given
Synopsis
Tightly clutching his Gibson guitar, Mafuyu Satou steps out of his dark apartment to begin another day of his high school life. While taking a nap in a quiet spot on the gymnasium staircase, he has a chance encounter with fellow student Ritsuka Uenoyama, who berates him for letting his guitar's strings rust and break. Noticing Uenoyama's knowledge of the instrument, Satou pleads for him to fix it and to teach him how to play. Uenoyama eventually agrees and invites him to sit in on a jam session with his two band mates: bassist Haruki Nakayama and drummer Akihiko Kaji. Satou's voice is strikingly beautiful, filling Uenoyama with the determination to make Satou the lead singer of the band. Though reticent at first, Satou takes the offer after an emotional meeting with an old friend. With the support of his new friends, Satou must not only learn how to play guitar, but also come to terms with the mysterious circumstances that led him to be its owner. [Written by MAL Rewrite]
Audience Consensus
Given is generally well-received for its emotional depth, realistic characters, and beautiful music. While some criticize the pacing and occasional tonal inconsistencies, the overall consensus is that it's a mature and touching BL anime. Many appreciate its sensitive portrayal of LGBTQ+ themes and the characters' personal struggles.
Strengths
- Realistic and relatable characters with depth and development.
- Beautiful and emotional soundtrack, particularly Mafuyu's performance.
- Delicate and mature handling of sensitive topics.
Weaknesses
- Some found the pacing slow or certain scenes unnecessary.
- Some found the drama forced or interrupted by comedic tone shifts.
- The musical development felt rushed to some viewers.