Watch Air

Air is a Japanese anime television series produced by Kyoto Animation and directed by Tatsuya Ishihara. It was first broadcasted in 2005 with a total of 13 episodes. The show is an adaptation of a visual novel of the same name developed by Key. The plot follows a young girl named Misuzu Kamio who is suffering from a mysterious illness that causes her to lose her memory at the end of every summer. She lives with her aunt, Haruko, who takes care of her and on one fateful summer, she meets a boy named Yukito Kunisaki who has a unique ability to control a puppet with his mind. The two of them become friends and Yukito learns about Misuzu's condition while also discovering that Haruko has a troubled past.

The show follows a non-linear storytelling format and slowly reveals the mysteries surrounding the three main characters. Throughout the show, the audience is introduced to a few supporting characters who have their own stories that add to the overall plot. For instance, there is Kano Kirishima who is a close friend of Misuzu's and is also dealing with her own set of problems. Additionally, there is Minagi Tohno, a shy girl who looks up to Yukito but is struggling with familial issues.

One of the unique aspects of Air is the incorporation of supernatural elements into the show. Yukito's puppet, for example, is not just a regular puppet but is revealed to be an entity named Misuzu who has a connection to Misuzu Kamio. Moreover, there are a few scenes in the show that involve supernatural occurrences that are intertwined with the overall narrative.

The show's animation is top-notch and is a testament to Kyoto Animation's expertise in the field. The backgrounds and character designs are well-done, and the show utilizes vibrant colors that add to the surreal nature of the show. Furthermore, the show's soundtrack is praiseworthy and is composed by Magome Togoshi, who specifically created pieces that complemented the show's mellow tone and emotional moments.

Air deals with themes that are both heavy and thought-provoking. The show explores the concept of loneliness and how it can affect individuals in different ways. Misuzu, for instance, feels alone due to her condition and has to deal with the fact that she will forget her friends every summer. Haruko is trying to escape the loneliness that she feels after a tragic incident from her past and is struggling to find meaning in her life. Finally, Yukito is dealing with the loneliness of being a drifter and is constantly searching for a place he can call home.

Another prevalent theme in the show is the idea of unconditional love. Throughout the show, the audience sees how the different characters are willing to go to great lengths to make the lives of their loved ones better. Haruko is willing to sacrifice her well-being to take care of Misuzu, while Yukito is willing to help those he cares about regardless of the consequences.

Overall, Air is a beautiful and emotional anime that deals with heavy themes in a mellow and surreal manner. The non-linear storytelling format can be confusing for some viewers, but it adds to the overall mystery of the show. Kyoto Animation's animation and Magome Togoshi's soundtrack work in tandem to enhance the emotional moments of the show. Air is a show that will leave its mark on viewers who are willing to dive deep into the story and connect with the three main characters.