After the Rain

After the Rain, originally titled Koi wa Ameagari no You ni, is a strikingly poignant Japanese anime television series that aired in 2018. The show is based on the fascinating manga series of the same name created by Jun Mayuzuki. This touching series, which was brought to life by the acclaimed Wit Studio, skillfully evokes emotions and thoughts that quiver on the delicate line of love and empathy.

The narrative centers around a compelling high-school student, Akira Tachibana, a taciturn young woman who was once part of her school's track team. However, her promising career was abruptly cut short due to sustaining a serious injury. This drastic occurrence in her life has left her desolate and crestfallen, leading to her withdrawal from other social activities. In the midst of her loneliness and despair, she finds an unlikely source of comfort and consolation in an unexpected place - a local family restaurant - and, more precisely, in its middle-aged manager, Masami Kondo.

Masami Kondo is portrayed as a mild-mannered man, beleaguered by the mundanities of his life. Divorced and with a son to care for, he often finds himself questioning his life's value. However, his seemingly ordinary world takes an unexpected turn when Akira enters it, displaying deeply felt emotions towards him that are more than that of a mere employee, bringing him comfort and tranquillating his solitude.

The series invites the viewer into examining the complexity of emotions that exist outside traditional societal norms. It ventures into exploring the topic of love between people with significantly different ages and life experiences while handling it with a light touch, focusing more on emotional depth than physical inclination. It further enriches the story by weaving in sub-narratives that detail the personal growth and transformation of each character.

The animation of After the Rain is impeccable, with its ethereal atmosphere and mesmerizing palette adding another layer of emotional depth. The series' ability to create a captivating backdrop filled with soft lighting, breezy winds, and gentle rain showers only enhances the overall sentimentality and ambience. This careful attention to detail does not end with the visuals; the keen attention applied to the series' sound and music also plays a key role in setting the emotional tone. The musical score sways effectively between modes according to the storyline's rhythmic shifts, thus becoming an integral part of the narrative.

While a significant part of the series relies on monologues to express feelings, primarily from Akira's perspective, it uses character development and interactions to carry the storyline forward. Instead of focusing on dramatic effects or shocking developments, the show takes a contemplative approach to its narrative. It moves at an unhurried pace, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in the nuanced emotions being portrayed.

A noteworthy aspect of After the Rain is its careful character development. It eschews the usual clichés, developing its leading personalities and supporting characters with depth. Akira's calm and composed exterior hides her youthful naivety and passionate feelings, while Masami seems like an everyday man but is actually a person with dreams and passions that got lost in life's hardships. The series does a commendable job of introducing characters and making their experiences resonate with the viewers, showcasing their struggles, growth, and redemptions ebulliently.

After the Rain notably handles the themes of unrequited love, personal growth, and the search for self-esteem with sensitivity. It beautifully encapsulates themes of youth, age, dreams, love, and the fascinating ways they intersect, showing how they shape individuals, their relationships, and their outlooks on life. The exploration of these themes is layered, enlightening the viewers on the complexity of human emotions and relationships and leaving them with a blend of whimsical sadness, warmth, and hope.

In its essence, After The Rain is a story of chemistry, connection, and empathy that blossoms between two individuals who are worlds apart by societal standards yet are bound by shared loneliness and a sense of shared understanding. With its melancholic tone highlighted by picturesque aesthetics and soothing music, this series holds the power to evoke a storm of emotions in its viewers.

In conclusion, After the Rain, subtly explores the depth and complexity of human emotions and relationships, making it a must-watch for those who appreciate meaningful anime shows that leave an indelible mark. The show unravels the beauty of love and life in unexpected ways, thus shattering the clichés often associated with the genre, all the while leaving the viewer in contemplation.