Fruits Basket is a popular anime series that has captured the hearts of many fans since its release. The show is known for its heartwarming story, lovable characters, and beautiful animation. It follows the story of Tohru Honda, an orphaned high school girl who finds herself living with the mysterious Sohma family, who are cursed by the spirits of the Chinese zodiac.
In this article, we will explore the positive aspects of Fruits Basket, as well as any criticisms it may have received. We will also analyze some of the main characters and their development throughout the series. Additionally, we will compare the 2001 anime adaptation with the 2019 reboot and provide our conclusion on which version is better.
Overall, Fruits Basket has received high praise from fans and critics alike for its emotional depth, relatable characters, and beautiful storytelling. However, like any show, it is not without its flaws. In this article, we will take a closer look at what makes Fruits Basket such a beloved series, as well as any criticisms it may have faced. We will also delve into the characters and their journeys, and provide a comparison of the two anime adaptations.
Positive Aspects
Character Development
Fruits Basket is praised for its great character development. Each character has a unique personality and backstory that is explored throughout the series. The main character, Tohru Honda, is a kind-hearted girl who has faced many hardships in life. Her character arc is about learning to trust others and finding her place in the world. Other characters, like Yuki and Kyo Sohma, also have well-developed arcs that explore their past traumas and how they overcome them. The show does an excellent job of making the audience care about the characters and their personal growth.
Animation
The animation in Fruits Basket is top-notch. The character designs are beautiful, and the backgrounds are detailed and immersive. The show also uses animation to enhance emotional scenes, like when a character is crying or having a breakdown. The animation helps to convey the emotions of the characters and make the audience feel more connected to them.
Soundtrack
The soundtrack for Fruits Basket is fantastic. The opening and ending themes are catchy and memorable, and the background music is well-suited to each scene. The show also uses music to enhance emotional moments, like when a character is having a breakthrough or a heart-to-heart talk. The music helps to create a more immersive experience for the audience.
Criticism
Pacing Issues
One of the criticisms of Fruits Basket is its pacing issues. The story sometimes feels slow and meandering, with little plot progression in some episodes. At times, it feels like the anime is dragging its feet, which can be frustrating for viewers who are invested in the story. This can be attributed to the fact that the anime tries to adapt the entire manga series in two seasons, which results in some plot points being rushed while others are drawn out for too long. This can make the viewing experience feel uneven and disjointed.
Lack of Depth in Supporting Characters
Another criticism of Fruits Basket is the lack of depth in supporting characters. While the main characters are well-developed and fleshed out, some of the supporting characters feel underutilized and one-dimensional. They don’t get enough screen time to fully explore their personalities and motivations, and as a result, they can feel like afterthoughts in the overall narrative. This is especially true for some of the members of the Sohma family, who are introduced early on but don’t get much development until later in the series.
However, it’s important to note that this is a common issue in anime adaptations of long-running manga series. With limited screen time, it can be difficult to fully explore every character’s story arc and motivations.
In conclusion, while Fruits Basket is a beloved anime series, it is not without its flaws. The pacing issues and lack of depth in supporting characters can be frustrating for some viewers. However, it is still a worthwhile watch for its strong character development, emotional storytelling, and themes of family and acceptance.
Character Analysis
Tohru Honda
Tohru Honda is the main protagonist of Fruits Basket. She is a kind-hearted and selfless girl who lost her mother in a car accident and was forced to live in a tent. She is determined to make a better life for herself and is willing to work hard to achieve her goals. Tohru is always putting others before herself, which makes her a lovable character. Her positive attitude and selflessness inspire those around her.
Throughout the series, Tohru develops close relationships with the Sohma family and becomes a source of comfort and support for them. She helps them overcome their personal struggles and encourages them to confront their inner demons. Tohru’s unwavering kindness and compassion make her an exceptional character, and it’s hard not to root for her throughout the series.
Kyo Sohma
Kyo Sohma is one of the main male characters in Fruits Basket. He is a hot-headed and impulsive young man who is cursed by the spirit of the cat. Kyo has a complicated relationship with Yuki Sohma, and their rivalry is a recurring theme throughout the series. Despite his tough exterior, Kyo is a deeply emotional character who struggles with his inner demons.
As the series progresses, Kyo’s character undergoes significant development. He learns to confront his past traumas and accept himself for who he is. Kyo’s character arc is one of the most compelling in the series, and his growth as a character is both heartwarming and inspiring.
Yuki Sohma
Yuki Sohma is another main male character in Fruits Basket. He is the prince of his school and is admired by many of his peers. However, Yuki’s life is not as perfect as it seems. He has a strained relationship with his family and struggles with feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Yuki’s character development is one of the most significant in the series. He learns to overcome his insecurities and confront his past traumas. Yuki’s relationship with Tohru is also a significant part of his character arc, and their friendship helps him overcome his emotional barriers. Yuki’s growth as a character is both realistic and inspiring, and his story is one of the most compelling in the series.
Comparison
Original vs. Remake
The original Fruits Basket anime series aired in 2001 and ran for 26 episodes. It was praised for its unique storyline, well-developed characters, and emotional depth. The remake, which began airing in 2019, follows the same basic plot but with updated animation and some changes to the story.
One major difference between the two versions is the pacing. The original series covered more of the manga’s storyline in each episode, while the remake takes a slower approach with more detailed character development and expanded scenes. Some fans prefer the faster pace of the original, while others appreciate the added depth of the remake.
The remake also includes some changes to the story, such as the addition of new scenes and the removal of some minor characters. Some fans appreciate the new additions, while others feel that they detract from the original story.
Manga vs. Anime
The Fruits Basket manga series was written by Natsuki Takaya and ran from 1998 to 2006. The anime series closely follows the manga’s storyline, but there are some differences between the two.
One major difference is the ending. The manga series has a more conclusive ending, while the anime series leaves some plot threads unresolved. Some fans prefer the manga’s ending, while others appreciate the open-endedness of the anime.
Another difference is the pacing. The manga series covers more of the story in less time, while the anime series takes a slower approach with more detailed character development and expanded scenes. Some fans appreciate the added depth of the anime, while others prefer the faster pace of the manga.
Overall, whether you prefer the original or the remake, the manga or the anime, Fruits Basket is a beloved series with a unique and emotional storyline that has touched the hearts of fans around the world.
Conclusion
Overall, Fruits Basket is a heartwarming anime that explores themes of family, love, and acceptance. The characters are well-developed and relatable, with each one having their own unique struggles and growth throughout the series. The animation and soundtrack are also top-notch, adding to the emotional impact of the story.
However, the 2001 series does have its flaws, such as its lack of closure and rushed pacing towards the end. The reboot, while addressing some of these issues, also falls short in areas such as character development and emotional depth.
Comparing the two versions, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Some viewers may prefer the nostalgia and charm of the original, while others may appreciate the updated visuals and expanded story of the reboot. Regardless, both versions are worth watching for fans of the manga and those looking for a heartwarming anime with a touch of fantasy.
