Rainbow: Nishakubou no shichinin

" Dark, gritty, and powerful, this isn't your typical anime".

I can't put in words on how amazing this anime was, it really caught me by surprise. The music was absolutely amazing, especially the opening which got me hyped, the visuals were well done and I didn't really have any problems with it. The tone or the vibes this anime was gave off was crazy, sometimes I would be happy, sometimes sad, I almost cried one time also. The attention to detail this anime gave was amazing, how post war japan was like and the trials and tribulations the people had to go through. I was moved by what the people had to go through, it feels real because it is based on things that actually happened and so I was really connected with the characters. The plot and the pacing was well done, it wasn't too slow or too fast. A single episode wasn't wasted and had some meaning to it. The themes this anime discusses include friendship, humility and perseverance, and they did it in way that wont hurt the plot, characters, or the story. It really is a true slice of life anime...

Overall it was really done, I loved it and I really enjoyed it, top 5 anime that I have watched so far. Things that I had slight problems with it include telling more about their origin stories, I felt like the some of the 7 main characters didn't get enough spotlight. They should have done a couple of more episodes based in the juvenile centre because it felt pretty short, and some interaction with the other inmates. Lastly some parts were questionable and unanswered.

Memorable: Sort of Rewatchable: Yes.

This is one of those hidden gems in anime that you are glad to find. I believe that this anime doesn't get the recognition it deserves, because this is surely a deeply emotional, engaging story with heart and substance.

There are a lot of lessons to be found in this anime, from friendship to perseverance, hope but also about the cruelty that humans are capable of. Also, this could be seen as a sociological critique of post-ww2 Japan, showing some of the ugly truths we don't want to know about.

This anime focuses on young men abandoned by society, and while they are imprisoned, they are far for being bad people. The viewer can realize that true friendship and bonds can be found even in the worst places of earth, and that nobody should give up to hope and dreams, regardless of their background.

Not perfect though, i believe that the anime sometimes is a bit indulgent in giving the viewer a "happy" resolution to almost all of the mini-stories going on with the characters, and i feel that the anime didn't reached it's full potential in depicting the cruel side of prisons, and human beings. It is like... it can get pretty dark, but i feel that the author was concerned that the viewer wouldn't be satisfied if the anime were too pessimistic.

In the end, this is an excelent anime, one of the best seinen out there, and ayone looking for a mature story, albeit dark at times but with a glimp of sunshine, you can't go wrong with this.

The history goes in a dark time, and even with the perils they continue fighting hard for their lifes. It's a very emotional anime.

This is an absolute diamond in the rough. The first episode is slow and dark, yet throughout the 26 available episodes, you will trek through every emotion: anger, disgust, happiness, laughter, love, and sadness. It is a rollercoaster whose theme sticks through till the end.

I am SO glad I decided to give this show a chance and will recommend it to anyone looking for a story with true substance. Easily a 10/10.

"Rainbow" tells the story of seven boys in a harsh reform school in post-WW2 Japan and their attempts to survive, escape and realize their dreams in the outside world. They have to deal with a sadistic guard and an abusive doctor that use their authority to make their lives miserable and destroy every ray of hope that they might have. In the process, their bonds grow stronger and stronger. In the 26 episodes of the anime, the story remains fast-paced and engaging, and by the end, we have a chance to see all the characters develop in interesting ways, and the story reach a powerful, satisfying ending. For me, this was one of those special series that you enjoy so much and remember the characters (and the author) with fondness (similar ones are "Kaiji" and "Akagi"). I strongly recommend it.