This Ugly Yet Beautiful World

This Ugly Yet Beautiful World, aired on Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS) in 2004, is undoubtedly a perplexing yet enamoring interweaving of science fiction, romance, and philosophical contemplation. The show defies categorization, making it an unforgettable watch for those who revel in experiencing the unique, unconventional approaches towards narrating a story. Spread across a collection of 12 episodes, this anime thrives on meshing two starkly contrasted notions, 'ugliness' and 'beauty', and projecting them upon the 'world', thus giving birth to the series' intriguing title.

Created by acclaimed production studio, Gainax, the series is conceptualized by well-recognized names like Shouji Saeki and Hiroyuki Yamaga. The essence of ‘This Ugly Yet Beautiful World’ is captured in its elaborate character development and the deep thematic exploration of existentialism, an unusual theme in the anime world.

The story begins with two high-school student protagonists, Takeru and Ryou. Working part-time for a local housing repair company, their mundane lives are interrupted when they stumble upon a ‘light’ in the backyard of a client. When the light transforms into a mysterious girl, who has called herself ‘Hikari’ – meaning ‘light’ in Japanese; their world, both figuratively and literally, changes forever. The young boys, plausibly at their life's crossroads, suddenly see their everyday reality overridden by supernatural events, inducing a rush of bewilderment and awe.

Though the show primarily chronicles Takeru and Ryou's sudden entanglement into a world of the unknown, it also emphasizes the high-schoolers' human connection with Hikari, and later with another girl, Akari, who has appeared from nowhere. Caught in an intricate web of bubbling teenage emotions, friendship, romantic interests, and newfound acquaintances, Takeru and Ryou endure a touching journey of self-discovery and growth. The series flaunts a quintessential anime touch, highlighting high school days and adolescence's angst and joy against the spectacular backdrop of the extraordinary.

The integration of the 'beauty' of day-to-day human connections and the 'ugliness' of life's inherent unpredictable predicaments presents viewers with an immersive exploration of existential uncertainties. The characters grapple with these uncertainties, which complicate their relationships and force them to evaluate their personal definitions of 'ugliness' and 'beauty'. The narrative also encompasses a broad range of supporting characters with their individual story arcs, adding richness to the episodes and further enhancing the themes' introspective articulation.

For those who have a knack for compelling visuals, This Ugly Yet Beautiful World will not disappoint. The animation does a fantastic job of bringing out the series' surreal elements with the commendable adoption of color schemes, character drawings, and meticulously designed background aesthetics.

The captivating artistry blends in harmony with an equally enchanting soundtrack. Music plays a significant role in this show, shaping the moods of the sequences, and often allowing the viewers to grasp the introspective depth of the characters’ experiences. The opening and ending theme, in particular, stand out for their lyrical beauty and tonal alignment to the overall vibe of the series.

Despite the interesting interplay of themes and the heartening focus on character development, the show is not sealed off from critique. Some viewers might find aspects of the narrative's progress a bit slow, or even confusing at times. The serpentine arrival and departure of certain characters, incidence of unexpected events, and the occasional disorienting transitions between humor and profundity can be initially off-putting. However, it is these very attributes that also make 'This Ugly Yet Beautiful World' a standout representation of Gainax’s meta-style of storytelling.

In essence, This Ugly Yet Beautiful World is a notable anime series of the 2000s, embracing a distinctive story, memorable characters, an in-depth exploration of existentialism, all packaged within fascinating art and music. The show's philosophical take on life's unpredictability and the paradoxical existence of 'ugliness' and 'beauty' in our world makes it a provocative and engaging watch.