Orange

Full disclosure: I'm picky to the point of exasperation when it comes to anime. (As a woman, fanservice drives me nuts.) But I liked the dubbed version of this one so much I now own the full series. Yes, it's a slow burn. And yes, Naho can seem a little timid, especially when viewed through the American cultural lens. But that's kind of the point. We wouldn't be able to really see her growth as a character if she didn't start out that way. And that's what this anime is supposed to focus on: how our choices either encourage our growth as human beings or stall it. Romance is certainly a part of this, but it's not all of it, which is why it plays the role of a subplot in this anime (as many have griped about). Great balance, fantastic music, very respectful handling of sensitive topics, and yes, cute couples (without a hint of fan service in sight if you watch the dubbed one). I docked it a star only because there is one mild innuendo, one (relatively innocent) comment about how short some girls' shorts are, and (in the dubbed version), a handful of misuses of God's name (though this is likely a translation problem). Not quite as squeaky clean as its sequel, but definitely a must-watch! (Keep the tissues handy, though.)

Note: The original subbed version does contain a joke about fanservice, which I do not endorse. This review applies only to the dub.

It's a pretty good romantic drama with some simple, but important truths about our actions and their consequences, multiple "what if?"s and regrets we all have. The characters of the story are very lively and their friendship dynamic is very fun to watch.The visuals and the music are nice too and fit well with the genre and the themes. I even found some animations to be impressive for the genre that doesn't rely much on movement.It can be rather predictable at times and there are some slightly disappointing moments of cheap artificial drama near the end of the series. But despite all this, the final moments of the story make up for these shortcomings and finalize the show's ideas in a satisfying way. Overall, it's not the show I'm gonna zealosly recommend, but the one you'll probably would not regret watching.

I really enjoyed this anime! It handled a lot Of very difficult subjects with a sense of grace and sensitivity. The entire show takes you on journey to understanding just how precious life is. And how the things we say and do have a huge impact on others, even if it seems minimal to ourselves. Overall this anime was just breathtakingly beautiful! I highly recommend this! I had to watch it in a day.

From a su*cide attempt survivor; if you love someone that is in pain... hold them. Naho mentions at one point that she was always scared to touch Kakeru because she was afraid he was fragile and she would break him. People in that much pain are fragile, and most of us just want someone to hold us and help us figure out how to make the pieces fit again. Even when we deny it. Sometimes it's just really nice to be held and supported. Remember that.

Please remember to mindful of your mental health when watching a series like this. Yes, it tells us that we should live! But it can still be triggering, so just be careful.

This is a show that everyone could benefit from watching. It covers some very heavy topics around mental health and relationships so please take into account your own mental state before choosing to start the show. With that being said, I am a different person having watched this and I truly wish I could've watched it sooner. The show is only 13 episodes in length but I was easily sobbing at the ending of over half of the episodes. Seeing how each of the main characters navigated their own personal lives and distinct personalities to comfort a friend will stick with me. Someone else on this site mentioned a quote from the show about how sometimes we can see those around us as being fragile or that we may break them. What this show has taught me is that no matter how fragile we may think them to be, just hug them and show them that their life matters.

I can honestly see myself rewatching this show once a year for the rest of my life as a testament and reminder for the person that I want to be and how noticing the little things can in-fact save a persons life.

Please watch this show, you won't regret it.

This anime rook me on a rollercoaster of emotions. In Every episode it hits a different emotion from happy to al different kinds of sad. Not that you just cry watching this (well i defently Cried a lot) but it is also a Beautiful story and well written. It showes the emotions of the characters really well and you can emphasize with them. You really want them te save him and you feel really sad for the fear of losing him en guild that they carry. The emotions they show and actions they take are really realistic what makes it easy for you to emphasize. For me this anime Will have a special place in my heart, it brought back some deep emotions wich was Nice. The end Made me happy-sad and relieved. I hope I gave my message correctly and didnt make too many mistakes since this isn't my mother tongue.