AMNESIA review: A moving story that unravels the mystery of memory loss

AMNESIA - Amnesia - Full review and recommendation

Overview

"AMNESIA" is a TV anime series that aired in 2013, originally based on a game by Otomate (Idea Factory/Design Factory). It consists of 12 episodes, directed by Yoshimitsu Ohashi and animated by Brain's Base. The story follows the protagonist, who suddenly loses his memory and goes on a journey to recover it.

■Broadcast information

"AMNESIA" aired from January 8 to March 26, 2013. It was available on the following channels:

• TOKYO MX: Tuesdays 24:30 - 25:00
• Television Kanagawa: Tuesdays 25:30-26:00
• Sun TV: Tuesdays from 24:35 to 25:05
• KBS Kyoto: Tuesdays 25:00-25:30
• TV Aichi: Tuesdays 25:35-26:05
• BS11: Wednesdays from 24:00 to 24:30
• AT-X: Mondays 23:30 - 24:00

■ Story

On August 1st, the protagonist regains consciousness in an unfamiliar place, but has lost all memories from before August 1st. While he has no idea who he is, where he is, or what he was doing, a boy named Orion who calls himself a "spirit" appears. With Orion's guidance, the protagonist begins to act in a way that hides his memory loss.

Gradually, the relationships around him begin to emerge. He meets his childhood friend, a senior, and a lover, all of whose names and faces he doesn't know. The protagonist, who has lost his memory, feels their feelings keenly, but is unable to respond to them. As fragments of past memories occasionally return and crises suddenly occur, the story becomes intricately intertwined. The protagonist's journey continues, as he searches for the answers that lie beyond his lost memories.

■Cast

The protagonist is played by Kaori Nazuka, Shin is played by Tetsuya Kakihara, Ikki is played by Kisho Taniyama, Kent is played by Akira Ishida, Toma is played by Satoshi Hino, Ukyo is played by Yuki Miyata, Orion is played by Hiromi Igarashi, Sawa is played by Satomi Moriya, Mine is played by Kana Akutsu, Rika is played by Seiko Yoshida, and Waka is played by Hidenori Takahashi.

■ Main staff

The original work was by Otomate (Idea Factory/Design Factory), the director was Yoshimitsu Ohashi, the character design was Maho Yoshikawa, the series composition was by Doko Machida, the music was by Yoshiaki Dewa, the sound director was Satoki Iida, the animation was by Brain's Base, and the series was produced by the "AMNESIA" Production Committee.

■ Main Characters

The protagonist is a girl who suddenly loses all her memories one day. Not understanding herself or the people around her, she acts while hiding her memory loss in order to recover her lost memories. Shin is the protagonist's childhood friend, and although he is younger, he is reliable, smart, but has a cold personality. Ikki is the protagonist's senior at the part-time job, and has a unique constitution that makes him popular like an idol. Kent is a graduate student in the mathematics department at the same university as Ikki, and is a strict person who thinks rationally about everything. Toma is the protagonist and Shin's childhood friend, and is a bright and refreshing older brother figure. Ukyo is a mysterious young man who appears in front of the protagonist and confuses the protagonist with his inexplicable words and actions. Orion is a spirit from another world who is trapped in the protagonist's heart and helps him recover his memories. Sawa is the protagonist's coworker at the part-time job, and is a lively, talkative, and reliable presence. Mine is the protagonist's junior at the part-time job, and has a devilish personality. Rika is a mysterious woman who is infatuated with Ikki, and Waka is the manager of Meido no Hitsuji, where the protagonist works part-time.

■Subtitle

The subtitles of each episode are as follows:

• I
• II
• III.
• IV
• V
• Ⅵ
• VII
• VIII
• Ⅸ
• X
• Ⅺ
• Ⅻ

■ Theme songs and music

The opening theme "Zoetrope" was written and sung by Nagi Yanagi, and composed and arranged by Shinya Saito. The ending theme "Recall" was written by Mami Kawada, composed and arranged by Maiko Iuchi, and sung by Ray. The ending theme of the final episode, "Hoshigami no Wataridori" was written and sung by Nagi Yanagi, and composed and arranged by Shinya Saito.

■Review

"AMNESIA" is a work that centers around the theme of memory loss, and its unique setting is what draws viewers in. The story begins with the protagonist losing his memory, so viewers can experience the sensation of regaining their memories along with the protagonist. In particular, the presence of the spirit Orion provides a perspective that watches over the protagonist from inside his mind, adding depth to the story.

The characters are also portrayed very carefully, with each character's background and feelings depicted in detail. The male characters, Shin, Ikki, Kent, Toma, and Ukyo, each have their own unique charms and diverse relationships with the protagonist. In particular, the individuality of each character enriches the story, such as the bond between Shin and Toma as childhood friends, the changes in human relationships due to Ikki's unique condition, the conflict between Kent's rational thinking and emotions, and Ukyo's mysterious behavior.

The female characters are also attractive, adding color to the story with Sawa's cheerfulness, Mine's devilish personality, Rika's mysterious presence, Waka's peculiar behavior, etc. In particular, Sawa's consideration for the protagonist and Mine's actions that show she is aware of her cuteness are elements that make her appealing to viewers.

Music is also an important element in enhancing the atmosphere of the work. Yanagi Nagi's "Zoetrope" is a beautiful melody that symbolizes the protagonist's unstable mind, making it a very memorable opening theme. The ending themes "Recall" and "Hoshizora no Watari-dori" also bring out the emotions appropriate to each scene. In particular, "Hoshizora no Watari-dori" is a song that further enhances the emotion of the final episode.

The animation by Brain's Base is of high quality, and the beautiful visuals by character designer Maho Yoshikawa are visually pleasing. In particular, the attention to detail in the drawings is superb, including the changes in the protagonist's facial expressions and the movements that reflect the individuality of each character.

The story is cleverly developed, and as fragments of memory are gradually revealed, it draws in the viewer's interest. The pace of the story is particularly good, with flashbacks of past memories and sudden crises, so it never gets boring. The build-up to the final episode is also impressive, and it keeps viewers hooked until the very end as they wonder what the "answer" lies beyond the lost memories.

■Recommendation

"AMNESIA" is a work centered around the theme of memory loss, and is highly recommended for viewers who enjoy mystery and romance. In particular, Orion's perspective, which watches over the protagonist from inside his mind, and the carefully drawn personalities and backgrounds of each character are appealing. Also not to be missed are the beautiful music and high-quality animation. This work, which depicts the complexities of human relationships and the subtleties of emotions through a journey to recover memories, will leave viewers deeply moved and satisfied.

It is also recommended for those who have played the original "AMNESIA" game. While the anime version is based on the game's story, it adds new perspectives and developments, so even fans of the original will find something new. In particular, the portrayal of the relationships and feelings of each character has been deepened, which should provide a fresh experience even for fans of the original.

It is also recommended for those who are interested in the theme of memory loss or who want to enjoy a mystery element. The story unfolds in a very interesting way, such as the truth that is revealed as the protagonist regains his memory and the changes in the relationships around him, and it keeps viewers hooked until the end. In addition, there are plenty of romance elements, and as the relationship with each character deepens, the viewer's emotions are stirred.

"AMNESIA" is a work centered around the theme of memory loss, and its unique setting, deep character portrayals, beautiful music and high-quality artwork are its attractions. It is a work that can be recommended to a wide range of people, including viewers who enjoy mystery and romance, fans of the original game, and those who are interested in the theme of memory loss. Please experience this moving story.