UlasanAnime.com – The series “Save Your Drama, Hitohira” offers a poignant exploration of relationships between a senior and a junior, spanning twelve episodes.
The show’s emotional depth is achieved through a blend of sentimental realism, reminiscent of sweet maple syrup in TV commercials, which, however, also presents a significant challenge.
The core issue with Hitohira lies in the compelling yet peculiar friction among its diverse cast of characters. This is a common trait in anime aiming for a more grounded, believable portrayal. Similar to how well-rendered 3D CG backgrounds can clash with poorly animated 2D foregrounds, the superficially attractive characters in Hitohira’s drama often feel underdeveloped and less impactful.
While anime is inherently a medium of caricature, this exaggeration should ideally enhance the narrative and characterization, not detract from it unless intentionally serving the story. When drama is the focal point, extraneous elements should not interfere. Conversely, when drama is absent, characters shouldn’t act out of character without clear motivation, perhaps due to prevailing trends. This dichotomy made Hitohira a challenging watch initially.
However, the appeal of delicious pancakes is undeniable, and Hitohira can be likened to a well-made pancake, enhanced by the right amount of syrup. While fictional chocolate cakes have their place, the fundamental appeal of pancakes is often more satisfying. Perhaps a topping of Mugi-Choco would further enhance the experience.
Despite previous criticisms, Hitohira’s greatest strength is its depiction of human conflict. It illustrates how individuals, even when in opposition, can be profoundly affected by each other’s actions and subsequently grow from their shared suffering. Unlike the common trope where conflict weakens those who love each other, Hitohira presents a model where individuals become stronger. This is akin to the dynamic between Kazuma and Ryuhou in S-CRY-ed, but in Hitohira, the protagonists experience permanent damage due to their realistic human nature. This type of drama, devoid of fantastical elements, is rare in anime. Its understated yet evident simplicity serves as a powerful tool for an audience seeking compelling drama, allowing Hitohira to truly shine.
(It’s worth noting that while violence has its place, it’s rarely portrayed as genuinely redemptive in animation as it is in live-action media. Therefore, engaging in physical altercations should not be expected to lead to immediate reconciliation.)
From a retrospective view in 2007, Hitohira’s most significant contribution is its role in setting the stage for a year characterized by art-house amateur dramas. These shows, while occasionally sophomoric, possess a unique charm. The artistic vision becomes apparent when creators effectively leverage these elements within their narratives, and Hitohira stands as a prime example of this.
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This marks the fourth installment in a series reviewing anime highlights of 2007. Hitohira is a commendable watch, though perhaps a difficult one to recommend universally, even with qualified praise. It’s a complex piece.
- Introduction
- Part 1 – Makoto Shinkai
- Part 2 – Baccano!
- Part 3 – Sola
- Part 4 – Hitohira
- Part 5 – Gurren Lagann
- Part 6 – Code Geass
- Part 7 – ef, Hidamari Sketch, Sayonara Zetsubo Sensei
- Part 8 – Manabi Straight
- Conclusion
