If your looking for something to make your faith in people return, this is an anime I would recommend. The reason I scored it so high is because I could not take of my eyes from it, there is always something that pops up emotionally in this anime that you simply must see resolved. I would have given it a 10 if it was not so short, I wanted to see more of what would occur after the final episode. This anime is surprisingly dark and can throw your suspense into overdrive when you don't know what may happen to certain characters in this anime, so don't expect anything too cutesy, not that there is no kawaii in this anime! All in all, would recommend for those looking for a binge anime.
32 Reviews
A Brillant anime that really made me very teary!
Irishchatter17 December 2018
Warning: Spoilers
I gotta say this anime was pretty deep and very sad with Kakeru who has hidden suicidal thoughts after his mother committied suicide. I honestly would love to bring back someone to life if I written to my past self of what events are gonna happen my way.
I was so glad that Naho and the others were able to save Kakeru from getting hit by a truck. As well as them being able to support him as best they can to make him feel better about himself. I really wish there was a sequel of Orange so we get to see grown up Kakeru doing well and still hanging out with the others.
This anime really defines friendships, mental health, suicide and regrets very strongly! This anime deserves my absolute kudos and a 9/10 from me!
I was so glad that Naho and the others were able to save Kakeru from getting hit by a truck. As well as them being able to support him as best they can to make him feel better about himself. I really wish there was a sequel of Orange so we get to see grown up Kakeru doing well and still hanging out with the others.
This anime really defines friendships, mental health, suicide and regrets very strongly! This anime deserves my absolute kudos and a 9/10 from me!
What Anime Should Be
geocache-9938717 November 2021
Full disclosure: I'm picky to the point of exasperation when it comes to anime. (As a woman, fanservice drives me nuts.) But I liked the dubbed version of this one so much I now own the full series. Yes, it's a slow burn. And yes, Naho can seem a little timid, especially when viewed through the American cultural lens. But that's kind of the point. We wouldn't be able to really see her growth as a character if she didn't start out that way. And that's what this anime is supposed to focus on: how our choices either encourage our growth as human beings or stall it. Romance is certainly a part of this, but it's not all of it, which is why it plays the role of a subplot in this anime (as many have griped about). Great balance, fantastic music, very respectful handling of sensitive topics, and yes, cute couples (without a hint of fan service in sight if you watch the dubbed one). I docked it a star only because there is one mild innuendo, one (relatively innocent) comment about how short some girls' shorts are, and (in the dubbed version), a handful of misuses of God's name (though this is likely a translation problem). Not quite as squeaky clean as its sequel, but definitely a must-watch! (Keep the tissues handy, though.)
Note: The original subbed version does contain a joke about fanservice, which I do not endorse. This review applies only to the dub.
Note: The original subbed version does contain a joke about fanservice, which I do not endorse. This review applies only to the dub.
One of the best animes I've ever seen!
jacobanschutz7 January 2020
It takes a lot for me to give a show a 10 but this one deserves it. Yes it has some clichés but that's okay as long as they don't take away from the show. And they don't. I'm going to remember all of these characters for a very, very long time. They work so well together and make the already awesome love story even better. I cried at least 5 times throughout this show and that's a good thing in my book. I'm not saying this is a good show for everyone, but for me it changed the way i see romance anime and i can't help but give it a 10.
Amazing anime very heartfelt
puppylove-4005623 June 2019
When I first watched orange I loved how they started the episode off with the letter from naho's future self as I continued the show I never really got bored and at first when I heard from my friend that it was supposed to be a very sad anime I thought I wasn't gonna cry like full on tears because I'm not much of a crier during sad movies or shows but orange really made me cry especially during very sad scenes and in this show they talk about some very serious topics that happen in real life so this will definitely make you cry even if you don't think so
A beautiful anime
sannedboer20 March 2020
This anime rook me on a rollercoaster of emotions. In Every episode it hits a different emotion from happy to al different kinds of sad. Not that you just cry watching this (well i defently Cried a lot) but it is also a Beautiful story and well written. It showes the emotions of the characters really well and you can emphasize with them. You really want them te save him and you feel really sad for the fear of losing him en guild that they carry. The emotions they show and actions they take are really realistic what makes it easy for you to emphasize. For me this anime Will have a special place in my heart, it brought back some deep emotions wich was Nice. The end Made me happy-sad and relieved. I hope I gave my message correctly and didnt make too many mistakes since this isn't my mother tongue.
