Synopsis
Hi there! I’m Honda Tohru. In May of this year, I lost my mother who raised me all by herself in a traffic accident. After that incident I’ve come to live secretly in a tent. It’s definitely not too comfortable, but that’s alright! Since one of my mottos is ‘Never quit under any circumstances!’
Review
‘Long, long ago, Kami-sama [God] told all the animals, ‘I invite all of you to a party tomorrow. And on no account be late.’ When the mischievous mouse heard that, he told a lie to his neighbor, the cat, that the meeting was to take place the day after tomorrow. The next day, the mouse rode on the ox’s back and arrived in front of the meeting place. After that the ox, the tiger, and so forth had a fun time there until morning except for the cat that was fooled.’
‘Why are you crying Tohru?’
‘That’s so sad! I feel so sorry for the cat! I know what I want to do, instead of a dog I want to be a cat!’
The Breakdown
26 episodes full of the ideal mix of humor and drama.
» The Pros
Fruits Basket touches on a number of themes, the dominant one being acceptance. The name 'Fruits Basket is taken' from an elementary school game where every person is given the name of a fruit. When someone calls out your name, you run out and play with the rest. Tohru was a riceball, and she took it as teasing. As she waited for someone to call 'riceball,' she considered herself a fool. In the end, she was eventually called on then just as she becomes more and more a part of the Souma Family now. Kyou, who is cursed with the cat spirit, also suffers not being a member of the Souma Family and even within his own family. His mother feared his transformation although she claimed to have loved him. Tohru in the finale when she recognizes the real Kyou tells him the truth that she is scared but she hopes to live together with him.
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» The Cons
They never reveal what animal Akito turns into. The ending is not a fairytale with Tohru ending up in the arms of either Kyou or Sohma-kun but satisfactory. Fans have been yearning for a second season, yet the possibility is low.
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» Animation
8.8 |
Vivid. My only criticism is the character design. Although Kyou reminds me of Tasuki from Fushigi Yugi, characters look a bit stiff and stick like similar to Utena but not as profound. They are drawn having a sharp triangular torso converging narrowly to the waistline. Also, Tohru's eyes look quite large. |
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» Sound
9.5 |
A nice calm introduction song called 'For Fruits Basket' and its accompanying ending melody 'Chiisana Inori.' Certain characters when they appear have their own theme song playing in the background of their dialogue. Ayame's excitement causes a racket simulated by the loud bagpipes. Momiji's playfulness is expressed in a tumbling almost circus theme. |
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» Story
9.5 |
Based on the manga by Takaya Natsuki, which has gone on to win the 25th Kodansha Manga Award, Fruits Basket excels in character development. The primary ones of course are Tohru, Kyou, and Sohma maybe even Shigure. In the following episodes, Tohru is gradually exposed to another member of the 12 Junishi (signs of the Chinese zodiac), oftentimes linked to their own emotional experiences, ending climatically with the confrontation with Akito. |
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» Recommend
9.0 |
Pricey for $35.96, but well worth it for 6 episodes. Your heart will definitely be touched especially by Hatori's and Momiji's backgrounds. |
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» Other Information
Language: English dub or Japanese with English subtitles
Extras: Character Profiles, Clean Opening and Closing Animation, Trailers, Behind the Scenes Featurette
Package: Tohru in a pink house maid outfit with an innocent smile, surrounded by falling cheery blossoms |
Friday, August 14, 2026
