Another World
Synopsis
On the surface, high school students Naomi Katagaki and Ruri Ichigyou seem to be polar opposites. In contrast to Naomi's shy and timid personality, Ruri strikes fear in her classmates due to being rather cold and outspoken. Nevertheless, both Naomi and Ruri nourish a strong passion for reading, which gradually draws the two closer. As Naomi spends more time with Ruri, he discovers that she has a sweet side and is not as intimidating as everyone thinks. Subsequently, he develops genuine feelings for Ruri and decides to confess his love to her, which she happily reciprocates. However, their wholehearted relationship is disrupted when Ruri gets struck by lightning, causing her to enter a coma. Wanting to see her smile again, Naomi resolves to return Ruri to her everyday life—no matter how great the lengths he must stride are. [Written by MAL Rewrite]
Audience Consensus
The ONA 'Another World' is seen as a valuable supplement to the movie 'Hello World,' providing crucial backstory and emotional depth to the characters, especially Naomi. While some find it inessential or confusing on its own, most agree that it enhances the overall viewing experience when watched in the correct order. The emotional impact and character development are praised, though some criticize the budget limitations and potentially depressing tone.
Strengths
- Provides necessary character development missing from the main film.
- Enhances the emotional impact of the story, particularly regarding Naomi's motivations.
- Offers a deeper understanding of the older Naomi's struggles and sacrifices.
- Visuals are appealing, with a Shinkai-lite aesthetic and smooth animation, given the limitations of a short format.
Weaknesses
- May feel disjointed or confusing when watched out of order with the main film.
- Some viewers may find the content unnecessary, feeling that it reiterates information already present in the movie.
- The story, while emotionally resonant, can be depressing and lacks a rewarding conclusion if watched after the movie.
- Limited budget may result in repetitive shots or less detailed animation compared to the movie.