Saikano is set in a Japan of the near future, a setting where war or the threat of war is never far away. Who started the conflict? Why is everyone fighting? These are questions mostly left unanswered. Ask any ordinary citizen living in a war-torn country (go ahead, take your pick); do they know the political and socio-economic underpinnings that explain why people are fighting and dying? Not always. All they know is that you?d better be prepared... for the next air raid, to receive word that a loved one has died, or perhaps just for the fact that love may be harder to find than you ever thought possible.
Shuji and Chise live a life that?s something like that. But they try to carry on... studying, socializing, living...
That is, until Shuji discovers that Chise is actually a government project; a weapon that can be deployed at anytime, night or day, whenever the city where she lives is threatened.
So begins the travails of this couple, travails that come to a head within the final three episodes that are contained on Saikano (Vol. 4): Love Song. Anime fans who crave buckets of action should approach this series with some trepidation. It is emotional in the extreme, but it is also somewhat repetitive as it traces the machinations that define the last few days (and nights) of Shuji and Chise?s relationship. There are some sexual situations, which is why the series is rated 16+. But by and large, these are not gratuitous and serve to naturally move the plot forward. There?s also a surprisingly satisfying ending, but no spoilers here. You?ll have to find out for yourself!
Overall, production values for Saikano, and specifically for Saikano (Vol. 4): Love Song, are good to very good. Because of the subject matter, color palettes are often quite somber. Architectural designs and overall rendering is simple and direct. This is all quite appropriate. The music and sound effects compliment the story and the battle action when it occurs.
Saikano isn?t for everyone. It?s deep, emotional, and, at its very root, somewhat disturbing. Mature viewers who walk into the DVD store with their eyes wide open are likely to appreciate its mature storytelling, competent art and animation, and the lasting impression that it leaves with you. But hey, if you?re looking for a snappy, happy series with very little redeeming social value, tons and tons of action, and reams of popping colors, dig in your footlocker for that copy of Dirty Pair you refuse to throw away.
And guys, if you watch Saikano all the way through, you?re never going to look at your girlfriend in the same way again... ever.