Breathtaking
KieraLynnR27 April 2022
I really enjoyed this anime! It handled a lot
Of very difficult subjects with a sense of grace and sensitivity. The entire show takes you on journey to understanding just how precious life is. And how the things we say and do have a huge impact on others, even if it seems minimal to ourselves. Overall this anime was just breathtakingly beautiful! I highly recommend this! I had to watch it in a day.
From a su*cide attempt survivor; if you love someone that is in pain... hold them. Naho mentions at one point that she was always scared to touch Kakeru because she was afraid he was fragile and she would break him. People in that much pain are fragile, and most of us just want someone to hold us and help us figure out how to make the pieces fit again. Even when we deny it. Sometimes it's just really nice to be held and supported. Remember that.
Please remember to mindful of your mental health when watching a series like this. Yes, it tells us that we should live! But it can still be triggering, so just be careful.
From a su*cide attempt survivor; if you love someone that is in pain... hold them. Naho mentions at one point that she was always scared to touch Kakeru because she was afraid he was fragile and she would break him. People in that much pain are fragile, and most of us just want someone to hold us and help us figure out how to make the pieces fit again. Even when we deny it. Sometimes it's just really nice to be held and supported. Remember that.
Please remember to mindful of your mental health when watching a series like this. Yes, it tells us that we should live! But it can still be triggering, so just be careful.
Nice plot, didn't care for the story.
chacham13 August 2020
I watched this anime because someone recommended it to me. I didn't really like it, but not because it wasn't good, instead, i just don't like silly teenage love stories. I was going to drop it after the second episode, but it was just barely good enough to see what they would do next, and i ended up watching the whole thing. That being said, i wish i could send a letter to my past self telling me not to waste the time.
Anyway, the graphics are mostly okay, the music is decent, and the mood is soft and sweet. The story itself is predictable, but the "we're close friends but not dating" aspect was just plain absurd. The plot extends past the first episode only because everyone involved is inept. I don't think there is any other way to explain it. Also, the whole opposite attracts thing doesn't seem to exist in this universe.
On the good side, the plot is definitely interesting and the dual storyline with their acceptance of what they believed to be the nature of things was interesting. All the feelings are conveyed well and the voices fit the characters. If i liked these sort of stories, i'd probably rate it 7 stars, maaaybe 8.
Overall, if you like teenage love stories where everybody cries all the time, this is a really good anime for you. If not, just read the plot and move on.
Anyway, the graphics are mostly okay, the music is decent, and the mood is soft and sweet. The story itself is predictable, but the "we're close friends but not dating" aspect was just plain absurd. The plot extends past the first episode only because everyone involved is inept. I don't think there is any other way to explain it. Also, the whole opposite attracts thing doesn't seem to exist in this universe.
On the good side, the plot is definitely interesting and the dual storyline with their acceptance of what they believed to be the nature of things was interesting. All the feelings are conveyed well and the voices fit the characters. If i liked these sort of stories, i'd probably rate it 7 stars, maaaybe 8.
Overall, if you like teenage love stories where everybody cries all the time, this is a really good anime for you. If not, just read the plot and move on.
A romantic slice of life with a twist
Tweekums3 October 2016
Warning: Spoilers
One day high-schooler Naho Takamiya receives a letter purporting to be from her future self; it details her day and tells her that a new boy, Kakeru Naruse will be joining her class
it also instructs her not to invite him to join her and her friends when they go out after school. She ignores this advice and doesn't see him for a fortnight. It turns out that on that night his mother had committed suicide; something he now feels guilty about. Naho gets further letters and learns that sometime soon Kakeru will also take his own life; she decides that from now on she will follow the advice given in the letters in an attempt to save him. It later emerges that each member of her group of friends has been receiving letters; they work together but as the fateful day approaches Kakeru seems as depressed as ever; will they be able to save him or is the future already written?
