Yes, you read that right and yes, I am willing to go there. Many people compare this anime to school days but no, this is definitely better than that. Like, stuff shown in Kuzu no Honkai is very much possible and may have even happened to someone in real life. I know this is very divisive anime but, you can’t argue that this anime is great at making you feel uncomfortable and that is exactly its purpose.
So well, welcome back to another edition of our anime recommendation series. This week we are talking about the highly divisive Kuzu no Honkai. Before we begin, I understand if you dont like the series, not everyone is comfortable with stuff like this so… I personally think this anime is good at what it wants to do. I mean people are ok with Domestic na Kannojo so why not this? With that said, let’s start away.
Introduction
Kuzu no Honkai is based on the manga of the same name by Yokoyari Mengo. The manga is now over but the anime only covers about 1/13-1/2 of the manga and it is unlikely that it will get a 2nd season. Anyway, Kuzu no Honkai is made by the studio, Lerche and it aired in the winter of 2017. The anime is only 12 episodes long but, I promise that the 12 episodes will feel much longer.
Kuzu no Honkai is a well…”romantic” anime. This is one of the very few anime that is very painful to watch for me. That goes to show how well the series was directed and presented. They probably knew that it will be divisive anime and yet, they spared no effort in making it. Kuzu no Honkai is really good man, everyone should check it out at least once.
Plot
Kuzu no Honkai follows Mugi and Hanabi. They appear like a perfect couple on the surface but both of them are only together because they share the same pains. You see, they both love people they know they can’t be with. Mugi and Hanabi met by chance and realized the other’s pain. They are only together to stave off each other’s loneliness through physical intimacy.
Who do Mugi and Hanabi love? Well, it is 2 of their teachers. Their pain grows even more when the teachers start going out together. Yeah, I know that is twisted. It doesn’t stop there either, there are other people who one-sidedly like Mugi and Hanabi as well. And that is exactly how Kuzu no Honkai works. The plot is deliberately presented in a “slow” manner, making sure it cuts even deeper. You actually feel for Mugi and Hanabi, while they are not really innocent, you start to feel their pain after a while.
Characters
Mugi and Hanabi are extremely well-written characters. There is not much in terms of character development here but, their perspectives are presented in a really good way. I like how they chose to let the voice actors narrate the character’s thoughts and feelings regarding a particular situation. Kuzu no Honkai really does a good job of making you feel depressed and uncomfortable. The regular narrations from the characters really play an important part in that.
Animations and Soundtracks
The animations and art styles are beautiful. I really like the art style, it seriously does help in drilling the point of Kuzu no Honkai in. The art style is rather dull in color which really fits the depressing tone of the series. The soundtracks of course follow the same course; this anime really likes hurting you and it is good at it.
Why should you watch Kuzu no Honkai?
Here are some quick pointers on why you should check out this anime:
- Really short
- Good plot
- Good characters
- Depressing af
Conclusion
Well, that’s all for now. Let me know what you guys think in the comments. I really do like Kuzu no Honkai for what it is, and I feel some people may find it relatable. With that said though, I will take my leave here. See ya!
