BANANA FISH

BANANA FISH is an anime television series adapted from the manga series of the same name written and illustrated by Akimi Yoshida. The series aired in Japan from July to December 2018 and also streamed on Amazon Video outside Japan. The animated adaption was produced by MAPPA, an animation studio known for producing visually appealing and diverse anime series.

The story opens in New York City, a vibrantly painted setting accurately depicted with a gritty, dark, yet simultaneously glamourous atmosphere. The energy of the city and its people, the high-rising skyscrapers, the squalid alleys, and the crowded streets become a living, thriving character in the series. The landscapes and backgrounds are rendered in lifelike detail to provide a sense of realism and immersion.

The narrative primarily revolves around two main characters, Ash Lynx and Eiji Okumura. Ash is a youthful, charismatic gang leader in New York City who has had a tough life on the streets. Despite his tender age, Ash demonstrates significant cunning and street-smarts, making him a respected and somewhat feared figure in the underworld. His life takes a turn when he comes across a substance that amongst New York's criminal scene is only known by its mysterious codename, 'Banana Fish.'

Eiji Okumura, a kind-hearted Japanese college student and former pole-vaulter, steps into Ash’s realm when he flies to New York as a photographer’s assistant. Eiji’s world-hopping narrative brings an outsider perspective to the inner workings of New York City’s adversarial and dark underbelly. However, his innocent demeanor and outlook captivate Ash, setting the stage for a unique friendship.

This captivating tale pivots around themes of gang warfare, crime syndicates, political turmoil, and the enigmatic 'Banana Fish.' More than that, it delves into the individual monstrosities and occasional compassion of the people involved in those activities. While it has action at its core, BANANA FISH does not shy away from exploring emotional depth and trauma, making it stand out as more than just a typical crime or action thriller show.

The series is both a wild ride through New York’s gritty underworld and a complex exploration of the human experience. The characters in the series, whether heroes or villains, all carry deep, rich backstory that fundamentally shape their ambitions, actions, and relationships. The protagonists deal with mature and often dark themes, including PTSD, drugs, sexual assault, and child exploitation. As such, it’s a series that brings to the table a significant emotional impact.

The art and animation in BANANA FISH are top-notch, encompassing detailed characters' depictions and highly dynamic action sequences. Despite the dark nature of the narrative, the images never lose their vividness or color. The anime beautifully incorporates elements of the manga's 80's aesthetic with modern animation techniques. The series' soundtrack is also commendable, featuring both poignant scores for dramatic moments and upbeat tracks for the action sequences.

BANANA FISH, despite the particularly odd name, thrives on its well-written story, a marvellous mix of gritty realism and harrowing drama, intense character development, and powerful depictions of friendship and love. The show requires viewers to be open to frank and hard-hitting narratives that often venture into the disturbing and uncomfortable; yet, at its core, this is a story about finding connections, retaining humanity, and discovering love in the most unlikely of places.

In a landscape of anime where fantasy and supernatural elements often take center stage, BANANA FISH offers a refreshing and intense exploration of the darker side of reality. It's a gripping tale that takes the viewers on a dramatic journey through the underbelly of New York City, leaving them both fascinated and moved. From beginning to end, BANANA FISH is a testament to the power of narrative and character development, making it a must-watch for anyone seeking a mature and emotionally engaging anime series.