After the Rain is a captivating anime that aired in 2018. Directed by Ayumu Watanabe and produced by WIT Studio, this series beautifully captures the essence of its source material.
Set against a backdrop of rainy days, the story follows Akira Tachibana, a high school student and former track star who finds solace in her part-time job at a family restaurant. There, she encounters the enigmatic manager, Masami Kondo, who is twice her age.
What begins as an admiration for his maturity and kind-hearted nature slowly evolves into a subtle romance that challenges societal norms and personal desires. The anime delicately navigates themes of love, personal growth, and the pursuit of happiness while portraying the internal struggles faced by its characters.
With its breathtaking animation, poignant storytelling, and thought-provoking exploration of emotions, After the Rain offers a heartfelt and compelling narrative that lingers in the hearts of its viewers long after the final raindrop falls.
After The Rain Synopsis
After the Rain is a touching anime that tells the story of Akira Tachibana, a high school student who is going through a period of uncertainty and emotional turmoil. After an injury forces her to quit her beloved track and field club, she finds solace in her part-time job at a family restaurant.
There, she develops an unexpected infatuation with Masami Kondo, the restaurant’s middle-aged manager who is struggling with his own regrets and disappointments in life. Despite the significant age gap, Akira’s admiration for Kondo grows into something deeper, blurring the boundaries between friendship and romance.
As their connection strengthens, Akira and Kondo embark on a journey of self-discovery, exploring their desires, fears, and the complexities of their emotions. While society casts judgment on their unconventional relationship, the anime delves into the nuances of human connections and the pursuit of happiness, highlighting the transformative power of understanding and acceptance.
Throughout the series, After the Rain delves into the inner struggles of its characters, revealing their vulnerabilities, hopes, and dreams. Akira grapples with her identity and the fear of lost opportunities, while Kondo confronts his past choices and attempts to reconcile with his present reality.
Together, they navigate the challenges of societal expectations, personal growth, and the delicate balance between holding onto the past and embracing the future.
Through its breathtaking animation, poignant storytelling, and evocative soundtrack, After the Rain captures the beauty of human connections and the strength found in vulnerability. It presents a compelling narrative that explores the depths of human emotions, leaving a lasting impact on the viewers’ hearts as they witness the characters’ journey of self-discovery and the profound impact they have on each other’s lives.
Is After The Rain Worth Watching?
There are several reasons why people enjoy After the Rain and find it appealing:
1. Unique Premise:
The anime explores an unconventional relationship between a high school student and an older man, which breaks away from traditional romantic narratives. This unique premise intrigues viewers and offers a fresh perspective on love and human connections.
2. Complex Characters:
The characters in After the Rain are well-developed and relatable. Akira and Kondo are portrayed with depth and vulnerability, allowing viewers to empathize with their struggles and emotional journeys. Their flaws and insecurities make them feel human and authentic.
3. Emotional Depth:
The anime delves into complex emotions and tackles themes of self-discovery, personal growth, and the pursuit of happiness. It explores the challenges and dilemmas faced by the characters, evoking a range of emotions in viewers and provoking introspection.
4. Visual and Aesthetic Appeal:
After the Rain features stunning animation, particularly in its depiction of rain and atmospheric scenes. The visuals effectively convey the mood and emotions of the story, creating a visually captivating experience.
5. Thoughtful Exploration of Taboo Topics:
The anime addresses societal taboos and explores the boundaries of age-gap relationships. It prompts discussions about the nature of attraction, societal expectations, and the complexities of human connections, sparking thought and contemplation.
6. Nuanced Storytelling:
The narrative of After the Rain is layered and nuanced, presenting a delicate balance between romance, friendship, and personal growth. The story unfolds gradually, allowing for character development and emotional depth, keeping viewers engaged and invested.
7. Soundtrack:
The anime features a memorable and emotionally resonant soundtrack that complements the storytelling. The music enhances key moments and heightens the overall viewing experience.
8. Reflection of Realistic Relationships:
Despite the unconventional nature of the central relationship, After the Rain portrays a realistic portrayal of human connections. It explores the complexities, vulnerabilities, and growth that can occur within relationships, resonating with viewers who appreciate genuine and authentic portrayals.
Overall, After the Rain appeals to audiences due to its unique premise, well-developed characters, emotional depth, stunning visuals, thought-provoking themes, nuanced storytelling, captivating soundtrack, and its ability to reflect realistic relationships.
Criticism After The Rain Has Received
While After the Rain garnered praise from many viewers, it also faced some criticisms. Here are a few common criticisms:
1. Age Gap and Unconventional Relationship:
One of the main points of contention revolves around the significant age difference between Akira and Kondo, which raised concerns about the portrayal of a potential romantic relationship between a high school student and an older adult. Some viewers felt uncomfortable with this dynamic and felt it perpetuated an inappropriate power dynamic.
2. Pacing and Plot Development:
Some viewers found the pacing of the anime to be slow, particularly in the early episodes. The story’s progression was criticized for being leisurely, focusing more on introspection and character development rather than advancing the plot. This pacing could lead to moments of perceived stagnation or lack of significant events.
3. Lack of Closure:
The anime’s ending received mixed reactions from viewers. Some felt that the conclusion left too many loose ends and unresolved plotlines, leaving them wanting more closure and a clearer resolution to certain character arcs.
4. Lack of Secondary Character Development:
While the main characters, Akira and Kondo, received substantial development, some viewers felt that the supporting characters were underdeveloped. This lack of depth in secondary characters reduced the overall impact and potential for more intricate relationships and interactions.
5. Adaptation from the Manga:
As with many adaptations, some fans of the original manga expressed disappointment with certain changes or omissions in the anime version. They felt that certain important moments or character nuances from the source material were not adequately translated onto the screen.
It is worth noting that these criticisms do not diminish the positive aspects of the anime and that personal opinions on these matters may vary among viewers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, After the Rain is an anime that captivates viewers with its unique premise, complex characters, and emotional depth. While it has received praise for its exploration of unconventional relationships, relatable characters, and thought-provoking themes, it is not without its criticisms.
Concerns about the age gap between the main characters and the portrayal of their relationship have been raised, as well as the pacing and plot development being seen as slow at times.
Additionally, some viewers desired more closure and further development for secondary characters. Nevertheless, the anime’s stunning visuals, evocative soundtrack, and genuine portrayal of human connections make it a memorable and introspective viewing experience.
After the Rain encourages reflection on themes of personal growth, societal expectations, and the complexities of love. While it may not appeal to everyone, it offers a unique perspective on relationships and leaves a lasting impact on those who resonate with its emotional journey.
