For years, Death Note was my favorite anime, until i saw the movie that made me cry, broke my heart, and made me fall in love. Ano Hi Mita Hana no Namae o Bokutachi wa Mada Shiranai. Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day. Warning, there will be spoilers here, because without explaining a bit about the movie, I cant fully describe its wonder.
The story focuses on group of sixth grade age friends who drift apart after Menma dies in an accident. Years after the incident, the ghost of an older looking Menma appears and asks him to help grant her wish, saying that she cannot pass on into the afterlife until her wish is granted, but she doesnt remember what the wish was. Jinta gathers his old friends together , believing that they are the key to solving this problem. Things get complicated when his friends accuse him of not being able to get over the death of Menma, since Jinta is the only one who can see her. It is revealed later that all of the group members blame themselves for Menma's death. The group must help Menma and help each other as well.
It was impossible not to love Menma, the girl who died years ago, but returns to Jinta. They discover that the only way for Menma to move on is for her wish to be granted, a wish which she has forgotten.
This movie really showed how death affects people, how the loss of a childhood friend could impact people even years later. All the characters are relate-able, they have flaws, backstories, and believable demons, things that make them human. You watch a group of friends who fell apart come back together again, united by their hopes to help a friend and their broken hearts over a tragic accident from years ago.
The ending had me in tears, because I had really fallen in love with Menma, and her personality. Her moving on was the most heartbreaking thing in the world, yet done so in the most beautiful way. Its hard not to be touched by the characters, and so easy to find yourself wishing Menma wouldnt have to leave to whatever comes after this life. If you havent seen it, its worth watching, especially if you like an emotional ride from early on.
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