Drama Digest:
Two lone souls living at different edges, meet each other one day on a beach and that is where the story begins. Shun Hashimoto is an aspiring novelist who has opened up to the world as gay. And his parents have forsaken him for being gay. He lives in Okinawa, with his grandmother until the day he meets Mio Chibana. Mio is a reserved orphan, who’s in high school, he loves spending time by the sea. And that is where they met and time flies by as they bond together, growing closer and closer. Shun was captivated by Mio from the moment he set his eyes upon him but even before he gets his chance to confess his feelings Mio announces his departure to the mainland.
After Mio leaves he realizes his feelings for Shun and comes back after 3 years to confess his love. But things have changed for Shun and circumstances may not be favorable for Mio to confess his love to Shun. Who is to know whether he still loves him or not? Does Mio confess to Shun? Will things work out for them after a gap of three years? To get the answer to this and many more watch the anime movie.
The feel-good part:
The animation of the movie is beautifully done and the scenery is alluring. Just by watching the blue sea and people wearing soft and blowy clothes, one can feel relieved. It depicts the vivid, cool and breezy summer anyone would like to have for their vacation. Studio Hibari has lived up to the expectations of their smooth like butter animation. One more factor is the music that sways you with its rhythm by Eiko Morikawa, the coming and receding waves along with the fine piano pieces in the background can calm you and excite you equally.
The disappointing factor:
The only disappointing factor is the time gap. It is so long and then because of that things look like to be in pieces that are just strung together to make a movie. The movie is fast-paced which makes it feel like the bonding between the main leads is not sufficient enough for a relationship. If the movie had gradual pacing the audience would have been able to concentrate on the couple more. It is over even before you know it.
In-depth analysis:
The movie is a gentle breeze of pure first love and that too a BL. It’s already quite challenging to discover your body and affections at an early age. Along with it falling in love with someone of your sex is heart-churning. But the movie educates us on the subject that we ignore or neglect on purpose. Shun and Mio love each other and complement each other but then again they struggle to discover it in their hearts as well expressing it in the society they live in. The movie is not just an anime movie for lighthearted fun and enjoyment but a very important lesson for the new generations.
Star power:
The two main leads have to be the star power of the movie. As mentioned earlier too the couples complement each other. Mio is the type to be reserved but he knows how to express himself to Shun. But Shun who has discovered his sexuality before has not been able to come to terms with it. They both balance each other out and that is what sweeps the audience off their feet.
Overall opinion:
The anime does justice to its genre and Manga. Some might feel that this is too simple or raw, then let me break it down it for you ‘slice of life’ mangas are meant to be simple and soft with no thrill with it. If you are searching for something that just shows, pure love no fetishizing, no deaths but the growth of bonds then this is the best catch.
