Aoi Bungaku Series

Review of Aoi Bungaku Series (No Spoilers)

The series is divided into standalone arcs, each adapting a story from Japanese literature set in different historical periods. Despite being only 12 episodes long—with the longest arc spanning 4 episodes and the shortest just 1—every segment is consistently strong, and some shine as true masterpieces, delivered with exceptional quality.

This anime achieves in one episode what others fail to convey in hundreds. Every story is clear, emotionally resonant, and narrated in the most compelling way possible.

The artwork and direction are phenomenal, particularly the background art and character designs, which are crafted with immense care. The characters’ expressions brilliantly convey ... their emotions.

In summary, this is an underrated gem that didn’t receive the hype or praise it deserved, yet it merits far more respect and appreciation than it got

Words are powerful, no doubt about that. Coveying it to another type of medium is not an easy thing. Especially if it's such a half-hearted attempt as the 2009 fall anime of Madhouse: Aoi Bungaku.

Adapting 5 of which can be considered masteroieces of Japan Literature into just 12 eps run time is so short. As a result, most of the time, each story just feel lackluste. What is supposed to be deep-meaning, well-thoughout and engaging are now just pretentious, confusing and comically bad.

And this anime is very academic, if you don't pay very close attention, you might miss the intention the author want to ... tranmiss through.

The best story for me is "Run, Melos". Yet it is such a simple story. That's why it works pretty well in this format. For other story, I'm afraid they're not good enough.

Encouraged by this all positive voices, I decided to check is it really worth to meet mentioned title. Aoi Bungaku, known also as Blue Literature caused in me wave of disgust than delight on epic masterpiece, which it is praised in every possible way. I’m not sure I watched exactly the same anime…So, it’s time to tell about concrets…

It might seem those 12 episodes escaped my memory but, unfortunately, mistake. First history called No Longer Human / Ningen Shikkaku, which was written by Dazai Osamu was literally zenith of everything. Some people search in it biographical conditions, but if that so, author must had ,,interesting” ... life. Peculiar visions, schizophrenic tendency – yes, it difficult to be bored. Finishing this arc, I really haven’t known what creators have on theirs mind. After turbulent was about ¾ anime to the end…

Second - Sakura no Mori no Mankai no Shita – or In the Forest, Under Cherries in Full Bloom says about some woman and rogue who lived in the mountains, it takes place a few centuries ago. If I’m right, it something doesn’t right, does it? What is in this era do all the technical innovations, known only our generations. We should write history textbooks another time. What’s more, that woman was really…scary. She tricked her lover – love is blind, whatever. Only positive? They keep a hog which can speak. Since then I want to a have hog as a pet too.~

Together, there are a six stories, but what’s up with the rest? You must see on your own. If, despite its flaws won your hearts, it’s still right. In my opinion it bring only disappoint. This, many facepalms and full of curses hurled at the characters? Highly individual matter.
Very confused, Aya.