I rather enjoyed this series; the story was interesting and well-handled and the central cast of characters was likable. From the start it was never certain that Kakeru could be saved so there was a sense of foreboding as the end approached; even when things looked up we were shown cut-aways to the characters who send the letters discussing the possibility that it would be impossible to save him and even if they did it would be in a parallel universe that they would never know about. Of course to enjoy this you have to suspend disbelief enough to accept that it might be possible to send letters to the past! The characters are interesting and Kakeru's depression is believable. The character designs are good and the animation and backgrounds are of a high standard. I'd certainly recommend this to anybody wanting an emotional series with a twist.
These comments are based on watching the series in Japanese with English subtitles.
I rather enjoyed this series; the story was interesting and well-handled and the central cast of characters was likable. From the start it was never certain that Kakeru could be saved so there was a sense of foreboding as the end approached; even when things looked up we were shown cut-aways to the characters who send the letters discussing the possibility that it would be impossible to save him and even if they did it would be in a parallel universe that they would never know about. Of course to enjoy this you have to suspend disbelief enough to accept that it might be possible to send letters to the past! The characters are interesting and Kakeru's depression is believable. The character designs are good and the animation and backgrounds are of a high standard. I'd certainly recommend this to anybody wanting an emotional series with a twist.
These comments are based on watching the series in Japanese with English subtitles.
Tell and Show
ianwagnerwatches2 February 2022
6.8
Really sappy, really predictable, and really soft, but within it's genre, Orange is gold.
The strongest part of Orange was probably the voice acting. It's not always easy to tell, with the language barrier and all, but the voice performances in Orange were so fantastic, so committed and entertaining, it made up for all of the shortcomings of the narrative. Whoever wrote this script is fluent in telling, but not showing. Half of the lines were blatant descriptions and left little to the viewer's own intelligent interpretation, and another fourth of them were simply redundant. The writer of.
Really sappy, really predictable, and really soft, but within it's genre, Orange is gold.
The strongest part of Orange was probably the voice acting. It's not always easy to tell, with the language barrier and all, but the voice performances in Orange were so fantastic, so committed and entertaining, it made up for all of the shortcomings of the narrative. Whoever wrote this script is fluent in telling, but not showing. Half of the lines were blatant descriptions and left little to the viewer's own intelligent interpretation, and another fourth of them were simply redundant. The writer of.
A must watch for every youngster
ashwathama_19927 September 2020
In this modern world where depression and suicides have become more common, this short series can be a perfect rescue for the ones undergoing hard times. It teaches the true meaning of friendship and love, something which this generation has to learn. Despite of it's flaws and a bit too streched story, " Orange " is a heartwarming short series and acts as a great mood uplifter, with a soothing soundtrack, which makes it an unforgettable experience. If we all were like the 5 friends Kakeru got, I am pretty sure there will be no more suicide in this world.
Mostly harmless
thinkabout427 March 2021
It's a pretty good romantic drama with some simple, but important truths about our actions and their consequences, multiple "what if?"s and regrets we all have. The characters of the story are very lively and their friendship dynamic is very fun to watch.The visuals and the music are nice too and fit well with the genre and the themes. I even found some animations to be impressive for the genre that doesn't rely much on movement.It can be rather predictable at times and there are some slightly disappointing moments of cheap artificial drama near the end of the series. But despite all this, the final moments of the story make up for these shortcomings and finalize the show's ideas in a satisfying way.
Overall, it's not the show I'm gonna zealosly recommend, but the one you'll probably would not regret watching.
Wasn't so bad, but...
marinospolitis26 September 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Let me say this beforehand, when it comes to movies, series or anime... for me a passable movie gets a 5, so 4 means it barely doesn't make the cut. Some people may like it so I won't say don't watch it, I'll just say there are many better out there.
