Sarazanmai - Reviews

REVIEW AND SIMILAR ANIME RECOMMENDATION ( but better!)

I was initially expecting a well-done LGBTQ-positive psychological anime, focusing on another Japanese myth, but as I continued the first episode, I was immediately confused and put off. I was interested in the first minutes of it, talking about connections and how easily we can lose them, introducing a boy who is "bad news", committing a crime, and another boy who crossdresses, they cross paths because of an accident. 

My major complaint is the horrible representation of LGBTQ, the protag who has a crush on the other kid is almost obsessive and rather creepy.

The two policemen are just yaoi fanservice, not favorable in my opinion, sorry.

I did enjoy the two other characters a bit.

I would've preferred if this story was more so focused on the characters and the stories surrounding them with the touch of the Japanese mythology blending into their lives in other ways of symbolism.

Im not going to criticize the Japanese mythology half of the anime, because I personally don't know much about Japanese mythology, but I will say the symbolism is a bit confusing and rather graphic. I was definitely not expecting anus shots and kappas going into the anus to reach some sort of metaphorical ball. Moving on.....

I dropped it at episode four, so I cannot comment further

If you're looking for a story that has a similar vibe to it, I recommend the anime Stars Align. Quick-paced but a very good representation of LGBTQ characters and other sensitive topics, sadly it was canceled so it's left on a cliffhanger.

Stars Align | Anime-Planet

I'm sorry I don't care how good everyone says this is- we started this up at our anime club at school as a joke because it looked weird and that opening scene... That just scarred me and my classmates forever man