Why should you watch Sora yori mo Tooi Basho?
The story is Very Good (8). What I love about A Place Further than the Universe is how it takes on the coming-of-age story genre, how real the setting and the situation feel for the 4 main characters, and how they experience a voyage to Antarctica. Yes, there is nothing new about the circumstances that they encounter, but how they are executed is well done. Every time I watch an episode of this anime, I feel refreshed and excited about what will happen next, and that is what is good about Sora Yori mo Tooi Basho.
Art is Great (9). Madhouse being the studio responsible for the animation of this anime is one of the greatest things about Sora Yori. The visuals are great where and when it is needed the most. The vibrant and shining colors, the fresh look of all the characters, and that signature overall quality that Madhouse produces is simply beautiful in my eyes.
Sound is Great (9). “The Girls Are Alright!” by Saya is one of the best setup songs to hype you up for the incoming adventures that the 4 main characters are gonna face head-on. And partnering it up with the opening animation is perfect! The ending song “Koko kara, Koko kara (ここから、ここから)” by the Main Character’ Seiyuu is a superb way to end each fun and adventure-filled episode. And Kana Hanazawa the voice of Shirase was the one who got me to watch this anime so that is a plus for me!
Characters are Very Good (8). For the characters of the story, I would just be focusing on the 4 Mari, Shirase, Hinata, and Yuzuki because they are essentially the heart of the story. I am 50/50 on the characters as Shirase and Hinata have the most personality of the bunch they are vibrant, quirky, and adorable. However, Mari and Yuzuki lack a lot of personality. At some point, they felt like a plot tool to move the story forward which makes me feel disappointed so what should be a 9 was down to 8.
If I look at the anime in parts I have a mixed feeling about it, but as a whole looking back at it; it was an enjoyable story to watch. It makes me want to go out and experience the world for its beauty.
8 penguins out of 10.
