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Introduction
Rewrite is a captivating novel and animated series by Key, best known for his thrilling stories like Clannad and Angel Beats! “Rewrite” combines elements of science fiction, romance, environmental protection and more. It tells the story of high school student Tennouji Kotaro, whose life takes an unexpected turn when he meets a group of mysterious girls with unique abilities. The series explores themes of nature, the consequences of human actions, and the complex choices between personal desire and the good. With its complex plot and surrounding characters, The Rewrite offers a unique viewing experience that combines travel with deep philosophical reflection.
Story
Rewritten Story Although Kotaro’s life seems simple at first, he has a unique ability – he can “rewrite” any part of his body, thereby increasing his physical capabilities. However, his peaceful life is disrupted when an unexpected incident occurs with a mysterious girl named Olov, who plays an important role in world affairs.
Out of curiosity, Kotaro joins a mysterious research group that includes a diverse group of girls, each with unique abilities and hidden meanings. As Kotaro uncovers the mystery of the Wind Festival and its connection to fire, he discovers a hidden war between two groups: Gaia, an organization dedicated to restoring the world to its original state by destroying humanity, and the Guardians, who protect humanity at all costs. Paid.
In this series, Kotaro has to make a difficult choice as his actions can either save the world or destroy it. The idea of rewriting destiny becomes central to the story as it crosses multiple timelines and branching storylines. At its core, Rewrite is a story about the balance between nature and civilization, and what humans must sacrifice to save the future.
Main Characters
- Kotarou Tennouji: The protagonist, Kotarou is a high school student with the unique ability to “rewrite” his physical abilities, making him faster or stronger. He is curious, friendly, and deeply compassionate, often placing the well-being of others above his own. Throughout the series, Kotarou’s internal struggle between protecting his loved ones and saving the planet is a key aspect of his character development.
- Kagari: A central figure in the series, Kagari is the mysterious “Key” who holds the fate of the world in her hands. She represents the Earth’s will and can either save or destroy humanity, depending on Kotarou’s choices. Although initially emotionless and detached, Kagari gradually develops a bond with Kotarou, adding depth to her enigmatic character.
- Kotori Kanbe: Kotarou’s childhood friend and a member of the Occult Research Club, Kotori has the ability to manipulate plants and nature. Despite her cheerful and upbeat demeanor, she harbors a tragic secret about her connection to the supernatural events in Kazamatsuri.
- Chihaya Ohtori: A clumsy yet strong girl who is also part of the Occult Research Club. Chihaya is affiliated with Guardian, and her character arc explores her loyalty to the organization and her internal conflict over the morality of their mission.
- Akane Senri: The president of the Occult Research Club, Akane is a calm and intelligent girl who secretly works for Gaia. Her role in the series brings a more philosophical aspect to the story, as she grapples with her belief in Gaia’s goals and the potential consequences of eradicating humanity to save the Earth.
- Shizuru Nakatsu: A quiet and kind girl with healing powers, Shizuru is also a member of Guardian. Her character adds emotional depth to the story, as her personal losses and sacrifices make her deeply committed to the cause of protecting humanity.
- Lucia Konohana: The stoic and disciplined member of the Occult Research Club, Lucia has heightened physical abilities and is fiercely loyal to Guardian. Her interactions with Kotarou reveal her more vulnerable side, as she struggles with the weight of her responsibilities.
Themes
- Environmentalism and Nature: One of the most prominent themes in “Rewrite” is the relationship between humanity and nature. Through its portrayal of the conflict between Gaia and Guardian, the series raises important questions about environmental conservation, the consequences of industrialization, and the balance between protecting the planet and advancing human civilization.
- Fate and Free Will: The concept of rewriting one’s fate is central to the narrative. Kotarou’s ability to change his physical abilities symbolizes the broader theme of taking control of one’s destiny. Throughout the story, Kotarou faces numerous moral dilemmas, forcing him to choose between the greater good and his personal desires. These choices ultimately shape the outcome of the story and highlight the importance of free will in determining one’s path.
- Sacrifice: “Rewrite” explores the theme of personal sacrifice, as many of the characters must give up something precious to them in order to achieve their goals. Whether it’s Kotarou’s struggle to protect those he loves or the sacrifices made by the members of Guardian and Gaia for their respective causes, the series emphasizes the difficult decisions that come with fighting for what one believes is right.
- Friendship and Love: Despite its heavy themes, “Rewrite” is also a story about friendship and love. Kotarou’s relationships with the members of the Occult Research Club form the emotional core of the series. Through his interactions with the girls, Kotarou learns valuable lessons about trust, loyalty, and the importance of cherishing the bonds that connect people.
Visuals and Animation
- Art Style: “Rewrite” features a vibrant and colorful art style, with beautifully designed backgrounds that highlight the natural beauty of Kazamatsuri. The contrast between the serene forests and the dark, supernatural events that unfold adds to the visual appeal of the series.
- Character Design: The characters are designed with distinct personalities in mind, each reflecting their individual powers and roles in the story. From Kotarou’s casual, everyday appearance to Kagari’s ethereal and otherworldly design, the character designs are both expressive and memorable.
- Animation Quality: The animation is fluid and dynamic, particularly in action sequences where Kotarou’s ability to rewrite his abilities comes into play. While some moments may lack the polish of higher-budget productions, the overall animation quality effectively conveys the series’ emotional and thematic depth.
Sound and Music
- Soundtrack: “Rewrite” features a beautiful and atmospheric soundtrack composed by Shinji Orito, Maiko Iuchi, and Jun Maeda. The music complements the themes of the series with calm songs depicting the mystical nature of Kazamatsuri and more intense songs that heighten the tension at key moments.
- Opening and Ending Theme: The opening theme “Philosophyz” by Runa Mizutani sets the tone for the series with its powerful and emotional melody. The ending theme “Sasayaka and Hajimari” provides a more meditative and contemplative conclusion to each episode and embodies the painful nature of the story.
- Voice Cast: The voice actors deliver strong performances, with Masakazu Morita (Kotarou) and Chiwa Saito (Kagari) excelling in their portrayal of the complex relationships between their characters. The emotional depth conveyed by the actors helps bring the story’s themes of self-sacrifice and self-awareness to life.
Background Information
- Creator and Studio: “Rewrite” was developed by Key, a studio known for telling emotional stories in graphic novels like “Clannadsters” and “Little Buffers!” The anime adaptation was produced by 8bit, a studio known for its work on series such as “The Time I Was Reborn as Slime.”
- Release Date: Visual Novel: The visual novel was released in 2011, with additional fan discs expanding the story in subsequent years.
- Anime Premiere: The anime adaptation aired in two seasons: the first in 2016 and the second, “Rewrite: Moon and Terra” in 2017.
- Source Material: The anime is based on the original visual novel, which has multiple paths and endings depending from the player’s choice. Although the anime condenses these journeys into a single narrative, it retains the main themes and emotional impact of the original.
Reviews
“Rewrite” appears to be a comprehensive and thought-provoking series that deals with serious topics such as the environment, fate and sacrifice. Although its complex plot and branching story are sometimes difficult to follow, the emotional depth and character development make it a satisfying experience for viewers who like fantasy stories with a philosophical twist.
The series successfully combines incredible action with moments of quiet introspection, allowing viewers to reflect on the consequences of their actions and the impact of human activity on the environment. Kotarou’s journey of self-discovery and his continued relationships with other characters provide a strong emotional foundation, making “Rewrite” a series that resonates long after the last episode.
