ef - a tale of memories.
Synopsis
On Christmas Eve, Hiro Hirono runs into Miyako Miyamura, a frivolous girl who "borrows" his bicycle in order to chase down a purse thief. After Hiro finds his bicycle wrecked and Miyako unconscious, the two unexpectedly spend their Christmas Eve together, and when they discover they go to the same high school, their accidental relationship develops even further. This sparks the jealousy of Hiro's childhood friend Kei Shindou, whose pure approach to life catches the eye of Kyosuke Tsutsumi, a womanizing photographer searching for the perfect shot. Elsewhere, Renji Asou, a boy who dreams of being a girl's knight in shining armor, has a chance encounter with Kei's twin sister—the overly shy Chihiro Shindou, who spends her time reading alone—at an abandoned train station. The two quickly become friends and eventually decide to write a novel together. However, when Renji discovers Chihiro's secret, his childish ideals are put to the test. Guided by two mysterious adults, these youths' relationships intertwine in a heart-rending tale of love, rejection, acceptance, and memories. [Written by MAL Rewrite]
Audience Consensus
The anime is appreciated for its unique visual presentation and emotional soundtrack, which greatly enhance the viewing experience. However, some find the story confusing or melodramatic, and the unique art style can be distracting. While many find the characters relatable and well-developed, others view them as generic or unlikable, leading to a somewhat divided audience.
Strengths
- Visually stunning and unique animation style that enhances emotional impact.
- Compelling soundtrack with well-placed music that complements each scene.
- Well-developed characters with relatable struggles and emotional depth.
Weaknesses
- Story can be confusing initially due to multiple intertwined storylines.
- Some viewers find the "artistic" style distracting and overdone.
- Certain story arcs and characters are considered generic or unlikable.
- Heavy reliance on melodrama can feel excessive or forced.