Audience reviews
20 · Sample from the first available page, separate from the total number of ratings.
MamakMundur
Some might consider this anime to be just a middle-school puppy love story, but the true essence of the narrative is actually about stubborn children learning to compromise with their circumstances and trying to understand human relationships. That's also why the beginning of the anime was intentionally packed—it had a clear purpose leading up to the climax in the middle.
That brilliant ocean concept also reflects the incredible work by P.A. Works in bringing this anime to life. This project must be very special to them. Why? Looking at their other original anime like Charlotte, this one actually has a fairly stable pacing for an original series. Another reason is that it involved a lot of famous voice actors, which means this anime was a hugely ambitious project for them.
Read at the sourceJoe_Devaney
Overview:
If there's one hard truth we all learn while growing up, it's that nothing lasts forever. People get older, relationships change and often fall apart, places close down, natural disasters happen that irreversibly alter thousands, if not millions of lives etc. Little by little, day after day, the world is constantly evolving around us and there's nothing we can do about it. "Nagi no Asukara", also known as “A Lull in the Sea” or “Nagi-Asu: A Lull in the Sea”, is a romantic fantasy built around the inevitability that things won't always stay the same, and ultimately the acceptance of this fact, and I would go so far as to call it THE overlooked gem of the 2010s.
Story (8.5/10):
"A Lull in the Sea" is set in an alternate reality where humanity all used to live under the sea, but h…
Read at the sourceImXolotL
The anime is good enough to watch but theres a specific reason that I dont liked it even tho I watched the whole thing
Sooooo every god damn episode someone cries theres not a single episode without crying, they cry outta nowhere, it feels like watching a slice of life that only covers the days that somebody cries and it got me pissed off after the 7th chapter I got distracted each episode with the question of which character is gonna cry this time. And its not the only thing that pops out of nowhere, they be shy to eachother bad to eachother then in 1 second everything turns up jolly(they are crying again in the same time) jolly as old christmas eves or the opposite, it feels fake whenever these 2 happens sometimes at the same time this shit got me mad bruh
Besides all that concept is f…
Read at the sourceADtheMaker
I postponed this show for a very long time. I can only say that even though I would have loved it more if I had watched it earlier in my life, watching it now as an adult feels like the right decision.
This is a story about emotions and how complex they can become, but it also shows us how beautiful it is to be in love.
Regarding storytelling and animation, I think this is a masterpiece for the year it came out. Also, the Japanese voice acting features a magnificent cast.
The best way I can describe this is: "A romantic story that develops through the decisions made over time and does not depend on destiny itself."
Read at the sourceVelomir
One of the best animes that gives you a great blend of good romance, immaculate supernatural activities, slice of life, coming of age and insane drama. the music is 10/10. Both Japanese and English dubs speak for themselves and the visuals are just amazing. Overall a soli 10/10 from me. It's become one of my most favorite animes of all time. 100% recommended.
The characters are 9/10. and the story shifts to a different tone after the 13th episode which is great and it matches well with the story.
On the last episode, the outcome was really well and it explained all the misconceptions. The story doesn't leave us at a cliff-hanger it actually finishes perfectly just as perfectly it started.
Read at the sourceEl-Riel
I rewatched this again after 10yrs and this just proves there are shows out there you don't appreciate until you gained experience and wisdom because I remember being so annoyed with Hikari and Manaka and wanting Chisaki to just tell Tsumugu her feelings for him while also not understanding Kaname's turmoil.
But now? Yeah I understood each perspective, why they acted that way, the complexities of their dynamic. I loved this show very much now. Plus the voice acting and music?? Chef's kiss! The stunning visuals?? The backstory of the Sea God? The original plot! I love how each character is their own person, I mean do not get me wrong I love my ROMANCE, the LOVE story, I LOVE IT but I also love if they have their OWN struggles, stories to tell, personalities outside of their love interest.…
Read at the sourceClueby
I first watched this anime at 14, focused only on which ship would sail. Now that Muse Asia release it on YouTube I rewatched it and I'm blown away how mature it all actually is.
The core theme is that nothing in love is fated and throughout the story we're shown hows how love can change, stay the same, or blossom unexpectedly. Chisaki learns that love can change, Manaka learns how love is fleeting and Kaname how love can be unexpected.
It's a story about freeing yourself from the idea of "one true love" and accepting that love is messy, painful, but ultimately human.
