Plot

Each episode had some development and it was exciting at every turn of the corner. The show was well paced and we managed to get a full fleshed story at the end of the 24 episodes, leaving no cliffhangers (albeit some speculation). The show was also humorous at times as we saw multiple sides of Ash and his interaction with his friends. It had a good balance between these light hearted, painfully emotional and action packed moments. I felt that Banana Fish is all rounded in this sense. We were given a glimpse into the street gangs of New York and how they are controlled by the mafia and other bigger powers. The camaraderie between the members, the hierarchy that exists within the gang and collaboration with other gangs were interesting to watch. The addition of a lethal drug created some suspense and mystery and kept the stakes high. Although, the main mission kind of strayed away from Banana Fish nearing the end.

This show also had a lot of contrasts that added flavour to the show. Firstly, cultural difference. Set in America, the show tried to emulate the American culture. With Eiji’s and Ibe’s entrance there was a clash of cultures. Paralelly, Ash’s and Eiji’s personalities clashed as well. It was mentioned many times that they lived in different worlds and it was evident it many scenes of the show. I liked the diversity in the show, represented by the Lees and Cain. This set up more tension but friendship at the same time and gave way to more heartwarming moments which really made the show more enjoyable. Another contrast was the age difference. It was heavily emphasised that Ash was young for a gang leader, yet he led two middle aged men, namely Ibe and Max. The show also featured some sensitive topics which I did not expect. However, it gave more background into Ash’s life and what he has been through.

Characters

I liked Ash as a protagonist a lot. He is not just a cold hearted killer, he has a heart and it is proven multiple times during the show. Most importantly, he acts his age. Watching him cleverly fight his opponents was entertaining and his leadership was commendable. At the same time, we see the teenager side of him through his small talks with Eiji. The chemistry between him and Eiji was wonderfully done and it was so nice to watch. From the moment they met and Ash handed him his gun we can tell there was a spark between them. I was not expecting such a romance but it made the show more meaningful and added more depth rather than being simply a mafia anime. It was reinforced in the show that Eiji could be Ash’s weak point but then again he gave Ash strength and hope. He made Ash realise another side of him even though he denied it.

Supporting characters I liked were Sing and Blanca. It was not easy for Sing to support Ash but he still did so despite opposition from his men. When first introduced, he seemed tough on the outside but as time passed by, we got to see the emotional side of him. He managed to confront his feelings that being a leader is not easy. Blanca might also seem like a bad guy, siding with Dino and Yut Lung, but always cared for Ash. Although Ash hated him, I felt he always had Ash’s best interests in mind. I liked his calm demeanour and making decisions for himself.

Animation

Nothing spectacular about the animation. The show tried to be as American as possible and gave us insight into the gang hideouts and hotspots, from bustling Chinatown to dingy subway stations. The dramatic scenes were indeed done dramatically and emotions were heightened. I really appreciate the OPs and EDs for this show, they help to bring out the true meaning of the show and aligned perfectly to Ash’s feelings. They encapsulated the melancholic nature of the show as well as the ruthless nature of gangs.

Overall, Banana Fish was an emotional rollercoaster. When I first heard of this show, it was described as sad, which it is. However, there are some wholesome and memorable moments that should not go overlooked. With unique characters, exciting plot and moving music, the show will definitely leave an impact.