"Winter Cicada" review: A moving story and beautiful animation

"Winter Cicada": A forbidden love that blossomed during the upheaval of the late Edo period

"Winter Cicada" was released as an OVA in 2007 and is based on a novel by Nitta Yukatsu. This work, which consists of three episodes, depicts the forbidden love between Akizuki Keiichiro, a vassal of the Tokugawa Shogunate, and Kusaka Touma, a samurai of the Choshu clan, against the backdrop of the turbulent times of the late Edo period. Below, we will introduce detailed information and reviews of this work, as well as recommended points.

Overview

■ Public Media

OVA

■ Original Media

novel

■ Release date

February 23, 2007

■Release and sales

Published and distributed by Amuse Soft Entertainment

■Frequencies

half an hour

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 3

■Original Story

Yukatsu Nitta (Published by Libre Publishing)

■ Director

Yoshihisa Matsumoto

■ Production

・Animation Production: VENET
Produced by: "Winter Cicada" Production Committee

■Works

©2006 Yukatsu Nitta, Libre Publishing, "Winter Cicada" Production Committee

Evaluation and appeal of the work

"Winter Cicada" skillfully uses the historical background of the end of the Edo period to depict the conflict between the times and individuals. In particular, the relationship between Akizuki Keiichiro and Kusaka Touma is deeply connected to the historical background and leaves a strong impression on the viewer. Below, we will explain in detail the evaluation and appeal of the work.

Story and Characters

The story of "Winter Cicada" is set in the turbulent times of the end of the Edo period and depicts the love story between two men of different status, a Tokugawa Shogunate vassal and a Choshu clan samurai. The relationship between Akizuki Keiichiro and Kusaka Touma, which begins with their meeting and gradually grows closer to each other, is closely related to the historical background. In particular, the scene where the two meet, the "British Embassy Burning", skillfully incorporates historical events to heighten the tension of the story.

Akizuki Keiichiro is loyal to the shogunate as a vassal, but is conflicted in his feelings for Kusaka Touma, who cannot suppress them. Meanwhile, Kusaka Touma is a supporter of opening up the country and is based in the Choshu clan, but he cannot let go of his love for Akizuki. The portrayal of these two characters is extremely realistic, evoking deep sympathy from the viewer. Sub-characters such as Aizawa Masanoshin also add depth to the story.

Production and video

"Winter Cicada" was directed by Matsumoto Yoshihisa. The director has succeeded in beautifully depicting the love story between the two characters while realistically recreating the historical background. In particular, the depictions of the Edo period cityscapes and battle scenes are visually stunning, drawing the viewer into the world of the story. Additionally, the skills of character designer Onishi Takako and chief animation director Norimi Sonomi have also been highly praised, with the characters' expressions and movements carefully drawn down to the smallest detail.

Art director Goichi Katanozaka's background art is also superb, realistically recreating Japan at the end of the Edo period, and color design by Hitomi Sano is excellent, effectively using vibrant colors to symbolize the love between the two characters in a generally muted color scheme.

Music and Sound

The music of "Winter Cicada" is memorable for the theme song "Winter Cicada", written and composed by Masashi Sada. Morikawa Toshiyuki's singing voice resonates as if it symbolizes the two characters' bittersweet love. In addition, the arrangement by Furuike Takahiro is beautiful, enhancing the overall atmosphere. The sound effects, which were created under the direction of sound director Abe Nobuyuki, are also realistic in the battle scenes and quiet scenes, enhancing the emotions of the viewer.

Recommended points

"Winter Cicada" is an attractive work with a story that skillfully uses historical background, realistic character portrayal, and beautiful images and music. Below, we will introduce the specific recommended points.

A fusion of historical background and story

"Winter Cicada" skillfully uses the historical background of the end of the Edo period to depict the love story between the two characters. In particular, the incorporation of historical events such as the burning of the British Embassy and the Boshin War gives the story realism and tension. The fusion of this historical background and storyline deeply moves the viewer.

Realistic character portrayals

The portrayal of the characters of Keiichiro Akizuki and Touma Kusaka is very realistic and evokes deep empathy from the viewers. In particular, the expressions of their conflicts and love touch the hearts of the viewers. In addition, supporting characters such as Masanobu Aizawa also add depth to the story.

Beautiful images and music

The visuals of "Winter Cicada" are very visually appealing, with beautiful depictions of Edo-period cityscapes and battle scenes. In addition, the theme song "Winter Cicada" by Masashi Sada and the arrangement by Takahiro Furuike are also beautiful, enhancing the overall atmosphere. The sound effects are also realistic, enhancing the emotions of the viewer.

Related works and their appeal

"Winter Cicada" is based on a novel by Yukatsu Nitta, and the related work is "Winter Cicada Special Edition." Below, we will introduce the appeal of the related work.

"Winter Cicada Special Edition"

"Winter Cicada Special Edition" is a re-edited version of the OVA version, depicting the love story between the two characters from a deeper perspective. In particular, it describes the relationship between Akizuki Keiichiro and Kusaka Touma, as well as the historical background of the end of the Edo period in more detail, making it a work that will give you a deeper understanding of the OVA version. Watching this special edition after watching the OVA version will deepen your understanding of the story.

summary

"Winter Cicada" skillfully uses the historical background of the end of the Edo period to depict the forbidden love between two people. This work, with its realistic character portrayals, beautiful visuals, and music, is recommended for history buffs and romance lovers. Also, be sure to watch the related work "Winter Cicada Special Edition" to deepen your understanding of the story. "Winter Cicada" is a wonderful work that gives viewers deep emotion and empathy.