise has to offer. I'll do my best to try to get to the main idea, as not to bore you guys and give a much more pleasant experience. Here I go.
Story: 10/10
Anohana gains the attention of the viewer as soon as episode 1 begins, since we are informed of Menma, this little bright-haired girl, is actually dead. Menma explains to Jintan, the main protagonist, that he has to make her wish come true, despise her not remembering what the wish acually consisted of. We are explained that Jintan was once a part of a group called "The Super Peace Busters", consisting of himself, Menma, and other characters that are introduced during the Anime, Naruko, Poppo, Yukiatsu and Tsuruko. Anohana explains how united this group actually was, and perfectly follows the whole group's actions towards achieving the completion of Menma's wish. This plot rocks at keeping the viewer invested in it, so, from my point of view, Anohana's plot is absolutely flawless.
Art: 8/10
The art is great. Maybe here and there the animation can turn to be a little poor, but overall, it is really enjoyable. Nothing else to say here.
Sound: 9/10
Let me get straight into the point; both the opening and ending songs are unique in their own ways. They perfectly represent the whole essence of the story, and are and absolute blast to listen to. We all know how gorgeous the ending, "Secret Base", is, so there is no point of explaining it. Overall, absolutely unforgettable.
Character: 9.5/10
All of the main protagonists of Anohana are lovable, let me tell you that. Even Yukiatsu, who is introduced as a insensitive douchebag, ends up being a great and friendly dude.
Menma is your cute and joyful girl, giving every viewer a smile on their face everytime she makes an appearance on camera. Jintan is at first your typical introvert who denies even going to school, but develops as a character to end up being NO JOKE one of the most wholesome and loyal characters in the whole Anime franchise. Naruko is.... what can I say about her? Most people would say she's your average tsundere, but I would personally describe her as the most loveable and perfect protagonist in Anohana. Protecc Naruko at all costs. Poppo is a incredibly friendly guy who has an amazingly positive outlook on life; really lovable as well. Yukiatsu is my least favourite character, but that doesn't make him a bad one, AT ALL. He can be your average popular guy at first glace, but in the end he is a charismatic and quirky guy who just wanted some love. Last but not least, Tsuruko; A really shy girl who prefers keeping her feelings to herself and not talk about them at all, ends up being empathic and affectionate.
Maybe some more in-depht in the whole Jintan loving Menma and Tsuruko loving Yukiatsu would have helped even more, but that's just a trifle of mine. I admire Anohana's characterization.
Enjoyment: 10/10
Having completed Anohana twice now, I can say that this show might be a loyal contendent for the most beautiful and meaningful anime of all fucking times. There's not a single thing I find boring or irrelevant in the whole plot; The seiyū is great, the art is unforgettable, the OST is just marvelous, the plot is a masterpiece; I'm just abbreviating what I could keep talking about for hours.
Overall: 9.5/10
Anohana is amazing. I don't give it a 10 just for the fact that I am a sucker for romance; Naruko not confessing her love towards Jintan even in the movie made me a little underwhelmed, but that's about all the criticism I'll do towards this show. I have no fucking clue the heck you are doing right now if you haven't watched this show, just go! You will absolutely not regret it. Praise Anohana.