Orange is a very typically executed romance/drama anime. The concept is quite unique though, a group of friends sends letters to their past selves, with instructions in order to prevent the suicide of one of their friends, Kakeru. The first few episodes work completely on this concept, which is a good thing, but the director really messed it up. The animators, too. Too much awkwardness, too little character development.
From the 4th episode on, things get better. We have more solid animation, and much better drama but the whole 'plot' really goes south, they pretty much do whatever they can in order to cheer up Kakeru, who has a solid reason to fall into depression, the main girl even confesses having feelings towards him, but he just doesn't believe he deserves any happiness.
Let me get this straight, this approach is rather realistic. Depression is like this, you can't expect a person to cheer up just because you're being a great friend or telling them you're there for them. And this aspect is one of the good points of Orange that got me to complete the series.
But it just isn't interesting. If you watch this, and then Clannad, Your Lie in April or Air, you'll know what I'm talking about.
The romance is clichéd, typical shoujo approach, too much awkwardness, too many 'missed opportunities' and it just gets annoying from a point on. I don't watch a show to get annoyed, get them together or don't, don't leave us hanging in order to fill 13 episodes.
Wasted potential, but I guess some shoujo fans will appreciate it.
Orange is a very typically executed romance/drama anime. The concept is quite unique though, a group of friends sends letters to their past selves, with instructions in order to prevent the suicide of one of their friends, Kakeru. The first few episodes work completely on this concept, which is a good thing, but the director really messed it up. The animators, too. Too much awkwardness, too little character development.
From the 4th episode on, things get better. We have more solid animation, and much better drama but the whole 'plot' really goes south, they pretty much do whatever they can in order to cheer up Kakeru, who has a solid reason to fall into depression, the main girl even confesses having feelings towards him, but he just doesn't believe he deserves any happiness.
Let me get this straight, this approach is rather realistic. Depression is like this, you can't expect a person to cheer up just because you're being a great friend or telling them you're there for them. And this aspect is one of the good points of Orange that got me to complete the series.
But it just isn't interesting. If you watch this, and then Clannad, Your Lie in April or Air, you'll know what I'm talking about.
The romance is clichéd, typical shoujo approach, too much awkwardness, too many 'missed opportunities' and it just gets annoying from a point on. I don't watch a show to get annoyed, get them together or don't, don't leave us hanging in order to fill 13 episodes.
Wasted potential, but I guess some shoujo fans will appreciate it.
Wow
blankqueenart19 May 2020
I'm honestly speechless. This anime is a masterpiece! The character developments on point for most of the characters and it was just such a rush of emotions! People told me I would cry and I did. A third of the time I wanted to scream because of frustration, the other third of joy and the last third I wanted to cry Because of either happiness or sadness, it depended on the moment/episode. I honestly wasn't expecting it to be so emotional, especially since it dealt with themes such as suicide, which for me, are very close to home. I'm still reeling from this wave of literally everything! If you are still considering watching this anime and are okay with the suicide theme in general. Very brilliantly done!
SUWA DESERVES TO BE HAPPY
quinlandurkin28 July 2020
Warning: Spoilers
(9/10) A tender romance story that leaves you wanting more. An anime that shows the effects of suicide and the efforts of a freind group to prevent it. This anime is heart breaking due to the fact that one character sacrifices his own love for a person to save his freind. The fact that he encouraged someone who he'd otherwise marry to go after another man so that she could be happy made me feel deeply for him.
Excellent show on the topic of suicide
unfortunateburner13 November 2023
This anime was incredibly difficult for me to give a real rating to. There were several aspects I didn't like and it took me over a week to watch just 13 episodes, which is usually reserved for shows I rate below a 5. But my reasoning was a bit different, the emotions just felt so real to me I had to take breaks for my own mental health. As someone who struggles with suicidal thoughts often, I found a lot of Kakeru's character to stick with me on a personal level. And outside of that the stress from Naho and Kakeru's feelings for each other has a different type of stress than I'm used to from a romance anime. I can't fully explain it but this show will sit with me for a while.
