Filled with an overwhelming sense of wonder for the world around her, Mari Tamaki has always dreamt of what lies beyond the reaches of the universe. However, despite harboring such large aspirations on the inside, her fear of the unknown and anxiety over her own possible limitations have always held her back from chasing them. But now, in her second year of high school, Mari is more determined than ever to not let any more of her youth go to waste. Still, her fear continues to prevent her from taking that ambitious step forward—that is, until she has a chance encounter with a girl who has grand dreams of her own.
Spurred by her mother's disappearance, Shirase Kobuchizawa has been working hard to fund her trip to Antarctica. Despite facing doubt and ridicule from virtually everyone, Shirase is determined to embark on this expedition to search for her mother in a place further than the universe itself. Inspired by Shirase's resolve, Mari jumps at the chance to join her. Soon, their efforts attract the attention of the bubbly Hinata Miyake, who is eager to stand out, and Yuzuki Shiraishi, a polite girl from a high class background. Together, they set sail toward the frozen south.
Sora yori mo Tooi Basho follows the captivating journey of four spirited girls, all in search of something great.
Anime Critic’s In-Depth Anime Review: Sora yori mo Tooi Basho
Sypnosis
When it comes to charting the high seas of exploration and adventure, “A Place Further than the Universe” (also known as “Sora yori mo Tooi Basho”) is an anime that is undisputedly ahead of the pack. The anime does not orbit around the usual arena of invincible heroes or mystical worlds but instead, tells a compelling tale of four high school girls who dare to challenge and defy the mundane opposing currents of their ordinary lives. These audacious girls take an unprecedented leap by embarking on an expedition to Antarctica, which is metaphorically ‘a place further than the universe’.
This thrilling 13-episode anime collection begins with the protagonist, Mari Tamaki, a second-year high school student, grappling with her urge to live a life bursting with zest and excitement, much against the dull and drab backdrop of her existing life. It is this fervor that fuels her accidental encounter with Shirase Kobuchizawa, a girl whose mother disappeared during an Antarctic expedition. Joining them on this daring, death-defying adventure are two more vibrant characters, Hinata Miyake, an immensely cheerful girl, and Yuzuki Shiraishi, a child actress. Strung together by fate and a burning desire to upset the status quo, these four girls undertake an epic, unforgettable journey to a place further than the universe.
Review
If there is one word to encapsulate “Sora yori mo Tooi Basho”, it would be ‘exhilarating’. From the undeniably engaging storyline to the gloriously vibrant animation, each moment in this anime is a goosebumps-inducing adventure. The anime masterfully threads a storyline that is both substantial and heart-stirring. It explores the complexities of young aspirations against the backdrop of harsh realities, tense familial relationships, and the grit needed to achieve personal dreams.
One of the undeniable strengths of “Sora yori mo Tooi Basho” is its characters. Each character is well-drawn and finely detailed, with their personalities providing a compelling contrast and working together to drive the narrative forward. The character development is splendidly executed with a perfect mix of funny, touching, and thought-provoking moments. Viewers easily find themselves rooting for these four girls, sharing their excitement, fears, and hopes as the series progresses.
While the animation quality is consistently excellent, the true stand-out feature is the depth of emotion conveyed through it. The terrifying beauty of Antarctica is juxtaposed with the blossoming relationships between the characters, creating an atmosphere that’s palpable, allowing viewers to feel a part of the world depicted.
The audio components of this anime are on-point, with the background score and voice acting contributing to the overall atmosphere and escalating the emotional impact of each scene. From the cheerful openings to the emotional closings, every piece of music beautifully accents the corresponding scene.
Ending on a high note, “Sora yori mo Tooi Basho” will leave you with a profound sense of happiness and a newfound appreciation for your life. A marvel of storytelling, this anime explores the beauty of ambition, friendship, and personal dreams in a manner that’s relatable and inspiring. Should you rent, buy, or stream it? Without a doubt, this anime warrants a watch, either by renting, buying, or streaming. It’s a gem of a series, one that needs to be experienced and cherished.
In conclusion, picking up “Sora yori mo Tooi Basho” is an adventure in itself, one that will take you on a beautiful journey farther than the universe. Buckle up, fellow anime fans, it’s an experience you can’t afford to miss!
Be the first to leave a review.
Be the first to leave a review.
