User reviews

I first discovered what anime truly was in 2014. I mean like every kid I eagerly watched Pokemon and Yu-Gi-Oh! every Saturday morning, but back then I just assumed they were American cartoons. I didn't properly understand Anime until I ended up going through a series of recommended YouTube videos (as you do), where I stumbled across a video dubbed 'Anime for beginners'. Out of mere curiosity I decided to give it a watch and I was promptly introduced to a show called 'Death Note'. I gave it a shot and low and behold I loved it, heck I even showed it to both my parents and they loved it too. Ever since then I've been attempting to keep track of all the seasonal releases, as well as the classic shows. However, over the past couple of years I've definitely fallen behind, and I've only really watched the massive shows that have achieved true mainstream success (The Attack on Titan and My Hero Academia's of this world etc etc.).

However, my casual viewing habits changed recently. After watching 'Your Name' and 'Silent Voice' (which I highly recommend to those curious about Anime) my desire to properly re-join the Anime community was reignited. So, after 2 years, I decided to re-subscribe to Crunchyroll and see what I could find. I decided to have a browse of the catalogue, and I must admit that, initially I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of shows I'd missed out on. Despite some initial confusion, I stumbled across a show called ReLIFE. The show was marked with the descriptor tag 'Slice of Life' ('the use of mundane realism depicting everyday experiences in art and entertainment' for you non-Anime folk out there), which in all honesty isn't usually my bag. As when I watch anime, I prefer to be swept up in fantasy epics or compelling mysteries. However, when I read the plot description, the show called to me for some reason.

ReLIFE tells the story of 27-year-old NEET Arata Kaizaki. At the start of the show his life is going nowhere: he has quit his job after 3 months at a big company, he is alone and he is financially dependent on his parents. However, that all changes when he is approached by Ryo Yoake. Yoake claims to be part of a team of experimental scientists, funded by the government, who are attempting to combat the growing number of Japanese NEETS. Yoake asks Kaizaki to participate in an experiment where he is required to take a pill that will make him 10 years younger. As part of the experiment Kaizaki must complete a year of high school, a second shot at the beginning of his adult life if you will, in an attempt to rediscover his identity. Kaizaki then embarks on a journey of discovery through uncovering what it means to truly love life and the people in it.

One of the most memorable parts of ReLIFE's story is its wonderful cast of characters. They are likable, nuanced and each of them have clear character arcs. Across the course of the 13 episodes and 4 OVAs you see each character clearly progress, at the end of the show each character is qualitatively different from who they were. All the interactions between the characters are wonderful, they have a certain authentic quality that lends the show unparalleled charm. Nevertheless, the interaction that shines the brightest is the romance between two characters. I shan't give away too many details, because I genuinely believe you should experience it for yourself. But I can say that it feels genuine and it develops at a realistic pace. I must confess, I even ended up rooting for them like a lovesick schoolchild. What can I say, I'm a sucker for a well written romance!

Although I feel like I can hardly provide compelling opinions about the technical aspects of the show, given my lack of knowledge about animation, even I can appreciate the show's achievements. The art design is clear and crisp, every character, as well as every scene appears to have been drawn with affection. The animation is also fantastic, especially during some of the more dramatic moments, creating beautiful and genuinely touching scenes. The soundtrack is also phenomenal, as it appropriately responds to the mood of the show. It is melancholic during moments of contemplation and soaring in moments that celebrate life. The show also has a fantastic opening and collection of endings to boot.

Another commendable aspect of the show is how it balances its diverse array of tones. The show masterfully switches between drama, romance and comedy. The show is genuinely funny, with a healthy mix of situational and heartfelt comedy, which elicited laugh out loud laughter from me on multiple occasions. This is no minor feat either, as often, even stand-up comedians fail to force a chuckle out of me. As aforesaid, the show also handles drama fantastically. I'm not afraid to admit that the show brought me to tears on a few occasions, especially during the last couple of OVAs. Although it's different for everyone, I always appreciate it when a piece of art evokes such a strong emotional response. For me, it's a clear indication of the power that art holds. One of the few complaints that I have with the show is that around halfway through, the story does become slightly bogged down in high school melodrama. Though I guess that's to be expected considering the genre of the show and where the drama is set. Regardless, the interplay between these fabulously charming characters s erodes these minor gripes fairly quickly and you find yourself embracing the overall experience.

