Boogiepop Doesn't Laugh 2019 Edition: Exploring the Charm of the Abyss and Modern Interpretations

Boogiepop Doesn't Laugh (2019 Edition) - The Darkness of the Abyss and the Light of Youth

The TV anime series "Boogiepop Doesn't Laugh," which aired in 2019, is based on the light novel by Kohei Kamiya, and its unique worldview and profound themes have attracted many viewers. Here, we will take a closer look at the appeal of this work, its background, and recommended points for viewers.

Overview

■ Public Media

TV anime series

■ Original Media

Light novel

■ Broadcast period

January 4, 2019 - March 29, 2019
From 21:00

■Broadcasting station

TOKYO MX, AT-X

■Frequencies

half an hour

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 18

■Original Story

Kohei Ueno

■ Director

Natsume Shingo

■ Production

・Animation Production: Madhouse

■Works

©2018 Kohei Kadono / KADOKAWA ASCII Media Works / Boogiepop Doesn't Laugh Production Committee

Story and Themes

"Boogiepop Doesn't Laugh" is a story about the mysterious being "Boogiepop" that is spoken of as an urban legend, and the darkness in the hearts of adolescent boys and girls. The story revolves around the protagonist, Touka Miyashita, who awakens as "Boogiepop" and fights to protect people from abnormal beings. However, the true appeal of this work is not just hero action, but the fact that it delves deeply into the conflicts of youth and the complexities of human relationships.

Each episode tells the story from the perspective of a different character, carefully depicting their inner thoughts and relationships. In particular, the anxieties and fears unique to adolescence, and the growth required to overcome them, are depicted realistically, evoking strong empathy in the viewer. In addition, the confrontation with "darkness" symbolized by Boogiepop's existence symbolizes the light and shadow of youth, giving the story a profound theme.

character

Each character in this work has a unique personality and a deep background. Below are the main characters.

• Touka Miyashita (Boogiepop) : The main character, a girl who awakens as Boogiepop. Her inner conflict and growth are at the center of the story.
• Saijo Hinako : Fujika's best friend and the only person who knows her secret. The changes in Fujika are depicted from her perspective.
• Shizuo Morii : A boy who pursues the mysterious entity "MPLS." The story depicts the abnormal phenomenon and its solution from his perspective.
• Boogiepop : A character spoken of as an urban legend. He is depicted fighting against darkness to protect people.

Animation and performance

The animation of "Boogiepop Doesn't Laugh" is a highlight of Madhouse's high-quality production. In particular, the effective use of contrast between light and dark visually expresses the theme of the work and leaves a strong impression on the viewer. In addition, the characters' expressions and movements are drawn in detail, making their inner changes feel realistic.

Director Natsume Shingo faithfully recreates the worldview of the original work while adding his own interpretation, giving the work a new appeal. In particular, the structure and development of each episode is designed to attract the viewer's interest and give the story a sense of depth.

Music and Sound

Music is also an important element that enhances the appeal of this work. The opening theme, "Beyond the Blue," has a memorable melody and lyrics that symbolize the anxieties and hopes of youth, and resonates with viewers. The ending theme, "Beyond the Forgetfulness," is a beautiful song that deeply reflects the theme of the story, and draws out the emotions of viewers.

The music in the film also effectively creates the atmosphere of each scene, and in particularly tense scenes, the music heightens the tension of the viewer. The delicate sound design, which reflects the emotions of the characters, also adds depth to the film.

Comparison with the original

The original light novel is characterized by Kohei Kamiya's unique writing style and profound themes, and the anime version faithfully reproduces the worldview of the novel while adding visual expression to bring out new appeal. In particular, the inner thoughts and relationships of the characters, which were only depicted in words in the original work, are realistically expressed in images and sounds in the anime version, leaving a strong impression on viewers.

The anime version also reconstructs episodes from the original manga to keep viewers interested. In particular, the endings and hints of each episode are cleverly placed, drawing viewers deeper into the story.

Recommendation points for viewers

"Boogiepop Doesn't Laugh" is a work that features profound themes depicting the conflicts of youth and the complexities of human relationships, unique characters, and high-quality animation and music. It is especially recommended for the following viewers:

• For fans of teen dramas : The anxieties and fears of adolescence, as well as the growth required to overcome them, are portrayed realistically, evoking strong empathy.
• For those who like mystery and suspense : The developments and hints in each episode are cleverly placed to hold the viewer's interest.
• Those who enjoy profound themes : The theme symbolizing the contrast between darkness and light is deeply depicted and will resonate with viewers.
• For those who want to enjoy high-quality animation : This is a work that highlights Madhouse's high-quality animation and Natsume Shingo's unique direction.

Related works and recommendations

For viewers who enjoyed "Boogiepop Doesn't Laugh," we would also like to recommend the following related works.

• "Boogiepop Doesn't Laugh" (1998 version) : This is an animated version of the same original work, and it is interesting to compare it with the 1998 anime version.
• "Serial Experiments Lain" : A work with profound themes and a unique worldview, it has a common charm with "Boogiepop Doesn't Laugh."
• "Evangelion" : A work that depicts the struggles of youth and profound themes, it resonates deeply with viewers.

Conclusion

"Boogiepop Doesn't Laugh" is a work that features profound themes depicting the conflicts of youth and the complexities of human relationships, unique characters, and high-quality animation and music. Viewers will empathize with the theme that symbolizes the contrast between darkness and light and will be drawn into the depths of the story. Viewers who enjoyed this work should also check out related works.