And hey, my lizard 14 year old brain found it entertaining so it's pretty good!
Read at the sourceBernkastelWitch
Intro:
I finally got back around to rewatching this after almost 13 years. I thought maybe with time I wouldn't be able to appreciate this anime like I did back then and might not even like it. I could barely remember anything about it other than it was sad. Instead it was the opposite. I loved it and could appreciate it even more.
Characters:
Lots of character development. Especially with the MC. In very early episodes he seems extremely immature but he becomes the most mature, most responsible, and most caring character and continues to show aspects of what makes someone I guess, an honorable and respectable person. All of the other characters go through a lot of changes and development as well.
Main Review:
"Nothing is actually fated." One of the last lines in the show. Pretty much th…
Read at the sourceShishiku-kun
Overall: 8.5/10
Story: 8 | Art: 10 | Sound: 9 | Character: 8 | Enjoyment: 9
Nagi no Asukara is a coming-of-age romance braided with Shinto-adjacent sea-kami lore—a show about early adolescence, identity, and the ache of growing up when your world is literally split between sea and shore. What carried it for me was the combination of jaw-dropping visual craft and a surprisingly thoughtful treatment of love polygons that, for once, don’t collapse into cheap drama.
Story (8):
The premise starts simple—kids from the sea attending school on land—but leverages it into a sustained meditation on change: traditions vs. modern life, first love vs. loyalty, and the way time doesn’t wait for anyone. The love triangles are handled with more empathy than usual; shifting affections actually track chara…
Read at the sourcecomfiii_
*Huge spoilers
Underrated for a reason. I forced myself to finish it and let’s just say I wanted to scream by the end. A waste of time for sure..
So first let’s look into the overall story in general. The story is basically mermaids starting to co-exist with humans and from the start, you cannot tell who is going to end up with who. Basically not one pairing was mutual at the start. That wasn’t bad but then it goes downhill from there.
Problem 1: Elementary kids. ELEMENTARY KIDS, start taking a liking to two of the boys in the main cast and one of them was towards her step uncle. This wouldn’t have been a problem but then there was a time skip where the mermaids “ages froze” into hibernation and basically 5 years passed. Now the elementary kids are the same age as the main cast and ca…
Read at the source50Fiftillididee
🌊 Ena Sea of Love & Sacrifice 🪸 °6.8° °good° 💯%🔍 some minor spoilers
“The salinity will be high this afternoon at 55 parts per million…” That's the type of weather report one hears when one lives down under. We're talking waaay down under sea-level, underwater〰> Sponge Bob's neighbors. It looks like the Greek isles. Look up to watch the 🐟 🐠 🐡, which occupy the empty space overhead, instead of birds 🦈💦
That is how the Ofunehiki people live. They are human descendants of the sea god and a young girl who was sacrificed to him generations back (😮❓). People who live under the sea have a protective layer, called an Ena. It enables them to stay warm and breath under the sea.
After their school closed, the sea kids were put in a forced busing program, so to speak, and sent to school…
Read at the sourceKhashishi
They aren't joking: this is the most Love Polygon show I've come across. EVERY major character is part of one giant clusterfuck. It's pretty cringe, but the other parts of the plot really make up for it and make this a good viewing.
It gets off to a slow start, with the relationship melodrama taking the center stage, and the topic of racism. It drags out for such a long while that I started to assume the whole show was like this. But, the show turned out to be Very Surprising, indeed. Big things start happening in the middle, and the show starts to introduce other topics. This is where it gets really interesting. Though, after stabilizing, it returns back to love polygon angst taking the center stage. It comes to a nice beautiful conclusion where everything is wrapped up.
A big issue I h…
Read at the sourceStevenLin0626
Just finished Nagi No Asukara, and this is definitely a hidden gem of an anime. This show was a journey from start to finish.
First of all, just gonna get this out of the way immediately, the art in this show is incredible. P.A. Works is one of my favourite studios, and they definitely cooked with the visuals. The sceneries are absolutely beautiful, and definitely elevates this show.
The story mainly separates into two parts. If it was just the first part, then this would just be some regular romance love polygon, but what makes this show unique compared to other love polygon shows is the second half, transcending it from normal to something special. It isn't just about the love for others, it is about change and growth. The characters are all really complex and all go through their fair…
Read at the sourcepinyai
More than a review, this is a love letter. I watched this anime 11 years ago when it aired. Back then I thought it was a masterpiece. I just didn't know how much of a masterpiece it really was. Watching it again as an adult was a whole new experience, and adding the fact that so much time has passed, it was like I was watching it again for the first time because I didn't remember a single thing.
