Ano Hana, or "The Flower We Saw That Day", is an 11-episode story about a group of friends who have drifted apart after a tragic event in their childhood. The series seemed to be commonly recommended, I liked the art style, and the synopsis seemed realistic and compelling so I gave it a try. After watching Kill la Kill, all of the silliness and over-the-top action circuits in my brain have been blown away, so Ano Hana was the perfect change of pace!
Episode one begins by following Jinta (above picture, right). We see him alone around the house, constantly pestered by a cheerful little girl with pale hair. Something is not right though. The girl doesn't get a plate of food to eat, and nobody is acknowledging her except for Jinta. Passing out, Jinta reminisces about a summer "back then".
We're suddenly taken to a scene of a much younger Jinta, speaking to a not-so-much younger version of the same girl, Menma. She mentions a wish that she has, and the opening credits play.
Back in Jinta's house (present day again), one of Jinta's peers stops by to deliver schoolwork for him. Jinta has apparently stopped coming to school before summer break. Menma jumps at this new character, shouting "Anaru!" as if missing her greatly. Anaru remains oblivious to Menma's presence, and the atmosphere becomes very negative as Jinta rejects the delivery and Anaru leaves.
After this moment, Jinta and Menma bump into one more pair of friends. Jinta lets Menma's name slip from his mouth as he is trying to both control and ignore the outbursts of this apparition beside him. It's an uncomfortable moment for everyone. This sparks conversation through an entire cast of characters, a topic that has not come up for many years. Jinta blames the appearance of this apparition on himself being extremely stressed out. He confesses to Menma that everyone she remembers has changed, but him most of all.
Ano Hana left a big impact on me. I wouldn't say the series is perfect in what it tries to do, but I can't really pick out specific flaws either. It definitely pulls on some heartstrings, yet it's strange because the tragedy of this show lies entirely in the past. Still, the struggle of having good friends you've drifted apart from is something very relate-able. For the inspiring story it tells, and for bringing back lots of feelings when I listen to the soundtrack even now, Ano Hana has definitely earned a place as another all-time favorite anime of mine.
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