Given is a captivating anime series that first aired in 2019. Directed by Hikaru Yamaguchi, it has gained immense popularity among anime enthusiasts. This heartwarming series revolves around the lives of four high school students who form a rock band called Given.
The main characters, Mafuyu, Ritsuka, Haruki, and Akihiko, navigate their personal struggles, relationships, and the power of music. Given beautifully combines genres like drama, romance, and music to create a compelling narrative that explores themes of love, grief, and self-discovery.
The anime was produced by Lerche, a renowned animation studio known for delivering visually stunning and emotionally resonant series. With its engaging storytelling, memorable characters, and soul-stirring music, Given has left a lasting impact on fans worldwide.
Given Synopsis
Given is a poignant anime that tells the story of Ritsuka Uenoyama, a high school student and avid guitarist who has lost his passion for music. One day, he encounters Mafuyu Sato, a mysterious and introverted boy carrying a broken guitar.
Intrigued by Mafuyu’s talent and longing to express himself through music, Ritsuka decides to fix the guitar and teach Mafuyu how to play. As they spend time together, a deep bond begins to form between them, fueled by their shared love for music.
However, both Ritsuka and Mafuyu are haunted by their own pasts. Mafuyu carries a painful secret that he struggles to confront, while Ritsuka wrestles with unresolved feelings towards his childhood friend, whom he used to play music with.
Alongside their friends Haruki and Akihiko, members of the band Given, they embark on a journey of self-discovery, healing, and pursuing their musical aspirations.
Through their music and their interactions with one another, the characters of Given navigate the complexities of love, loss, and finding their place in the world. As they face personal challenges and confront their past traumas, their shared passion for music becomes a source of solace, connection, and the catalyst for their growth.
With its heartfelt storytelling, relatable characters, and evocative musical performances, Given touches the hearts of viewers as it explores the transformative power of friendship, love, and the healing nature of music.
Is Given Worth Watching?
Given has garnered a devoted fan base for various reasons, which contribute to its widespread acclaim and popularity. Here are some of the main factors that make people love this anime:
1. Emotionally Resonant Storytelling:
The anime delves into deep and sensitive themes such as love, loss, grief, and self-discovery. It handles these subjects with sensitivity, allowing viewers to connect with the characters on an emotional level and relate to their experiences.
2. Complex and Relatable Characters:
The characters in Given are multi-dimensional and undergo significant personal growth throughout the series. Viewers appreciate the realistic portrayal of their struggles, insecurities, and the way they support and uplift one another.
3. Strong Focus on Music:
Music plays a central role in Given, and viewers are captivated by the series’ excellent portrayal of musical performances and the impact of music on the characters’ lives. The integration of music into the narrative enhances the emotional depth of the story and resonates with music enthusiasts.
4. LGBTQ+ Representation:
Given portrays same-sex relationships in a realistic and respectful manner, which is a significant draw for many fans. The anime offers positive LGBTQ+ representation, exploring themes of acceptance, self-identity, and the complexities of romantic relationships.
5. Beautiful Animation and Artistic Style:
The animation quality in Given is visually stunning, featuring vibrant colors, detailed character designs, and fluid motion. The artistic style captures the characters’ emotions and the atmosphere of the story, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
6. Balance of Drama and Heartwarming Moments:
Given strikes a balance between moments of intense drama and heartwarming interactions, creating a rollercoaster of emotions for viewers. This blend keeps the story engaging and provides a sense of realism, making it easy to invest in the characters’ journeys.
7. Strong Sense of Community and Friendship:
The bonds formed within the band Given and the friendships that develop throughout the series resonate deeply with viewers. The anime highlights the importance of support, understanding, and finding solace in the company of friends.
These factors combined make Given a beloved anime that touches the hearts of viewers, leaving a lasting impact long after the series concludes.
What You Might Hate About Given
While Given has received widespread acclaim, it’s not without some criticisms. Here are a few common points of criticism that the anime has faced:
1. Pacing and Lack of Development:
Some viewers have expressed concerns about the pacing of the series, particularly in the early episodes. They felt that certain aspects of the story and character development could have been explored in more depth, potentially leading to a stronger emotional impact.
2. Limited Screen Time for Supporting Characters:
The focus of Given primarily revolves around the main characters, which has led to criticism regarding the limited screen time and development given to the supporting characters. Some viewers wished for a more balanced exploration of the entire band and their individual stories.
3. Familiar Tropes and Predictability:
While the anime has received praise for its emotional depth, others have felt that certain story elements and character dynamics adhere to familiar tropes and can be predictable at times. This has led to a desire for more originality and surprises within the narrative.
4. Incomplete Adaptation:
Given is based on a manga series, and some fans of the original source material have expressed disappointment with certain omissions or alterations in the anime adaptation. This is a common criticism for adaptations, as it’s challenging to fully capture every aspect of a manga in an animated format.
It’s important to note that these criticisms do not detract from the overall positive reception of Given as an anime. Many viewers still find it emotionally engaging, impactful, and beautifully executed. The criticisms mentioned above represent specific viewpoints and personal preferences rather than widely held criticisms that diminish the anime’s overall quality.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Given is an extraordinary anime that captivates viewers with its emotionally resonant storytelling, relatable characters, and the transformative power of music.
While it has received some criticisms regarding pacing, limited screen time for supporting characters, familiar tropes, and deviations from the source material, these points do not overshadow the anime’s remarkable achievements.
Given has garnered widespread acclaim for its exploration of deep themes, its positive LGBTQ+ representation, its stunning animation, and the strong sense of community and friendship it portrays.
With its ability to evoke raw emotions, Given leaves a lasting impact on its audience, reminding us of the healing and connecting power of music, and the importance of finding solace and support in the people we love.
