Where does the story of Kukuru and Fuuka go from the events of episode 2? Let’s find out together in this review of The Aquatope on White Sand Episode 3: Life From Water.
The Aquatope on White Sand Episode 3 – Overview
The Aquatope on White Sand is the latest anime by the Anime Studio P.A. Works, previously known for producing critically and commercially acclaimed anime like Angel Beats and Another. Toshiya Shinohara directs the series, a director whose career so far has been intrinsically linked with P.A. works, having previously directed Irozuku Sekai no Ashita kara and Nagi no Asu kara for the studio before. It is an original series by P.A. works, which means it is not based on a previously existing property, such as a Manga or a Light Novel.
If you want to know how I felt about the second episode of the season, or if you want to catch up on it, check out my review of it here.
The Aquatope on White Sand Episode 3 Review- Art and Music
I don’t care if it gets repetitive. I will keep making this bold proclamation in every review of this series that I do, The Aquatope in White Sand Episode 3 is just as gorgeous as the other episodes in this season so far, and the series is the best animated of this entire Summer Anime 2021 Season.
The music is just as divine, especially the piano number in the first half of the episode. The best thing about the music is that it just fits the remote coastal town aesthetic so well. The opening and ending remain fantastic, and the ending’s serene ambience nicely contrasts the opening’s upbeat hopefulness.
The Aquatope on White Sand Episode 3 Review- The Plot
The plot of this episode is elementary in the slice of life sense. Nothing major happens throughout the course of the episode, but character relations are developed, and some of the past is revealed. I must say that the show did the usual water breaking emergency during a pregnancy cliche quite well, and it fit the overall message of the episode- creating another life from our own.
The pacing is quite slow, but that is expected from a 2-cour slice of life. That also fits the small-town setting, as life is said to move slowly in those parts anyways. Overall, fantastic stuff.
The Aquatope on White Sand Episode 3 Review- The Characters
Kukuru is the heart and soul of this episode, and the entire episode revolves around her. All the side character moments give us some more insights into her character. The love she has for the aquarium, how it came to be, what drives her were some of the points explored in this episode, and they have now started to paint a clear picture about her as a character and protagonist.
The side characters are all delightful, with the Kukuru’s grandparents, Kai, and Karin being their fantastic selves in this episode. The relationship between Fuuka and Kukuru is also slowly but surely being established, and I’m excited to see where it leads.
The Aquatope on White Sand Episode 3 Review- The Aesthetic
I feel like this is the perfect time to make it clear why my ratings of this anime are so high- I adore the aesthetic. The feeling of running away to a remote place, getting a new job and then starting your entire life anew is enticing and exactly what I personally want from my Slice-of-Life. That may not be what you are looking for, and that is okay. I understand that an anime like The Aquatope in White Sand isn’t really for everyone. I do firmly believe that if you gave it a try, you’d find yourself liking it.
Verdict
I had no complaints from The Aquatope on White Sand Episode 3, and the only thing that I would like to change about this series is that there aren’t 10 episodes released every day. I would gladly watch them all. The Aquatope on White Sand Episode 3 is gorgeous to watch and touching to experience. Please give it a chance; you will like it.
If you liked this review of The Aquatope on White Sand Episode 3, check out our review of the next episode in the series, The Aquatope on White Sand Episode 4!