The appeal and reviews of "KURENAI": A vivid story and deep characters

"KURENAI": A story of youth torn between darkness and light

"KURENAI" is a TV anime series based on the light novel by Katayama Kentaro, which aired from April 4 to June 20, 2008. It was directed by Matsuo Kou, animated by Brain's Base, and produced by the "KURENAI" Production Committee, which consists of Shueisha, Pony Canyon, and Yomiko Advertising. While this is a coming-of-age drama depicting the meeting and growth of a boy and girl, it also delves deeply into the dark side of society and human conflict.

story

The story of "KURENAI" begins with the meeting of Shinkuro Kurenai, a high school student attending Seiryo Academy, and Murasaki Kuhouin, the daughter of the wealthy Kuhouin family. Shinkuro dreams of an ordinary life while earning a living as a dispute resolution specialist with a dark past. Meanwhile, Murasaki is an unusual girl who grew up without knowing the outside world, and has a strong will to rebel against her fate. The story depicts the process in which the two meet and, as if looking into a mirror, face each other and find what they need to protect.

While protecting himself with a polite smile, Shinkurou continues to question the meaning of "red," the color that symbolizes his strength. Although Murasaki rebels at being treated like a child, her encounter with Shinkurou leads her to confront her own sense of justice. The two are depicted as growing up together, supporting each other, transcending the boundaries between child and adult, and man and woman.

character

The protagonist, Shinkuro Kurenai, is voiced by Miyuki Sawashiro. Shinkuro is a first-year student at Seiryo Academy, but works as a trouble-shooter. She seeks a normal life after her tragic upbringing, but struggles with her own strength. Kuouin Murasaki, voiced by Aoi Yuki, is a girl who grew up as the daughter of a wealthy family, but has a strong will that rebels against her fate. Her cheerfulness and honesty add brightness and depth to the story.

Other unique characters that color the story include Kuzutsuki Yuno (Shintani Ryoko), who is like an older sister to Shinkurou and knows his past, his childhood friend Murakami Ginko (Masu Nozomu), and residents of Samidare Villa Muto Tamaki (Sanada Asami), Yamie (Kimura Haruka), Yawazawa Akane (Ishige Sawa), Inuzuka Yayoi (Okubo Aiko), and Kuuhouin Renjo (Kuroda Takuya), the current head of the Kuuhouin family.

Production background and staff

Kurenai is based on a light novel by Katayama Kentaro, with illustrations by Yamamoto Yamato. The director, series composition and sound director is Matsuo Ko, assistant director is Yamazaki Mitsue, character design and general animation director is Ishii Kumi. Art director is Arai Kazuhiro, 3D works by Sasaki Kentaro, costume design by Fuji Jun, plot design by Taiga Hiroyuki, color design by Furuichi Yuichi, director of photography Okuma Yoshiaki, editing by Tamura Yuri, music by Muramatsu Ken, sound effects and music selection by Yamada Minoru, sound producer Nakano Toru, sound production by HALF H・P ​​STUDIO. Producers are Daisuki Makoto, Shinozaki Shinya, Takatori Masashi, and Ikeda Shinichi, and animation producer is Tokoha Midori.

Broadcast information

"KURENAI" was broadcast from April 4th to June 20th, 2008. It was broadcast on Chiba TV, tvk, Teletama, TV Osaka, TV Aichi, and Kids Station, and the broadcast times differed for each station. Chiba TV aired it every Thursday from 26:00 to 26:30, tvk aired it every Thursday from 26:15 to 26:45, Teletama aired it every Saturday from 25:30 to 26:00, TV Osaka aired it every Saturday from 26:40 to 27:10, TV Aichi aired it every Wednesday from 25:58 to 26:28, and Kids Station aired it every Tuesday from 24:00 to 24:30. It is made up of 12 episodes, each 30 minutes long.

Theme songs and music

The opening theme is "Love Jump", with lyrics and vocals by Minami Kuribayashi, and music and arrangement by Daisuke Kikuta. The ending themes are "crossing days" and "Tenohira no Taiyo", both of which were written, composed, arranged and sung by Yoshiko Shintani. These songs are important elements that add to the atmosphere of the story.

Evaluation and Impressions

"KURENAI" is not only a coming-of-age drama, but is also highly regarded as a work that depicts the dark side of society and human conflict. In particular, the relationship between Shinkurou and Murasaki and the careful portrayal of the growth of each character are highly praised. In addition, the direction of Director Ko Matsuo and the artwork of Brain's Base are also superb, and the visual beauty is also one of its attractions.

However, some viewers feel that the story is a bit depressing. In particular, it is said that Shinkurou's dark past and the strict rules of the Kuouin family add to the heaviness of the story. Nevertheless, it has touched many viewers as a story in which hope can ultimately be found.

Related Titles

A related work of "Kurenai" is the OVA version "Kurenai OVA". This OVA was produced as a sequel to the TV series, and depicts the new adventures of Shinkuro and Murasaki. For fans, it is a valuable work that allows them to enjoy the continuation of the TV series.

Recommendations and conclusions

"KURENAI" is a work that can be enjoyed as both a youth drama and a social drama. It is especially recommended for those who are interested in the growth of Shinkurou and Murasaki and the relationships between the characters. It is also recommended for those who enjoy the direction of director Matsuo Kou and the artwork of Brain's Base. Although there are some depressing parts, it is a story in which hope can ultimately be found, and will surely move many viewers.

This work is a touching story that depicts the brilliance of youth and the darkness of society. Please give it a watch.