Sagrada Reset

Sagrada Reset is a thrilling and mind-bending anime from 2017 on Anime Strike. The show is based on the light novel series authored by Yutaka Kōno and was adapted into an anime series by David Production studio. True to its knack for showcasing an array of genres, the series expertly weaves together elements of drama, mystery, superpowers, supernatural, and school life to build a narratively rich and evocative world that tempts viewers into questioning the very nature of reality.

The show is primarily set in the town of Sakurada – little-known, and seemingly nondescript, yet remarkable in its own right. In Sakurada, nearly half of the inhabitants possess special abilities, but there's an interesting predicament attached. The moment one leaves the confines of the town, they lose their special abilities and all the memories of them. This unique setting lends distinctive pathways for the plot to develop, exploring numerous aspects of human existence, memory, and choice under the garb of a typical town setting.

The narrative revolves around two high school students, Kei Asai and Misora Haruki. Kei has the rather intriguing ability to remember everything with photographic detail, a superpower that is both a blessing and a curse. On the other hand, Misora possesses the ability to reset time by up to three days, reuniteing it to the state it was in. However, she, unlike Kei, forgets everything after the reset, which is where Kei's ability comes into play. Together, they make an interesting pair navigating through the fascinating and sometimes treacherous world of superhuman abilities.

This synthesis of rewind and absolute recall paves the way for an innumerable set of possibilities and consequences. Kei and Misora, with the orchestration of time and memory on their side, take up requests from their fellow townsfolk, rectify undesirable events and undo mishaps. Their collaboration to use each other's abilities to accomplish the seemingly impossible births an enigma that is at the very core of the show - the 'perfect reset scenario,' where the choices made can potentially reshape the fabric of destiny itself.

Throughout the course of the series, it is evident that Sagrada Reset isn't just about fantastical superpowers in an isolated town. It delves into philosophical predicaments about our perceptions of reality, memory, the passing of time, and our decisions' power. The show asks to ponder whether things would really play out differently in our lives if we could go back in time and make different decisions. Are our deepest regrets truly a product of our decisions, or are they simply inevitable realities of our life? These and many more introspective questions form the moral fabric of the series.

This exploration of philosophical quandaries does not hinder the development of a compelling storyline and engaging characters. The anime boasts numerous intriguing characters, each with their own unique abilities and personalities, making the viewers form both emotional attachments and cognitive curiosities. Interaction across this ensemble of characters foster intense relationships and conflicts that further enrich the story.

To appeal to the senses and bring to life the show's narrative and philosophical undertones, the animation and sound design play a crucial role. The visuals dares to paint the town of Sakurada not just as a simple backdrop of events but as an essential character in itself, with austere scenery and nuanced decorations. The sound design and background score help modulate the aura's intensity – from peaceful to eerie, from thrilling to contemplative.

Sagrada Reset is more than an anime series about young teenagers with superhuman abilities. It employs this premise to venture into the profound domains of philosophy, morality, and existentialism, tacitly nudging the viewers towards contemplation. The show cleverly balances its intriguing setting, complex narrative arcs, carefully crafted characters, and philosophical dialogues to offer a visually captivating, cerebrally stimulating, and emotionally engaging experience to the viewers.

For anime fans looking for a thought-provoking series that goes beyond typical school tropes and embraces complexity and depth, Sagrada Reset would be a remarkable choice. It stands as a testament to the fact that anime can be an excellent medium for insightful and sophisticated storytelling while being captivatingly entertaining.