The appeal and reviews of "Sequence": Exploring the depth of the story and characters

"Sequence": A coming-of-age story about memory and the future

Overview

"Sequence" is an OVA released by Toshiba EMI on March 18, 1992. It is based on a manga by Ken Mizuki and published by Shinshokan Wings Comics. The story begins with high school student Toshiaki Tsuzuki losing his memory in an explosion of unknown origin and having a dream in the future where he is called "Sairan". Directed by Naohito Takahashi, the story unfolds in one episode, 45 minutes long.

■ Story

The story of "Sequence" centers around the theme of memory loss, depicting youth and anxiety about the future. The protagonist, Toshiaki Tsuzuki, loses his memory of the past due to an accident and begins to have dreams about a person called "Sairan" in the future. These dreams may hint at something that lies deep within his heart. Then, a mysterious transfer student appears at Toshiaki's school, causing new upheaval in his life. His encounter with the transfer student accelerates Toshiaki's search for memories and the future.

The story unfolds as Shunmei's everyday life and the world of his dreams intertwine. The future world he sees in his dreams unfolds on a different timeline than reality, where Shunmei plays an important role as a being called "Sairan." What does the name "Sairan" mean, and why is Shunmei called by that name? The viewer is drawn into the story to unravel the mystery.

The people around Shunmyo also play an important role. In particular, transfer student Tsukasa Higashino, classmates Kara and Megumi Morio, each of whom holds the key to Shunmyo's recovery. Through his interactions with them, Shunmyo gradually comes to terms with his past and searches for a path to the future.

■Cast

The cast of "Sequence" is made up of voice actors selected to bring out the individuality of each character. Sasaki Nozomu, who plays the main character Tsuzuki Toshiaki, realistically expresses the anxiety and hope of a young man who has lost his memory. Nakamura Taiki, who plays the transfer student Higashino Tsukasa, charmingly plays an enigmatic character, catching the viewer's interest. Katsuo Masako, who plays Kara, portrays a character who combines kindness and strength, while Amano Yuri, who plays Morio Megumi, gives an excellent performance as a bright and energetic character. The supporting cast, including Takizawa Kumiko as Toshiaki's mother, Suzuki Katsumi as his homeroom teacher, and Mitsuishi Kotono as female student A, also add excitement to the story.

■ Main staff

The main staff of "Sequence" have succeeded in faithfully recreating the worldview of the original work while bringing out its appeal as a visual work. The original author, Mizuki Ken, has written a story that delves deeply into the themes of youth and memory, and director Takahashi Naohito has directed the story with meticulous attention to detail in order to visualize that worldview. In particular, the direction is distinctive in that it blurs the boundary between the dream world and the real world, drawing the viewer into the story while they become lost in the process.

■Subtitle

The subtitles of "Sequence" are set according to the progression of the story and symbolize the theme of each episode. Prologue introduces Shunmei's memory loss and the dream world, while Daily School Life depicts his interactions with the people around him. "I Want to Go Back to That Day" emphasizes Shunmei's thoughts about his past, while PROBABILITY suggests possibilities for the future. With Dizzying Feelings... depicts Shunmei's inner workings, while Conflict heightens the tension in the relationships around him. Enveloped by a Gentle Breeze depicts a scene in which Shunmei faces his own heart in a quiet moment, while Memory gradually reveals his past. Thoughts express Shunmei's innermost feelings, while SEQUENCE - I Love You Again marks the climax of the story. These subtitles not only make it easier for viewers to follow the flow of the story, but also help them to understand the themes of each episode more deeply.

■ Evaluation and recommendation

"Sequence" is a work that depicts universal themes of youth and memory, but its unique story development, in which the dream world and the real world intersect, is what makes it so appealing. In particular, the protagonist, Tsuzuki Toshiaki, has lost his memory, but he gradually comes to terms with his past and searches for a path to the future, which strongly appeals to viewers. In addition, each character has a distinct personality, and Toshiaki's growth through his interactions with them is depicted realistically.

This work is especially recommended for those who like youth anime and science fiction anime. The theme of memory loss will evoke viewers' own thoughts about the past and future. In addition, the story, which intertwines the dream world and the real world, will allow viewers to enjoy the story from a new perspective. In addition, the portrayal of each character's personality and relationships is also not to be missed. By following how Toshiaki grows through his interactions with the people around him, viewers will be able to look back on their own youth.

"Sequence" is an original video animation (OVA) from 1992, but it still has a timeless appeal. Please experience this youthful story about memories and the future with this work.