Dismissed as a hopeless loser by those around him, 27-year-old Arata Kaizaki bounces around from one job to another after quitting his first company. His unremarkable existence takes a sharp turn when he meets Ryou Yoake, a member of the ReLife Research Institute, who offers Arata the opportunity to change his life for the better with the help of a mysterious pill. Taking it without a second thought, Arata awakens the next day to find that his appearance has reverted to that of a 17-year-old.
Arata soon learns that he is now the subject of a unique experiment and must attend high school as a transfer student for one year. Though he initially believes it will be a cinch due to his superior life experience, Arata is proven horribly wrong on his first day: he flunks all his tests, is completely out of shape, and can't keep up with the new school policies that have cropped up in the last 10 years. Furthermore, Ryou has been assigned to observe him, bringing Arata endless annoyance. ReLIFE follows Arata's struggle to adjust to his hectic new lifestyle and avoid repeating his past mistakes, all while slowly discovering more about his fellow classmates.
SPARKLING REVIEW: RELIFE – A DEEP DIVE INTO YOUTH [DISCOVERY EDITION]
Synopsis: Regaining your Youth is Only a Pill Away
At 27 years old, Arata Kaizaki has a repetitive daily routine, stuck in a part time job, desperately seeking full-time employment but having no luck. His situation seems all the more bleak compared to the successes of his peers. A chance encounter with a mysterious man named Ryo Yoake, who introduces him to the ReLIFE project, suddenly offers him a chance to start over.
For Arata, this experiment offers a glimmer of hope, a chance to do things differently. By swallowing a tiny, innocuous pill, Arata is transformed back into a 17-year-old high school student and tossed back into the whirlwind of youth. Under the constrictions of this year-long experiment, Arata must navigate high school and also figure out the purpose behind this unique journey.
Review: A Refreshing Step Back into Time
As the Anime Critic, I would boldly declare ReLIFE as one of the most distinctive and heartfelt tales in the anime universe. With a core of relatable and engaging characters, this show manages to explore the trials of youth combined with the responsibility of adulthood within a single premise.
From the start, viewers will find themselves tethered to Arata’s journey, captivated by the earnest highs and bitter lows he experiences while trying to relive his high school years. The transformation is not easy or as idyllic as Arata initially expects, instead it is filled with realistic conflict, a critical aspect ReLIFE nails perfectly.
Character Development: Mature yet Youthful
The character development in ReLIFE is stellar. Kaizaki is as real as they come – burdened by the regrets of his past, troubled by the challenges of adapting to a life that was once so familiar yet feels so foreign now. The array of high-school teens that surround Arata are also masterfully built, each a distinct personality with their struggles and dilemmas.
The relationship between Arata and Yoake, the ReLIFE project staff watching over his progress, is another intriguing facet, balancing mentorship and friendship delicately. These relationships and character arcs are what shape the narrative, leading the viewers through an emotional roller coaster that consistently delves deeper on both physical and emotional levels.
An extra applause to the writers who managed to merge the comedic aspect within the drama, thus making it enjoyable without watering down the serious themes.
Animation & Sound: Visceral Experience
From the sleek transformation scenes to the detailed emotions captured in each character’s faces, the animation in ReLIFE is visually pleasing. The sound, too, deserves praise. The soulful OST enhances the drama on screen, as every scene is magnified by the stirring background melodies that perfectly embody the agony and joy of the characters.
Overall: A Must Watch
ReLIFE is an emotionally charged roller coaster of a show that connects with viewers on multiple levels. If you are a fan of dramas that effortlessly blend comedy, friendship, and character evolution, this anime is for you.
Whether to rent, buy or stream would depend on your viewing habits. However, taking into consideration its worthwhile rewatchability, purchasing ReLIFE could be a great investment. So, go ahead and immerse yourself in this heart-touching tale of second chances and discovery. Get ready to view life through the lenses of adulthood and adolescence merged in a beautiful synergy.
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