After our reviews of the 2020 autumn novelties, this time we invite you to rediscover a classic of Japanese culture. Discover Fruits Basket again through this new adaptation!
Fruits Basket (2019)
Adapted from the eponymous manga by Natsuki TAKAYA, Fruits Basket (2019) currently has 2 seasons available on Wakanim and ADN. These two seasons have 25 episodes each. A third season is planned for 2021.
On the animation side, we find the studio TMS Entertainment (Dr Stones). Ibata Yoshihide (FLCL 2nd season) is the director of the series. Finally, for the scenario, we find Kido Yuichiro (91 Days) and Kishimoto Taku (Gintama S3).
The 12 animals of the zodiac!
Tohru HONDA is a 16-year-old high school student who lives in a tent after the death of her mother. After meeting Yuki SOHMA, Kyo SOHMA and Shigure SOHMA, she learns that 12 members of the SOHMA family are owned by Chinese zodiac animals. Indeed, the latter are cursed and are forced to turn into animals when they are weak, stressed or when they are touched by a person of the opposite sex who is not possessed by a zodiac spirit.
The curse addressed in this series refers to an old legend where the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac, with the exception of the cat which is not originally part of it, are invited to a banquet given by a god.
An altruistic girl!
We learn that Tohru is a girl who sees good everywhere around her. Indeed, it is ready to help all those who need it. He is someone who has no grudge against those who have wronged him, especially "a certain person" whose name will be withheld so as not to spoil you, but this "person" is a fan of manipulations and physically and emotionally marks most of the cursed SOHMA. Tohru learns about the difficulties and pain of SOMA and through her generous and loving nature, she helps heal their emotional wounds by listening to them and helping them while remaining herself, a simple and naïve girl, but always smiling and positive. In reality, we learn very quickly that Tohru is not supposed to be aware of this curse.
"You don't need courage to kill yourself, real courage is to keepliving" Tohru Honda
Since the majority of the characters are men, one could almost think that there is a male harem around Tohru, but it is not. Because of her naivety, Tohru doesn't always realize when some, like Yuki and Kyo, tease and overprotect her, which can become comical.
Fruits Basket (2019), a successful adaptation?
This adaptation is very faithful to the original story, which makes its (re)discovery all the more enjoyable. In addition, the animation is fluid and offers us, thanks to rather pastel tones and bright colors, quality graphics. A lot of attention has been paid to the details in the background, especially the landscapes. The soundtrack also allows you to dive even deeper into the story since, without being too intrusive, it adds that little touch of emotion to the anime. If you are a fan of romances full of emotions or you simply want to discover this series that has been talked about so much, Fruits Basket (2019) should meet your expectations.
