Kawaki wo Ameku

I have already stated this in my Domestic Girlfriend anime review, but since it's clear that vast majority of users have not read it, I will repeat myself: Its opening song is easily the best song from Winter 2019 anime lineup. I was surprised to find out that its full version, 'Kawaki wo Ameku' -- now with its own animated music video -- had a separate entry on MAL database where it had also slowly risen to the top 100 anime list in a short time. But even more so, I was surprised to agree with the consensus on how well-made it is. Kawaki wo Amekutells us a story about a young, growing girl. In the beginning, we see our main character in white clothing, laying on the ground like an embryo while white feathers are slowly falling towards the ground where she lays. It's almost as she had just fallen herself, losing her own wings. This is highly important part to note due to "little girl with wings" being often used to describe young girls before their teenage years/adulthood. From this point on, we get to see how our heroine is in doubt, lost and fighting in the stage where she is neither a child but not an adult either. In one way, the story is told via lyrics and the singer's emotions. Her tone, the different weights in the volume that she uses on certain words and parts being the outcome of incredible talent. Perhaps the best prove of this is seen on Youtube where the song, despite the singer being highly unknown, has gathered over 10 million views in the first month. But the singing is only a part of the wholeness. The story is also, at the same time, told with background objects that reflect the lyrics and the real (or rather: another) meaning of words that she wants to say. For one, sometimes the words seen are the opposite that are being sang and usually appear in red while the others are white. This is further a highly important thing to note due to her clothing being red after the start, but white in the beginning. Even the background colors are part of her self-acceptance and the different sides of her character during her "growth". I do not want to go and spoil much of the references or anything related to the events which she "goes thru" for I believe they serve the viewer the best when person gets to watch the thing with open mind and just pay attention for there are lots of things to be found in this piece. It's very easy to come and over-analyze this music video. It offers symbolism without any doubt, all has been planned far ahead. Yet is relies on simplicity. Overall what we have here is an easy to understand and relate to type of experience that does not ultimately want to be more than it is. There is more to anime than simply getting it and for this reason, it's easy to give Kawaki wo Ameku more praise than it deserves. Even so, I have so far watched the music video over 10 times and listened to the song I don't even know how many times. All I can do is recommend giving it a watch/listen. It's less than 5 minutes long, but potentially meaningful, beautiful experience.