A common complaint I picked up on from the fans is that the concluding arc appears to be slightly rushed. The original season that aired in 2016 ended rather abruptly, and fans had to wait 2 years for a concluding series of OVAs to complete the story. I can't even imagine what it must have been like waiting two years for some form of resolution. Despite this grievance, for the most part, the OVAs do a fine job of concluding the story. As the final OVA approached its conclusion, I felt satisfied that I had experienced a complete narrative arc. However, I must concede that manga's ending does feel slightly more fleshed out. Perhaps if TMS entertainment had produced an additional a couple of episodes the ending would have had that same sense of resolution. One can objectively praise ReLIFE for it's creative story, it's wonderful characters and it's colourful OST. But to me, what stands out the most and what will stick with me is the emotional impact the show had on me. The show reminded me of a fact that we all easily forget: life is wonderful. Often, we take it for granted, we forget the precious gift we've been given by wishing away our future or we become consumed by our past. ReLIFE reminds us that life is beautiful, and even though it may have its complications, it's the most joyous gift we'll ever receive. It tells us to go forth and meet true friends, widen our personal horizons and to fall deeply in love.

Not my type of show but it's really cool. The character development is great and also funny, it has a unique story thats for sure. For me it was a bit "action less" but that is only my opinion. However I don't know why is this show is categorised as "romance" because it doesn't have that much in it, I mean sure it has love drama in it but that drama isn't the main aspact of the plot.

I really like this anime. It's actually one of the best anime I've ever seen. Especially the ending was good. I usually don't watch any anime that does have bad ending. If you are one of those guys you should really give it a go.

Not even kidding when I'm when saying this but this might be one of the greatest romance series ever. This story was so intelligent and so well written that it blew me away like FIREWORKS. I love ReLIFE and really recommend you watch it.

It's my first time writing a review for an anime. :)

The anime is about Kaizaki Arata,who's actually a NEET. Well, i don't want to give spoilers. About the anime: it falls in to the category of comedy and slice of life.Although, there are some depressing scenes.The story is quite interesting and amazing.How the presence of our main protagonist effects everyone's life around him and how he deals with hi life. Soundtrack is also really good. You can relate with almost all the characters and the animation is fine too.

I do wish that the anime was a little longer so that they could have shown some background of some of the main characters. I really hope that I will have the opportunity to watch more anime of this quality

Let's just for a second season.

Arigatou! :D

This anime is totally worth it. Because it has: Romantic, Funny, Emotional, No Harem.

This is the best series.I watch Over 200 anime but i never seen anime like this one.it is change my opinion about life i must sey that it is the one of the best anime in my life.

The main idea of anime is actually pretty good! You can imagine experiencing some part of your past life again and see how it could affect to make changes in your future decisions.

If you look for an interesting anime to enjoy and chill out without a complicated story its recommended for you.

Negative points: *Sometimes it does have a simple and predictable story process *Some romantic scenes could be shown better *Lack of any major negative character to make a stressful or amazing situation *the writer creates a sad problem at the end of the story and uses a platitudinous and random situation to solve it which is not interesting to me

Positive point: *New creative subject for the main story *Sweet comedy.

The show was awesome but I was not satisfied with the anime ending, so I read last chapters of manga and the end was incredibly amazing. So if anyone want to get much satisfying ending than anime just read the manga from chapter 216.

27-year-old Arati Kaizaki has been unemployed for quite a while now, only works part time in a convenience store. One day, he was approached by Ryo Yoake, who has an offer for Kaizaki. Kaizaki has been chosen as a test subject for Relife - a scientific experiment to make him 10 years younger, giving him a chance to attend High School and to fix whatever is currently wrong with his life. He became friends with many teenagers including Hishiro, Oga, Rena, Onoya, Tamarai. However, once his Relife is over, his temporary schoolmates will have no memory of him.