After living life for so many years, the story hit in a different way and I'm sure I watched it from a totally new perspective. This anime tells its story in a beautifu and heartfelt way.You can feel all the love that was poured into making it. The characters go through so much: happines, desperation, sadness, anguish- and the way I could relate now in a way I couldn't 11 years ago, made it a hea…
Read at the sourceMrSlamboni
Very good, enjoyable and original. I'll start with the good and then the bad.
A Lull in the Sea's main strength is its story. As a massive hater of sappy and slow romance, I found myself watching this anime for the plot. I was interested in how the story develops, especially in the context of the setting where one cannot easily join the other society. The story does not stay in one place and keeps developing into different forms and constantly keeps you on your toes. It relaxes from time to time, but it doesn't shy away from suddenly turning everything upside down. It is also mostly cohesive, everything connects from start to finish. The ending plot was a bit confusing but the rest was easily understood. I would say the second half of the story is where things get especially interesting.…
Read at the sourcedogydoomsdays
best romance
Every anime has something special that sets it apart. Whether it’s the incredible world-building, the relatable characters, the beautiful art style, or the deep themes that stick with you, each one has its own unique charm. Every time I watch, I’m transported to a new place, meet unforgettable characters, and experience stories that stay with me long after the episode ends. Anime has a way of making me feel everything from excitement to inspiration, and I love how each series leaves a lasting impression on my heart. Here’s to all the anime that’s made an impact on my life and to discovering even more amazing series that will continue to inspire and entertain.
Read at the sourceRed_Devil_02
Though I must admit that I really liked the anime, but I have to say that Chisaki is the most self-centered and privileged character of them all. But except for this the character development in A Lull in the Sea is exceptional. Each character is well-rounded, with personal growth that feels both natural and impactful. Hikari’s journey from a brash youth to a more mature individual is particularly compelling. The relationships among the characters are central to the story, and their interactions are portrayed with genuine emotion. The complexity of their feelings and decisions adds depth to the narrative. The animation and art style of A Lull in the Sea are stunning, with vibrant colors and intricate designs that bring the underwater and land worlds to life. The animation quality is genera…
Read at the sourceMsJiya
Nagi no Asukara (NoA) or a Lull In the Sea (it's English title) is an interesting anime with lovely art and a wonderful score of music. I feel like folks who are a fan of high school shoujo or drama anime/manga/shows will probably enjoy this one (especially if y'all like tsunderes).
That being said, I do have some critiques:
1. The main character: I'm sure there are a million other reviews that cite this critique as well, but the main character, Hikari, is incredibly annoying. He's stuck up, rude, unwilling to compromise, and overall, gives the viewer very little to root for in him. That being said, he is a child and while irritating, his childishness is upfront and center in all of his negative qualities. There is a plot twist that changes things at about the half way mark of the story…
Read at the sourceTstucki19
This one hit me right in the feels. It got me all sorts of emotional and I really appreciate how it confronts the pain and fear that comes from change in life. I believe one of the core messages of this show is that while change can be terrifying and hurt a lot, the growth that comes from enduring it is worthwhile. The joy that we can find by embracing change and making the most of our lives leads to lasting growth and positively impacts the human experience.
The romance is very complicated and seems to constantly change throughout the show with who actually likes who but I felt it came to an acceptable conclusion. While complicated, the end result in terms of who ends up with who I had gut feelings on pretty early on and I'm glad it turned out the way it did. It is not my favorite show…
Read at the sourceCurlybrace101
A Lull In The Sea is an anime that does not make any sense.
The premise of the series is that all humans once lived in the sea until some left the sea to live on land, and the series’s central conflict is about the hostile dynamic between the sea dwellers and the land dwellers. So, pretty rich worldbuilding right?
Wrong!
The society under the sea looks exactly like society on land, which is…odd, considering the sea came first. Shouldn’t land-life be modeled after sea-life and not the other way around? Well, considering there are more opportunities on land, I might be able to buy that the sea society took recursive inspiration from land society, and all of the cool things *inherent* to land that sea-dwellers could never have created on their own, however this still doesn’t make sense for…
Read at the source
