Navigating Romance Amidst Uncertainty: A Review of Anyway, I’m Falling in Love with You Season 1
The world of anime often bridges the gap between fantasy and reality, providing viewers an avenue to explore both the magical and the mundane. Anyway, I’m Falling in Love with You attempts to do just this, setting its narrative against the backdrop of the unpredictable year 2020. As the world grapples with a new disease, protagonist Mizuho finds herself transitioning between the past and a future that seems both promising and unpredictable.
Exploring the Central Narrative
The Tumultuous Summer of 2020
In the summer of 2020, Mizuho’s life takes a dramatic turn. With a mysterious illness altering daily activities, school events are canceled, leaving Mizuho and her friends in a state of uncertainty. At the heart of this change is Kazuki’s confession of love. This pivotal moment sets the stage for Mizuho’s journey, oscillating between past memories and future possibilities.
A Complex Web of Relationships
The anime skillfully balances the evolving dynamics among Mizuho’s friend group. Kazuki’s revelation disrupts the existing balance, especially as other members of the group harbor their own feelings. Shin’s affection for Mizuho complicates matters further, along with Airu’s unique position in the love geometry. Amidst these changes, Mizuho struggles with the decision of whether to pursue these new feelings or focus on her personal dreams of becoming a successful manga artist.
The Medium Matters: Comparing the Anime and Manga
Visual and Narrative Choices
While adaptations often bring beloved characters to life, they can sometimes miss the essence of the original work. Anyway, I’m Falling in Love with You is one such case where the manga outshines the anime. Haruka Mitsui’s artwork in the manga is consistently more polished, making certain proportional issues in the anime, like “arm length,” more apparent. Moreover, the narrative flow between past and future feels more natural on paper, allowing readers to engage with the story at their own pace.
The Art of Perspective and Memory
The anime also uses flashbacks as a narrative tool, making viewers rethink the often glamorized period of high school. Adult Mizuho’s reflections offer a blend of nostalgia and realism, challenging the notion that adolescence is the ‘best time of one’s life.’ This thematic exploration is both poignant and thought-provoking.
Critiques: Where the Anime Falls Short
Manipulative Emotional Angles
Though Anyway, I’m Falling in Love with You aims to tackle real-world issues, certain narrative choices feel contrived. The emphasis on Kazuki’s asthma and its potential ramifications come across as a deliberate attempt to heighten emotional stakes, much like similar themes present in the anime Orange. While such elements can enhance engagement, they risk feeling forced if not handled with nuance.
Technical and Artistic Execution
Visually, the anime suffers from issues like washed-out colors and inconsistent anatomy, which detract from the overall viewing experience. Moreover, the English dub lacks the subtlety necessary for emotional scenes, pushing viewers toward the original Japanese track for a more authentic experience.
Production Details
The anime has an impressive production team, including Director Junichi Yamamoto and composers like Keiji Inai, yet the result doesn’t quite measure up to expectations. Despite creative talent, the execution in animation and story leaves much room for improvement.
Final Thoughts
Anyway, I’m Falling in Love with You is not devoid of merit. With its sincere attempt to weave romance into real-world concerns, it provides a story worth exploring. However, for those captivated by its premise, the manga offers a richer experience. As anime enthusiasts look forward to a potential second season, it’s an opportune moment to delve into Haruka Mitsui’s original work to fully appreciate the narrative depth.
For further exploration of anime adaptations and their impact, consider checking out Anime Adaptation Analysis.
Please note: Links are provided as references and do not signify any affiliation with the original production companies.