If you take out unrealistic stuffs from this anime, it feels quiet relatable. This is recommended to the grown-ups as almost each of them has either gone through this or has a friend whose career went for a toss due to world-weariness. Even the highschool drama or the romance part has been brilliantly executed. However, I am not a fan of the last episode plot twist and the rest of the 4 episodes of the OVA were created only for the happier ending purpose. I also didn't like how the highschool characters were sidelined in the OVA even though there clearly was a setup. It would've been interesting to see what impact Oga's brother would have to the sub-plot.

Apart from that, the animation is fine. I haven't tried the full version of the soundtracks yet but at least the shorter versions weren't bad to hear. The Seiyuu were clearly up for the challenge. Switching between 17 year old and the 27 year old after every while was never an issue for them.

Its 7/10 for me.

I have request you Indian languages anime provide Big country Big population Big opportunity in India

I first saw this on the Crunchy Roll marathon on Twitch, I was hooked right away. I loved the concept, the story telling, and the animation. The last EP had me PogChamping all over the place. So will there be a season 2? This show has a high calibre animation quality reminiscent of, "The Wolf Children", or "Your Name". I'm now watching Orange because, but it's not animated as nicely. I'm new but not new to anime. I like Sailor Moon in high school, and I like a few movies. I loved the dramatic real life story of this particular show. It's not about fighting any villains or anything, just personal demons. Very well done, based on a manga series. So, if you're looking for something different, I suggest you try this one. And here's hoping for season 2! But from what I read only a 4 EP finale will be available on blueray in 2018.

This anime tells you about importance of time,life and freinds with good music. Characters are likeable .This anime will be a great watch.this anime tells you about importance of time,life and freinds with good music. Characters are likeable .This anime will be a great watch.

I dont think it deserves the 10/10 (maybe a 7-8/10 its more occurate) but is the 1st season of the best love story i have ever seen...a little bit of romance, a little bit of innocense, a little bit of scifi and voilla: Relife! Kaizaki Arata a 27 year old neet returns to highschool as part of an experiment. With the looks of a 17 year old boy he try to get his lost confindence back and forget his dark past. In the way he catches himself in love with a straightforward ,lonely girl hishiro who is trying to escape her loneliness! The sweatest story about a man who fell and is trying to get himself up. With good animation,some lovely soundtracks but in times too much screen time for secondary characters.

This anime is absolutely wholesome it has everything in it,plot twist, romance, comedy,a bit of scifi to. It is extremely professionally made too with good openings and endings, animation is decent too and overall the experience is pleaseant . it will be worth a few hours of your time.

*After you watch this don't go googling around for a season 2 watch simply search "relife kanketsu hen".

Plz don't forget to watch the 4 episode special, after the season (after the 13th ep.) it's amazing.

I have watched lots of animes and none had ended as I wanted them to.

This one was a good high school drama with romance but not typical high school stuffs. English dub is too hilarious and I recommend watching it dub.

I really loved the way it progressed and the characters were developed. There is no boring moment instead you will be hoping for more.

OVAs are beautifully done.

After yhe Anime read the Manga. Manga has more content and you will love it.

ReLIFE is not a romance comedy, it is much more than this. I have never watched anything so pure like this. When I started watching this anime I thought that "it is a funny time pass anime" but i was totally wrong. It is not a 'just for fun' anime, it is far better than this.

The best thing about this anime is that it makes you think about your life. What you are doing wrong. And what you really wanna do.

Just don't forget to watch the extra 4 episodes. The last episode is the best. Maybe it will make you cry. But surely..... it will make you a better person.

I love this anime. And i will surely watch ReLIFE again soon.

Relife is a truly masterpiece anime, i just love it man! My heart is full now Thank you soo much for creating such a great anime . It was worth watching it Love it.

Relife is a great and fun anime with fun and memorable characters great humor and some heartwarming moments and some pretty emotional moments. So I definitely recommend watching this anime.