This is not exactly a review but a general look at the anime from my pov.

I'd been putting off watching banana fish for a while. The title sounded so weird to me but at the same time a little inviting. I didn't have much thought about how it would be going in, I just one day randomly decided to watch it. And when I did, it impacted me in a way I can't describe.

Banana Fish is a lot more than its title gives on. It is a heartbreaking story about those who never get a chance to live a truly happy life. It revolves around topics of abuse, street gangs, drugs, trafficking, prostitution, and such. The anime makes these scenes so painful and uncomfortable to watch (which is how it should be). Oftentimes, most shows don't portray them accurately or not as realistically.

Our main character 17-year-old Ash is one of the victims of Dino Golzine- a crime organization leader. Ash is incredibly smart with an IQ of 200, rational, far-sighted, and is very good-looking too. Dino abuses Ash, mentally and physically throughout his life since he was a little child. Dino favors Ash and views him as his pet. However, when he finds out Ash knows of a substance called "banana fish" that could help him in his crimes, he wishes to make Ash his heir, murder him or torture him till he surrenders. Ash rebels against Dino while trying to protect those who support him. And this is where the story takes off.

In Ash's mission to fight Dino, he encounters Eji Okumura from Japan.
Eji is a 19-year-old boy who comes to New York as an assistant to help Shunichi Ibe. Eji is kind, innocent, strong, has a welcoming personality, and is also childish and stubborn at times.

As the story progresses, Ash and Eji's lives collide as they begin to form a strong bond. Eji is exposed to the harsh reality Ash faces, as several events take place. As he witnesses this cold, brutal environment, he strongly feels that Ash deserves to live free from the violence. He deeply cares for Ash, wants him to be happy and safe while asking nothing in return. Ash, on the other hand, had never experienced this selfless love before. Eji's warmth comforts Ash and he finds a safe place(mentally) when he is around Eji, even if it for a short period. Ash too, shares the same emotions towards Eji and tries his best to protect him. However, he often feels like he dragged Eij into his mess and his feelings of guilt and sadness are sorrowfully portrayed. This bond they share is depicted so preciously, you can't help but cry.

The supporting characters each have a notable role and contribute a lot to the story. No character feels out of place, and their actions don't look forced for the sake of the story.

The warm undertones in wholesome scenes and the cool undertones in intense ones add so much depth to the story overall. The animation is top-notch and the voice actors bring life to the characters, giving them a strong personality as if they were real people. The soundtrack blends perfectly with what is being shown. (my personal favorite is Liberty by Shinichi Osawa)

I think what touches people most after they watch Banana fish, is the ending. It goes on to show that love goes beyond sexual relations and other unwritten rules people have created over time. The story of Ash Lynx is something that real people face in the real world. The real world where a lot of times, hopes are engulfed by fears and circumstances that can't be controlled. The happiness people deserve is not always present and the question of do they even deserve it? creates a certain kind of emptiness. It depicts that what we want is sometimes too far to achieve but too dear to not try at all. A story of sacrifice, fate, love, and loneliness, is painted in a heartwrenching way in the last five minutes of the show as we see Ash while Eji narrates his monologue.

Tldr- watch banana fish<3