Summer 1991

Oniisama e...

Tezuka Productions
39 episodes · TV Completed
7.84

When 16-year-old Nanako Misonoo enters the prestigious all-girls Seiran Academy, she believes a bright future awaits her. Instead, the unlucky girl finds herself dragged into a web of deceit, misery, and jealousy. On top of that, she is chosen as the newest inductee of the Sorority, an elite group whose members are the envy of the entire school. Having none of the grace, wealth, or talent of the other members, Nanako quickly draws the ire of her jealous classmates—especially the fierce Aya Misaki.

To cope with her increasingly difficult school life, Nanako recalls her days through letters to her former teacher, Takehiko Henmi, whom she affectionately calls "onii-sama" (big brother). She also finds comfort with her four closest friends: her childhood friend Tomoko Arikura, the sociable but erratic Mariko Shinobu, the troubled musician Rei Asaka, and the athletic tomboy Kaoru Orihara.

An impassioned drama about the hardships of bullying, Oniisama e… chronicles a young girl's harsh life at her new school, as she endures cruel rumours, heartless classmates, and countless social trials.

Oblivion Beckons: Exploring the Intricacies of “Oniisama e…”

Oniisama e…, translated as “Brother, Dear Brother”, is a deeply engaging anime series that delves into the intricate web of friendships, infatuitions, and rivalries among the students of an all-girls school, Seiran Academy. At the center of it is our protagonist, Nanako Misono, a modest high school student, who, thanks to her extraordinary letter writing skills, is taken under the wing of the mighty Sorority, an exclusive club within the school. This, however, plunges her into a world she wasn’t ready to navigate, filled with envy, hostility, and secrets more intense than she could have imagined.

Moving a step further, it’s important to note the impressive character development in the series. Each character has her unique quirks, strengths, and shortcomings, from the lonesome alpha-female Rei Asaka to the sweet and nubile Tomoko Arikura. These characters, with their complicated backstories and personal journeys, create a magnificent tapestry of duplicity, strength, love, and pain throughout the series.

Art and Animation

The excellent artwork by Riyoko Ikeda gives a timeless quality to the anime. Even though Oniisama e… was released in the early ’90s, the art and animation remain enduring, breathing life into each character with a vividly engaging style. Its aesthetics, particularly the European-influenced backgrounds and romantic character designs, set it apart from your typical anime series, speaking volumes about its quality and uniqueness.

Story and Plot

Oniisama e…’s story may initially seem simple. But as the plot unfolds, viewers are drawn into a web of emotional turbulence, yielding an exceptionally rich viewing experience. The narrative takes unexpected twists and turns, keeping you on the edge of your seat as the drama intensifies.

Sound and Music

As for the sound and music, they capture and amplify the anime’s atmosphere superbly well. You are bound to be captivated by the impactful soundtracks that seamlessly enliven every scene, further intensifying the emotions conveyed by the characters. The voice acting too, is done to perfection, bringing a sublime realness to every character.

Final Thoughts

To sum it up, if you are a fan of psychological drama that brilliantly explores human relationships, emotions, and the intricacies of the human heart, Oniisama e… is a must-watch. Its surreal art style, mesmerizing soundtrack, deeply moving plot, and intricate characterizations make it a timeless masterpiece that would be an excellent addition to your anime collection.

Now for the final verdict: should you rent, buy or stream Oniisama e…? Given its depth, it deserves more than a one-time watch. So buy or stream it; either way, having it at your disposal for a repeat watch will be worth it.

Oniisama e… is not just an anime. It’s an experience. An emotional journey that leaves you touched, moved, and changed in profound ways, echoing within you even long after the screen fades to black.

Oniisama e...
7.84 / 10 Reviewer
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Pros
Oniisama e... boasts a complex and emotionally driven narrative that delves into deep themes like friendship, ambition, self-discovery, and societal pressure. The artistic animation style and unique characterization, along with its engaging plot, distinguishes it from conventional anime, contributing to a memorable viewing experience.
Cons
The anime Oniisama e... might be off-putting for some viewers due to its dated animation style. Despite its complex themes and intricate character development, the pacing can feel slow and the plot overly dramatic at times.
Summary
Oniisama e... is a daring, emotionally charged anime that challenges the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The series dives headfirst into themes of friendship, love, betrayal and the pains of adolescence. With its compelling character arcs and artistic attention to detail, it's a roller-coaster ride of emotions, promising to leave the audience deeply moved and introspecting long after it ends.
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