At first, I thought, "Isn't this just Kimi no na wa, Silver Chariot requiem, etc" with all the body swapping business? But of course, the synopsis is only meant to attract viewers, not entail what actually happens. Just like how Hyouka's introduction is the existence of the Koten-bu, Kokoro Connect starts off with body swapping business. However, much darker and sinister events unfold... (well not really, that's just the hook in my review)
The "personality" of Kokoro Connect is that it is a show about social interactions and relationships between a group of 5 friends. What happens if they are forced to be closer than ever, as their secrets hidden within their hearts are revealed?
(I won't go too in depth for the phenomenons since they are spoilers.)
Hito Random - Comedy. There are so many things that could be done, some not necessarily approved by others, and this lead to some laughs. However, starting from just before the second phenomenon occurs, the mood suddenly shifts to one of psychological/drama. What does it mean to be oneself? If a person is defined by their personality, then does changing personality change the person? Well of course not. Then, the body must be the anchor for the identity. However, as we come to see in the first phenomenon, this is no longer the case. Once the club members start thinking about this, they realise they are in deep sh**.
Kizu Random - As the second phenomenon begins, the group recover and perhaps gain a stronger bond, but will this last? The second phenomenon mainly focuses on the troubles of insecurity, and eventually friendships are forced to improve, perhaps at an unnatural pace. All seems well, it's not like anybody is going to die or anything...
Kako Random - This is absolutely shocking. Due to the third phenomenon the characters are able to contact their past and dwell on what could have been. Unnecessarily dramatic for an arc mostly driven by inertia, but it has a satisfying end to it.
Michi Random - This is where it hits different. Our favourite but not really favourite character has been the centre of some internal conflicts, and the group is seemingly about to crumble. However, they didn't get what they wanted, they got what they needed, pep talking. Somehow even more dramatic and my only problem is getting overly tense over an anime. Well, sometimes that's a sign that the characters have a lot of weight.
Final Thoughts
This is one of those anime that leave a void in the heart, like Chuunibyou, Toradora, etc. However, only the first four volumes of the light novel have been adapted, so unlike Hyouka, Monogatari series and other incomplete LN adaptations which end on a relatively satisfying finish, this one just dealt a heavy blow to the kokoro. Not saying I wish I didn't see it, I really did and would recommend.
