Aria the Benedizione

Probably the strongest addition to the Aria (the Origination) series so far. I enjoyed it more than all the previous ones. It may be due to my current state of mind, but it moved me and melted my heart more than Avvenire or Crepuscolo. I obviously needed something to cheer me up today, but that’s not the only reason. All that Aria has going for it ever since the beginning (Aria the Animation) is still there. This includes a beautiful setting, and a wonderfully relaxing and atmospheric score dominated by piano, guitar, and the occasional flute. However, this part of the story centered around the characters that I loved most. At the very least, Akira and Aika are in my Top 3. I was more interested in their story than the story of Alice, Athena, and Anja from Crepuscolo, and it emotionally affected me more. Also, everything fit together nicely, and it was heartfelt. I prefer this hour-long format to the three 20-minute OVAs that was Avvenire. It does tug at your heartstrings but it’s full of beautifully human emotions, nostalgia, symbolism... There were moments when I even chuckled a little. Kozue Amano still knows how and when to make me laugh, as well as how to make me feel good and keep me interested, even during moments when many people will just stare and wonder why nothing much is happening. I wasn't bored for a second and had a great time. The characters didn’t give as many hilariously significant looks this time (probably a lesson learned from Amanchu, where they were slightly over-the-top). (22.08.2022)