Golden Time

Golden Time

Golden Time Review

Golden Time is an anime I recently found on my new HiDive streaming service. I decided that I needed to broaden my horizon when it came to anime and get away from my niche of Isaki. So this one sounded a bit interesting and at the time of this review, I have not actually finished the series time though I do plan on it at some point soon. 

Golden Time is based on a unique story plot that will definitely resonate with some people and may put off others but not for what you may think. The story focuses on the protag of Banri Tada. Banri just moved from his small hometown out in the country to join a Law School in the city. When the anime starts he meets a fellow freshman named Mitsuo when both appear to have gotten lost while looking for their primary school building.

Banri and Mitsuo hit it off pretty quick and establish a quick friendship of sorts. It is also during this time you are introduced to a primary character named Kaga Kouko. She is apparent wanna be girlfriend and lover of Mitsuo even though he clearly doesn't want to be anywhere near her.

The anime progress with you finding out that Mitsuo and Kouko have a long history together and that she is a bit obsessive and she is loaded and rich. She of course uses this to influence her transfer from a pristine University to be with Mitsuo at Law School. This, of course, creates quite a bit of drama and Banri hangs on for the ride of his life with his newfound friends that also include a young man they call '2D' a girl named Oka and another girl named Linda. Later a special anime character from another hit series makes a guest appearance and plays a pretty major role in the anime itself which is an interesting thing to see.

As time goes by there is a lot of drama that leads up to a big explosion of feelings that throw this group of people into a bit of a chaotic moment. That is when Mitsuo flat out confronts Kouko about her behavior and tells her he can't be with her and doesn't have any feelings for her and in fact, he has fallen for another girl (Oka). A heartbroken Kouko eventually cheers up with the help of Banri and eventually the two fall in love and start dating.

Now before you think that is the end of this tale...you also need to know a bit more of the backstory. Banri Tada on the last day of High school is involved in an accident that takes away all his memories. It is as if his soul and body are separated and he can't remember anything, friends, loved ones, his parents, nothing. 

As the anime progresses, certain events and discussions with Linda bring more and more memories back, and he begins to remember certain things. After going home and finding a picture in his room of Linda and him, he confronts her and finds out that prior to his accident he had strong feelings for her. 

In several episodes, it shows a ghostly Banri watching his 'body' create new memories and fall for Kouko even though his soul still loves Linda. As the anime begins to reach midway events lead to some serious moments between Linda and Banri that lead to some interesting drama between Banri and Kouko.

Now as I have stated I have not at this time finished the series and when I do I will update this blog post. However, at this time the anime is a good one. It is well crafted both with music, audio, and artwork. I also enjoy the unique perspective presented by the difference between the 'soul' of Banri Tada and his 'body'. It is a unique perspective to think that when one loses his memories that is liken to losing his soul. The trials and tribulations that Banri endures are aspiring at a certain level it also reminds us that the bonds we make are not easily broken or cast aside. Even though he has no memory of certain things from his past he has the 'feeling' of what Linda meant to him and at moments his 'soul' finds ways to connect to him and to Linda.