Midori Asakusa sees the world a bit differently. Always having her nose in a sketchbook, Asakusa draws detailed landscapes and backgrounds of both the world around her and the one within her boundless imagination. Even the simple act of doodling on a wall evolves into an emergency repair on the outer hull of her spaceship. She is only brought back to reality by her best friend Sayaka Kanamori. The pair are stark opposites, with Asakusa's childlike wonder contrasted by Kanamori's calculated approach to life.
After a chance encounter where the two "save" the young model Tsubame Misuzaki from her overprotective bodyguard, a connection instantly sparks between Asakusa and Misuzaki, as both share an intense passion for art and animation. Whereas Asakusa is interested in backgrounds and settings, Misuzaki loves drawing the human form. Sensing a money-making opportunity, Kanamori suggests that they start an animation club, which they disguise as a motion picture club since the school already has an anime club. Thus begins the trio's journey of producing animation that will awe the world.
From the brilliant mind of Masaaki Yuasa, Eizouken ni wa Te wo Dasu na! is a love letter to animation, wildly creative in its approach, and a testament to the potential of the medium.
Eizouken ni wa Te wo Dasu na! – A Dive into Childhood Dreams
Story Synopsis
Our story follows three first-year high school girls who form a club with the sole purpose of making anime- The Eizouken (Film Research Club). Asakusa Midori, our main character, is a small and introverted girl with a grand appreciation for anime and the imaginary worlds it brings to life. Her childhood drawings of her dream worlds are brought to life with the aid of her best friend and talented animator Mizusaki Tsubame.
One day while trying to save Mizusaki from a weird situation, they come across the rich and persuasive Kanamori Sayaka who sees potential in their talent for anime production. Seeing their potential as a goldmine, Sayaka decides to join their team and becomes their stoic manager who handles the realities of business and production while our other two characters navigate the world of character and world creation.
Review
Art & Production
Eizouken shines with its unique and detailed animation style thanks to the skilled hands of Science Saru studio. The imagination process that Midori and Tsubame go through to portray their ideas are beautifully translated on the screen, taking viewers on a ride through their wild imaginations. Their childish excitement when creating these worlds is palpable and infectious. It’s a pleasure to watch.
The animation is littered with fantastical elements and sketch-like scenery that adds to the aesthetic value of the show. The sound design is just as praise-worthy which goes hand in hand with the animation to transport you into the worlds of our main characters’ creation.
Character Development & Story
Our trio of main characters have different personalities that drive the story forward. Asakusa and Mizusaki’s love for the creative process of anime making feels very authentic, genuine, and it’s contagious! Meanwhile, Kanamori is considerably the pillar that holds this best friend group together by tackling the business side of things. Her ruthless sensibility brings a semblance of reality into this dreamlike anime.
The story presents us with three high school girls dabbling in the world of anime creation, but the deeper you get, the more you realize it is ultimately a celebration of creativity, passion, and the art of storytelling. The series does get technical with anime production but does it in a way that can be engaging even for those who have no background in animation.
Verdict
‘Eizouken ni wa Te wo Dasu na!’ or ‘Keep Your Hands off Eizouken!’ is a unique anime that perfectly balances its most outlandish concepts with realistic problems and solutions. The characters, animation style, the music – every element complements each other beautifully to create an anime like no other.
My final verdict would be to definitely stream it, experience, and immerse yourself in this grand celebration of creativity, and if you’re a fan of the medium, it definitely deserves a place in your physical collection.
Here’s to all the quiet dreamers, the passionate creators, the tireless producers… Eizouken ni wa Te wo Dasu na! This anime is for you.
Rating: 9/10
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