Grow Up Show: Sunflower Circus is an anime original story that follows the Sunflower Circus. It’s interesting that this anime takes place in the 1950s, classifying itself as a historical anime technically. Although with character designs and other aspects of the setting that feel more modern, it does offer a weird contrast. So it may or may not be an issue for some.
The story follows the protagonist Mizuka Tsurumaki as she ends up helping the Sunflower Circus due to a debt owed by her father. The eyecatch is that she is the one that can finally maximize the potential of another member of the Sunflower Circus in Ouka Kawasumi.
On the surface this anime looks like a standard CGDCTs anime. As the show continues the characters become the best part of the anime. Over the course of the show the Sunflower Circus feels like a true family as you get to know each member. Even the closest thing to an antagonist in this show is done very well.
Despite production credits to A-1 Pictures, the anime is fully animated by Psyde Kick Studio. This studio is an inhouse label for A-1 Pictures where their young creators can work on original or experimental projects. These are staff members of A-1 Pictures, but these projects are where they can showcase their talents. For instance they could be asked to work on the main A-1 projects.
You can tell the animators here are talented but need more experience. The show felt a tad above their skill level. Which isn’t bad because they get experience. Performances do suffer where the non aieral ones are just a slideshow. Making their impact not landing as much as they could. The character work and the story do the heavy lifting. It doesn’t make the show bad by any means, but if you are really excited about the performances I would keep your expectations in check.
This is a solid anime original. If you are a fan of CGDCT’s anime and love character-driven stories this is a good one to pick up. Now if you are more interested in the performances of the circus this might not be your cup of tea. The show does present it self as more of the former then the latter. But leaving it as mixed feelings because depending on your expectations you will either love this anime or feel frustrated.