The third movie of a four-part finale of Tamayura.
Anime Critic Review: Tamayura: Sotsugyou Shashin Part 3 – Akogare
Tamayura: Sotsugyou Shashin Part 3 – Akogare, takes us on a nostalgic voyage through its endearing high school characters connecting viewers with their adolesence days and the aspirations that motivate us. The storyline follows our delightful protagonist, Fu Sawatari, an aspiring photographer who relocates to her late father’s hometown, Takehara. She, alongside her ebullient friend circle, cherishes her high school memories while preparing for their graduation ceremony. This series intensifies your empathetic strings by presenting an emotive narrative dealing with transitions, growth and hankerings of youth.
The climax of this tale spirals around the anticipated event – The ‘We Exhibition’, a showcase collated by Fu and her friends to encapsulate their striking school memories. It’s this celebration of high school moments that encapsulates the spirit of ‘Akogare’ or ‘longing’, expertly interwoven into the fabric of Tamayura’s narrative to denote the universal anticipation of the future while lovingly cherising the past.
Plot & Writing:
The plot of Akogare, retains its coming-of-age simplicity which I believe is the heart of Tamayura. It seamlessly weaves the narrative around the core characters, each of whom hold their own in the storyline. The progression is unhurried, firmly rooted in reality, carrying the audience along to experience their everyday lives and the emotional depth of growing up. Kudos to Junichi Sato, the esteemed director and writer, who continued to maintain the essence of this beautiful series with its third installment as well.
Animation & Sound:
The animation of Akogare is warm, colorful and detailed, which beautifully brings the town of Takehara to life. It captures the vivid beauty of the town, adding an authentic, charming touch to the anime. The background score, needless to say, perfectly complements the varying moods of the series, enhancing its impact on the viewer. The opening theme “Korekara” by Maaya Sakamoto and ending theme by Megumi Nakajima wonderfully glues the storyboards of the animation, furthering the emotional connect.
Characters:
Each character in the series is inherently unique and well-fleshed out with their own aspirations and uncertainties. Fu’s passionate drive for photography, Maon’s intriguing whistle language, Kaoru’s scented sachets obsession, Norie’s culinary love made it a joy to witness their life trajectories.
Final Thoughts:
To sum up, Tamayura: Sotsugyou Shashin Part 3 – Akogare should be consumed like a warm cup of cocoa on a chilly evening. It’s wholesome, comforting and leaves you with a pleasant, lingering aftertaste. If you are someone who relishes evocative, slice-of-life anime, this is a must-watch. You could consider renting or streaming the first few episodes to test the waters, but I would confidently recommend buying the entire series. It’s absolutely the kind of comforting company one needs on a quiet night in.
Rating: 8.5/10
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