![]() ![]() ![]() The couple in this episode was not able to meet again, which is a deeply sad outcome. The show regularly makes it clear that Akari’s childlike wonder allows her to see things that others aren’t able to and this is just one example.Īt the same time, the episode’s focus on long-lost, ultimately sad memories brings mono no aware to the forefront. It establishes the connection between cats and the supernatural, something Aria returns to frequently, even though this episode was anime-original. This episode is the first clear example of magical realism in Aria. It’s a pervading theme throughout Aria, deeply connected with its focus on the importance of memories, but the first episode which truly makes it apparent is episode 4, “That Undeliverable Letter…”, which introduces a number of other important elements at the same time. As I’ve said before, it’s an aesthetic focused on the bittersweet beauty of transience. That said, while Akari is given the most in-depth treatment during this season, it does explore some other elements which will appear more strongly in the later seasons. Akari’s perspective here is what Aria wants you to carry as you watch the show: the idea that the world is beautiful and that memories are worth cherishing. She understands that the Neverland of Peter Pan is not a real place, but she’s gained the ability to see the world itself as a sort of Neverland, as something full of beauty and magic in its own way. This episode lightly explores Akari’s childhood, but more importantly looks at the way she maintains her childlike wonder and optimism while still growing up. Let’s take episode 5, “To That Island Which Shouldn’t Exist…”. Her love of Neo-Venezia is the driving force behind the show, so it’s important that you quickly come to understand her perspective in order for the show to work. Instead, the show devotes itself to quickly making you fall in love with Akari’s captivating and optimistic personality. The others are certainly introduced - though Al kind of just shows up - but the show doesn’t really go in-depth with them at this stage. At the same time, it sets the viewer up for later events and quickly sets a mood which continues across the show.Īkari is the only character who gets full focus in The Animation. ![]() The first, known as The Animation, serves fittingly as an introduction to both the characters and the world of Neo-Venezia itself. While the show is definitely cohesive, the seasons all manage to serve distinct purposes. So what is it that makes Aria so good? As always, it comes down to a number of factors, but I think it’s informative to start by looking at the structure.Īria’s anime is divided into 3 seasons. ![]() It’s almost certainly the pinnacle of the iyashikei genre, with only Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou really competing. Aria is an absolute masterpiece, both in anime and manga form. It’s so popular with that crowd that it gained a reputation for being an elitist anime of choice.Īnd that’s for good reason. An iyashikei show, it might not be as watched as some works, but it’s well-respected by those who have seen it, especially among slice-of-life fans. That anime is Aria.Īria is decently well-known in the anime community. There are a few exceptions to this, but one anime has stood out as nearly flawless in my mind for the last 4 years. Most of the time, a show’s issues bother me somewhat, even for shows I’d generally call my favorites. The important question is less “how many issues does this have?” and more “how much do these issues bother you?”. It’s often said that nothing is perfect and generally, I agree. ![]()
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