Where to Watch
External Links
Contents
Given: The Ultimate Emotional BL Anime Review
Original Title: Given
Why Watch It?
- Deep, realistic exploration of grief and healing through music
- Emotionally resonant and well-developed LGBTQ+ romance
- Impactful original songs and soundtrack integral to the plot
Why Skip It?
- Pacing can feel slow at times, especially in non-performance scenes
- Animation of instrument playing can sometimes appear stiff or less fluid
- Later arcs shift focus, leaving less development for secondary couples
Our Review
Written by AnimeReview TeamThe story of "Given" is an exquisite slow burn, delicately unfolding the layers of Mafuyu Satou's past and his connection to the silent guitar he carries. Watching Ritsuka Uenoyama, initially annoyed by Mafuyu's presence, slowly but surely get drawn into his orbit was pure magic. The way their relationship blossomed, from Ritsuka reluctantly teaching Mafuyu chords to his growing understanding and fierce protectiveness, was captivating. A huge story highlight for me was undoubtedly the band's first live performance, especially Mafuyu's debut song, "Fuyu no Hanashi" (Winter Story). That scene wasn't just a musical performance; it was an emotional explosion, a cathartic release of years of pent-up grief and unspoken words that absolutely floored me. It's a testament to the masterful storytelling that such an overwhelming moment felt earned and resonated so deeply.
Speaking of characters, I fell head over heels for every single member of the band. Mafuyu, with his quiet demeanor and incredibly expressive eyes, stole my heart with his vulnerability and his remarkable growth. Ritsuka, the slightly awkward but intensely passionate musician, was so endearing in his struggle to understand Mafuyu and his own burgeoning feelings. But let's not forget Haruki and Akihiko! Their roles as the older, more experienced members provided not just comic relief and wisdom, but also their own complex emotional arcs that added so much richness to the overall narrative. I loved seeing their subtle interactions, their unwavering support for the younger members, and the hints of their own romantic entanglements, making the band feel like a truly cohesive, albeit sometimes messy, family.
The animation quality by Studio Lerche truly brought this world to life in the most stunning way possible. Character designs were expressive and memorable, capturing every nuance of emotion, from Mafuyu's quiet sadness to Ritsuka's flustered blushes. But where the animation truly shone was during the musical sequences. The way the animators conveyed the energy of the instruments, the passion in the characters' movements, and the sheer power of Mafuyu's voice through visual cues was breathtaking. The concert scenes, in particular, were animated with such dynamic fluidity and attention to detail that you could almost feel the vibrations of the guitar strings and the beat of the drums. It wasn't just pretty; it was incredibly effective at enhancing the storytelling.
And oh, the soundtrack! As expected for a music anime, it's absolutely phenomenal, but it goes beyond just being good – it's integral to the very soul of "Given." The original songs performed by the band, especially "Fuyu no Hanashi," are masterpieces. The raw, unfiltered emotion in Mafuyu's singing during that pivotal performance still gives me chills just thinking about it. His voice actor, Yuuki Kaji, delivered a performance that transcended mere singing; it was pure, unadulterated feeling. Beyond the band's tracks, the background music throughout the series perfectly accentuated every scene, from moments of quiet contemplation to periods of intense emotional turmoil. It never felt intrusive, always enhancing the mood and drawing me further into the characters' experiences.
What truly makes "Given" special, in my opinion, is its fearless exploration of grief and healing through the universal language of music and connection. It’s not just a boys love story, nor is it just a music anime; it’s a profound drama about how art can help us process unimaginable pain, how relationships can mend broken hearts, and how finding your voice is a journey worth taking. It handles complex emotional themes with incredible maturity and sensitivity, never shying away from the difficult parts of life but always offering a beacon of hope. The way it portrays the messy, beautiful reality of forming a band and forging deep connections feels incredibly authentic and deeply moving.
If you're looking for an anime that will make you feel every emotion imaginable, from heart-wrenching sadness to soaring joy, "Given" is an absolute must-watch. It's a beautifully crafted story that will stay with you long after the final credits roll, reminding you of the power of music, love, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. Dive into "Given" – I promise you won't regret it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Synopsis
When I first stumbled upon *Given*, I was immediately drawn into its melancholic yet incredibly moving atmosphere, particularly through its quiet protagonist, Mafuyu Satou. Picture this: a high schooler with a worn-out, almost forgotten Gibson guitar that feels like an extension of his own silent grief. He drifts through his days until a chance encounter on a gymnasium staircase. Enter Ritsuka Uenoyama, a sharp-tongued, talented guitarist who can't stand seeing such a beautiful instrument neglected. He's annoyed by Mafuyu's rusty strings, but there's a spark of curiosity there, too. Mafuyu, usually so withdrawn, takes a leap of faith, practically begging Ritsuka to fix his guitar and teach him how to play. What starts as a begrudging agreement soon pulls Mafuyu into a world he never expected.
Ritsuka, already part of a band with the steady bassist Haruki Nakayama and the enigmatic drummer Akihiko Kaji, invites Mafuyu to sit in on one of their jam sessions. This is where the story truly begins to pick up pace. You see Mafuyu, initially a shy outsider, slowly absorbing the music, the camaraderie, and the raw energy these three musicians create together. Haruki, with his kind and gentle demeanor, and Akihiko, who carries a certain mature coolness, welcome Mafuyu into their space, even if he's just observing. It's a fascinating look at how different personalities clash and harmonize, both musically and personally, even before Mafuyu fully joins them.
But the real turning point comes when Mafuyu finally opens his mouth to sing. I'm telling you, his voice is nothing short of breathtaking – raw, emotional, and utterly unique. It completely blows Ritsuka away, igniting a fervent determination in him to make Mafuyu the band's new lead vocalist. Mafuyu, still burdened by his past and the mysterious circumstances surrounding his guitar, is understandably hesitant. His journey isn't just about learning chords; it's about finding his own voice, literally and figuratively, and confronting the unspoken pain that has clung to him for so long. *Given* masterfully weaves this emotional struggle into the very fabric of its musical narrative.
What I particularly love about this anime is how it uses music as a powerful vehicle for healing and connection. It’s not just a backdrop; it’s the language through which these characters process their grief, forge new friendships, and discover themselves. You’ll find yourself deeply invested in not only Mafuyu’s growth but also in the complex relationships and personal struggles of Ritsuka, Haruki, and Akihiko. Each character carries their own emotional baggage, and their interactions, both on and off stage, are incredibly nuanced and heartfelt. It’s a poignant exploration of how people cope with loss, find solace in others, and ultimately learn to move forward.
So, if you’re looking for an anime that delivers stunning music, deeply resonant characters, and an emotional story that will stick with you long after the credits roll, then you absolutely need to give *Given* a watch. It's a beautiful blend of music, romance, and drama that explores themes of loss, love, and the power of finding your voice with incredible sensitivity and artistic flair. I promise, you won't regret diving into this heartfelt journey.
Comments (4)
Leave a Comment
Okay, just started Given and I'm already crying! 😭 This show hit me harder than I expected. Does the angst ever let up or am I in for a full emotional rollercoaster?
The anime did such a fantastic job with the first arc, it really captured the emotion perfectly. For manga readers, who else is hyped for the next arc with Hiiragi and Shizusumi? The drama is about to level up!
While the music performances were undeniably a highlight, I found the pacing a little slow at times outside of the main band's development. Some of the relationship drama felt a bit forced too, but overall a solid watch.
Still obsessed with Given! Mafuyu's voice is just pure magic, and the way Ritsuka looks at him? My heart can't take it! 😭 Rewatching for the fifth time this month, no regrets.