In this anime, there was a group of 6 childhood friends. But they all drifted away from one another after the sudden death of Menma. After 10 years, she came back as a spirit because of one promise that she made to Jinta’s mother. But she couldn’t figure out what was the promise that made her stay. Only Jinta could see the spirit of Menma when Menma fulfilled the wish that she made. She was passed into heaven. She was a kind soul and loved by everyone around her. She was altruistic, but fate had something different stored for her. The only regret Menma had was that she could no longer stay with her friends.
In the last episode, Jinta and the others think that Menma did not pass on because their feelings were selfish. Tsurumi tells them she conspired with Menma the day she died in the hopes of getting together with Yukiatsu, who secretly had been in love with him since childhood. Poppo had seen what happened to Menma that day and had felt guilty about it ever since. After everyone feels down, Jinta tells everyone about the dream where Menma wants to talk to everyone, so they suggest having a meeting with Menma at the secret base.
However, Menma slowly disappeared as the promise that she had made to Jinta’s mother was granted. Jinta carried Menma to the secret base, but by the time they reached it, he had already lost the ability to see her spirit. After shouting to come her out, Jinta and the others were finally able to see and hear; she gave her friends goodbyes and disappeared.
Animation and Art Style
the animation is said to be unique and very heartwarming. The animation, with the plots and the story build-up, made it a wonderful anime. sadness was so uniquely mixed with the animation. And just the animation itself is great.
every scene is so defined and emotion-filled. and every character’s emotional significance given by the animation is truly awe-inspiring. the childishness of the base of the animation makes the emotions all the clearer and more touching.
Themes
Anohana involves the tragedy of seeing a close friend die in an accident and the group of friends that slowly gets dispersed after the incident. Later on, menma, the friend who died, visits as a ghost trying to reach heaven. But for it to happen, her friend must grant her a wish.
It shows how menma’s friend became so guilty and shamed even though it happened when they were still children. But still, it was their fault for not being there for her, which led to Menma’s death, the most tragic event in the whole movie, which became tragic after details and contrasts later on. Small things matter, and guilt does follow even if you don’t know what you did was wrong at the moment.
Overall Impressions
Anohana is considered to be one of the biggest tearjerkers in anime history, and now that I’ve witnessed it with my own two eyes. I can definitely vouch for it. It is definitely one of the best, if not the best, sad animated movies I’ve ever seen.
I loved how they utilized the details and carelessness, which may be simple but created a great, heartfelt, sad story. It was beautiful. I loved it when it made me remember my childhood so vividly and the mistakes I’ve made that can’t be retraceable, but they’ve made my reality far worse. It’s a masterpiece.
Every anime viewer should see it. It is one of those shows that you regret watching late. Everyone that I’ve personally recommended the movie made their remark that it was worth watching it. And be sure to remember and be cautious, as it will make you cry your eyes out.