Kokoro Connect (2012) Review
Kokoro Connect revolves around five ordinary high school students who, unbeknownst to others, are switching bodies among themselves at random. Only minimal explanation is given about this occurrence, which is forgivable, because the focus of this show is not so much on why it happens but rather, on how they deal with it and go about their lives.
Kokoro Connect is a psychological slice of life which is less plot-driven and more character-driven. A huge chunk of the show is carried by the dialogues among the five friends, which is usually difficult to pull off unless there is actual substance to their personalities. Fortunately, the script it solid, and in the midst of dealing with the emotional repercussions of this phenomenon, they also help each other overcome their past trauma.
When you take over someone else's body, you can imagine how much more you start learning about them, now that you're literally living in their shoes. The same goes when someone else takes over your body. Some of the secrets which you've been trying so desperately to hide, may eventually be brought to light. In one of the scenes, the body switching happened when one of them was crying silently in their room. Naturally, a phenomenon like this will eat away at some more than others. When your most vulnerable moments are exposed to each other, three things can take place - one, your friendship starts to crack; two, your friendship is cemented stronger and the bond you form is like no other; or three, both happens in sequence.
Now, imagine another scenario where your Ego no longer acts as a filter and your Id takes over. You will physically be unable to stop your desires leading you to take impulsive actions - snapping at a rude customer when you're only being paid minimum wage, or revealing to your friend that you actually hate their new haircut - but on the grand scheme of things, these are the least of your concerns. Kokoro Connect also deals with this, and you will get to witness how brutal honesty can make or break a relationship.
Some of the issues brought up in Kokoro Connect may hit closer to home than others. You will learn that some of the problems you allowed fester in your mind may be blown out of proportion after all. You will learn that maybe, all the different personalities you put up in different situations are not your 'fake' personalities, but instead, the extensions of your true self. Most importantly, you will learn that overcoming a trauma does not necessarily mean forgetting it, but rather, embracing it, forgiving it, and moving on.
Kokoro Connect does not attempt to overdo anything - it is realistic, humane, and deeply personal. The plot is simple and undramatic but the show is important. However, based on my experience as an audience, I must admit that it was not exactly an easy series to finish. If you're able to sit through it, great for you. If you can't, it is also understandable.
The female characters are also significantly better developed than the male characters. This is a waste of potential because I would love to see internal conflicts presented from a male's point of view.
To wrap things up, I can only (poorly) compare Kokoro Connect to a historical documentary - potentially slow and boring, but with patience, one may it incredibly insightful.
When you take over someone else's body, you can imagine how much more you start learning about them, now that you're literally living in their shoes. The same goes when someone else takes over your body. Some of the secrets which you've been trying so desperately to hide, may eventually be brought to light. In one of the scenes, the body switching happened when one of them was crying silently in their room. Naturally, a phenomenon like this will eat away at some more than others. When your most vulnerable moments are exposed to each other, three things can take place - one, your friendship starts to crack; two, your friendship is cemented stronger and the bond you form is like no other; or three, both happens in sequence.
"How can you act so much like you always do? Everyone else was sad."
"I'm sad too. So sad I could die. But you're sadder than me. If I cried, you couldn't cry yourself."
Some of the issues brought up in Kokoro Connect may hit closer to home than others. You will learn that some of the problems you allowed fester in your mind may be blown out of proportion after all. You will learn that maybe, all the different personalities you put up in different situations are not your 'fake' personalities, but instead, the extensions of your true self. Most importantly, you will learn that overcoming a trauma does not necessarily mean forgetting it, but rather, embracing it, forgiving it, and moving on.
"Calling any choice I made a mistake would be calling who I am now a mistake."
Kokoro Connect does not attempt to overdo anything - it is realistic, humane, and deeply personal. The plot is simple and undramatic but the show is important. However, based on my experience as an audience, I must admit that it was not exactly an easy series to finish. If you're able to sit through it, great for you. If you can't, it is also understandable.
The female characters are also significantly better developed than the male characters. This is a waste of potential because I would love to see internal conflicts presented from a male's point of view.
To wrap things up, I can only (poorly) compare Kokoro Connect to a historical documentary - potentially slow and boring, but with patience, one may it incredibly insightful.
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