Fruits Basket 2019 Remake | Is The Hype Justified?
Hello everyone and welcome to our shelter! 🙂
So, let me tell you, right from the bat, that I never watched the original Fruits Basket airing in 2001. Although the premise seems something that I would enjoy, the combination of the animation and not having the full story from the manga just made me postpone watching this indefinitely.
This way, I got pretty excited when I heard that it was getting a remake in 2019. Contrary to the original, Fruits Basket 2019 is going to have all the manga storyline with an improved animation/audio set.
My first idea was to compare the remake with the original. However, after watching episode 1 from both 2019 and 2001 Fruits Basket, I have to say that it would make a poor and short article. For episode 1, at least, the storyline and events were followed almost by letter. And, of course, when it comes to the improvements… Well, 18 years have passed, something that you can clearly see in the first second.
This way, I decided to go with a different route. I will just review Fruits Basket like the original never happened and will compare it to the Anime coming out in 2019.
Fruits Basket Synopsis
Tooru Honda would be your typical Highschool girl, if not for the family tragedy she overtook. When she was still a child her father passed away. Then, as a teenager, her mother also died in an accident. With 16 years old she ends up living on her own… Inside a tent.
Lucky for her, she decided to put her tent in private land, belonging to the Souma Clan and it doesn’t take much time until she is found by the owners. I say lucky because she gets invited to live in their house until she is able to come back to her grandfather house again. However, the Souma Clan has a secret, every time they get hugged by someone from the opposite side, they transform into the animals of the Chinese Zodiac.
Episode 1 Impressions
First of all, we do need to take into account that the story is based in a 2001 plotline. Meaning, we can find some “stereotypes” which can be seen as old-fashioned in 2019. For example, at the surface, Tohru is your typical Shoujo main character from the 2000s. Optimistic, cheerful, hard worker and loves to do domestic chore such as cooking, cleaning, etc. However, right in episode 1, we can see that she is deeper than just that.
In this case, we are able to see that Tohru is working so much to get her High School diploma because of a promise she made with her deceased mother. In fact, it’s that promise that makes her push herself harder every day and never lay down her arms. Nonetheless, I do have to comment that she is way too cheerful for someone who lives in a tent. To be honest, I would love to be as optimistical as her!
When it comes to the guys, we only met 2 of them, for now. Shigure and Yuki Shoma. There are not much to be said by now, but both seem to be pretty likeable characters. Although they do show differences. While Shigure is more of a laidback and kind type of a person, Yuki is more of a mysterious character. Nevertheless, I need some more time to actually get to know more of these characters.
Last, but not least, I want to speak about the audio. I know that the voice actors are different from the original. It may bother some OG watchers. But, for me, I feel that the voice acting is great. Likewise, the soundtrack is also pretty nice and goes very well with the plot.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the first episode of Fruits Basket 2019 seems promising. The original story is quite popular and people seem to like it. Since the remake seems to be trying to follow the story completely, I think we are in for a treat!
Basically, if you pick an old Anime which is popular, improve immensely the animation and the audio AND finally give the ending everyone is been waiting for so much… Well, you are just going for success!
So, yes… The hype is justified! Even if you have never watched Fruits Basket back in 2001 (like myself), but you like Shoujo stories, then this is a good Anime to follow during Spring. It’s a strong contender to be the best Shoujo of the season… Although, from what I have watched, that does not seem to be that difficult!
What about you? What are your thoughts in the first episode of Fruits Basket? Have you watched the original? If so, how are you enjoying the remake? Tell me all in the comments! 🙂
Love this when I was young, so rewatch chance. Great post
Thank you! Hope you like it eheh
It was like visiting and old friend. Very enjoyable.
Yeah… The only thing I’m sad about is that I didn’t watch the original, so no nostalgia for me >.<
Seems like it’s all basically the same, except the visual as you mentioned
I kinda like the remake but I feel as thou that the remake beyond episode 1 really is focusing in on the characters but it cuts out some of the moments that are more cute from the original series.
The valentine episode is one example I can think of. In the original Tooru makes chocolate for everyone and hands them out which leds to the stuggle of giving chocolate to Kyo. Instead the episode in the remake takes Kyo, Tooru, Yuki and Kagura on a double date. While the scenes itself makes the story more slice of life themed I feel as thou the remake is taking away from the original’s romantic tension.
The remake is following the Manga more loyaly.
Yeah, I understand what you mean. It’s a shame when remakes tend to deviate from the original story. Though, on the other hand, there are some fresh scenes you weren’t expecting 😀