Watch Dear Brother
- 1991
- 1 Season
Dear Brother is a Japanese anime television series that aired in 1991, based on the manga of the same name. The show was popular in Japan, but was not widely distributed outside of the country until recently, when it was uploaded to streaming services like ViKi for international audiences to enjoy.
The show, set in a prestigious all-girls school called Seiran Academy, centers around the character of Nanako Misonoo, a first-year student who is thrust into the complex social dynamics of the school's upper class. Nanako is initially intimidated by the wealthy and powerful girls who dominate the school's social scene, but she soon finds herself drawn into their world and becomes involved in their dramas and intrigues.
The show is a compelling exploration of teenage girlhood, with themes of friendship, love, jealousy, and betrayal playing out against the backdrop of Seiran's elegant halls and gardens. It is notable for its nuanced and complex portrayal of its female characters, each of whom has her own ambitions, fears, and secrets.
Nanako is a sensitive and intelligent protagonist, who navigates the choppy waters of Seiran with a mix of kindness, determination, and naivete. Her primary antagonist is Saint-Juste, a beautiful and enigmatic upperclassman who seems to hold the entire school in thrall. Saint-Juste is manipulative, cruel, and utterly fascinating, and her relationship with Nanako is one of the key sources of tension and drama in the show.
Other major characters include Fukiko Ichinomiya, the brilliant and manipulative president of the student council; Kaoru Orihara, a rebellious rebel with a heart of gold; and Mariko Shinobu, a popular girl who is secretly in love with Saint-Juste. Each of these characters, and many more, have their own complex relationships and story arcs, which interweave throughout the show's 39-episode run.
One of the show's major strengths is its gorgeous animation, which perfectly captures the lush beauty of Seiran Academy and the delicate emotions of its characters. The music, too, is a highlight, with its haunting piano melodies and nostalgic orchestral themes underscoring the show's bittersweet tone.
Overall, Dear Brother is a must-watch for anyone interested in classic anime, and for fans of coming-of-age stories in general. Its themes and characters are timeless, and its exploration of the complex world of teenage girlhood remains as relevant today as it did in 1991. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to the show, you're sure to be drawn in by its richly detailed world and unforgettable characters.
Dear Brother is a series that ran for 1 seasons (40 episodes) between July 14, 1991 and on ViKi