Ano Hana Episode 8

:c

So what have I thought of Ano Hana thus far?:
I believe that this is the best "Slice-of-Life" series that the Spring anime season has to offer thus far. The animation continues to be fluid and consistent, the characters feel real, and the soundtrack is pleasant to the ears. Ano Hi Mita Hana No Namae O Bokutachi Wa Mada Shiranai (literally meaning, "we still don't know the name of the flower we saw that day") stars five childhood friends who have drifted apart since the death of Meiko Honma (a.k.a., Menma)...Years have passed and the five are now of high school age. For some reason, Jinta has been revisited by the supposed deceased Menma and believes that she will be unable to leave until her "wish" is granted...


Episode 8:

Yeah, real subtle with those promotional posters there, A-1 Pictures...

This episode picks up from the last with the group visiting Menma's mom in an attempt to gain her permission to set up fireworks (which they believe may have something to do with Menma's wish). Menma's mom then suddenly lashes out at them in tears, asking why they were able to grow-up while her daughter could not. Alot of emotion and ANGST then ensues. The group leaves empty-handed and Yukiatsu being the hypocrite that he is suggests that they give up on fulfilling Menma's wish and accuses Jinta again of being too obsessed with her.

D'aaaaaaaaaaawwwwww

Now, this episode wasn't entirely angst-filled. There was a cute little moment between Menma and Jinta wherein Jinta starts to tear up at the thought of not seeing Menma again after her wish is granted. Menma misinterprets his tears over a show (or movie, since I've never heard of it) called "Dogs of Flanders" and attempts to cheer him up in an extremely adorable manner. There was also a rather pleasant scene between Jinta and his Dad when they go off to pay their respects for his deceased Mother and another scene in which Menma's little brother is properly introduced.

Pfffft....Jinta's face

HNNNNGH

The episode ends with another cliffhanger with Menma finally revealing her presence to the rest of the group (which I have been eagerly waiting her to do four episodes ago). In short, ALOT happened in this episode, all of which was executed well. Menma's big reveal didn't seem to forced and the characters continue to act and feel like real people. I'm also happy that even at this stage, the animation remains high-quality. The opening theme may also be one of my favorites for this season.

Why did it have to end here?!

I give this episode a rating of, out of 5:

Wow! My first episode review, and it already recieves the highest possible rating...But it certainly deserves it! ^-^