Aria
2005
Original language: Japanese
- animation
- sci-fi & fantasy
The story
Set in the early 24th century against the backdrop of the city of Neo Venezia on the planet Mars. No longer the barren red planet, Mars has been flooded, inhabited and is something of a tourist hub for those looking for rest, relaxation and a gondola ride – the primary mode of travel in Neo Venezia. The Undines are professional gondoliers, tour guides for the people passing through. Akari Mizunashi is an Undine in training and this is a piece of her story.
What it’s like
Soft, sunlit pastel animation with generous skies, glassy canals and warm golden-hour glow that makes an alien city feel lived-in and gentle. Its palette leans on peach, mint and cloud-white, with long, unhurried shots of water reflecting rooftops and gondolas drifting past terracotta facades, and the quiet hum of wind, lapping water and distant bells does most of the talking. The vibe is wistful, warm and low-stakes, a slice of life that feels like a lazy afternoon on a sunny canal, good for a rainy Sunday, a comfort rewatch, or winding down after a long week. The pacing is leisurely and episodic, with much of the runtime given over to everyday rhythms: training, small kindnesses, quiet conversations between friends. Its emotional register is hopeful and tender, following a young trainee slowly gaining confidence and finding her place among the people she admires. Intensity is very low: no violence, no gore, no sexual content, and only mild peril that never lingers. It suits viewers who want something gentle, sincere and calming, with a sense of wonder and a gentle coming-of-age arc.
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