Bokurano is a Japanese anime series that made its debut in 2007. The show is an adaptation of the manga Bokurano: Ours. The story revolves around a group of middle school children who are chosen to pilot a giant robot named Zearth to defend Earth in a series of battles against other giant robots. The twist? Each pilot is given a contract that states they will die after their turn in the cockpit.
The show has a distinct and unique premise that sets it apart from other mecha anime series. Unlike other shows where the main characters are essentially superheroes who always win, in Bokurano, the pilots are just regular kids who are given an impossible task. This leads to a lot of moral dilemmas and questions about the value of human life.
One of the standout features of Bokurano is its cast of characters. Each of the ten pilots is given a lot of development throughout the series. They all have their own distinct personalities, strengths, and weaknesses. What's more, the show isn't afraid to explore darker themes and ideas. Despite being a show about mechs and battles, Bokurano delves into heavy topics like death, suicide, depression, and abuse. It's a show that's not afraid to make its audience feel uncomfortable.
The animation in the show is top-notch. The mechs are well-designed and look imposing on the battlefield. The fight scenes are well choreographed and exciting to watch. The character designs are also unique and memorable. One thing worth noting is that the show can be quite graphic at times. There is blood and violence, so it's definitely not a show for young children.
The soundtrack for Bokurano deserves a mention as well. The opening theme, "Uninstall" by Chiaki Ishikawa, is a hauntingly beautiful song that perfectly captures the melancholic and tragic tone of the series. The rest of the soundtrack is just as good, with a lot of piano and orchestral pieces that help to set the mood.
Overall, Bokurano is a well-written, well-animated, and well-scored anime that isn't afraid to explore difficult themes. It's definitely not a show for everyone, but for those who are willing to give it a chance, it's a unique and memorable experience. The show's focus on character development and exploration of dark themes sets it apart from other mecha anime series and allows it to stand on its own. If you're a fan of the genre, or if you're just looking for something different, Bokurano is definitely worth checking out.
Bokurano is a series that ran for 1 seasons (24 episodes) between April 8, 2007 and on