Fruits Basket: The Journey of Emotions and Joy

The 90's shojo classic manga Fruits Basket was brought into the spotlight again with a modern anime adaptation by TMS and 8PAN a couple of years back. This introduced Natsuki Takaya's story to a new generation. The series is known for its blend of humor and supernatural elements, creating memorable and funny situations similar to classics like Ranma 1/2. For those unfamiliar with the manga or either of the anime adaptations, the question remains: Is Fruits Basket a heartwarming anime? And regardless of the answer, is it worth watching? Both questions will be addressed here, as this shojo classic follows a simple yet compelling formula.

Explaining if Fruits Basket is a feel-good anime

Fruits Basket may seem like just another shojo series with a slice-of-life vibe and a cheerful female lead caught up in romantic drama. However, it delves into complex themes and introduces potentially toxic relationships, stripping away the "feel good" factor of the story.

Tohru Honda, a high school student, lives with her grandfather after her mother's death but moves to a tent when his house is being repaired. She meets popular classmate Yuki Sohma and discovers that he and his family suffer from the "Zodiac Curse", transforming into animals under emotional stress. The series, reminiscent of the 80s classic Ranma 1/2, takes a dark turn, exploring complex and abusive relationships, adding depth beyond the usual "feel good" factor of shojo manga.

Some of the abusive relationships in the series

Akito is a prime example of toxicity and abuse in the series (Image via TMS/8PAN).

Fruits Basket is an engaging story that delves into the darker side of relationships, exploring themes of abuse and manipulation. The characters, including Akito, exhibit toxic behavior driven by personal gain, while the Zodiac Curse serves as a symbol of the lasting effects of trauma. The Sohma family drama is a prime example of this, with Akito's abuse of his own family members and Shigure's manipulative nature. Even Yuki's mother is portrayed as neglectful and uncaring, using her son for her own benefit and resorting to physical abuse.

Final thoughts

Fruits Basket delves into complex and unhealthy relationships, exemplified by characters like Motoko Minagawa, who exhibits excessive control and aggression towards Yuki, and the head maid who perpetuates abuse within the Sohma family. The anime sheds light on the harsh realities of toxic family dynamics, with Akito serving as a prominent example of manipulation and cruelty.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I have mixed feelings about the modern anime adaptation of Fruits Basket. While I appreciate the updated animation and the faithfulness to the original manga, I find some aspects of the story problematic. The portrayal of abusive relationships and the lack of accountability for certain characters left me feeling uncomfortable and unsatisfied. I believe that the anime could have done a better job of addressing these issues and providing a more empowering message for viewers.

Despite these concerns, I still find Fruits Basket to be an engaging and thought-provoking series. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and the exploration of complex emotions and family dynamics is both poignant and insightful. I would recommend the anime to others with the caveat that they be prepared for some heavy and potentially triggering content. Overall, I think Fruits Basket is a worthwhile watch, but it's important to approach it with an open mind and a critical eye.