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A Place further than the universe

Your friendly anime review :p

A place further than the universe (Sora yori mo Tōi Basho) - anime television series by Madhouse directed by Atsuko Ishizuka, written by Jukki Hanada which aired between January to March 2018.




So I watched this beautiful anime back in April when it was still pretty new for the world into this quarantine cycle. Even after 5 months into completing this 13 episode series, everything is still memorable and gives that warm feeling that it deserves to have a review so that more and more people can check it out.


I think If I have to then I would quote this anime with - Simple is the best; because indeed it is the best in the most simple way possible if that makes sense?

PLOT SUMMARY


The story is about four high school girls with completely different personalities and backgrounds coming together, stepping out of their comfort zone, and eventually going on an adventure together. It all starts with Mari Tamaki wanting to feel motivated and to make the most of her youth during her remaining high school time; she starts by saying that she will ditch her school and travel to Tokyo city alone which she never did. Even after preparing for so long, she realized she just couldn't let go of her hesitation.


She later met with a girl named Shirase Kobuchizawa who was kind of an outcast in her class because of her wildest dreams of traveling to Antarctica following her mother's footsteps. Tamaki found Shirase's dream to be so astounding and inspiring. Seeing Shirase being so passionate and determined about her desires Tamaki declared that she would join Shirase on her journey to Antarctica. In the next episodes, the duo is joined by Hinata Miyake and Yuzuki Shiraishi, and thus beginning the girls' journey to Antarctica all with getting to know each other, strengthening their relationships, going through hardships together, and learning the true value of youth.



 

STRONG POSITIVE IMPRESSION:


- Satisfactory one sit finish!


Since it is 13 episode one package; this is one of those anime that will not disappoint you even if you're not a fan of slice of life animes! The character building is so heartfelt that it makes you feel content. If we take Mari as an example who was coming off as very immature and clumsy, developed into more of an evolved version of herself as the episodes progressed. Also, Shirase who was perceived to only have tunnel vision - i.e to reach Antarctica following her mother's footsteps with a hope to see any prints that her mother may have left in that distant land. During that adventure she starts realizing the feeling of having friends and the feeling of not being alone, sharing the joy with the loved one you have - here she had her companions.


( Shirase Kobuchizawa )




So not giving out any major spoilers I would say it finally wraps up with Shirase’s arc in the search for her mother in a heartfelt yet satisfying way that does make you feel full. As soon as it ends you'll realize how the last arc is far superior to what came previously and as such, leaves you with a positive impression.


-ARTWORK:


Honestly though, even by any chance, you are not in here for the story ( which is amazing btw I'm not sure what's not clicking lol) the artwork in the anime is so eye-pleasing. The production house - Madhouse which is known for creating such known works like, Death note, Chihayafuru, Parasyte, One-Punch Man, etc. then we know it's worth getting into especially for artwork. The art uses bright colors like blue and white highlights to complement the energetic and uplifting feel of the overall story which was a brilliant choice.


(MY PERSONAL RATING - 5/5)






There's also a question from me for the creators about the significance of the Ganesha (Hindu god) Statue's placement here and there for a brief moment in the anime. I'm genuinely curious about what those placements of Ganesha statues signify or is it just for an aesthetic purpose? If anyone does know that please let me know!


- Interesting story on how I found this anime:

Actually, no one recommended me this anime but there was this song by a band that I really like called - Time of our life so I randomly stumbled upon a video edit on youtube which was "Time of our life by Day6 as an anime opening" and somehow without even knowing the anime I could still that how well it fits! People in the comment section were also saying how the actual lyrics of the song complements well with the overall story of the anime. Not only that but also how the song is also so Anime-esque so BOOM which compelled me to watch the anime right away.






The lyrics of the song goes:


" A page of our beautiful youth

Let’s write it together

I wanna fill it up

With memories with you

(Come on!) "


So if these lyrics do not summarize the vibe of the anime then I don't what else will. It's Perfect!


Honestly, everyone should check this out as well and drop some positive comments! :))




So, I would like to conclude by saying that go ahead and start with this anime right away without any hesitation! enjoy those cute girls' moments, jam to those opening and ending songs, and if possible sit down with some tissues for some episodes because if only I knew I would have used as well.



OVERALL RATING: 4.5/5

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