On-screen, we’ve seen downtrodden Cinderella-esque leads, we’ve seen humans transform into animals, and we’ve seen whole families cursed, but Fruits Basket takes all these plot devices and transforms them into something completely different. As Tohru Honda gets to learn about the mysterious Sohma family, and she and friends gets into fun and wacky hijinks with the curse, the series takes the legend of the Chinese zodiac as a unique and effortless means to discuss systemic, generational abuse and resulting trauma that can occur within a family. The classic shoujo manga was first adapted into anime in 2001, but we’re recommending the later 2019 adaptation, which goes more in depth and depicts the complete story.
Synopsis
After a family tragedy turns her life upside down, 16-year-old high school student Tohru Honda takes matters into her own hands and moves out… into a tent! Unfortunately for her, she pitches her new home on private land belonging to the mysterious Soma clan, and it isn't long before the owners discover her secret. But, as Tohru quickly finds out when the family offers to take her in, the Somas have a secret of their own—when hugged by the opposite sex, they turn into the animals of the Chinese Zodiac!
Storyline
After moving in with some members of the reclusive, traditional Soma clan, recently orphaned Tohru Honda discovers that her friends carry a curse that transforms each of them into animal spirits from the Chinese zodiac when stressed or when hugging someone of the opposite sex. She decides to help them lift the curse to restore peace in the family.
TLDR
Oh, to be as kind and optimistic as Tohru Honda!
What stands out
The Sohmas. The family ensemble are all fleshed out and also so traumatized that we can't help but wish for the curse to end (and maybe a lot of family therapy for all of them).