Can living without passion truly be considered living? That is the question that lies at the heart of 2021's hit anime series Blue Period. This deceptively simple tale aptly explores the chaos, confusion, and pain of finding who you are as well as the anxiety and exhilaration of discovering who you want to be. Through its depiction of one teen's journey to become an artist the series acts as a tribute to passion and an ode to the artist within us all. Start adding to your own canvas with Blue Period.
The story begins with high school student Yatura Yaguchi leading a stable but passionless life. He balances his days between socializing with friends and diligently studying without realizing that he is merely going through the motions of life. All of that changes after he stumbles upon a fellow student's painting. Mesmerized by the beauty of this work he becomes inspired to make a painting of his own in art class. With that one assignment he finds himself drawn into the world of art against his better judgment. He then becomes determined to earn a place in art school even as he remains painfully aware of just how high the odds are stacked against him. The series then follows him as he struggles through difficult courses, class rivalries, and his own insecurities in his pursuit of his dream of becoming an artist.
Much like such classics as Lust for Life and Dead Poet's Society, Blue Period urges us to seize the day and is sure to inspire you to chase your dreams. Through its simple tale of one teen's efforts to enter art school the series perfectly captures the trials and triumphs of the artistic experience. In its depiction of Yatura's mundane existence prior to art entering his life the series aptly portrays the emptiness of a life without passion. Similarly, it showcases the ways in which passion for even one aspect of our life inevitably infuses the rest of our lives with greater meaning and purpose. Even as it celebrates the importance of passion, however, the series avoids the trap of romanticizing Yatura's pursuit of his. In fact, the series is at its most effective and poignant when he is forced to confront the all too real struggles he faces in his efforts to become an artist. For example, in the midst of his burgeoning love affair with painting he is still plagued by the fear that sharing his dream with his mother would only disappoint her. Similarly, when he enters prep school he is haunted by his insecurities, particularly when he compares himself to his more experienced classmates. In this way the series shares a story for anyone who has ever pursued their passion and everyone who wishes that they had. Unleash the artist within you along with Yatura in Blue Period.
The series brings Tsubasa Yamaguchi's 2017 manga to vibrant life as Yatura's journey leaps off of the page and onto the screen. The series utilizes Japan's signature animation style to infuse each of the characters with unique designs and movement. Even as it uses the exaggerated style of anime to highlight the characters' divergent personalities it depicts the art that they study with remarkable realism. In this way the series showcases the breathtaking beauty of the work of such artistic icons as Degas, Van Gogh, and Picasso in a way that leaves little wonder as to why they inspire Yatura. The voice actors infuse each of the characters with a depth, charm, and raw emotion that ensures that viewers will root for them every step of the way. Feast your eyes upon beauty of Blue Period.
This celebration of the trials and triumphs of the artist's life is every bit as inspiring as the real life works of art that Yatura and his classmates study. At once a universal coming of age story and an in depth portrait of a budding artist the series is certain to appeal to anyone who has ever felt touched by a work of art. Through its portrayal of Yatura's tribulations and achievements the series offers a surprisingly realistic depiction of the sacrifices that art requires and the passion that makes it all worthwhile. Paint outside of the lines with Yatura in Blue Period.
