Review of Banana Fish

The Storyline hit me in the face and wouldn’t let me rest. Trust me when I say, this ANIME had me all over the place. I was addicted to it from episode one and I needed that next episode ASAP. The wait every week for the next episode was the hardest I’ve had to wait for ANY episode for ANY Anime. My emotions went from high to low in a matter of moments. I never thought in a million year that a show with gangs and guns and so much violence from the get-go would hook me in and not let me go. This show is very mature and is only for adults; so if you are a young soul, please don’t watch this. When I saw the tags such as “Sexual Abuse” and “Physical Abuse” I was kind of torn whether I should watch this or not. I am glad I gave in and watched it because the story was so much more than those tags.  The pacing was done really well; I never felt like it was being rushed or being too slow. There most likely only one episode in the 24 Episodes that was slightly boring or not as good as the others but having one like that is normal for any Anime. I thought Attack on Titan and Fullmetal Alchemist was good at cliffhangers but it had nothing on Banana Fish. The cliffhangers that this show flung at you were the worst yet the best ever. I was such an emotional wreck, and it was mainly due to those said cliffhangers. The emotional scenes were just as good as the action’s scenes and once again I really can’t fault this storyline at all, even if the ending hurt like hell.

The Animation was actually really unique and although it’s not as SOLID as other Anime I have watched it did its job and I have to say the facial structures were done really well. The Sound was just as good as everything else in this Anime. The voice actors were amazing with their said roles, and I must give credit where credit is due. Even though the bad guy’s suck, they are good at voicing their disgusting personas. The opening and ending songs were amazing. All 4 songs used were perfect for the Anime and now when I hear them; I instantly thing of this Anime and the emotions come flooding back. If I had to choose a favourite opening and ending it had to be the songs sung by Survive Said the Prophet; “Found & Lost” and “Red”.  The lyrics from the latter song; “Is this the sacrifice for the broken losing the purest of what's in your heart” just makes me feel things and it just hits me right in my heart.

  
The Characters in this show were some very interesting and crazy personas. I have mentioned above about bad guys and how much they suck. The worst although hard to choose between all the horrid characters was definitely Dino; the reason being is something I can’t really go into detail with as I would end up spoiling so much. Let’s just get one thing out of the way; I wouldn’t save him even if I would get a million pounds. Ash, Eiji and Shorter were my three favourite characters and just so happens to be the main three characters. Shorter is just a really cool guy and even though he didn’t really know Eiji, he still went out of the way to help him and be there for him. You know that saying “Opposites Attract” that 100% sums up Ash and Eiji. Ash is a gang leader, criminal, and crazy guy and Eiji is a sweet, innocent cinnamon roll and I would climb through hell to save him kind of guy. They instantly connected, whether you see it or not; I saw it right there, the moment they spoke to eachother the first time. The lengths each other would go to, to help each other out was crazy, especially for Eiji. The character development for Eiji was the best development I have seen in a really long time. I know this Anime isn’t classed as BL (Boys Love) but I know for fact the feelings Eiji and Ash had were so much more than friendship and even though they never fully announced anything it was really cute and amazing that they showed hints of it.

Overall this Anime was a rollercoaster ride and it will 100% be one of my all-time favourite Anime. The character developments and amazing soundtrack was two of the main reasons why I fell in love with this Anime more than I thought I would. I highly recommend this Anime if you love Anime such as 91 Days, Yuri!!! On Ice and Durarara!! Or you just want to dive into something wild and crazy.

9.8/10Story

      

10/10Animation

      

10/10Sound

      

9.8/10Characters

      

10/10Overall