Anime Reviews

Alternative Name: Kaze to Ki No Uta, 風と木の詩
Years of Released: November 6, 1987
Runtime: 60 minutes
Genre: Drama, Historical, Psychological, Shounen Ai, Tragedy
Favorite Characters : Gilbert, Serge
My Rating: PG-16
Grade: A+

Summary:
Taking place in the late 19th century, the story is a recollection of his memories of Gilbert Cocteau at Laconblade Academy in Provene, France. Gilbert Cocteau is a promiscuous student who has a reputation for being a boy of corrupt morality since he frequently misses classes and engages in relations with older male students. However, Gilbert is a tortured young man who has been treated like an object all his life rather than a human being. The primary antagonist in the story - Gilbert's uncle, Auguste Beau - is a respected society figure who manipulates and sexually abuses his young nephew. Auguste's influence is so great that Gilbert actually believes that the two are in love, and Gilbert remains enthralled with Auguste, even to the bitter end when he finds out that Auguste isn't quite who he thought he was.
Golden-hearted Serge becomes fascinated with Gilbert, and tries to win his friendship despite being threatened with ostracism and even violence. Gilbert himself even rejects Serge's offer of friendship, although it seems that Serge may be Gilbert's only hope to escape this hellish life.

My review:
Oh wow. I liked it so much. The story is so sad but so touching. Brilliant! When I was watching it I had a feeling that I'm reading some classic literature book of 19th century. I am tempted to say it is the best shounen ai story I came upon so far. I doesn't have any "cute" element neither it is funny but the story is truly deep and sad but beautiful and freeing. It has the same feeling you have on a chilly November evening when you are looking at the setting sun thinking about the times that have came to pass and after closing your eyes you feel cold wind gently playing with your hair. That gentle yet painful feeling.

"Gilbert Cocteau...
You were the
wind stirring my
branches

Can you hear
the song of the wind
and trees?

Can you hear
the tumult of
our youth?

Ahhh... there
must be others
who remember...

their own
days of youth. "

Recommend:
This is "must see" even if you are not a fan of shounen-ai! I would recommend reading manga before watching an anime