My favorite
uzmatariq-6770218 April 2021
Ughhh I usually don't write reviews and stuff but man this anime is the most fascinating thing I've ever watched in my entire life, I'm not good at describing things but I just wanted to say it's my most favorite anime and probably gonna watch he it a few more times.
A very decent anime
nessadmello31 August 2021
HEARTBREAKING...
hrithiks-774871 October 2021
Not that great
gokussaiyan44 October 2021
After watching alot of animes like fruits basket, your name, erased, etc, I watched it.
And I honestly didn't feel anything. I wasn't sad or happy, nothing, this show just couldn't touch me emotionally like Fruits Basket. No affections towards any of the characters. It was just mediocre and according to me, it has no rewatchability..
And I honestly didn't feel anything. I wasn't sad or happy, nothing, this show just couldn't touch me emotionally like Fruits Basket. No affections towards any of the characters. It was just mediocre and according to me, it has no rewatchability..
Deep anime
sirazzsadiaa30 August 2020
This is also a nice anime . But this is a little sad. It made me almost cried. This is a nice and deep anime . It has a movie and it's the second part of the main series. If you see the movie then, you will feel happy . But, if you don't see the movie you will feel bad . It is actually a depression anime and it will make you feel a little depressed. But don't worry the ending is nice of the movie. So make it popular. 😊😊😊😊😊
Nonsense and boring
muratsalikk1 February 2024
Warning: Spoilers
It does not make any sense in the contrast of Nahos selfishness to return her teenage platonic love, Suwa, her husband, giving up with his WIFE and KID for his what suiceded best friend in teenage years with omg time traveling technology!
Despite the whole story can be with one sentence like above, the show never intends to take you in, it never give you a smile or any feeling make your face change suddenly which theoretically would make you emphasize with characters somehow human any good spot. With cliche romance and unexplained not well structured fantasy it is too boring to try what mesages conveyed the artist.
Despite the whole story can be with one sentence like above, the show never intends to take you in, it never give you a smile or any feeling make your face change suddenly which theoretically would make you emphasize with characters somehow human any good spot. With cliche romance and unexplained not well structured fantasy it is too boring to try what mesages conveyed the artist.
I wish it was darker
europi5 December 2020
Warning: Spoilers
The series was pretty good. It talks about friendship etc and how small details and actions can save someones future. Of course the series focuses on romance and pretty simple things. I hoped it was darker. For example what if a car accident happened? Would they had regrets then? When they did everything they could? I also personally didnt like how suwa sucriced his HARMFUL life choices for Kareku. Its an other thing changing a wrong decion in order to not harm someone and other to change something you really wanted to do. It wasnt their responsibility to save him to that extend. Its another thing to reallly try to help your friend and other to sacrifice your whole life for them. I enjoy it though, i just wish some things were a little bit different.
Most important show I've ever watched.
rodgersjacob-772346 January 2024
This is a show that everyone could benefit from watching. It covers some very heavy topics around mental health and relationships so please take into account your own mental state before choosing to start the show. With that being said, I am a different person having watched this and I truly wish I could've watched it sooner. The show is only 13 episodes in length but I was easily sobbing at the ending of over half of the episodes. Seeing how each of the main characters navigated their own personal lives and distinct personalities to comfort a friend will stick with me. Someone else on this site mentioned a quote from the show about how sometimes we can see those around us as being fragile or that we may break them. What this show has taught me is that no matter how fragile we may think them to be, just hug them and show them that their life matters.
I can honestly see myself rewatching this show once a year for the rest of my life as a testament and reminder for the person that I want to be and how noticing the little things can in-fact save a persons life.
Please watch this show, you won't regret it.
I can honestly see myself rewatching this show once a year for the rest of my life as a testament and reminder for the person that I want to be and how noticing the little things can in-fact save a persons life.
Please watch this show, you won't regret it.
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