Clannad is a series that holds a near-legendary status in the anime community, known for its ability to pull at viewers’ heartstrings and deeply explore love, family, and personal growth. Despite its fame and the dedication of its fans, I found Clannad to be difficult to watch. There’s a sense of charm and warmth to this anime, especially in the way it tackles complex emotions and relationships, but I struggled to connect with it on a deeper level, and certain aspects left me more frustrated than moved.
I watched the series as part of a personal anime challenge and had this review collecting digital dust in my drafts. I figured it was time to start clearing out my 200+ drafts and here we are, a rather different approach to the beloved Clannad series.
What is Clannad about?
- Full Genre List: Drama, Romance, Slice of Life, Fantasy, Tragedy
- Type: TV Series
- Episodes: Clannad (23), Clannad: After Story (24)
- Duration: Approximately 20 hours
- Age Restriction: PG-13 (May contain content unsuitable for young children)
- Trigger Warnings: Grief, loss, mental health struggles, family conflict, themes of death
- Release Date: Clannad (October 2007), Clannad: After Story (October 2008)
- Animation Studio: Kyoto Animation
- English Dub: Yes
- Source: Visual Novel
- Kanji: クラナド
- Average Rating: 8.3/10
- Where to Stream: HIDIVE and Netflix
- Does the story continue in the source material? The visual novel offers different routes and endings, providing more content and exploring alternative scenarios not seen in the anime.
- More Clannad on the blog here
Clannad follows the story of Tomoya Okazaki, a disaffected high school student, and his journey to find meaning in his life. Meeting Nagisa Furukawa, an unusually optimistic girl who dreams of reviving the school’s drama club, changes Tomoya’s outlook, leading him into a world filled with deep friendships, emotional growth, and challenges. Clannad: After Story, the second season, delves even deeper into Tomoya and Nagisa’s lives post-high school, exploring themes of family, sacrifice, and resilience in the face of heartache.
My Thoughts on Clannad:
Characters: A Mixed Connection
The central romance between Tomoya and Nagisa is meant to be the heart of Clannad, but I found it challenging to connect with Nagisa. Her character, while sweet and caring, felt too dependent and, at times, frustratingly passive. Her choices often left me bewildered, and I found myself wishing for her to show more strength or initiative as the story progressed. Tomoya, on the other hand, is the true emotional core of the story for me.
His journey, resilience, and commitment to Nagisa are undeniably endearing, and his efforts to make Nagisa happy, like creating the Dango family for her, showcased a level of care and devotion that is heartwarming. Yet, despite his efforts and dedication, the romance felt one-sided and unbalanced to me, with Tomoya often giving more than he received emotionally.
The Ending: A Jumbled Mix of Emotions
Clannad’s ending is one of the most talked-about aspects of the series, largely because it leaves viewers with mixed emotions. The creators went for both a sad and a happy ending, and while it might have been intended to convey a sense of hope or magic, I found it muddled and confusing. It seemed as if the series wanted to satisfy two completely different emotional conclusions without fully committing to either, leaving me feeling somewhat dissatisfied. This duality made it difficult to feel closure, and the ending ultimately failed to land with me in the way it was intended.
Visuals and Art Style: Holding Up Over Time
For an anime that first aired in the late 2000s, Clannad has aged relatively well. The animation is warm and inviting, with a signature art style that may feel slightly dated but still evokes a sense of nostalgia. The characters’ large, expressive eyes, while occasionally exaggerated, add a certain charm to the emotional moments, even if it isn’t entirely to my taste. It’s easy to see why Clannad remains visually beloved by fans who first watched it years ago; it carries a unique style that reflects both the time it was created in and the emotional journey of its characters.
Personal Experience and Lasting Impressions
Watching Clannad felt like a chore at times, and I often found myself taking screenshots simply to avoid having to rewatch certain scenes. I can understand why Clannad is so cherished, especially for its exploration of romantic love and family bonds, but for me, it missed the mark. The lack of connection with Nagisa, the frustrating ending, and the sometimes uneven pacing made it a struggle to fully immerse myself in the story. Although I appreciate the series’ reputation and the moments of genuine affection from Tomoya, Clannad ultimately didn’t resonate with me in the way I had hoped.
My Favourite Character: Tomoya Okazaki
When we first meet Tomoya, he’s disengaged and cynical, carrying the emotional scars of a difficult childhood. His cold outlook isn’t forced but feels entirely human, shaped by years of hardship. His character doesn’t magically change overnight, which makes his gradual evolution from a loner to a deeply compassionate individual all the more satisfying. Watching him open up to others and eventually find meaning in his relationships is incredibly rewarding.
Final thoughts on Clannad and Clannad After Story:
While I can respect Clannad as a cornerstone of romance anime and a touching story for many viewers, it didn’t quite live up to its reputation for me. Its emotional beats, though sincere, often felt forced, and the ending’s attempt to have it both ways left a sense of unresolved tension. Overall, it felt like an adapted Otome game with multiple routes that the animation team could not settle on. Still, I recognise its impact on the anime community and understand why it’s so beloved by others. I also feel that I should mention that I adore the Dango and the Dango Song and I am surprised at how often it suddenly gets stuck in my brain.
Would I recommend it? If you’re someone who values sentimentality and doesn’t mind a story with some loose ends, Clannad might be a fitting watch, but for those looking for a more balanced romance, this might not be the perfect choice.
What do you think of the anime series, Clannad?
Did you love Clannad or did it also leave you with mixed feelings?
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