When tragedy is about to strike, Satoru Fujinuma finds himself sent back several minutes before the accident occurs. The detached, 29-year-old manga artist has taken advantage of this powerful yet mysterious phenomenon, which he calls "Revival," to save many lives.
However, when he is wrongfully accused of murdering someone close to him, Satoru is sent back to the past once again, but this time to 1988, 18 years in the past. Soon, he realizes that the murder may be connected to the abduction and killing of one of his classmates, the solitary and mysterious Kayo Hinazuki, that took place when he was a child. This is his chance to make things right.
Boku dake ga Inai Machi follows Satoru in his mission to uncover what truly transpired 18 years ago and prevent the death of his classmate while protecting those he cares about in the present.
SYNOPSIS
Boku dake ga Inai Machi, known as “Erased” in the Western world, is an intriguing Japanese anime series that follows Satoru Fujinuma, a struggling manga artist with a unique ability to jump back in time. This extraordinary power, which he calls “Revival,” enables him to forestall life-threatening disasters. However, this ability is beyond his control as it is triggered spontaneously, forcing Satoru to mitigate the aftermath of such cataclysms.
The storyline catapults into a high-stakes mystery when a tragic event in his personal life sends Satoru eighteen years into the past. He finds himself in the body of his eleven-year-old self, with a chance to prevent a nefarious incident that ruined his future. Reliving his childhood, he’s grappling with a chilling case of child abductions and murders that directly link to his personal tragedy in the present day.
REVIEW
Boku dake ga Inai Machi blurs the boundaries of time-travel tropes, psychological thriller, and crime drama, wrapping it into a beautifully packaged anime visual narrative. Let’s dig into the rabbit hole that Satoru’s journey takes us on.
Firstly, the characters are intricately nuanced and well-drawn out. Satoru, as the protagonist, is not your typical hero, but his subjective moral compass combined with his profound empathy, makes him compellingly relatable in both his adult and child form. The secondary cadre also breathes life into the plot, each having a strong presence and adding layers to the story.
STORYTELLING AND PACE
The overall pacing is done expertly, building suspense gradually amid the quiet suburban landscapes. The story doesn’t shy away from showcasing the darker realities of society, making us question everything we think we know. The narrative dives deep into the psychology of its characters, unraveling their motivations and fears – a factor that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
ART AND ANIMATION
Kei Sanbe’s manga couldn’t have been adapted in a more visually distinct and appealing manner. A-1 Pictures’ animation draws you in from the get-go. Every frame is meticulously designed, and the colour palette perfectly encapsulates the narrative’s mood swings. The atmospheric sceneries, sublime character designs and the myriad of detailed facial expressions instill a distinct believable reality to this fictional world.
SOUNDTRACK AND THEMES
Yuki Kajiura’s soundtrack complements this anime superbly. The iconic opening theme “Re:Re:” by Asian Kung-Fu Generation summarises the entire narrative in its visual and audio splendor. Coupled with the dramatic themes of destiny, childhood innocence, and the constant struggle of good versus evil, the sonic landscape resonates brilliantly throughout the series.
Boku dake ga Inai Machi creates a captivating mixture of emotion and suspense, driving a gripping narrative that will leave you craving for more by each episode’s conclusion. It does not just weave a story; it examines life’s complicated web. Whether you decide to rent, buy, or stream this anime, you’ll find that Erased is genuinely a worthy investment of your time. A must-see for any anime enthusiast.
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