Story: 9/10
The premise is something simple yet philosophical: life doesn't go the way you expect it to, but there are good things ahead. Hard work sometimes doesn't pay off, you start losing your dreams and aspirations as you grow older. Such is the reality of growing up, the realities of life. This show illustrates more artistic, poetic and abstract literature concepts in life.
We follow the main character, a young adult who had just failed to debut as an idol because she gave her spot away to a friend. She is too kind and naive, and people like this often lose out in today's world. She went from being on the path to a star, having a pretty idol image, to doing a 'dirty' job at an old, fishy aquarium cleaning dirty tanks. Realities often fall far from expectations, doesn't it?
However, the show rewards our main character as well as the audience, saying that good things can come out of bad things. A failed outcome can lead to good occurrences. Fate encounters can happen, new dreams and aspirations can form. As the anime is still airing, I do not know where the story leads. However, the mood and atmosphere of the show is very well established and I am interested in what happens next and how our characters develop.
Art/Sound: 10/10
The idealistic and hopeful theme of this anime is supported by dreamy AAA art, superb animation and sublime music. The animation is clean and fluid, combining 3D and 2D scenes. I can tell the sincerity of this show through these details. Worth a watch purely for aesthetics.
Characters: 9/10
I'm tired of 2D anime girls honestly, after 15 years of watching anime there are a few memorable characters. At first it almost seemed like this anime is another one of those 2D shows. Bishoujo doing cute things. But no, we see 3D characters even 5 episodes in. The main characters have hopes and aspirations, personality and character motivations. The character's 'weak' pushover personality is strongly written. Weak characters have strong moments when they fight for what they believe in. The stronger, harsher main character reveals a softer side as well. This makes for great character enjoyment.
Enjoyment/Overall: 9/10
If you're stressed and tired of life, this anime is for you to unwind. It is relaxing and soothing with magical art. It is slow yet subtle and intricate and portraying a coming-to-age tale, and a romantic encounter. We all have regrets and failures in life. Someone who understands the loss of a dream can surely understand the ingenuity of this beautiful anime. I'm definitely staying in tune to this hidden gem, full of quaint and meaningful scenes.
