Bokura Ga Ita (We Were There)

Creator Tid-Bits:

Original Author: Obata Yuuki (Manga)
Director: Akitaro Daichi
Music: Jun Abe, Seiji Muto
Production: Kenji Shimizu

OP:
"Only You..." by Mi

ED:
#1: "Aishiteru" by Mi (eps 1,8,10)
#2: "Koko ni ite" by Kaori Asou (ep 2)
#3: "Sunset" by Mi (eps 3,18)
#4: "Suki dakara" by Izumi Katou (eps 4,6)
#5: "Futari no Kisetsu ga" by Nozomi Sasaki (eps 7,9,11,13)
#6: "Utsukushisugite" by Izumi Katou (ep 12)
#7: "Kimi ga iru" by Izumi Katou (ep 14)
#8: "Merry Go Round" by Nozomi Sasaki (eps 15,16,19,22)
#9: "Kotoba" by Izumi Katou (eps 17,20,21,23,26)

Summary: (taken from AnimeNewsNetwork)

Nanami Takahashi, a 15 year old high school student, falls in love with and begins dating the most popular guy in school, Yano Motoharu. However, their relationship is not easily maintainable. Yano's past, as well as the complex emotions they bring up, make it difficult to be completely honest about how he feels. Caught in the middle are Yuri Yamamoto, the younger sister of Yano's now dead ex-girlfriend, and Takeuchi Masafumi, Yano's best friend. Yuri's past with Yano goes deeper than one might suspect and her feelings run deeper than she portrays in public. Takeuchi cherishes Yano's friendship, but at the same time, he may lose it for someone dear to him. Nanami must search deep inside herself and find her true feelings for Yano while being able to trust and accept Yano's feelings for her as well, deciding if Yano is indeed the one for her or if someone else can provide better solace. Along the way Nanami will get tips from her love infatuated friends, Mizu and Taka.

Review:

Where should I start as there is so much to say about this wonderful and warm anime. Let me first start off by asking; Has there ever been something you've regretted doing in the past? Now for another question; Do you still live each day trying to forget? Well, the main male character, Yano, is doing exactly that. I thought that the catalyst for this series was incredible. A lot like Suzuka in a way, accept Suzuka herself was a bit obsessed with her dead love where Yano just can't forgive himself for not being able to keep his promise with her, and mad that she “ran” out on him; when she died in a car accident. It's a bit sad at some parts but you know, sometimes thats ok. This anime felt very real to me and made me think that possibly... this is what true love is supposed to be like? Nanami happens to be one of the cutest things I've ever seen! She is very adorable and strong willed, at some points though, she was a bit paranoid.

Now, as I'm sitting here writing this review, I'm listening the #8 ending theme, which happens to be my favorite and the most soothing. The music was very well put together in this series, I was impressed. The right kind of music coming in when the moment calls is crucial for giving off the feelings of those in the show. Like, even if a girl is crying... if the music isn't right then it just won't have the same effect.

Some parts that really got me frustrated were just about every part with Yuri and Masa... Trying to butt in on the main characters relationship. Now I completely understand the why but I don't know. I hate the feeling you get when you know that someone out there wants your love... unfortunately I have experience in that. It definitely added suspense to the series I will admit and there were many occasions that I was crying, and I didn't even notice. I'm man enough to admit that I cry like a little girl watching anime's and it's amazing that it can do that to people.

You know the anime isn't really but the emotions displayed from the characters, music and situations can be very powerful, and thats very apparent in this series. Warning, those with weaks hearts, be prepared to hurt :/ It is a very sweet and touching anime with an unfortunate, but GOOD ending, I cannot express that enough. Throughout the series I was beaten to death by emotions and I was hoping it was end good... and it did.

So, my last and final thoughts are that this series is an unforgettable, timeless classic in my honest opinion. Anyone who loves love and enjoys watching anime about couples, relationships and the fight for love, this one will definitely be a top favorite.

Screens:

The series sounds pretty interesting.
I am in the process of downloading it so that I can check it out

This is what you call a love-trip anime. You think their love is going to take one route, you watch the next episode, it goes another, you watch the next episode and it takes yet another route. You need to have a very solid emotional defense when watching this anime otherwise you're going to be in tears *smiles with a tear running down his cheek*.

Yes, it IS that good!! The animation may take a bit of getting used to, but that's such a minor issue when looking at the entire story and theme. I can say that this is one of those anime's that leaves you with real life philosophies in the end. I believe I learned a few things by watching this. The fragility and simpleness of emotions coupled with a somewhat complex past just exudes a gorgeous lovely epic-ness story.

I am about half way through the series now and I have to say that it is excellent.