Grisaia no Rakuen begins right at the end of the previous installment, Grisaia no Meikyuu. Kazami Yuuji is arrested under suspicion for terrorism. A video showing apparently concrete proof that Yuuji committed these acts, and he is held in custody by Ichigaya.
Ichigaya knows full well that Yuuji didn't commit the crimes he has been accused of. But he did fail to assassinate Heath Oslo, who is the leader of the terrorist organization with an extremely devastating weapon in their possession. In fact, Ichigaya have their own plans for Yuuji…
But all may not be lost for Yuuji. The girls of the Mihama Academy are not about to let Yuuji be used for political gain, and neither may the mysterious new figure which appears before them.
Anime Review: Grisaia no Rakuen
Step into the often dark, yet utterly captivating world of ‘Grisaia no Rakuen’ (The Fruit of Grisaia). This series is a rollercoaster ride that bullet trains through the veil of ordinary school life into the murky depths of past traumas, gripping secrets, and high-stakes danger. This adaptation of the successful visual novel, developed by Front Wing, retains the complex, interweaving narrative of its source material, artfully delivering a story that will grip you from the first episode to the last.
The story revolves around Yuji Kazami, a mysterious student who transfers to Mihama Academy, a unique school with only five female students, each bearing their own troubled pasts. As the bond deepens between Yuji and the girls, his tranquil life takes a turn while his grim past comes back to haunt him. Thrown into a world of dark intrigue and daring adventures, Grisaia no Rakuen takes the viewers on a suspenseful journey, defying expectations at every turn.
Storyline & Plot
‘Grisaia no Rakuen’ masterfully crafts a plot that is far more than what meets the eye. The narrative keeps you on the edge of your seat, seamlessly morphing from the relaxed slice of life to intense psychological drama. Each character’s tragic backstory is splendidly woven into the tapestry of the plot, enriching the story while building a formidable connection between viewers and characters.
Animation & Soundtrack
The Animation is smooth, the artwork vivid and appealing. In particular, the character designs are distinct and memorable, paying homage to their original visual novel counterparts where they were born. The traumatising pasts and intense personalities of the characters are beautifully reflected in their design, translating into a visual masterpiece for the viewers.
Equally noteworthy is the soundtrack, immaculately matching the spectrum of intense emotions experienced throughout the series. From haunting piano solos to adrenaline-pumping electronic music, this anime has it all, contributing to an immersive viewing experience.
Characters
The characters are the anchors that hold ‘Grisaia no Rakuen’ together. Each one is multi-dimensional, with complex histories and personalities. Their development through the series is one of the most commendable attributes of the show. Yuji, the protagonist, is an especially intriguing character whose evolution from a calm outsider to a man battling his tumultuous past keeps you hooked throughout.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Grisaia no Rakuen is anything but ordinary. It’s a complex, character-driven narrative with suspenseful plot twists, beautifully illustrated, and complemented by an impactful soundtrack. Despite its dark undertones, it masterfully balances moments of levity and humor, delivering a well-rounded anime that fans of this genre should not miss out on.
Whether you’re considering renting, buying or streaming – Grisaia no Rakuen should not be amiss on your anime watchlist. It’s an emotional roller coaster ride that ultimately leaves its mark as an unforgettable, thrilling narrative you can’t easily forget.
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