Agents of the four seasons. A rant/personal opinion
I recently came across this really captivating poster of an anime called agents of the four seasons. I read the plot and it was really interesting. It goes like this: Winter was once the only season in the world-but such an existence was too lonely to bear, and so it created Spring to love. Before long, the earth wished for more time to rest in the cycle, and Summer and Autumn were born. The ones who carry the cycle are called the Agents of the Four Seasons. Hinagiku, the Agent of Spring, disappeared from this land ten years ago, taking the season of spring with her. Now, after incredible hardship, she has returned to restore the cycle to its proper state-and, as in the myth passed down since the dawn of time, she sends her love to Winter.
I had some animes on my bucket list and wanted to give this anime a fair try after finishing all of them. So when I first saw this day before yesterday, I was expecting a laid back romance troupe with casual progression. Regardless, I was scarred deeply. The emotional charge in this was just so intense. I loved watching this anime thoroughly and am impatiently waiting for the weekly release now!!!
The production, voice acting, animation, ost, everything was really so well done in this anime. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of the watch.
However, I've seen a fair bit of criticism for the anime in online spaces. Mainly these:
- Why is national level security not provided for the literal harbingers and manifestations of seasons?
- There are many cuts back and forth to the backstory (I won't spoil it, go watch it for yourself!!)
- The voice acting for Hinagiku is really off putting
- Sakura asking for constant affection from Lady Hinagiku is really childish
These are valid criticisms in my opinion. Here's my response/theory for the questions asked above:
Why no national level security? Because either govt didn't give enough shit about the agents as they are practically expendable as new one appears, or the villages wanted to keep a loose end so that the insurgents (who can be their assassins in actuality) can dispose off the undesired agents (like in the case of Hinagiku).
Why so many cuts to the backstory? Intentional direction choice where we have to sit through the multiple iterations of the haunting memory. A representation of the scars being etched in the brain forever. A wound which will stay forever. A symbolism of growth and recovery from abuse never being linear. We're forced to experience the anguish with the characters alongside them.
Sakura constantly asking words of love from Hinagiku is normal. I don't think it's childish. They themselves are literally children and it is her coping mechanism to keep going in her life. After reuniting with the only person she loved and is devoted to, and everyone else abandoning her and giving up on her, she finally gets to reunite and experience the love of the lady she sworn to protect. With Hinagiku, she has a purpose, and a love she can depend upon.
Hinagiku's voice perfectly encapsulates her troubled past. It really brings home the psychological impact of the past of hers. I on the contrary to the take, I loveee her voice. It's really pretty too.
Umm, so that's it I guess. This anime really was something. It really left me with many feelings and emotions. I've cried to so many scenes in the anime it's genuinely hard to admit. But that's how beautifully it's written and animated. Or at least I think I could resonate with the anime. I guess I'm the target audience haha.
Tldr: Really great anime, but not everyone's cup of tea. I thoroughly enjoyed it, so I'd recommend you guys to definitely check it out!!