Blue Drop

Blue Drop is a surreal science fiction anime series that was released in 2007, based on a manga series by Yoshitomi Akihito. The show explores themes of alien invasion, memory loss, and romantic relationships within a girls' school setting. Its unique take on the universe, the psychological depth of the characters, and their interpersonal relationships makes it a fascinating watch for every anime lover.

Blue Drop’s plot centers on a young girl named Mari Wakatake. Mari lives a relatively carefree life till a tragic event happens, and she is sent to live at the Grand Kaguya, an island academy for girls. This event plays a critical role, as the implications of it continue to cause disturbances in Mari’s life. She must grapple with memory loss regarding an episode from her past and simultaneously contend with her relocation to a new environment. This forms the initial plot upon which the rest of the story is built.

The island school, where the majority of the series takes place, turns out to be anything but ordinary. The eerie, gothic, and classic appearances of the building give subtle clues towards the extraordinary phenomena that would be unveiled as the series progresses.

A crucial element to the plot is introduced with the arrival of Hagino Senkoji- a seemingly quiet girl who holds a secret of her own. Hagino is not only the student council president but also the commander of an alien spaceship which is part of the Arume fleet- a force of alien invaders who have traveled to Earth from an unknown planet. This revelation soon overruns Mari's personal struggles, taking the series in a more scifi, thrilling direction.

The anime is especially notable for its delicate portrayal of the romantic relationship that blossoms between Mari and Hagino. The girls' bond is subtly nuanced and evolves gradually, with the series exploring the difficulties their friendship encounters amid the trauma of their pasts and the secrets they inevitably carry.

The series also thoroughly examines the concept of alien invasion, utilizing it to drive the plot and spring surprises on the audience at pivotal moments. The alien characters in Blue Drop are not merely antagonists but individuals with motives and emotions that the series delves into, adding a layer of complexity to the typical good versus evil plotline.

Visually, Blue Drop is stunning. High-quality animation is complemented by stunning art design, in particular, the use of color and creative framing gives a surreal and dream-like feel to the presentation. Superior sound effects are seamlessly integrated into the anime, further enhancing its eerie and atmospheric tone.

The character development in this series is commendable for both the main and secondary characters. Each character goes through their struggles, which ultimately contribute to their overall growth. The intimate relationships between the characters and the psychological dilemmas they face add depth to the narrative. Furthermore, despite the major subplot revolving around alien invasion, the show is character-driven, making the viewer more invested in the characters than the actual events they are embroiled in.

Although primarily a serious drama, the series isn't devoid of humour, typically sourced from the interactions of various characters on the ship. Blue Drop also includes elements of suspense and action, particularly in the latter half of the series, when the conflict against the alien invaders intensifies. These elements work well to maintain viewer interest while pushing the story forward.

In conclusion, Blue Drop is a unique amalgamation of themes rarely seen together in anime: girls' school drama, psychological exploration, alien invasions, and understated yuri romance. This amalgamation and the anime's general execution provide it with a distinctive charm, making it a must-watch for anime enthusiasts who appreciate depth in their shows. The interpersonal dynamics, the multi-layered characters, as well as the psychological and emotional elements effectively create a captivating storyline that keeps its audience hooked till the end. It's an anime that takes some risks, and they largely pay off, resulting in a surprisingly moving, thought-provoking spectacle.