Ao Haru Ride: A thorough review of a story of youthful reunion and growth

Ao Haru Ride - A story of youthful reunion and growth

"Ao Haru Ride" is a TV anime series based on the popular manga by Io Sakisaka, and was broadcast on TOKYO MX from July 9 to September 24, 2014. This 12-episode work is a touching story about the reunion and growth of young people. Here, we will take a closer look at the appeal and highlights of "Ao Haru Ride," as well as the attention to detail of the production team behind it.

Story Summary

The main character of "Ao Haru Ride" is a high school student named Yoshioka Futaba. She reunites with Mabuchi Kou, a boy she had a crush on in middle school, and her heart begins to move again. Futaba tried to change herself in middle school and played a new role in high school, but when she reunites with Kou, she is forced to face her true self. The story centers around the relationship between Futaba and Kou, and depicts their interactions with their friends and their growth.

Character Introduction

Futaba Yoshioka

The protagonist is a high school sophomore. Although she pretends to be a bright and sociable person, she is actually an introverted and sensitive person. After reuniting with Mabuchi Kou, she begins to face herself.

Mabuchi Ko

Futaba's first love. He is a member of the track and field club in high school and gives off a cool and silent impression, but deep down he has feelings for Futaba.

Matsuoka Mimi

Futaba's best friend, she has a bright and cheerful personality. She supports Futaba when she's worried and watches over her growth.

Tanaka Daiki

A classmate of Futaba's, she has feelings for her. She is cheerful and caring towards her friends, and is someone who heals Futaba's heart.

Highlights of the anime

A realistic portrayal of youth

"Ao Haru Ride" depicts the bittersweetness and sorrows of youth in a realistic way. Viewers will be able to recall their own youth through Futaba's inner conflict, the changes in her relationship with Kou, and her interactions with her friends. In particular, the scenes in which Futaba confronts herself will surely touch the hearts of many viewers.

Beautiful visuals

Production IG's animation faithfully replicates the beautiful art style of the original. The detailed background and character designs enhance the story with visual beauty. The scenes with Futaba and Kou are particularly impressive, with impressive use of color and light, visually conveying the movements of emotions.

The power of music

The music of "Ao Haru Ride" is also one of its great charms. The opening theme, "Seishun wa Hanabi no Youni" (Youth is Like Fireworks), sings of the brilliance and transience of youth, touching the hearts of viewers. The ending theme, "Tsumanai Kotoba" (Tsuma nai kotoba), also has a melody that gently encapsulates Futaba's feelings, deepening the moving story. The background music is also used in line with the development of the story, playing a role in bringing out the emotions of the viewer.

The production team's commitment

Director: Ai Yoshimura

Ai Yoshimura, the director of "Ao Haru Ride", respected the worldview of the original work while pursuing her own unique expression. In particular, she focused on portraying Futaba's inner thoughts, and tried various methods to visually express her growth. She also carefully depicted the relationships between the characters and the changes in their emotions, allowing viewers to get deeply involved in the story.

Animation production: Production IG

Production IG paid close attention to detail in order to recreate the beautiful art style of the original work in animation. In particular, they spent a lot of time and effort on the design of the backgrounds and characters, pursuing visual beauty. They also worked closely with the original author, Io Sakisaka, to ensure the atmosphere of the original work was not destroyed.

Comparison with the original

Ao Haru Ride is originally a manga by Io Sakisaka, serialized in Shueisha's Bessatsu Margaret. The original story focuses on the relationship between Futaba and Kou, depicting their growth and interactions with their friends. The anime faithfully incorporates the essence of the original work, while bringing out new charms through its visualization. In particular, the portrayal of Futaba's inner thoughts and the changes in her relationship with Kou are depicted in depth in a way that is unique to the anime.

Viewers' reactions

"Ao Haru Ride" has been highly praised by many viewers since it was first broadcast. In particular, many have expressed sympathy for Futaba's growth and the changes in her relationship with Kou. The beautiful visuals and music were also highly praised, making it a work that has captured the hearts of viewers. On social media and review sites, many viewers have commented that the show reminded them of their own youth and moved them.

Reasons for recommendation

"Ao Haru Ride" is a touching story about the reunion and growth of youth. Through Futaba's inner conflict and the changes in her relationship with Kou, viewers will be able to reminisce about their own youth and empathize. In addition, the beautiful visuals and music are also a big attraction, making it a pleasure to watch both visually and aurally. It is recommended not only for those who like youth anime, but also for those who are looking for a touching story.

Related Titles

Here are some related works that we recommend to fans of "Ao Haru Ride".

"Orange"

A touching story about friendship and growth among high school students. It incorporates the science fiction element of time leap, while still providing a realistic portrayal of youth.

"Deliver to You"

The story is about an introverted protagonist who grows through interactions with friends and lovers. Like "Ao Haru Ride," it realistically depicts the bittersweetness and sorrows of youth.

"Hyouka"

This is a popular coming-of-age mystery that depicts the growth and friendship of the main characters while also allowing you to enjoy the element of solving mysteries.

summary

"Ao Haru Ride" is a touching story about the reunion and growth of youth. Through Futaba's inner conflict and the changes in her relationship with Kou, viewers will be able to reminisce about their own youth and empathize. The beautiful visuals and music are also a big attraction, making it a visual and aural pleasure. Recommended for those who like youth anime, as well as those looking for a touching story. Be sure to watch "Ao Haru Ride" and experience the brilliance and transience of youth.