Tooru Honda has always been fascinated by the story of the Chinese zodiac that her beloved mother told her as a child. However, a sudden family tragedy changes her life, and subsequent circumstances leave her all alone. Tooru is now forced to live in a tent, but little does she know that her temporary home resides on the private property of the esteemed Souma family. Stumbling upon their home one day, she encounters Shigure, an older Souma cousin, and Yuki, the "prince" of her school. Tooru explains that she lives nearby, but the Soumas eventually discover her well-kept secret of being homeless when they see her walking back to her tent one night.
Things start to look up for Tooru as they kindly offer to take her in after hearing about her situation. But soon after, she is caught up in a fight between Yuki and his hot-tempered cousin, Kyou. While trying to stop them, she learns that the Souma family has a well-kept secret of their own: whenever they are hugged by a member of the opposite sex, they transform into the animals of the Chinese zodiac.
With this new revelation, Tooru will find that living with the Soumas is an unexpected adventure filled with laughter and romance.
FRUITS BASKET 1ST SEASON REVIEW
Story Synopsis
“Fruits Basket” is an enchanting tale of transformation and acceptance that manages to beautifully combine the supernatural with the mundane. The fantastical world systematized by Natsuki Takaya tells a story of Tohru Honda, a high school student who, after the tragic death of her mother, ends up homeless. She serendipitously stumbles upon a peculiar family, the Sohmas, and uncovers a strange family secret: they transform into the Chinese Zodiac animals when hugged by someone of the opposite sex!
As Tohru starts living with them, we see a mix of human relationships, personal growth, and how the Sohmas navigate around their curse. Alongside its humor, drama and romance, Fruits Basket drops deep philosophical metaphors about cherishing life, identity, and acceptance—making it a genuine comfort to watch.
In-Depth Review
For starters, the anime adaptation of “Fruits Basket” is a nostalgic trip for all its manga fans and a second chance to relive the Sohma family’s paranormal tale, now with a more into-the-details precision that honors its original material!
Visually, “Fruits Basket” is a feast! With the animation courtesy of TMS Entertainment, it beautifully breathes life into the panels that we have come to love. The color schemes are warm and vibrant, and the character designs are modern without leaving the nostalgic value behind.
The voice acting is another notable strength of the series. Whether it’s the heartfelt lines of Tohru or the sentimental words of the Sohma family, each character has a distinct voice that matches their personality, making the characters feel even more alive.
As far as music and sound design go, it’s impeccable. The OSTs are beautiful, purposeful, and play at just the right moment, making the emotion-drenched scenes even more meaningful. Not to mention, the hauntingly beautiful OPs and EDs that resonates with the series’ mood.
In a nutshell, “Fruits Basket” is an intricately woven story with an overwhelming charm that crawls under your skin and makes you form a peculiar attachment to its characters. It’s a heartwarming journey that isn’t afraid to reflect on life’s harsh realities while keeping the magic of hope alive. Definitely a must-watch!
So, should you rent, buy, or stream it? Well, the answer is simple, my fellow anime enthusiasts, “Fruits Basket” is worth every penny. Buy it or stream it, but don’t miss out on this gem!
THE ANIME CRITIC’S FINAL THOUGHTS
Fruits Basket is a heartwarming and captivating story that flawlessly blends romance, drama, comedy, and a dash of the supernatural. With its deep characters, charming animation, and immersive music, it is bound to capture your interest from the get-go. So, if you’re someone who enjoys a good plot with strong character development, this series is for you. Watch it, enjoy it, love it. Until next time, anime lovers! Signing off, The Anime Critic.
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