Is Fruits Basket A Good Anime?

Are you looking for an anime that's as hyped up as it is genuinely good? Look no further than Fruits Basket, the ultimate cult classic. This Shojou anime from the early 2000s has surprisingly stood the test of time and is still a fan favorite.

But the recent reboot sets it apart, which has elevated the series to new heights.

The new Fruits Basket is visually stunning and expands upon the story in ways that fans have been clamoring for.

This anime has a compelling plot, well-developed characters, and just the right amount of magic to keep things interesting.

The reverse harem anime helped revitalize the Shojou genre, alongside other greats like Hana Yori Dango and Ouran High School Host Club.

The original adaptation had flaws, but the reboot makes up for it in spades. With dark undertones that add nuance to each character, Fruits Basket is more than just a simple love story.

It's a story about growth, self-discovery, and learning to overcome life's challenges.

So if you're looking for an anime that's both heartwarming and thought-provoking, Fruits Basket is a must-watch.

Trust me; you won't regret jumping back into this world of magic and romance, especially with the reboot bringing the story to new heights.

Better Than the Reboot

Anime reboots often outshine their original shows due to better source material adaptation or updated animation and art style. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is the shining example of a reboot that surpassed its predecessor, along with others such as Hellsing Ultimate and Hunter x Hunter.

However, while the 2019-2021 Fruits Basket anime reboot is typically included in this category, it's worth arguing that the original show, aired in 2001, is the superior production overall.

It's true that the Fruits Basket reboot boasts beautiful animation and follows the manga source material more closely. However, the original series has a charm that the new one can't quite replicate.

The characters are more endearing, and the story has a timeless quality that keeps viewers invested.

Furthermore, the original series explores some themes in more depth than the reboot, including breaking the cycle of abuse and healing from trauma.

The reboot may have more flashy elements, but the original series has a deeper emotional impact.

A More Optimal Balance Between Humor and Seriousness

Let's start with the fact that the 2001 Fruits Basket anime excels at finding the sweet spot between humor and seriousness, while its reboot falls short.

Fruits Basket naturally has a heavy tone as a romantic drama, but the original series manages to lighten the mood with well-placed humor.

On the other hand, the reboot leans too heavily into the drama, sacrificing much of the levity that made the original show so charming. The hilarious background music for characters like the Mabudachi Trio is missing, and the witty banter between characters has lost much of its impact.

Instead, the reboot is filled with lengthy internal monologues and relationships that feel more hostile than endearing.

It's not as enjoyable an experience as the original series, which struck a better balance between the emotional highs and lows.

Characters With Greater Appeal

Removing much of the humor from the original Fruits Basket has harmed the characters in the reboot. Some of them have become less appealing and even downright unpleasant to watch.

Take Kyo, for example. While he may be initially hot-headed, he's willing to socialize with his classmates once he warms up to them.

In the reboot, he's portrayed as extremely quick-tempered, resorting to far from comedic violence.

Similarly, Yuki is withdrawn but not necessarily cold to his classmates or Tohru's friends. But in the reboot, he's so caught up in his angst that he comes across as self-absorbed.

Even Shigure, who has his plans, isn't entirely selfish in the original series. He prioritizes the happiness of those under his care.

However, in the reboot, he's portrayed as manipulative, only caring about his end-game and willing to hurt others.

Adapting the Manga Ending

Let's face it, the biggest criticism of the 2001 Fruits Basket anime is that it only adapted some source material, leaving fans wanting a complete conclusion.

While this is a fair criticism, it's worth noting that not all endings are good, and the reboot's happy-ever-after may not have been in the best interest of the characters.

Sure, audiences have come to expect a "happily ever after" ending from romantic anime, but is that really what's best for the characters?

Kyo and Yuki may be the front runners for Tohru's affection, but their dependence on her hardly makes for a healthy relationship.

Tohru herself, a selfless girl finding her place in the world without her mother, would be better off with someone who encourages her independence and fosters her confidence.

Unfortunately, the reboot fails to address these questions, while the open-ended conclusion of the original series leaves room for interpretation.

Moreover, the reboot's ending grants Akito Sohma a happy conclusion, despite her past actions, which include physically assaulting her victims.

This is unsatisfying and sends a problematic message that abusive behavior can be excused and even rewarded.

The original series, by contrast, left room for characters to face the consequences of their actions, making for a more realistic and nuanced ending.

The Final Verdict: A Reboot That Nails It!

While the 2001 anime had a more lighthearted and sugary tone, the 2019 reboot draws heavily from the manga, which delves into deeper and darker themes as the story progresses.

With the original mangaka Natsuki Takaya overseeing the production, it was clear that the reboot would be a more faithful and well-crafted adaptation.

Fruits Basket is not simply a romantic story about Tohru finding love. It's a coming-of-age tale that explores themes of loss, abandonment, regret, and love - all while facing the challenges of growing up.

The looming curse that turns characters into animals only adds to the already overwhelming sense of fear and uncertainty that comes with adolescence.

The reboot has also improved the original regarding sound production, writing, and visuals.

The result is an anime that's more in line with the creator's vision and captures the depth and complexity of the source material.

The Final deservedly won 'Anime Of The Year' for its flawless conclusion to a story that's been in the making for over two decades.

If you're a fan of romance anime, then you already know Fruits Basket is a must-watch series.