"Not my luck in death..." It was kind of boring to watch. First, I do not like vulgar mysticism in the spirit of the so popular romantic stories about angels and “coming back from the dead to correct mistakes,” etc. Here the layman wants to be waited for in the next world by harsh, but fair angels in plainclothes, who, scolding in a fatherly way, will give him a second chance. That light, understood as a sobering-up... However, it does not matter, this is only half the problem, because the Japanese will make a candy out of such a vulgar concept.
But the second problem is an anime about ordinary Japanese schoolchildren. No, not about the Oyash, but about the really ordinary. That is, 90% of the time we will be shown purely domestic moments. On the one hand, it’s interesting — for example, I was shocked that in high-tech Japan, the main character does not have his own computer in the room — only a portable game console on the bedside table. While in Russia, even to study at a university without the opportunity to use a computer and the Internet at home is almost unrealistic, and a student’s personal computer is extremely desirable. I don’t know if their family is poor, or maybe it’s an element of a healthy lifestyle, but it’s not a little surprising. So, if such household details are interesting - look, of course, it is necessary.
And the rest is a school drama of minimal blackness in half with banal mysticism. Do not believe, by the way, the tag "detective" - the main character does not conduct any investigation, he just tries to periodically guess for what sin he was returned to earth in the guise of a schoolboy. The question is extremely important for him, if the answer is not found - the final death is inevitable. But the answer will be found in a very Japanese way, in an instant flash of intuition.
Morality is also banal, although true - "Flowers" is devoted to the problem of suicide among adolescents. And the conclusion is quite common – do not want too much from yourself and others, you need to accept life as it is, not be afraid of change. Unlucky in love - lucky with friendship. Don’t dwell on it, but find real talent in yourself. Hopeless love or problems with school - not a reason to climb into the noose.
Bottom line: moralizing and literary anime is strictly on the amateur.
6 out of 10
Original