MARIAH's THOUGHTS on Erased Anime Series (2016)

Genre:

Mystery, Psychological, Seinen, Supernatural

Episodes:

12

Rating:

R - 17+ (violence & profanity)

Run Time:

23 min. per ep.

Release Date:

Jan 8, 2016 to Mar 25, 2016

Based on the manga series by:

Kei Sanbe

Directed by:

Tomohiko Itou

Studio:

A-1 Pictures

Produced by:

Aniplex, Dentsu, Kadokawa Shoten, Fuji TV, DAX Production

Plot Summary:

When tragedy is about to strike, Satoru Fujinuma finds himself sent back several minutes before the accident occurs. The detached, 29-year-old manga artist has taken advantage of this powerful yet mysterious phenomenon, which he calls "Revival," to save many lives. However, when he is wrongfully accused of murdering someone close to him, Satoru is sent back to the past once again, but this time to 1988, 18 years in the past. Soon, he realizes that the murder may be connected to the abduction and killing of one of his classmates, the solitary and mysterious Kayo Hinazuki, that took place when he was a child. This is his chance to make things right. Boku dake ga Inai Machi follows Satoru in his mission to uncover what truly transpired 18 years ago and prevent the death of his classmate while protecting those he cares about in the present.

Source: http://myanimelist.net/anime/31043/Boku_dake_ga_Inai_Machi

Cast:

Shinnosuke Mitsushima (as Satoru Fujinuma), Aoi Yuuki (as Kayo Hinazuki), Minami Takayama (as Sachiko Fujinuma), and Chinatsu Akasaki (as Airi Katagiri)

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*My Thoughts*

Erased is the anime adaptation of the manga series Boku Dake Ga Inai Machi, The Town Where Only I am Missing, spread through my classmates slowly but hasn’t erupted into a giant scene. It is an anime series that politely sits on the shelf waiting to be seen and doesn’t disappoint afterwards.

Starting from the opening credits, the audience gets the hint that the anime has a sense of urgency with blood appearing on scene and a wall of ticking clocks, the grim reaper as a symbol of death, and heroism on the protagonist’s behalf. We see struggle and try to find hope in lonely situations. It only takes a little courage to start a good example for others to follow because we can’t always handle a situation alone; cliché but Erased is filled with drama and lovable characters all around to help through that. Excellent from start to finish, even if you can figure out the ending on your own by episode 4-5.

The pacing is perfect to keep the audience on edge as a mystery should, the cinematography is great, and well directed. I don’t think I can say as much for the original sound track but it was okay. My main criticism, is that I wish it continued a little longer, not because I’ve become a huge fan, but rumor has it the manga gives more details. It would’ve sent me to Cloud 9 if Erased added in more details about the characters before the last episode and a less broad ending. All in all, Erased doesn’t require a lengthy 26+ or 100+ episodes to give the audience a sound resolution.

My Rating: