Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day Anime Review: A Cult Classic Slice of Life
Anohana is a 2011 slice-of-life anime (currently on Netflix), and the premise is that a group of 5 high schoolers are reconnecting over the trauma of losing their friend, Menma, when she got into an accident a few years ago. Everyone in the group feels survivor’s guilt and seems shackled to the past because of it. The series is 11 episodes long, which I believe is a good length for this story - any longer, and it would have started to drag and feel boring.
Anohana is a feel good story that is intended to be a tearjerker. While I thought the story was fun and engaging, I don’t think it was particularly amazing. You’re mostly on a journey with these kids as they slowly uncover what their deal is and why they’re so sad and moody. The “ghost” of Menma is visible to the main protagonist, Jintan, and while Menma isn’t entirely sure why her spirit is still on Earth, all she wants is for everyone to be happy and friends again like when they were children. So I guess the main plot driver is trying to figure out why Menma’s ghost is around, but the stakes aren’t too high. Like I mentioned earlier, I felt like this anime was at risk of dragging and becoming boring towards the end, because I felt like there were only so many directions the plot could go to resolve Menma’s situation. I’m not dying to find out what happens next, and none of the character relationships are that memorable to me. But for a calming and visually stimulating (A-1 Pictures always killing it with the animation) show, this is a great slice-of-life anime to watch! There are pretty standard “high-school” themes that are explored, such as unrequited love, friendship, and recovering from tragedy. The ending was also sweet and satisfying, and you’ll very likely feel emotional while watching! Or if you’re heartless at me, shed an imaginary tear.
In conclusion…
I think Anohana is one of those stories that shines in the slice-of-life genre. It has been highly praised and loved by people for many years, and for good reason. Personally, I felt like it was good, but not a show that blew me away with its plot-line, execution, or originality. And because of that, I’m not eagerly recommending it.