This year, there doesn’t seem to be any shortage of anime filled with drama and tear-jerking moments. Madoka Magica, Hourou Musuko and to a certain extent Hanasaku Iroha have shown us some of the most dramatic scenes thus far. However, Ano Hi Mita Hana No Namae O Bokutachi Wa Mada Shiranai, which perhaps holds the longest title in anime history takes it to an entirely different level with a childhood friend tragedy. (Image Source)
While there were no tragic events in my childhood, I had a fun time with my friends during my two years of private school and one year of public school in my elementary years. Right through high school, I still had a childhood friend that I kept contact before graduation. For the Super Peace Busters who used to be a group of childhood friends, they were a very lively group having fun at a secret base. Sadly, things went south after a tragic loss of Meiko since everyone drift apart from the guilt. Since she was a special to everyone, there is no doubt that the group had experience a degree of post-dramatic stress, especially Jinta who was hit hard by her death.
From the get go, the drama has hit hard with the first two episodes despite the happiness from the spirit of Meiko. Everyone besides Poppo is extremely cold to Jinta, which is very unfortunate. Fortunately, things have gotten better when Poppo tries to reunite everyone from the group. This is shown in the second episode with Naruko and Jinta playing Nokèmon in order to catch a rare monster. That moment was very heart warming, not because Pokèmon Gold was one of the nostalgic past times of my childhood, but they finally got back together.
I am convinced Ano Hana will not disappoint with the overall production. I still feel that the drama and the crying might overdo itself due to the length of the show. Other than that, Meiko’s wish gives me a similar feeling of Shima’s arc in Clannad where he goes out on a mission to grant a wish for someone. The only difference this time around is that the whole group is granting it for her instead. Either way, it’s a challenge that Jinta and Poppo have to overcome to bring back the fond memories of the group’s friendship that was lost after so many years. ¶
Well, the crying can get a tad bit tiring, but it is a good show.
I heard about it, especially with the last episode where they take it to the max. From this, I feel that this will be different to the drama in Clannad After Story.