Every adolescent that has ever had to take the first difficult step of leaving behind the outgrown world they have become so accustomed to will be able to feel at least a slight pang of nostalgia as they watch this anime.
Based off its popular manga (a Japanese comic) counterpart, it is a story that is revolved mainly around five young adults at an art college in Tokyo as it takes us with them on their journeys of love, friendship, self-discovery and their never-ending search for questions that may never have answers.
The first thing one will notice when watching Honey & Clover aka Hachikuro is the lovely art which is pleasing to the eye and at times breathtaking to behold as the vivid colors add a vibrant edge to every scene regardless of the setting. Soft pastels are also used widely throughout the series ensuring that ones eyes are never strained to enjoy the art. The typical anime style is obvious but before brushing it off as another cartoon unfit for adult consumption, one should give it a chance and allow themselves to be immersed in this well balanced art form. It is comical enough to entertain yet serious and grounded enough to be taken seriously.
Another thing that will catch ones attention is the soundtrack which is used throughout the series. Though the songs are limited and do not provide as much variety as other anime series it is nevertheless enthralling. Every song is used perfectly to set the mood and emotion of the scene. There are fast tracks that excite you as the characters are thrown into frenzies caused by everyday dilemmas and then there are melancholy tunes to make your heart ache for the trials and tribulations faced by each one as well.
It should be noted that the plot may not appeal to those who have yet to reach puberty as it lacks the ever popular super hero-evil villain cut and paste storyline. However, for teenagers struggling to decide where they stand, as a child or an adult, and young adults attempting to make something of themselves as well as those who have lived life and watched it pass them by ? this series will be able to transport them to a world they may share with characters that will make them laugh, cry and dream of the possibilities the world had and has to offer them.
As wonderful as the entire series proved to be though, there were times the episodes seemed frustratingly repetitive and draggy. Also, not having a main character for one to follow and pursue through the plot can confuse one at times and wish the series would choose one character for us to feel for and connect with rather than spreading itself thin over five to eight different characters of varying importance.
Personally the only thing that caused me to be honestly miffed was the unfulfilling ending of the series that provided no substantial conclusion and was left up in the air for the audience to endlessly mull over. Naturally this couldn’t be helped as the series was based off its manga that, at the time, had not been concluded yet.
Fortunately, at the time of submitting this review the manga has been concluded and a sequel to this series has been produced to pick up where it ended too abruptly. Hopefully, the quality of entertainment shall maintain that of its predecessor while providing the audience with a more satisfying and acceptable ending.
Rating: B+