Mar 16, 2019
If you found this anime by mistake like I did, and you're wondering if you should watch it, I advise you do. It will teach you something, I can promise you that.
Story
Mermaid Forest has a very interesting dynamic when it comes to selling the story. At first you won't realize it but Yuta's life is the main subject of this anime. I say that because it might look like Mana is the main character (as listed) but in reality most of the episodes are focused on how Yuta survived all these years. It talks a lot of his past and in a very
...
beautiful way. As you're following his present/past throughout the series you'll find yourself wondering if this anime is actually episodic or not. And I say that because it flows really well with the main story.
I've never actually watched something like this before, where they use "side-stories" to make you understand what is like to live in a world where you won't die. Or how it is to lose someone. There isn't one side-story that I didn't like. I found all of them to be very shocking and beautiful at the same time.
The main story isn't complex, it's pretty straight forward when it comes to details. You won't find it hard to understand, everything that happens is very well explained.
Overall the main story isn't extremely emotional, it actually looks pretty dull at first sight. But what I think people will enjoy the most are again, the side stories. Those are very emotional, very raw, and it shows a big pallet of emotions and how the characters have been changed by mermaid flesh.
One thing that made me fall in love with this story is how every episode teaches you something. And I found that very great.
I've talked this story up so much and now you're wondering why I gave it an 8? Because Mermaid Forest deserved a better ending. I'll be very careful when I say this, it's not the worst but it just deserved better. And I'm not familiar of how it was brought to life but they could have done something better with it. You'll find yourself wanting more after the last episode I'll tell you that.
Art
In my opinion this anime has good graphics for its time. Since it came out in 2003, it will give you the feeling you're watching an anime that was made in 1991. And trust me, it's really beautiful. The colors are beautiful, it gravitates to a lot of dark/green witch gives you the "thriller" vibes. The quality got a bit better in the last three episodes, the moves were more dynamic.
What you might find confusing at first is the similarity between characters. It isn't present throughout the series but it is present in the first episodes. That kinda made me forget some of the events that happened to be honest.
Sound
Opening Theme
"Like an angel" by Chiaki Ishikawa
Ending Theme
"Mizu tamari" by kayoko
Both of these songs are beautiful. You'll soon get used to the background music that this anime has. It almost feels like it's inspired by island vibes.
Characters
Alright so, the characters were amazing in my opinion. Yes, you will find Mana quite annoying at first, for me it was quite a journey to understand her, but I got there in the end. She is interesting, very naive and quite pure.
Yuta is an amazing character as well, his life is quite a journey and he connects with all the people he meets.
I'm trying not to spoil anything but in my opinion all of the characters are amazing. Especially the ones that appear once an episode with their little story.
Enjoyment
There are going to be people who won't like this anime and I get it, don't expect much from it, it isn't meant to appeal the masses in my opinion. This is a little piece of art that you either like or you don't. And in my case, it worked, i actually think this anime is very good. I actually had to take a break at the sixth episode, not because it was boring, but because I wanted it to last longer. I enjoyed this anime, I think i learned how to understand people. And not judge them. This anime also will teach you how fragile humanity is.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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