xxxHOLiC Rou
Synopsis
Ten years after the events of xxxHOLiC Shunmuki, a melancholic Kimihiro Watanuki has taken over the shop formerly run by the mysterious Yuuko due to a promise he made to her. His companions Maru, Moro, and Mokona live together with him in relative contentment, and some familiar faces arrive every now and then: former rival turned-steadfast friend Shizuka Doumeki, and the former psychic prodigy Kohane Tsuyuri. While Kohane studies folklore under Doumeki at university, they encounter a case that is perfect for the master of the shop. Eventually, Watanuki receives a visit from Doumeki's grandfather, Haruka. He requests that Watanuki investigates his grandson's dreams. While inside the dream world, he discovers how their past adventures played out from Doumeki's perspective of view, leading Watanuki to discover truths from 10 years ago and secrets about the ties that bind their friendship. [Written by MAL Rewrite]
Audience Consensus
The audience generally appreciates the OVA for its poignant exploration of love, loss, and the passage of time. The melancholic atmosphere and beautiful visuals are well-received, though some find the side story nature and potential spoilers to be minor drawbacks. The overall sentiment is one of quiet admiration for the OVA's emotional depth and artistic presentation.
Strengths
- Captures a lifetime of waiting and devotion in a short time.
- Beautiful animation and fitting subdued palette.
- Explores themes of memory, loss, and enduring love.
Weaknesses
- Story is a side story and not part of the main manga storyline.
- Yuuko's disappearance can feel like Ghibli-evil-assimilation.
- May contain spoilers.