Dec 16, 2021
Let me just say this entire show was a blissful surprise, especially from P.A. works, an infamous studio that is known for animes like Charlotte, Angel Beats, etc. with major plot holes, inconsistencies, and just stories that are so simply boring or repetitive. Well... it looks like P.A. works actually made something good this time, with a truly simple yet intriguing story that actually lands in the direction of a satisfying end.
"The Two Girls Who Met In The Ruins Of A Damaged Dream"
Is a wonderful statement presented throughout the entirety of The Aquatope on White Sand. It's exactly what it sounds like: Our two
...
main protagonists, Kukuru Misakino, and Fuuka Miyazawa meet each other at an Aquarium. Both of these girls have an original. Kukuru wants to prevent her childhood and family-owned aquarium from shutting down, while Fuuka joins her after quitting her attempts of being an idol.
Now, the premise doesn't seem like something absolutely mind-blowing or amazingly creative, but it is executed in a marvelous way.
The main set of characters are simple, yet charismatic, joyful, and overall slowly developing. I personally liked Umi and Kuuya a lot; Umi seems like a normal middle-aged man who is settling into his career, while making cringeable but inspirational dad-jokes. Kuuya on the other hand is sort of just an unmotivated young man, yet he indirectly shows care for his group of co-workers and friends from time to time. Fuuka and Kukuru honestly a bit repetitive, but that's countered with their strong and bold will to achieve something (I know it sounds like a shonen or shoujo plot but in this case they actually DO SOMETHING and GROW as people). In short, the characters are simple but balanced enough to like.
Besides that, perhaps the biggest element that makes this show win is the whole "reality check" and shift in the middle of the show. At episode 12, Kukuru finally acknowledges that her aquarium is impossible to operate forever, she makes the decision to close it. This is not the end of her dream though, nor is it the end of Fuuka's. They both eventually take some time off from their own careers, and end up in an entirely new aquarium.
The big difference here is that this aquarium is obviously a different environment from the original setting from the first 12 episodes. Kukuru is no longer at the top, and she is assigned to marketing where she is basically bossed arround by the Vice-Chief. This is a good dynamic from the normal caregiving of the aquarium animals, but Kukuru still has a will to make sure these animals are a priority, while meeting the standards of her brand new team.
This change makes the show just more complex and realistic. We know that we can't have our own ways in life, yet we adapt and move on; this is the overarching excellent theme of the show. Kukuru and Fuuka both realize this, and eventually grow grow into less adolescent adults. Combining this with bright, consistent, and colorful visuals, along with submergible soundtracks, creates an great experience.
Let me say this: This show is nothing special, but it shows you how happiness is made from imperfection. Expect simplicity, but growth and satisfaction. The Aquatope On White Sand is a good attempt from P.A. works to create something actually enjoyable. There's no major bs. This is a decently good show.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
What did you think of this review?
Nice
0
Love it
0
Funny
0
Confusing
0
Well-written
0
Creative
0Show all
