Koi wa Ameagari no You ni

In "Koi wa Ameagari no You ni," Akira Tachibana, a reserved high school student and former track runner, struggles with the aftermath of a severe foot injury that has affected her ability to race. Despite her classmates finding her attractive, she remains disinterested in the boys around the school.

While working part-time at the Garden Cafe, Akira finds herself developing feelings for the manager, Masami Kondou, a 45-year-old man, despite the significant age gap. Kondou's genuine concern and kindness towards the cafe's customers, though perceived by others as soft or weak, attract Akira to him.

As they spend more time together throughout the course of "Koi wa Ameagari no You ni," their connection deepens, intensifying her emotions. Faced with these uncertain feelings, Akira gathers the courage to confess, but the outcome remains uncertain.

"Koi wa Ameagari no You ni" emerges as a thought-provoking exploration of human vulnerability and the intricacies of affection. Its contemplative storytelling, coupled with stellar performances from the seiyuu (voice actors) and captivating visuals, captures the tender yet ephemeral essence of an unconventional relationship. The film's soundtrack is another poignant accompaniment, complementing the narrative's emotional weight to enrich pivotal moments and subtly heighten the audience's emotional investment in the characters' dilemmas.

Release: 2018

MyAnimeList Score: 7.49/10