Flower and Asura – Episode 01

Episode Synopsis:

In middle school Hana Haneyama watched a broadcast of a reading of a poem called “Hana to Shura”. Completely enraptured by the reader’s performance and emotions she invoked, Hana reads to the children on the small island she lives on just to dwell in that magical space for a short while. One of her readings is overheard by Mizuki Usurai, who prompts her to join the Broadcast Club. Hana initially rejects the idea due to her shy nature and the logistics of the ferry schedule she’s subject to to get to her high school. After Mizuki misses the last ferry of the day and spends a night at Hana’s house, an emotional moment between the two gives Hana the push she needs to join the club.

Review:

Flower and Asura has the pedigree of Ayano Takeda, who wrote the Sound Euphonium light novels. This means we are in for some solid emotional drama and I am here for that goodness.

Episode 01 is naturally a giant setup. We learn about Hana’s nature and her island life. She’s a kind girl who follows the rules and is generally closed off emotionally and lacks self-confidence. Despite that, she’s developed a dynamic speaking voice due to her long term stint as a storyteller for the little kids on the island. I like the implication that her voice is one that’s been trained, and this isn’t some Mary Sue innate gift she possesses.

Hana’s suppressed nature doesn’t have an immediately obvious reason, as her mother seems very supportive of her spreading her proverbial wings as a person. She also doesn’t seem to have any obvious enemies in/issues with her hometown. No doubt we’ll find out more throughout the show’s runtime.

I’ve never heard of Studio Bind, but they are crushing it here in this first episode. The environment backgrounds and effects like sakura petals in the wind or the imagery that goes along with the reading’s are gorgeous. Since the show’s premise is going to rely on this imagery it’s already a good sign.

I immediately took a liking to Hana and Mizuki. Hana’s not the run of the mill, “so shy she can’t deal with others (OMG WHAT EVEN IS SOCIALIZING?!)” that I’ve become accustom to with girls like her in anime. She’s just an introvert who likes the ability to project one’s voice in a way that stirs emotions, and she yearns to do it. I like that she’s responsible in day to day life and not a klutz or incapable of handling common tasks. Mizuki could have easily equally fallen into a trope trap. First off, she’s got that TINY ANIME TOOTH! Second, she comes on very strong in terms of both introducing herself to Hana and trying to recruit her to the club. Thankfully the show has her back off and showcases her as a genuine person who just recognizes the potential of Hana’s voice. Hana’s first day of high school also showcases Mizuki’s skill in broadcasting, which adds credibility to her as character who knows her stuff and it’s just filling slots to “save the club” or whatever.

If there’s anything that may throw you off in this starter episode, it’s Hana’s intense poetry recital in the rain. This sequence is beautiful but it feels like something that should have happened midway through the show, at bare minimum. Like…Hana…you and Mizuki just met. It’s a little much to bare your soul to her in the rain. That’s a power anime sequence you gotta save for a pivotal moment! Oh well, I wanted drama and here it is, right out of the gate!

Have you ever heard someone’s voice and thought, “Wow, they are made for radio/tv/etc?”, or just heard a voice was so epic it made you wonder if that’s how they order pizza or order coffee at a drive-through? Well, I certainly have, and I’m excited to see what the broadcast club is about and meet everyone in it!

Summary:

It’s time for some emotional drama baby! I’m excited for it! We’ve already got some fun characters to follow and gorgeous scenery to look at. The human voice can be an extraordinary medium and this show feels like it’s going to explore several ways said medium can inspire others. Here’s to hoping we’ve picked a solid show.

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