Now and Then, Here and There

Ima, Soko ni Iru Boku

Also Known As: NTHT

Genre: Drama

Format: 13 Episodes

Allegiance: AIC/Pioneer Ltd.

Director: Daichi Akitarou

Vintage: 1999-2000

Intelligence Agency Report by: Kuzu Ryu Sen

Matsutani Shuzo is just a kid living in a small town in Japan. Eternally optimistic with a passion for kendo, not even a crushing defeat to a rival at the dojo stops him from walking home with a bounce in his step, happily whistling a catchy tune. So naturally, when Shu sees a solitary figure sitting atop a smokestack staring at the sunset on his way home, his reaction is to climb to the top of a neighboring smokestack and attempt to have a conversation. Even when he only succeeds in getting a name from the mysterious girl, that doesn’t stop him from talking to her about his town, his life, and anything else. Just then, the wind suddenly stops blowing, and the pair is interrupted by a blinding light…

Field Agent Report by: Kuzu Ryu Sen

Plot
Characters
Impact
Visual
Audio

9.50
9.75
10.00
8.50
9.75

Overall

9.75

(not an average)

The first time I tried to watch this series I gave up after five minutes because nothing had really happened and I didn’t have the time to see if anything would develop. Despite that unfortunate first impression, after reading rave review after rave review, I was still determined to see it, so when a cheap deal for the Collector’s Edition box set came up, I snatched it up without hesitation. Turns out first impressions really aren’t everything.

Now and Then, Here and There is truly an amazing experience, which one absolutely cannot judge by the first episode alone. In sharp contrast to the bright, cheery and even at times comical opening 20 minutes, the rest of the series is comprised of an increasingly powerful and dark drama that threatens to shatter the human soul with its gripping sadness and despair. Much of this emotional sledgehammer is as a result of characters who are infused with energy, personality, and who feel so poignantly real. As a result, I was easily sucked into the world of Now and Then, Here and There, subjected to everything that the cast encountered, for better or for worse.

Two other components make Now and Then, Here and There the masterpiece that it is: plot and setting. The plot is not mind-blowing by any means, but the way that everything is tied together, and how every action has a reaction, creates an impressive plot that can stand on its own well, and is also exceptional at forcing character development and eliciting emotion. Finally, the way the setting is depicted is the icing on the cake. The naiveté of the character art, the grit of the scenery art, and the excellent use of browns and dull yellows all help drive home the main themes that Now and Then, Here and There tries to convey. The meaningful art, along with yet another standout OST from Iwasaki Taku, really accentuate the entire anime, making already powerful moments that much more stunning.

The only flaw (and a minor one at that) is the simplicity of the animation, and an overuse of panning stills. Regardless, Now and Then, Here and There is a true masterpiece, a series that will evoke emotion from just about anyone. An absolute must see for all fans of drama.

Field Agent Report by: Phate

Plot
Characters
Impact
Visual
Audio

9.25
9.75
9.75
8.50
8.75

Overall

9.50

(not an average)

With the fairly simplistic art and the not-so-unique and happy-go-lucky beginning, Now and Then, Here and There is most likely not going to interest you for the first episode, which, sadly enough, may cause potential viewers to put this down and look for something else. 'Tis a pity really, because after the first episode, Now and Then, Here and There became the most powerful, dramatic, riveting, and heart-wrenching anime I've seen. Ever.

I couldn't help but feel as if I had been pulled into Now and Then, Here and There's world, and experienced the events as if I was side-by-side with the characters, as if I was part of the show itself. From start to finish, the plot grabs hold of you, and refuses to let go until the series ends. Such riveting storytelling could not have been done without the excellent direction of Akitaroh Daichi and, of course, the wonderful and oh so real characters. And when I say real, I mean real; each and every one of them was incredibly believable and three-dimensional, and I felt strongly attached to them. This is largely due to the excellent amount of screen time each character received, and no minute of it was put to waste.

The musical department was no slouch either, and each one of Iwasaki Taku's tracks are beautiful and fit the mood perfectly. However, I noticed that a few of them seem to remind me of his tracks from Rurouni Kenshin: Tsuiokuhen. While it's not a particularly bad thing, I would have liked it if some of the tracks were more original, instead of sounding somewhat recycled. As for the visuals, viewers may not like the simplistic art, but I personally welcomed it. The animation at times faltered a bit, but it isn't anything major.

Now and Then, Here and There is a rare piece. It excels in the major categories, is great in the others, and successfully touches upon many moral issues. For those wanting something lighthearted, I advise you to go look for something else. As for those who want something that is deep, powerful, and ruthless, this is for you. The world of Now and Then, Here and There is waiting.