Tightly clutching his Gibson guitar, Mafuyu Satou steps out of his dark apartment to begin another day of his high school life. While taking a nap in a quiet spot on the gymnasium staircase, he has a chance encounter with fellow student Ritsuka Uenoyama, who berates him for letting his guitar's strings rust and break. Noticing Uenoyama's knowledge of the instrument, Satou pleads for him to fix it and to teach him how to play. Uenoyama eventually agrees and invites him to sit in on a jam session with his two band mates: bassist Haruki Nakayama and drummer Akihiko Kaji.
Satou's voice is strikingly beautiful, filling Uenoyama with the determination to make Satou the lead singer of the band. Though reticent at first, Satou takes the offer after an emotional meeting with an old friend. With the support of his new friends, Satou must not only learn how to play guitar, but also come to terms with the mysterious circumstances that led him to be its owner.
An Enthralling Symphony of Emotions: Given Anime Review
Given’s story commences with Ritsuka Uenoyama, a tired high school student with a passion for playing guitar, finding his everyday life turned on its head after a chance encounter with Mafuyu Sato. Mafuyu, a quiet and seemingly detached boy, is carrying a broken guitar when Ritsuka crosses his path. Strikingly, Mafuyu seems devoid of any musical knowledge, yet carries this broken guitar as if it’s an irreplaceable part of himself. Ritsuka is somehow drawn to Mafuyu’s peculiar circumstances and offers to fix his guitar, thus marking the beginning of an unexpected connection.
As the story unfolds, we witness how music serves as a medium that allows these characters to navigate through and unveil their entangled emotions, painful pasts, and aspirations. Though essentially primed as a music-oriented slice of life anime, Given elevates itself to much more. It is a poignant tale of love, loss, healing, and acceptance that delves into the intricate array of human emotions with a perfect balance of subtlety and intensity.
Musical Melody and Emotional Depth: Show’s Execution
Where Given truly shines is its delicate handling of the characters’ complex personalities, their histories, and the deep connections they form with each other. Mafuyu’s silent suffering, Ritsuka’s quiet understanding, and their intricate dance of growing affection are poetically presented. The seamless blend of music and emotion results in a symphony that hits every note.
Visual and Auditory Brilliance: The Importance of Artistic Excellence
Turning our attention to the aesthetics of Given, the visuals are tastefully crafted with a distinct style that complements the tone of the series. The color palette chosen carries a serene hue, sinking viewers deeper into the story. The soundtrack is equally notable- as an anime revolving around music, Given boasts compositions that breathe life into the narrative, intertwining seamlessly with the unfolding drama and adding depth at every juncture.
The Radiant Symphony: Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Given is an anime that offers much more than what meets the eye. It is a melodic journey of emotions that weaves a tale of love and acceptance through its gripping narrative and enthralling characters. For those interested in a heartfelt narrative underscored by powerful music, Given is a must-watch.
If you are not certain whether Given would meet your anime expectations, I recommend streaming it for the first few episodes. However, for connoisseurs of music-based anime or elegant portrayal of well-rounded characters & relationships, buying or renting Given would be an excellent investment. Given is an anime that stirs your heartstrings and leaves an indelible mark, a series that one would savor watching over and over again.
Rating: 4.5/5
From the tempo of its narrative to the rhythm of its characters’ journeys, Given orchestrates a harmonious symphony that is sure to enchant viewers. Watch it to immerse yourself in a beautiful musical journey intertwined with a stirring romance that will leave you asking for an encore.
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