DESCRIPTION

CAST

ANIME Drama3-gatsu no Lion
MANGA Drama3-gatsu no Lion
MUSICI AM STANDING

REVIEWS

• 

  Nieb

  100/100
  I think this show is a must-watch for everyone who loves anime. Especially if you're going through tough times.

  This review was written after completing season 2 of the show but also covers season 1.

  First of all, I would like to clarify that this review might be strongly biased. I was going through tough times myself when the show was airing, and the show dealt with some of the problems I was going through and in some ways, helped me overcome them.

  If you're just reading reviews, because you're unsure whether or not you should watch this show, watch it now. You can thank me later.

  Story:
  First and foremost, this show is about one thing; love.
  Not only the romantic kind of love but familial love. The kind of love that can change the person the most, the kind of love that motivates you, because you don't feel like you deserve it, the kind of love that gives you hope for the future, and also the kind of love that frightens you. What would become of you, if that love suddenly, disappeared?
  Without getting too much into spoiler territory, the show deals with a vast array of problems, with a focus on mental health. The show shows a realistic representation of how people actually act in difficult situations, and how depression and other mental health issues can be different from person to person. Noone suffers in the same way, and that's an important lesson we could all learn from.

  Art:
  The art in this show is beautiful. With shocking realism at times, and other times very stylised. The show uses its art to convey the emotions of the story. If the story takes a dark turn, so does the art, and if the story lightens up, so does the art.

  Sound:
  Much like the art of the show, the music is also extremely well made and fits always perfectly with the situation happening on screen. The music itself sometimes had me in tears.
  The acting was also some of the best I have ever experienced. Especially Rei Kiriyama and Hinata Kawamoto (played by Kengo Kawanishi and Kana Hanazawa respectively), connected with me in ways few characters have ever done.

  Characters:
  I love every character in this show. Everyone was given reasoning for their actions and all of them seemed like people. Even the ones who seemed evil at first were shown to have insecurities of their own. This show did a fantastic job of showing why people act the way they do, why people sometimes do terrible things because they are feeling trapped or unloved. There is always reasoning behind a person's actions even if their actions go against whats commonly deemed acceptable, whether or not that justifies their actions, I don't know. It just makes them more human and makes you feel empathy for them.

  Enjoyment:
  While watching this show, it was not uncommon for me to reach for a pack of tissues. Emotionally this show connected with me in so many ways, and it often brought me to tears. Seeing the final episode of season 2 was heartbreaking, and I pray more of it will come.

  Overall:
  I think this show is a must-watch for everyone who loves anime. Especially if you're going through tough times.

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• 

  RoryBurrows

  100/100
  To me, 3-gatsu no Lion is the epitome of human emotion, an experience rivalled by none.

  A strong display of emotional resonance; the second season of 3-gatsu no Lion manages to go above and beyond expectations to provide something of overwhelming beauty.

  It’s a show of many acts; the first season—while boasting many heavy themes—is an elegant watch, which reels the viewer in with a soft mood, realistic characters and delightful interactions, but never hits you with strong emotions. The second season—filled with melancholic tones, depressing themes and powerful messages—gives the show raw emotional power to invest the viewer at full force.

  Shifting from the focus of Rei’s depression, this season brings more focus to the different mentalities of the supporting cast, both in the real world and the back-drop of shogi.

  The season starts off with a focus on Hinata, and the daunting problem of bullying. Bringing forth an insight into the mass hysteria it brings and the draining effects on the victims, and those caught up in the drama. This arc is nothing short of impactful, and although it’s heavy, it never becomes painful to watch, something many other drama-oriented series fail to accomplish.

  What makes this so powerful is down to the commonly relatable topic of bullying, the powerful visual presentation and the amazing characterisation found in the antagonist Megumi Takagi.

  Megumi’s construct as a bully sets her apart from other archetypical antagonists—in the sense that, there are reasons to her actions—she clearly suffers problems in her mentality, leading her to torment others as a form of escapism, giving her somewhat an ability to be emphasised with for the wrong reason. It’s even easier to empathise with Hina, due to her characteristics, with her helping Rei with his struggles and inspiring him to escape his depression. Rei feels the same on the topic of helping her, creating a close bond between the two, something that plays importance throughout the rest of this season.

