Jun 28, 2021
"It’s not always easy to see the good in people. In some people, you might even doubt that it’s there at all. But if you can somehow, find a way to believe…sometimes that’s all it takes to help someone, to give them the strength to find the good in themselves." - Tohru Honda
6/28/21: Fruits Basket's Final Season, with a score of 9.18, reaches No.1 on MAL. Triumph.
This is my first review on MAL so apologies in advance if the quality or tone is not up to par with more seasoned reviewers/critics. I decided to take the time to do a review because this is a
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series I fell in love with two years ago. It has become my favorite anime of all time and has cemented a place in my heart that will likely remain as the days (and eventual years) go by.
Fruits Basket (2019) ends its two-year journey at the top of MAL and in the hearts of those who came along for the ride. In this final season, we received answers to burning questions and payoffs that can send an anime-only to the moon. From Akito, Tohru, Kyoko, and everything in between, there was never a shortage of developments and revelations that rewarded fans with the best of payoffs and a fulfilling watch. In short, there were many powerful moments in this season (a Fruits Basket norm at this point) that made every Fruba Monday an absolute pleasure and privilege. The pacing (which seemed to be a concern early) was not a problem in my opinion as it mostly covered 2-3 chapters per episode. The art and animation looks as beautiful as always and TMS delivers on concluding a beloved Shojou filled with amazing writing, messages, and characters.
Interpersonal relationships are at the core of what Fruits Basket is as a piece of art. Over the course of three seasons, we have met many characters. Each has their own distinct identity as well as their own relationships with other characters that are a large part of who they are. Through these relationships, we see different types of love (or lack thereof) at work. With a range of platonic, parental, and romantic love, we get an array of relationships where none seem unnatural. And even though these are "supernatural" beings afflicted by a curse that turns them into animals, the dynamics are very real. This can be thanked in large part to the writing of Takaya and visual aids/cues that are often paired with scenes as the characters convey how they feel or tell their story. This is what can make art transformative. This is what makes Fruits Basket "real."
The thread that connects all these characters is one Tohru Honda. Her presence in the series takes center stage as her kindness and acceptance (another theme of Fruits Basket) of those she meets allows them to accept their own weaknesses and begin their own growth as well. We have seen this play out in two seasons, as Tohru's encounters with the Sohma Family have helped those she meets become better people and build the strength to face their own problems. That said, the final season is where we see Tohru come to terms with her own weaknesses and the realization that she too must grow. This was welcomed by me as one of the few criticisms I have heard about the series is that Tohru is "an unrealistic Mary Sue who is just too nice." This final season changes that line of thinking, I promise. Tohru's arc this season was beautiful and powerful. It enhanced an already great character and is a microcosm of everything the series represents and tries to get across.
To close, everyone who worked on this project deserves their flowers. Natsuki Takaya, thank you for creating a true masterpiece. The anime/manga medium is better off with works such as Fruits Basket enriching the lives of readers/watchers. TMS Entertainment, many thanks for giving this community a reboot for the ages. The passion in this project is tangible and is reflected in the quality of every single episode of its 63 episode run. Truly a show that just got better and better week by week, episode by episode. The voice actors/actresses, thank you for making these characters authentic and consistently delivering compelling performances. I can say with confidence that there are no bad characters in Fruits Basket and the VA's performances (and Takaya's writing) are major factors for that belief. I have told some and I will share with those reading, I find Tohru Honda to be the most inspiring anime character I have had the pleasure of watching. Seeing her flaws this season just made me appreciate her even more than I already did. She truly represents what the series can be at its best and is someone we can all strive to take a thing or two from.
Thank you for your time and attention. Thank you Fruits Basket. Masterpiece.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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