Ano Hi Mita Hana no Namae o Bokutachi wa Mada Shiranai (A, 93.75%)

Summer in Japan. While many students are busy with summer classes and playing outside, one student is locked up in his home. Jinta Yadomi, our hikikomori protagonist, has been skipping school for years. Suddenly, he is pestered by a girl in a white one-piece. Meiko Honma plans to live with Jinta for some unforeseeable period of time. Here’s the catch: she’s a ghost.

When I first laid my eyes on “Ano Hana’s” opening (“Aoi Shiori” by Galileo Gaililei) in May I knew this show would be good. The production value is mind-blowing, very characteristic of A-1 especially after “Fractale.” The colorful and fluid animation really sold “Ano Hana” for me right away. However, unlike “Fractale,” every minute of “Ano Hana” was carefully used to flesh out the storyline.

“Ano Hana” follows a group of six childhood friends who have slowly drifted apart after one of them, Meiko or more colloquially “Menma,” dies in an accident. These are some of the most well rounded characters I have ever seen in an anime, each with unique flaws which are each eventually brought out in full force. This aspect of “Ano Hana” helps make the story very down the Earth, even though some of the more dramatic scenes can get cheesy.

While “Ano Hana” is nothing more than a coming of age drama, A-1’s careful use of limited episodes to carefully craft subtle character development really pays off to produce a fantastic emotional roller coaster. The combination of fantastic acting and well crafted dialogue really made each of the characters come to life, even side characters like Jinta’s carefree father and Meiko’s obsessive mother. When they cried, I cried. When they laughed, I laughed.

The moment I saw the character designs with that unique inward curving facial line I was instantly reminded of “Toradora!” In many ways the beginning of “Ano Hana” showed parallels with “Toradora!” The pseudo-depressed male protagonist, bothersome female protagonist, and classic anime love triangle. However, “Ano Hana” distinguishes itself from the very first episode as a unique anime experience.

This is easily one of the best shows of Spring 2011 for anime. Finally, A-1 learns how to manage a 12 episode anime. If you are looking for something short to sink your teeth into this summer, I whole heartedly recommend “Ano Hana.” Just don’t get caught cross dressing like Yukiatsu.

Story: 9/10 – No filler here; Weaves a wonderfully interconnected web between each of the characters; Nothing is unanswered.

Characters: 10/10 – Unbelievably well rounded characters with dynamic chemistry; Makes for very enjoyable and moving scenes.

Animation: 10/10 – Top notch animation; Fluid and dynamic character movement; Moe style is always a win.

Music: 8.5/10 – Go download the OP now; Background music helps develop the mood; Not a fan of the average ED.

Forget-Me-Not,
Noel