  Although the first arc is definitely in the lime-light of this season, the series continues to impress in its focuses on different characters. The character study of Souya Touji is a breath-taking display of a mind disturbed solely by the life-style of shogi, with stunning direction to show his inability to hear those around him. The shogi match between Shimada and Yanagiharai uses profound visual imagery to show the determination of both characters and the weight Yanagihara carries. And the pleasant moments with Hina give the show a relaxing and charming escapism from the heavier themes.

  I don’t consider the cast to be merely characters, they feel human. From Rei to Nikaidou to Yanagihara; each one has strong human characteristics that allow for relatability and empathy for these personalities as we see into their differing lives.
  Even though Rei has less focus this season, his role as the lead character is as strong as ever as he seeks a way to help those around him. It’s inspiring to watch, as Rei’s empathy drives him to assist in fighting the varying problems that arise for everyone close to him. His outlook and narration provide a strong connection from the viewer as he continues to improve his life which was once locked in place by his haunting past. As the main character, his journey is an impeccable experience and he is character of relatability and complexity.

  This season exposes elements of characters unbeknownst from the first season, such as the extent of Nikadou’s illness, the pressure Akari feels being unable to help Hina and the different psychological and emotional effects each character experiences in accordance to their surroundings. Each revelation is equally as tense and creates stronger connection to the characters once their situations are understood.

  Studio SHAFT empowers storytelling through visual motifs and stunning presentation, bringing everything to life with powerful imagery to reflect the mood each scene portrays. Every visual element is a sight to behold, with gorgeous backgrounds, varying styles and ability to speak many words through its delivery that bring out many emotions from the viewer.

  This mood is only enhanced by the stunning soundtrack composition. Melancholic tracks reflecting the depressing yet elegant mood can easily bring you to tears, acting as peaceful additions to the stunning composition of visuals and story.

  For a while now I’ve been pondering over the topic of depression, this in turn has affected the way I view anime titles, and what I get out of said titles. While Cardcaptor Sakura healed me from having negative thoughts, End of Evangelion’s existential elements blew my mind away so much that the thought of depression was no longer on my mind. But, I think the best form of escapism from a feeling like depression is facing it head on, and that’s exactly what 3-gatsu gave me; giving me personal affection to its elements.

  To me, 3-gatsu no Lion is the epitome of human emotion, an experience rivalled by none. A show that has brought me to tears almost every episode, and something I hope many others can appreciate in the same way.

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• 

  manux

  90/100
  After thinking for a while the best thing I could come up with about this anime is that it is __BEAUTIFUL!__

  After thinking for a while the best thing I could come up with about this anime is that it is BEAUTIFUL!

  The story remains mixture of feelings. It makes you sad and some time after it gives you warmth. In this part of the story I felt there was more growth and change. At some point the story shows the ugly side of some new people but this only serves to display que good on some of the characters even more.
  The characters are great and I really like how you get to know them a little bit better this season. And there is growth in several of them as even some old characters show some change.

  Momo is as adorable as ever if not more!

  I may be repeating myself but I truly need to emphasize that this anime as a whole is really beautiful. The art is pretty special and colorful, after two seasons I'm liking even more the line art and the color palette with that watercolor like style. It suits really well the mellow vibe of the series.

  The music although it may go unnoticed is really on point in every scene and the sound effects in some matches make them feel like the players are really battling themselves and their opponents.

  The characters as I said before are fantastic and really charming and instead of getting tired of them somehow I found myself wanting to get to know them better. This season appart from Rei's siblings we meet some other dislikable people in Hina's school who make her and a friend go through some difficulties and hard times but this helps to show a side of Hina that makes her go from a sweet child to a strong girl that makes her family proud. The best part is that while Rei tries to help Hina it also ends up helping himself with his past traumas and it strengthens the bond between Rei and the family.

  The story advances at a perfect pace neither too fast nor too slow making it incredibly enjoyable to watch the whole series in a row although I would've liked to see more of the girls and a little less Rei and did I mention that Momo is so friggin kawaii?

  The seiyuu's acting really make the characters come alive to the point you wish for them to exist in real life and be your neighbors or something like that. In my case I would even like to adopt the three girls and make them a part of my life. I mean I have sisters of my own but they are not adorable as the three girls, specially Momo.

  This review might be messy and disordered but I rarely write anime reviews and at first did not notice there was a minimum requirement or 2200 characters for a review on this site.

  Anyway. As bad as this review came out I'm glad I wrote it since I rarely get the chance or take the time to express my thoughts about animes or mangas I really enjoy. If you are reading this review before watching this season of 3-gatsu no Lion I truly hope it helps you decide to watch it.

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