18if: A Unique Anime Series About Dreams and Witches
18if is a Japanese anime television series produced by Gonzo that aired from July 7 to September 29, 2017. It is part of the media franchise The Art of 18, which also includes a smartphone game by Mobcast titled 18: Kimi to Tsunagaru Puzzle (ã18ãããã ããã¬ã« ããºã«, 18: Kimi to Tsunagaru Pazuru) for Android and iOS.
The series follows Haruto Tsukishiro, a teenager who wakes up in a strange dream world dominated by powerful entities called “Witches”. With the help of a mysterious white-haired girl named Lily and a research professor named Katsumi Kanzaki, Haruto must outsmart the witches and find a way to return to the real world.
Each episode of 18if features a different witch and a different director, giving the series a diverse and experimental style. The witches are girls who suffer from “Sleeping Beauty Syndrome”, a coma-like state induced by trauma or stress in their real lives. Haruto must enter their dreams and help them overcome their inner conflicts and awaken.
18if is a series that explores themes such as psychology, morality, fantasy, and reality. It is a unique and creative anime that challenges the viewers to think and feel along with the characters. If you are looking for an anime that is different from the usual, 18if might be the one for you.
Some of the highlights of 18if include the stunning visuals, the diverse soundtrack, and the intriguing plot twists. The series has a distinctive art style that changes with each episode, reflecting the personality and mood of the witch. The music ranges from rock to jazz to classical, creating a rich and varied atmosphere. The story also keeps the viewers guessing with unexpected revelations and surprises.
However, 18if is not without its flaws. Some of the episodes are uneven in quality and execution, and some of the characters are underdeveloped or clichéd. The series also suffers from a lack of continuity and coherence, as each episode is largely standalone and disconnected from the others. The ending of the series is also controversial and divisive among the fans, as it leaves many questions unanswered and unresolved.
Overall, 18if is a series that offers a lot of potential and creativity, but also has some shortcomings and limitations. It is a series that appeals to a niche audience, rather than a mainstream one. It is a series that requires an open mind and a willingness to accept ambiguity and uncertainty. It is a series that can be rewarding or frustrating, depending on your expectations and preferences.
If you are interested in watching 18if, you can find it on various streaming platforms such as Crunchyroll and Funimation. You can also check out the smartphone game and the virtual reality game that are part of the same franchise. The game features puzzles and characters from the anime, as well as original stories and scenarios.
18if is a series that is not for everyone, but it is definitely worth a try if you are looking for something different and innovative. It is a series that will make you think and feel, and maybe even inspire you to explore your own dreams and fantasies. It is a series that will challenge your perception of reality and fiction, and maybe even change your perspective on life.