Stream Agents of the Four Seasons weekly on Crunchyroll.
Synopsis
Imagine a world where Mother Nature didn’t control the seasons, where her touch didn’t bring bloom and heath and decay. Instead, imagine a world where four divinely-gifted individuals brought about these seasons through dance and song. The centre of this world is the agent of spring, Hinagiku Kayo, who was captured by insurgents ten years prior. Sakura Himedaka, her protector, refused to abandon her and continued searching for her. And, after Hinagiku mysteriously returns, the two set out to end a decade-long winter. In this elegantly-endearing series, we follow these ‘agents,’ as they seek to restore balance to nature, and overcome the traumas of their past.
Review
Much like the life-and-death rotation of the seasons, this Anime thrives on colour and change. Its emotional palette ripples and unfolds with a delicate nuance, the plot held by its delicate fingertips. Where many maybe familiar with the overzealous nature of other anime serials, Agents of the Four Seasons feels refreshingly tranquil – and conducts itself with a resolute dignity.
The story, originating from the light novel series of the same name, dabbles in the world of greek myth; it recalls the tale of Persephone, who brought spring and summer to all. However, AOTFS updates this tried-and-tested myth, bringing lightness and an artistic flare to its hallowed halls. The first episode gives us a brief snatch of the four agent’s shared trauma – the night that Hinagiku was almost lost to them all, and the agent of winter made a life-changing decision. Director Ken Yamamoto takes great care in feeding us their story in small, dew-drop bites. With gravitas and relief, Sakura delivers the first episode’s final line: “At last, our story is about to begin.” A journey of peril and rebirth is about to commence.
The first episode, titled ‘The Dance of Spring,’ introduces Hinagiku and her protector with a loving contrast. Hinagiku, voiced by Japanese voice actress Yuka Nukui, is child-like, timid but blossoms under her love for others. As spring incarnate, her broken speech and flowing hair awaken gentleness in others, embarrassing Sakura with her intensity of emotion. Sakura, voiced by Yoshino Aoyama, is a devout guardian – stoic, silent and strong. Her determination to stay on the job, after Hinagiku attempts to help a nearby child, clashes with Hinagiku’s tender nature. However, they melt together, a perfect mix of fire and water, as Sakura’s devotion to her agent bleeds through.
Hinagiku’s awakening of spring is heightened with a flourishing animation style, and a rousing cinematic score. As the verdancy of grass blades and plants bloom, delicate piano notes and orchestral strings fill your lungs, as fresh as a spring morning. Lush cherry blossoms dance in the wind, as Hinagiku’s auburn hair flows with a ferocity. Under the jewel-blue sky, it’s picturesque, compounding with the episode’s emotional core; it crescendos as the new season falls upon the town. Alongside this is Hinagiku’s message of hope, where she says that ‘If you never give in and keep enduring… spring will come,’ it makes for a startlingly uplifting premiere.
Although it is early in the series, both episodes have introduced a balance of life-affirming joy – and life-altering peril. In the second episode, ‘Lingering Snow,’ the agent of Winter Rousei Kantsubaki is shrouded in protection. Isolated and angsty, he is protected by Itechou Kangetsu, who bares the brunt of the episode’s action sequences. As his blade fans the enemies across the sky, Rousei finishes them off with his life-suspension powers, dazzling onlookers with displays of ice-power. Alongside Hinagiku’s message of endurance, this wintery solitary shows us the other side of the coin; whilst there is rebirth, there is also regret, death and ongoing threat.
The second episode also hints at a potential deeper intimacy or romance, both between the agents and their respective guards. Amongst the uniqueness of this anime’s debut, this feels a little more predictable of a plot-line. It is perhaps to be expected that the resolute attitudes of the guards, and the pressure on their shoulders, would force them together. Intrigue, however, lies in the connection of Hinagiku and Rousei as, after all, Winter perishes under Spring’s return. However, Rousei pines for her still, saying she appears ‘everywhere because I yearn for you.’ The flashbacks shine brighter in this episode, hinting at Rousei’s regret at not protecting his fellow agent enough. We can only expect that more shall be revealed about the traumas of their pasts, in episodes to come.
Verdict
Just as Rousei’s winter blends with Hinagiku’s Spring, Agents of the Four Seasons melds emotional nuances together with a refreshing individuality. Heartwarming, gripping and powerful, the anime turns from rejuvenation in life to the terror of death with delightfully delicate pivots. And, with the promise of a great story to come, it is clear that the Agents of the Four Seasons has a Spring that is far from over
⭐⭐⭐⭐
