A Place Further Than the Universe review

Widespread doubt and merciless conditions are no match for the power of sistership.

Animation has no shortage of adorable girls who epitomize ambition. From K-On!, Love Live! School Idol Project, Revue Starlight, to Sound! Euphonium, a multitude of series have depicted groups of young women chasing musical accomplishment. Similarly, a variety of athletics-focused anime explored rivalries and tight-knit relationships, whether it was badminton in Hanebado! or Attack No. 1 and Aim for the Ace!’s tennis matches.

Similarly, A Place Further Than the Universe’s Mari “Kimari” Tamaki yearns for adventure outside of the quint confines of Tatebayashi, Gunma. But as a second-year high school student, she hasn’t traveled much on her own. An attempt to skip school for a spontaneous day trip abruptly ends when anxiety arises. But before retreating to school, Tamaki notices a girl wearing the same school uniform and accidentally dropping an envelope as she dashes up a flight of stairs. Inside is one million yen.

Team Building

Back at school, Tamaki locates Shirase Kobuchizawa, the shy senior who dropped the large sum of money. Kobuchizawa is thankful, explaining that the cash is intended to pay for a trip to Antarctica, where her mom went missing. While most of Kobuchizawa’s classmates think the plans to travel to the icy continent are impracticable, Tamaki asks to accompany her. Their bond is a bit uneasy at first, with each girl investigating each other’s loyalty. But both realize that the journey ahead won’t be easy, and they’ll be required to rely on each other.

Gradually, two other girls join the expedition. Hinata Miyake becomes intrigued when she overhears Tamaki and Kobuchizawa’s plans while working at a local convenience store. Yuzuki Shiraishi’s rationale for joining the team is a bit extraordinary. Growing up as a child actress, she has frequently moved around for her work. As such, she hasn’t had opportunities to forge long-lasting friendships with other kids outside the entertainment industry.

Imperfection, Impeccably Depicted

Much like the original manga, writer Jukki Hanada demonstrates the validity of the old adage about the voyage being most important than the destination. Nine of the thirteen episodes lead up to the girls’ arrival at Syowa Station. But there’s rarely a feeling of being strung along. Habitually, the series explores many of the nuances of female relationships.  There’s a bit of spiteful gossip, but it frequently emerges from jealousy and a deficiency of empathy. When there’s trepidation, Further Than the Universe reveals a support structure that conveys poignant optimism. Under Atsuko Ishizuka’s skillful direction, the series simultaneously shows the greatness of friendship while also providing viewers with aspirations.

It also helps that each of the leads reveal basic human blemishes. Occasionally, one girl might grow envious of the bond between two others. In one episode, Tamaki becomes so determined to be aboard the trip that she forges a permission slip. As such, Universe’s cast feels like a faithful depiction of youth, rather than some sugar-coated fabrication. Shrewdly, a few blunders create a bit of episodic tension. When they’re resolved, the results deliver the kind of comedic moments that are shared later when old friends inevitably reunite.

A Jam-Packed Collector’s Edition

But Further Than the Universe isn’t just a succession of happy-go-lucky events. Without spoiling anything, there are several somber scenes and at least one pivotal moment that’s poised to produce tears. And while the girl’s voyage to Antarctica receives the spotlight, it’s witnessing a group of girls gradually grow into self-confident women that makes Universe so stellar. There’s plenty of anime that’s well-suited for streaming and weekend binging. But A Place Further Than the Universe is the memento that you’ll probably want to pull out periodically to have your faith in friendship restored.

Should you opt for the Collector’s Edition, you’ll find Further Than the Universe housed in a lovely housing depicting its four leads against the Aurora Australis. Beyond the thirteen episodes spread across two Blu-rays, you’ll find a two CD original soundtrack, as well as an 88-page, full-color booklet. Rounding out the package are a folded A3-sized poster and a quartet of art cards. While there’s a featurette on the creation of the English dub, the only thing notably absent is an interview with the original Madhouse team. (But if you are interested in reading an interview with director Atsuko Ishizuka, we can assist)

A Place Further Than the Universe Collector’s Edition is available
in the US from Shout Factory and in the UK from Anime Limited