“My mission is to make everyone happy by singing” — Vivy. This opening line perfectly encapsulates the core of Vivy: Fluorite Eye’s Song, an anime series that manages to be both deeply philosophical and wildly entertaining. As someone whose mission is to deliver content that resonates, much like Vivy aims to touch hearts with her songs, I can confidently say this series struck a chord. While some might dissect its time-travel narrative and find threads to pull, focusing on those would be missing the forest for the trees. Vivy: Fluorite Eye’s Song is a spectacle that blends breathtaking action, fluid animation, compelling character development, and an unforgettable soundtrack into a package that is, simply put, delightful. Let’s dive into why this anime is a must-watch, even if you’re a stickler for perfect plots.
The initial hook of Vivy: Fluorite Eye’s Song is undeniably Vivy herself. She’s an AI with a singular, beautifully simple mission: to make everyone happy through her singing. This mirrors my own aspiration to create content that brings satisfaction and value to readers. However, Vivy’s purpose takes an unexpected turn when she’s approached by Matsumoto, a self-proclaimed malign AI from the future. Matsumoto, unable to be purged from Vivy’s core by the AI archive Arayashiki, tasks Vivy with a new, grander objective: to prevent a devastating war between humans and AI that is set to erupt in 100 years. Thus begins “The Singularity Project,” a century-spanning journey to alter critical events in AI history and avert catastrophe.
The world of Vivy: Fluorite Eye’s Song is one where AI are seamlessly integrated into human society, performing countless tasks and becoming indispensable to daily life. This familiar yet subtly advanced setting provides a backdrop for a story that delves into more intricate concepts, particularly its interpretation of time travel. The anime smartly sidesteps lengthy explanations of the mechanics of Matsumoto’s journey from the future, avoiding potential paradoxes and plot holes that could derail the narrative. Instead of getting bogged down in metaphysical debates, the series focuses on the emotional and impactful consequences of altering the past to shape the future.
This approach cleverly avoids direct comparisons to time-travel narratives like Steins;Gate or Re:Zero. Vivy: Fluorite Eye’s Song uses the concept of time travel as a framework to explore themes of memory and dreams, echoing the quote from H.G. Wells’ The Time Machine that opens the series: “We all have our time machines, don’t we? Those that take us back are memories, and those that carry us forward are dreams.” Matsumoto’s future knowledge represents the memories of what could be, while Vivy’s mission embodies the dream of a better future, a dream that evolves and transforms throughout her century-long odyssey. In essence, the series embraces a more conceptual, less literal approach to time travel, suggesting that the how is less important than the why and the what.
While the narrative of Vivy: Fluorite Eye’s Song is largely compelling, it’s not without its minor drawbacks. Some viewers might find the pacing uneven, with certain plot points feeling rushed or underdeveloped. This is a common critique, and perhaps a consequence of the series’ ambitious scope and the limitations of its runtime. However, these pacing issues are minor blemishes on an otherwise brilliantly crafted series.
The true strength of Vivy: Fluorite Eye’s Song lies in its central character, Vivy. She is the emotional core of the anime, and her journey is what truly captivates. Interestingly, the series doesn’t rely on Asimov’s Three Laws of Robotics to define AI behavior. Instead, it posits that each AI is programmed with a single, overriding mission. For Vivy, that mission is to make people happy with her singing. This simple directive becomes the foundation for her character arc as she grapples with the complexities of the Singularity Project and the conflicting information she encounters. Vivy’s struggle is not just about completing her mission, but about understanding its implications and her own evolving identity.
Vivy: Fluorite Eye’s Song is more than just visually stunning animation; it’s a deep dive into Vivy’s internal world. Over the course of the series, we witness her gradual acquisition of human-like qualities – reason, emotions, passion, and perhaps even something akin to a soul. This exploration of AI sentience is both fascinating and poignant. The series masterfully portrays Vivy’s internal conflicts as she processes new information and experiences that challenge her initial programming. It raises profound questions about the nature of artificial intelligence, asking if an AI can truly evolve beyond its initial parameters and develop something akin to a spirit or soul.
While the supporting cast, including Vivy’s AI “sisters,” are intriguing, the time-skipping narrative structure does limit the depth of their exploration. Characters like Matsumoto, however, are integral to Vivy’s development. Matsumoto, the time-traveling AI cube, initially perceived by Vivy as a virus, becomes her unlikely partner and catalyst for growth. His incessant chatter and sometimes grating personality are perfectly balanced by his unwavering dedication to the mission, making him an essential and compelling character.
Another crucial concept in Vivy: Fluorite Eye’s Song is Arayashiki, or the Archive. While often overlooked as a character in itself, Arayashiki plays a vital role in the series’ thematic underpinnings. Drawing inspiration from Mahayana Buddhism, where Arayashiki represents the foundational level of consciousness that stores and processes all experiences, the anime’s Archive serves as the central data repository for all AI. It interprets information and guides AI behavior, providing a fascinating justification for Vivy’s evolution and the overall narrative arc.
From a technical standpoint, Vivy: Fluorite Eye’s Song is a triumph. The animation is exceptional, boasting a diverse and vibrant color palette, dynamic choreography, and impactful camera work that enhances the storytelling. The soundtrack is equally impressive, featuring one of the most beautiful scores of recent years. The songs, particularly “Harmony of One’s Heart,” are emotionally resonant and perfectly complement the anime’s themes. While some viewers may notice a discrepancy in Vivy’s singing voice compared to her speaking voice, which could be considered a minor audio detail, the overall sound design is superb.
In conclusion, Vivy: Fluorite Eye’s Song is an anime that offers far more strengths than weaknesses. It’s an action-packed, thought-provoking thriller that will resonate with a wide audience. I consider it not only one of the best anime of its release year but also one of the most outstanding original anime series in recent memory. It’s a series that deserves wider recognition and is undoubtedly a must-watch for any anime enthusiast. Don’t let minor plot nitpicks deter you; immerse yourself in the world of Vivy: Fluorite Eye’s Song and let its song resonate with your soul.
