Now And Then, Here And There

Now And Then, Here And There is a riveting anime from AIC that ran from 1999 to 2000, ingraining its legacy in the world of animated storytelling. The show is based on deep, thought-provoking themes and motifs that transcend the barriers of age and background, making it universally relatable. Comprising 13 episodes, this series delivers mature, complex content through elegantly simple animation, giving the audience an exceptional experience filled with intrigue, suspense, and emotional reflection.

The story takes off from an ordinary setting, following the life of a mundane young boy named Shuuzou "Shuu" Matsutani. Shuu is painted as a typical teenager with a passion for kendo, a Japanese form of fencing with bamboo swords, and lives a relatively peaceful existence in modern Japan. However, his peaceful life reels into chaos when he encounters an enigmatic girl, Lala Ru.

Lala Ru possesses an intricately detailed pendant rumored to harbor magical characteristics closely associated with time and space. The pendant is the propelling element of the plot, it incites conflict and thrusts our protagonist Shuu into a parallel dystopian world. After a sudden turn of events, Shu bravely steps into this conflicting world, taking it upon himself to protect Lala Ru, who becomes the pursued object of the show's antagonist.

The alternative world where most of the narrative unfolds paints a bleak and desolate picture. It is a war-ridden landscape under the autocratic leadership of the ruthless King Hamdo. The king's insatiable quest for power pushes him to desire the mystical pendant, hoping its charm could endow him with unprecedented power and control.

However, amidst terrifying odds, Shuu's character displays an unwavering fortitude and untamed spirit. His kindness, resilience, and a steadfast belief in justice mark the soul of the narrative. The story captures his struggle and perseverance. Shuu's courage amidst adversity and his will to survive, make for an emotionally enthralling story that leaves you rooting for him until the end.

The series also explores numerous complex themes such as the devaluation of human life, slavery, the consequences of war, and the brutality of mankind. It dives deep into issues of human ethics and morality, juxtaposing Shuu's inherent nobleness against the savage nature of the dystopian world. Through the alternating experiences of the characters, the depiction of harsh realities mixed with flickers of hope weaves a poignant, gripping tale.

The animation and sound score of Now And Then, Here And There is notable for preserving simplicity while effectively striking the emotional chords of the audience. The contrasting portrayal of the calm, modern world and the war-stricken, bleak surroundings of the alternative universe amplifies the show's visual appeal. The distinct character designs, coupled with a memorable, atmospheric musical score, amplify the gritty yet compelling narrative of the series.

Now And Then, Here And There stands out for its fearlessly raw and realistic depiction of war, yet brings forth a ray of bold optimism through its central character. The series is often praised for its impactful thematic depth, daring to venture into relatively dark territories whilst using the innocence of a young hero to navigate these realms.

It's important to note that despite its young protagonist, this series isn't to be mistaken strictly for young audiences. The strength of the series lies in its unflinching portrayal of harsh realities, the existential struggle of mankind, and the eternal battle between good and evil. The approach is mature and intelligent, and the narrative does not shy away from confronting disturbing elements of human atrocity and pain.

Now And Then, Here And There takes you on an emotional roller coaster ride, encapsulating the haunting aspects of reality along with the reaffirming belief in humanity's resilience and hope. This anime drives home the message of the impacts of war and human suffering while leaving space for hope and redemption to shine through. It is a thought-provoking masterpiece that, despite being a product from the late 20th century, continues to resonate with audiences for its timeless, universal themes.